Read on to find out what happened at our meeting, what’s
coming up, and who will be doing what at the next meeting.
Guest Speaker
Alison McLeod
Encourages Advance Care Planning
Rotary Paeroa members were privileged to hear an insightful and thought-provoking presentation from Alison McLeod, a registered nurse with more than 40 years' experience, including three decades in palliative care. Alison spoke passionately about the importance of Advance Care Planning and ensuring our wishes are known before a medical crisis occurs.
Rather than approaching the subject from a purely professional perspective, Alison shared the deeply personal story of her own father, whose stroke became the catalyst for important family discussions. While he was still able to make informed decisions, the family worked together to complete an Advance Care Plan and, importantly, an Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care and Welfare. This ensured that, should he lose the ability to make decisions for himself, someone he trusted could make choices that reflected his own values and wishes.
Alison explained that Advance Care Planning is not about predicting the future or dwelling on death. Instead, it is about giving individuals the opportunity to consider what matters most to them, discuss those wishes with family and loved ones, and record them so healthcare professionals can make informed decisions if the need arises. She emphasised that these conversations can spare families the stress and uncertainty of making difficult decisions during emotional times.
Members were encouraged to think about what gives their lives meaning, what treatments they would or would not want, and who they would trust to speak on their behalf. Alison stressed that everyone, regardless of age or health, should consider appointing an Enduring Power of Attorney and ensure that person clearly understands their wishes.
The presentation was both informative and inspiring, prompting many members to reflect on conversations they should have with their own families. Rotary Paeroa sincerely thanks Alison for sharing her professional expertise and personal experiences in such an engaging and compassionate manner.
🗣️ TWO MINUTE SPEAKER
Why I Live in Old Houses
Club member Aloma entertained members with a fascinating two-minute talk explaining her lifelong passion for restoring old homes.
Her interest began while working for the Ministry of Works Housing Department in Wellington before moving to the United Kingdom, where she worked for surveyors designing alterations to historic homes under strict heritage guidelines. Her projects included old mills, grand mansions along Chelsea's famous Cheyne Walk, and apartments created from converted stables.
Returning to New Zealand, Aloma was dismayed to see many historic buildings being demolished. Determined to help preserve a small part of our architectural heritage, she embarked on a series of restoration projects, believing that old homes have a unique charm that modern houses simply cannot replicate. With their durable construction, high ceilings and distinctive character, they provide the opportunity to create something truly special while preserving a piece of history.
Over the years, Aloma has lovingly restored an impressive collection of properties, including villas in Mt Eden, an 1852 fencible cottage with a rich military history, the famous "Dolls House" at Paremata near Porirua Harbour, and several character homes in Paeroa. One memorable Junction Road property had been transported from Karangahake by bullock wagon after being created from three miners' cottages joined together.
Her current project is another former Karangahake miner's cottage, originally built in 1904. Although only around 100 square feet, it has required plenty of ingenuity—and, as Aloma joked, a considerable amount of "shoehorning"—to transform it into a comfortable and attractive home.
Members thoroughly enjoyed Aloma's enthusiasm and her appreciation for preserving New Zealand's architectural heritage.
Bits & Pieces of Interest And importance
We received an application requesting a donation towards a Spirit of Adventure programme for Lenny Torrens NZ Junior Olympic Skateboarder Directors agreed on $1,000 with a possible addition of $500 should he still be short of funding - it should be noted that he has already raised over $1,000.00.
Request from Janik Levien for $900 to purchase loan skateboards and helmets for children who wish to use the skatepark but do not have their own equipment, together with a first aid kit to help ensure the safety of participants.
11 August our guest speaker will DG Janine Branson confirmation of attendance by 7 August. If anyone cannot make the meeting but would like to hear what DG Janine has to say, she will be at Morrinsville Club on 27 July.
Thursday 20 August we will be the "hosting" organisation at the Paeroa Business Association BA5, 5:30pm at The Refinery.
SWAP MEET - 12 September
đź“… events, socials, and Vocational Visits
Golf Day - Sunday 4 October:
Start spreading the word! This isn't just a golfers' tournament—it's a community event. We need businesses, non-golfers, men, women, friends, colleagues and supporters. You don't need a perfect swing, just a willingness to support a great cause.
Kids at play - baby goats - Goat Farm Bush Road, early/mid-August
Flat Tac capsicums visit - deferred until Spring.
Thai dinner and Cinema probably early September.
🙋 Volunteers still Needed
🏫 Central School Support
Mona School Principal will advise as volunteers are required
⛳ Golf Day – Sunday 4 October
🛞 SWAP MEET - 12 SEPTEMBER
🗣️ Voices from the Floor
No calls from the floor
🗂️ Meeting Duties – 28 july
Sergeant: Eugene
2-Minute Talk: Rich
Hospitality Includes Hall Set-Up: Ivan
Dinner Thanks: JT
Intro Speaker: Marion
Speaker:Fleur McDermott - Historic Maritime Park Paeroa
Thank Speaker: Lloyd
Stewards: Margarete & Matt
Parting Thought: Steve
Raffle: Harley
LAUGH TIME
As I've got older, I haven't become lazy—I've simply learned not to waste perfectly good energy.
I haven't done a single useful thing today. I lost the best part of the day wrestling with one of those supermarkets produce bags.
If you're ever feeling like you don't make a difference, remember after 20 years, trillions of dollars, thousands of lives and four presidents, Afghanistan ended up exactly where it started.
Growing older is realising that half your day is spent asking Google how to do something you could have done without thinking 20 years ago.
