PRESIDENT'S PONDERINGS

by Mindy Vinther

In leiu of the regular montly General meeting it was proposed by last years Executive Board to alternate general meetings with coffee meetings instead.  We held our first such coffee meeting this August and it was very successful.

The difference is that we do not hold a General Business meeting. We just have a coffee at the club as we would do in someones house. Of course, I couldn’t help myself and had to grab the microphone and say a few words and so did others.

Emily brought her 27 photo books of history and laid them out for all to look out during the coffee. Wow, what an amazing job she has done with such great detail. Thank you Emily!

We also had a “Stamp Art” teacher, Pauline who demonstrated various ways of using stamps. Twelve out of the thirty members attending sat and watched her presentation. They found it very inspiring.

We will  always try to have something else going on at these coffees while not everyone has to join in. Bingo, members craft booths, Trivia. We welcome your ideas.

The Executive Board still holds our meeting afterwards.

We will  not be having a member Thanksgiving this year.

We had a wonderful 4th of July party at Myrna’s this year and Mexicali Fresh will be holding a Halloween party for kids (more info to come).

Enjoy the rest of winter, we are almost through it!!!!!!

Cheers, Mindy

For our 5th Thursday event in July, seven of us met at RMH at Auckland hospital.We were given a tour and then enjoyed a welcome cup of coffee.What an interesting place.

The “house,” which is actually like a big hotel, has 48 bedrooms for families to use.Way more than I ever realised. Each room can take a maximum of 5 people.Its a bit like a hotel with a communal lounge and kitchen /dining area, an in house school, play areas and a garden.

The demand is high and they try to never turn anyone away. But on Wednesday night, for example, they paid for another 35 rooms for families to stay in accommodations around the hospital area, because they were full.

As Starship Hospital provides services for children from all over New Zealand, Ronald McDonald House too has requests for accomodations from all over. There are 2 other facilities in NZ, one in Wellington and the other in Christchuch.

RMH is a global scheme. McDonalds Restaurants have naming rights and fund about 10% of the Auckland House’s running costs.The rest of the money needs to be raised from the community in the order of about $4 million a year.

Local businesses are very generous and provide goods and or services, others provide money,  and other peoplehelp out with a huge array of chores, from painting and gardening to cooking meals and freezing them. But as with everything that relies on sponsorship/donations they are always looking for more help and support.

Sometimes families have very limited time to arrange things and arrive with very little.The house is able to help out with the practical stuff while the family cope with their young family members emotional needs while being in hospital.

We were all really impressed at what is offered and left with our faith in people restored.There was a feeling among us that we may be able to give some more assistance as well as our fund raising.

 PURPOSE

Our purpose is to make your life a little easier and perhaps happier while you live here. Members in the club can offer you a wealth of information. Many of our members have been here for years; some are war brides who married American GI’s, others have married Kiwis and decided to move here.

Some of us are here because we have chosen to live here. Others are here with American companies for a few years or until the new assignment arrives. We range in age from twenty to ninety plus! Geographically, we cover a very large portion of the greater Auckland and beyond.

You will probably find someone in the club who lives relatively close to you who can offer suggestions for everyday comforts: grocery store, butcher, hair salon, babysitters, where to look for certain items. You may even find someone from your old neighbourhood or at least the same time zone. Someone in the group is bound to know the answer to whatever question you may have. `

Founded in 1942, The American Women's Club of Auckland, New Zealand is a voluntary non-profit organization. Recently, our club became a member of the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas (FAWCO) giving us a global perspective, in addition to our local charities.

Our club aims too:

To promote mutual goodwill, understanding, respect and co-operation between members of the Club and the New Zealand community.
To assist new American residents in adjusting to life in New Zealand.
To contribute time and/or financial support to a charitable organization as approved by the membership.
To maintain an American atmosphere within the Club by observing traditional holidays and activities.

Many of our organized activities occur on Thursdays. On the first Thursday of the month a coffee morning is held at a member's home. It is a good time to get better acquainted and catch up on the latest with everyone. On the second Monday, a book group meets at a member’s home. The evening group meets either the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month; meeting places vary between homes and restaurants. On the third Thursday of the month, a general meeting is held at various venues as announced by our newsletter. The doors open at 10 am for a coffee which precedes the meeting. A guest speaker is usually part of the monthly meeting. The Executive Committee has regular monthly meetings. Other interest activities include such things as walking group, outings, and celebrations to mark special occasions such as the 4 th of July, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day (usually held at the Museum), Christmas, and our club’s own birthday party.

We are pleased you have shown interest in the American Women's club in Auckland. We look forward to your participation and hope you plan to join our club.