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Last Meeting: Linda Goss-Wallace, Ray Wallace and Glenda Barratt - The Minoh Project 1995-2020
Resplendent in their Happy Jackets and armed with a Zuru and a Dyrima doll, Linda and Ray gave an explanation and history of Lower Hutt's Minoh Twin City Exchange. We had all heard of the project, and at times regarded it somewhat skeptically as a political junket. It was good to hear the real story, and timely too as it is the 25th Anniversary of its start.
The project was initiated by Mayor Glen Evans and Mayor Hashimoto in 1991. In 1995, Norbury House was renovated and formally opened and later in 1999, this became Minoh House, with help from the HCC and Minoh City. The original idea came from Glenda Barratt after her daughter was involved in a twin city exchange with Tempe, Arizona, and the idea of a Twin City in Japan was born. Mayor Hashimoto subsequently became the only non-resident to receive a Civic Award from Lower Hutt.
Since then Mayor Kurata has been involved for 15 years and Linda became involved as International Relations Manager for Hutt City Council. Ex-officio, she has been involved in the complex tasks of organising exchange visits by schools and civic dignitaries. There have been frequent school student and cultural exchanges between the two cities, and there is a Hashimoto Walkway and bridge behind the civic buildings. As well as the benefits to international goodwill, the project has also helped bring Japanese international students to Lower Hutt secondary schools.
View slides HERE. Arigato Gozaimasu Minasan Linda and Ray.
Haere Ra, Michael Jameson, PHF. As one who exemplifies all that is best about Eastern Hutt Rotary, it was Michael's last formal attendance as a Member this week.
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General Notices:
* Monday 12th October: The Pavilion is unavailable so we plan to visit the Wainuiomata Rural Fire Force Station. You may want to team-up with others and car pool, but aim to get over by 5:30 as dinner will be served at 6pm. The aim is to return at 7:30 and 8pm - more to follow.
* Ride the Trains -23rd October: It's End Polio time again and we will be once again riding the trains. But if you don't have last year's Polio T-Shirt and plan to ride free of charge (if don't have Winnie Gold Card), please tell Richard Perry URGENTLY - orders are closing. For further detail, click on the Link HERE.
* Funds Raised: Sergeant's Fund - $71.30
The Power of Positivity
Parting Thought:
"Friendship is not something you learn in school. And if you haven't learnt the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learnt anything at all." ~ Muhammed Ali
Please study and plan ahead, especially if you are on duty to write a Bulletin Contribution. A reminder that it's also your responsibility to find a replacement if you are unable to fulfill your duty.
Eastern Hutt Rotary e-Bulletin
We meet at Avalon Pavilion, Taita Drive entrance, Mondays, at 5:55 pm
Visitors and prospective members always welcome.
For catering purposes, contact our Secretary (027) 241 5092
