7 November 2011 – MONDAY MEMO

…from Heart of Gisborne acting city manager, Ken Huberts

The week ahead: I hope you all enjoyed another wonderful weekend in Gisborne with races to bet on, beautiful gardens to walk through, music to listen to, and wine to sample! The countdown to Christmas is officially on with Christmas decorations already starting to brighten up shops throughout the city. We are in the process of putting the finishing touches on the big Christmas tree that will go up on the veranda above SunCity Pharmacy at the end of the month. This week we have delegates arriving for the NZ Grassland Association Conference at Quality Hotel Emerald, so please extend them a warm Gisborne welcome.

Camera Trust update:  I have been busy working with the Camera Trust to upgrade/replace the current system and take advantage of the latest technology. Hardworking volunteers monitor security cameras in the CBD during peak periods and do a great job of helping the police to keep our city streets safe.

Christmas Parade: As mentioned last week, the parade is planned for Saturday 3 December at 4pm with the theme “Christmas at the Beach”. Jade has been contacting people and organisations interested in entering a float. If you haven’t been contacted and would like to put in an entry, please contact Jade ASAP. Entry forms and rules are on our website www.heartofgisborne.org.nz or email Jade@heartofgisborne.org.nz for more details.

Road Closed: Roads in the CBD will be closed on Saturday 3 December for the Christmas Parade. Jade has dropped off advice notices to all affected businesses. The parade is at 4pm so closures will start from 3pm until the parade has finished, which should be no later than 5pm. If you would like details emailed to you, please contact Jade at  Jade@heartofgisborne.org.nz

Office Star of the week: This week’s Office Star is Jacqui White of Gisborne Financial Services. Jacqui was nominated for all her hard work and being a valuable member of the team – congratulations Jacqui! You can nominate someone for our Office Star of the week here.

Parting thought: “Mud thrown is ground lost.”  — Anon

On the Street – your news and views=========================

An evening with Peta Mathias: Celebrity chef Peta Mathias will be celebrating the release of her new book Beat Till Stiffin the Dome Room at the Poverty Bay Club on Tuesday 15 November at 6pm. Tickets are $15 from Muirs Bookshop (tickets are limited).

Games, books and puzzles for Christmas: The Gisborne Education Resource Centre opposite Plumbing World in Bright Street has a large range of educational games, books and puzzles that are perfect for Christmas gifts. Friendly staff with knowledge of the education sector are on hand to provide assistance.

Glaucoma check: Specsavers would like to advise all readers of the Monday Memo and their friends and families that Glaucoma NZ is giving a FREE information presentation about Glaucoma on Saturday 12 November from 10am-11.30am at the Quality Hotel Emerald (Taruheru Room) on Gladstone Road. If you would like to understand more about glaucoma or have friends or family members who are affected by glaucoma, then come along to this free presentation by eye specialist, Dr Mike O’Rourke. All are welcome!

Juve newsdesk: Your safety is very important to us so the team at Juve has all updated their first-aid skills. Come and visit your local experts in skin and body – we look forward to seeing you! For more information, phone 867 1234 or visitwww.juve.co.nz

Michael Cooper celebrates his new wine guide:  Wine writer, Michael Cooper, will be celebrating the release of his 20th Edition of Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines at the Gisborne Wine Centre on Monday 14 November from 5.30 pm. Tickets are $25 available from Muirs Bookshop. Tickets are strictly limited so be quick!

Christmas Function at the Grill Room: Enjoy our Traditional Christmas Buffet by Chef Stephan Kellermann with all the trimmings including roast turkey, roast beef, leg of lamb, fresh oysters, mussels, prawns, fresh fish as well as our famous desserts and much more every Friday and Saturday night starting on 11 November. For groups of 40 or more our events centre is available. For more information, visit www.emeraldhotel.co.nz or contact our events manager on 868 8055 orfunctions@emeraldhotel.co.nz.

The Gisborne Herald Quarter Marathon and 5km Fun Run 2011: This annual event will kick off at Marina Park on 13 November at 8:30am and Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti would like this to be the most colourful and vibrant community event ever! So we are encouraging everyone to round up friends, family and workmates and make it a challenge – it’s a scenic 5km or 10.5km course in the city and along our beautiful riverside walkways. There are entry specials for groups – individuals 16 years and over $20; groups of 10 people $180.  More information can be found atwww.sportgisborne.org.nz or by contacting Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti, 74 Grey Street, First Floor – Post Office Building, 868 9943.

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