21 November 2011 – MONDAY MEMO

…from Heart of Gisborne acting city manager, Ken Huberts

The week ahead: We have moved! Due to strengthening work needed on our current building, Heart of Gisborne (and Architects 44) have moved next door to 50 Childers Rd. Our office is on the first floor and will be our home for the next 8 months until the work is completed. This week we’ll be holding a Heart of Gisborne Committee meeting, as well as keeping up-to-date with events at the council and Camera Trust. We’re also putting the finishing touches on the city’s six-metre tall Christmas tree, which will go up on Sunday morning if the weather is fine. The tree will feature new lights and an updated look, so we hope you like it! Finally, don’t forget to vote this Saturday.

Christmas Parade: Entries have been flowing in for this year’s Christmas Parade on Saturday 3 December at 4pm. The quality of entries is looking superb with some really fun and creative interpretations of the “Christmas at the Beach” theme, so this parade is not to be missed! Please be aware that surrounding roads will be closed and you have been advised of this. If you have any questions or require further information, please email Jade atJade@heartofgisborne.org.nz.

Late night shopping:  With Christmas just around the corner, our late night shopping promotion on Thursday 22 December will help businesses make the most of the Christmas rush. By now you should have started planning what you want to do on this day, such as specials, market type stalls, and getting into the festive spirit with balloons and other Christmas decorations. Heart of Gisborne has an extensive marketing campaign to entice shoppers out, which includes Santa roaming the CBD, the opportunity for shoppers to win some spending money, and best of all, the chance for participating stores to win one of 4 x $500 media packs to spend with The Radio Network! More information to follow.

Win a ride with Santa: Thanks to Raey Wheeler, we have a window full of entries on display in the shop between SunCity Pharmacy and the Odeon. Judging will take place shortly and the winners will be riding beside Santa in the Christmas Parade – what a great prize!

Office Star of the Week: This week’s Office Star of the week is Sandra Matthews, business administration manager at Eastwoodhill Arboretum. She was nominated for all her hard work and dedication to the job – congratulations Sandra! You can nominate someone to be our next Office Star of the week here.

Office Stars correction: When it was suggested that the camera volunteers receive thanks for all the work they do tomake our city safe, I thought this was a great idea and nominated them as our Office Stars in last week’s Monday Memo. However, what I didn’t do was check their name and used “Gisborne Crime Prevention Camera Trust” when it should have been “Gisborne Police Volunteer Community Patrol” – my mistake. The group not only supplies monitors to watch what happens in the CBD, they are also responsible for city patrols. They have worked over 4000 hours in the past year and this is all voluntary – so it’s easy to see why they were nominated. Funding for the great work they do is always an issue, so perhaps the community needs to look ways to support this work. You can read chairmanDavid Hall’s letter to the editor here.

Parting thought: You can have anything you want – if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.” – Abraham Lincoln

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

Juve Newsdesk: With only a few weeks left until Christmas, are you stuck for gift ideas? Spoil your loved ones with gorgeous gifts and stocking fillers from Juve starting at just $8.95. We also have beautifully wrapped gift vouchers available. Contact us on 867 1234 or visit our website www.juve.co.nz.

Pre Christmas jewellery party: Mad Madge Jewellery is having its big pre-Christmas jewellery party on Thursday 24 November 7pm-9pm. This is a fun girls’ night out and the perfect opportunity to get some gorgeous gifts for others or yourself. Free bubbly and nibbles. All welcome – email store@madmadgejewellery.co.nz for an invite.

The Gentleman’s Hour: See Bill Riley – The Gentleman’s Hour at  PAULNACHE from 25 November – 30 December 2011. Opening on Friday 25 November at 5:30pm. PAULNACHE, upstairs at 89 Grey Street, open Wednesday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm (or by appointment). For more information visit www.paulnache.com or phone 867 9721.

Stocktake sale: The Gisborne Education Resource Centre (opposite Plumbing World in Bright Street) is running a stocktake sale for ONE week only. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get some great Christmas gifts at sale prices.

Make a stand against violence towards women: Show your support for White Ribbon and join the Walk Away From Violence on Friday 25 November from 5pm at Marina Park. Together we will make our way around Gisborne’s famous three bridges to symbolise our community’s decision to ‘walk away from violence’. Picnic and entertainment to follow. More details at www.whiteribbon.org.nz.

Authentic Pilates xmas party and open evening: You’re invited to attend the Authentic Pilates xmas party and open evening on Friday 2 December, 5.30pm – 7.30pm. Enjoy complimentary wine and nibbles, and a live pilates demonstration at the advanced level. Everyone is welcome so come and see pilates in action for yourself!