Did you Know..........

 

Support growing for Brennan
When 11-year-old Brennan Massey from Mangawhai was asked if he would like to try playing Powerchair Football in Auckland, he had no idea what lay ahead. In just six months, he's discovered that he not only enjoys the opportunity to play a team sport, but has an impressive talent that has seen him selected to play for New Zealand.

In October, Brennan hopes to be heading off to Sydney for the first international Powerchair Football game against Australia. Family and friends are getting together for a major fundraising effort. Brennan has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) which causes his muscles to slowly waste away. A trip such as this requires not only caregiver support (from Dad this time) but his wheelchair to be freighted over, equipment, disability van rental and associated costs.

Mangawhai Community Trust has awarded the 2013 Youth Grant of $450 to Brennan, and supporters have organised a fundraising afternoon tea on Saturday August 31 in the Domain pavilion at 1.30pm. There will be raffles, a cake stall, and a silent auction. So how about showing your support for this talented Mangawhai lad by buying a ticket ($10 adult, $5 children) from Bammas, Mangawhai Books & Gifts, or by phoning Viv 0211748773.

Bird report from Sioux
NZ fairy terns are beginning to be seen on a regular basis around the harbour and roosting in the wildlife refuge. NZ dotterels are now close to nesting, any day is possible. It is also about that time of year when the bitterns can be heard booming in wetlands and around the margins of the harbour. All sightings of bittern are very much appreciated. The little egret is still quite happily living in our harbour also.

Dental award for Dossie
Did you know Ellen (Dossie) Johnson was named Outstanding Young Dentist of the Year at the National Dental Conference held recently in Rotorua? Dossie graduated from Otago with a BDS in 2008 and is currently working on completing her Masters in Public Health while working throughout the north with both adults and children in high-need communities. This means Dossie commutes to Whangarei most days from her home in Mangawhai which she shares with partner Adrian Clark (North Glass).

The couple plan to marry in February, and of course, the beach will feature! Dossie has been a member of the Surf Lifesaving Club for over 15 years with her parents Phillipa and Paul both major players in the history of the club. But it is her work and outstanding achievements in community dental care that has seen Dossie being awarded this high honour. Congratulations!

Zonta needs nominations
Mangawhai Zonta Club is calling for nominations for their 2013 Spirit of Adventure Scholarship. This is open to young women 15-18 years, resident in Mangawhai, Tomarata, Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto or Waipu area. Application forms are available by emailing mangawhai@zonta.org.nz, or by phoning Sue on 027 555 6636. Applications close on Friday Ocober 4.
 
Zena in the dog house!
If you know Zena, you won't be surprised to know that her dad built her a tree house which she just loves. Around five feet off the ground, it has windows so she can look at the birds, and a ramp for access. She puts her balls up there, along with those of her friend Chamios, whom she won't allow up to retrieve them. And yes, Zena is a dog, a spaniel, and her 'dad' is Pip Beaven. Seeing is believing!

Park making progress
Mangawhai Park steering committee, headed by Jim Wintle, was particularly pleased with the good response to their recent open day at the museum where draft plans for the park were up for comment and input.  The committee is analysing the material and will meet to to make any changes they deem necessary before presenting the final plan to KDC commissioners. "All is progressing well," says Jim.

New home for potter
"Phoenix rising from the ashes" is how potter Gary Smith describes his relocated business, Mangawhai Pottery. Insley St, a very central, easily accessible location opposite the old tennis courts with daily progress on the building monitored by all who pass by! The grand opening is scheduled for August 31.

Sea snake spotted
Several people saw the beached carcass at the northern end of the Heads beach of what is possibly a type of sea snake. Peter Farrell spotted it when it was still soft, and reckons it was over 2 metres long with very sharp teeth, and spines along the body as sharp as hypodermic needles. He's sent photos of the creature off for identification – certainly not your usual tideline find.

Local events planned
Advance notice of a couple of major events planned for Anniversary Weekend 2014! Maungaturoto & Districts Rotary Club has booked the Recreation Centre on the Saturday for an 'Antique or Not?' day modelled on the popular British Antiques Roadshow. It’s an opportunity to bring along your treasures (or not!) for appraisal by one of the many invited experts. If you have any suggestions, contacts, or specialised knowledge, please contact Betty Nelley (09) 431 8249, or email bnelley@xtra.co.nz. A local charity will also benefit from this event.
And on the Sunday, it will be Sculpture in the Vines at Millars Vineyard. Artists from all over the country are being invited to take part in this inaugural event.....
 

COMING UP: ■ Mangawhai Dog Club is hosting a competitive weekend of agility, rally-o and obedience on September 8 & 9 down at the Domain. Great fun to watch so take the family along. ■ Life Drawing workshop with Wendy Clifford, September 14 & 15. Ring Mangawhai Artists Inc. on 431 3649 to register. ■ NZ fairy tern Trust AGM on Sunday September 22, 2pm in the Senior Citizens Hall, Fagan Place, Mangawhai. Guest speaker is Dr Mark Bellingham from Forest & Bird who will discuss possible alternative breeding sites for NZ fairy tern in Kaipara. ■ SeniorNet is hosting an informative session with experts from Noel Leeming – all you need to know about smartphones, iPhones, iPads, mini pads, tablets. Thursday September 26, 2pm at The Club on Molesworth Drive. No need to register, just come along with $5 entry which includes afternoon tea! ■ Palmers Planet Mangawhai Garden Ramble. Write the dates in your diary now: November 9 & 10. A major annual fundraiser for Plunket and Kindergarten.

 Recognition well deserved 
Three community-minded Mangawhai woman have received Kaipara Citizen of the Year awards at a  ceremony in Dargaville recently.

Jo Yuretich was awarded for her involvement with Mangawhai Plunket and Kindergarten, the Mangawhai Domain Committee, and is president of the Friends of Mangawhai Beach School.

Sandra Grayson has been involved with the volunteer fire brigade, was instrumental in the formation of the award-winning Mangawhai Army Cadet Unit, and has fostered children.

Judith Langmuir has spent many years as volunteer librarian for the Mangawhai library.

Pictured from left, Jo Yuretich, Sandra Grayson and Judy Langmuir are well-known in Mangawhai, each contributing a tremendous amount of voluntary work supporting our community. Thank you from us all.
 
■ News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts ph. 431 4711, or email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz.