Notes from April 25, 2017
Posted by Kelly Salwei
ALE PENA GONZALEZ: FROM PARAGUAY TO EDEN PRAIRIE
Ale came to Eden Prairie from Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. Paraguay obtained its independence from Spain in 1811. The national languages are Spanish and Guarani. The country’s population is 7,000,000 and the average temperature is 76 degrees. It’s main exports are electrical power, wheat, beef and soybeans. Paraguay is one of the least violent of South American countries. Ale’s hometown (Coronel Oviedo) was founded in 1758 and has a population of 140,000. The area is rich in natural resources and the Guarani Aquifer is one of the world’s fresh water aquifer systems. Ale’s family consists of mother (businesswoman), father (doctor), a sister and brother. She also has two dogs. Her hobby is dance. Ale’s biggest surprises were winter and the size of EPHS compared to a much smaller school back home. She wants to be a doctor.
Ale came to Eden Prairie from Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. Paraguay obtained its independence from Spain in 1811. The national languages are Spanish and Guarani. The country’s population is 7,000,000 and the average temperature is 76 degrees. It’s main exports are electrical power, wheat, beef and soybeans. Paraguay is one of the least violent of South American countries. Ale’s hometown (Coronel Oviedo) was founded in 1758 and has a population of 140,000. The area is rich in natural resources and the Guarani Aquifer is one of the world’s fresh water aquifer systems. Ale’s family consists of mother (businesswoman), father (doctor), a sister and brother. She also has two dogs. Her hobby is dance. Ale’s biggest surprises were winter and the size of EPHS compared to a much smaller school back home. She wants to be a doctor.Ale said that in Paraguay students do not get to pick their classes and school runs from February to November. Christmas can be 100 degrees.
Announcements
- EPAM Rotary Foundation Update – Irene Kelly provided an update on status of Roy and Mary Lou Terwilliger Legacy pledges. $13,000 pledged for year ending June 30, 2017. Please get your contributions in in next two months. Also, Natalie showed how we could raise funds for EPAM Rotary Foundation by designating the organization as your charity of choice on Amazon Prime Smile site.
- Brad Aho shared that Rob Hiller is at Mayo undergoing treatment for cancer. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
- We will be hosting a student from Argentina next year. Please consider being a host family.
Spotlight on Dave Anderson
Dave is the second oldest living member of our club. He has been a member for 38 years, 37 years of perfect attendance. He was born in Slayton, Minnesota. He graduated from Southwest High School and attended several colleges graduating from the University of Minnesota. Dave spent two year’s active duty in the Marines and another four years in Reserves. Dave has been married almost 53 years and has a son and daughter in the Twin Cities. They moved to Eden Prairie in 1974 and have lived in three homes in EP. He spent 16 years on EP school board including a stint as Board Chair. He acted as Roy Terwilliger’s Treasurer for his campaigns for Minnesota elected offices including successful run for Minnesota Senate. Dave is part owner of TC Hockey Dynamics.Above and Beyond
Eden Prairie Rotarians and others recognized local high schools students at the above and beyond dinner.
Visitors
Marie Tornquist
Madeline, Chris and Christa McGinty
Jeff, Kim and Elaina Gerst
Margie, Mark, Abby and Ava Schrader
Ale Pena Gonzalez - Exchange Student
Stella Lindbergh and Carter Mason- Student Interns