AT OUR CLUB JUNE 9, 2020
Today 39 members and guests bade farewell to our exceptional Rotary Exchange student Arpad Zolyomi (Romania).
The meeting was chaired by President Rod Morrison and hosted on Zoom (with thanks) by co-hosts Warren Philp and Kevin Holloway.
Amongst the special guests were Blake Carlson, District 5580 Inbound Youth Exchange Coordinator, Dr.Juan Pernia (LU prof who hosted Arpad), Debora Tacylla, and several host parents (for Arpad).
(Arpad Z). his farewell address
Arpad Zolyomi joined us from Gatineau P.Q. and delivered a very fine overview of his very unique experience here in Thunder Bay (foreshortened alas by the Covid-19 pandemic). He will be flying back on June 15th.
He was introduced very professionally by Past-President Art Warwick (who spent many a day with Arpad) and later thanked by many; including the Club YE lead elect Past-President John Stephenson, District Chair Blake Carlson, Bill Everitt (a host dad), Dr Juan Pernia (host dad), Mat Diegel (host dad and club RYE Chair) and best wishes from all members from President Rod Morrison.
Arpad already had international experience and wanted to add Canada ("with it's trees and trees-green and green") as a great place as an exchange student. He got involved quickly and integrated beautifully here. He even played football for the (St Ignatius) seniors who had a perfect season. he injured his knee and battled back. He was very appreciative of the reception here and indeed every day he was "active and joyful."
The first (of many) Questions was on the topic of "what makes a great host family?" His response in this writer's view was amongst the finest, well articulated , thoughtful and heartfelt of any heard in recent times by a departing exchange student. His English is excellent and his extemporaneous speaking skills are superb. In short his stay here met and exceeded all expectations.
Sadly (via Blake Carlson) the District Exchange program will be on hold for the coming season (Covid-19 pandemic). The club hopes (and perhaps expects to see Arpad in the future). Best of luck.
Business and Announcement Highlights:
1. Reminders re fees, the Indigenous Club Planning session, Visioning session, Club allocation awards, RI connection and awards
2. Maria Hudolin was thrilled to announce the safe arrival of her first grandson and is now really "plugged in" in B.C. She will be joining her new Rotary club and already is active therein.
Today 39 members and guests bade farewell to our exceptional Rotary Exchange student Arpad Zolyomi (Romania).
The meeting was chaired by President Rod Morrison and hosted on Zoom (with thanks) by co-hosts Warren Philp and Kevin Holloway.
Amongst the special guests were Blake Carlson, District 5580 Inbound Youth Exchange Coordinator, Dr.Juan Pernia (LU prof who hosted Arpad), Debora Tacylla, and several host parents (for Arpad).
(Arpad Z). his farewell addressArpad Zolyomi joined us from Gatineau P.Q. and delivered a very fine overview of his very unique experience here in Thunder Bay (foreshortened alas by the Covid-19 pandemic). He will be flying back on June 15th.
He was introduced very professionally by Past-President Art Warwick (who spent many a day with Arpad) and later thanked by many; including the Club YE lead elect Past-President John Stephenson, District Chair Blake Carlson, Bill Everitt (a host dad), Dr Juan Pernia (host dad), Mat Diegel (host dad and club RYE Chair) and best wishes from all members from President Rod Morrison.
Arpad already had international experience and wanted to add Canada ("with it's trees and trees-green and green") as a great place as an exchange student. He got involved quickly and integrated beautifully here. He even played football for the (St Ignatius) seniors who had a perfect season. he injured his knee and battled back. He was very appreciative of the reception here and indeed every day he was "active and joyful."
The first (of many) Questions was on the topic of "what makes a great host family?" His response in this writer's view was amongst the finest, well articulated , thoughtful and heartfelt of any heard in recent times by a departing exchange student. His English is excellent and his extemporaneous speaking skills are superb. In short his stay here met and exceeded all expectations.
Sadly (via Blake Carlson) the District Exchange program will be on hold for the coming season (Covid-19 pandemic). The club hopes (and perhaps expects to see Arpad in the future). Best of luck.
Business and Announcement Highlights:
1. Reminders re fees, the Indigenous Club Planning session, Visioning session, Club allocation awards, RI connection and awards
2. Maria Hudolin was thrilled to announce the safe arrival of her first grandson and is now really "plugged in" in B.C. She will be joining her new Rotary club and already is active therein.