Grinnell Rotarians met March 10, 2020, for a meal, business meeting, and program.
The focus of the short business meeting was hearing a report on the Shults and Company performances, recently held in February. Members of the Shults and Company group will be hosted by the Rotarians at West Side Family Restaurant for a thank you meal.
Speaker for the evening was Marta Hrybechavo, a foreign exchange student from the Ukraine. She has been attending school at HLV in Victor, and she has been hosted by Robert and Lynette Lender. She was invited to speak by club member, Doug Cameron. Hrybechavo gave an overview of what it is like to live in the Ukraine. Most Ukrainian citizens are Catholics. The economy is very poor. Marta’s parents live and work in a different country because jobs are very hard to find. Because of this, Marta lives with her grandmother. Ukrainians celebrate eleven holidays. A tradition on Christmas Eve, is not to eat meat. Especially around the Easter season, you can see exquisitely decorated eggs (a tradition supplied by Ukrainian artists). They are known for vodka and for borscht, a beet soup usually served with sour cream. If you are a student, you do not have a choice of classes. You are told which classes you will attend. School rules are very strict. Unlike students in the USA, Ukrainian students do not participate in school sports. Annually, a National Event is held where students are tested in Math and English. If you do not pass, you work at home rather than furthering your education in college or some other setting. Marta announced that she will be furthering her education in Canada.
Thank you, Marta, for the wonderful program.
Grinnell Rotary meets every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at West Side Family Restaurant. If you would like to attend a Rotary meeting, contact any Rotarian.
Dennis Conway
