After President Steve Dunton opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, Carrie Mallotte, Program Host followed with the invocation. Steve then thanked Sgt. at Arms Todd Hearty and his assistant, Dave Renninger for getting us checked in and welcoming our visitors, Nami Miller, Aylin Mere, Cyle Feldman and Jared Miller.
HAPPY BUCKS:
Andy Denton expressed appreciation for the way the tragedies in Stow over the past few weeks have been handled. She particularly thanked Mayor Pribonic and Chief Film for their efforts. And, even though Eric and Denise Green have experienced their own tragedy, they can be seen volunteering everywhere to support other community needs.
Bob Sweitzer brought an exchange flag back from a Rotary Club in Quebec that he visited on a recent trip. He enjoyed being at the 105 year old club, even though their meeting was all in French.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Drawing: Linda Trevorrow's table had the wining ticket but drew the 6 of clubs, so the pot will continue to grow.
Football Books: Pat Messmore needs everyone's ticket stubs and money by the 31st. As of this morning, there are only 6 books left.
Summer Sunset Blast: Steve reminded us to sign up for the Summer Sunset Blast which is August 31 and September 1 from 5:00-10:00 both days at Silver Springs Park. We will be selling raffle tickets. They are available now at a cost of $5 each and 5 for $20. Sign up as you sign in.
Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction: Gail Moseley has Reverse Raffle tickets available at $150.00 for in-person tickets which include 2 dinners per ticket. There are also virtual tickets available for $100 if you can't attend. Donations that are needed include wine for the wine pull, items for the silent auction and gift cards for prizes. Don't forget to sign up to help!
Foodbank: Our next chance to volunteer at the Foodbank will be September 11 from 4:30-6:30. Last week our 7 volunteers packed 2,367 meals. Come to help if you can!
Back to School Bash: Dinah Henderson sends thanks to everyone for their help at the event and also for the Rotarians who helped back the 5200 bags which will be on students' desks for the first day of school. By the way, Mayor Pribonic was dunked 27 times during the event.
PROGRAM: Program Host, Carrie Malotte admitted that her joke was a groaner, but ask her about Sherlock Holmes and Watson's camping trip. She then introduced Nami Miller and Aylin Mere who were short term exchange students between Belgium and the United States. Carrie explained that there are two types of exchange programs for students. A long-term exchange goes for the entire school year but the short-term exchange is from three to six weeks. Generally on the short exchange, the student from the U.S. goes to another country for their experience. Then they host the student they have visited, here in the states. Nami traveled to Belgium and now is hosting Aylin. The girls shared their experience with us.
Aylin spoke to us about life in Belgium, a country full of factories, where her main interests are theater, piano, politics and travel. English is her third language. She said that she loves meeting new people and practicing different languages. She explained that Belgium is smaller than Ohio, made up of only 860 square miles. They actually claim to have invented French fries and really have good beer, waffles and chocolate. Aylin's family is Turkish, so they really experience a wide variety of foods. The recent Olympics were a big success for them as they had 3 gold medals, 1 silver and 6 bronze...not bad for a tiny country.
Nami's impression of Belgium was that they have very small streets and she was amazed that busses could fit down some roads. She loved the French fries there, and made a typical American meal of meat loaf and mashed potatoes for Aylin's family. Because Belgium is surrounded by other countries, she was also able to visit Germany, the Netherlands and France. She was thrilled about the many friends she has made during this program.
While the girls were here, they have visited Washington D.C,. Philadelphia, Columbus and Cincinnati. Locally they have been to Playhouse Square, Blossom Music Center, a soccer game and they will go to a football game this Friday. Aylin's impression is that everything is so big here. Nami's Dad says that it has been great hosting a child from another country. They will be going to Belgium to meet Aylin's family.
Bob Oborn shared that our speaker on September 11 will tell us more about the Exchange Programs.
Steve closed the meeting by leading us in the Rotary Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Wednesday, August 28, 7:30 a.m. morning meeting at Bellacinos when Shawn Green will update us on the Kenya Children's International Project which we are supporting this year.
Saturday, August 31 and Sunday September 1, Summer Sunset Blast at Silver Springs Park from 5:00-10:00 each day. Volunteer!
Wednesday, September 11, 4:30-6:30, Volunteer time at the Foobank.
Friday, September 13, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Wednesday, October 9, we have no morning meeting but have our Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction in the evening at Guy's Party Center.
Andrea Denton
330-474-7265
330-414-1934