President Allison was away so past Prez John Racine took up the gavel to quickly pass it off to Daniela Segura, one of our exchange students who presided over the meeting along with three other exchange students in the annual passing of duties during World Community Service month.
Daniela had us sing as she brought the meeting to order and honor the flag with the Pledge of Allegiance. Another of our exchange students, Jules Poirette of France gave the thoughts of Gratitude and Reflection in both English and French.
The song of the day was the chanted cheer the exchange students learn at their retreat and was led by Valeria Franco who hails from Peru. The club stood and jumped in enthusiastically under her leadership. Thanks Valeria you got the blood flowing.
Jules was back front and center to introduce our visitors and guests.
Autumn Soltysiak next introduced our Outstanding Students of the Week. Savanah Bluemel and Victoria Sommer both hailed from Traverse City Christian School and shared their hopes and dreams for their futures with us. Exciting young women who also look to exciting future studies and lives.
World Community Service month continued its program focus with Marilyn Fitzgerald’s presentation on the continuing efforts and results of the micro loan programs that have been a part of the club’s commitment to World service. In this case Fitzgerald gave us a wonderful look inside the growth of the handful of women that have been served by the program in Guatemala, whom she has introduced previously.
The expansion of their businesses has been appropriately modest and continuous. More important it has been healthy for these women, their communities and most especially their families. Seen in reductions in infant mortality, in improved health and welfare. Maybe most of all in their happiness, if such a quotient can be gauged it is evident in the faces of these incredible women and their strength. Nowhere is that more clear than in the pride that Fitzgerald exudes as she tells their stories.
Whether it is Guatemala, Indonesia, South Africa and the many places in between that Fitzgerald and those who serve this committee with time, treasure and travel. Each success is a reason to celebrate. As the Jewish precept holds, ‘Whoever saves a life, saves the world.’
Following World Community Service, President Daniela went on to make announcements:
The NMC Barbecue is on Sunday and can still use some help
Kids Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 15th - Save the Date
50/50 Drawing
President Daniela then introduced two of our Outgoing Exchange Students who gave us an indication of where they hope to go for their year abroad, though that is yet to be finalized and we will be hearing shortly.
Next she introduced our current exchange students: Valeria Cerron Franco - Peru, Jules Poirette - France, Daniela Echavarría - Mexico, Singto Budda - Thailand. Each of them spoke about their year here in Traverse City, their likes, dislikes and especially the good times. They spoke of the learning that took place for them. They talked of the sadness as they get ready to leave. Certainly their hope to return soon, someday. And a hearty welcome to fellow Rotarians to come and visit them in their home countries, states and cities. As always it is a delight to hear from each of them as they encapsulate their time with us and their host families. Safe travels young friends!
President Daniela Adjourned us all.
