December 15, 2106 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

Heidi Karod introduced our inbound Rotary Exchange student living with the Griffiths, Jay, from Thailand, and Katie Hodgson who did a short-term exchange to Spain in the summer of 2016.

Jay comes from a city south of the Capitol of Bangok.  Thailand is a country of 56 million. It has a monarchy. He shared information about the country, with slides of the most recent monarch, flag, national bird, foods, famous temples (the national religion is Buddhism), traditional costumes, annual festivals on April 14 and November 25.

Katie went to Spain for a longer than usual “short-term” exchange because her counterpart from Spain was unable to come to the US. She was in Valencia for 6 weeks. She has always dreamed of walking on the Camino and was on it for about 20 feet of the 720 mile path.   She built her confidence in speaking Spanish by ordering food for herself successfully after relying on her host family to do this for her. Her host family consisted of the parents and two boys and a daughter. They had already experienced several exchange students and foster children.  She feels very much a part of their family now, and is looking forward to their visit later in the summer of 2017.  

Susan Dorr announced that the next meeting of the International Service Committee will be in January 2017, and not next week as previously announced.

Ron recognized Mike Pierce for participating in the Every Rotarian Every Year program by making an annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation.

Toboggan Nationals are coming right up in February, the 11th. All are asked to do a 3-hour shift for parking cars,  Chili challenge will happen at a town venue, and will need volunteers,.

A new dimension for EWaste in the spring may be paint can disposal. Stay tuned for details.

Duck Derby planning will begin soon. Peter will be making announcements.

Knox County Homeless Coalition and Hospitality House received a decorated tree from the club. All 82 families have been adopted

Terry Bregy announced that tree sales are right on schedule, and only 43 trees remain.  There are open slots this weekend, so volunteers are still needed. We have grossed over $17,000 so far.  Ornament sales brought in over $800 for Hospitality House, cards just under $100 so far.

Terry Bregy auctioned off a couple bottles of wine donated by Mark Coursey and a tray of Deborah Fink’s Christmas cookies.  

Buckets on the table are for Hospitality House in December. Peter’s goal is $20 per member for the month that will be matched for Hospitality House.

Next week’s meeting will be a holiday celebration, including Lincoln Pierce on the piano, carols and other festivities. Please wear holiday attire.