Rob Alexander, Jan & Keith Firth, Mark Long, Tyrrell McGeever, Lothar Riedel, Stephen Teh.

Liz Holz (speaker), Barb Byatt, Freda Donaldson, Val Goodman, Theresa Stelling, Rosebud-Rye Rotarians Brian Davenport, Julie Davey, Barbara English, Judy & Ian Phelan, Pat Sansonetti, Zoe Sterling, Neil Stitt, Libby Wilson, Albury Rotarians John & Carmel Love.

Greg Fitzgerald tolus the frame is up for the toilets at Hillview Reserve which is great news. Also the Shire mulching team will be working at Hillview Reserve soon to clean up and provide more mulch to spread around the plantings.

Bob Donaldson took the opportunity to promote the Trivia Night to be held on 20^th June at Dromana Primary School. All funds raised will go to the chaplaincy program running at both the primary and secondary schools. Help make up a table on behalf of rotary---contact Bob.

Rosebud-Rye Rotarian Brian Davenport asked members to consider attending their meeting this Tuesday 16^th June as they are hosting the Monash Debating Team whose topic is  “Is Rotary still relevant today?”  Rosebud Country Club 6pm for 6.30pm. Need numbers for catering Monday15th.

Peter Anderson  stepped in as Sergeant At Arms and led an interesting fine session.

Liz gave a detailed account of her time in Australia as a Youth Exchange student. She began by relating the procedure by which she was chosen to represent her country, the USA. A long process of applications, interviews and paperwork with her first choice being Italy. Liz was happy to come to Australia but took some time to enjoy our food which she now loves. She has learnt good listening skills and become quite independent. Liz’s home town Lockport, is in New York State many hours drive from New York city. She has 4 siblings and when she returns home will study Year 12. Her Mum will encourage her to resume her routine of swimming, orchestra, hiking and involvement in Interact.

Liz had to travel for 34 hours before meeting Sue Cashen (her counsellor) at Melbourne Airport so was very tired and slept for 14 hours on her first night here.

Liz spoke fondly of all her host families with each being different and introducing her to separate points of interest. Some of these included meat pies, kangaroo, horse racing, great home cooking, riding for the disabled, an American Diner in Rye and surfing.

Christmas was very different with no snow –at home it would be -20C.

A highlight of her time here was a visit to Brisbane to meet her long time penpal and to spend several days with her and her family. It was very hot so they went swimming to keep cool.

Liz attended Dromana College and now has many friends in Years 10 and 11. Her favourite subject was music with the many excursions she took part in her next best. Liz showed lots of photos of school friends and activities. She is finding it hard to say goodbye to all these people.

Other highlights included the “Ride to Conference’, a trip to Tasmania with Col and Barb Byatt and the “Rock to Reef” trip with other exchange students from Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. This 3 week tour went very quickly but was most enjoyable.

We wish Liz all the best for the future and hope we can continue to correspond.  

 

 

Saturday 4th of July at 8am