News from Brisbane

Bernie is still overflowing with enthusiasm for events at the RI conference.  He spoke glowingly of the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.  There are 70 scholars at Queensland University in Brisbane in the program which earns participants a two-year, masters degree in conflict resolution.  $50,000 scholarships from RI fund the project for these students from 37 different countries, of which 37% are from underdeveloped countries.  Average age is 31, and they each have about five years' work experience.  They have a common goal to make the world a better place to live. 

Tania is our Rotary Youth Director who says that finding candidates for these programs is a hard job.  So when you are talking with young people, keep this in mind.  She introduced Scott Jones and Kara Sayers. 

RYLA

Kara attended a RYLA camp, became interested in Interact and in the Student Exchange Program.  She says the RYLA camp was a life-changing experience that inspired her to become an Interact member and leader.  She has become more involved in school volunteer experiences, and developing and using leadership skills.  At RYLA, she learned how to identify driving and restraining forces and to use conquering physical obstacles to also conquer mental obstacles.  While the broken board she carries around now seems foolish to her, it symbolizes overcoming that obstacle.  Gerry and Julie Madigan of Ireland were very inspirational speakers whose book, "The Agony of Ecstasy," molded Kara's thoughts so fully that she insists all her friends also read the book on drug dependency.  Kara says, "I hope some day to give back a fraction of what RYLA and Rotary gave to me."

Kara showed us her photo collection which is going to get some digital attention just as soon as the Editor finishes this issue of the Whoop-Up Bulletin.   It will form the basis of her presentations in Tonsberg, Norway.

Adventures in Citizenship

Scott is a grade 11 student at LCI.  He has traveled to Ottawa twice on the week-long program of visiting Parliament Hill, museums and other pillars of Canadian society.  He spoke to about 75 of the 220 participants and found them to be friendly, mature young people.  His most moving experience was at the National Archives and Library of Canada where 40 new citizens exhibited overwhelming joy on becoming citizens.  He says that he did not allow himself to see and experience that joy the first time he visited, but he now sees what it means. 

Youth Exchange Program

Tania says getting Rotarians involved in the program is challenging.  Inbound students need host families and need to be invited by Rotarians to any and all activities.  She says Pat Killoran and John Hoopfer complete a mountain of paperwork, arrange visas, communicate with the family at the other end.  Incoming students do not need their own room, they only need their own bed and a friendly home.  We need two more host families for our incoming student from Switzerland.

Hanski Report

"I just found out two minutes ago I was supposed to give a report," she says with a laugh.  "So, I will give my usual report what I have been doing."

Hanski's last school day was Tuesday, and because she never had to write exams, she took two days of vacation just watching movies all day long.  Thursday she attended Dragon Boat Practice, and phoned home on June 20, which is the beginning of the three- day marathon when Finnish citizens attempt to stay awake for the three days in Southern Finland when the sun does not set.  Saturday she enjoyed another Dragon Boat Practice, which was much better now that she paddles like a Dragon Boater and not like a leisurely canoeist.   Hanski attended the Pincher Creek passing of the gavel and was happy to borrow some clothes there in the cold mountain air.  She is looking forward to going home, and this is her second-last Rotary meeting at our club.  We are going to miss you Hanski.

From an Exchange Perspective

Hanski remembers back to her first days.  She says it was a bit worrying that she didn't know the name of her first host family and was not sure she had a place to stay.  The first two days, a person needs time to get caught up on sleep, but the third day she most wished to be with somebody and do something.  "If you can just help to be a parent, to give advice, to go for a walk or have supper and do anything that you do with your own children, that helps a lot."

Best of Luck Sam

This is Sam Robert's last meeting, as he has been sentenced, or is that transferred to Picton, Ontario.

Thanks Hoppy

Many thanks to David and Judi Cassidy who took a van load of Rotarians to the Passing of the Gavel.

Thanks Jack

Thanks to Jack Y and Sharry for hosting the Friendship exchange visitors and also a nice BBQ.

Rotary Peace Park Conference

September 5-6&7 in Waterton.  See Carol for registration forms.  First come, first serve, limited to 280.

Monday, July 21, Rotary Golf

Annual Rotary Golf Tournament; prizes needed. 

Call Cam at 320-7778, John Keenan at 320-9000 or Ollie Ramage at 329-4003 to donate prizes.

Lottie Austin Show

Lottie led us in the Rotary Dragon Boat Cheer:

Rotary Rats

Rotary Rats

We are going to beat the pack

Paddle - paddle, row - row

Come on down and see the show!

Rotarians provided knee-slapping accompaniment.

SAA Report by John Hoopfer

Accolades: Thanks to Dallas and Barry for the great media coverage. 

Lottie fined for calling us Rotary Rats (John preferred: "Submarine Crew")

Stephen fined for Un-Rotarian term "Rotary Stuff"

Tania fined for her slip of the tongue

Doug fined for not finding a decent Sergeant At Arms

All those who have NOT YET signed up for Dragon Boat duties fined a buck

Door Prize Draw

Judy Head $10

Stephen Graham $5

"We endeavor to tell the truth in all reporting." 

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