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Published: February 27th 2008
First Rotary Meeting
Jennifer, my counselor, brought two of her daughters to hear her presentation!After having two very successful weeks with Rotarians, I must tell you how everything is going with the Rotary aspect of life here! Peter Murie, who is the Scholarships Coordinator for District 9810 here in Australia, has been fantastic at helping me to get settled in at Monash. He and his wife have checked up on me and even made sure I have all the supplies that I could need for my study here.
Last week, I was able to also connect with Jennifer Newton, my Host counselor here in Australia. On our first meeting together, we went into the city where her Rotary club meets and had the most wonderful dinner and conversation at a restaurant called "Brown Cow." Though neither of us actually ate anything resembling a brown cow, we had a great time talking and getting to know one another. It was quite fitting that we had that opportunity to get to know each other, because the next night, I went to visit Jennifer's Rotary club, as she was the guest speaker!
The Rotary Club of Hampton, Jennifer's home club, was so wonderful! I met all of the members and even chatted for a bit with
First Rotary Meeting
Jennifer, myself, Peter, Sue, and DG Dick Garner at my first Rotary meeting each of the members. One of the greatest attributes of the club was that it had such an even distribution of women and men who are members. From what Jennifer was telling me, some clubs (namely the neighboring Club of Brighton) do not allow women to participate in their clubs! So it was great to know that the Club of Hampton had such great participation all across the board!
Jennifer was the guest speaker and it was known as her "Behind the Badge" presentation. Basically, this night gives all of the club members the opportunity to get to know Jennifer, beyond her name and occupation. Turns out, there were lots of details that Jennifer left out when we had dinner the night before! She has traveled all around the world and has interacted with all kinds of interesting people throughout her life. It was a FASCINATING presentation, and she really made me feel so grateful to have such an amazing counselor for my scholarship period!
Following the Rotary meeting, Jennifer invited me to join her at the Fourth Annual Bright 'n Sandy Food and Wine Festival at Brighton Beach. Sponsored by the cities of Brighton and Sandringham (Bright
Bright 'n Sandy Festival
I hope I learned a thing or two from all those chefs! 'n Sandy comes from the fusion of these two city names!), this festival is a great way to promote the local businesses and musical talents that live in these two vibrant beach cities. The day long celebration had us learning some of the tastiest recipes from Italian chefs, how to taste the proper wines with experts from local wineries, and how to learn how to Swing dance. I felt like I was eating the whole day, because there were all kinds of booths set up, showcasing some wonderful treats---they were so good! All in all, it was a fantastic day, beautiful weather, right by the beach--what more can you ask for?!?
Last night, I joined Jennifer for the Club Assembly Rotary meeting, where each of the committees of the club discussed what they have accomplished and what future projects lie ahead. I'm so excited to be involved with such an active Rotary club and I can't wait to begin to help out with upcoming projects!
While at the meeting last night, I also had the funniest coincidence happen. While sitting and casually talking with some of the Rotarians, I came across Lance and Beverlea Blackley. You will never
Bright 'n Sandy Festival
Jennifer and I at the beach believe me when I tell you this, but their son, Adam, actually played for the GREENVILLE DRIVE BASEBALL TEAM last year! How CRAZY is that?!? We had the chance to talk all about Greenville, Falls park, the stadium, etc. That has to top my list of small world connections (I'm sure there will be many more coming)!
Next week we are headed to Albury for the Rotary 9810 District Conference. It will be such a wonderful experience and I am so excited to meet more Rotarians and the scholars that are all over the district!
-Cindy
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Adam
non-member comment
Hmmm
Lots of comments...1) I don't even know those people and I never played for the Greenville Drive. 2) Is that a mirror hanging above the chefs or an inter-dimensional doorway? 3) That disembodied head is obscene.