North Fresno Rotary

For Photo’s Click here

Emily’s Day

NFR bid a melancholy farewell to our 2009 Youth Exchange, Emily O’Grady.  NFR members who hosted Emily offered their favorite recollections of Emily’s experience with the beachless, palm-tree-free reality which is the Greater Central Valley.  Pres. Lou Smaldino remembered introducing Emily to the joys of Captain Crunch and Bagels and Cream Cheese, Dr. Kathryin Siemens reported on Emily’s admirable dental hygiene practices, and Deborah McHenry allowed that Emily would always be her favorite Youth Exchange Student for all time.

On a sadder note, NFR also bid farewell to the memory of Pete Peters, who passed awy this month.

Scott Shewan gave the invocation and Larry Granados led the club in the Pledge.  John Leonardo welcomed visitors and guests.

Travelers abounded during the Christmas break.  Rick Quan returnd from the Caribbean with a bottle of banana ketchup.  Nick Smaldino returned from Mexico with noisemakers and a bottle of Tequila.  Steve Varvis brought back boxer shorts with a tastefully done Union Jack logo.  Needless to say, the bottle of tequila did not have to ring the bell.

Announcements were made.  Roger Anderson underwent surgery. 

Gib Rambo is at the Nazareth House for visitors. 

Terry Huntsman hit a “hole in one,” but did not buy the traditional round of drinks. (Huntsman quip of the day: “People can call me a cheapskate, but that doesn’t bother me.”)  D

Doyle Daniels reflected on how a Youth Exchange Student from 20 years ago is now the father of two and remains a good friend.

Ted Marsella congratulated Sean Borchardt on getting his first Paul Harris Fellowship.

The raffle was won by Paul Gibson.

Emily then reflected on her year in California.  She described that she has become fluent in “American” and how odd it is to celebrate Christmas when it’s cold, rather than warm and sunny, as it is in her native Australia.  She told NFR how the year has made her more confident about her ability to handle the future and that she has made lifelong friends in America.

Which is as it should be.

submitted by Peter Bradley