Our former intern (2022-23) Sienna White’s father David passed away earlier this month, while she was here on leave from Johns Hopkins University. There will be a Celebration of his life on Thursday, Feb. 20, 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the Chaska Event Center. Sienna encourages us to donate to one of her dad’s special interests – Bountiful Baskets Food Shelf or Camp Kesem, an organization that supports kids who have a parent with cancer link.
Matt Podhradsky distributed the list of intended contacts with potential sponsors for the Miracle Field. To see an explanatory YouTube video about Miracle Fields: Link.
Sheryl Hough asked for DECA judges. Ken Hiller provided a summary of this high school program for developing business-related skills and presentation skills.
Jean Heyduck gave congratulations to February birthdays and Rotary Anniversaries – Peter Ivy, 25 years and Bob Moeller, 29 years.
Morning treats were provided by Neil Wingert and Claudine and Phil Solseng. Claudine’s Magdalena cupcakes were an accurate version of a traditional Spanish recipe, according to today’s speaker!
Rotary District 5950 Assistant Governor Bill Gaddis gave us Valentine’s Day roses and “The Magic of Rotary” pins. Bill is also the president of the Eden Prairie AM Rotary club.
HAPPY DOLLARS
Gretchen Oppriecht was muy feliz, if not exultante that Chaska High School will send four teams to the Knowledge Bowl regional contest. This LINK will provide information about school’s Academic Teams. Ken Hiller, Sheryl Hough, Jim Bach and Pat Wittrock also were happy this morning.
Erin Kerber introduced Marcos and exchanged our club‘s flag for his. The Elda-Vinalopo flag has a bright red and black illustration of a high heel shoe that represents the manufacturing heritage that grew the area’s importance and economy. (club link) Marcos provided a smooth commentary and colorful slides that gave us 30 minutes of insights and dimensions of his love for his country and his enjoyment of ours.
Multiple languages, diverse geography, differing climates and a collection of cultures have provided Marcos with the maturity and flexibility to enjoy his temporary Minnesota/American life. His love of cooking, futbol and new experiences all have their roots in his growing up in Spain. Marcos gave examples of his split affections for the exciting city life (Villena) and the small (very small) rural country town characteristics (Salamanca).
When possible, he has continued most of his interests here in Minnesota, especially physical activity – soccer this past fall, guitar this winter and in the spring he’ll be playing tennis. Reflecting the culture of Spanish high schools, Marcos won’t be “dating” here. In Spain, friends stay in groups and one-to-one relationships aren’t common in his age group. He indicated that high schools in Spain are much smaller and academic pressure is not as great here as it is in Villena. Combining that with his fluency in English has established Marcos as one of the happiest exchange students we have seen.
He seemed to attract our highest level of interest when he described his “cultural shocks.” Walking everywhere versus driving stood out as a daily difference. He expected to be shut inside all winter, but instead he is impressed with how Minnesota embraces the season with activities not found in Spain. The ultra-friendly American people have made a positive impression on him, while seeing his classmates wear pajamas and slippers to school made him speechless.
Host Ken Hiller invited us to arrange a dinner or outing with Marcos so that we too could experience this young man’s energy and vibrant love of life. We thank Marcos for an invigorating presentation!
Note from John Roebke: Invocations can be a faith traditional prayer, or a meditation, or inspirational verse or quote. Brief 20 – 30 seconds. Light-hearted is okay. Option: focus on our Mission of Service Above Self. Need an idea – Google Rotary Invocations. Not a personal talent? Don't wait, tell me NOW, 612-790-7067, john.roebke@live.com. I will be glad to name another. If I forgot that you told me not a talent, please forgive me. Remind me. If not a good DATE, trade with a mate.
.png)
