Program: Rotary Exchange Program
Welcome Annalise Ocken and AJ Sanchez
Annalise Ocken was our Summer 2017 Short Term Summer Exchange student.
AJ Sanchez will be our 2018 Student Abroad traveling to Sweden next August.
In her presentation, Annalise shared stories and photos from when she traveled to Madrid, Spain in August 2017. During the month of July 2017, Ana, a Rotary exchange student from Spain, came to the states and lived with Annalise’s family. Then, in August, Annalise traveled to Spain.
During her stay in Wisconsin, Annalise arranged for Ana to visit Summerfest, Chicago, Wisconsin Dells, and Devils Lake State Park. Ana most enjoyed meeting Annalise’s friends while here in Elkhorn.
Annalises’ host family lived in the center of Madrid. While there she enjoyed the site of the city and visited the soccer stadium. Annalisa also vacationed for 15 days in Gailcia, Spain with her family. Annalise was in Barcelona, Spain as well. Unfortunately, she was in the city during the terrorist attack last summer. Annalise also traveled to Italy and visited Sicily with her host family.
Annalise summarized that her summer exchange was amazing. She met wonderful people, learned so much about the Spanish culture, and her Spanish language skills have greatly improved. She made life long friends. Annalise extended her sincere thanks to the Elkhorn Rotary Club for this experience.
The only cost for participating in the Summer Exchange program for the student is the cost of the flight, the cost of hosting an exchange student for a month, and the $250 fee for the application. At the present time, the Rotary program is the avenue that students can utilize to go abroad.
AJ Sanchez, our student traveling abroad during the upcoming 2018-19 school year, also commented about his motivation to take part in this program. He shared that through a school wide email his interest was sparked. He was inspired by his mother, a member of the Peace Corps for two years, to purse the opportunity to travel. When completing his application, he was willing to travel to any country and is excited for this upcoming opportunity.
Announcements and Other Business:
Wednesday, January 31st – no club meeting this day. Instead, our 5th week of the month “meeting” will be an evening social at the Pepperoni Pub, with the first round of drinks on Tom Oehler. Tom will be donating his 2017 Football Pool earnings for the first annual “Bill Didn’t Win Gathering”. Start time is 5:01 p.m.
Monday, February 15th – an evening at Friends Upstairs, a social for potential new Rotary members. Start time will be:
January 22nd – Our Week for Meals on Wheels. See Tim Brellenthin as route drivers are needed for Jan 23 – 26th.
Mark your Calendar and Sell Tickets for the Shenanigan’s Event –
Friday, January 26th
Club and committee members are currently working on sponsorship and baskets for the fundraiser. Each member is asked to provide a bottle of wine for the cork pull (value of $15-20) or sponsor a raffle basket. Members will also be calling this week to contact other corporate and retail sponsors for silent auction donations and monetary donations. “Brown Paper Tickets” link is on line if additional tickets are needed.
Human Trafficking Event – Thursday, Jan 11th @ the Elkhorn Area High School 6:00 – 8:30. Dawn encouraged all to attend. One of the goals of the presentation will be to assist in creating neighborhood watches.
Today’s Guests -
Steve Glick
Pat Olson – Lake Geneva Club
