Sgt.-at-Arms, Karen, recounted for us lots of history from our club and the world during 1979-80. The club voted to make Gerry Peterson an honorary Rotary member, since he notified us that he can no longer be an active member. It was announced that Bob Handel is having surgery so keep him in your prayers. Anna Clara (AC) Jorgensen was our speaker today. She is the Rotary exchange student from Denmark. She gave a presentation about her country. AC is from a city called Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark, where she lives with her parents and older brother, Andreas. At home she was active in gymnastics and traveled with her team all over Europe. Aarhus is a student city and was named the 2017 European capital of culture. Wisconsin is four times bigger than Denmark and their capital is Copenhagen, with a population of 5.7 million. They have a moderate climate, not extreme highs or lows, and their average temperature year round is 47 degrees. They have a lot of rainy and windy weather. Two-thirds of Denmark is farmland and they raise a lot of pigs. They raise more food than they consume so much is exported. Their language is similar to the other Nordic countries and they can understand each other. They have a monarchy, ruled by Queen Margrethe 2. They have the Scandinavian welfare model with free education and health care, and high taxes. Most people bike everywhere, it is faster to get around by bike than driving. AC told us some of her favorite foods are rye bread with liver pate and black licorice. Denmark is famous as the creator of Lego and Hygge and is one of the world’s happiest countries.
Kelly talked about the Ice Skating rink on the square. Jon and Amanda talked about the Poverty Assimilation program they are sponsoring. Chris Clapper reminded everyone about the tree lighting and Santa reception on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and the parade on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.