Rotarians have an advantage when it comes to travel. The Friendship Exchange programs allow Rotary Club members to visit other countries where they’re hosted by other Rotary members there.
Dean Ryerson and Bobbie Sladky spoke of their exchange to Poland during the Waunakee club’s May 4 meeting. The described being introduced to the true culture, with Polish people giving them tours and meals they’d be unable to get on any other trip.
They traveled with other club members from around the state on the exchange and stayed in four different Polish cities. Dean said Poland is the size of New Mexico with a population of 33 million.
They were struck with how the Polish have embraced the Ukrainian refugees who have fled the Russian war in their country. Rotary clubs there provide them with food, housing and other essentials, and the people they met in Poland seem pleased to have them in the workforce and see a real partnership between the two countries. The Ukranians are their guests, Dean and Bobbie said.
“Our trip was filled with laughter, and our trip was filled with tears. But that’s about the absurdity of this war,” Dean said.
They showed pictures of the architecture, noting that most of the cities were completely destroyed in World War II.
The two travelers described a great deal of social time with beer, vodka and traditional home-cooked food, travels by train and fall festivals, where they had a chance to really meet the people. Dean said that’s what Rotary is all about.
This summer, a group from Poland is coming to Wisconsin, as part of the exchange. They’ll be in the Madison area for the July 4 holiday, and Rotarians might get an invite to meet them at some social events.
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Other News:
-The board approved two new members – Sarah Bonk of Evie and Co., and Jeff Smith, soon to be retired from Toshiba. Welcome, Sarah and Jeff!
-Tri-Con was last weekend, and President-elect Jennifer Tasker said it was well worth attending. It will be in Green Bay from April 18-20 next year.
-The club survey received 51 responses including a question to evaluate overall satisfaction. It asked if members would invite friends to join the club. The 65% yes response rate is excellent, Jennifer said.
-The board approved the following contributions, she announced: $1500 in $500 increments to each of the three quilting groups we've supported for many years; $1000 for Tri-for-Schools; and $250 for Waunakee Police Department's National Night Out.
-May 20 is Tri 4 Schools and also the Waunakee Food Pantry’s open house. We still need three volunteers for the second shift of Tri for Schools on May 20. Sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4AA4AD2AA4FF2-trifor
-Jennifer said a new kind of fellowship is envisioned, some more family-friendly outdoor activities.
-Marla Fletcher, the new manager of Waunakee Valley, formerly Waunakee Manor, attended to introduce herself.
-Next week's speaker is Corey Pompey, UW Marching Band Director. As always, we welcome all guests of Rotarians. Please notify Jennifer Tasker at jennifer@oagency.com by Tuesday May 9 if you are bringing a guest(s) so we can notify Rex's and plan accordingly.
Guests: Marla Fletcher, guest of Jennifer Tasker.
Visiting Rotarians: Dean Ryerson, Middleton; Bobbie Sladky, Downtown.
Birthdays: May 15, Mick Holm.
Anniversaries: May 16, David and Connie Rupp; May 17, Leonard and Becky Allen; May 17, Nick and Elaine Mischler.
Greeters: May 11, Ken Pesik and Nick Petrulis; May 18, Jim Pingel and Erick Plumb; May 24, Corey Randl and Tom Roepke; June 1, David Rupp and Troy Salisbury.
