Archive for April 20th, 2010

February 3, 2010

Fellow Rotarians,

The transition to Eastern Europe has been good. It’s a clear sunny winter day; the Old City is where I’m located, but you can see across the river to where the modern construction has been taking place.
It’s very charming this morning, with Sunday morning church bells and such.

I’ve been meeting people rapidly, and have great co-workers. It turns out that the Embassy here likes Fulbrighters, so Friday evening was my first Embassy party. I’m assured there will be more. Friday they had a promotion ceremony for one of the Marines detached here, he made First Sergeant and a re-assignment to southern California.

Last night I made it to the symphony for the first time here. Very good, actually; they performed (among other things) the “Rite of Spring” which I view as still a bit optimistic at this point! Costs of tickets in Eastern Europe are very low by world standards.

RZ-USM-university-of-Management-and-Economics

Tonight I’ve been invited to a Super Bowl party with the expat community.  I have yet to decide; I’ve spent a week fighting jet lag, finally am mostly on track, and the idea of starting a football game at 1:00 a.m. is not ideal. I’ll probably attend…what the heck.

For the size of the city (over half a million), the Old City is a small, and apparently tight, community. After a week folks are starting to recognize me. My obvious non-Lithuanian nature may contribute to that at
least in part.

My classes start soon, so the reality of actually WORKING here will settle in before long. And Tuesday I hope to make up a Rotary meeting here.

Yours in Rotary,
Phil Benson

p.s. All things mentioned are within easy walking distance. I have yet to avail myself of a “taksi”.

February Student Rotarian

Varayini Pankayatselran is a junior at Las Cruces High School.

Her school activities include membership in: Key Club; Asian Cultural Society; Students of Sustainability; National Honor Society; and MESA. She also participates in tennis.

Community activities include volunteering at a local hospital.

Her hobbies and interests include tennis and medicine.

Future plans are to attend college and major in biochemistry and pursue and career in medicine.

Varayini is the daughter of Sinnathamby and Ratha Pankayatselran.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

District Governor Dick Jones was our guest at the January 26^th meeting.  As part of his visit Dick presented Pas President John Hummer with the district level 2^nd Place Club Award for Per-Capita Annual Program Fund Giving to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for the last Rotary year 2008-2009, during John’s term as President.

Lauren Smith is a junior at Onate High School.

Her school activities include membership in: ROTC; MESA; Love Shak, National Honors Society; FCCLA; Young Patriots Club; Student to Student; Science Bowl Team; Ballet Folkloricko; Key Club; and track. She has received awards in: Best Female Physical Fitness; Outstanding Community Service; and Perfect Inspection.

Community activities include a variety of service activities for Veterans of Foreign Wars, her school, and the community at large.

Her hobbies and interests include culinary arts, physical fitness, swimming, painting, and interest in the medical field.

Future plans are to attend the Naval Academy and become an officer.

Lauren is the daughter of Beatrice Smith.

Joe A. Franco II is a senior at Las Cruces High School.

His school activities include cross country; Honor Society and orchestra. He serves as the Secretary of the Honor Society and was a delegate of Boys’ Nation.

Community activities include serving as a catechism teacher and retreat leader for his church, as well as service to the community at large.

His hobbies and interests include playing sports, playing the violin and camping/backpacking.

Future plans are to practice law; become a free-lance writer; and pursue his political and musical interests.

Joe is the son of Joe and Alice Franco.

STUDENT ROTARIAN

Alysha Boone is a sophomore at Onate High School.

Her school activities include track & field; student government; Ballet Folklorico; and ROTC. She currently serves as the Sophomore Class President.

Community activities include raising funds and service projects for veterans and working to landscape Alameda Elementary.

Her hobbies and interests include dancing, motorcycle, and reading.

Future plans are to enter the Air Force Academy and learn to fly.

Alysha is the daughter of Shawna and Dave Corbett.