Inbounds Meet Rotary International President

It was a very special event on Monday, September 20, when Rotary International President Glenn Estess came to Jacksonville on an official visit. The luncheon was attended by several hundred Rotarians from throughout the District, to honor our organization's chief executive for 2004-05, Rotary's centennial year. It was an extra special occasion, because it was in the Jacksonville Rotary Club that Mr. Estess first became a Rotarian, in 1960. Almost all of our inbound students were there, and welcomed the opportunity for a photo with the RI President.

Interested in Exchanging in 2005-06? Get Started Now!

For high school students throughout northeast Florida, now is the time to start thinking about 2005-06 outbound opportunities. Rotarians have been visiting area schools to talk about the program and encourage interested students to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Whether or not you see a program in your school, you can begin the process by reviewing our Frequently Asked Questions, submitting an Inquiry Form, and by starting on the Rotary Youth Exchange Application and Country Selection Form. The final deadline for applications to be submitted to the District Youth Exchange Committee is December 15, but local clubs may set an earlier deadline to interview their own candidates. Check with your local club to be sure.

In November, there will be a series of evening informational meetings throughout the district, for interested students and their parents. Students are required to register for the meeting of their choice. To register, click here. All meetings will start at 7:00 PM. The meeting schedule is as follows:

Inbounds and Host Families Invited to DeLeon Springs for a Special "Old Florida" Experience

All District 6970 inbound students and their host families are invited to a special day at DeLeon Springs State Park, near Deland, on Saturday, October 23. Discover some beautiful Florida spring-fed swimming holes, canoe or boat down the river, enjoy a special breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, and more. Learn more about this beautiful, "old Florida" park at www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/default.asp. Remember, all students and all host family members are invited to attend, and there is no cost, other than the $5 per car park admission and parking fee! This event is sponsored by our district and by the Rotary clubs in the Deland area.

This is a brand new event, and we’re sure it will be a great time for everyone. Inbound students are asked to e-mail Rob Overly (roverly@dwapa.com) and let him know whether or not you’ll be attending, and how many people (host family members) you’ll be bringing with you.

Welcome Inbounds and Bon Voyage Outbounds

The Exchange Classes of 2004-05 Begin their Adventures

The time has finally arrived: 25 students from around the world have arrived in northeast Florida, and 21 others are departing for their overseas destinations, all taking their first steps as Rotary Exchange Students. Here's a list of which inbounds have arrived and which outbounds have departed so far:

Asya is greeted by Matt, who soon will be living with her family in Russia	They crossed the ocean together - Ruth and Nick from Denmark, and Fredrikke from Norway	Fredrikke with host parents Cindy and Shannon, host brother Kyle and host sister Kaitlyn
Rafaela arrived two days ago, but came to the airport to help welcome Tom from Austria	Elizabeth is all checked in for her trip to Brazil, as her mom and dad say, "Bon Voyage"	Tibor from Slovakia is welcomed to Jacksonville by host parents Barbara and Bill
Pierre from France couldn't ask for a friendlier greeting team than this - his host sisters and their friend	Three host families, including Joy, our rebound student from Thailand, were on hand to welcome Elle to Florida	Here's Livi from Switzerland with her host family, along with outbounds Monica (heading for Livi's home) and Katie
Host families were all in attendance to help welcome Hanna from Finland	Host sisters, temporarily - Meryn, leaving the next day for Hanna's home in Finland	A day later, Meryn is welcomed to Finland by Hanna's friend Carolina and her host parents
Megan's welcoming party in Denmark included two host families and lots of smiles	Gokhan from Turkey enjoying his arrival, with host sister Jennifer and host mom Cindy	Morgan (front row, second from left) with Japan-bound outbounds in Detroit airport
Michele and Katie were part of a group of 57 Rotary outbounds heading to France. They are in the front row, 4th and 5th from the left. Click on this picture to enlarge.

Rebounds Shine at Welcome Home Dinner

It was a fabulous evening on July 14, as the District 6970 Outbound Class of 2003-04 shared their stories and experiences from the exchange years they had just completed. A crowd of 100 Rotarians, new outbounds, parents, and guests enjoyed seeing these teenagers and hearing about their adventures.

Gwen Dormady led off the evening, and spoke about how she wondered what on earth she was doing, as she was en route to Austria. It was a sentiment that others voiced as well, those initial fears, often lubricated with lots of tears. But in the months that followed, as our students gained fluency and comfort in their new homes, they truly blossomed and came to appreciate what the exchange opportunity was providing them.

Rochelle Smith recalled the families and friends that made France so special. Hayley Derryberry talked about life with a German family that had five kids and no television! Philip Ramsey told us how he learned the difference between the Italian words for hat and hair, as well as learning a lot about himself. Joy Lawrence expressed her love of Thailand, and sang the Thai national anthem. Courtney Hutchison spoke of being welcomed to her new home by a crowd of dozens of Brazilians, and then running to her bedroom to hide and cry. Danielle Popp, looking spectacular in her kimono, performed a traditional Japanese dance of a woman discovering cherry blossoms. And although he is not yet back from Germany, Michael Smith sent his remarks, including his discovery that the love of learning languages has provided him direction for his future career.

There is no doubt that each of these students made us all very proud, representing our district and our country this past year. We look forward to hearing more about their exchanges, as they make presentations to their sponsoring clubs and others.

Gwen Dormady, back from Austria	Rochelle Smith, rebound from France	Hayley Derryberry, returned from Germany
Philip Ramsey, fluent in Italian	Joy Lawrence, tied to Thailand	Lawrene Bishop, reading Michael Smith's words
Courtney Hutchison, raving about Brazil	Danielle Popp, in Japanese costume	Danielle's dance performance

Our 2003-04 rebounds at the Welcome Home Dinner, with YE Chair Al Kalter

Orientations Scheduled for Host Families and Club YE Officers

The District 6970 Youth Exchange Committee has scheduled three Host Family & YEO Orientation sessions for mid-July, just prior to the arrival of the new class of inbound students. These sessions, one in Jacksonville, one in Gainesville, and one in Palm Coast, will provide an understanding of what is expected of host families, host Rotary Clubs, and students, what resources are available, and other information to help host families and clubs in this coming year. These orientation meetings are a requirement of the US Department of State, which oversees exchange programs in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security. So, even if for families that have hosted previously, it is imperative that they attend one of these meetings:

• Monday, July 19, 7:00 PM, at River of Life Methodist Church, 2600 Racetrack Road, Jacksonville FL 32259 (in Fruit Cove section of NW St. Johns County) map
• Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 PM, at Meadowbrook Golf Club, 3600 NW 98th St., Gainesville FL 32606 (west of I-75 off 39th Ave.) map
• Wednesday, July 21, 7:00 PM, at Cypress Bank, 21 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast FL 32164 (corner of Cypress Point Parkway & Belle Terre) map

These meetings are not limited to the first host families only. Each hosting Rotary Club is also required to send its Youth Exchange Officer or other representative to this meeting, and we would encourage the clubs to bring other interested members, as well as future and potential future host families. Please RSVP to rotary@kaltermail.com so we know who will be attending.

"Welcome Home Dinner" to Celebrate 2003-04 Outbounds

They have spent a year in another country, learning languages, discovering cultures, serving as ambassadors for our communities and our country. And now that they are returning home, District 6970 will be celebrating their success with our First Annual Welcome Home Dinner, honoring the outbound class of 2003-04.

This special event will be held on Wednesday, July 14, at the banquet facility at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka. Starting time is 6:30 PM, and the program will feature speeches by each of the former outbound students, now known as "rebounds", who will take a few minutes to talk about their adventures overseas. It should be a truly fascinating and wonderful evening, and a great way to start what is sure to become an annual tradition.

The barbecue dinner will be catered by the Rotary Foundation Fryers. Tickets are $15 per person. Send an e-mail to rotary@kaltermail.com to request tickets or for more information.

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