Notes from May 17, 2016

 
Peerapong Matanboon aka Art .... Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Thailand
Art was introduced by Jane McGinty who also recognized Susie Beaumeister and Dennis Kim who are Youth Exchange Country Officers, Dan O'Brien and the Blixruds for being host families, and Jeanne Zetah who was Art’s counselor.  Art came to us from Chiang Mai, Thailand (Rotary District 3360) which is in the Northern part of the country.  Thailand has 68 million people and the primary religion is Buddhism.  The country is a constitutional monarchy and the King is 89 years old and very popular.
Art has two brothers and a Rotary Exchange sister from Minnesota.  He attends Chiang Mai University Demonstration School which has 1,350 students.  His favorite sport is field hockey.
Art shared several pictures about his life in Thailand and stories about the two major festivals in Thailand.  Thailand has three seasons:  Summer (March through May), Rainy (June through October) and Winter (November through February).
 
Announcements
  • Remember to go to St. Andrew Lutheran Church for Golden Eagle Tuesday, May 24th at 7:15 a.m.  Early risers feel free to come earlier to help with setup.  Motivational Speaker Daniel Shannon will provide keynote address.
  • The traveling roadshow continues the following week (Tuesday 5/31) when we will meet at Hellmuth and Johnson.
  • Join three other Rotary districts at a Twins game 6/18 versus the NY Yankees.  Proceeds will benefit Rotary Polio eradication efforts.
  • Meals on Wheels 5/16 to 5/20.
  • Swallowship 6/8 (still looking for a host)
  • Prior Lake Rotary’s Music Festival 7/15-16 is looking for volunteers to work the event.  Volunteers receive free admission ($30 value).  See Jeanne Z.
  • Carol Sundet-Meeker shared information regarding brother Dave’s recent health event.
  • John Crudele brought back a flag from a Grand Junction CO club.  He actually attended three clubs while there for a speaking engagement.
  • Becky Deelstra was awarded with the “Gift of Rotary” member award at the District Conference.
  • Prayers and good wishes to Mary Lou (Roy’s better half) undergoing a round of radiation.
Happy Bucks:
  • Prafulla happy about recent citizenship.
  • Irene Kelly named District Governor for 2018-2019
  • Dan O'Brien happy about incredible Above and Beyond banquet and for recognition by District for EPAM being in the news twenty two times (Thanks, Mark Weber).
  • Dick Ward happy about daughter’s wedding Saturday, May 21st
  • Roger Jorgensen mentioned 6/11 Stop the Trafficking 5K run/walk in Purgatory Park at 8:30 a.m.
  • David Hellmuth picked up one daughter from Madison who is home for a couple weeks before leaving for internship in Chicago and another daughter finishing up at Bethel.
  • John Crudele shared touching story about thank you from Rev. Arthur Rouner from Edina after Ethics luncheon.
  • Carol Sundet-Meeker thankful for her brother Dave who's doing well after his health issue last Tuesday.
  • Guest Susie Beaumeister happy for the support the club and host parents have provided Art (exchange student).
  • Cathy Haukedahl happy her son is home safe and sound after adventurous trip to Columbia.
Visitors:
Visiting Rotarians: Susie Beaumeister (RYE Country officer), Jean Cadwallader (Homer NY) and her son, Blake Cadwallader (former EPAM Rotarian)
Prospective Members/ Guests:   Laurie Pryor (Jan Eian), Holly Link (John Estall), Dan Cunningham (Gene Storms), Susan and Rachel Blixrud (Craig's wife and daughter), Chris McGinty (Jane McGinty's husband)
Students: Art Matanboon (exchange student) and Natalie Page, Alex Modeas, and Jake Leibold (interns), Madeline McGinty (Jane's daughter)