Group Study Exchange (GSE) Group Shares Experience in the Dominican Republic

Dianne Anderson, District 5730's Group Study Exchange team leader brought her team to tell us about their recent travels. Dianne, a member of the Midland West Rotary Club and nominated District Governor, was joined by team members Kim Bruce, Gentrye Houghton and Taylor Forti. The group shared their presentations about Texas and the US and detailed interactions with Rotarians and others in the Dominican Republic. The vocational exchange to this small country (14 DRs could fit into Texas!) occurred at the same time that the election was taking place, providing an intimate view of the political process. The team stayed in host homes and used their four weeks to visit hospitals, television stations, universities, orphanages, tobacco factories, childcare centers, nursing homes and schools. They even visited "Rotary City," a neighborhood heavily sponsored by Rotary outside of San Cristobal. Dianne noted that the passion for Rotary and making a difference for others was obvious â€" the DR had 1400 members in attendance at their District Conference! Next GSE will be to South Korea in May 2013. If you or someone you know are interested, contact John Kanelis. Thanks, Dianne and all for an interesting program!

Special thanks to everyone who helped make our Hold-Up so successful again this year, especially Captain Jeff Lester.

Rotary Foundation raffle tickets have been distributed to all members. Tickets are $10 each and checks should be made out to the Rotary Club of Amarillo. Please be sure to turn in your funds and ticket stubs to Gina by November 1. The winner will receive a $1,000 gift card, the Rotarian that sells the most will receive $500 and the person who sells the winning ticket will receive $500. Proceeds will go to a local charity to be decided.

Sincere appreciation to the following for their contribution of time this week:
Club President, Renee Wilson for presiding and playing piano.
David O'Dell for leading us in song.
Doyle Moore for providing the invocation.
Jeff Neely, Dale Bippus and Gina Rodriguez for greeting us.
Eddie Melin for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians.
Julie Ontiveros for serving as August program chair.
Basil Walker for manning the Foundation ticket sales and to Rocky Gafford for providing another wonderful pizza prize!