Newsletter for June 4, 2019 (Jun 04, 2019)

Program for 6/4: Maria Naranjo Gallego

We had the pleasure of hearing from Boardman Rotary's foreign exchange student for the 2018-2019 year, Maria Naranjo Gallego. Maria came to us from Madrid, Spain, having departed her home on August 12, 2018, to spend the year in Northeast Ohio. She chronicled some of the most special moments she had with her fellow foreign exchange students, her classmates, and her incredible host family.

First overnighter organized by Boardman Rotary — met so many wonderful people and all the other exchange students that became her fast friends. There were games, food, fun, fellowship, and opportunities for them to enjoy being here and learning more about the time they'd be spending in Ohio.
School — Maria attended South Range. One of her favorite memories was taking part in the Regatta - Pink Ladies made a boat out of cardboard and raced them on a lake. She also enjoyed making rice in Spanish class.
Band — felt it was the greatest thing about her experience here. Didn’t like it at first, but met a lot of people. Played the cymbals. Never played an instrument in her life, but the percussion section became her family, and she will miss it.
Canfield Fair — was there everyday from 7 am - 11 pm. First host family had goats so she was there everyday with them. It was long but a lot of fun.
Service — every Tuesday Maria would help children learn English through games.
DC — Rotary organized a trip for the foreign exchange students. She bonded with them and she loved the history in DC.
Homecoming & Prom — she loved being able to dress up and have a fun night with her friends.
Host family — the Pasquale family. Maria cannot thank them enough for hosting her. She knows she’ll have a sister forever in Marie.
Disney — She went with the band. Although she likes Ohio, she LOVES Florida!
New York — preferred DC over New York, but she still enjoyed the trip. Times Square was impressive.
Commencement — Maria got to graduate with South Range. She said it was an experience she'll never forget.

“Exchange isn’t a year in your life, it’s a life in a year.”

Thank you to Maria for spending the last year with Boardman Rotary! You were a pleasure to have join us every week. Best of luck finishing your senior year once back in Spain!

New Member: Muhannad Kassawatt, MD

Last week we introduced new member, Muhannad Kassawatt, MD. He was pinned by sponsor, John Burgan.

President’s Party

Mark your calendars for June 28, 2019, as the President’s Party will be held that day at the Tyler History Center. To the new Rotarians, this is a great event that is free to you and your spouse/partner as it is covered in your dues! Sign up sheets will be passed around soon. Dress is business casual!

Salvation Army Picnic

There will be a community recognition picnic on June 17 at Quaker Steak and Lube. Paul and Sherry would like to honor the Boardman Rotary. If you are able to attend, please let them know.

Joint Board Meeting

There will be a joint board meeting Thursday, June 20th, at 5:30 pm at Aqua Pazzo. Details will be emailed out.

Dinner and Theater Night

A group of Rotarians will be joining together to see our very own Tom Hathhorn, starring as Norman in the Hopewell Theatre production of On Golden Pond. The group is planning to see the production on Saturday, June 15th, at 7:30 PM., however if more people are able to attend on Friday the group will go that evening instead. Please indicate on the sign ups. Tickets are $8. Dinner is at 5:30, at O'Charley's in Boardman, and is not included in the ticket price. A sign up is going around at the weekly meetings.