Howdy Y’all A message from IPDG Iven Mackay
I have returned recently from travel to D5520 in New Mexico/West Texas and D5840 in San Antonio, Texas. In D5520, I was able to catch up with Past Youth Exchange Student Kevin, who Marilyn & I hosted way back in 198990 and also our most recent student from this District, Ana Sofia Tribaldos (hosted by RC of Malvern), who was here last year in 2010-2011. It was great for me to have these 2 past YE Students from our District meet... there had been a 21 year gap between exchanges from D9800 and Rotary District 9800
D5520 (photo attached). I’m pleased that we have continued with another exchange this year and currently have D5520 YE Student Anna Lande here with us hosted by Bendigo Sandhurst. District 5520 is also known to us from two past GSE’s, the latest one being lead by our DGE Dennis Shore in 2005. We are also undertaking a Friendship Exchange with them this month. This District sends us a warm greeting. In D5840, I was able to catch up with members of the GSE team that came to Melbourne last year and they all asked that I pass on their best wishes to everyone in D9800. They miss Melbourne and value the friendships made. I visited many Clubs and all conveyed appreciation to D9800 for Issue 12 of 2011/2012 October 14 2011
the outstanding “Texas Connection” we had with them last year and for our wonderful GSE team. They hope our Districts will continue “Bridging Continents”. We commence Youth Exchange with this District next year. I was able to present personally, on behalf of our District, a PHF to IPDG Stephanie Macchia, for all her help and co-operation last year. (Photo attached). This is a wonderful District and they send a warm and friendly “howdy y’all’’ to us.
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