Closing Out May

The merry month of May closed out with some memorable events.

Thursday, May 20th. Keowee Sailing Club. The Seneca Rotary held a steak dinner on the lake in honor of the Australian GSE team. The picture speaks for itself. I wrote DG Brendan Porter in Australis not to worry about Brad and Raymond wearing skirts. They only did that 25% of the time they were here.



Monday, May 24th. The Zen. Our Inbound Youth Exchange student (Aijan Bapaeva - Abby) asked Michelle Moore, Charlie Slate and Paula Byrd to help her raise money for the Rotaract Club of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. There has been a recent coupe and many people are in the hospital. The state will pay for the hospital, but food must be provided by the families. In many cases, there are no families. Abby had proposed going door to door, but her sponsors decided that was not a great idea. So they held a fundraising dinner at the Zen. Abby spoke and showed video of Kyrgyzstan, which is stunningly beautiful. They raised $1100, which was to be matched by the club in Bishkek. The President is an American and was able to thank the group by a speaker on a cellphone. Thanks to Abby and all those who contributed for a nice event.

Tuesday, May 25th. Rotary night at the Greenville Drive. The DG fulfilled a lifetime dream of throwing out the first pitch. His 65 year old arm was not as good as it once was (and never as good as he remembered.) The ball did go over the plate but shorthopped the catcher. Ah well. Call it a Sinker. Or maybe Stinker. Anyway, it was a great game that the Drive won 1-0 by scoring a run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

Saturday, May 29th. GSP Airport. The Australian team gathered for one last photo and then left the Upstate for either Florida, California or home. Leader Rob Antoniazzi called Lyn Kenney this afternoon to say he was home after a 31 hour journey. He reiterated that the team had the experience of a lifetime and to thank all of those involved. Thank you, Rob and team, for enriching our lives as well.

The Canadian team arrived later early Saturday evening. We will have the highlights from both teams in our May newsletter.