Charlotte Makes a New Friend in Rotary Exchange Student
Isa Tejeda Shares Her Experiences Over The Past Eight Months in Charlotte
By Jerri Haigler
      
Isa Tejeda, a Rotary Exchange student, captured the hearts of the club on Tuesday as she shared her experiences over the past eight months in the Charlotte area. Ed Wadsworth introduced Isa, the youngest exchange student at 15 years of age. He also thanked those who helped make her stay in Charlotte a positive one, including her three host families and the administrators and staff at Charlotte County Day School. A native of Madrid, Isa's first concern when considering coming to the U.S. was difficulty with the English language. On Tuesday, she commented that she now has what's called "a cute Spanish accent." It was obvious in her presentation that Isa really didn't have any trouble at all learning the language, accepting the culture, and making friends in Charlotte.
 
Since arriving in Charlotte on August 17, 2007, Isa has participated in a trip with Rotary to Washington, DC, visited New York City, toured Savannah, celebrated her "sweet 16th birthday," and excelled in her understanding and use of the English language. She commended her instructors at Charlotte Country Day School and her host families and friends for helping her become more fluent in the English language and introducing her to the rich culture of this area.
 
In her presentation, she also shared a few highlights from her own native country. She explained that meals in Spain are usually much later in the day with lunch at 2:30 or 3 p.m. and dinner around 10 p.m. She noted that the Flamingo is the most popular dance and one of Spain's greatest art forms. She also explained that bull fighting is a popular tradition, but running in front of the bulls is an "even bigger thrill." In addition, she explained that Spain truly does have two kinds of beaches - one for the nudists and one for those who prefer to be clothed. She gave a quick geography lesson and shared that Spain is the European country closest to Africa and includes 17 provinces, each with different dialects.
 
She concluded her remarks with a big thank you to the Rotary for their generosity over the past eight months and their hospitality. "Rotary is like one big family," Isa explained. "What you do changes lives every day, and I'm so fortunate I had the opportunity to be part of this Rotary experience."
  
Head Table: Shay Merritt, Mike Parrott, David Zimmerman, Ed Wadsworth, Jim Kothe, David Erdman;
Invocation: Joe Penner;
Visitors & Guests: Janice Stevens; Health & Happiness: Tom Hutchins; Song and Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Ervin Jackson was pleased to introduce new Rotarian Karen McKemie. Karen is President and General Manager of Felix Sabates' Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte. Contact Karen at kmckemie@mbcharlotte.org. Welcome Karen.
    
• Alan Adler says Early Bird rates for the upcoming Rotary Scholarship Golf Classic will end on May 31. About 80% of the golf spots are filled - sponsorships and auction items are needed. The registration form can be found on the website here.
   
• Rick Jackson is looking for one more couple to round out the Pinehurst golf weekend scheduled for June 27-29. Accommodations are available at the Holly Inn or 2-bedroom condo for $874; Carolina Deluxe room for $934; The Manor for $754. Contact Rick at rjackson@greatermediacharlotte.com.
   
• Jim and Gloria Hintz will head back to Peru on June 5. If you did not get a chance to order your handmade cards for Christmas - check out their full catalog at http://www.serving-alto-cayma.info.
   
• Regina Patton and Mike Thulin were married in Jamaica over the weekend; Meg McElwain has graduated from Leadership Charlotte.

• CPCC Summer Theater will present Annie Get Your Gun June 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, at 8:00pm, June 10 at 7:00pm and June 8 at 2:30 pm in the Halton Theater on the CPCC Central Campus. Tickets are $21.00/17.00/15.00. Further ticket options available at http://arts.cpcc.edu.

Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, contact the Rotary office by 6/02/2008.

Rotary International, the world's first service club organization, is made up of over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Its members form a global network of business and professional leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world.
 
Service Above Self, Rotary's motto, exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization's more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.
 
The Four-Way Test is followed by Rotarians worldwide in their business and professional lives. It was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 and has been translated into more than 100 languages.
 
Of the things we think, say or do:
     1 Is it the TRUTH?
     2 Is it FAIR to all concerned?
     3 Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
     4 Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?