On Tuesday, July 29th, I headed to the Bend Area. That evening, I attended the Greater Bend Club’s Happy Hour, which was held in conjunction with their Belluno, Italy Sister City organization. The sister city connection was established around 2010 by key members of the Greater Bend Club and the Rotary Club of Belluno. This year, they had 6 visiting students from Italy for their annual youth exchange, and were celebrating the connection with the two cities.
They had a great turnout, and various dignitaries (I was included!) said a few words. This program resonates with Rotary – it is one great example of Rotary’s youth exchange program and through it, promoting peace and understanding.
Wednesday at 4:30, I met President Laurel Fishkin and PE Neal Bordenave at Pine Tavern Restaurant outside overlooking the river. We had the opportunity to discuss the leadership continuity plan, opportunities, and challenges from their perspective.
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1 comment
John Helm
Very nice article, I have been working with the exchange group here in Belluno since we started it. My family living near Bend in Sisters sent me an article about the twining of the two cities so I got involved right away. It is a great program and always so wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of the students and to realize the bonds that are formed. We do our little part to open minds and create understanding of the world beyond their own environments.