I would like to thank my GSE team - an amazing bunch of people! David, Teresa and Robyn - we did so much - our 5000-odd kilometres in the juggernaut, Rotary visits, and vocational visits, snorts, laughs and good times! What a month! What a team! "It's all good!" :-)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Thank you!
As I sit in my hotel in New York thinking back over the past month of GSE, I am overwhelmed by the amazing adventure! I would like to thank everyone who made this possible, an extra-ordinary feat. I would like to thank everyone I met along the way, you made it what it was, and the laughs and good times we had together were fantastic. I have an amazing repertoire of vocational information to incorporate into my work practices and policies. I would like to thank all my host families - your hospitality and generosity has been amazing! I have developed friendships that will, hopefully, sustain over distance and time. I have memories that I will cherish. I would like to thank Holroyd Rotary Club for sponsoring me, and for giving me this amazing opportunity!!!!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Sleep Well - Thursday Night
Its hard to go to sleep for a number of reasons.
- My GSE adventure is drawing to a close (sadness and thinking of the many memories)
- I am heading home in a couple of days (excitement)
- Concern for the excess luggage I am going to have to pay for (....door mat)
- Not wanting to miss the alarm for our early morning drive to the airport
- Backing up 7200 photos onto my Ipod.
Its hard to put into words what the last 4 weeks have been like. From our blogs, photos, sms, postcards and emails I am sure that you all have a sense of the fun, variety of vocational visits, people we have met, places we have seen, the food we have eaten (Cant wait to get back to fitness classes), the support and friendship shown by everyone we have met.
For me the key parts of my GSE adventure have been:
- The support I have received from home
- The warmth and friendship of every Rotary club, every Rotarian & their partners
- The way in which we were hosted by every club, every host family and the various vocational visits that were arranged for us.
- Being able to reflect upon my skills, knowledge and abilities in my current role and in any role or position that I will have in the future. It has given me my confidence back in knowing that I am a very capable individual and will succeed now and into the future.
- Sharing this experience with David (who is now one of the girls), Amanda and Robyn - I was lucky to share this with you all. Thank you for your support, laughter, red bull and snorts.
A big thank you to the Penrith Valley Rotary Club for sponsoring me and in particular Linda Rios and Graeme Wilson for encouraging me to apply. I look forward to attending a meeting to share with you my exchange.
Love to all
Teresa
Thank You
As we are about to conclude the "best ever GSE" (a throwback from the Sydney Olympics) I would like to express formally our heartfelt felt thanks to many people.
Firstly, as the team leader, I want to thank my team. Without you guys this would not have been successful; without you being who you are would not have been so much fun. I have truly had a ball. I think I have learnt to be a girl and can now appreciate shopping and finger nails as they are meant to be. I sincerely thank each of you for the friendship and professionalism you have shown to the whole exchange program and to the ideals of Rotary.
Thank you to the Rotary Foundation, and to the many clubs' contributions who have made this exchange possible.
Thank you to my own club, Lower Blue Mountains, who sponsored me and saw the value in my representing them and the district on this journey.
Thank you, too, to the sponsor clubs of Teresa (Penrith Valley), Amanda (Holroyd), and Robyn (Prospect) who recognised these young professionals and encouraged them to apply for GSE.
Thank you to Paul back home and the GSE committee for supporting us throughout the selection and training process. I think we done good!
To our host District, and DG Chris, and Linda and the host committee, we really appreciate the effort you have gone to to put together a great program.
To our host clubs and everyone who participated in the program over the past four weeks, how can we ever show our appreciation? Everybody has gone out of their way in some way or another, either driving for a day, hosting a pot luck dinner, inviting a team leader for a beer, or in numerous other ways, thanks a lot. We shall never forget you.
To our vocational day hosts, we also appreciate the effort you have gone to to show us your workplaces. Whether it was a school, airport, call centre, golf course, library or courthouse we had a fantastic experience and can take back a little of New Hampshire and Vermont experiences.
Everybody who took time to particaipate in some way or another has helped to make this Group Study Exchange so memorable. Thanks.
And finally to our partners and families back home - we have missed you greatly and look forward to meeting again soon and sharing our experiences. We thank you for your love and support.
Tonight we had a great farwell dinner, hosted by the Nashua Rotary Club and we now move on.
We shall keep up the blog as independent travellers for a few more weeks and then soon we will meet again in Sydney to conclude the experiences.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY
Firstly, as the team leader, I want to thank my team. Without you guys this would not have been successful; without you being who you are would not have been so much fun. I have truly had a ball. I think I have learnt to be a girl and can now appreciate shopping and finger nails as they are meant to be. I sincerely thank each of you for the friendship and professionalism you have shown to the whole exchange program and to the ideals of Rotary.
Thank you to the Rotary Foundation, and to the many clubs' contributions who have made this exchange possible.
Thank you to my own club, Lower Blue Mountains, who sponsored me and saw the value in my representing them and the district on this journey.
Thank you, too, to the sponsor clubs of Teresa (Penrith Valley), Amanda (Holroyd), and Robyn (Prospect) who recognised these young professionals and encouraged them to apply for GSE.
Thank you to Paul back home and the GSE committee for supporting us throughout the selection and training process. I think we done good!
To our host District, and DG Chris, and Linda and the host committee, we really appreciate the effort you have gone to to put together a great program.
To our host clubs and everyone who participated in the program over the past four weeks, how can we ever show our appreciation? Everybody has gone out of their way in some way or another, either driving for a day, hosting a pot luck dinner, inviting a team leader for a beer, or in numerous other ways, thanks a lot. We shall never forget you.
To our vocational day hosts, we also appreciate the effort you have gone to to show us your workplaces. Whether it was a school, airport, call centre, golf course, library or courthouse we had a fantastic experience and can take back a little of New Hampshire and Vermont experiences.
Everybody who took time to particaipate in some way or another has helped to make this Group Study Exchange so memorable. Thanks.
And finally to our partners and families back home - we have missed you greatly and look forward to meeting again soon and sharing our experiences. We thank you for your love and support.
Tonight we had a great farwell dinner, hosted by the Nashua Rotary Club and we now move on.
We shall keep up the blog as independent travellers for a few more weeks and then soon we will meet again in Sydney to conclude the experiences.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY
Chester and Bellows Falls
On our second last day our Deerfield Valley friends hosted us for breakfast before heading north to Chester. We toured the T-shirt screen printing coy and got just the most fabulous gift; we visited News Co (?) a company devoted to transcribing ALL of the congress and senate papers (similar to Hansard in Aust) onto a digital format, making it suitable for researchers and archivists; the Chester Museum was opened especially for us and we got to ring the town bell! and the cemetery with a mix of revolutionary and Civil War graves - oldest gravestone was 1770.
The Angels and I then were able to ask our hosts to amend the agenda so we could fulfill the most anticipated part of the trip - a visit to Springfield, VT, the Home of the Simpsons. Whilst there is a Springfield in every state of the US, Springfield, Vermont won a nationwide competition to establish itself as THE Springfield. Indeed The Simpsons Movie held its world premier there last year. The childish-like GSE team entertained themselves with photos with the family and the giant hand holding the giant donut -- mmmm donuts !! We even have a copy of the winning entry to bring home and show everybody.
We were hosted last night by Pat who owns the Motel in the Meadow at Chester and we had a combined meeting with Bellows Falls RC performing our last presentation. David was given a new gnome as well.
On Thursday we had a breakfast meeting with Bellows Falls, a visit to a nuclear power plant (see how easily I said that?) and a tour of a unique high school established without fixed walled classrooms. each classroom is divided by moveable partitions just like a modern office and classes are held within earshot of one another. The advantage is the students are encouraged to be less noisy and the whole school can expand by creating a new room whenever it may choose.
We lunched at a great little organic cafe on the canal in Bellows Falls and then moved back into New Hampshire for the trip over to Nashua.
Our hosts for our last night are Nashua Rotary Club. They will be having a cocktail party reception for us and DG Chris. It should be a fun, relaxed night.
We wrap up the GSE tomorrow at Manchester airport.
David
The Angels and I then were able to ask our hosts to amend the agenda so we could fulfill the most anticipated part of the trip - a visit to Springfield, VT, the Home of the Simpsons. Whilst there is a Springfield in every state of the US, Springfield, Vermont won a nationwide competition to establish itself as THE Springfield. Indeed The Simpsons Movie held its world premier there last year. The childish-like GSE team entertained themselves with photos with the family and the giant hand holding the giant donut -- mmmm donuts !! We even have a copy of the winning entry to bring home and show everybody.
We were hosted last night by Pat who owns the Motel in the Meadow at Chester and we had a combined meeting with Bellows Falls RC performing our last presentation. David was given a new gnome as well.
On Thursday we had a breakfast meeting with Bellows Falls, a visit to a nuclear power plant (see how easily I said that?) and a tour of a unique high school established without fixed walled classrooms. each classroom is divided by moveable partitions just like a modern office and classes are held within earshot of one another. The advantage is the students are encouraged to be less noisy and the whole school can expand by creating a new room whenever it may choose.
We lunched at a great little organic cafe on the canal in Bellows Falls and then moved back into New Hampshire for the trip over to Nashua.
Our hosts for our last night are Nashua Rotary Club. They will be having a cocktail party reception for us and DG Chris. It should be a fun, relaxed night.
We wrap up the GSE tomorrow at Manchester airport.
David
Crusin' in Chester
We began the morning at Derry Village Rotary Meeting before transferring to Chester where we visited Vermont-T's (and were each given a spectacular baseball hat! Thank you!), an indexing company that is digitising government papers, and the High School (including David's first school cafeteria lunch).
From there we went to Springfield -- the home of 'The Simpsons'! We clambered over the arm holding the donut, and sat next to Homer on the couch! Thanks to Pat for organising it, and Springfield Chamber of Commerce!
We could not go to Springfield and not drop in on Pete from the USA GSE team!
While, dinner with Bellows Falls and Deerfield Rotary was fantastic, it was a poignant time as it was a last presentation... How the time has flown! 32 days, 12 presentations...
We followed this with drinks at PK's...
This morning we attended a combined Bellows Falls and Chester Rotary meeting, before visiting a nuclear power plant, high school with no walls, and had a spectacular lunch at Bellows Falls. From there we headed back to New Hampshire for our final night of GSE.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Deerfield Valley
As David and Teresa have indicated, we have had a busy yet relaxing few days! For our vocational visit yesterday, Robyn and I visited Twin Valley High School -- the local HS with enrolment of approx 250 students (years 9-12). We visited their TV/film studio, which has been set up and run by the local Police Chief. The have hooked into the local cable TV, and we were fortunate enough to see a sample of the amazing work being done! A full school assembly followed. While we were introduced, the focus of the assembly was on UNICEF and their work with children. After this, Robyn spoke with the softball team, played lacross, and team-taught an 'Urban Legends' lesson. I had an enjoyable time investigating the Library, before we met for a quick tour of the School.
Robyn and I then met Teresa at Mount Snow for lunch, swimming, and day spa before having dinner with our host families and a bonfire.
May 6th - Vocational visit and Bonfire by the lake
Creating the Smoares
mmmmmmm Yummy
Proud Aussies at the District Conference
Robyn and Teresa - Party Girls
Watch out - Cool Runnings Aussie Style
The closest we have got to seeing a real moose
David and Robyn concentrating at our bonfire tonight
Today was Vocational day for us all.
I was lucky enough to get a bit of a sleep in before heading up to Mt Snow to be shown operations by Kelly (sorry I cant recall your last name at this time of night) who has worked her way up to General Manager of the ski resort. It was an impressive operations with many changes and challenges handled so well by Kelly and her staff.
I would like to return in a couple of years to see the upcoming changes to the resort and the infrastructures. After a bit to eat and some shopping for some Mt Snow shirts (again thanks to Kelly), the 3 angels (David was off trying to play golf) and Kelly spent some quality time in the heated pool and spas. When Kelly headed back to real work, Amanda had a facial while Robyn and I had a much needed massage after a hard days work. A big thank you to Kelly for such a relaxing day.
I am staying with the MacDougalls and they hosted a dinner at their house for the 4 of us and our host families. After an enjoyable dinner, most of us headed to the lake for a bonfire, some singing, an explanation of cricket to our hosts and some Smoares - toasted marshmallows, them put onto a gram cracker that had Herseys chocolate on it. It was Delicious and oh so bad :]
Its now 11:50pm and its time to finish packing as we attend the West Dover meeting in the morning at 8:00am then off again in the Juggernaut - hoping to go via Springfield - the home of the Simpson's and the best Pharmacy in the USA.
I have added a few photos of the last few days.
Love to all back home.
Teresa
Two Days in Wilmington, VT
After our trip down from Lake Placid on Sunday we spent the evening with host families and generally flaked pretty early.
Monday kicked off with Breakfast at Dot's - a Wilmington institution. Dot's is a diner downtown and we were treated to traditional diner fare; coffee, pancakes and maple syrup, eggs over easy etc and Oreo milkshakes.
We had a short walking history tour of the town and then a drive to Dover for sightseeing and lunch in a Chinese restaurant (fairly similar to back home).
A highlight was then to be taken to the lake where kayaks and canoes were provided for a magnificent hourlong paddle on beautiful clear, calm, sunny waters.
Home to rest (?) and prepare for dinner.
The Deerfield Valley Rotary Club put on a great dinner at The Matterhorn for us and other special guests of the club. We gave an entertaining, informal presentation which was again warmly received with lots of questions.
Today, Tuesday, was our final vocational day (details from the angels) and tonight we are having a pot luck dinner at Arlene's and even a bonfire at the lake.
Club breakfast meeting tomorrow before transferring to Chester Rotary club for our last hosts.
Monday kicked off with Breakfast at Dot's - a Wilmington institution. Dot's is a diner downtown and we were treated to traditional diner fare; coffee, pancakes and maple syrup, eggs over easy etc and Oreo milkshakes.
We had a short walking history tour of the town and then a drive to Dover for sightseeing and lunch in a Chinese restaurant (fairly similar to back home).
A highlight was then to be taken to the lake where kayaks and canoes were provided for a magnificent hourlong paddle on beautiful clear, calm, sunny waters.
Home to rest (?) and prepare for dinner.
The Deerfield Valley Rotary Club put on a great dinner at The Matterhorn for us and other special guests of the club. We gave an entertaining, informal presentation which was again warmly received with lots of questions.
Today, Tuesday, was our final vocational day (details from the angels) and tonight we are having a pot luck dinner at Arlene's and even a bonfire at the lake.
Club breakfast meeting tomorrow before transferring to Chester Rotary club for our last hosts.
Into the Finals
We are into the finals!
No, not the sporting or singing finals (although David Cook is still in American Idol - who's rooting for him?), but the finals week.
It will be our final presentation on Wednesday night
Our final host families
The final walk in the woods for fluffy
The final trip in the Juggernaught
Maybe the final time for Robyn to be carded (on GSE anyway)
Our final vocational day was today (golf course inspection is definitely my new vocation)
Our final Rotary meeting (they have been a hoot)
Our final pack before leaving NH/VT
Maybe the final shopping trip?
Or the final bit of trivia from the old guy in the front of the bus?
It might be our final three-meals-a-day before becoming poor tourists again.
And, of course, our final goodbyes. All the team will regret the goodbye part as we have made such solid friendships along the way.
David
No, not the sporting or singing finals (although David Cook is still in American Idol - who's rooting for him?), but the finals week.
It will be our final presentation on Wednesday night
Our final host families
The final walk in the woods for fluffy
The final trip in the Juggernaught
Maybe the final time for Robyn to be carded (on GSE anyway)
Our final vocational day was today (golf course inspection is definitely my new vocation)
Our final Rotary meeting (they have been a hoot)
Our final pack before leaving NH/VT
Maybe the final shopping trip?
Or the final bit of trivia from the old guy in the front of the bus?
It might be our final three-meals-a-day before becoming poor tourists again.
And, of course, our final goodbyes. All the team will regret the goodbye part as we have made such solid friendships along the way.
David
Monday, May 5, 2008
Lake Placid District Conference
What an amazing weekend! The Conference was superb with interesting plenary sessions, and great entertainment! It was fantastic to catch up with people we have met and been hosted by during our travels. For me, this has been an amazing month, and the Conference (which David has gone through in detail) has been a highlight!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
District Conference
The District Conference began on Friday with opening session at 2.30pm. We gave our presentation during the first plenary session which allowed us to relax for the rest of the weekend and enjoy the company of friends we have made and meet many more.
Steve gave his report to conference during the next session and Friday was devoted to Foundation content. I was able to present DG Chris with the gift from DG Jennifer which survived three weeks of packing and unpacking.
It has already been mentioned we won the Parrot Head night on Friday (must have been for the best performance by an Australian group). Again, the reception we received and warm welcomes have been outstanding.
Saturday's plenary session was Rotary business in the morning, promotion of next year's conference (will the Foundation cover me for a return visit?), District Service Projects and the finals of the District Four Way Speech Contest. The key note speaker was an Olympian, Jeff Blatnick. He was terrific.
Afternoon activities made up the rest of the day with options of hiking, an Olympic experience tour of Lake Placid (including the story and video of the 1980 USA vs USSR hockey match that stopped a nation and a trip to the top of the ski jump), or gold on the resort golf course. The results aren't announced until this morning but I can say the Teresa was a star, hitting a Big Bertha some 225 yards to set up a score for the scramble (ambrose).
As I type this I think Saturday night might still be happening for some folk. My impression is that if you are a Rotarian from Vermont you have inherited the Green Mountain Boys liking for a good time out. Plenty of fellowship abounded in the various after-parties.
The evening dinner was a grand affair with DG Chris chairing a presentation of a Service above Self award and a parade of flags from all the 22 inbound Exchange Students. The Australian GSE team carried in the Aussie flag to a rousing reception.
Today we wrap up Conference and we are off to West Dover, VT for our next hosts.
Still plenty to see and do in this glorious part of the world.
Cheers
David
Sunday - The conference reconvened with an interfaith service and then a large breakfast, during which my Rotary Idol shirt (the Kangaroo Rotary shirt) was auctioned for $250 for the Foundation. Thank you to the generous buyer. The conference concluded with the Youth Exchange program and final remarks. We had to say our goodbyes then to many friends we have made along the way. We will surely see you again sometime.
Our new hosts began our final week by providing lunch in Lake Placid and bringing us to the beautiful mountains east of Bennington, VT to West Dover.
Steve gave his report to conference during the next session and Friday was devoted to Foundation content. I was able to present DG Chris with the gift from DG Jennifer which survived three weeks of packing and unpacking.
It has already been mentioned we won the Parrot Head night on Friday (must have been for the best performance by an Australian group). Again, the reception we received and warm welcomes have been outstanding.
Saturday's plenary session was Rotary business in the morning, promotion of next year's conference (will the Foundation cover me for a return visit?), District Service Projects and the finals of the District Four Way Speech Contest. The key note speaker was an Olympian, Jeff Blatnick. He was terrific.
Afternoon activities made up the rest of the day with options of hiking, an Olympic experience tour of Lake Placid (including the story and video of the 1980 USA vs USSR hockey match that stopped a nation and a trip to the top of the ski jump), or gold on the resort golf course. The results aren't announced until this morning but I can say the Teresa was a star, hitting a Big Bertha some 225 yards to set up a score for the scramble (ambrose).
As I type this I think Saturday night might still be happening for some folk. My impression is that if you are a Rotarian from Vermont you have inherited the Green Mountain Boys liking for a good time out. Plenty of fellowship abounded in the various after-parties.
The evening dinner was a grand affair with DG Chris chairing a presentation of a Service above Self award and a parade of flags from all the 22 inbound Exchange Students. The Australian GSE team carried in the Aussie flag to a rousing reception.
Today we wrap up Conference and we are off to West Dover, VT for our next hosts.
Still plenty to see and do in this glorious part of the world.
Cheers
David
Sunday - The conference reconvened with an interfaith service and then a large breakfast, during which my Rotary Idol shirt (the Kangaroo Rotary shirt) was auctioned for $250 for the Foundation. Thank you to the generous buyer. The conference concluded with the Youth Exchange program and final remarks. We had to say our goodbyes then to many friends we have made along the way. We will surely see you again sometime.
Our new hosts began our final week by providing lunch in Lake Placid and bringing us to the beautiful mountains east of Bennington, VT to West Dover.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Rotarian Idols
After an outstanding presentation at D7870 Conference yesterday, we dressed in our Jimmy Buffet finest (yellow Rotary shirts with kangaroo's) and headed to the par-tee! There were 2 highlights of the evening - catching up with friends and meeting new people, and our magnificent production of 'Rotary' at the Rotary Idol competition!!! Our rehearsals in the juggernaut on the way to Lake Placid reminded us that none of us can carry a tune.... The competition was strong. And the winners of the musical component was ---
--- the Australian GSE team!
Welcome to Lake Placid
It's Saturday and we arrived in Lake Placid, NY for the District Conference this morning. After registration, setting up our House of Friendship display and general relaxation we are ready for the start of conference. DG Chris has done a great job, the venue is fabulous and we are looking forward to a great weekend.
Cheers
The Team
Cheers
The Team
Roving in Rutland
The past week has passed in another blur of activity, with us again relocating today! We ended last week with a moving ANZAC commemoration on 25th April conducted in detail by Robyn (our resident historian).
David has already outlined our visit to Rutland. While David and Teresa were playing golf in the snow, Robyn and I spent the day with my host Dad (Bill) on vocational visits. We also experienced it snowing in Rutland, before heading north to Middlebury where we visited wood turning shop, a forge gallery, local artisans, and Middlebury College. The College has a very impressive Library! Yesterday, Robyn's host Dad (Rick) took us to Bennington where we visited many historical sites, as well as a scenic moose-spotting expedition! Although we did not spot any moose, we saw beautiful countryside.
Today we have arrived in beautiful Lake Placid for District 7870 Conference.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Our Week in Rutland
The rule of the road is - Whomever has access to write the Blog, does so.
Tonight I am sitting at home all packed up ready to move on to Lake Placid tomorrow and my host, Cale Shipman, and I have been downtown to a sportsbar for a pasta meal. The Red Sox are losing in the 3rd inning.
This week we were met by Rutland rotarians at Woodstock and drove further into Vermont on Sunday via a great little brewery (Long Trail Brewery) and the Mt Killington ski fields. I asked our host today how many ski resorts are within an hours drive and the answer was "many".
We met our host families at the pick up place of the week - another McDonald's car park and each had a restful night with hosts in their homes.
Monday was a highlight with a breakfast meeting at Wallingford RC. They meet in the Little Red Schoolhouse, a Paul Harris Memorial Building now owned by the District. After a short tour to orientate Rutland we attended Rutland City RC and gave what we now refer to as a mini presentation - we gave an intro followed by a brief bio. Cale and Jeff took us moose hunting without success and we were delivered back to our hosts by around 5pm.
Tuesday, on the other hand, was our first day of poor weather on the entire trip. There was light rain all day and the temperature didn't get above 45deg F. We had made a few changes the day before so this day was altered to provide a great visit to Stafford Vocational Technical Center in the morning, lunch by the catering students and then a road trip north to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory - would you believe we struck Free Cone Day? and then further on to the Von Trapp Family Lodge. You may like to check your own resources for further information on these places.
Wednesday was Vocational Day and Linda had done her homework well as I was allocated to suss out the golf course with Nancy Anderson. Teresa came with me and Robyn and Amanda went to Middlebury College. I can say the day on the course was most educational! Thanks Nancy and thanks Bill for the clubs, even though the three wood doesn't work properly.
We finished the day with a cook-out at Socinskis and ate moose burgers prepared by Teresa from last year's hunt.
Our final full day in Rutland started with a presentation and Rotary meeting at Rutland South and then an historical and entertaining tour by Rick. Rick took us to Manchester for Danford Pewter and then to Bennington for a visit to the museum and the Bennington Monument. The monument is a 200ft tower built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington which the Patriots fought against the British in 1777. On the way home we searched and searched for the elusive moose but, again, no luck.
We look forward now to a trip to Lake Placid and District 7870 Conference.
David and the Team
Tonight I am sitting at home all packed up ready to move on to Lake Placid tomorrow and my host, Cale Shipman, and I have been downtown to a sportsbar for a pasta meal. The Red Sox are losing in the 3rd inning.
This week we were met by Rutland rotarians at Woodstock and drove further into Vermont on Sunday via a great little brewery (Long Trail Brewery) and the Mt Killington ski fields. I asked our host today how many ski resorts are within an hours drive and the answer was "many".
We met our host families at the pick up place of the week - another McDonald's car park and each had a restful night with hosts in their homes.
Monday was a highlight with a breakfast meeting at Wallingford RC. They meet in the Little Red Schoolhouse, a Paul Harris Memorial Building now owned by the District. After a short tour to orientate Rutland we attended Rutland City RC and gave what we now refer to as a mini presentation - we gave an intro followed by a brief bio. Cale and Jeff took us moose hunting without success and we were delivered back to our hosts by around 5pm.
Tuesday, on the other hand, was our first day of poor weather on the entire trip. There was light rain all day and the temperature didn't get above 45deg F. We had made a few changes the day before so this day was altered to provide a great visit to Stafford Vocational Technical Center in the morning, lunch by the catering students and then a road trip north to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory - would you believe we struck Free Cone Day? and then further on to the Von Trapp Family Lodge. You may like to check your own resources for further information on these places.
Wednesday was Vocational Day and Linda had done her homework well as I was allocated to suss out the golf course with Nancy Anderson. Teresa came with me and Robyn and Amanda went to Middlebury College. I can say the day on the course was most educational! Thanks Nancy and thanks Bill for the clubs, even though the three wood doesn't work properly.
We finished the day with a cook-out at Socinskis and ate moose burgers prepared by Teresa from last year's hunt.
Our final full day in Rutland started with a presentation and Rotary meeting at Rutland South and then an historical and entertaining tour by Rick. Rick took us to Manchester for Danford Pewter and then to Bennington for a visit to the museum and the Bennington Monument. The monument is a 200ft tower built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington which the Patriots fought against the British in 1777. On the way home we searched and searched for the elusive moose but, again, no luck.
We look forward now to a trip to Lake Placid and District 7870 Conference.
David and the Team
Many Happy Returns
The quickest Blog yet!
Stop Press!!
Boston is Back - returned unharmed this week. Thank you anonymous person or persons unknown.
Goin was just restin' in my jacket. I thought I'd lost my little mate but no, when I packed just now for Lake Placid, there he was, happy as larry.
Thank you to all those people who were concerned and a big relief for me not having to expalin his loss to Geoff Hawken from Lower Blue Mountains Club.
Chief Gnome
Stop Press!!
Boston is Back - returned unharmed this week. Thank you anonymous person or persons unknown.
Goin was just restin' in my jacket. I thought I'd lost my little mate but no, when I packed just now for Lake Placid, there he was, happy as larry.
Thank you to all those people who were concerned and a big relief for me not having to expalin his loss to Geoff Hawken from Lower Blue Mountains Club.
Chief Gnome
Thursday, May 1, 2008
A few photos of what we've been up to...
Received cryptic messages at the Baseball...
We became tv stars when interviewed on local cable tv... 
Did the Rotary thing...
Tried some of the local produce...
Caught up with old friends... 
The only moose we've seen so far!
We sampled some moose....
& of course Red Bull is essential to keep us going because we've been having so much fun!
Well that's about all for now, hope all is well back home & with our new friends in USA,
Robyn :)
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