Presidential Message
Stephanie A. Urchick
President 2024-25
September 2024
The Magic of Rotary is belonging, and it’s a feeling that can appear when you least expect it.
Earlier this year, I was in Slovakia serving as a president’s representative during a six-week trip through Europe. When I wrote to Katarina Cechova, governor of District 2240 at the time, I mentioned that my grandmother Veronica Zilka grew up in a small village in the area before settling in the U.S.
It wasn’t long before Cechova tracked down my grandmother’s village, Jakubova Vol’a. She even organized a visit for me, where I received an unforgettable Slovakian welcome.
When I entered the community center of Jakubova Vol’a, a small crowd of people dressed in traditional Slovakian clothing greeted me. They sang with beautiful and powerful Central European voices that reminded me of my grandmother.
A lot of families play cards or games when they get together. When I was young, my father would pick up his accordion and lead my family in song. My grandmother would sing along with her impressive voice.
When I walked into the community center and heard traditional music from my childhood — when I saw a woman play the accordion the way my dad played — I suddenly felt like a little girl sitting at my grandmother’s house in Monessen, Pennsylvania. I burst into tears of joy at the memories.
Warren County Helping Hand Food Pantry
Current Needs
Dish Soap
Canned Soup
Pasta Sauce
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Rotary Club of Indianola has been involved with Rotary Youth Exchange since the 1960's. When travel restrictions and other issues created reluctance by host families to participate the Club was unable to host inbound students. Club officials are working diligently to restart the inbound program for the 2024/2025 School year.
Last year our Club approved an application for outbound studies for a local student to study in France. Norah came home in June 2024 with a new perspective and appreciation for Rotary.
Candidates for Rotary Youth Exchange are students 15-19 years of age and leaders in their schools and communities.
Rotary Youth Exchange requires long-term planning which makes it advisable to contact Rotary Club of Indianola a year or more before the planned visit.
Contact:
Email: indianolarotary@gmail.com
website: Rotary Club of Indianola