Jim Sutton proudly presented our recently returned Ambassadorial Scholar, Christine Cloonan, who enjoyed a year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to her trip, Christine was employed in the Spanish Department at Phillips Andover Academy.
Christine attended university in Buenos Aires and told us that it was a most amazing experience. She was supported by the Club de Nueva Pompeya, the only club that has its own house. Get this -- their meetings begin with dinner at 9 p.m.! Isn't that when most of us are getting ready for bed?
Christine related some of the activities she enjoyed including traveling to the tip of South America and having dinner with the family of the local president of the club in the area. Other experiences included a beach trip with her club's outgoing scholar; a trip to Cordoba during election time, where all residents are required by law to vote and must have a card stamped as proof. During July there was a big swine flu hysteria which resulted in cancellation of flights in and out, and schools, museums, theaters and malls closed. 
She remarked about the rapid increase in the prices of masks and hand sanitizers.
In August she accompanied her host parents to a gaucho ranch. She mentioned the importance of the meat-producing areas to the culture. A favorite trip was to the Mendosa area wineries. In October she travelled with other Rotary scholars to Machu Picchu for four days and enjoyed some karaoke sessions with the group.
In November, her visit to a local Rotary club resulted in an offer from one of its woman members, who would be going to Boston, to meet Christine's family and bring back anything she needed from home. On Thanksgiving she visited an American club and enjoyed dinner and coffee with them. To round out the year, in December everyone in the club visited a Greek community club, followed by a girls' weekend at the beach.
Christine closed by relating about how much she learned about another culture and how she appreciated being able to utilize her Spanish on a daily basis.
Today we were introduced to Joanne Bissetta, the Green Communities Coordinator for the Department of Energy Resources. Joanne's job is to work with energy related issues such as projects and money saving tips.
Al Getler has provided order forms and size specifications for the advertising book for Citizens Who Care/Educator of the Year. He encouraged everyone to work on getting advertisers and emphasized the need for major sponsor suggestions.