From left: Yuri, Diana, Cristina giving insight into Argentine culture
Miranda tasting the food contributed by both team members and guests.
Cristina and Melia raising their glasses
Bill and Lindsay chatting about the details of the trip.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Meetings shouldn't be this much fun!
A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of meeting with past GSE members and Nashville residents from Argentina. We asked a lot questions about the GSE experience and also about life in Argentina. All the new information helped to make us even more excited about our travels! We heard stories about GSE trips in Austrailia and France and also tasted local Argentine wine and yerba mate. We are sure to have a fantastic time this Spring! Take a look at the photos below for evidence of our fun-filled evening. A special thanks to Tonya for arranging and hosting the event and also thank you to all our guests.
From left: Yuri, Diana, Cristina giving insight into Argentine culture
Miranda tasting the food contributed by both team members and guests.
Cristina and Melia raising their glasses
From left: Yuri, Diana, Cristina giving insight into Argentine cultureMiranda tasting the food contributed by both team members and guests.Cristina and Melia raising their glasses
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Meet Tom
Rotarian Tom Turk is a former television producer and retired arts administrator. He was executive director of the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission from 1993 to 2003, and then served three years as executive director of Tennesseans for the Arts, a statewide advocacy organization.
Between 1981 and 1993 he directed creative and performing arts centers in Temple and Texarkana, Texas. From 1963 to 1981 Turk was Fine Arts Producer at Michigan State University’s WKAR-TV. He graduated from DePauw University in Indiana, where he studied creative writing, and the MA degree in radio-television-film from Michigan State University. In his professional work he has traveled in Europe, Central and South America, and in North and West Africa.
He and his wife, Judith, have two grown children. He became a member of Rotary in 1981 and the Rotary Club of Nashville in 1993.
Between 1981 and 1993 he directed creative and performing arts centers in Temple and Texarkana, Texas. From 1963 to 1981 Turk was Fine Arts Producer at Michigan State University’s WKAR-TV. He graduated from DePauw University in Indiana, where he studied creative writing, and the MA degree in radio-television-film from Michigan State University. In his professional work he has traveled in Europe, Central and South America, and in North and West Africa.
He and his wife, Judith, have two grown children. He became a member of Rotary in 1981 and the Rotary Club of Nashville in 1993.
El Rotario Tomas Turk es jubilado de ser productor de televisión y administrador de artes. Él era director ejecutivo de la Comisión Metropolitana de los Artes de Nashville a partir de 1993 a 2003, y entonces servió tres años como director ejecutivo de una organización estatal de la defensa que se llama Tennesseans para los Artes.
Entre 1981 y 1993 él dirigió centros de las artes creativos e interpretativos en las ciudades Temple y Texarkana de Texas. A partir de 1963 a 1981, Sr. Turk era productor de las bellas artes en WKAR-TV en la Universidad de Estado de Michigan. Él graduó de la Universidad de DePauw de Indiana, en donde él estudió la escritura creativa. Recibió su MA en radio-televisión-película de la Universidad de Estado de Michigan. A traves de su trabajo profesional, él ha viajado a Europa, América Central y Sudamérica, y en el norte y las Áfricas occidentales.
Él y su esposa, Judith, tienen dos niños crecidos. Él se hizo miembro del Rotatorio en 1981 y del Rotary Club de Nashville en 1993.
Entre 1981 y 1993 él dirigió centros de las artes creativos e interpretativos en las ciudades Temple y Texarkana de Texas. A partir de 1963 a 1981, Sr. Turk era productor de las bellas artes en WKAR-TV en la Universidad de Estado de Michigan. Él graduó de la Universidad de DePauw de Indiana, en donde él estudió la escritura creativa. Recibió su MA en radio-televisión-película de la Universidad de Estado de Michigan. A traves de su trabajo profesional, él ha viajado a Europa, América Central y Sudamérica, y en el norte y las Áfricas occidentales.
Él y su esposa, Judith, tienen dos niños crecidos. Él se hizo miembro del Rotatorio en 1981 y del Rotary Club de Nashville en 1993.
Bienvenido Tom!
Tom Turk has assumed the role as our new 6760 Team Leader. We are sad that Ronnie is unable to continue with us on this journey, but we are excited to have another kind and capable Rotarian (I'm sensing a pattern here...) as our new leader. Welcome to the team, Tom!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lunch with the Nashville Rotary Club
Today the team (minus Ronnie) had the pleasure of visiting the Rotary Club of Nashville which meets every Monday for lunch at the famous Wildhorse Saloon. The Rotary Club of Nashville was founded in 1913, was the 94th Rotary Club established by Rotary International and is currently the 20th largest of the 32,000 clubs worldwide with almost 500 members. It was a wonderful experience for us to join this club for lunch and speak with some of Nashville's most influential leaders. Thanks Tom and Bill for having us!
From left: Lindsey Peterson, Tonya Miller, Melia Arnold and Miranda Runcie
From left: Tom Turk, Lindsey Peterson, Tonya Miller, Melia Arnold, Miranda Runcie and Bill Alexander
Meet Miranda
Family: I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Nashville, Tennessee a year and a half ago to live closer to my family. I have one older sister who has lived in Nashville for over 10 years. She and her husband have twin daughters who are three years old. I came to Nashville to be near my sister and nieces and a few months later my parents decided to join the rest of us. I live in a house (with two other girls) close to downtown Nashville and my sister and parents live about 25 minutes away. This is the first time since I graduated from high school that I’ve lived near my family. I love it!
Education: When I graduated from high school I decided to travel for a year before going to a university. I went to Switzerland and lived and studied at an independent study center called L’Abri. At L’Abri I studied Christian theology and philosophy. After one year out of the U.S., I returned to Missouri and enrolled at Truman State University. I received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish. During my third year at Truman I studied for one semester at the International Institute of Seville in Seville, Spain. Most recently, I received my Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification through the TN Foreign Language Institute in Nashville. In the not too distant future, I hope to return to a university to receive a Masters degree. I’m still undecided on exactly what I want to study (languages or writing perhaps), but ultimately I hope to teach at the University level.
Professional History: After I graduated from college, I spent a year in Ecuador teaching English (to adults and children). When I returned to the United States, I moved to Nashville, TN and began working at the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute (TFLI) where I am currently employed as the Assistant Director of the Foreign Languages Department. My main duties include arranging private and group foreign language classes, administer language proficiency exams, observe and evaluate our foreign language instructors and order foreign language textbooks and materials.
My Passions: I love being involved in my church which is located in an area of Nashville that has a lot low income families and a reputation for crime. The main mission of the church is to work towards unification of people of all races and economic statuses in East Nashville. My other interests include teaching English to Spanish-speakers, being outside (hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, etc.), traveling, cooking, photography, and writing.
Professional Interests: I would like to visit English or Spanish language schools such as the Leaders English Language Centre (in Corrientes). I am also interested in finding out more about the Education or Humanities departments at the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Corrientes and Resistencia). Although it does not pertain to my current vocation, I would be interested in finding out more about the National Park system in Argentina and what other steps are being taken to preserve the natural environment of the country. I’m interested in organizations that serve the poor in the area. Also, if there are any professional photographers or writers available to meet, I would like that as well.
Education: When I graduated from high school I decided to travel for a year before going to a university. I went to Switzerland and lived and studied at an independent study center called L’Abri. At L’Abri I studied Christian theology and philosophy. After one year out of the U.S., I returned to Missouri and enrolled at Truman State University. I received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish. During my third year at Truman I studied for one semester at the International Institute of Seville in Seville, Spain. Most recently, I received my Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification through the TN Foreign Language Institute in Nashville. In the not too distant future, I hope to return to a university to receive a Masters degree. I’m still undecided on exactly what I want to study (languages or writing perhaps), but ultimately I hope to teach at the University level.
Professional History: After I graduated from college, I spent a year in Ecuador teaching English (to adults and children). When I returned to the United States, I moved to Nashville, TN and began working at the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute (TFLI) where I am currently employed as the Assistant Director of the Foreign Languages Department. My main duties include arranging private and group foreign language classes, administer language proficiency exams, observe and evaluate our foreign language instructors and order foreign language textbooks and materials.
My Passions: I love being involved in my church which is located in an area of Nashville that has a lot low income families and a reputation for crime. The main mission of the church is to work towards unification of people of all races and economic statuses in East Nashville. My other interests include teaching English to Spanish-speakers, being outside (hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, etc.), traveling, cooking, photography, and writing.
Professional Interests: I would like to visit English or Spanish language schools such as the Leaders English Language Centre (in Corrientes). I am also interested in finding out more about the Education or Humanities departments at the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Corrientes and Resistencia). Although it does not pertain to my current vocation, I would be interested in finding out more about the National Park system in Argentina and what other steps are being taken to preserve the natural environment of the country. I’m interested in organizations that serve the poor in the area. Also, if there are any professional photographers or writers available to meet, I would like that as well.
Nació el 7 de octubre del año 1982 en Jonesboro, Arkansas y creció en St. Louis, Missouri. Cursó estudios de Teología Cristiana y Filosofía en la famosa escuela L’Abri del pueblito Huémoz en el Cantón de Vaud, Suiza, y luego de completar un semestre en el Instituto Internacional de Sevilla, España, se graduó de la universidad estadounidense Truman State University de Kirksville, Missouri con su Licenciatura en Inglés y Castellano. Posteriormente, enseño inglés por un año en Quito Ecuador. Toda su preparación anterior culminó en la obtención del puesto de Subdirectora de Idiomas en el Instituto Estatal de Idiomas de Tennessee, y hace poco, logró su licenciatura en la Enseñanza del Inglés como Segunda Lengua. A largo plazo, Miranda desea cursar el magíster en alguna materia relacionada con los idiomas o la redacción para llegar a ejercer una cátedra universitaria.
Hace más de un año que Miranda se mudó a Nashville, Tennessee para estar cerca de su hermana y sobrinas gemelas, quienes ya tienen más de 10 años de vivir en esta ciudad. Así también, sus padres se trasladaron al mismo lugar. A ella le gusta mucho dedicarse a su iglesia, la cual tiene el noble propósito de integrar a personas de diferentes etnías y niveles socioeconómicos en la comunidad. De primordial interés para ella es visitar algunas escuelas de idiomas y humanidades como, por ejemplo, Leaders English Language Centre y la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste de Corrientes. Además de esto, le gustaría visitar los parques nacionales y enterarse de los programas en curso vinculados a la conservación del medio ambiente.
Hace más de un año que Miranda se mudó a Nashville, Tennessee para estar cerca de su hermana y sobrinas gemelas, quienes ya tienen más de 10 años de vivir en esta ciudad. Así también, sus padres se trasladaron al mismo lugar. A ella le gusta mucho dedicarse a su iglesia, la cual tiene el noble propósito de integrar a personas de diferentes etnías y niveles socioeconómicos en la comunidad. De primordial interés para ella es visitar algunas escuelas de idiomas y humanidades como, por ejemplo, Leaders English Language Centre y la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste de Corrientes. Además de esto, le gustaría visitar los parques nacionales y enterarse de los programas en curso vinculados a la conservación del medio ambiente.
A Miranda, le gusta estar al aire libre, excursionismo, montar a bicicleta, nadar, escalar a las rocas, viajar, cocinar, fotografía, y escritura.
Meet Tonya
Tonya was born on the seventh of September, 1974 in Adrian, Michigan. She studied in MTSU and Belmont University, where she graduated with Marketing and Spanish degrees. She won the prestigious National Security Education Program scholarship, which allowed her to complete her studies at the Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as an internship in the Commercial Section of the American Embassy. During her stay in the capital, Tonya began dancing tango. Later, she worked as an investment advisor, a life insurance agent, a loan officer, and after all, returned to trading futures on the CME.
She could not ignore her desire to help the Hispanic Community, so she decided to become a Spanish and English interpreter. She works everyday in courts, hospitals and conferences. Through her good public skills, she became the Community Affairs Director for the local TV station, Telefutura’s Channel 42, where she does her show, Medical Minutes, informing the public about health and well-being. Tonya is considered in professional and social circles as the true spirit of multicultural, peaceful coexistence: by being a host mom for international students studying English, by being an interpreter with the fundamental purpose of promoting equality and trust, and by being a TV presenter to inform and care for those who want to achieve the American Dream in the U.S.
She could not ignore her desire to help the Hispanic Community, so she decided to become a Spanish and English interpreter. She works everyday in courts, hospitals and conferences. Through her good public skills, she became the Community Affairs Director for the local TV station, Telefutura’s Channel 42, where she does her show, Medical Minutes, informing the public about health and well-being. Tonya is considered in professional and social circles as the true spirit of multicultural, peaceful coexistence: by being a host mom for international students studying English, by being an interpreter with the fundamental purpose of promoting equality and trust, and by being a TV presenter to inform and care for those who want to achieve the American Dream in the U.S.
Nacida el 7 de septiembre de 1974 en Adrian, Michigan, Tonya cursó sus estudios universitarios en Middle Tennessee State University y Belmont University, donde se recibió de Mercadotécnica y Castellano. Ganó la prestigiosa beca del National Security Education Program (Programa Nacional de Educación y Seguridad) para completar sus estudios en la Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, con pasantía en la Sección Comercial de la Embajada de los EE.UU. en dicho país. Durante su estadía en la capital, Tonya aprendió a bailar el Tango. Posteriormente trabajó de asesora financiera, agente de seguro de vida y encargada de préstamos hipotecarios para luego dedicarse a la compraventa de futuros en la bolsa mercantil de Chicago.
Impulsada por su deseo de ayudar y sacar adelante a la Comunidad Latina en los EE.UU., Tonya decidió convertirse en intérprete de inglés y castellano y ahora trabaja a diario en los tribunales, hospitales y conferencias internacionales. Debido a sus conocimientos y experiencia en el sector público, Tonya llegó a ser Directora de Asuntos Comunales del Canal 42 de Telefutura, un canal local de TV, donde tiene su propio programa Minutos Medicales, a través del cual informa al público sobre la salud y el bienestar. En los círculos profesionales y sociales Tonya es considerada como ejemplo del verdadero espíritu de una pacífica coexistencia multicultural, tanto en su papel de “madre” de los estudiantes extranjeros que viven con ella mientras estudian al inglés, como en el de intérprete, cuyo propósito fundamental es promover la igualdad y confianza entre los diferentes sectores de la población y por último, en su papel de locutora mediante el cual informa y vela por los que quieren hacer realidad el Sueño Americano dentro de los EE.UU.
Impulsada por su deseo de ayudar y sacar adelante a la Comunidad Latina en los EE.UU., Tonya decidió convertirse en intérprete de inglés y castellano y ahora trabaja a diario en los tribunales, hospitales y conferencias internacionales. Debido a sus conocimientos y experiencia en el sector público, Tonya llegó a ser Directora de Asuntos Comunales del Canal 42 de Telefutura, un canal local de TV, donde tiene su propio programa Minutos Medicales, a través del cual informa al público sobre la salud y el bienestar. En los círculos profesionales y sociales Tonya es considerada como ejemplo del verdadero espíritu de una pacífica coexistencia multicultural, tanto en su papel de “madre” de los estudiantes extranjeros que viven con ella mientras estudian al inglés, como en el de intérprete, cuyo propósito fundamental es promover la igualdad y confianza entre los diferentes sectores de la población y por último, en su papel de locutora mediante el cual informa y vela por los que quieren hacer realidad el Sueño Americano dentro de los EE.UU.
Meet Lindsey
Born May 29, 1982, in Aurora, Colorado, and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Lindsey lived with her parents and two brothers, Erik and Matt. She completed her studies in sociology at a Christian school in Texas, Abilene University. With her church, she taught English for two years in Santiago, Chile, which is where she learned her Spanish. Upon returning, she found her next avenue for making the world a better place and became the Program Coordinator, Development Assistant, Helpline Coordinator, and Office Manager for the Tennessee Respite Coalition, which is a non-profit group that provides Home Care Services to allow caretakers and families of disabled folks to rest. Lindsey is very interested in Argentina’s social work, especially for the caretakers of disabled people and the services available to them. She would also like to see how charitable donations are raised and the events designed for those.
Lindsey is driven by her dynamic community spirit in all facets of her life: professional, social and spiritual. She appreciates this opportunity to not only travel, but to also immerse herself in the daily culture. Family and church are very important to her. Lindsey is ready to try new things and will gladly try anything once.
Lindsey is driven by her dynamic community spirit in all facets of her life: professional, social and spiritual. She appreciates this opportunity to not only travel, but to also immerse herself in the daily culture. Family and church are very important to her. Lindsey is ready to try new things and will gladly try anything once.
Nació el 29 de mayo del año 1982 en Aurora, Colorado y creció en Springfield, Missouri. Lindsey vivía con sus padres y dos hermanos, Erik y Matt. Cursó estudios de sociología en la escuela cristiana Abilene University de Texas. Enseñó inglés por dos años con su iglesia en Santiago de Chile y allí es dónde se aprendió su español. De regreso, encontró su vía nueva de hacer del mundo un lugar mejor y se convirtió en la Coordinadora de Programas, Subdirectora de Desarrollo, Coordinadora de Servicio Telefónico de Asistencia y Gerente de Oficina para la Tennessee Respite Coalition, lo cual es un grupo sin ánimo de lucro que ofrece programas de respiro/desahogo familiar para el cuidador habitual y la familia en general de personas con discapacidad. A Lindsey, le interesa mucho el trabajo social de Argentina, haciendo hincapié en los cuidadores de personas deficientes y los servicios ofrecidos para aquellos; y además de eso, le gustaría ver como se busca donaciones a obras de caridad y los eventos diseñados para ellas.
Lindsey se anima por su civismo y cumple con su dinamismo de servicio comunitario en todas facetas de su vida: profesional, social y espiritual. Le agradece la oportunidad de no solamente viajar, sino de sumergirse en la cultura cotidiana. Le importa mucho a su iglesia y a su familia. Lindsey está dispuesta de probar cosas nuevas y con mucho gusto probará cualquier cosa una vez.
Lindsey se anima por su civismo y cumple con su dinamismo de servicio comunitario en todas facetas de su vida: profesional, social y espiritual. Le agradece la oportunidad de no solamente viajar, sino de sumergirse en la cultura cotidiana. Le importa mucho a su iglesia y a su familia. Lindsey está dispuesta de probar cosas nuevas y con mucho gusto probará cualquier cosa una vez.
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