2010 Brazil GSE Team Blog

Maracana

2010-06-03T04:43:00.001-07:00

We went to the famous Maracana Futbol Stadium to see the Fla-Flu game. This stadium will be one of the sites for the 2014 World Cup.

5-22-10

2010-05-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

On 5/22/10 we visited Jardim Nego, a famous Brazilian park with sculptures built into and from the land. We were honored to meet the artist.

Nova Fribugo TV Stars

2010-05-24T08:19:00.001-07:00

The team was asked to star on a local TV station and prepare an American dish. We grilled chicken and prepared deviled eggs-basic American cuisine. Everyone wanted the recipes!!! LOL

Please contact us for autographs.

Nova Friburgo

2010-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Nova Friburgo, a beautiful city set in the mountains. We net with our host families and set off to see the city. One place we visited was an elementary school where Rotary has projects helping the local community with there dental needs. Rotary is also trying to help with a roof and playground. This is where we can help. has a lone slide for is equipment.

Buzios and BBQ

2010-05-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday 5-18-10 we visited the wonderful city of Buzio. We were given a tour of the city, then had lunch witht the local Rotary group. After lunch we hit the beach, which Buzio is famous for. They have 26 beaches to choose from.

Then we went to a Brazilian BBQ at a local Rotarians house. The food, drink and conversation were plentiful and good.

The past few days

2010-05-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy past few days. We visited the Univ. of Fulminense- a technical college.

Then off to A school for children, where along with the usual subjects, they teach tham how to garden and other life skills.

Cramming before the big presentation

2010-05-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of practice before our speeches.

Sugar Loaf Day 5

2010-05-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Our good friends took us to Sugar Loaf today. Wow, what a view of Niteroi and Rio. Two cable car rides to get to the top. The yellow car is one of the first set of cars used. A bit smaller than the new ones and no glass in the windows. The view was awesome and it was easy to become lost gazing over the sea, mountain and beaches. We then headed to Copacabana Beach for some lunch and a stroll on the beach. After a wonderful day, we headed back to Niteroi to have dinner with our host families before heading out to experience a Brazilian club. Of course we got to see first hand the Rio traffic for over 2 hours what would normally be a half hour. All and all, a great day in Brazil. Tchau!

An amazing first week.

2010-05-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Our first week in Brazil has been amazing. On Wednesday we visited the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) in Niteroi. Our team had the opportunity to visit the University's medical school, education department and communication department. We talked with the Dean of the Education Department about how UFF is preparing Niteroi's next generation of educators and the challenges that are facing Brazil as it strives to provide quality education to it's citizens. Afterwards we visited a middle school that is located on the campus. This school allows the university students to take the teaching strategies they've learned in their courses and apply them consistently with "real" students.

Niteroi

2010-05-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

We started right off on visiting Rotary projects. On Monday morning, we went to the University Hospital (HUAP). There we we saw Rotary at work. The project helps women and babies who can not produce breast milk, or can not produce enough. They treat premature babies and have women's education classes.

From there we went to a lunch time meeting with The Rotary Club Niteroi Arariboia, where we were treated in the best Rotary spirit.

Later that evening we had the pleasure of dining with yet another Rotary Club in Sao Goncalo. The clubs meetings are held at an old age home where they are trying to raise funds through the matching grants program for a therapy swimming pool for it's residents.

Arrival!!

2010-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

ARRIVAL!! Alexandra, the GSE team leader for the Brazil Exchange Group, and Fany Zissu, the Brazil GSE program coordinator, met us at the airport with all kinds of treats. They had Acai (a national favorite type of juice), pao de quiejo (bread with cheese inside) and of course Brazilian cafe!! Cafe, or coffee, here is drank in tiny espresso like cups and is extremely strong! Exactly what we needed after a long flight!!

Once the caffeine kicked in we were off to the Red Bull Air Race!! However, there was nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. Due to the weather conditions the race was cancelled. However, we still had a great time walking through the city and getting our first glimpse of Rio.

...ANNNNNND WERE OFF!!

2010-05-08T18:30:00.001-07:00

The bags have been packed, the final goodbyes said and now in just a few short hours, just 10 : ) , we'll be in the beautiful city of Rio!!! First up on the agenda the Red Bull Air Race. Want to know more? Go to redbullairrace.com to find out what we have in store.

After the air races we'll be off to Niteroi to stay with our first host family. Stay tuned for more!!

A big thanks going out to Joni and her husband for giving us such a great send off!

Broomball

2010-04-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

On March 31, 2010, we got together with the Brazilian team for a friendly game of Broomball. After a couple of quick scores by the Brazilians, we found ourselves in a 2-0 hole. After they got tired of falling on the ice and we got our ice legs, we took control and responded with 5 unanswered goals to go up 5-2. When taking a break, it was decided the game was done. Not sure if it was the score or the sore butts. Maybe Erik & Meg can answer that one. We then decided to hit the ice using ice skates. For some, it was their first time and much easier to stay on the feet. Afterwards we got the chance to relax and chat with our Brazilian friends. Thanks to Extreme Ice for hosting us and providing some great snacks and drinks.

GSE Team 7680

2010-02-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Here we are as a group. This picture was taken at our orientation. From the left is Erik, Paul our fearless leader, Meg, Scott, Nicole, Tracy and Kamilah. (Not pictured: Debbie & Jeff).

Brushin' Up...

2010-02-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

on our common Portuguese phrases.

Meet the Brazil GSE Team

2010-02-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

On March 28th we will be welcoming GSE Team 4750 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Team members will stay with local Rotarians in the Charlotte area and visit places such as The Reed Gold Mine, NASCAR facilities and Concord Mills. We look forward to their arrival!

Check out their Team Blog to find out more about them!

Team Leader: Alexandra Estevao

Alexandra is a Geriatric Physician and would like to visit adult long term care facilities and medical universities. She speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English and is married with three kids.

Team Member: Walace Souza

Walace is an Administrator at Roiser Textile Industry and has an MBA in Marketing. While here he would like to learn more about American culture and Business Administration. He is single and likes to play volleyball and soccer, run, read and go to the movies.

Team Member: Maria fernanda Torga

Maria is a Dentist and looks forward to observing Dental clinics here in the Charlotte area. She is single and loves dancing, traveling and reading.

Team Member: Marcella Silva

Marcella is a Lawyer and is looking forward to visiting North Carolinas courts. She is single and loves going to the gym, movies, and concerts.

Team Member: Danielle Moreira

Danielle is a Chemical Engineer in the Water Treatment Industry. She hopes to visit laboratories, water treatment plants, universities, and industries. She is married and loves to scuba dive, play basketball, travel and go to the movies.

Team Member: Lucas Lima

Lucas is a Project Analyst in the Naval/Government Industry. He would like to visit projects here in North Carolina that have a focus on energy and the environment. He is single and likes to play soccer, go to concerts and is a big basketball fan.

A Prova Quadrupla

2010-01-29T16:09:00.000-08:00

In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics adopted by Rotary 11 years later. The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages asks the following questions of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Four-Way Test is recited at the end of each Rotary Club meeting as a reminder to maintain moral integrity in our everyday decisions. Our team is in the process of learning The Four-Way Test in Portuguese.

A Prova Quadrupla

Do que nós pensamos, dizemos ou fazemos

1. É a VERDADE?

2. É JUSTO para todos os interessados?

3. Criará BOA VONTADE e MELHORES AMIZADES?

4. Será BENÉFICO para todos os interessados?

Service Above Self: Rotary Orientation

2010-01-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

Orientation weekend is designed to help Group Study Exchange Team Leaders and Team Members prepare for their month long vocational and cultural experience in a foreign country. During our orientation weekend in Winston-Salem, the following was emphasized:

Learning about Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation
Building a lifelong relationship with Rotary
Sharing and learning about cultural differences
To be an 'Ambassador of Goodwill'-for country and Rotary
Rotary motto- Service Above Self

Our team had a great time learning more about Rotary and our responsibilities as GSE Team Members. Check out the video below for more info on Rotary International and how their making a difference around the world.

Meet Our Team

2010-01-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

Our Group Study Exchange team that will visit Brazil in May and June has been selected and we are excitedly preparing for our trip!

Team Leader: Paul Elminowski

Team Leader Paul Elminowski is a member of the Rotary Club of Monroe. he is a Chiropractor and Acupunturist and is married to Christine. They live in Monroe with their two daughters. Hobbies: Judo, Karate, and running.

Team Member: Tracy Blackmon

Tracy Blackmon was nominated by the Rotary Club of Cabarrus County. She is employed by Opportunity Middle School as a Secondary School Science Teacher. In 2008-2009 she was a Middle School Science Teacher in Costa Rica and in 2002-2004 was a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa. She has a BS in Biology from the University of Northern Colorado and a Masters in Urban Education from the University of Denver, Colorado. Tracy is engaged and lives in Charlotte. While in Brazil she hopes to gain more exposure to diverse perspectives, cultures and languages. She looks forward to sharing her experiences with her students, colleagues and community members when she returns. Hobbies: Snowboarding, surfing, swimming and running.

Team Member: Nicole Sanders

Nicole Sanders was nominated by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. She oversees recruitment for the 4-H after school programs in Mecklenburg County. Nicole is single and lives in Charlotte. In Brazil she hopes to have many opportunities to learn from other driven professionals and to participate in discussions that are important and relevant to educators, public servants, and those in related industries. Hobbies: Golf, cooking and dancing.

Team Member: Scott Treon

Scott Treon was nominated by the Rotary Club of lake Norman-Huntersville. He is employed by the government as an Assistant Director in the town of Huntersville's Park and Recreation Department. He has a BS from Northland College in Wisconsin, and is a Certified Arborist. Scott is married to Lenae and they live in Huntersville with their three children. In Brazil he hopes to see how others plan parks, develop athletic and event programs, and plan for the future. Hobbies: Golf and Vintage Baseball.

Team Member: Erik Turner

Erik Turner was nominated by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. He is in Administration with the Citizens Schools where he is a Program Director. He has a BA from the North Carolina Central University and a MA from Gonzaga University, Washington. Erik is married to Kaneka and they live in Charlotte with their two children. In Brazil he hopes to develop friendships with public and private school educators so that he can learn creative and logical solutions to roadblocks that stand in the way of quality education for all children. Hobbies: Reading, golfing, coaching youth basketball and studying Egyptology.

Team Member: Margaret "Meg" Williams

Meg Williams was nominated by the Rotary Club of Concord. She is the Director of Business Development for CESI, a land development company. She has a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is single and lives in Charlotte. In Brazil she hopes to use and incorporate the ideas, viewpoints, and new marketing methods that she earns from the trip into her role as a business development professional. Hobbies: working out, shopping, socializing with friends and family, and painting.

Alternate Team Member: Kamilah Thomas

Kamilah Thomas was nominated by the Rotary Club of Charlotte-South. She is a Social Worker and manages services for foster parents with the Alexander youth Network. She has a BA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is enrolled in a Masters of Social Work program at Winthrop University, South Carolina. She is single and lives in Charlotte. She is not a primary team member but will serve as first alternate in the event that one of the team members is unable to continue. Hobbies: cooking, shopping and playing sports.

Alternate Team Member: Jeffery Neff

Jeffery Neff was nominated by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. He is employed as Bank Analysis with US Bancorp. He has a BS from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is single and lives in Charlotte. He is not a primary team member but will serve as second alternate in the event that one of the team members is unable to continue. Hobbies: trading currencies, and intramural sports.

Alternate Team Leader: Debbie Corbett

Debbie Corbett was nominated by the Rotary Club of Mecklenburg County-South. She is a Professional Licensed Counselor and is married to Bailey. They live in Waxhaw with their three sons. She is Chair of the Board for Union county's "Girls On The Run" program. Hobbies: Music and dancing.

She is not a primary team member but will serve as Team Leader in the event that Paul Elminowski is unable to continue.

Ummmm...GSE? What?

2010-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world of Rotary talk- acronyms, district numbers. Ahhhh! No worries. Basically, every year local Rotary Districts have the opportunity to participate in a Group Study Exchange (GSE) with a Rotary district from another country. The idea behind the exchange is that the local district sends 5 people over to the other international district for 4 weeks, and on the flip side the international district sends 5 people over here for 4 weeks as well. During the trip, the team participants give several presentations talking about life and culture here in the U.S. The team also stays with local Rotary families and spends time touring the other country and learning about their culture. Almost everything is paid for by the local and international Rotary districts–airfare, lodging and food are all provided. After the team returns, they are expected to share their experiences with local Rotary clubs and other organizations.

This year, the Charlotte GSE Team from District 7680 will be exchanging with a GSE Team from District 4750 in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. The Brazil team will be arriving in North Carolina March 28th and visiting sites such as the Reed Gold Mine, NASCAR facilities, and Concord Mills. Our Charlotte GSE Team will be departing for Rio de Janeiro May 8th and returning June 6th.