As we're all still recovering from the ball at District Conference last night, it may be a little while before we write about our presentation. But in the meantime here is the video we showed at the end of our presentation... enjoy!
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Meeting and eating...
Just to prove that we not only got on in the USA, but actually still enjoy each others' company, the GSE team recently met up for a social night in Durham.
Unfortunately Helen wasn't able to make it due to work, despite the night being her idea, and we really missed her company. Barbara's husband Mel joined our party to make up the numbers though, and we had a very nice meal at an Asian fusion restaurant called Fat Buddha. We even took a few pictures at the restaurant...
Barbara looks surprised:
Mel and Tom tucking in:
James + food = happy James!
My pineapple fried rice - love the presentation!
After the meal, Mel and Barbara headed off and left us to it. I took the boys to one of the nicer pubs in town, where we had a couple of quiet ones and talked, before heading our separate ways. On the way home I took a night shot of the city looking pretty (as it usually does!)
We have a proper meeting coming up soon, but it was really ace to see the team and catch up - I suspect we'll have another try in the future, with Helen this time!
Unfortunately Helen wasn't able to make it due to work, despite the night being her idea, and we really missed her company. Barbara's husband Mel joined our party to make up the numbers though, and we had a very nice meal at an Asian fusion restaurant called Fat Buddha. We even took a few pictures at the restaurant...
Barbara looks surprised:
Mel and Tom tucking in:
James + food = happy James!
My pineapple fried rice - love the presentation!
After the meal, Mel and Barbara headed off and left us to it. I took the boys to one of the nicer pubs in town, where we had a couple of quiet ones and talked, before heading our separate ways. On the way home I took a night shot of the city looking pretty (as it usually does!)
We have a proper meeting coming up soon, but it was really ace to see the team and catch up - I suspect we'll have another try in the future, with Helen this time!
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Reflections
It's difficult to believe that we've been back in the UK for six weeks... just like in America, I don't know where the time has gone!
Last week, we had our first team meeting since arriving back in the UK. It was great to see each other again and it soon seemed like we'd never been apart. The meeting also had a serious purpose as it we started preparing for our presentation to District Conference in September. Suffice to say, we think it'll be a good one!
One of the objectives of the GSE is the application of the learning from the exchange back in the workplace. Today I did a bit of that, doing a presentation on the US system of local government and some of the conclusions I drew to the management team of the Department I'm based in. Thankfully they all found it interesting (or so they said - I think they were genuine as there were plenty of questions). I'm planning to give the same presentation at one of the Departmental seminars we hold from time to time.
James
Last week, we had our first team meeting since arriving back in the UK. It was great to see each other again and it soon seemed like we'd never been apart. The meeting also had a serious purpose as it we started preparing for our presentation to District Conference in September. Suffice to say, we think it'll be a good one!
One of the objectives of the GSE is the application of the learning from the exchange back in the workplace. Today I did a bit of that, doing a presentation on the US system of local government and some of the conclusions I drew to the management team of the Department I'm based in. Thankfully they all found it interesting (or so they said - I think they were genuine as there were plenty of questions). I'm planning to give the same presentation at one of the Departmental seminars we hold from time to time.
James
Thursday, 20 May 2010
The Voyage Home
We woke on Tuesday morning, sad to be leaving but looking forward to seeing Blighty and our nearest and dearest. After the team arrived at Bountiful Blessings, we loaded up the cars and made the journey to Bingampton, with a small detour via the Spot Diner. The Spot was the first place we visited in the US, so it was fitting to end our trip there. Four weeks had made a massive difference to the team - not only were we less jetlagged, but we easily tackled the meals and massive desserts that were offered to us.
Terry and Joe drove us up to the airport, where DG Sam and Ed from Oneonta Rotary joined us to wish us well (and possibly to make sure that we actually left). After passing through security which hampered our hopes for a dramatic exit (we felt daft waving goodbye and then joining a queue to have our shoes and jackets xrayed), we finally made it into the departure lounge.
I won't go into any great details with the flights or transfers (suffice it to say, the planes flew safely, the food was edible and we were all shattered on arrival at Heathrow), we made the final hop up to Newcastle. After sorting our cases and checking everything had arrived, we were greeted by Tony and Cynthia, Dave Sadler and a motley crew of assorted loved ones. And that was the end of our trip - a few tearful farewells and we all went our separate ways. Just for the moment of course, we'll be meeting in a matter of weeks to begin preparing for our conference presentations, and visiting a few clubs to practise.
Our thanks to everyone who's followed the blog, the clubs who sponsored us, and everyone who made the trip so memorable for us. I'd also ask for a special round of applause for James, who held off jetlag to update the blog on Wednesday.
Terry and Joe drove us up to the airport, where DG Sam and Ed from Oneonta Rotary joined us to wish us well (and possibly to make sure that we actually left). After passing through security which hampered our hopes for a dramatic exit (we felt daft waving goodbye and then joining a queue to have our shoes and jackets xrayed), we finally made it into the departure lounge.
I won't go into any great details with the flights or transfers (suffice it to say, the planes flew safely, the food was edible and we were all shattered on arrival at Heathrow), we made the final hop up to Newcastle. After sorting our cases and checking everything had arrived, we were greeted by Tony and Cynthia, Dave Sadler and a motley crew of assorted loved ones. And that was the end of our trip - a few tearful farewells and we all went our separate ways. Just for the moment of course, we'll be meeting in a matter of weeks to begin preparing for our conference presentations, and visiting a few clubs to practise.
Our thanks to everyone who's followed the blog, the clubs who sponsored us, and everyone who made the trip so memorable for us. I'd also ask for a special round of applause for James, who held off jetlag to update the blog on Wednesday.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Back in the UK!
It may take a few days to get the post on our last day up here, so in the meantime here's a quick note to say we're back in the UK - we touched down in Newcastle at 11am UK time (6am according to our body clocks!).
As well as the post covering our last day, we'll be adding more pictures and vocational information.
As well as the post covering our last day, we'll be adding more pictures and vocational information.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Monday 10th May 2010
Today was our final full day on US soil. We depart tomorrow at 1426 hrs and New York State will be rid of us once and for all.
I know I speak for everyone when I say we have had a great time and the people we have met have been amazing.
Therefore it was no surprise this morning when Terry Donnlick (the wonderful host of Barbara, Tom and I) provided us with an amazingly large breakfast cooked by Olalla. It consisted of fruit salad, cheese omelette, sausage, bagel, home fries etc etc I have warned all of my family that they will see a new, bigger version of me on my return.
We have then headed out with the rest of the group to do a few last minute shopping errands.
The first place we headed to was the Best Buy Shop (of which we saw the warehouse earlier in the tour) and then we had a driving tour round Cornell University.
We saw the gorge along which the university campus runs and saw some absolutely fantastic views. Unfortunately there was an air of sadness, as you can see by the picture, there are large fences up on the bridges due to a number of tragic deaths that hav
e happened recently.
e happened recently.
From there we have gone to Wegmans (an absolutely massive grocery store-they have train sets running along the top of the sweet displays and a castle made of crisps).
We have travelled into the centre of Ithaca to explore the many interesting shops and public areas that they have there. We have all purchased a few last 
minute presents and have then 
(due to the hunger pangs that some of us were having) attended the Peking Restaurant at Cayuga Mall.
minute presents and have then 
(due to the hunger pangs that some of us were having) attended the Peking Restaurant at Cayuga Mall.Here we have had a wonderful meal and feeling refreshed and very full (yet again) have then headed to the Six Mile Creek Vineyard.
Whilst at the vineyard we sampled many tasty wines, beautiful views and excellent gifts and we have then all returned to our respective hosts houses. Tonight is a relaxing evening for everyone (or as relaxing as it can be when you journey home is determined by a large
cloud of volcanic ash and wind direction) and we will be spending some quality time with our hosts before leaving their kindness and heading to the airport tomorrow.Sunday 9th May
The others had a lie-in this morning, but I was up around 7.30am. Looking out of the window, it had snowed overnight! After some strawberries and yoghurt, my host Karen and I stuck on some old clothes and headed out to the barn. (It was COLD. And still snowing.) We fed the horses, watered them, and I had way more fun than I should raking the barn. :)
This is not a caption contest...
Following a quick shower and change, I went with Karen and her husband Scott to a Mothers' Day brunch with their family. (Happy Mothers' Day, ladies!) Sadly I did not get any photos there but trust me when I say the food was brilliant. They even had a waffle maker, and on the dessert table, a chocolate fountain! Thanks to Karen and Scott for taking me along, it was really delicious and I had fun meeting some of the rest of the family.
From here came the part I'd been dreading.... DANCING. We all met at the Country Music Hall and watched the couples dancing - some of them were very well practiced!
Indiana James and the Square Dance Hall...
During the band's break there was a 50/50 drawing. Amazingly, my number was picked! I had to walk onto the stage to collect my money (oh how embarrassing) and came away with a spiffy $22. As Eileen had bought the winning ticket, we donated the money to Rotary Foundation (how much have we won so far on our travels? There is a tally somewhere!) The lead singer then called Barbara up onto the stage to talk - she of course called the rest of us up there by name to join her.
After this humiliation, there was dancing. The team (except Barbara, who nominated herself to be our photographer, and Tom, who was hiding) were dragged up to form a square dance. The first one was total chaos, but things improved from there. Tom was also forced to join us at this point.
After this horrific period of exercise, I went home to shower before our farewell reception. The others, however, chose to indulge in some ice cream... more to come on this later!
We then reconvened at the Benn Conger Inn for the reception. It was a really lovely place, with waitresses running around with hue trays of hors d'oeuvres. YUM. It was a great atmosphere, and so lovely to see familiar faces from across our trip. A few heartwarming speeches closed off the festivities, with some guests enjoying a tour of the (very historic) house. Thanks to everyone who organised such a great evening, and all the Rotarians who came to give us a good send-off.
By the time I returned home, Karen was off to see the horses again, and like a good house guest, of course I volunteered to join her. We fed and watered everyone, and doled out flakes of hay. Yaay! I also got a few pictures in the barn, of course..
I can't believe we have so little time left here, it's been a truly amazing month. Very exhausted though, and looking forward to some mega-long sleeping.
This is not a caption contest...
Following a quick shower and change, I went with Karen and her husband Scott to a Mothers' Day brunch with their family. (Happy Mothers' Day, ladies!) Sadly I did not get any photos there but trust me when I say the food was brilliant. They even had a waffle maker, and on the dessert table, a chocolate fountain! Thanks to Karen and Scott for taking me along, it was really delicious and I had fun meeting some of the rest of the family.
From here came the part I'd been dreading.... DANCING. We all met at the Country Music Hall and watched the couples dancing - some of them were very well practiced!
Indiana James and the Square Dance Hall...
During the band's break there was a 50/50 drawing. Amazingly, my number was picked! I had to walk onto the stage to collect my money (oh how embarrassing) and came away with a spiffy $22. As Eileen had bought the winning ticket, we donated the money to Rotary Foundation (how much have we won so far on our travels? There is a tally somewhere!) The lead singer then called Barbara up onto the stage to talk - she of course called the rest of us up there by name to join her.
After this humiliation, there was dancing. The team (except Barbara, who nominated herself to be our photographer, and Tom, who was hiding) were dragged up to form a square dance. The first one was total chaos, but things improved from there. Tom was also forced to join us at this point.
After this horrific period of exercise, I went home to shower before our farewell reception. The others, however, chose to indulge in some ice cream... more to come on this later!
We then reconvened at the Benn Conger Inn for the reception. It was a really lovely place, with waitresses running around with hue trays of hors d'oeuvres. YUM. It was a great atmosphere, and so lovely to see familiar faces from across our trip. A few heartwarming speeches closed off the festivities, with some guests enjoying a tour of the (very historic) house. Thanks to everyone who organised such a great evening, and all the Rotarians who came to give us a good send-off.
By the time I returned home, Karen was off to see the horses again, and like a good house guest, of course I volunteered to join her. We fed and watered everyone, and doled out flakes of hay. Yaay! I also got a few pictures in the barn, of course..
I can't believe we have so little time left here, it's been a truly amazing month. Very exhausted though, and looking forward to some mega-long sleeping.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Saturday 8th May
After the warm, sunny weather of the last week, today brought a bit of a change with more cloud and some heavy showers. It felt a lot like an autumnal English day.
For Caroline and I the day started with breakfast at Casper's Diner in Groton with my hosts Joe and Eileen. The food was excellent and it seems like there are plenty of regulars who go back time and time again.
We then met up with everyone else and drove to Seward House at Auburn. The house is named after William Seward, who is most famous for masterminding the purchase of Alaska in 1867 for just $7.2m - 2 cents per acre - when he was Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln. It was Seward's home for most of his life and was passed down his family before being donated to an independent trust in the 1950s who have preserved the house and its contents.
A very knowledgable guide toured us round the house giving us an account of the house, its contents, and William Seward's life. Seward was dead-cert to get the Republican nomination for Presidential candidate before Abraham Lincoln arrived on the scene... Lincoln ended up getting the nomination, winning the Presidency and had to ask Seward to be Secretary of State three times before he accepted. Seward was also nearly killed on the same night as Lincoln as Lincoln's assassination was part of a wider plot targeting senior government officials. All in all it was a very informative few hours on an important part of America's history.
Following the tour we had a late lunch at Curley's in Auburn - we were very impressed by the fish and chips. Helen took advantage of the fact that Curley's is just over the road from the state prison to get a few pictures (it has the distinction of being the first place in the world that an execution by electric chair took place) before we returned to Groton.
We then had a couple of hours for a siesta before spending the evening at the Dryden Hotel. Saturday evening was rib eye steak night and here you can see Tom with half a cow on his plate!
For Caroline and I the day started with breakfast at Casper's Diner in Groton with my hosts Joe and Eileen. The food was excellent and it seems like there are plenty of regulars who go back time and time again.
We then met up with everyone else and drove to Seward House at Auburn. The house is named after William Seward, who is most famous for masterminding the purchase of Alaska in 1867 for just $7.2m - 2 cents per acre - when he was Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln. It was Seward's home for most of his life and was passed down his family before being donated to an independent trust in the 1950s who have preserved the house and its contents.
A very knowledgable guide toured us round the house giving us an account of the house, its contents, and William Seward's life. Seward was dead-cert to get the Republican nomination for Presidential candidate before Abraham Lincoln arrived on the scene... Lincoln ended up getting the nomination, winning the Presidency and had to ask Seward to be Secretary of State three times before he accepted. Seward was also nearly killed on the same night as Lincoln as Lincoln's assassination was part of a wider plot targeting senior government officials. All in all it was a very informative few hours on an important part of America's history.
Following the tour we had a late lunch at Curley's in Auburn - we were very impressed by the fish and chips. Helen took advantage of the fact that Curley's is just over the road from the state prison to get a few pictures (it has the distinction of being the first place in the world that an execution by electric chair took place) before we returned to Groton.
We then had a couple of hours for a siesta before spending the evening at the Dryden Hotel. Saturday evening was rib eye steak night and here you can see Tom with half a cow on his plate!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Friday, 7th May
After a fantastic breakfast of strawberry pancakes (thanks Nina), James and I packed up our belongings and set off on our final vocational day.
We started the morning at George Junior Republic, a residential educational and treatment facility: the easiest way to describe it is as a boarding school which provides additional counselling for at risk children. Pupils can be referred there by the court system or their school, and GJR runs a standard school curriculum for grades 6-12. They even hold graduation ceremonies for pupils who complete their education there. The facility is impressive - aside from the education buildings, pupils are housed in cottages with full time support staff. Class sizes are limited to 6-7 pupils, and both James and myself were surprised by the calm and quiet (much quieter than the school I went to). It was great to speak to a number of staff and get a better idea of the work they're doing, and their place in the legal/education system over here. Our thanks to everyone involved in arranging the visit for us.
After George Junior Republic we moved on to Tompkins County Community College - also known as TC3. James and I met up with the rest of the team, before Rotarian Bob Ross and Mick McDaniel gave us a tour of their recently completed sporting facility. It was stunning and certainly put my university to shame. It was impressive to see the dedication that they have for sport over here and the walls are covered with trophies earned by their basketball, softball, and soccer teams among others (Go Panthers!). We then had a tour of the library and central buildings, with Helen disappearing into the security department for a while (she did look very suspicious).
For lunch we went to Farrell's in Groton, before the team split up again. James and I spent the afternoon with Judge A. D. Dawson, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bonavia and Liam Murray, a local attorney. They took us to the Groton Town Court before spending the afternoon talking us through criminal trial procedure, from initial arrest through arraignment. It was great to get all three viewpoints on the process, and to compare it with our system back home. I think that we finally understand the bail system (in theory if not in practise), and I hope that we were clear in explaining the differences with the system back home.
After a quick break at Terry Donlick's (my new host, and the team leader for the 7170 GSE team), we headed off to the first annual GSE bowling competition. Aside from us Brits, there were teams from Dryden, Ithaca and Groton Rotary club, as well as Vicky and Amy from the 7170 team. Dryden went on to win, with Team GSE 2 (Caroline, Amy and myself) placing a credible second.
The Winning Team receive their trophy
Dewey and Chris - supportive of my appalling game
It was great to see so many familiar faces from the past few days (and I should probably apologise to Dewey, Dale and Chris after my disastrous second game). Thoroughly tired, we eventually called it a night.
We started the morning at George Junior Republic, a residential educational and treatment facility: the easiest way to describe it is as a boarding school which provides additional counselling for at risk children. Pupils can be referred there by the court system or their school, and GJR runs a standard school curriculum for grades 6-12. They even hold graduation ceremonies for pupils who complete their education there. The facility is impressive - aside from the education buildings, pupils are housed in cottages with full time support staff. Class sizes are limited to 6-7 pupils, and both James and myself were surprised by the calm and quiet (much quieter than the school I went to). It was great to speak to a number of staff and get a better idea of the work they're doing, and their place in the legal/education system over here. Our thanks to everyone involved in arranging the visit for us.
After George Junior Republic we moved on to Tompkins County Community College - also known as TC3. James and I met up with the rest of the team, before Rotarian Bob Ross and Mick McDaniel gave us a tour of their recently completed sporting facility. It was stunning and certainly put my university to shame. It was impressive to see the dedication that they have for sport over here and the walls are covered with trophies earned by their basketball, softball, and soccer teams among others (Go Panthers!). We then had a tour of the library and central buildings, with Helen disappearing into the security department for a while (she did look very suspicious).
For lunch we went to Farrell's in Groton, before the team split up again. James and I spent the afternoon with Judge A. D. Dawson, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bonavia and Liam Murray, a local attorney. They took us to the Groton Town Court before spending the afternoon talking us through criminal trial procedure, from initial arrest through arraignment. It was great to get all three viewpoints on the process, and to compare it with our system back home. I think that we finally understand the bail system (in theory if not in practise), and I hope that we were clear in explaining the differences with the system back home.
After a quick break at Terry Donlick's (my new host, and the team leader for the 7170 GSE team), we headed off to the first annual GSE bowling competition. Aside from us Brits, there were teams from Dryden, Ithaca and Groton Rotary club, as well as Vicky and Amy from the 7170 team. Dryden went on to win, with Team GSE 2 (Caroline, Amy and myself) placing a credible second.
The Winning Team receive their trophy
Dewey and Chris - supportive of my appalling game
It was great to see so many familiar faces from the past few days (and I should probably apologise to Dewey, Dale and Chris after my disastrous second game). Thoroughly tired, we eventually called it a night.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Thursday 6th May 2010
Today we began with an early start at the Ithaca Sunrise Rotary Club at The Royal Court Restaurant. The Club began at 0715 hrs so there were some sleepy looking members of the team this morning. We did our presentation without the powerpoint and it went well. The Club were very friendly and there were lots of interesting questions for us. Especially 'who do you think will win in the football between the USA and England?' I predicted a 3-0 victory to England, which was slightly controversial.
After this we headed to Taughannock Falls with Peter Bellochs and Doug Armstrong. This is a very beautiful place with a high waterfall. It is very picturesque but the sound it makes is quite amazing.
We have then travelled to the Watkins Glen State Park and walked down the Gorge Trail. Notice the word 'down.' We decided it would be better for all concerned to walk down the trail as to walk up it would mean hundreds of steps and we could not cope with this kind of exercise after all the food we have consumed on this trip. It is quite a long trail and I have put a couple of pictures up showing the kind of places we walked through. It was very impressive, the layers of rock showed the history of the landscape in a beautiful way and we even got to walk behind a waterfall (although we did get a little bit wet).
Following all this exertion we have headed for lunch at Veraisons Restaurant which is on Lake Seneca. The interior and exterior was fabulous. The views of the lake were second to none and the empty wine bottle tree was a testament to the good wines sold there. The food was also delicious and prepared us for our next test . . . . wine tasting.
We went to the Glenora Cellar which 
is directly next to Veraisons and here we sampled many
is directly next to Veraisons and here we sampled many different wines (and yet more food) and James tried his best to take a whole barrel with him!!!
We have then headed back towards Ithaca. On the way we have stopped at 'Life's so Sweet! Chocolates.' This is a fabulous little chocolate shop in Trumansburg and it is run by Darlynne Overbaugh (the daughter of Tom Overbaugh who was kind enough to take us to New York City). She creates all kinds of unusual chocolate based products (including chocolate covered chips (crisps)) and we all ended up spending quite a bit of time and money in there.
We have then popped into the centre of Ithaca where Tom has finally opened his wallet for the first time on this exchange (we had to duck out the way of the cloud of moths).
From there we have headed to Groton Rotary Club to give our final presentation of the trip.
It was a great evening and we were very warmly received. The club members were fun and again we were asked many interesting questions. It is slightly sad to have completed the final presentation as it shows we're near the end of the trip but at the same time we were all pleased that the pressure was off. That is until we are back in the UK.
It was a great evening and we were very warmly received. The club members were fun and again we were asked many interesting questions. It is slightly sad to have completed the final presentation as it shows we're near the end of the trip but at the same time we were all pleased that the pressure was off. That is until we are back in the UK.
I would like to say a big thank you to Peter and Doug for being our chauffeurs today and looking after us literally from dawn until dusk. It was much appreciated.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Vocational day - Weds 5th May
Another vocational day, and another day of moving on (sniff). I left my wonderful hosts, Jeanne and Jeff Smith, at a very early hour. We convened with all of our luggage and were picked up by the Ithaca Rotary club, who took us to meet their Mayor at City Hall. We learned about Ithaca and its academic institutions, Cornell University and Ithaca College, and also about the breadth of the Mayor's responsibilities.
Then onto our vocational morning - we split up, and I met with Susan Currie, the director of the Tompkins County Public Library, who gave me the grand tour. The library is easily one of the largest I've seen in my time here, and I had a wonderful morning - we crammed so much into our short time. I even sat in on a "Babies, Books and Bounce" session, much like our own pre-school Storytimes. I had a great morning and it was a shame we couldn't spend longer together, we had so much to share.
The others did their own vocational activities, more to come on this later.
From here, the team met at the Rotary Club of Ithaca for lunch and another presentation. I was dosed up on cough syrup and got through the presentation fine, phew. The food was delicious - dressed chicken, salad and mashed potatoes -and I think we'd all like to thank the club for being such enthusiastic & welcoming hosts. I sat there with Brigid Hubberman, my vocational match for the afternoon, and I knew we'd get on well when she presented me with a fantastic board book called (appropriately!) Book. Brigid is the director of a truly remarkable programme called the Family Reading Partnership, which is a little similar to Bookstart in the UK, and aims to create a culture of reading for all children. They distribute free books to children from birth up to their first day of Kindergarten, display different 'Read to Me!" posters across town, and maintain Big Red Bookshelves in certain community locations (grocery stores, doctors' offices, school lobbies) where any child may take a gently used book - and keep it. I could have talked to Brigid for days and days, we had so much to discuss and I came away feeling so energised and inspired by her, and the work FRP have done so far. On top of all this, she also gave me a huge bag of goodies to take away, including calendars, magnets and STORYBOOKS. I have no doubt we'll be keeping in touch, she's a wonderful lady.
After this, the ladies on the team made a rest stop to Starbucks, via another Rotarian, Birgitte, and her jewellery/art store. (She gave us each 2 Godiva chocolates - of course we then asked her to join us!)
Finally, we spent the evening with another Rotarian for dinner - Jim and his wife Linda. There were other Rotarians present from the Ithaca club and it was a lovely evening, with great food and great company.
Eventually we moved for home, and I changed hosts again - this time with David and Mary Flinn. They live on a beautiful farm with HORSES, a Newfoundland dog named Larkin (who is a she) and various cats and geese. Their house is a treasure trove to me, horsey things to see verywhere. I finally collapsed into a delightfully comfortable bed around 11pm.
Then onto our vocational morning - we split up, and I met with Susan Currie, the director of the Tompkins County Public Library, who gave me the grand tour. The library is easily one of the largest I've seen in my time here, and I had a wonderful morning - we crammed so much into our short time. I even sat in on a "Babies, Books and Bounce" session, much like our own pre-school Storytimes. I had a great morning and it was a shame we couldn't spend longer together, we had so much to share.
The others did their own vocational activities, more to come on this later.
From here, the team met at the Rotary Club of Ithaca for lunch and another presentation. I was dosed up on cough syrup and got through the presentation fine, phew. The food was delicious - dressed chicken, salad and mashed potatoes -and I think we'd all like to thank the club for being such enthusiastic & welcoming hosts. I sat there with Brigid Hubberman, my vocational match for the afternoon, and I knew we'd get on well when she presented me with a fantastic board book called (appropriately!) Book. Brigid is the director of a truly remarkable programme called the Family Reading Partnership, which is a little similar to Bookstart in the UK, and aims to create a culture of reading for all children. They distribute free books to children from birth up to their first day of Kindergarten, display different 'Read to Me!" posters across town, and maintain Big Red Bookshelves in certain community locations (grocery stores, doctors' offices, school lobbies) where any child may take a gently used book - and keep it. I could have talked to Brigid for days and days, we had so much to discuss and I came away feeling so energised and inspired by her, and the work FRP have done so far. On top of all this, she also gave me a huge bag of goodies to take away, including calendars, magnets and STORYBOOKS. I have no doubt we'll be keeping in touch, she's a wonderful lady.
After this, the ladies on the team made a rest stop to Starbucks, via another Rotarian, Birgitte, and her jewellery/art store. (She gave us each 2 Godiva chocolates - of course we then asked her to join us!)
Finally, we spent the evening with another Rotarian for dinner - Jim and his wife Linda. There were other Rotarians present from the Ithaca club and it was a lovely evening, with great food and great company.
Eventually we moved for home, and I changed hosts again - this time with David and Mary Flinn. They live on a beautiful farm with HORSES, a Newfoundland dog named Larkin (who is a she) and various cats and geese. Their house is a treasure trove to me, horsey things to see verywhere. I finally collapsed into a delightfully comfortable bed around 11pm.
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