Making a Difference
Dear members of Rotary Club of Galena
It has been a long time since I have been here. My name is Jun Koyama and I spent one year as a Rotary exchange student here in Galena 31 years ago. It was a very valuable experience and I am still grateful for it.
Looking back, my year as an exchange student would not have been possible without the tremendous support of Rotarians, host families, a counselor, and others who had taken care of me. I cannot thank you all enough.
Every time I hear the news from the United States, I remember the smiling faces of the people of Galena. All of you warmly welcomed a high school student from Japan into your community. I believe that I was able to touch and experience a great American tradition of hospitality.
The very belief of the Rotary Club of Galena. "To be of service; and to support projects involving youth and education, for the betterment of our communities and the world."
I believe that your hospitality embodied this belief.
I will continue to strive to pass on the hospitality you have shown to the next person in my life. Please forgive me for not being able to meet and thank you all in person due to scheduling constraints.
Autumn Bell Flower
Artist: Mr. Toshiji Sunohara
Included in the package are handcrafts called peasant art with gentian or autumn bell flower as the subject matter. Peasant's art is a traditional craft of the north region of Nagano Prefecture, where I am from, and is well known for its simple texture and style based on the nature of Nagano. The artist is Mr. Toshiji Sunohara, who is over 80 years old and still continues to create works of art. Please let me send it to you in memory.
I wish the Galena Rotary Club a long and fruitful future.
Jun Koyama