Final Report from the GSE Team

Point Alpha

Since the District Conference is near Fulda, I would like to elaborate on an especially thoughtful program organized during Week 2 by the Alsfeld Club at nearby Point Alpha on Saturday, May 26th.  This program provides an excellent example of the thoughtfulness of District 1820 Leadership and individual Rotary Clubs in organizing our daily programs.

The day began on a very worthwhile note with a visit at Erlebnif Bergwerk Merkers, large underground salt mine, now closed, across the previous border in the former East Germany.  Reservations had been made months in advance to ride in special carts with a guide to tour the salt mine.  This was followed by a very nice lunch at a popular spa, Bad Salzungen.

In the afternoon, we were then driven along to the Point Alpha museum and camp. This was the location where a company of 80 American soldiers had an assignment for one month from their regiment in nearby Fulda.

Point Alpha and these American soldiers were considered by many to be at the most vulnerable point at the height of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.  The Rotarians had arranged for a special guide, Sibelle Schleicher, and she explained this history including the bravery of the American soldiers as we walked along the former heavily fortified border and visit the actual Point Alpha camp and climbed the water tower facing east.

She explained that along the former border, this area known as the Fulda Gap, was considered the single most vulnerable point to attack during the Cold War.  The topography provided limited natural defensive terrain and through the gently rolling countryside there was direct access toward Frankfurt.  On the eastern side of the former border, there were about 20,000 Soviet and East German soldiers.  There were extensive American forces stationed at nearby Fulda, but the most forward point in the border was Point Alpha facing east.  It was decided that as a vital deterrent, this company of 80 American soldiers would be in the most exposed position right at the border.  Once the American soldiers arrived at this camp, they were continuously on watch for one month, sleeping in shifts in the modest barracks just down from the water tower.  One could feel the bravery and courage of these American soldiers.

In addition to the Fulda area being the location of the District Conference, there was this additional earlier dimension to our visit to this part of Hessen, all made possible by the planning of local Rotarians.

The Rotary District Conference in Bad Wildungen was a special opportunity for fellowship with District 1820 Rotarians and for visibility for the Group Study Exchange program.

Group Study Exchange Presentations

For the Group Study Exchange presentation was late morning, and both teams stood on the stage together with the Rotary Leadership.  First to speak was Paul Hundelshausen, District 1820 GSE representative – a pharmacist from the Rotary Club Korbach/Bud Arolsen.  Next to speak was Peter Enderle, Team Leader from District 1820 to District 5150 who spoke with feeling about the trip to California being such a special experience.  Next to speak was Birgit Lang – from NASPA Bank representing the District 1820 Team.  I spoke next in German – expressing thanks for the wonderful hospitality our team had received, and speaking about Rotary in District 5150. 

Our GSE Team spoke next and Jeniece Thomas and Christine Goodin in German and English, Paul Darmofal in German, Kristen Burns and Jasmyn Madden in German and English.  I spoke briefly again, re-emphasizing the comments of Peter Enderle about the GSE visit being such a special experience.  Paul Hundelshausen then made the final comments.

District Governor Beganat then stood from his table and made his remarks and presented a special gift to Paul Hundelshausen, Peter Enderle and me.  The gift was a gook of photos of the GSE District 1820 visit to District 5150 in California.  The book is nicely bound and the photos are special.

The presentation was warmly received by the large audience and the entire moment had a feeling of formality and distinction that was memorable.

Youth Exchange Program

Our presentation was followed by the Youth Exchange Program.  About 85 Youth Exchange team participants, ages 14-18, walked up to the stage.  Many of them wore vests laden with dozens of pins.  The group consisted of the ‘In-bounds’ about 45 young people from around the world, especially South American countries like Brazil and Argentina, who are spending one year with Rotary families and studying in Rotary District 1820 – Hessen.  The other 40 were young Germans who were about to leave for one year living with Rotary families and studying abroad.

Each young person introduced themselves individually and they then provided a spirited program with singing, and the audience clearly enjoyed this occasion.

District Conference

The District Conference took place the weekend of 9-10 June at Bad Wildungen, a picturesque destination near Fulda.  The District Conference was notably shorter in duration than our District 5150 Conference in Yosemite.

Especially worthwhile was the opportunity to meet for the first time, Paul Hundelshausen, District Coordinator for the Group Study Exchange Program.  There was also an opportunity to get better acquainted with Dr. Heinz Begenat, District Governor 1820.

The presentation of both Group Study Exchange teams was Sunday morning and was limited to expressions of thanks for the hospitality and individual introductions of team members.

There has also been an opportunity to spend time together with the District 1820 leadership.  On Saturday evening, I was invited to a special gathering of the District Leadership including Assistant Governors.  This ongoing communication with District 1820 Rotary leadership has been a very satisfying aspect of this trip for me.

The conference was shorter than our district conferences with attendees arriving on Saturday afternoon/evening and the planning sessions taking place both Sunday morning and afternoon.  There were about 250 attendees in a large meeting room and stage.

The District Governor, Heinz Begenat and The District Secretary sat together on the stage for the entire conference.

The array of speakers would then proceed up the steps and address the conference from the podium.

There are 64 Rotary Clubs with 3310 Rotarians in the District.  There were an array of speakers about Rotary business similar to our District Conference.

Rapport Between GSE Teams

At the Yosemite conference and throughout the April visit of the team from Germany, there was an immediate and noteworthy rapport between the two GSE teams.  This rapport has continued in Germany.  The German GSE Team was at the airport to welcome us upon arrival on May 19th in Frankfurt.  During week one, the teams got together on numerous occasions because four of the German Team members live in the Wiesbaden/Frankfurt area. 

After Week 2 in more rural Alsfeld, this contact has continued during Week 3 in Kronberg, a suburb of Frankfurt, and has been very much in evidence during the Weekend District Conference in Bad Alsfeld.  The teams are frequently together, coordinating plans with their cell phones.  The teams also interact continuously with the Rotarians, including at meals, meetings, and social gatherings.

Weather

The exchange has been enhanced by the ideal weather conditions.  With the exception of one late afternoon thunderstorm in Berlin, the weather has been consistently warm and sunny day after day.  The excellent weather facilitates the entire program – outdoor excursions are enjoyable, the daily program proceeds on schedule, and opportunities for outdoor dining and socializing are frequent.

Transfer to Marburg

At the end of the District Conference, our team was warmly welcome by our hosts for Week 4.

• Rotary Club Marburg – Schloss.  We were driven by several hosts through the picturesque countryside on North Hessen and arrived in Marburg, an historical town with a population of 80,000 including 17,000 students studying at one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in Germany.

The Marburg Program has included:

• Vocational Days

The Marburg Week 4 program provided an opportunity for more personalized vocational days.  This was facilitated by conversations with Paul Hundelshausen, the pharmacist and District 1820 GSE Program Coordinator.  There were several conversations at the weekend conference in Marburg about vocational days, in addition to telephone conversations the previous week.

District 1820 appears to have a different approach to vocational days.  As noted, the trip has provided visits to a number of prominent German businesses facilitated by Rotarians who are Board members or executives.  This has included the Mullherzkraft power plant near Mainz; the Firma Boehringer Pharmaceutical Company in Ingelheim; the ZDF German Television headquarters near Mainz – the largest television station in Germany; the Ferrera Candy Production facility in Stadtallendarf; the Frankfurt Airport authority that runs the Frankfurt Airport – the third largest in Europe, and Deutsche Telecom Immobilien, the second largest property owner in Germany after Deutsche Bahu – the German railroad.

The program also included visits to a number of medium size business often owned for many decades by families and not publicly traded.  Known as Mittelstandsbetriebe, these businesses are the backbone of the German economy.  Examples included Dietz Mobel Furniture and Cabinet facility in Willinghausen – Wasenberg; Karl Kipping GmbH construction supplies in Alfeld, Wachendorff Elektronik GmbH electronic assembly facility in Rheingau, and the Seidel GmbH & Co. Living Design in Frohnhausen and the Eukerdruck specialist in packaging in Cappel.

As noted, there have been numerous vocational day opportunities for Nursing and Architecture.  Numerous nursing vocational day visits have taken place including visits to hospitals in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt and Marburg.  These visits have included specific time in cardiology intensive care units – the specifically applicable vocational category.

Similarly for architecture, there have been numerous visits to architect offices, construction property and building sites.

At the hospital in Marburg, there was an opportunity for a vocational visit with the personnel department scheduled separately from the cardiology intensive care unit.

A special vocational meeting was scheduled with a real estate broker in Marburg for this category

A special all-day meeting was scheduled in Frankfurt with Mr. Wolf – publisher for this category.  Paul Hundelshausen, District 1820 GSE Program Manager, and Uwe Opper, Assistant Governor were very helpful in arranging these special vocational meetings, for vocational categories that were not as familiar as Nursing and Architecture.

The end of Week 4 in Marburg provided an opportunity to speak with District 1820 Rotarians about the Group Study Exchange.  Paul Hundelshausen, District GSE Coordinator and a pharmacist, drove from Medebach for a final opportunity to meet.  There was also an opportunity to speak with other Rotarians at this gathering, as well as earlier with Robert Magerlein, coordinator of the Week 4 program.  Comments of interest include:

Asking Questions

The team has consistently asked lots of uestions at the daily visits to businesses and other destinations.  Such questions are appreciated by the hosts because they show we are interested.

Feedback

Feedback has been provided to Rotary leadership during the exchange.  This has allowed local Rotarians to adjust the program.

Responsiveness

The main example of responsiveness to feedback has been the vocational visits during Week 4.  Interest was expressed in the need for more specific vocational visits, conversations, and meetings.  In response, Week 4 included:

• A lengthy conference call with a property manager in Mainz specializing in residential property rentals.
• A day trip on the train back to Frankfurt for one team member to have a special meeting with a book publisher who had been out of town during Week 3 when we were in the Frankfurt area.
• A special meeting with the Personnel and Human Resources Director of the local hospital.
• A separate luncheon meeting with a local real estate professional in Marburg specializing in residential rentals.
• A train trip to Frankfurt for one team member to meet with a Personal Director for a large company.

All these special vocational meetings were arranged by the two Marburg Rotary Clubs and are an example of responsiveness to feedback.

Team Business Cards

For the two visits to Rotary Club meetings in Marburg, we placed the Team Business Card at each place setting before the meal.  Rotarians liked this idea of each of them having our card as the program began.

Business Visits

The Marburg program included three very interesting business visits:

• Seidel GmbH & Co. – This firm is a world market leader in designing and producing metal cups, closures, collars, and jars for expensive cosmetic companies like Chanel, Hermes, Estee Lauder, Guerlain, and Bulgari. The firm has very exacting standards for the necessary metal forming, molding and surface technology (nanotech).  Founded in 1830, Seidel emphasizes fast tooling changeover and we toured the plant where 350 million metal cosmetics pieces are produced each year.
• Eukerdruck GmbH & Co – This firm produces labels and the accompanying detailed folded enclosures for the pharmaceutical industry companies such as Pfizer and Schering.  These detailed enclosures are required by law with each prescription and require very precise printing and folding on high quality paper.  The company is more than 100 years old and is family owned, and has annual revenue of about $34 million.  We toured the plant which had 75 print machines producing each day in three shifts a remarkable 4 million self adhesive labels and folded descriptions for medicines.
• Berufs Bildungs Zentrum Marburg BBZ – BBZ is the local job training facility in Marburg.  Founded in 1975, the facility provides job training in several buildings for a wide range of occupations including electronics, plumbing, heating systems, wood working, painting, auto repair, and cosmetology. Our program began with an explanation of the German educational system and how students are selected for the Haupt schule and Real Schule which emphasizes training for trades, in contrast with the Gymnasium which prepares students for the Abutur, the university entrance examination.

Germany has a strong tradition of vocational training for the trades and we toured the impressive facilities, which had well-equipped separate training areas for each of the vocations.

In summary, this comprehensive vocational and business program for Week 4 in Marburg provided an excellent example by local Rotarians to team feedback and requests.

The Marburg program also featured a very nice farewell dinner gathering hosted in the home of one of the local Rotarians, as well as the continuing wonderful hospitality of the Rotarian host families who have been so gracious and helpful throughout the Group Study Exchange.

 -- Roger Steiner, Team Leader

Report from the GSE Team: June 14

Impressions from the first three weeks of the four-week visit:

• Week 1 – Wiesbaden – Hosted by the four local Rotary Clubs – RC Wiesbaden-Rheingau, RC Wiesbaden, RC Wiesbaden-Nassau, RC Wiesbaden-Kochbrunnen
• Week 2 – Alsfeld with side trip to Berlin.  Hosted by RC Alsfeld and Past District Governor Jules Schroeder in Berlin
• Week 3 – Kronberg – Hosted by RC Kronberg and RC Saalburg – Taunus

The gift bag has been very well received – including the Cable Car Prints, California Music CD, Ties, Scarves, Ghiradelli Chocolate, San Francisco Fact Sheet, GSE Pin with the Flags of two countries, and Team Business Card.

For the first two weeks, the visits to businesses included a number of very prestigious companies and interesting medium size family businesses that are not publicly traded that are so essential for the German economy. A number of the business visits have been specially arranged VIP-like tours of prestigious companies made possible by local Rotarians including:

• Headquarters of ZDF – The largest German television station near Muinz with tours of the studios, control room, and production facilities.
• Firma Boehringer Pharmaceutical Company – in Ingelheim one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world hosted by Otto Boehringer, Chief Executive Officer and grandson of the company founder.  The tour included the research labs and facilities.
• Ferrera Candy Company in Stadt Allensdorf.  One of the largest candy production plants in Europe producing more than 1000 tons of candy a day with two shifts of 4000 employees and highly automated production and many free candy samples!
• Frankfurt Airport – special five-hour tour of the Frankfort airport, the third largest airport in Europe.  Visit to computerized baggage central room handling 18,000 bags per hour.  Bus ride around the airport including views of terminal gates, airplanes being turned into position, departing and arriving flights, the fire station, and a slide presentation and discussion of one of the airport conference rooms.

The team has been hosted at three special concerts with excellent seating:

• Hessoschen Stants Theater in Wiesbaden – Cirque Eloize performance of dance and acrobatics
• Charlottenburg Palace Grand Orangerie in Berlin – Baroque Concert of a Bach Mozart, Handel and other companies by Berliner Residenz Orchestra in historic costumes
• Friedrichstadtpalast in Berlin – Performance of Rhythmus Berlin the largest revue theater in Berlin

We have been hosted to a number of excellent meals in very good restaurants.

At cultural and historic sites, as well as city tours, we have been lead by a number of excellent guides with well-prepared presentations in English.

I appreciate the opportunity to share these initial impressions from this wonderful Group Study Exchange.

 -- Roger Steiner, Team Leader

Report from the GSE Team: June 4

"The visit is very well organized with wonderful hospitality from the Rotary Clubs and host families. Each day brings new activities with visits to many worthwhile places. 

  -- Roger Steiner, Team Leader

GSE Team at Germania Statue

Lunch with the Rotary Club of Alsfeld

Visiting and host GSE teams in Wiesbaden

Christine and Jasmyn in a bunker at Point Alpha

Paul is amazed by German cows

Reading the Checkpoint Charlie wall

Roger Steiner, Team Leader

I live in Mill Valley, north of San Francisco.  I am a member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, with 235 members, the second oldest Rotary Club in the world, and currently serve on the Board of Directors.

I graduated from Stanford University Graduate School of Business with an MBA degree. 

Kristen Burns: Project and and Program Manager

My name is Kristen Burns, and I am 33 years old. I live in the Russian Hill neighborhood in San Francisco. Originally, I hail from the mid-west—more specifically a small town in Kansas. A spirit of adventure beckoned early, though, and I attended college at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where I became valedictorian of the English Literature Department.

Paul Darmofal: Architect

Life for me began on the East Coast (Pennsylvania) & my early years were spent there growing up & being educated. I was fortunate to have a good family life, with both parents & two brothers, one older & one younger. One couldn't have asked for a more normal, stable upbringing. 

 Christine Goodin: Property Manager

I am 36 years old and live in Larkspur, CA. I was born in San Francisco and am one of five children in a very close-knit family. My mother is a nurse and my father is retired from the San Francisco Fire Department. I have traveled a fair amount all over the USA, Canada and Denmark.

Jasmyn Madden: Registered Nurse

I am 25 years old. I was born and raised in the beautiful Northwest in Portland, Oregon and didn't travel far from home to go to college. I attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and received my Bachelor of Arts in biology. During my undergraduate studies, I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Melbourne, Victoria in Australia where my focus was on Wildlife Biology and Child Psychology.

 Jeniece Thomas: Human Resources Representative

I am 29 years old and I live and work in Novato, California, a suburban town north of San Francisco.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Sonoma State University.

I have always had a love for animals, and as a teenager, I was a competitive equestrian.  This led me to my first career as an Instructor at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., where I worked for 6 years.