The Program

For more than four decades, the Tiel Student Exchange program has been creating life-changing experiences for young people from Norfolk and the Netherlands. What began in the 1980s as occasional visits between the Rotary Club of Norfolk and Rotary clubs in the Tiel region quickly grew into a beloved tradition. By the 1990s, the exchange became an annual event, with students alternating each year between Norfolk and Tiel. Today, the program continues to serve as a vibrant cultural bridge, fostering understanding, friendship, and global citizenship.

At this year’s program presentation, Michelle Nettles introduced this year’s visiting students, Doeke Van Lomm and Bob Van der Sar, and expressed deep appreciation to the committee and hosts who brought this year’s exchange to life. She recognized committee members John Searing, Joe New, Al Carmichael, Chip Vogan, Rob Sult, Bob Ash, and Bill Davis, along with home hosts Lynell Powell and Eric Peterson and meal hosts Ralph Peters, Chick Robison, and Gary Bonneville, for their hospitality and commitment.

Doeke, from Tiel, shared that his father is a member of a 40-member Rotary Club and that he plans to study mechanical engineering after graduating high school this year. Bob, from the nearby town of Zaltbommel, whose father also serves in Rotary, hopes to pursue entrepreneurship and business management. Both young men proudly highlighted their region’s reputation as a hub for fruit production, a point of pride for their communities.

During a lively question-and-answer session, the students reflected on their early impressions of the United States. Their English fluency, they explained, comes from years of formal instruction, exposure to English-language entertainment, and frequent contact with international visitors. They were eager to experience quintessentially American traditions, including trying macaroni and cheese and attending their first baseball game—a sport rarely played in the Netherlands. So far, they described the U.S. as “well-organized,” though navigating travel here has been “a bit chaotic.”

As the Tiel Student Exchange program celebrates its 45th year, its impact is clear. It continues to give students a unique opportunity to explore life in another culture while strengthening Rotary’s international partnerships and building friendships that endure long after the exchange ends.

The Meeting

After a warm welcome by President Dave Duncan, the following guests were recognized: 

• Assistant District Governor Pat Tamakloe 
• Berhanu Mengitsu, until recently a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk. 
• Michelle Nettles brought the club’s two
  Tiel guests from the Netherlands, Bob Van der Sar and Doeke Van Lomm.

Pam Tubbs led the music. Gary Bonnewell presented the invocation. President Dave asked that all members remember to pay their dues and shared the following announcements: 

• The next Companion Club meeting at 5:30 PM on August 26 at the Virginia Club. 
• The 2025 GOLF OUTING will be on October 1. Register here to participate.  
• Marty Raiss mentioned two community service opportunities for September. The first is to help with build seating at the Community Garden. The second is to help with an effort at Lake Taylor Hospital.
• Rob Sult reminded those who were impacted that the Tiel baseball game would occur on Wednesday. 
• Molly Thompson asked that all members respond to the confidential Member Experience Survey. The deadline has been extended to Sept. 1. 
• Dave Duncan said that the Board meets at
  11 AM every third Tuesday at the Town Point Club, with all members invited to attend. 
• Secretary-Treasurer John Ehehalt reported that in the last year, the Rotary Club of Norfolk/Norfolk Charities gave away a total of about $94,000 to various charitable causes.