Bonjour, mon amis! The Florence Rotary Club recently hosted a group study exchange of Rotary members from France. After a whirlwind tour of local colleges, government, and law enforcement, the group spoke about their careers, interests, and Rotary Clubs in their hometowns.
Yann de Sereville is the team leader of the Rotary group study exchange program, and has been a Rotarian for four years. He lives in Sallanches, France, near Mont-Blanc. Yann enjoys all sports, especially running, and has competed in several endurance races. He has worked for Credit Agricole Bank for the last twenty years, and manages 15 employees in Chamonix, the capital of the Alps. Yann thanked Rotary International for this opportunity, saying “I’m very proud and honored to be the team leader of the group. I have discovered Rotary’s values of Service Above Self, and this is very important to my life.”
Another team member, Yann Mercier, is from eastern France, near Geneva, Switzerland. He studied chemistry at Universite de Savoie, and for over five years, has worked in a company that produces silicon wafers for microelectronic, and silicon specifics parts for synchrotrons. Said Yann, “This job, a cross between industry and science, is very fascinating.” His hobbies include skiing, hiking, riding motorcycles, and playing the clarinet. Yann is very active in his local Rotary Club in Chamonix Mont Blanc.
David Bartet is from the south of France, and works in Corporate Finance in the city of Grenoble. He is the financial controller for an international company which specializes in industrial projects in the aluminum industry. David enjoys riding motorbikes, mountain bikes, and restoring old cars. His home Rotary Club is in Grenoble Chartreuse. “I want to discover Kentucky,” David said, “from the factory producing the iconic Corvette, to the most famous horse race in the world!”
Celine Lemoine is a hair stylist from Bourgoin-Jallien, and she owns her own business providing services to individuals and families. Her hobbies include traveling, theater, and music. Celine is new to the Rotary experience, but is very excited to be part of the program. “I am eager to participate because it will enrich my curiosity and openness both professionally, and as a spokesman for our country,” enthused Celine.
Augustin Reboul was born in Paris, and lived for several years in Burgundy. With training in computer science and 3D graphism, he recently began a career working for a company in the Alps. “My passion is being a 3D artist,” he shared, “I am a game designer, and I love that!” Augustin has traveled extensively throughout the world, including Egypt and Senegal. He has been active in the Boy Scouts, and enjoys sports, reading, photography, and Korean martial arts.
The group plans to stay in the area for several days. Their itinerary includes a Reds game, visiting other Rotary Clubs, touring local businesses and visiting downtown Cincinnati.
For information about weekly meetings, guest speakers and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary club, contact Brad Shipe, president, at bradshipe@hotmail.com or 859-282-7040. Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org. Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.
