Sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones. One of the greatest gifts of being part of Rotary International is the opportunity to build friendships that truly stretch across the world.
Recently, members of our Rotary club traveled to Italy as part of a Friendship Exchange, and over the past week we had the pleasure of hosting members of the Italian club here in our area. While volunteering at Care & Share, I met Giovanni Petrocchi and his son, Giulio, as they worked alongside our club members serving the community. What started as a shared service project quickly turned into a memorable cultural connection. I can still hear Giulio laughing and having a great time while putting pricetags on clothing!
A few days later, we found ourselves exploring New York City together — walking mile after mile through the city streets, sharing stories, laughter, and plenty of observations about American life versus Italian life. The day ended with a fantastic lunch at La Pecora Bianca alongside one of Giovanni’s longtime friends, who just happens to be an Italian wine importer. To Giulio's delight, I put the top down on my car and we zipped through the Holland Tunnel towards the airport!
There was incredible food, excellent wine, and more than a few moments of me attempting to understand Italian conversation at full speed. But beyond the meals and sightseeing, it was the kind of genuine connection that reminds you how small and welcoming the world can feel through Rotary friendships.
Experiences like these are also a reminder of why it’s so important to get involved in service projects. Yes, the work itself matters deeply, and the impact we make in our communities is meaningful. But service is also where relationships are built. It’s where strangers become friends, where cultures connect, and where shared experiences create bonds that can last a lifetime.
Now the real question is: how do I find more time off to travel to Italy?
In Rotary
Sarah Bergin
President 2025-26