The Rotary Club of Allentown West recently hosted a Friendship Exchange Team from Turkey at its meeting at Luther Crest Retirement Center, South Whitehall Township.

Prior to the meeting at Luther Crest, South Whitehall, Assistant Governor for Area 1 Sue Weber told The Press that 11 Rotarians from the Friendship Exchange Team from local Rotary Clubs went to Turkey in March.

The team included Jean and Joel Masiko, and her and husband Bill, from the Rotary Club of Allentown West, Cindy and Chris Hornaman, Bert and Donna Duren, Dee and Gary Rohrback of the Emmaus Rotary Club and Shushma Patel from the Harleysville Rotary Club.

After welcoming new members Jaime Gonzalez, Jeanne Shipe and Dale Heffner, conducting club business and auctioning off a purse from Turkey, Weber spoke briefly about visiting Turkey before introducing Murat Pakir, the team's leader.

"We had just a fantastic time in Turkey," Weber said. "We are delighted to have our Turkey team here. These people are just wonderful."

Pakir presented a slide show about Turkey and the history of Rotary Clubs in Turkey.

He also taught local Rotarians how to speak some words in his native language.

Then each member of his team shared a little about their life and Rotarian Club in Turkey.

The Turkey team included Esra and Aydin Gursoy, Gamze and ErdinÇ Yapan, Ferah and Hakan Postacilar, Pelin and Cem Yetkin and Yadigar and Ismail Toy.

The Turkey Club members then sang their national anthem.

Prior to the close of the meeting, the Turkey Exchange Team members presented the Rotary Club of Allentown West with a small replica of their flag, a district pin and/or friendship pin. In return, the Rotary Club of Allentown West presented the visiting team with a small replica of the Rotary Club of Allentown West flag.

"God Bless America" and Pledge Allegiance to the Flag" was sung to close the meeting.