The Harlan Rotary Club welcomed special guests from Poland at their meeting on Thursday.

The Group Study Exchange of District 2230 of Poland, Belarus and the Ukraine arrived in Kentucky on May 12. Since then, they have made stops all over the state. The group came to Harlan on May 30 and will be leaving for Hazard on Sunday. They will not be returning to Poland until June 9.

Since their arrival in Harlan, the members of the group have been housed by the members of the Harlan Rotary Club, such as Bill Combs, Ed Harris, Kent and Jane Hendrickson and Kellie Wilson. Combs was the main coordinator for the visit.

During the meeting, group leader Sylwester Colonna-Walewski presented a PowerPoint presentation the group had compiled that showed parts of Poland. The presentation featured things such as the attractions of Poland, the views of Poland during the different seasons and the capital city, Warsaw. The group also presented a PowerPoint presentation consisting of each of their lives, including their families, friends and hobbies.

Joanna Elzbieta Ignacik spoke about the great personalities of the people she has met since her stay in Kentucky.

"I love traveling, and that is why I'm here. The best thing about traveling is being able to meet people from other countries," said Ignacik. "We have met so many nice and friendly people like you. We have met really kind people. We feel like we're at home here."

Magdalena Jankowska also has kind words to say, expressing her appreciation and love for Kentucky since her arrival.

"You know, a lot of people keep saying that we should go to New York or Los Angeles or Miami to see the states," Jankowska said. "But I have to disagree. I have a lot of friends who have been to those places, but no one has been to Kentucky. I'm going to be the first."

Will Clem, president of the Rotary Club, showed his appreciation for the members of the Harlan Rotary Club for all the help they had provided for the visitors.

To conclude the meeting, Clem presented each guest with a certificate announcing each as an honorary coal miner of Harlan County. Each certificate was signed by Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop. In addition to the honorary coal miner certificate, Clem gave each guest a key to the city compliments of Harlan Mayor Danny Howard.

Before the meeting adjourned, Jankowska again voiced her appreciation to the members of the Harlan Rotary Club.

"Thank you for inviting us here," said Jankowska. "We've had so much fun. We can not express that properly. We have met so many wonderful people."