West U Rotary Happenings for the week of January 17

 
Tidbits about the Houston Marathon
 
Guest Speaker this week is Ana Schick  - the Director of Small Steps Nurturing Center
 
Come join us at the Rothko Exhibit at MFAH
 
West U Rotary Happenings for the week ending January 16, 2016 ….
 
Today, Houston hosted the 43rd   annual Houston Marathon. In 1972, the race consisted of 113 runners. The men’s winning time was 2:32 and the women’s winning time was 5:11. (Really?) The winner in the women’s division was only 14 years old. The course records are now 2:06:51 for the men and 2:23:14 for the women - both records were set in 2012. Ethiopians have won the men’s and women’s divisions each year since 2009 and this year was no exception. Today there were over 27,000 runners from all 50 states and 15 countries.  The Houston Marathon is a very special celebrated event in Houston and for 15+ years, West U Rotary has proudly displayed several hundred US flags on the route that passes through West University.  Thanks to all the club members – and there were several - who assisted in setting out and taking down the flags.
 
 
Last week Francis Gary Powers presented the exciting story about his father – the U-2 pilot that was shot down in Russia in 1962. In addition, we recognized three of our very special Rotarians. Laney Littlejohn, Randy Bullard and Rick Shanks were presented as Honorary members of our club. Each of these three men has been invaluable to West U Rotary. We were delighted to make these special recognitions and several guests joined us in honoring these former club members. 
 
Last week, 28 of our club members and guests attended the annual District 5890 All Club meeting. Over 700 Rotarians and their guests enjoyed RI President K.R. “Ravi”  Ravindran as he presented the Celebration of Gifts.
 
This week, our special guest Ana Schick – Director of Small Steps Nurturing Center will discuss some of the things that they are doing to help serve at risk children inner city children.
 
We have several events and activities coming up in the next few weeks. Here is a brief list of the upcoming activities:
  • January 21st – Monthly social at MFAH – a special exclusive docent led tour of the Rothko exhibit. It is not too late to sign up. Please RSVP to Honey Leveen.
  • January 30th – Semi Annual Poker Tournament fund raiser in partnership with the River Oaks Rotary Club. Please help us make this a successful fund raiser. We need volunteers, players and prizes. Please contact Jack Wallace with questions.
  • February 12th – Rotary Firefighters Home Gala – 6PM at the Royal Sonesta hotel. “You were there for us; we are here for you.”
  • February 13th – Rotary Community Corps – Tame Our Wild Hearts Valentine Soiree Holiday Inn Channelview
Words of “wisdom” to think about this week:
  • Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.
  • If quitters never win and winners never quit, what fool came up with “quit while you are ahead?”
Have a great week. Peace!
 
Greg Faldyn
West U Rotary Prez