West U Rotary Happenings for the week of January 31

Posted by Greg Faldyn 
on Feb 02, 2016
 
This week in history. This week in Rotary history.
 
This week's special guest - Hank Moore author of Houston Legends
 
Texas Hold Em Championship Battle
 
West U Rotary Happenings for the week ending January 30, 2016 ….
 
Thirty years ago this week, the world witnessed a catastrophic event. The Challenger space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after takeoff. This space shuttle disaster changed the future of the space program. This is one of the most memorable moments in the 50+ years of the space program. May we always remember the astronauts who gave their lives for the advancement of the space program. Thirty years ago this month was also a memorable moment for Rotary International towards the Polio eradication campaign. In January 1986, the delegates at Rotary’s Council of Legislation approved the goal to raise $120 million and asked Rotary clubs worldwide to contribute and raise funds to immunize the world’s children by 2005. Rotary has exceeded this financial goal big time and has raised 10x the original goal and we are closer than ever to eradicating this crippling disease. Will this 30 year anniversary of this major commitment be the final year of polio?  We hope so! Rotary will continue to work diligently with the partner organizations to hopefully end Polio. 2016 will no doubt be a memorable year in the fight to end polio.
 
Last week, Moriah Hollander from Hope for Youth presented the mentoring relationships for underprivileged teen and pre teens. This program establishes mentoring relationships with inner city youth and challenge these youth to reach their full potential.
 
This week, our special guest will be Hank Moore, the author of “Houston Legends.” Hank knew and worked with most of the Houston power leaders, including the Worthams, Mastersons, Hobbys, Connallys, Ortons, Laniers, George Mitchell, Ima Hogg, George R. Brown, Ben Love, etc. Hank Moore is a world renowned business guru, member of many halls of fame, historian of the past and beacon to the future.  He recently received the Lifetime Award by Volunteer Houston, designating him as last year’s community leader of the year.  He traces his community service back to Lady Bird Johnson and other legends in the book.
 
This past week, we partnered with the River Oaks Rotary Club for annual pre super bowl Texas Hold Em Poker fundraiser. West U had a small but prosperous showing. All West U participants made it to the final table and Gene McFaddin and John Neighbors battled it out for the championship. Who won? Well, let’s just say he was a former club president.
 
 
We have several events and activities coming up in the next few weeks. Here is a brief list of the upcoming activities:
  • February 5th – 7th RYLA Camp for high school students. Lots of fun, lots of laughs and tears, lots of relationship building and not lots of sleep.
  • February 7th – the Super Bowl party at Mike and Cindy Woods
  • February 12th – Rotary Firefighters Home Gala – 6PM at the Royal Sonesta hotel. “You were there for us; we are here for you.” This event is sponsored in part by the University Area Rotary Club.  
  • February 13th – Rotary Community Corps – Tame Our Wild Hearts Valentine Soiree at the Holiday Inn Channelview
  • February 21st – Monthly social at the theater – see Sharon Williams for details
  • April 18th – our annual golf tournament at River Bend Country Club benefiting the Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC).
Words of “wisdom” to think about this week:
  • Light travels faster than sound. That is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
  • Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?
  • Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
  • Why is the person who invests your money called a broker?
We are looking for a few volunteers. If you are looking for an opportunity to get more involved in our club, here are a few positions you might consider:
  • The administrator for the weekly bulletin. We are in need of someone who enjoys dabbling with online media to manage the bulletin. It is a fun job without a big time commitment. 
  •   Are you an early riser? We are looking for someone to assist with the set up and take down for the club meetings. This is an important club position without a big time commitment.
  • Are you interested in participating as a Board member for the West U Rotary Foundation? We will be electing new Foundation Board members in March.
Please let me know if you are interested in serving in any of these important positions.   
 
Have a great week. Peace!
 
Greg Faldyn
West U Rotary Prez