February 24, 2014, Club Bulletin # 497

Program for  February 24, 2014:  Doug Spinner Associated Builders and Contractors/Construction in Iowa

Invocation by: Mike Ruby

Guests: Many Rotarians from District 6000 and Cara Hahn. Dan Stein, Ky Cochran, Roger Lande, Andy Foster and Joanne Ruby.

Happy News: Mike Ruby was just home from a 10 day ski trip with 85 Rotarians from 8 different countries. Karen Diercks is proud of the RCR group that placed as the Grand Champions at Keokuk! Eric Thompsen is happy that his youngest daughter gotten married!!  Chris Knapp from Iowa City spoke about Youth Exchange, others proudly spoke of the Shoe distribution and John Okenfels incoming District Governor celebrated the MOST Guatemala Trip he and his wife are just returning from.

Rotary Program: Highlight of the day was the welcoming of International President Elect Gary Huang.  It was a very snow stormy day but those present were warmed by his message.  That being the reason for his visit...to bring Rotary to China.  His hope is to learn more about Muscatine's Old Friends and President Chi Jin Ping so that the government will support the evolution of Rotary to China.  Gary engaged the Rotarians by teaching us the " Happy Clap" and the thumbs up sign.  He then went on to tell about his earlier years spent with a family in Michigan while he attended college.  He hopes to open Rotary doors to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai by leveraging his knowledge of the Muscatine Club.  He has been a Rotarian for 38 years, he is the first Chinese Rotary International President in the organization's 109 year history.  He wants to do something good for Rotary. 

It is hope that from a small seed a mighty tree will grow!!  And we in Muscatine and Iowa are helping to get that seed growing!!