Clavandentcher's News Briefs for May 04, 2010 ATTENTION!!!!! Next week we will meet at Swanee's, just West of town. We met there two weeks ago and we are "kicked out" of the KwaTaqNuk again for our meeting on May 11. Please attend at Swanee's. Liz commented that Rotary is a diverse organization. We meet for fellowship and "Service above Self", but we are diverse in gender, politics, ethnicity and religion. As Rotarians, we want to avoid any comments or, especially, presentations, that are biased toward a belief or position that will offend members. This is not being "politically correct". This is following the basics of Rotary. She asked that all members continue to treat each other civilly and to take a responsible position when planning a presentation. Keith Urbach gave his birthday talk and presented a fascinating history of the U.S. recent engagement with China and his interest and travels into this populous nation. Keith is a veteran of 23 years in the Air Force and 11 years spent in Washington, D.C. He and his wife were in Hong Kong in 1969, helped Pres. Nixon with his historic visit in 1972, assisted with Pres. Carter's mission, and helped arrange for Den Xiaoping's visit to the U.S. in 1978. He also helped arrange for a "secret" visit by Pres Bush's(41) staff to China. He learned a great deal and had wonderful experiences, perhaps topped off by his visit to the Taipei Museum in 1974 where he saw many ancient Chinese artifacts. Liz made another announcement. It seems that many young people in the Kalispell area want to attend RYLA. There are more applicants than the club can afford to send. If anyone is interested in sponsoring one of the children, and paying for their enrollment, please notify Liz. Our Board will take up the issue later this month. Hu Beaver won the 50/50 and acknowledged that there are many worthy programs in the Polson area. He directed these funds to go to Polson Aquatics. Thank you, Hu. Kerry Wiedrich was today's chair and introduced out guest by speaking about "entrepreneurism" in Polson. Kerry listed many businesses that are starting out in Polson and deserve our support. One of these is "Three Dog Down" and the many products they produce, led by our guest speaker, (and singer) Bob Ricketts. Bob began by telling us he didn't like the word, "entrepreneur". He said he told a group of local business people that a person who owns his own business is one who can't get hired by someone else. Bob then went on to talk about the products he sells at Three Dog Down. He is very proud that all his products are American made, most made right here in the greater Polson area. He also makes medical supply blankets that are used in emergency situations and ward off hypothermia and infections. The U. S. military is a big customer for this product. Bob also talked about his investment in area youth with his donation of free trips on the Happy Hippo to students who make good grades. He asked for some help in covering his fuel costs. Local businesses are chipping in to help, The Cove provides free ice cream cones and anyone wishing to help financially should contact Bob or Ken at the Cove and they will gladly accept donations. Bob sang for us and also mentioned that his son will appear in "The Fiddler on the Roof" in Ronan, June 2-5. Bob raved about this new theater and also mentioned that he had been duped into appearing in the same play in the lead role of Tevya. He asked that we all attend and cheer wildly for him and his son. (Wildly, but at the appropriate times in the performance, Matt.) Bob Ricketts is a true asset of greater Polson and his businesses bring people to Polson to stay and visit. We thank him for sharing his talent and his businesses with our community. |