In answer to John Evans' query about languages in China, specifically Cantonese and Mandarin, Philip noted that there were many local subdialects. Dianne endorses what Philip said about scale, given her experience on trips to China. She remembers being told about one city they were approaching that the population was 32 million and she and others with them had never even heard the name of the city before. Philip reiterated that China's history, like its culture, is deep and rich, and that they are big "foodies" and particularly that city was know for its food. Steve Wilson asked about religious freedoms, and Philip mentioned major religions in the country including Judaism, Buddhism, Catholicism and Islam, but the main religion is Confucianism. He also said the Chinese people will be guided by what happens in their country.
President Mary Rogren called the meeting to order.
President Mary Rogren started the meeting by happily mentioning articles in this week's Half Moon Bay Review which spotlighted EJ Dieterle playing his accordion at Ocean Colony, and an interview with our outgoing exchange student Micah Warner-Carey. "EJ, you're a star!" she said. EJ said he had played there every day until the end of May, and then regularly on the last Friday of each month.
Happy/Crappy News /
John Evans updated the club about exchange students who have spent time in Half Moon Bay, including Louise from France, Valentina from Italy and Caroline from Belgium.
Announcements
Rose spoke of community service, how the district had approved our district grant applications in support of Abundant Grace and Coastside Hope. A workday is planned for Saturday morning, Oct. 10, organized by Bill Johnston, for fencing for the homeless center. We don't have Pumpkin Festival this year, she said, so instead we will have hammer and nails.
The Abundant Grace sandwiches project continues; there are three dates left to fill in October.
Rose noted that the City of Half Moon Bay had expressed the need for feeding families at this time. That is a daunting project, which would mean delivering food every Thursday afternoon for somewhere around 250 people. Rose will send an informative email around to club members. Additional needs as pointed out through the district include vision screening and other health-related issues, all big undertakings especially for a club our size, but she will send out information.
Upcoming events include a club board meeting Oct. 5, the district blood drive Oct. 9, and the fencing project Oct. 10.
Marble Draw - No luck this week
Next Week's Meeting
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