President Bill called us together, slightly late, and ushered us through our traditional opening. 

 

"Happy" Jack Martin gave today's Invocation thanking us for the opportunity to serve and to enjoy the fellowship of our club.

 

We adjourned to the Buffet table for a tasty chicken stir fry with rice and a nice salad. Fortune cookies served with the meal revealed several interesting fortunes.  Dessert of a variety of cookies followed.  All in all, a good lunch.

 

Several guests were introduced:  Janet Pierson, a possible future Rotarian, Tony Sweet, Young Son, Gabriel, Rosemary Hogan , and Barbara Benson. 

 

The welcome song was started by Art Bradbury and George Schoen and thankfully ended on key.

 

Ned Lynch, our Sgt. at Arms, had a good day, sort of egged on by President Bill's charge that we needed to collect more fines as we are under performing in the revenue side! Jim Watts and Jack Sayre paid to announce we need bell ringers on Saturday -12-1, and 5-6.  Call Jack and volunteer! 

 

Sue Klock paid for her 19th Anniversary,  Anwar Hossain paid for an undisclosed birthday, Yvette paid to show off her new son, Gabriel, Art Bradbury paid because he's happy to be alive and well (We should all pay to echo that sentiment), Bob Buettner paid to remember Pearl Harbor, and several others paid for a variety of thoughts!

In the caring moments Department, Ruth Sheehan is in the Hospital undergoing tests, Neal is recovering from ankle surgery, John O'Connor is recovering from hernia surgery, and Herb Barrall is at home after spending some time in the hospital. 

 

President Bill (A busy guy) called up Dave Amberg to receive his Paul Harris plus one pin!  Great going, Dave.  Bill also announced that next week we will gather at the Gallery at 6 PM for our Holiday Party.  If you haven't signed up, call Ceil Collins or Bob Buettner.

 

Mary Martin was next on  the agenda and called up the representatives of 3 of the 5 town food banks.  Our Club has donated $400 to each of the 5.  St Mary's food bank put up 75 Thanksgiving baskets to feed 300 people and feeds 200 a month.  St. Rose's Put up 78 Thanksgiving baskets.  There is a need, and we are trying to do our part.  Thanks, Mary, for your followthrough! 

 

Mary was also approached by the Manager of Burlington Mills, our supplier of Koats for Kids, to help with the distribution of 60 free coats a week for 5 weeks.  Mary is working with Anita Morrison and the Town Social Service Department to implement a plan for distribution. People know where to go when they want to get something done -ask a Rotarian!

 

The Raffle was won by Susan Hansen, and the Polio Plus raffle by Dan Russell.  A thank you note from Literacy Volunteers was received thanking us for our support.

Our Speaker, Bill McGurk, was introduced.  He spoke about Polio Plus and his recent trip to Nigeria on a Immunization trip.  He mentioned the need for these trips and the wonderful effects they have in stopping polio. 

 

He stated that Nigeria is virtually polio free with only 2 cases reported last year.  On his travels he saw many Rural Rotary projects, among them wells and latrines!  His observations about the poor infrastructure revealed how poor the country is.  The land is very fertile and produces good crops, but it is difficult to get the produce to markert areas due to the poor infrastructure.

 

In terms of vaccinations they went to schools, markets, churches, and neighborhoods to vaccinate children under 5 years of age.  For the most part families are eager, but in northern Nigeria, which is influenced by Boca Haram, it is not as well received. 

 

He stated that money is also being raised to help victims of polio by purchasing wheeled chairs which will increase their mobility. 

 

A reminder that in 1985 Rotary adopted the Polio Plus project and with the current Gates Foundation matching grants program is now in reach of ending polio.  Keep on giving! Nice personal account of Bill's NID experience.  Thanks

 

'til next week - Bob Wood