Rotary Club of Lombard Newsletter Rotary Corner - India Steps Up Efforts to End Polio 4 January 2007 Despite the stiff challenge posed to India’s polio eradication efforts by a 2006 outbreak, the country’s health minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, is optimistic that India will soon be free of the disease. Because of the outbreak, India reported more than 600 cases of polio in 2006, a sharp increase from only 66 cases in 2005. Most of the new cases occurred in Uttar Pradesh, an impoverished northern state. From there, the virus spread to Angola, Bangladesh, Namibia, and Nepal. In mid-December, Ramadoss said he was confident the battle for a polio-free India would be won with stepped-up immunizations. “In three years, we will do away with polio,” he said. “We are at the end of the problem and will hit the final nail in the coffin.” India is countering the challenges of polio eradication through intensified immunizations with monovalent oral polio vaccine. Because most of the cases reported in 2006 were from poor Muslim communities, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is working with religious leaders to persuade more families to have their children immunized. Partly because of the Muslim clerics’ support, India reported an overall increase in the turnout of children during Subnational Immunization Days (SNIDs) in July, September, and November. “This trip was the experience of a lifetime for all 20 Rotarians who visited Uttar Pradesh,” Hall noted. Pledging the continued support of District 6900 and Rotarians in Zone 34, which includes the Caribbean, Guyana, and Suriname, along with Florida and Georgia, USA, he said he was confident that India would soon eradicate polio. Major Donors Jim and Donna Philips, whose recent contribution to PolioPlus Partners helped fund the SNIDs, also traveled with the group. At least nine rounds of National Immunization Days and SNIDs are planned for India this year. December Board Meeting Highlights - On December 21st, President Rick declared a day of giving. Following the normal approvals, Bob Whitacre noted that he was making progress on the new panel format, including fond memories of Rotary, which will begin on January 4th. Fun and Funds noted that they are solidifying a date for the Valentine’s Party in February. While Dennis McNicholas was late, it was noted that the fourth well in Haiti is on time. While the Membership Committee noted there was no activity, discussion ensued on the importance of recruiting new members and the potential to host a Business After Hours in conjunction with the Chamber. Bob McBride noted that he is in the midst of recruiting two students for the RYLA leadership conference. President Rick read thank you notes from the Historical Society (portrait unveiling in progress) and a needy family. Subsequent to a report by Marge Topel, the Board approved funding for the literacy program; $3,250 to SD #44, $500 to Glenbard East, and $1,000 to the Helen Plum Library. The Club also approved sponsoring a team in the Lombard Baseball League ($300), a donation to the Deicke Home ($500), and the Close Up Foundation via Glenbard East ($1,200). Annual holiday gifts for the wait staff and cook at Casey’s were also approved and distributed at lunch. President Rick noted that he was still looking for volunteers for the “Henderson” committee and that the action deadline would be spring 2007. It was also noted, in precedent setting fashion, that Chief Seagraves pre-paid his Food or Five contributions ($60) for 2007. Birthday Basket Tradition – Don’t know, just ask! Welcome To Our Speakers: On December 21st, there was no speaker as a result of the change in format on the Christmas Party. Tim Weselak provided some helpful hints to alleviate stress in our lives on December 28th. The editor was a no-show on January 4th and cannot verify the speaker. Dr. Anna Jurik joined us on January 11th to discuss nutrition in conjunction with fish being served for lunch. Speaker Schedule: The following members and topics are on the weekly schedule: Jan. 18 Mike Fugiel Entitlement Generation Announcements: On December 21st included recaps of the Board Meeting noted above and the presentation of checks to Sheila, Maria, Adolpho, and the mystery chef. Jack Brust noted that Bill Shultz is still in need of our prayers as we enter the holidays. On December 28th, President Rick welcomed District Governor Elect Mike Ericksen who has now visited 59 of the 71 clubs in the District. Mike spoke about upcoming training sessions as well as the GSE Team that will be traveling to Paris. Dennis McNicholas highlighted the status of the Haiti well projects as well as the potential collaboration between Haiti and the Bicycle Cooperative. Fun and Funds Byrne and Pede reviewed the program for a Valentine’s get together on Monday, February 12th at Praga for $55 per person. A sign up sheet will follow. Steve Flint reminded the group that the art unveiling at the Peck House is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Dennis McNicholas informed the group that George Goetschel has had some hip issues in Florida…not to be confused with “clubbing” in Miami. You can reach George via the Bayonet Point Rehab Center, 7210 Beacon Woods Drive, Hudson, FL 34667 or through his cell phone #847-912-2698. Fines & Happy Fines: On December 21st, Sergeant Dan provided his own rendition of Reverse Santa or Robin Hood. Board Meeting and/or Luncheon late fines were assessed to Chief Byrne, Jean Nolan, Bob McBride, Jim Blanche, Jim Ilten, and John Brandon Brust. Dennis McNicholas was really really late and cell phone fines were levied against Brian Johnson, Bob McBride and Gary Smit. Gary Smit exercised his right to be retired, take a call and then leave early. Gary Heppe, Bob Harris, and Jean Nolan forgot their hardware and paid accordingly. Multiple officers of the law at the same table were paid up by Chief Byrne, Dave Kundrot and Chuck Kundrot. Scott MacKay paid heavily for a front picture (color) photograph and Doc Arndt was MIA after pictures at the “real” White House. Deb Allen and the Sergeant got into a dispute about a missing picture and both helped weigh down the basket. Bob Harris was really happy for his literacy grant while Deb Allen celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss and new fund chair Dave Kundrot. Chief Seagraves was happy about a 20 point victory over West Aurora and Dennis McNicholas was happy about his son Matt and his wife visiting for the first time since last June. A light crowd on December 28th barely slowed down Sergeant Dan. Brian Johnson and Kathy Volpe paid up for badge fines and Sergeant Dan paid ($5) for a front cover and color picture of his better half. President Rick then paid an interruption fine relating to pictures and absences. Dan kept on paying as his happy fine was for daughter Michelle’s recent engagement. Charlie Richardson was happy to be back in house next year as President Rick offered up a free Rotary Pin to Charlie since his last one went up in smoke. The smoke continued to rise on January 11th as Sergeant Dan was well prepared for a gunfight. Kathy Volpe was missing a pin and Jim Blanche and Rich Gallicchio showed up late. Marge Topel paid for two bankers at the same table while Ron Menching bellied up for two spinal care professionals. Mike Fugiel and Bill Lichter paid up for two directors at the table while Chief Byrne (seated right there) got a free pass. Chief Seagraves paid up for a basketball photo relating to his son. Kim Pede led off happy fines for a new employee and Rich Gallicchio was savoring the start of tax season. Dennis McNicholas was still happy about a DVD/Video from a family trip to Ireland. Steve Flint was happy that son Chad was awarded the “most improved” grappler on the team. Jim Blanche was happy about several perpetrators that were apprehended by our fine police force. Mike Fugiel was happy that his mother was moving through the channels for an upcoming surgery. Marge Topel was just happy and Kathy Volpe was happy about a good year…despite multiple pin and late fines. The festivities ended with a roaring rendition of Happy Birthday for John Nolan. Honored Guests: The Guest spotlight on December 21st showered over Dave and Chuck Kundrot. Jack Brust and Gary Smit received accolades for joining us before the holidays. Rich Rodd joined us on December 28th as a guest of Tim Weselak. Ivy Illiani and Dr. Dan Coffey joined us on January 11th. Object of Rotary – or Be Reminded: the first regular (Thursday) meeting of every month is “Food or $5” as members will have the choice of bringing a food item to help supply for the Food Pantry or pay a $5 fine to support First Things First. When a speaker is not scheduled on the first Thursday of each month, the time will be spent in quality fellowship and member to member interaction. Birthday Celebrations: Recent and upcoming birthday celebrations of note include: Rick Soderstrom December 27th Weekly Raffle: The quest for fame and fortune continued on December 21st while tracking the elusive Six of Diamonds. Dan Tufano, on behalf of Ray Byrne and Mike Fugiel took the gas in pulling the Nine of Clubs. Bob Mertz slowly approached the table on December 28th to draw down the Ten of Spades. There was no raffle on January 11th as there was no Charlie. Word has it that he was at the Grove. Mark Your Calendars: Peck House Unveiling February 6th 6:30 – 8:00 PM Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting is January 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s preceding the normal luncheon. |
