Written by Patrick Hart
This week we had a special meeting, in which the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club hosted a presentation by the district on Rotary’s effort to eliminate polio in India. We were the debut of a new format, which the district hopes to employ to provide similar programs, and we had numerous visiting Rotarians joining us both in person and by Zoom. A few technical difficulties occurred though during the morning, and I will apologize to anyone whom I have offended for any details I missed working with the new system.
President Tom Zengeler presided over the meeting.
BRAGS:
There were several brags which I failed to catch the details on, but I want to say I am happy for whatever brought a bit of pleasure into the lives of the braggers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
On a sad note we learned that John Blair suffered a serious stroke on Monday and is now in a hospital in Chicago. Please keep John and his family in your thoughts and prayers and hope for his speedy return to our midst.
Our Rotary minute this week reminded us that there are district grants available to assist charitable projects initiated by individual Rotary Clubs
Our monthly board meeting will be on Tuesday June 8, at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom.
In a variation of past practices, this year our installation golf and our installation dinner will be on separate dates. The golf will be on Wednesday June 23, and the dinner will be on Wednesday June 30. Details are to come.
PROGRAM:
Our program this week was a district presentation on Rotary’s efforts to eliminate polio in India. Recordings of the program will be available on the district website for anyone who missed the live presentation or wants to hear it again.
Lyle Staab, District 6440 Governor, introduced the program while providing some background s on our long running campaign to eradicate polio world-wide. So far in 2021 there have only been two cases of polio reported in the world, so we have made tremendous progress, although more work lies ahead, as we attempt to reach a total success in the goal.
The campaign to eradicate polio has been financed by two billion dollars of contributions from Rotary members, four billion dollars of contributions from the Gates Foundation, and six billion dollars from various governments. Thus the effort represents a praiseworthy example of private charities and governments working together to improve the quality of life for mankind.
The polio vaccine was first used in 1955 and the last polio case in the United States was in 1979.
Our main speaker was Doctor Jayant Sastry, a pediatrician and a Rotarian from India, who for many years has been heavily involved in the campaign to eliminate polio in his country. In India the Rotary provided financial support and volunteers toward the effort. They also made a huge effort to communicate to the population when the vaccinations will be available. This included hosting rallies with large banners displaying the vital information. They have also recruited movie stars and religious leaders to help spread the word, and on many occasions they have provided transportation to the vaccination centers.
The last case of polio in India was in 2011, so they have now been polio free for ten years.
After Doctor Sastry completed his presentation, the district recognized the contribution made to the polio elimination effort by Jack Blaine, a former governor. Mr. Blaine’s foundation has contributed $200,000.00 to Rotary.
RAFFLE:
We had $22.00 in our weekly drawing, and $517.00 in the progressive pot with 34 cards left. We had a winner for the $22.00, but the progressive pot rolled over once more, and I am going to blame technical difficulties on my failure to identify the holders of the prized tickets. I will express my happiness though for whoever won the $22.00.
NEXT WEEK:
Greeter and Prayer: Carol August
Fun and Frolics and Bingo: Larry Neal
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.” Mother Teresa
