Today was World Polio Day, and Tonight's Meeting was centered on this special event, as we gathered at Brew and Brats to focus on this noteworthy day. 

The cozy atmosphere and fine hospitality from our hosts at Brew and Brats created a pleasant setting to hold our Gathering this evening. Sumptuous food awaited us on one side of the restaurant, while the tables were lined up to receive us on the other!

"Good Evening, Rotarians!" President John bellowed with eagerness, as he welcomed us tonight. After being greeted warmly by Micah, we huddled in together to enjoy an evening of fine food and fellowship. We joined John in saying The Pledge, and Jack led us in singing "God Bless America". Pat gave tonight's Blessing in the form of a little poem, asking God to help us persevere in our mission of helping others. Along with about 20 Members, we were honored to have Dr. Dave Hannon, PDG, and District Foundation Chair, as our Special Guest.  Along with Dave, we also welcomed Gus Schneider, Laurie Wight, Jody Bendzlowicz, and Sharon Fredericks.

Before we enjoyed the lovely dinner buffet, Pres. John prefaced the next portion of the Meeting with a few announcements.  The Strategic Planning Workshop is into Phase 2 of its process. The SP Committee will meet again on 11/07, as its next step. "We are making our dynamic club even better!" noted John.

John gave a brief summation of today's Board Meeting held earlier. Immediate Past President Bruce has requested a Leave of Absence due to work and home obligations. He plans to remain active in the capacity of helping with events when needed. Bruce had been spearheading the Awards Committee, and that slot will require being filled. Tom gave a report on the Historic Naples Grape Fest, with a full report slated to be given on November 14th. The Naples NY Rotary Club Foundation Board will be meeting on November 7th.

On November 2nd, there will be an Open Forum, slated to meet at the Naples H.S. Cafeteria, to discuss the needs and future of Hospeace House.

Laurie reported that the Paul Harris Golf Tournament raised over $500, which will go to help the Naples Angels. Jack talked about the Naples Angels and what this organization does to help others. Providing Gas Cards and Food Vouchers to those in need are some examples of what the "Angels" do. 

Using some slides, John gave a listing of various events that are taking place at area Rotary Clubs throughout the Fall Season. One can check on these upcoming events by checking the District Grapevine.

We then "took a break" to delve into some delicious fare prepared by our Members, who are talented cooks! The tables were laden with steaming hot casseroles, crispy green salads, fancily prepared hors d'oeuvres, and mouth-watering desserts, all waiting for us to sample them, as we filled our plates! To "top off" our dining experience, we were able to purchase some of our favorite beverages, which were cheerfully served by the Staff at Brew and Brats!

The Program this evening was hosted by PDG Dr. Dave Hannon, from Newark. We viewed two short videos from the World Health Organization, which focused on the eradication of Polio, and the current status of this mission which Rotary can claim as its legacy. The first video talked about the administration of the Oral Polio Vaccine, and the importance of reaching each and every child. In the past four years, over 4000 have been reached thanks to the Polio Plus Campaign. There has been a development of an Infrastructure in Third World Countries in reaching the goal of Polio Eradication.

The second video explained why it is so vital to see an end to this virus worldwide, with the countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria remaining to be considered Polio-free. In its mission of Polio Eradication, Rotary has helped with hygiene. Many households in these regions now have access to prevention measures.

After the videos were shown, Dr. Dave proceeded to narrate a bit more, beginning with a brief history of our endeavor to eliminate Polio. The eradication of Smallpox in 1977 served as an impetus for Rotary to seek ways to put an end to Polio. It was the year 1985, and Rotary was decided to work on the termination of Polio! By 2017-18, Dave noted that we were down to a handful of cases. He added that there have been cases of Polio in  unvaccinated persons, residing in Rockland county, NY. The sewage plants in this and surrounding counties are being monitored to see when its spread will go away. The virus can go from person to person without symptoms, which complicates tracing.

Though there is no cure, there is prevention. There are three types of Wild Polio Virus, we learned, with two and three having been eradicated. Number one may in rare cases emanate from the oral vaccine but seems to have much less severe consequences. We have transferred from an oral vaccine to a shot. "We are relatively safe here," Dave noted.

He recalled that in the 50's and 60's an "Iron Lung" was used in the healing process of Polio patients. "We do not want Polio to come back!" Dave added with emphasis. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dave Hannon for joining us this evening, and for his sharing of his wisdom and expertise with us as well!

"One more thing" was the next item on this evening's agenda. Pres. John encouraged us to keep informed about Rotary. Some easy ways to do just that, are to read the District Grape Vine to learn more about what is going on (with Rotary) in our 7120 Area, and to become more informed about Rotary Worldwide, by reading the monthly Rotary Magazine! The articles are excellent!

"Rotary Reflections" came next, as the Meeting drew near to a close. Rose recalled that one of her first BVT house guests was a young black fellow from Philly. "He was a great houseguest!" Rose recalls. The night before he left, he told her, "I don't want to leave this place!" "Kindness matters!" said Rose.

We ended tonight by reciting The Four-Way Test, as we customarily do, and we thanked John for hosting this evening's Gathering. John's Ralph Waldo Emerson quote today was "Every person I meet is my superior, and I can learn from them!"