Posted by Nancy Riedel on Aug 16, 2019
President Lynn King called the meeting to order
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag
 
Announcements:
Social - Kevin Courtney - Saturday September 14 from 5:00 to 8:00 the first social of the Rotary year will be held at Dolphin Head Recreation Center. "Dog Days of Summer" will be an event for the whole family with various hot dog stands, River Dog beer and bring a dish.  Sign up sheet was passed around
 
photo courtesy Barry Davis
Dave Pierce was recognized for 50 years perfect attendance.  Quite an accomplishment - Congratulations Dave!  (he must have joined Rotary as a child)
 
Alicia Powell filled in for Sergeant at Arms Julie Camp-Tome and welcomed guests and collected Happy $$
Guests - Lilly Larsen, granddaughter of Alicia; and Ellie Pierce, spouse of Dave
 
Speaker:

Photo courtesy of Barry Davis
Past District Governor Bernie Riedel, District 7770 End Polio Now Chair and Zone 33 Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator was our speaker.  Bernie's program began with a video which gave the history of the movement to end polio and the initial campaigns.  It is the largest global health initiative and  was started in 1988 with a goal to irradicate polio by the year 2000. After a successful 5 year pilot project in the Philippines, It was launched as a 3 year capital campaign to raise $120 million and actually raised $248 million.  Since 1985 it has been the number one priority of Rotary. Why? Because in 1979 1,000 children a day were getting polio, there was a proven vaccine, and it could be administered by non medical people. Last year, 2018 there were a total of 33 cases in the world!  So far this year there are 60.  The problem for the increase is that Pakistan alone had 48, the reasons being that vaccination teams have been attacked, there is distrust because of false information, local elections have caused leadership to change and the hot weather.  Afghanistan has had 12 cases this year and Nigeria continues to have none.  Nigeria has been polio free since 2016.   World Polio Month is October and World Polio Day is October 24.  There will be an event held at Segra Park in Columbia SC on that day from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be Food, Fun, Fellowship, Music, Games and Beer.  All are invited.  Clubs are also encouraged to plan their own events to raise funds during the month of October.  Bernie explained how the monies raised by clubs increases substantially because of matching programs.  For example, last year clubs raised $43,583.60 during the month which was turned into $130,750.80 because of matching programs and $112,500 District DDF was added to that for a TOTAL IMPACT to Polio being $243,250 in 2018 !!!!  Last year our District was Number One in total Polio giving in Zone 33 and Number Three in per Capita.  
Our club's goal last year was $1890 and we contributed $4013.  Keep up the good work!
For more information on World Polio Day - visit www.endpolionow.org/world-polio-day