Karl Fined for Being Nicely Dressed
The bell rang, we sang, pledged, bowed our heads and started to eat and talk. Tony commanded our attention by announcing a Happy Dollar because he was back after a four weeks’ absence. Dick then rose to propose a fine on Karl for dressing so nicely and putting us all to shame. It passed.
Secretary’s Report
Sue asked Ted to introduce our guest, Michael Swaidner, Assistant Governor. Sue recognized Deb Kelty, our newest member.
Songs Followed by Fines
Our rendition of When You’re Smiling wasn’t too bad, but The Whiffenpoof Song needs more rehearsing. Many found the lyrics strange, but what can you expect from a drinking song (Yale University). Not many in the room knew that little fact.
Back to the fines. Sue proposed a fine on Karl because he did not apprise the Assistant Governor of Barre’s parking situation. No defense was offered and the proposal passed. Tom proposed “one and nine” on Sue for “passing the pass” which no one, including Tom, could explain. Needless to say passing the pass passed. Caroline proposed a fine on Ted for calling the Assistant Governor by the wrong name. Although it sounded like it passed, Karl ruled that it didn’t.
[Karl's Korner]
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Nicely Dressed Karl
Karl announced a request for donations to a Tournament of Roses Rotary float which would be part of the parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. He asked that the basket be emptied and passed around so we could all make a two dollar donation.
He then read an announcement regarding World Polio Day which will take place on October 24, 2015. Here is the full text of his remarks.
Rotarians around the globe will observe World Polio Day on October 24th established by Rotary International over a decade ago. This date honors the birthday of Dr. Jonas Salk who led the first team to develop a polio vaccine. This observance plays an essential part in educating the public about the importance of ending polio and rallying support for the campaign.
In 1985, Rotary International boldly launched the first global campaign to immunize the world’s children against polio. In 1988, Rotary mobilized the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to partner with this project. Thirty years later, Africa has gone one year without a case of polio.
Rotary’s partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, as well as local governments, have been critical to this success. Rotary has contributed over $1.4 billion and countless volunteer hours to polio eradication.
Today, polio has been eradicated in every country except Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. According to Rotary, there has been historic progress this year, with Nigeria and all of Africa going a full year without a case of polio. And later this year Nigeria may be crossed off the list of polio-endemic countries. But Rotary cautions that it’s too soon to celebrate.
The support of Rotary, donors, and governments remains critical in the final stages of polio eradication. Through 2018 every $1 Rotary commits to direct support for polio immunization will be matched 2-to-1 (up to $35 million per year) by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Each donation to PolioPlus makes triple the impact.
The Club Welcomes the 2015 Women’s World Horseshoe Champion
Karl introduced Debra Brown and Ron Williamson. Deb Brown is the current President of The Sodbusters Horseshoe Club in Bristol, Vermont and is The 2015 Woman's World Horseshoe Champion. Ron Williamson is the current Vice President of The Sodbusters Horseshoe Club.
Debra spoke about how she got started playing horseshoes, saying that it took seven years to win her first state championship; that was in 1981. She was Vermont State Champion for sixteen years. In 1993 she fractured her right hand and as a result of the injury, she had to change the way she threw the horseshoe. She made the transition and became the Women’s New England Champion with a rating of 70% ringers. She fixed her sights on the World Championships and placed 11th the first time that she competed. This year in Topeka, Kansas, at the end of the completion, there was a three-way tie and she won in the last game with 34 ringers out of 40 throws. She reminded us how competitive events are mostly a contest in your head and you have to focus on the stake in the game of horseshoes. When asked what it takes to be a horseshoe champion, she said practice, practice, practice! Everyone enjoyed her presentation and her enthusiasm.