Founded in 1914 in Virginia

The Quest to End Polio

 
Rotary Club of Norfolk members and guests likely will avoid playing in water parks and soaking in hot tubs after hearing speaker Colleen Bondadonna highlight all the germs marinating in their water. The District 7600 Polio Plus Chair's graphic analogy showed how polio could spread rapidly in countries where unvaccinated people bathe and wash in rivers, lakes, and ponds. 

Colleen, a past president of the New Kent Rotary Club, was introduced by Past President Pam Tubbs, a polio survivor. Colleen, a tireless champion for Polio Plus, has volunteered at 13 polio inoculation days in India and Nigeria. She won Rotary International's Service Above Self Award for her dedication to eradicating polio. 

"Polio is only a plane ride away," Coleen said. While it was eradicated in our country decades ago thanks to the Salk and Sabin vaccines, polio re-appeared in New York in July in an unvaccinated man who flew in from another country and is now paralyzed. Twenty years had passed since this country saw a previous case, but this one infected 10 people in five New York boroughs among communities that do not believe in vaccines. 

Colleen reminded luncheon attendees that Rotary International's 1985 commitment to eradicate polio has saved millions of people but that it is dangerous work. This year 12 vaccinators have been killed while trying to help prevent polio. She encouraged Rotarians to continue supporting PolioPlus so it has enough 60-cent-a-dose vaccines to immunize children in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other countries where it is most needed. She commended past District Governor John Padgett for the generosity that has earned him PolioPlus Society status. 

The Meeting

  • Ben Mason's visitation report celebrated the return of Cy Grandy. It noted that Jean Owens is in memory care at Westminster-Canterbury and enjoys visitors, Rick Coradi is back to golfing and that Chip Vogan is recovering from an illness.
  • Guests were Mary Insley, a prospective member, and Rotarian Jennifer Priest from the Sunrise Club.
  • President Laurie Harrison reminded members that the club has a Zoom option with a link sent out with meeting RSVP notices. She and Vice President Barbara Lipskis recently attended the district conference. She shared a moving poem about the joys of Rotary service that debuted at the conference. 
  • Tom Koller highlighted the golf tournament, social, and auction coming up the next day.
  • The October Community Service Day is an October 29 Trunk or Treat event at Camp Grom for children through the FACT (Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater). Jeff Ryder is coordinating the service event. 

Happy Bucks

  • Barbara Lipskis, who had been painting purple pinkies for Polio Plus donations, reported $138 raised for polio prevention at the meeting.
  • Sally Hartman was happy to have had trips to national parks out west and to Arkansas for her high school reunion and to see long-time friends. She and Ron also just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
  • Joe New had a wonderful trip to Lisbon except for the Covid souvenir he picked up there. 
  • Bob Heely is thrilled his son, Ted, is a new dad and the father of Beckham, Bob's first male grandchild. 
  • Tom Koller noted that it was snowing in Buffalo and he was glad he moved to Hampton Roads and avoided the snow.