The Program
Our speaker was immediate past president Pam Tubbs. One of the main appeals of Rotary is its commitment to eradicate polio. She was born in Columbia, SC. She is married to Ace and has two children and two grandchildren.
Pam took us on a journey on the “way back machine” to Charlotte, NC when she was two. She reminded us what life was like without air conditioning – people appreciated their porch swing and going to the air conditioned movie theaters. TV dinners were popular and ice cream was only 5 cents from the ice cream truck. Families also cooled off in the neighborhood pool or nearby lake. Every summer parents worried about their kids going into the water and getting polio. There were 15,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States. At that time The March of Dimes was created to help and Rotary Clubs helped as well but there was no cure.
In 1954 field trials began on the Salk vaccine sponsored by the March of Dimes. The initial field trial included 1.3 million 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders who rolled up their sleeves. They were called Polio Pioneers some of whom received the vaccine and others who received a placebo. About nine months after the trial ended, the vaccine was proven effective.
Unfortunately, the vaccine came too late for Pam. Her Mom was giving her a bath when Pam screamed out in pain – Pam had Polio. The family was quarantined for two weeks and, thankfully, no one else in the family was affected. She had to learn to walk again and appeared to be okay for years.
Pam grew up and after graduating from the University of South Carolina, Pam wanted to join the Navy. After a battery of tests, she was accepted into Officer Candidate School. She excelled in the physical readiness program until one day after many years in the Navy she noticed she was having difficulty running. She tried a shoe insert, met with several doctors and even tried steroid shots – but nothing helped. She finally saw a Podiatrist who based upon how her foot hung at an odd angle diagnosed her with Post Polio Syndrome immediately. Her life had changed forever. She was restricted from running and wearing high heels.
She was worried about the Physical Readiness Test but the Navy decided to add a swim or run option and Pam excelled at swimming and past the test.
Pam had a great career in the Navy – she had opportunities to travel, escorted President Carter and after 20 years in the Navy she decide to retire.
She knew Julie Keesling from the Navy and when she moved here Pam followed Julie’s lead and bought a house in the same neighborhood and Julie introduced her to Rotary and their goal to end Polio.
Pam reminded all of us how important it is to keep up the fight against Polio. Unfortunately, there are still 78 cases of Polio and the fight is not over.
The Meeting
Guests:
- Jeff Wells brought Bob Batcher, the CEO for PrimePlus which has been selected as the third partner for our Suds and Buds fundraiser
- Bernie Cohen brought Ernest Goins who is interested in possibly joining Rotary.
- Rafael Corredor recently relocated to Norfolk and is interested in reactivating with Rotary.
- Scott Hensley from the Satellite Club
- Sigur Whitaker introduced Sam Braden, a City of Norfolk employee who is interested in becoming a Rotarian
Club Business:
- President Lorna said she appreciated all the calls, texts and emails she received after the Hunton YMCA article in the Virginian-Pilot. She said that we knew what we were getting into when the grant was awarded.
- Sigur Whitaker, our Rotary Foundation chair, reminded all of us that Polio still exists in Afghanistan & Pakistan. Rotary’s involvement with the eradication of polio began as a partnership with the Philippines in 1979. In 1985, Rotary made the bold move to eradicate polio from the world. At the time we began this fight, there were about 1,000 cases a day worldwide. Rotarians have raised $1.7 Billion for this purpose and the rate of infection has been cut by 99.9%. If you give to Polio Plus not only will it will be eligible for Paul Harris but The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will give 2 dollars for every dollar donated.
- Laurie Harrison said we still have 23 people who have an outstanding balance. She asked those who have not paid their dues to please pay asap.
- Bryce gave an update on Growlfest. $30,000 was raised and our club received $7,300. Next year we will focus on more sponsorships
- Jeff Wells updated us on Suds and Buds. Two incredible groups – The Up Center and PrimePlus applied to be Suds and Buds third partner for 2020. The Up Center has it’s largest fundraiser only 4 weeks before Suds and Buds - therefore PrimePlus was selected. Bob Batcher, the Executive Director, thanked the club for being chosen. He said that they strategically changed the date of their largest fundraiser so as to not conflict with Suds and Buds.
- Jeff also gave an update on the two projects at the Hunton YMCA. The kitchen is almost done and soon they will be serving 300 kids. We will be painting two small rooms for the Library. Help is needed on Nov. 16 and 19.
- Kelly Stefanko announced that holiday social will return to the Mambo Room on December 17th from 5:30-8:30p.m.
- Diane Wallach also spoke about our long history, 45 years, of a student exchange with Tiel. 2020 is our year to send four students to Tiel. She has sent the application details in an email to all club members.
- Bill Moore announced that the Hunton YMCA has lost their Holiday Party Corporate Sponsor for this year and they are in need of a new sponsor. If anyone is interested please let him know.
Happy Bucks/fines
- Jim Kitz was quoted in the paper as President of the club while Lorna was away, Jim defended himself. He gave happy bucks for the Norfolk office of UBS celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and he was thrilled to have Lorna back.
- Steve Shultz gave happy bucks for Michael Desplaines who spoke at his marketing class.
- Gus Stuhlreyer gave happy bucks for his 6th grandchild.
- John Cameron gave because he was on his way to the meeting before he realized he didn’t have his Rotary pin.
- Joe New gave happy bucks for his vacation to Scotland and Ireland and he brought a flag back from the Dublin club.
- Bob Latimer game happy bucks for his new car – a Subaru.
- Joey Rothgery gave happy bucks for being quoted for the Norfolk Master Garden Program.
- Steve Jones gave happy bucks for his safe travels on his cruise.
- Pam Tubbs was called out for her cruise vacation as well.
- Bill Eisenbeiss gave happy bucks for Jack Frost being named a Distinguished Alumni of ODU
- John Searing gave happy bucks for someone who would volunteer to take his place as a greeter next week- Anthony Mia agreed to replace him next week. John also completed a Half Ironman.
- Gary Boswick gave happy bucks for Diane Wallach – he called her needing help with his glasses and she took care of him.
- Barbara Lipskis gave happy bucks for a new used car.
- David Brandt gave happy bucks for his son who is President of his Fraternity.
- Bill Moore gave money because his Rotary pin has disappeared.