Tim Mulcrone: Eradicating Polio
This is the eighth year for Tim, who started the Chanhassen Rotary Club, serving as the District 5950 Polio chair. Tim provided some facts about Rotary’s outstanding work to eliminate this terrible disease from the face of the earth. Prior to 1953 when Jonas Salk developed the first vaccination against polio, August was a time of the year when the disease spread quickly. Children were often sent to live with relatives on farms and in places where the disease had not yet been detected. Since that time, Rotary has played a central role in working to eradicate polio, garnering the support of wealthy donors like Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, to reach every corner of the world. In 2018, there were just 33 reported cases of polio in 2
countries.
countries.
Why does Rotary care about these few cases of polio that occurred in the Middle East? Because the disease is just a plane ride away from spreading to other countries and regions of the world, including the U.S. As Tim explained, if we don’t fight it, we are all at risk. Tim went on to debunk some myths held about polio vaccinations, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Apathy is one of our greatest enemies in the battle against polio.
Before effective vaccines were discovered, one in 200 people contracted polio, a very painful disease. Tim was actually named for his mother’s brother who died of polio at age 11. Beating this disease takes money and volunteers. India eradicated polio from their country using 4 million health care volunteers. The Bill Gates foundation has matched, dollar for dollar, the money raised by Rotary International to fight polio—more than $2 billion. Tim suggested that Rotary International could win the Nobel Peace Prize if we successfully eradicate the disease—but the efforts to reach remote corners of the earth require the skills and stamina of “an Olympic athlete”.
Roger Jorgensen then took the podium to describe how money donated to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) grow and are matched, at the district and global levels, to do good work in our communities and around the world. Roger urges each member to contribute to TRF each year, with donations accepted by check or on-line. All contributions are tax-deductible to one of the best-run foundations in the world (according to rating agencies who evaluate non-profits and foundations), and we (Rotary club members) get to decide where our money goes when utilizing the matching funds programs.
Announcements
- Monday, November 11 th ’s Veteran’s Day lunch was a great event, attended by many EP A.M. Rotary members.
- Jennifer Jones, R.I., will be in Minnesota on November 20 th and speaking at two events. Several EP A.M. Rotary club members are attending the dinner on Wednesday evening at the Bloomington Hilton. Check your email or clubrunner for more details and to sign up.
- Nearly 30 Rotarians and guests attended Thursday, November 14 th ’s performance of “Guys and Dolls” at EPHS, and cheered on our RYE student, Clementine, who played the tour guide. Great show!!
- Jenifer Loon explained PROP’s new holiday gift program to help our neighbors in need. Rather than purchase specific gifts for children and needy families, PROP will be giving Target gift cards in $30 amounts. Please donate money for the purchase of gift cards, or obtain Target gift cards of $30 to help make someone’s holiday happier. Jenifer will be collecting donations at each Rotary club meeting through the month of November.
Spotlight on Frank Sherwood
Frank Sherwood was born in Valdosta, Georgia, where his Dad was stationed in the military. Home was Philadelphia, PA and Frank (who truly missed his calling when dismissing a career in stand up comedy) claims he began wearing a tie at age 5—and is still wearing them everyday. Frank worked as an engineer for an aerospace company for 15 years. He said it’s a great job for a single guy with long hours and lots of business travel, but he was married with 3 kids. Frank decided to change careers and for the past 20 years has worked in commercial real estate. He is happily married to Mary Jo for 40 years, and they have 3 children. Frank is a long time member of the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary club and a past club president.Happy Fines
- George Esbensen was happy to remind people to donate to MNFire, noting his goal of raising $5000 to help support the brave men and women who protect lives and property from the tragedy of fire.
- Roger Jorgensen was happy to tout the good work of Dan O’Brien who headed up our Rotary Foundation fundraising efforts for many years before passing the torch on to Roger.
- Bill Gaddis noted that a former president of Rotary International will be in Minnesota.
- John Crudele had 8 friends helping him sort, pack and move from his home in Savage to a new home in Eden Prairie.
Visitors
Russ Hendricksen - Prospective Member
Aaron Orwick - Prospective Member
Chris Taylor - Guest
Mrinalni Iyer and Nicki Kunz - Student Interns