The above statement was part of the presentation made by Rotarian John Nanni.  John is the Rotary District 7630 Polio Plus Chair, a Polio Survivor, team member for World's Greatest Meal to Help End Polio, Group & Board Member of Polio Network of NJ Support Group, Paul Harris fellow.  The Westerly and Wakefield Clubs changed their regular meeting in order to attend dinner with the Chariho Club along with current and past District Governors and current and past Assistant District Governors.  John's presentation focused on Polio, Post-Polio Syndrome and Rotary's Role to "End Polio Now".

 

John said that he doesn't tell his story just to talk about himself but to make himself the "object lesson" for Polio Vaccination - and for all contagious disease vaccinations.  "At the age of 10 months old in 1953, months before the Salk vaccine was distributed, John was paralyzed from his neck down for six months."  Seeing that the hospital staff was not doing much to help her son, John's mother took classes in the Sister Elizabeth Kenny method of keeping Polio victim's limbs from atrophying.  Applying her lessons to John every other hour eventually "healed" his body.  He took his first steps a year later, grew to play sports through high school, although, he said, he wasn't very good due to the residual effects of the disease.  He graduated from college and later owned his own business.  However, Post-Polio Syndrome began to take a toll on him with "ever-present pain and mobility issues from overuse of polio damaged muscles."

He now is limited to about 200 hundred walking steps per day and uses a power wheelchair.

 

John said, "as long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk.  The stakes are that high."

 

Vacci the Teddy Bear and his two brothers were auctioned off bringing in about $1,000.  End Polio Now bands were sold for $5.00 each and attendees paid $20 for dinner with $3.00 going to Polio Plus.  I don't know what the final total collected was but I think it was a great fundraiser for Polio Plus and we were so very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and listen to John.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past President (1998-1999) Ted Avedesian planned the first "Scholarship" auction dinner to raise funds for scholarships during his year in office.  It was such a success that it continued every year, except for one.  So, this year is a milestone - the Twentieth Dinner!!  As Ted has told us many times, originally the event proceeds were totally intended to build up the Scholarship Fund.  When the Scholarship Fund had risen to more than $50,000, it was decided to split the dinner proceeds of future dinners between the Scholarship Fund and the Charitable Giving Fund.  Scholarships awarded went from $2,000 to $4,000 per year.

 

We have been fortunate that The Cooked Goose has generously provided us with a very special exclusive evening.  Chef Andrew Nathan always prepares a delicious gourmet dinner in 3-4 courses.  Make your reservation as soon as possible - $35 per person - contact Ted or Rose.

 

The Wine Store prepares a fine selection of wines for tasting - and buying.

 

Our many community friends have donated gift cards, gift certificates, items, vacation getaways, vehicle rentals, garden materials, etc. so we have a wonderful assortment of raffle items, silent auction items and live auction items.

Steve Cofone is showing off one of Doug Rayner's handcrafted keepsake boxes from a previous Auction dinner.

 

 

Community Giving to date includes $500 to Westerly Pee Wee Football and $500 to the Columbus Day Parade Committee.EREY: Ten members have contributed to the Rotary Foundation as of December 31 - so, 55.5% participation since July.  If anyone makes a donation directly at Rotary Foundation website, please let Secretary Rose know.

7 October 2019    10:30 Register/check in    Noon Shot Gun Format

Player registration fee  $300.00

Chair:  Kathryn Taylor  (kathryn.taylor42@gmail.com)

Event Chair:  Frank Celico  (frankcelico@thewinestoreri.com

 

Player registration form and Tee Sponsor form are available on our website - see "download" section.

Email blast was sent out early in March.  14 players have registered.

 

                                Tee Sponsors

         DMR Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Inc.

               Hoyt, Filipetti & Malaghan LLC