Gossip Sheet # 39 - April 7, 2004
Editor: Foster Zanutto

Hugh Graham

Members of seven area Rotary Clubs were in attendance as Hugh Graham, President of the Fonthill RC called us to order as chair of the meeting. The invocation was delivered by Bruce Elliott, also of Fonthill, followed by the toast to the Queen and Canada and the Office of the President of the USA, and singing of the two national anthems.

At the Head Table were DG Bob Bruce and wife/Rotarian Nan Bruce, guest speakers Ron and June Mergl, and club presidents Brian Hughes (St. Cath. AM), Brian St. Hilaire (St. Cath.), Rob Welch (St. Cath.South), Bill Horner (St. Cath. Lakeshore), Ken White and Ralph Tomkin (NOTL, Lewiston,Queenston). Other notables in attendance were DGs incoming Charlotte Herling and Art Wing, Assistant Governors Ron Mergl, Jean Armitage and Joe Eigner, Mayors Leavens(Pelham), Rigby (SC) and Burrows (NOTL), Laura and Tom Dicke, Steve Moors and Alex Elloitt with the Polioplus presentation

DG Bob Bruce

DG Bob was introduced and indicated how happy he was to see our seven clubs coming together, and he hoped that we would do this again in February 2005, our RI 100th anniversary date. Bob described our area as the “heart of 7090” and outlined how $25000. was allocated to our district in simplified grants with 60% going to international projects. Bob presented cheques for $2000.to the RC of St. Catharines for its Chris Bangham South Africa project and $1000. to the South Club for its hearing aids project in Mexico. Bob reminded us of the District Conference in May and the special aviary event on May 14, with funds raised going to the Guatemala project of the NOTL Club, and that there are still hotel rooms available for the RI 2005 Conference in Chicago.

DG Bob Bruce, Paul Massuet, Rob Welch

Announcements

DG Bob Bruce, Brian St. Hilaire, Marg Jarrell

Alex Melinyshyn of the E. L. Crosseley Interact Club presented a cheque for the Wheelchair Foundation in Guatemala.

Jack Robertson pitched our District Conference On May 14-16 at the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls. James Bartelman, Lieut. Governor of Ontario is a featured speaker. Registration forms are available on our website or from the President.

Brian St. Hilaire announced a Children’s Committee meeting on April 13 and the June 28 Rotary/Algoma golf tournament at Lookout in support of the Children’s Centre.

Rob Welch announced the Diamond Gala and Auction on May 1 and they are still welcoming donations, especially of sporting events tickets.

Bill Horner reminded us that if we buy fireworks for the May 24 weekend, get them from his club on the long weekend, at the corner of Lake and Lakeshore in St. Catharines.

Ken White invited all to the Shaw Festival on May 1. Contact Theresa Bell for tickets.

April is Rotary Awareness Month

Flying the Rotary Flag at City Hall were President Brian St. Hilaire and Mayor Tim Rigby with other representatives from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines.

The Program
2004 Rotary Joint Meeting

Ron Mergl

Carol Mullen of Fonthill introduced Ron Mergl, a 10-year Rotarian and 20-year Veterinarian from the Niagara Falls Club along with wife June Mergl, Past President of Zonta Niagara Falls, Chair of the Nova House Campaign and 20-year Veterinarian-partner to Ron.

Ron started the presentation entitled “National Immunization Day (NID) for Polio Eradication- India” with a reminder that in 1985 Rotary was challenged to eradicate polio world-wide through vaccines and immunization. Polio‘s victims are usually under 5 years of age, often infected by contaminated water, and often suffer paralysis and loss of limbs. Initially Rotary pledged $120 millions, and ended up raising $600 millions.

In 1988 the World Health Organization passed a resolution to eradicate polio from the earth, at a time when there were 350,000 active cases in 125 countries. In 2004, there were 32 cases in 6 countries.

Nigeria was a problem because of fears that aids and infertility would result from vaccines, but that problem has been overcome by purchasing vaccines from Muslim countries.

We now have 209 polio-free countries and by 2008 we hope to have all countries certified as free of polio.

June Mergl, resplendent in a Punjabi outfit, explained that India is really on board for polio eradication. They visited cities, slums, villages where conditions were poor and crowded, where the people were beautiful, friendly and where they always felt safe. They helped administer vaccines by placing two drops orally to children. Record keeping and compliance are well developed, and the Muslim community is very supportive. The group visited clinics, hospitals, schools and orphanages to promote polio vaccination. June described her experience as “incredible and humbling”.

Tom Dicke explained that this was his second NID, having gone to Togo in 1999. Tom and Ron have pledged $4000. to the Jaipur Corrective Surgery Hospital, and invites donations to help raise this amount. This will enable 100 patients to get corrective surgery, and Tom invites us all to get involved with this “awesome experience”.

Ron Mergl reminded us all that “Rotary brings better health to families” and concluded with a short video of their incredible journey in India.

Carol Mullen thanked our presenters who are making a big difference through Rotary on the world stage and presented the Mergls with a gift.

Betty-Lou Souter was the lucky winner of the Tim Horton’s Coffee Maker, donated by the Rotary Club of Fonthill.

June Mergl, Ron Mergl, Carol Mullen