Next Meeting Time & Place: November 8, 2007 at the RSCC.  A special Veterans Day observance will be held.  George Vickers is honoring our vets by picking up dinner for any active duty service personnel (including reservists) and Rotary ex-servicemen.

Song: Peter Reddish led “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”.

Pledge:  President Marion Keenan

Prayer:  Bill Wyatt

Head Table:  Past District Governors Art Goetz and John Culver, speaker Michael Carmichael, Mike Abercrombie, and newly inducted member (as of tonight) Lombuso Khosa.

Guests/Visiting Rotarians:    Rob Hart (also a visiting Rotarian), Penny Nicholson and Judy Wyatt, guests of their spouses.

Announcements: Dick Brooks passed away today – remember Betsey and family in your prayers; Dick Barr is in sickbay, recovering from a successful knee replacement; also Fred Wierman has recently had cataract surgery.

President Marion read a thank you note from Connor Hynes for the Club’s support of his trip to Uganda.  He comes from a tradition of service – his grandfather was our friend and fellow Rotarian the late Mike Hynes.

Mark Glushakow introduced the $10,000 raffle winner, Marc Forno.  Marc bought $130.00 worth of tickets from John Burkett.  The raffle raised over $26,000.00.  Mark also recognized George Vickers, who has generously provided the raffle tickets for many years.

By-Laws Change:  See your recent email; copies were also on the tables tonight.  Club will vote to approve on November 8.

Welcome new members Bob Widdowson and Lomboso Khoza, who were inducted tonight.  Both are transfers – Bob from the Wicomico club and Lomboso from Washington state.

Paul Harris Fellows: Mike Abercrombie, who chairs our RI Foundation Committee, introduced Art Goetz (who needs no introduction!), who in turn recognized the following new Paul Harris fellows:  Marie Calafiura; Hank Engster; Tom Wieland; and also John Culver, who received a 5-stone pin in tribute to his gifts of $6000.00 to the RI Foundation.  Additionally, John funded Paul Harris fellowships for his grandchildren Sarah and James Culver; and Bill Wyatt funded a fellowship in honor of wife Judy.  This is extraordinary generosity from these worthy Rotarians.

Main Program:  You could hear a pin drop as Rotarian Michael Carmichael (of the Kent Island Club and also fiancé of District Governor Judy Friis) captivated us with his personal story of how his life changed when he contracted polio at age 5.  He told how this devastating disease affected not just him, but his family, his school, and his community.  Prior to the polio vaccine, 1000 children per day contracted polio.  Rotary International has fought back through the “Polio Plus” program, which has partnered with governments and agencies to eradicate polio. An initial RI funding goal of $200 million was exceeded, and great strides have been made, though in recent years flare-ups have emerged in about ten countries.  Michael challenged all of us to stay the course and do our part by continuing to fund Polio Plus. Eradication is within reach and, when achieved, will spare countless individuals, families, and communities the social and financial toll taken by polio.

 50/50 Winners:  Hank Engster and Bob Widdowson each took home $17.00. 

       Enjoy Rotary!