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Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M.
Welcome to our club!
Iowa City A.M.

Service Above Self

We meet In Person & Online
Tuesdays at 7:00 AM
Kirkwood Room
515 Kirkwood Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
United States of America
Most meetings will have hybrid options for those who cannot attend in person. Contact President Jenny Seylar at jenny.seylar@iaumc..net for the link. Breakfast is served at the 7 am morning meetings. Members supplement the meals for guest. Join us!
Home Page Stories
Phil Petersen introduced Jennie Schmidt, Executive Director of the Free Medical and Dental Clinic. and Lisa, the new Development Director. Jennie stated that the theme is growth. Their mission is to provide quality health care for the uninsured and underinsured. The clinic is used by many--98% of their patients are uninsured/underinsured, 83% from Johnson County, and 61% are employed. Many of their patients have complex needs. The Free Medical Clinic helps with the Health Kids program at ICCSD. They run clinics and a laboratory. They can help provide insulin to people. Their service providers include over 200 volunteers.
 
Their biggest challenge is growing demand as they serve thousands of patients and are booking medical appointments into May. Challenges also include that 
  • there are an increasing number of women seeking access to contraception, especially following changes to state and federal laws,
  • Iowa allows dentists to take Medicaid but many do not,
  • they offer prenatal and postnatal care,
  • Mercy has provided mammogram services and they are waiting to see what happens with Mercy's changes, 
  • they want to got to electronic records to replace paper,
  • they are funding a growing budget, 
  • space to provide services and 
  • funding
The Free Medical Clinic had a grant to hire a dentist as of October 1, 2023--the dental waiting list was 1 year in fiscal year 2023. Their dental team includes three Spanish speakers. Kirkwood dental hygiene students are helping in the dental clinic. They have new groups funded by grants, including Wednesdays for Women group and Diabetic Education and Support groups (which they can offer in Spanish). The Free Medical and Dental Clinic is also working with OPN Architects to improve their space. 
 
Lisa stated that keeping patients out of emergency care saves money and "we can be proud" that we are one of the oldest medical clinics. They are hoping to get more people on board and she asks that you please like The Free Medical Clinic on Facebook. They have an unticketed event May 1 at the Kirkwood Room.
 
They appreciate Rotary helping to fund the moving of the electrical meters to outside at a cost of about $25,000. Brianna Hoffman was instrumental along with other Rotary clubs.
Vernette Knapp introduced Amiritha Kumar, President of the Roteract Club of Iowa City.  Amiritha grew up in Fairfield and attend Interact there.  She is a senior at the University of Iowa studying Medical Anthropology with a pre-med tract.    Amiritha showed slides of the Executive team.  She talked about the goals of the club.  The main goal is to increase membership.   Jasimine Sanashinh, past president of Roteract is working on increasing membership of the club.  Some of the student involvement includes fairs, pop ice, and working at Open Heartland on service projects with the PM Satellite Club. The Roteract Club has had speakers:  Jim Peterson speaking on Xiocepetec,  Professor Brett Johnosn speaking on journalism, and Amanda McFadden speaking on International Students affairs.  The Rotaract Club of Iowa City sponsored a bus stop in Xiocetepec.  The raised money for this project and "Girls for the Greater Good" award them a scholarship of $1,000.
Amiritha, Jasmine and Allie will leave Saturday March 9, 2024 for their mission with Xiocetepec.  
Amiritha has gone to RYLA and she says that RYLA transforms people in many ways. 
Chirs Knapp presented Amiritaha with a 4-way test coin and a breakfast invitation. 
 
Amy Nicholson introduced Kyle Nicholson and Al Mebus to talk about Safety Village of Johnson County.  Kyle Nicholson is on the Coralville Police force and Al Mebus is a retried policeman.  They have known each other since Kyle was 2 years old.   The Safety Village was founded in 1994.  Safety Village is a two-week summer camp for Johnson County children to learn about personal safety through hands-on activities and presentations in a child-size town complete with buildings, streets traffic lights and pedal-driven vehicles.  Safety Village is located on the campus of Grant Wood Elementary Scholls.  We provide a setting where children can prepare and practice safe habits when in their neighborhoods and community.  Students ages 5, 6, and 7 are lead under the watchful eyes of teachers, area volunteers and first responders. Over 5,000 Johnson County children have graduated from Safety Village.  Currently there are 25-30 children enrolled. 
This is an opportunity for Fireman and Policeman to be with the children under non-threatening circumstances. 
We are very appreciative of the Skaugstad family, Hodge Construct and the Safety Village Board of Directors who have already committed to the campaign to 30 years of Safety Village.  At this time there are many of the buildings and structures in dire need of repair.  Please consider a donation. '. The goal is to raise $50,000.  
During the last snowstorm and derecho, the Safety Village has lost many trees.  Funds are needed to replace trees. 
 
 
Casey Cook introduced Tomeka Peteresen, the Rotary Action Group RAG4Clubfoot Co-Chair, who spoke about clubfoot, a common musculoskeletal birth defect impacting approximately 1 in every 750 live births. It is twice as common in males as females and often occurs in both feet.The Ponseti method is a non-surgical treatment for clubfoot that involves a series of casting of the foot and when begun in infancy and done correctly has a greater than 90% effective cure rate. Rotary has global grants that support training doctors in the Ponseti Method training in Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Argentina. The average global grant for training a doctor in the Ponseti Method is approximately $3,500.
 
A Rotary action group can provide technical expertise and training to help clubs implement projects, including helping clubs and districts prepare grant applications and develop plans, conduct assessments, and find partners and funding. The mission for the Rotary Action Group for Clubfoot (RAG4Clubfoot) is "to inform, activate, connect, and engage Rotarians, Roteractors, Interactors and their friends to create ways and means to support action for a world free of clubfoot disability." This action group plans to continue its work in Latin America and seek new opportunities to partnership with NGOs and other Rotary action groups. Member John Ockenfels thanked Tomeka for work keeping RAG4Clubfoot going!
Past President Eric Weiler of the Rotary Club of Iowa City Noon introduced Dr. Christie Fisher, President of Kirkwood Regional Center at The University of Iowa.  Dr. Fisher wished Peggy Doerge well as she is on the Board of Trustees for Kirkwood Community College.  The mission is to ensures access to quality education, training, and lifelong learning with clear educational pathways and provide opportunities to succeed.  Our vision:  to be the community college in regional, national, and global education.   The are working enrollment.  It has had a steady decline over the past 10 years.  They have now partnered with the University of Iowa.  By closing the Iowa City Campus, Kirkwood is saving $100,00 per year.  The parking lot is being enlarged.  A number of programs will now be able to be offered:   Motorcycle training and School Bus training.  Kirkwood partners with Johnson County Childcare, Iowa Work Force, College of they have programs at Oaknoll dealing with OT AND PT.  
In the spring there will be a Home Repair course at the Johnson County Regional Center. 
 
Sue Cronin introduced speaker Brett Erickson, who spoke about Faith Academy. Faith Academy is a private Christian school in Iowa City whose idea originated in 2013 out of the Parkview Church. Faith Academy's demographics include West African refuges and families from Chicago. Mr. Erickson's wife works at the school and their sons attend Faith Academy. Mr. Erickson stated Faith Academy tries to infuse hope in its students and to provide cross cultural experiences, including a past opportunity coding with a school in Egypt. The students day starts with chapel. Faith Academy seeks to be funded by the community--prior to ESAs (education savings accounts) being offered in Iowa, Faith Academy was 100% funded by the community and subsequent to ESAs, Faith Academy is 53% funded by the community. 
 
Fifty-three percent of Faith Academy's 4th graders read on grade level. The teacher child ratio is 1 to 15. The school provides bussing. Faith Academy has seven grades now and will be adding another grade next year. Faith Academy does not plan to offer high school. Faith Academy works to have students treat others as they want to be treated--"each other bears the image of God." In the next ten years, Faith Academy wants to double its enrollment by adding additional classrooms at each grade level. Ways to partner with Faith Academy include the following:  annual fundraising banquet, donate, volunteer, visit--every third Thursday of the month from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m. is an open house, and pray. Faith Academy is accredited with Christian Schools International. Parents pay a sliding scale tuition based on income. Full tuition is $9,000 for one year. 
Mark Stanley introduced Gralon McGaffin State Director Nature Conservatory.  He talked about the mission:  To conserve the lands and water in which all life depends.  It began in 1963 in Iowa.  60 years 23 staff working 20,000 acres.  He showed many photos of Iowa Cedar Rive Bank, , Des Moines Riverbank, Loss Hills, Missouri River, and Little Sioux Valley.
They want to have active land, grow climate program and advocate at all levels.
There are outreach programs in Linn, Dallas, Warren, Jackson, Johnson and Polk counties. 
 
 
Today there was no speaker.
President Theresa had asked members to list three items that other members would have to guess who they were.
Theresa read several.  It was a lot of fun. 
This was a way to get to know each other better.
 
Karen Franklin introduced the speakers:  Sarah Nelson CEO Community, moved from Colorado 3 years ago and Emma Nelson who is the Animal Caretaker, Peer support specialist.  Colorado 10 years barns and animals reg and national champion Western Pleasure
Healing Prairie Farms provide a place for youth.  There is individual. And family stays.  They provide therapeutic recreation in art and gardening.  There are 8 beds for 3-10 day stay.  There are 4 beds for a two day stay.  
The Healing Prairie Farms is supported by Community involvement, grants, and IRS reimbursement.  
Why does the heling farms work?    The kids are close to nature, gardening, and animals.  This is all very therapeutic and healing.  There is staff on duty 24-7.
There will be an open house:  HYGGE OPEN HOUSE, Sunday January 14, 2:00 -5:0 pm.  There will be self-guided tours, crafts, warm sup, bonfire, and cozy vibes. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
y stay 
 
Today was Secret Santa Gift Exchange.  There were many wonderful gifts exchanged among our members and guest AG Mark Ruggeberg.
Some gits were candles, candy, pottery Christmas baking dish, golf balls, Fitz and Floyd Cheese and spreader, apple peeler, Cranberry bread, sparkling candle holders, ham and food items, candy and lotto tickets and may others 
What fun we had. 
 
 
..
Karin Franklin introduced Peter Rolnick who is an emeritus physics professor and amateur musician.  He has taught at Truman State.   In retirement he became the Iowa State Coordinator of Citizens Climate Lobby.  His talk was "Realistic Climate Legislation Realistic Impact.  The truth is we are Buring Up.  The world is getting warmer.  The population is growing.  We must minimize the damage.  We can do this by building political goodwill.  WE must lobby, have grassroot outreach.  Miller-Meeks is co-chair House Conservation Climate Chane.  Grassley has work with Cory Booker in bi-partisan conservation reserve program act. 
For more information you can email Peter at prolnick@icloud.org.  Phone 660-342-3671. 
 
 
Simon Andrew, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, spoke about his work with The Housing Fellowship and about the organization itself. Simon's background includes employment with the City of Iowa City in budgeting and working with Habitat for Humanity in Uganda. The Housing Fellowship is a not for profit organization that manages 207 housing units and strives to provide affordable maintained housing to adults who are primarily greater than 25 years of age (federal requirement). Its typical client is not a student. The Housing Fellowship often supports scattered site housing, which fits into neighborhoods and most families stay a few years. Johnson County, Iowa, is the most expensive place to live in Iowa. The Housing Fellowship rent ranges start at $400 per month, and some market rate housing is available with no external compliance requirements. When there is no debt on housing, Simon said it is easier to keep housing affordable. The Housing Fellowship team consists of seven individuals, including Simon. He posed the question--"What sets The Housing Fellowship apart?" It is not unusual to have tenants with a past due balance, and during the pandemic, The Housing Fellowship helped folks access debt relief funds. The Housing Fellowships also works with other not for profits, including DVIP and the Shelter House. The Housing Fellowship does not need credit checks and is lenient with background checks of applicants. The Housing Fellowship has a twelve member board and 100% of equity stays in Johnson County. There will be a student built Leed certified house on Ronald Street available in the future, and The Housing Fellowship will acquire some houses by selling others with the intent of renting them affordably. In response to questions, The Housing Fellowship does refer tenants to Iowa Legal Aid and does validate the financial circumstance of their clients. The audience thanked Simon for speaking and he stayed to answer questions after the meeting adjourned.
Jennifer Skarda introduced Tim Ruth, Co-Owner of Mc Creedy Construction. Tim talked about High School Students in the Construction Trade.  He is President of the Home Builders Association. In 1993, he was in construction management.  He teaches construction management at Kirkwood.  In 1990 he worked on Oakdale Prison.  In 1993 he received his degree.  He has worked on the Red River Hospital Project in Burlington.  
Tim's philosophy is to always finish a project early to collect the funds sooner.   He enjoys working Kalona.  Building permits are easy to obtain. 
Tim said that we need more women in the profession.  He worked at Riverside Elementary School and now his children and grandchildren have gone to this school.  It really has a lot of meaning to Tim. 
Tim's motto is "Always Give Back to the Community". 
 
Liz Nichols introduced Juliette Genin, Rotary Youth Exchange.  Juliette talked about the history of Verdun, France where she is from.  The population is 23,000.1387-1443 was the 100-year war.  1778-1795 was the French Revolution where they beheaded the King and Queen.  1914-1918 World War1 between France and Germany.  1931-1945 World War 11 where there were Jewish people held at Auschwitz.  Juliette is from Verdun, Franch with a population of 23,000.  She showed a chart with listing:  Liberty=People, Equality=Reality, and Brother=People Her mother is a teacher in French Modern Art, and her dad is teacher in Junior High Physics and Chemistry.  She talked about education in France being very entailed compared to classes in America.  She begins her day at 6:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm.   She said the rooster is a symbol of pride,
 
She showed many photos of France. 
Deb Dunkhase and her guest Dr. John Canady spoke on Iowa M.O.S.T.  Dr. Canady said this mission has been going for 19 years.   Dr. Bill Olin, Dr. Pete Wallace, Dr. John Canady, PDG Gary and Nancy Pacha started Iowa M.O.S.T in 2005.
1 in 600 people Guatemalan's have cleft lip or cleft palate or both. The mission is now doing cataract surgeries.  She and Dr. Canady showed many pictures of patient's year after year.  The people trust the Iowa M.O.S.T. team.   The people will walk for miles to a bus to transport them to Huehuetenango hospital for surgeries.  Typically, the Drs. preform. Around 65 surgeries per year.   The mission this year will be January 19-28 and January 24-31 for cataract surgery. 
 
Myrene Hoover introduced the Stanley Museum of Art's Director Lauren Lessing who gave a dynamic presentation! The Stanley Museum works with 200 University of Iowa personnel across the curriculum and saw 4,000 kindergarten through twelfth grade school children. It has had programs three times per week, including a mobile opera. Since it is a new building, the staff is learning what the building can accommodate and what opportunities it can host. There are twelve staff members, including Lauren Lessing and they could use more staff. The building is being considered for an American Art Institute award. The staff can support University of Iowa's researchers, can work to bring the University together, and can teach and serve as a public forum. Director Lessing recommends Palaces for the People. The author argues its important to have shared buildings' spaces and be able to sit in a room with people who disagree with us and have a conversation. Museums have a role to play--we've got to get people out of their shells and have a conversation about art they may not like.
 
The staff learned a lot during COVID about bringing art to where the people are at and about the power of art to comfort us in grief and help us be well. Museums are working on racial justice issues and have a lot to do given their history with colonialism and changing the culture of places they were at. The Stanley is a young museum and is working on justice issues. They want the museum to survive into the 21st century. The Stanley has a print show opening in March. The Stanley also has an exhibition celebrating Keith Haring, a graffiti artist, who visited Iowa City and Horn Elementary [see https://stanleymuseum.uiowa.edu/art/exhibitions/upcoming/keithharing]. The goal for the Stanley is to raise $55 million for the museum and they will ask for money.
Past President, Amy Nicholson, spoke on "The Rotary Club of E. Clubs of Global Travelers, her Kenya Trip.  She talked about the benefits of traveling with Rotary Global Travelers.  She met many Rotarians from all over the world. 
She showed slides of many schools and children that she met.  She will travel many more trips. 
 
Amanda McFadden introduced the speaker, Dr. Liang Chee Wee PhD., who is the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Chancellor/Director. The most interesting and motivational topic was "We Do Life Together." Dr. Wee came to the United States in 1983. He had previously served in the Singapore Armed Forces and grew up in a rural village. He is the 39th recorded generation of his family with a family history going back 1,000 years, and his family included fisherman, farmers, and scholars. Dr. Wee began his speech with an anecdote about how his wife broke her wrist leaving a shuttle at the airport, they went to Mayo Clinic, and were fortunate to find key people on duty. A lady at Mayo's brought him a chair while he was waiting for his wife and told him to let her know if he needed anything. The lady was a custodian who then started cleaning rooms. This event reminded him of how important everyone is in an organization. In a typical hospital, there are 3 nurses to 1 doctor, which is 40%. Who is the other 60%? Sometimes we don't pay enough attention to the other 60%. He stated "we do life together" and need to be curious about people we don't know. He considers this experience a blessing. When he told the Mayo's doctor about his experience, the doctor said "that's how we roll here."
 
Dr. Wee asks how many understand the mission and values of an organization? Mayo's mission statement included compassion and teamwork, including unsurpassed collaboration. That night, he experienced the "magic of humantiy." He asks himself, am I curious about others? Nowadays, he pays attention to what goes on around him. He articulated the 4 way test of Rotary and highlighted building trust among each other so we can do good work together. Let the 4 way test guide our relationships in life.
 
He said his Mom had to quit school when she was 10 to help support her family who was poor and that she and his father valued education. He had grandparents who couldn't understand each other's language; however, his Mom did. Growing up, he learned four languages. Casey Cook asked Dr. Lee how old he was when he left Singapore--21 years. Mark Patton asked about raising pay for lower paid professions. Dr. Wee stated the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are trying to work with employers to provide a pathway so a CNA can become an LPN for example. Employers could subsidize employees' child care so an employee can go to school. Consider whether employers can create pool of money to subsidize childcare? Dr. Wee wears a Colin Powell pin--every child every promise and expands it to every person every promise--to remind him of what community college is for. Everyone is admitted. He closed by reciting the four way test.
Mary Murphy introduced the speaker John Daershuk , Director Officer of the Archologist OSA.  His topic is:  Abbie Gardner Sharp Historic Cabin Site.  John is a teacher at the University of Iowa.  He has BA from Carleton University.
The Research Center started in 1959.  It has 21 salaried employees plus students and project specific assistants. The Archeologist are associated with Anthropology.  The Office of the State Archaeologist responsibilities are:
Protection of ancient human remains, IA State File (cas.31,000 recorded archeological sites. Research, advocacy and growing and preserving the past.  Educate the public about reporting and appreciating the past.  Collaborate and consultation State Historical Society of Iowa.  Federal Agencies. FHNA, CUE, and FEMA.  
 In 1866 the Abbie Gardner Site as developed.  There are 143 acres.  In 1867 there was the Spirit Lake Massacre killing 33 people.  Abbie was captured when she was 13 years old.  There are sux cabins around Spirit Lake.  The Archeological 
Society is located at 700 S. Clinton St. Iowa City IA.  For more information refer to Archaeology.iowa .edu. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pam Ehly introduced speaker Chant Eicke.  Chant has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, from the University of Oregon.  He has been in Environmental Consulting in Johnson County for 16 years, at Impact 7G and EarthView Environmental.  He leads a team of 11 environmental scientist based out of North Liberty.  They conduct work ranging from Controlled burns to prairie and woodland restoration wetland delineation, habitat surveys and archaeological. investigations. 
Chant talked about the controlled burns that have been done in Hickory Hill Park.  He talked about the importance of safety at all times.  The team embers wear fireproof pants shirts, gloves and helmets. 
Safety Team Cohesion:  Clear objective, clear plan, clear process, clear responsibilities, Contingency planning:  Fire Breaks.  Back up water is the 3rd and 4th recourse.
Let's Burn Process:  1.  Establish Action Plan, 2. Back Burn, 3. Flank Burn 4. Head Fire.  Wind is the captain.
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Peggy Doerge introduced Lesley Wright, Director certificate in spirituality and community and a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in human development.  Since the early 2000; s Prairiewood's and its programs. have shaped her spiritual journey and offered sanctuary.  Prairiewood is 70 acres dating back to 1834. Six Franciscan Sisters help to break ground in 1995. 35 acres of restored prairie, 27 acres of restored woodlands, 1/4 mile of dry creek, A Healing Garden was added along with a Green Prairie Garden with fresh produce. They have a guest house for 37 people and a conference center. 
The mission of Prairiewood's Franciscan Spiritually Center is a sacred space where people of all faiths and cultures are invited to explore and nurture their relationship with the Source of all Being, Earth, Self, and others with an increasing awareness of the story of the Universe.  The eight dimensions of Wellness are:  Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Occupational, Financial, Environmental, Physical, Intellectual, ,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assistant Governor, Mark Ruggeburg, introduced District Governor Dennis Drager.  Dennis was raised on a family farm outside of Tipton, Iowa.  He enlists4ed for four years in the US Airforce.  He attended Iowa State University graduating from Venenary School in 1985.  He practiced in Illinois and Wisconsin then moving to Marshalltown.  After 36 years he is semi-retired.  Dennis joined Rotary in 2000.  He has gone to Xicotepec 2 years and participated in a project fair in Africa where he administered polio vaccine.  Dennis and Heidi married in 2006.  Heidi joined Rotary in 2021 when Dennis was nominated to serve as District Governor.  Heidi is a charter representative for Allegiant Airlines.  Mark talked about the value of RLI and Dennis echoed the value to all Rotarians.  RLI will be held October 14 in Mt. Pleasant Iowa. 
The District Celebration will be held in Pella at the Pella Opera House.  There will be a 4-Way test contest.  More information will be coming out on how to proceed with the contest.  This evening 9/26 from 5:30 to 7:00 there will be a Foundation Social at Reunion Brewery downtown.  Dennis and Heidi developed a Rotary Action Group for Mental Health. You can join the RAG for Mental Health for $35.  Dennis told several storied about helping the homeless people.  The mission of Mental Health Initiatives Rotary District 6000 Chapter. 
Transforming Mental Illness to Mental Wellness One Life at a Time.  Mission:  To create and provide opportunities for all Rotarians in our District to improve their mental, emotional and behavior health in order to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.
To provide support for clubs in the implementation of mental health projects and initiatives in our district and beyond. 
To provide a variety of helpful mental health resources in our District that result in a measurable impact on the mental wellness of our club and committees. 
 
 
PDG John Ockenfels talked about:  "Around The World Flight To End Polio".  John Ockenfels and Peter Tehan began their flight May 5, 2023 and returned July 30, 2023.  The aircraft they flew was CessnaN732WP. They flew 30,000 miles, 90 days and were able to go to 24 of the 29 countries planned.  The flight had been delayed 2020, 2021 because of Covid and 2022 because Russia would not let them in.  They had to work on a new route. The flight began and landed in New Hampshire where they were stranded for several days due to the alternator failure.   Once the plane was fixed, they were able to continue. One of the highlights was May 19, John's Birthday where they flew from Goose Bay to Reykjavik which was 1,551 miles.   John showed many slides of the trip and flights that were taken.  He showed both he and Peter giving Polio drops in the children of Pakistan.  
On July 15, 2023, they flew Brisbane, Australia to Brisbane emergency 2hours 20 minutes due to alternator failure, they had a backup alternator.  
They had to fly Pago Pago to Honolulu.  They had planned to land at Christmas Island; however, they were unable to purchase gas.  John for 45 minutes thought they did not have enough fuel.  He had miscalculated.  There was actually 2 1/2 hours left in fuel when they landed. 
On July 26, they flew Kahului to Oakland, CA 2,390 miles and 14hours 10 min.  
Peter was asked by a reporter." Do you hope Polio will end in your lifetime "?  He said "NO".  John said the reporter dropped the pen, there was silence and Peter said "I Believe that Polio will end in my Lifetime".  
The World Health, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation all are helping to end Polio. in our lifetime. 
So.  "Some Just Hope for an End to Polio We Firmly Believe". 
Mark Patton introduced Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Amanda Irish, who spoke about the "Infectious Disease Outlook for Fall/Winter 2023-2024." "The usual suspects so far" are RSV, Influenza, Covid, and the common cold viruses and bacteria.  New data suggests Omicron (Covid) has 4 times the risk of death as influenza. She stated RSV is the leading cause of senior death. Moving indoors for school, holidays, etc. increases the risk of catching an infectious disease. Predictions can be hard to make because SARS-Cov-2 has not yet settled into a predictable seasonal pattern.
 
Last year RSV and the flu came earlier. The United States looks to Australia to select flu strains because flu season comes earlier there. Australia looks better this year. There is a new variant of the flu--BA623.  Masks work and getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of having a severe infection. Currently, Omicron XBB and the new EG.5 variant (Eris) along with BA.2.86 (pirola) are causing an increase in cases. BA.2.86 is spreading rapidly; however, it is unknown whether it will cause severe disease or be a dud. 
 
Steps people can take to stay healthy and prepare include good diet, exercise, coughing in elbow (not hand), handwashing, doing what is right for you and consider carrying a mask for use in public settings, and getting vaccinations/booster for annual influenza, Covid, and against RSV.  The influenza vaccine is the "best way to prevent infection and/or complications." Everyone > 6 months of age should get one. There will be a new Covid booster coming out in mid to late September. Fall boosters will target XBB.1.5. Health experts recommend everyone receive the Covid vaccine and/or booster. A person can get Covid with the flu. The RSV vaccine is recommended for persons > 60 years and people can catch RSV now. The RSV vaccine "protects against severe illness with 82-86% efficacy." If one does get sick, consider Remdesivir (IV) and Paxlovid should be started within 5 days of an illness if used. Also, having a pulse oximeter can help a person decide when to go to the hospital. In response to a question, Dr. Irish suggested the following can also be helpful--having a humidifier for home, vicks vapo rub, lots of fluids, Tylenol, and Motrin. She does not love Mucinex, which may cause side effects. The club thanked Dr. Irish for attending and speaking about this very important topic.
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Juliette Genin
May 21, 2024 7:00 AM
Rotary Youth Exchange Summary of the Year
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May 28, 2024 7:00 AM
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