Simone Fargiorgio discussed success in life and work noting that Rotarians embody the fundamentals of success - passion, character, communication, motivation, discipline, and accountability while giving back to the community.
He read the poem Don't Quit - which can be read at the bottom of this newsletter.
Members on Zoom
Pete Brock, Paul Pimentel, Michaela Hermann and Richard Applebaum
Visiting Rotarian
Stacy O’Brien, District 7950 Public Image Chair
Guests
General John Adams (Ret.), Carina Pinto, Craig Crueller, Tracy Boothman, Michael Geoghegan Jr. (Washington Trust new member and on Zoom)
Announcements
The District Foundation luncheon will be held on Saturday, November 15 in Woonsocket.
There will be a holiday party on December 6th at Mike Kelly’s home at 59 Rawson Road, Cumberland from 1pm to 5 pm.
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 from 10 am to 8 pm at the Walmart on Silver Spring Avenue. Major Setty is coordinating the schedule.
Save your gently used warm coats for the upcoming coat drive. Pete Brock has recruited the help of Job Lot, who will donate new coats to the effort. More details to follow.
New Member Induction
Yani Hernandez, sponsored by Moses Fortes, was inducted into the Club. Yani is the founder of With Love Senior Advisors.
Happy Bucks
- Liz Messier was happy to spend a lovely week with her two children in Key West, Miami, and Orlando, she was also happy because she did not have any flight delays!
- Art Norwalk received a thank you note from the Kizirian School teachers who attended the Gala. They had a wonderful time and appreciated the invitation. Also, when Art was in the classroom tutoring, the teacher showed him books in the classroom library provided by the Club.
- Stacey O’Brien had a happy buck for seeing the induction of a new member to the Club.
- Major Setty was happy that Club members are willing to help with this year’s Salvation Army Kettle Drive.
- Kris David had $2 happy bucks for San Miguel School welcoming veterans to speak to students on November 11at 9 AM. All veterans are welcome to attend.
- Simone Fargiorgio had $5 happy bucks to welcome Yani to the Club, and for the fundraising event he is conducting this week for the American Cancer Society.
- Holly Applegate had $5 happy bucks to welcome Stacy and for Yani, who was so helpful at the Gala.
- Bill Applegate had $5 happy bucks for inducting Yani into the Club and to thank her sponsor, Moses Fortes, for introducing Yani to the Club.
Speaker
Kris David, PDG is the District chair of the Polio Plus Society Challenge.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis. Though many Americans believed polio was eradicated, a vaccine-derived strain appeared in New York in 2022, highlighting ongoing risks where vaccination rates are low. Polio epidemics increased with urbanization and improved sanitation in the late 19th century, shifting from childhood to adult infections. Major outbreaks occurred in Norway, Sweden, Vermont, and New York City. Medical advances include the invention of the iron lung in 1929 and development of effective vaccines by Jonas Salk (1955) and Albert Sabin (1960).
The last U.S. wild polio cases were reported in 1979; now, only two endemic countries remain: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rotary International has been pivotal in global eradication efforts, funding immunizations and surveillance. Since 1988, global cases have dropped from 350,000 annually to 39 in 2025. The rise in vaccine-derived cases in some countries is linked to decreased vaccination mandates.
Recent efforts focus on vaccinating children in high-risk regions despite various challenges. Surveillance is crucial for detecting outbreaks through water monitoring. Continued funding is vital to achieving eradication. Charitable campaigns like Polio Plus encourage donations, often matched by partners such as the Gates Foundation. High vaccination coverage is essential to prevent resurgence and protect public health worldwide.
To support the Polio Plus Society Challenge, Rotary members are asked to contribute $100, which will be matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. Go to
My.rotary.org to donate.
