The Final Stats

Lets look at the stats:

During my journey I had hoped to inspire other Rotarians to become involved with Polio Plus.  But as I visited the clubs, it was I that was inspired by the great works being completed by Rotarians around the globe.  I am truly humbled by the work of my fellow Rotarians who give their time, money and efforts to the humanitarian needs of others.  Service Above Self is not just  motto, it truly is a way of life.

I want to thank all of the clubs who welcomed me into their clubs, service projects and fund raisers, it was an amazing adventure.  Looking at the lighter side of the adventure I have rated some of my favorites and given statistical information, for those thinking about visiting 200 clubs in 200 Days. I only had two days during the quest, that I could not make a scheduled visit due to weather or other force.  I hope you enjoy the recap.


200 Club visits and/or events
Breakfasts: 60
Lunches: 71
Dinners:  24
Fundraisers: 8
Community service events: 8
Rotary events/meeting (non club) 29
District Conferences 3 different districts

What modes of transportation have I used to get to meetings:
walked
car
plane
ferry
trolley
biked
subway


Club banners  (additional $5 for each club which gave me a banner)
Morehead City-Noon, North Stafford, Bailey's Crossroads, Dulles, Leesburg Evening, Purcellville, South Boston, Beaufort-Olde Town, Smithfield, Oyster Point, Elizabeth City, Newport, Bath, La Jolla, Emporia, Hampton Roads, Cape Charles, Lake Ridge, Warwick, West Raleigh, Cary-Kildaire, Goldsboro-Three Eagles, Warrenton, Front Royal, KIWS, Calcutta Central, Calcutta-Victoria, Jaipur-Round Town, Brisbane, Jaipur-Capital, Fredericksburg, Arlington, Innsbrook, Reston and Bon Air.
Speaker gifts that I have received:
Mug/glass : 7  
pens: 23
Book donations: 3
ARC Donation: 1
Polio Plus donation: 2
Note pad: 1    
Candle holder: 1
calendar: 2
4-Way Test Coin: 2

Most Energetic Clubs
Powhatan

Virginia  Peninsula
Brandermill

Leesburg Daybreak
Western Henrico County

Most Laid Back
Alexandria South
Fluvanna County
Lunenberg County
Lake Country

Most Formal
Alexandria
Charlottesville
Richmond

Best View (keep in mind if there was fog or the club met off site it was not included, as I did not see the view)

Norfolk- Sunrise

Cape Charles

Leesburg- Evening
Nash-Rocky Mount

Rossyln-Fort Myers

Onancock

Best meeting room, without a view

Hugeunot Trail (Belle Vie)

Short Pump (Magiano's)
Tyson's Corner (Tower Club)
Blue Ridge Mountains (Farmington Country Club)


Best Singing

Franklin

West Richmond 
Cary-Page

Worst Signing (but most heart)

Morehead City-Noon

Best Music
Churchland
West Richmond
Richmond

McLean

Best Shoutouts
Innsbrook

Rappahannock

Favorite Fundraisers
San Francisco: World Polio Day: "End Polio Now" Walk
Chesapeake: Wine Festival

Farmville (VA): Pancake Breakfast
Matthews: Rock Fish Tournament

Favorite Community Service Events
Murshidabad: Sub National Immunization Day

Calcutta Central: Jaipur Limb Camp

Cape Henry: Foodbank Norfolk

South Delhi: Poster Contest

Caroline County:  Senior Gala
Midlothian: Stop Hunger Now
West Point: Healthy Kids Kick Off

7610 District Conference: Wounded Warrior Packs

Favorite Breakfast
Colonial Heights
Bon Air
Prince George

Melfa

West Point


Favorite Lunch
Lawerenceville
Arlington

Stafford

West Richmond

Morehead CityNoon (NC)

West Raleigh
Princess Anne (NC)

Favorite Dinner
Charlottesville
Fredericksburg
Louisa

Jaipur (india)

Number of times I had chicken and green beans
I think over 75 meals offered chicken and green beans, which I do like, just not every other day.  I even had chicken with breakfast on two occasions.

Biggest Donation Collected for Polio Plus in honor of my visit at the time of my visit.
Central Calcutta $2000

Blackstone $622
Fredericksburg $212 (when told that Harrisonburg had passed their giving they threw in another $10)
Harrisonburg $204

Number of page views on the blog: 2,432 views

Most viewed pages:
# 124 The Story of the Polio Survivor and the Polio Victim
# 8 Powhatan
# 87 West Point Board Meeting (very surprising, as it is not exciting)
The First 100 Days was a popular page as well and fun to write up.


Number of Countries viewing the blog: 
32 countries have log onto this blog.  Top countries in order:
USA, Czech Republic, France, Netherlands, Slovenia, India, Latvia, Malaysia, Russia and Australia.

Please note that many other clubs offered up Happy Dollars and other personal donations which are all recorded on a ledger and are all equally appreciated.  It is also noted on each blog visit what the meal cost (my donation) and any other donation offered at that time or commitment made at the time of my visit.

Again thank you to all the clubs who have welcomed me.

FAQ

1. How is the quest financed?
   I financed the entire quest; that includes air and land travel as well as hotels and paying for certain events/fundraisers.  I also stayed with several friends along the way, which was great bonus.

2. How many miles have I driven?
   I have logged over 21,000 miles during this quest, thankfully I drive a Hybrid.

3. What will you do for your next adventure?
   To visit a club in each of the contiguous states, in one trip, I am planning to do this with another Rotarian and we plan to stay with Rotarians along the way.  We will be raising funds again for Polio.

4. What has been your most memorable experience?
   Aside from my window being shot out, while driving on the interstate, there are almost too many to put in one answer.  Although being able to speak with Polio survivors and vaccinating children have been highlights of the mission.  Getting a snapshot of all the clubs has been an eye opening experience, the generosity and the uniqueness of the clubs is fabulous.  It was truly a pleasure to visit all of the clubs and events.  I hope to visit many of the clubs again.

5. Why is Rotary still funding Polio?
   Until we finish the job we started we will continue to strive toward the eradication of Polio, it is within our reach, if we do not eradicate Polio now it will come back stronger than ever.

6. What kind of job do you have to be able to make this commitment?
   I am retired from Solvay Pharmaceuticals (which has since been purchased by Abbott)

7. Why is your finger purple?
   When a child is vaccinated, the left pinkie is marked with a purple pen. This allows those administering the vaccination to tell if the child has or has not been vaccinated.  I plan to keep my pinkie purple until we eradicate Polio.

8. How many states have you been visited during the quest?
   Surprisingly only four; New York, Virginia, California and North Carolina, I also traveled to India.

9. How much money do you hope to raise?
  My goal was to bring awareness for the final push of the $200 Million Polio Plus Challenge put forth by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and to encourage clubs to hold fund raising events directly for Polio Plus.  While I don't know the exact totals from the club's independent events, between my donations and donations from Happy Dollars, members and other club donations given to me during my visits, over $8,100 is being submitted to Polio Plus in on behalf of the 200 Clubs in 200 Days Challenge.

10.  Why not just write a check rather than spending the money on travel, wouldn't that help Polio Plus more?
   Yes, I spent more than what I am donating, but by visiting 200 clubs and events, the message was heard by so many more and hopefully it will inspire others to join in the eradication efforts and hopefully all the clubs will rise to the challenge of reaching their goal for Polio Plus.

#200 Dulles International Airport !!!!!!!!!!200!!!!!!!!!!

President Tony was thrilled to have Dulles be club # 200!

I can not believe today I  made my official 200th Rotary visit in 189 days, the official date of the challenge ends on April 19th, but my 200th official Rotary club is today.  I have had some unofficial events and club visits in there as well, namely I stopped counting my own club and club board meetings as well as the visit to the World's Largest Rotary Wheel.

President Tony and the club were absolutely thrilled to be number 200.  I was happy to see several familiar faces and meet some new people.  Member Tom is from a neighboring town and was happy to chat about crab cakes and our festivals.  This lively club shared that they have more visitors than any other club, serving the Dulles International Airport brings in lots of visiting Rotarians.

And while this may be 200, I still have the balance of the day and weekend devoted to Rotary with my district conference in Gettysburg.  So there is more to come, look for the Frequently Asked Questions, Just the Stats and my final commentaries on this journey which will all be posted shortly.

Meal $13
Banner $5

#199 Leesburg (Evening)

 President Tony congratulates the club's newest member Bill

President Tony thanks Tom for the banner which accompanied 

him on his trip also pictured Tom's traveling companions

Purcellville Rotarian Bob and Joe K caption

On every table Polio Plus donation box

Breathtaking views and amazing members will resound with this club.  Overlooking the Potomac River this club has a full house each week.  The Leesburg club holds a world record of most consecutive 100% attendance with 288 meetings, very impressive.
I was immediately welcomed when I arrived and introduced to many members.  A very busy evening for the club with a new member inducted, member Tom Horne speaking on his trip to Kilimanjaro and I  giving my brief talk.  I was pleased that several members had read about my quest in the district newsletter and were familiar with my goal of promoting Polio Plus.  The club uses cigar boxes every week to collect spare change for Polio Plus.  I am not certain where they stand in giving, but am very confident that they have contributed a substantial amount. I especially want to thank Phil and Melissa who invited me to join their table, the group made me want to join their club, albeit a little too far to travel to.  If my travels bring me back this way, I will certainly visit again.
Tom Horne's presentation on his climb up Kilimanjaro was fascinating and several expressed their desire to follow in his footsteps.  Tom also took a club banner to the top of the mountain which he gave to the club.  While I was wholly impressed by his and his traveling companions' stories, I have no desire to climb a mountain.
I wish to add my congratulations to President Tony and his family on their first grandchild.

Meal $25
Banner $5

#198 Purcellville

President Tom exchanges banner and certificate

Happy Dollars go into the coffin....

Now Purcellville is as far away from West Point that I can be and still be in the district. At 3 1/2 hours away I came up the night before.  Expecting to find a small club I was surprised by the full house close of 50 people in attendance at 7:00am. The members were full of laughter and great spirit.  And any club that serves a good sausage gravy and biscuits is good in my books so thank you for the breakfast.  While the club talked about the upcoming fundraisers I was most intrigued by the Happy Dollar container....a coffin......I had to ask about this as I have not seen another club use such a device.  Now the story is that when they needed a container for the money a member and funeral director pulled out a sample casket and cut a slit in the top and it has been used ever since.  Okay so it's not exciting but then not everything in Rotary has to be exciting.

Meal $15
Banner $5

#197 West Richmond- Speaker

This is actually my 2nd visit to this club, they were also club number 89, but today I was asked to speak to the club on my recent trip to India and what happens with matching grants in the other countrys.  I can not express the gratitude for the stewardship of the Rotarians in India for all they do.  Recanting the stories of this visit, I could see many were touched by what I had seen.  For this is how I too was touched, listening to the stories shared by Rotarian George Atwell.   Somewhere along our time in Rotary if we are fortunate, someone like George inspires us to go beyond our comfort zone to become true Rotarians in Service Above Self.   As I reflect on my four years as a Rotarian, I have been blessed to meet some amazing individuals who I look up to as mentors, in my district, zone and internationally, these people bring out the desire to do even more than you already have.

Now back to the club, this club has it going on in so many ways; food, music, service projects and President Doug who writes a poem for each speaker. Oh and did I mention the speaker gift is a donation to Polio Plus (but I said that back in #89).  I will add the poem once it is copied to me by President Doug.

Thank you for inviting back to share my story with the club.

Meal $15

# 196 Leesburg -Daybreak

NID participants, James, Gloria and Tom along with President Rich

Very happy about visiting this club as three of my fellow NID participants are members (Gloria, James and Tom).  As Leesburg is 3 hours away, I drove up the night prior to the meeting.  I met with James and Tom for dinner at a fabulous Northern Italian Restaurant.  That evening James and his his lovely wife Julie invited me to stay at their home.  Apparently a storm rolled in that created a lot of noise from the wind and hail, I barely noticed the rain, so a very comfy sleep for me.  Thank you again Julie and James.

As we walked to the meeting I could smell the muffins outside, an inviting aroma that could not be resisted. The guys and I were absolutely delighted to see that Gloria was in attendance as she floats between homes in Leesburg and Naples Florida, we thought she would be in Florida.  Upon telling the group that I rate energy among other topics, the crowd became very energized and made a very large welcome for me.  This was the first time James and Tom would see the presentation that we all would be giving at the district conference.  The group was extremely appreciative of what we accomplished in India and especially proud to have the most members from any club represented at the NID.

This gregarious group is involved in many projects both local and international and are very passionate to the eradication of Polio.

I truly enjoyed the carrot muffin as well as the sausage. 

Meal: $15

# 195 GSE Day 2

Vic and Ry were guests at my home

The GSE team w/AG Juanita and President Bill

King William Courthouse

Pamunkey Indian reservation

Ray was the first up this morning and we all left for the 2 minute drive to the club meeting. It was nice to have a strong showing of members for our visitors.  After our normal scrumptious meal Tito began his presentation on District 3870, followed by each of the members sharing a little about themselves.  President Bill presented and exchanged club banners and the members were each given an End Polio Now pin and Virginia peanuts.


From the meeting AG Juanita member Linda Walton and I took the team to the Pamunkey Indian Reservation.  To walk through the museum is to walk through time. Beginning with the Ice Age, you are made familiar with "The People" (what they looked like, their ornaments, and their personal existence): "Their Natural Environment" (the land they inhabited, and how it looked); "Their Settlement" (the dwelling places of the people); and "Their Subsistence" (the tools they used and how they survived).   I had never been to the reservation and was very impressed with the experience.  From there we went to the King William Courthouse museum, the King william Courthouse is the oldest continuous use courthouse in the united states, established in 1725.  It's court uses a system based on the Olde English laws.
We met up with Jack and Linda Maus of the Louisa club for lunch and to bid farewell to our new friends, we were disappointed that we only had the team for such a short time.
I will note that my camera battery died so the picture are stock photos, I hope to add some pictures from the team later.

#194 GSE Team day 1

GSE members Tito and Fatima say good bye
to Middlesex members, Rit, Suzie and Dennis

West Point club members w/ GSE team at host member Laura and Bub Shreaves

My fellow club member Gary, my neighbor and "friend of Rotary" Linda and I all went to the local community college to meet the GSE team from the Philippines.  The team had just spent several days with the Middlesex club and we understood they were exhausted.  Fortunately we had a heads up on the amount of luggage. The middlesex club was sad to see the team leave. They had a great time, showing them Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and going to Norfolk.

Arriving back in West Point the three gentlemen, Tito, Vic and Ray all came to my house to rest before the dinner while the girls went to Gary's home.  Vic and Ray would stay at my home with my son and I , Tito stayed with member Larry Dillon, Jill with Elis and Dudley Olsson and Fatima with Gary and Kay Hogenson.

Dinner was a delicious pot luck at member Laura and Bub Shreave's home. With the team members tired we kept the evening short so the members could rest at their host's homes.  At home Vic and Ray both had laundry to wash and while Vic concentrated on the computer, Ray and Chad were conversing over movies.  A very nice evening.

#193 South Boston (7600)

AG Randy, President Larry,
PE Celeste and  President Peter(lake Country) and PD Chair Lisa

What a surprise to drive in and see four Rotarians from two other clubs, who I actually knew getting out of their car to attend this meeting. Going in they explained that two were going as a make up another is the acting AG and the third the PR Chair person for the district.  Going in we met an individual who is contemplating joining Rotary.  I hope he was inspired by the work the club is doing and meeting both the Rotarians of the club and the visitors.  President Larry "Rat" Davis is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and I was definitely looking forward to sharing a meal and visit with this club.  Sitting with a group I learned I was seated next to the Superintendent for the school system, after sharing our Pointer Pathways, he told me that they had 70 students graduating with an associates degree this year.  I was very pleased to learn this, the Halifax County school system is definitely leading the way in innovation.

Ernie's Restaurant has a huge buffet a great selection of everything, I even tried Pineapple bread pudding.  The meeting room overlooks a beautiful water feature with the woods behind. After my presentation and many commented on my commitment to Rotary and Polio.  It is easy when you believe in the need to eradicate Polio.

Meal $15

# 192 Lake Ridge

members move to the speaking area after finishing the meal

lots of information

The coffee pot adds new dimensions to the money in the pot

This was the second breakfast club of the day, which I understand has an outstanding breakfast. Having been at this facility for another club, I would believe it.  The featured speaker reviewed a high speed rail system for Virginia, something that would be very welcomed, especially in the congested northern corridor of the state.  The speaker had met me early in this journey at his own club in Richmond, and was pleased to see that I had be able to complete the task.   While I spent a limited time with the club, I was impressed with what I saw.  A table with all sorts of Rotary and club information was laid out and in particular they had 2 bumper stickers, one on Polio which I had only seen as an image on internet searches, no one knew where it came from but it was offered to me.  I may have some made up. I would like them to have it available for all the members.  I also learned that one member had a family member who had Polio and was very driven to help with the eradication of Polio, unfortunately, the member was not in attendance on this day.

Now  for two new concepts:  first, in a picture above you will see a coffee pot, with the Rotary emblem.  This is the 2nd club I have seen that has a lottery system for sustaining members.  Each week the winner of the normal raffle drawing has the opportunity to put $10 into the pot, along with their name.  This is done for ten weeks, at the end one of the ten names is drawn and the money goes for their sustaining member in the foundation.  The second new concept, is after finishing the meal the members move to a seating area to listen to the presenter.  So the members are focused on the presentation and not the meal plate.

Thank you for the banner and the member donation!

Meal $15
Donation $20
Banner $5

# 191 West Springfield

President Karen receiving the 200/200 Certificate for the club

A very quick visit to this club, as I was squeezing two breakfast clubs in on one day.  President Karen was very gracious to give me time, just after ringing the bell and holding up the buffet line.  I know some members through RLI or having met them at other events.  One member was hoping to join the NID trip this year, but the timing did not work, hopefully he will be able to join the group next year.  The club is currently involved in a Reverse Raffle with the top prize $10,000.    I will be going back to this club as a featured speaker talking about Rotary beyond the club and the projects we worked on during the trips to India.  The Governor Nominee is a member of this club, and is excited about his upcoming term in 18 months.

Meal Donation: $15

# 190 Melfa (7610) Eastern Shore

County Board member Robert Crokett speaks about projects in the county

Members Jeanette and Willy at the end of a good meal

This is the forth club on the eastern shore for district 7600 and the only club that does not meet on Thursday. The Sage Diner is the spot for a great plated breakfast, which today consisted of a ham and cheese omelet, perfectly cooked potatoes and toast. I do believe they will make it into the top five breakfast clubs for the meal.  Aside from the food the club is very active in supporting Special Olympics, a local food pantry and several other projects.  They are currently involved with the upcoming  "Taste of the Eastern Shore"wherein many restaurants will gather at the community college for food tasting. This is the 12th year of the event and the proceeds benefit the Foodbank of the eastern shore.

After receiving an email today I have updated the blog, the club made a generous donation of $100 for the Polio Plus efforts.  Thank you very much!

Meal $10
Donation $100

# 189 Warwick

Col Molloy engages the club with his tactical maneuvers

Display case shares awards the club has received

With Col Matt Molloy, Commander of the First Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis speaking on the Raptor F-22A, the club had a full house.  This energetic Air Force officer held every ones attention throughout his presentation.The club meets at the Women's Club in Newport News and has been there for years, but is planning to move their venue to the Virginia Living Museum, a facility which they were charter sponsors of.  They are looking forward to the move as this is one of their focus benefactors. Others include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and one other that I can't recall off hand.  They are supporters of the foundation and sent sign up sheet around during my talk to add to their club donation, (I will get the total soon to add to the list). I very much appreciate the extra support.
Diner was very good and different; meatloaf, potatoes, greens and pineapple up-side down cake.  I think the clubs have been reading the blogs ahead of time as I have not had chicken and green beans in over a week....

Meal $10
Banner $5

# 186 Williamsburg

Robin and Rob use props to discuss
the Foundations efforts with maternal and infant care

President Frank receives the 200/200 Certificate for the clubs support of Polio Plus

Closer to home The Williamsburg evening club is a delightful group.  Meeting at the Williamsburg Lodge they are known for good food and many visiting Rotarians.  I enjoyed the Rotary minute provided by member Robin who talked about how Foundation funds are used to aid mothers and children in developing countries, She and member Rob have been presenting different areas of Foundation focus each week to inspire and remind members what the Foundation does.  The club has been actively supporting Polio Plus and plans to continue.
The Chancellor of the Thomas Nelson Community College spoke on the role of community colleges and in particular  the benefits of the programs especially in the technical application fields; welding, nursing, etc.
Sitting to my left on this evening was Frank, who during Happy Dollars announced that he was celebrating his 61st anniversary from graduating from The Ohio State University.  He held in his pocket three buckeye nuts....I never knew what a buckeye was until he showed me. My late husband went to The Ohio State University.  The meal of soup, steak, potatoes, mixed vegetables and sweet potato pie was delicious.

Meal: $22 

# 188 Fair Lakes

Club members and scholarship applicants

The wheel is used for fines,  just not today

What a day to attend. The club was holding it's interviews for the student scholarships.  The schools selected eleven students to vie for 3 scholarships.  Each student shared their community service, extra curricular activities and their hope for the collegiate experience.  One of the students knew Chad from RYLA.  Prior to the students speaking I shared my brief 200/200 journey and expressed my gratitude for the students and their volunteer spirit and for the community service they were participating in.  At the conclusion of the meeting the students were interviewed one at a time. I left at this point, I was glad I did not have to make the decision, these are all brilliant young people who are all deserving.

Meal $12

#187 RLI Annandale

The graduates w/ some of the facilitators

Facilitators at Asian Grill the night before RLI

participants Sue, Anapum, Mike Trudie and Mary
work on the group  project

Laura, Mal Barry and Ray are creating a rotary vision with Legos

Anapum and Mike share with the group
what the group creation represents

Steve shares with the group

On Friday evening the facilitators came together at the Asian Grill in Springfield for dinner and reviewed the agenda for the next day.  A favorite of Jon and Mary Allen's the Asian Grill serves great food with outstanding service.  I like the variety of asian foods and the unique dishes not found elsewhere.

Holding the event at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale; this was the largest graduating class in Zone 33's history.  Eighteen Rotarians fulfilled all three parts of the Rotary Leadership Institute.  I led the Effective Leadership session in part 3 and was co-leader of the Service Projects for part 1.  Using Legos in my facilitation is always fun and I am amazed at how the participants relate their creations to how Rotary is moving forward.  A great day.

#185 Wilmington South

President Chris accepts the 200/200 Certificate for the club

After visiting the worlds largest Rotary wheel, I took in a meeting with the Wilmington South Club.  President Chris and members could not have been more welcoming.  They were pleased to be the only Wilmington club on the 200/200 schedule.  The simplistic lunch of a ham sandwich, fries and brownies al a mode was perfect and not too heavy for the long ride that laid ahead of me.  The members were all enthralled with my adventures and invited me to come back when I am in Wilmington. A smaller club they are relaxed and enjoy the company of the group.  Several members were lined up to help with the Rotary Wheel beautification to be held over the weekend.

Meal $ 12

World's largest Rotary Wheel

File image taken in 2001

Springtime at the wheel

The gazebo behind me is the center of the wheel

AG Don Adkins

First and foremost I want to thank AG Don Adkins for making time to show me the World's Largest Rotary Wheel at Greenfield Lake last Wednesday (March 16th).  Started as a project for the 50th anniversary of Rotary it must be seen from the air to get the full image.  At 240 feet in diameter wheel is a permanent park for all to enjoy.  This past weekend the six Rotary clubs in Wilmington gathered together for a re-beautification and restoration event where 234 Encore Azaleas were planted, and the Bradford Pear trees were transforming their blooms into leaves.  In the center of the Wheel is a gazebo that was added in 1965 and sod from a football field was recycled for the grass areas last month.  The six Rotary Clubs in Wilmington are very proud of this landmark and I very much enjoyed the tour and history that Don shared with me.  On April 8th the clubs with the Wilmington Parks department and Cape Fear Garden Club will host a ribbon cutting for the opening ceremony of the Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour at this site.

 I will note that while I did some research I found a Rotary Wheel in Oldham England that claims to be the largest Rotary Wheel, built in 2005 for the 100th anniversary of Rotary, at 29 meters it is one-third the size of Wilmington's wheel. But this wheel does have the correct number of cogs, 24.

184 Maysville (7730)

President Rita blends right into the wall art

Speaker Rev Ross, President Rita, member Diane,
guest Rev Don and IPDG Nancy

In the small hamlet of Maysville, NC is my dear friend Nancy,  a member of the Maysville Rotary Club, she is the IPDG of District 7730 and the leader of the past two NID trips to India.  The small club meets at Andy's Diner which serves a traditional breakfast.  Service projects include matching grants which have provided a library in the impoverished community of Dhanbad, India and a current nine district grant that is giving children with congenital heart defects in India the life saving surgeries that they so desperately need.  At this time they are selling tickets for a reverse raffle, which will support scholarships for local students.

The featured speaker was a minister from Uganda who spoke about the uprising when he was younger and how Uganda is rebuilding itself.  I want to thank the members for pulling together to offer an additional $100 for Polio Plus during my visit. President Rita was gracious and gave me ample time to share my story with the members.

Meal $10
donation $100

# 183 Kinston Evening

Products that support Eastern NC Stop Human Trafficing

The House of Wang, I knew I would be having Chinese this evening; the small clubs make for easy connections to most members in short order. President Earl and sec/PE Pam were very accommodating and gave me ample time to talk about my quest.  The speaker today spoke on human trafficking, something that I have seen firsthand while in India.  I shared my observations of the brothels in India and of the 6 year old who was sold into prostitution by her parents which mirrored the talk.  Unfortunately human trafficking is not something just in far-away lands; it is here in North Carolina and in most states in the USA.

The club will be hosting its Wine and Beer tasting on May 19^th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Chef and The Farmer at 120 West Gordon St in Kinston. For more information call 252.522.5510.

Thank you for the pen, I actually do use all the pens I have received.

Meal: $10

# 182 Morehead City Noon

I expected today’s meeting to be very somber with the passing of member Wayland Besset just ten days earlier.  But it was a celebration of Wayland’s life and service to Rotary especially his service to Meals on Wheels. His daughter, Debra spoke of her father’s commitment to serving those in need.  Even on holidays when meals on wheels did not deliver, he and the family would cook and deliver meals to those alone, bringing smiles and companionship.  She wanted to thank the Rotarians who were so much a part of his life and how each was a true brother/sister to him.  While I did not meet Wayland I learned he lived his life by the 4-way test and served others with a loving spirit that was an example for all to follow.

The group met at the Harborview where Wayland was and Bill Conte is a resident.  Bill with his wife, son and daughter-in-law, shared not only a meal but stories of Rotary and his career as the Police chief.  Bill had us all in stitches with his stories and it gave me a glimpse of not only Bill’s history, but that of the club.

After giving my short version on my mission, I was surprised again by the generous nature of this district and club, they like Lenoir, offered $200 for my 200 clubs in 200 days. I know that Rotarians are generous of heart and wallet, but I still am very humbled when others offer additional donations for Polio Plus.

Now, the food was fantastic, shrimp rolls and a lemon pie that was heavenly, yes I ate it all!  I have decided that the diet will have to wait until I have finished with the Challenge on April 9^th. And I saw two new things, first was a Foundation Drawing, this is a great idea for enticing new and sustaining members; ten members sign up for the drawing; the 1^st week a name is drawn, the club pays $10 and the member $90 to the foundation, then each week the number goes up on the club side and down on the member side by $10. This I is how I understand the drawing (any member please feel free to correct me if I am mistaken).  Secondly, and I will say ouch….was the singing of an original rendition of Happy Birthday, if I said it sounded like the moaning of a love sick moose I may be close to what this collective group presented.  I will have to make a new category for this.  Lastly, I had the pleasure to see several friends from past NIDs and the Zone.  Thank you for allowing me to share this special day.

Meal $10

Banner $5

Donation $200

# 181 Lenoir County, NC

I was absolutely wowed by this small club, with ten members at the meeting, Nancy introduced me and I spoke on the 180 club visits prior to them.   The breakfast club meets at the Barn Steakhouse in Kinston and was the normal breakfast fare,the blueberry pancakes were very tasty. I understand the restaurant has a delicious lunch and dinner menu.  As one member pointed out they give more hours of service per person than most other clubs and based on their projects I can see why.  They work smart with fundraisers, the spaghetti lunch events they hold twice a year nets over $800 for 2 hours of work each.  They also made a contribution to Polio plus of $200 in honor of my 200 clubs in 200 days, this is the first club to put the donation this way.  I am humbled and very grateful.

Meal : $10

Donation: $200