POLIOPLUS

PolioPlus, the most ambitious program in Rotary’s history, is the volunteer arm of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. For more than 25 years, Rotary has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. Today, PolioPlus and its role in the initiative is recognized worldwide as a model of public-private cooperation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal.

• Rotary’s financial contributions to the global polio eradication effort will reach nearly US$1.2 billion by the time the world is certified polio-free.
  
• Rotary’s leadership, beginning in 1985, inspired the World Health Assembly to pass a resolution to eradicate polio, which paved the way for the formation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.
  
• Thousands of Rotarians around the world have volunteered during National Immunization Days to immunize children.
  
• The PolioPlus program helps Rotary fund operational costs, such as transportation, vaccine delivery, social mobilization, and training of health workers, and support surveillance activities.Read more about what happens before, during, and after a National Immunization Day (NID).
  
• Rotarians work to encourage both donor and polio-affected governments to commit the political and financial resources needed to eradicate polio.

What exactly is polio?

Polio is:

• A crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, polio (poliomyelitis) still strikes children mainly under the age of five in countries in Asia, Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean region.
  
• Polio can cause paralysis and sometimes death. Because there is no cure for polio, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US$0.60 worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life.
  
• It can cause paralysis within hours, and polio paralysis is almost always irreversible.
  
• In the most severe cases, polio attacks the motor neurons of the brain stem, causing breathing difficulty or even death.
  
• Historically, polio has been the world’s greatest cause of disability.

If polio isn’t eradicated, the world will continue to live under the threat of the disease. More than 10 million children will be paralyzed in the next 40 years if the world fails to capitalize on its US$5 billion global investment in eradication.

SELF-CONFIDENCE AND PROBLEM SOLVING IN K-3RD GRADE CHILDREN

Beth Ann Haines, Associate Professor of Psychology at Lawrence University and Psychology students, Olivia Henricks and Alyssa Onan, discussed how they are performing a 3 year community research project with about 200 elementary school students. They are looking for improvement in creativity (originality and imagination), self confidence/self efficacy and problem solving. They want to find out if community based after school programs help children, would an enrichment program at the Boys and Girls Club / Building for Kids help them even more, if there is evidence that after school programs help young children in measurable ways and to examine executive functioning to provide insights into brain development. They worked with 3 groups of kids: after school programs and enrichment (Columbus Elementary School); after school programs only (Highlands Elementary School); and a control group (Highlands Elementary School). The after school program and enrichment group (kindergarten – 3rd grade) went to the Building for Kids 26 times. They were divided into small groups with leaders to plan what they were going to do on a given day, do the activity and then review what they learned. The enrichment group was tested on self efficacy by leaders asking students how sure they were that they could do something. They were asked to answer not sure, kind of sure and very sure. Students were asked to match cards based on color, shape and number to determine problem solving skills. Students were also asked to add to lines to make a picture to conduct a creativity assessment. High self efficacy in children is associated with better use of strategies, more efficient problem solving and a reduction of anxiety in problem solving. High self efficacy also related to better academic achievements. The card sort is used to diagnose ADHD in children and can help stroke patients and brain development. The first year results showed that after school programs are associated with higher self efficacy, after school programming with the added enrichment at the Building for Kids is associated with larger increases in social self efficacy than children who don’t have the added enrichment, after school programming in addition to helping with self efficacy is related to greater increases in problem solving than for children who don’t participate in the after school programs, low scorers on the card sorts may have problems with inhabitation and working memory and after school programs and enrichment in our community support children’s development. Why do these outcomes matter? High self efficacy is associated with academic achievement, empathy and resistance to social pressure. Better problem solving skills is associated with math skills, cooperation, taking turns with peers, academic achievement and career aspirations.

Foods of All Nations

The Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center will hold the Foods of all Nations event on Saturday, March 31 from 10-3:00 p.m. at U. W. Fox Valley.

Tasting buffet from area restaurants & cooks: Noon – 2:00 PM
Cultural stage: Noon – 3 PM Headlined by the Trinity Irish Dancers
Beginning at 10 AM: A Walk of All Nations – cultural presentations
Silent auction ▪ Children's activities
Tickets: Adults: $10 Advance; $15 at the door; Kids 6-12: $5
Free admission to Weis Earth Science Museum with ticket

Tickets available at the Multicultural Center, Goodwill Campus, UW-Fox Valley and the YMCA of the Fox Cities.

Program Theme Series - You and Your Brain

Next, week, the Program Theme Committee will present the second program in the theme series “You and Your Brain” entitled “Self-Confidence and Problem Solving in K-3rd Grade Children” by Beth Ann Haines, Chair of the Psychology Department at Lawrence University.

Rotary Shines

The live auction will include 2 South Africa Photo Safari’s for 2. The trip includes 6 days / 6 nights of luxury accommodations, 3 meals per day and 2 daily open Land Rover trips with experienced guides. This trip is a tantalizing taste of the wild in the heart of Africa’s richest conservation regions. You can experience elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, hippos, zebras, cheetahs, buffalos and many more plains game. It does not include air fare or transfers. This package is also not transferable and is non-refundable. If anyone would like to have more information about this trip to be auctioned off at Rotary Shines, they can visit the resorts website atwww.zulunyala.com or talk to Tom Berkedal who has been on one of these trips.

2011 LIFE Study - An Assessment of the Community

Curt Detjen and Peter Kelly talked about how the LIFE Study is conducted every 5 years to present a snapshot of the socio-economic conditions in the Fox Cities in order to spark leaders and community members into action based on an understanding of what is going on in the community across a variety of sectors: community, arts and culture, health, home, learning, leisure and recreation, environment, safety, self sufficiency and work. The LIFE Study was conducted by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership and the United Way Fox Cities. Research partners include: U. W. Green Bay, St. Norbert and U. W. Oshkosh. Separate LIFE Studies were also conducted in Brown and Southern Winnebago Counties. A Regional Report was put together of the 3 metro areas which had similar findings and showed opportunities to do things together. The LIFE Study components include a leader survey, community survey, community focus groups, expert sector panels, statistical data published by the state and others, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Youth Risk Behavior Survey and selected provider data. Assets of the Fox Cities include: a place for children and families; education; health care services; safety; leisure; recreation and arts; and the economy. A high priority among community members and leaders is increasing high paying jobs. Today, Curt and Peter focused on 3 segments: LIFE in the Community, LIFE of Learning and A Healthy Life. Our community’s strengths are high voter participation, progress with diversity, high perceived quality of life and community events. Some areas of concern are representativeness of elected leaders, competition for philanthropic dollars, expansion of the income gap and uncertainty about the “right direction”. In the area of A Healthy Life, the results showed strengths in the quality of heath care, expansion of free clinics and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Areas of concern include access to care for those with low income; lifestyle concerns (diabetes and obesity); mental illness and lack of treatment; risky tobacco, alcohol and drug use; and the health of our youth. Strengths in the area of LIFE of Learning include quality education at all levels, achievements of students, higher education opportunities and increasing adults with higher education Some areas of concerns include a growing number of economically disadvantaged students, achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students, declining reading by 3rd graders and access to higher education (high costs). The LIFE Study provides information but not solutions. It is now up to the people who live and lead in the community to use the information to impact the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the Fox Cities.

Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project

A shipment of medical supplies from the Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project arrived in Jamaica.

Appleton Even Start Family Literacy Program

The Appleton Even Start Family Literacy Program was chosen by the Community Service Committee to be one of the recipients of the proceeds of this year’s Rotary Shines event. With the loss of federal funding this past year, Even Start reached out to the community to help support this program. Therese Nemec, Associate Dean of General Studies at Fox Valley Technical College, showed us a video to explain the program, show us the classroom and give testimonials. Even Start has four main goals: to prepare children age’s birth to eight with the prerequisite education and literacy instruction to succeed in school, improve adult literacy, enhance parenting skills and foster quality interaction between adults and their children. Even Start offers four services: adult basic education including English language learning and GED/HSED preparation, early childhood and early elementary education, personal in-home visits and parent support and family activities. Even Start collaborates with several community agencies such as Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton Area School District, Headstart, Outagamie County Parent Resource Program, Appleton Public Library, U. W. Extension and Appleton Park and Recreation. Even Start has served the needs of more than 1200 families in the past 15 years in McKinley Elementary School. Andrea Nunez told how she has 2 children ages 9 and 16. Eleven years ago, she moved to Appleton from Columbia not knowing any English or how hard it was to start a life in a new country. A friend told her about Even Start. She not only learned English but life lessons such as raising kids, nutrition and the importance of reading to her kids. Since Andrea and her husband finished the program, they started a cleaning business and Andrea registered for the Early Childhood Education program at Fox Valley Technical College. Maria Bedolla told us how Even Start helped her reach her goals. Her teachers made her feel like she could do anything. Maria’s husband sacrificed a lot so that she could go to school and her children helped with her school work. Maria finished the program 3 ½ years ago and the sacrifices were well worth it. She is proud of what she has accomplished and knows that if you do something you have to do it with all your heart. Kris Clothier, teacher at Even Start, talked about how returning to school is not easy for adults. Some bad choices may have been made or English not spoken. Even Start also takes the time to help them learn about organizations in the community that can help them. Children are proud to get their first library card at the Appleton Public Library. Each summer, Appleton Park and Recreation has served over 100 children that would not have been about to get swimming lessons. Literacy is a road to freedom – it opens up doors.

Inductions

Today, the Rotary Club of Appleton inducted Rosie Cannizzo, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Symphony; Karen Dorn, Consultant / Mediator / Coach at Alternative Resolutions, Inc.; Patti Habeck, Northeast Wisconsin Regional Manager of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin; and Steve Gineris, Assistant Vice President / Branch Manger at Bank Mutual. Welcome!

Rotary Shines

The 2012 Rotary Shines will take place on Friday, April 20 at the OuterEdge in Appleton. Food will be catered by Michiels Fox Banquets and Rivertyme Catering. This is our club’s only fundraising event. Tickets cost $100 which admits 2 adults. The proceeds will benefit the Peruvian Mobile Medical Unit, Even Start Family Literacy Program and PolioPlus. The committee is looking for silent auction items. In the past, items have included overnight stays, gift baskets, gift certificates, artwork, event tickets, jewelry, etc. If you would like to donate an item, please contact JoEllen Wollangk at jbwollangk@wisconsin.bbb.org. Thank you to the following sponsors: Goodwill Industries (Premier Sponsor); Valley Truck Leasing and Community First Credit Union (Presenting Sponsors); Bassett Mechanical, Fiduciary Partners, Barb Merry/Gail Popp, Nicolet Bank and Schenck SC (Supporting Sponsors); American National Bank Associated Bank, Curt and Jean Detjen, East Wisconsin Savings and Loan, Keller Inc., Susan May, Steve Rieth and Harry Spiegelberg (Friends Sponsors).

Family of Rotary - Happy Hour

What a great time we had at Intermezzo last month. The food was spectacular – really special and lots of it and the conversation with fellow Rotarians and our guests was fascinating. But don’t be sad if you missed it. You have another chance. The next Rotary Happy Hour, sponsored by the Family of Rotary Committee, is:

Tuesday, March 20
Stone Cellar Brew Pub
1004 South Olde Oneida Street in Appleton
5-7 p.m.
Free H ors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar
Great setting
Fantastic conversation

Bring a spouse, significant other, friend, potential Rotarian – and join us. It’s a great chance to get to know each other better.

Courtesy Awards

Melissa Stafford, Jim Webb, Willie Lausman, Debra Michiels

(filling in for Chef Bruce Petrie) and Jeff Arps.

The Courtesy Awards are given to recognize sales people and others who work with the public and have exhibited special courtesy or consideration to customers or individuals served. The recipients received a Courtesy Awards certificate, a check in the amount of $75.00 and a Rotary pen/pencil set. Congratulations to the following Courtesy Award recipients:

Jeff Arps

Cellcom

Nominated by: Carolyn Nankervis

Willie Lausman

American TV and Appliance

Nominated by: Jennifer Wanke

Chef Bruce Petrie

Michiels Fox Banquets and Rivertyme Catering

Nominated by: Mary Harp-Jirschele

Caroline Lasecki and Alyce Dumke

Melissa Stafford

Fava Tea

Nominated by: JoEllen Wollangk

Jim Webb

U. S. Postal Service

Nominated by: Alan Button

Group Study Exchange Team to Australia

Our District exchange with Rotary District 9750 in Australia will depart on 18 October 2012 and return on 17 November 2012, for an exchange lasting 4 weeks. Our District Outbound Team will consist of a Rotarian Team Leader (we have already selected an outstanding Rotarian, Tom Guyette of Green Bay) and four non-Rotarians selected from within District 6220. There is no specific vocational focus and applicants from all vocational areas are encouraged to apply.

We need to get the word out about this incredible program. Please mention this opportunity of a lifetime to eligible persons who may benefit from this experience.

A notice will also be posted in the District newsletter, notices will be sent to the larger newspapers in the District, and also to Young Professional groups affiliated with various Chambers of Commerce within the District.

In the notices to be distributed, interested persons will be asked to contact a local Rotary Club or me as GSE Outbound Coordinator. In the event I am contacted directly, I will contact local club Presidents to inform them of an interested applicant from their area, since each applicant must be sponsored by a club. You may wish to invite interested persons to your club meeting, to give them an idea of what Rotary is all about, as well as acquainting them with the club for the purpose of possible future membership.

The application deadline is 15 April 2012 with committee interviews and selections scheduled for 28 April 2012. Exchanges are open to all who work or reside in District 6220, provided they are not an immediate family member of a Rotarian. Applicants must be least 25 years old and no more that 41 at the time of their application.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

+ Clubs may sponsor multiple applicants and multiple applicants from the same club may be chosen
+ Applicants must be engaged in full employment
+ Applicants may not be a spouse or child of a Rotarian
+ Applicants must live or work in District 6220
+ All expenses for the exchange will paid by Rotary except clothing and
any small gifts members choose to bring to their host families
+ Teams will participate in a minimum of three or four preparation weekends prior to the departure date

Applications and information may be obtained from the Rotary International website:
www.rotary.org
Click on "Service and Fellowship"
Then click "Group Study Exchange"
Then click GSE team member application

E-mail application to:
Fred Borchardt
fborchardt@juno.com

For questions call Fred Borchardt at 920-277-2750

Applicants will be contacted with additional instructions regarding the application process.

THE STATE OF THE STATE – POLITICAL ECONOMY OF … DYSFUNCTION ?

Todd Barry, President of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, talked about how they are a private government research organization established in 1932 dedicated to teach and inform citizens about state and local government. They are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that does not advocate or lobby. The per capita income has dropped going into the recession and now Wisconsin is starting to bounce back. Since Wisconsin is largely a manufacturing state, it tends to go into recession before the rest of the country and comes out a little before. Employment has been going down. Is it predicting a national slowdown or is it just a blimp and we are on a long term trend line? Wisconsin doesn’t tend to create a lot of new firms compared to the rest of the country but it tends to hang on to new start-ups and young businesses it creates. Wisconsin tends to raise a majority of its revenue through income and sales taxes. Services tend to be delivered more at the local level. Wisconsin spends its money on aid to local governments and schools (55-60%), Medicaid, corrections and the U. W. System. During the 1990’s, Wisconsin’s economy was doing well and incomes were growing. The State had a lot of revenue coming in and a lot of money went into school aid and Medicaid. At the time, Barry felt we didn’t have the economic growth and tax revenue to sustain everything that was going on. During the recession in 2001, Wisconsin became overcommitted and had a $1 billion deficit which was never dealt with. Currently Wisconsin has about 1.2 million Medicaid recipients (1 in 5). Over the last few years, Wisconsin has kept smaller reserves than any state in the country and relied heavily on stimulus money which was spent on schools and Medicaid. When this money was no longer available, the State was left with trying to figure out how to fill this hole. During the last 15 years, Wisconsin has had structural deficits going into the first year of each new budget of about one half a billion dollars or more. Medicaid’s funding is being cut but the program is still going up $1.4 billion. Rather than raising taxes or making accounting adjustments, some debt was restructured and major programs were cut to fund health services (Medicaid). At the local level, this created difficulty. Recalls were and are being held. Wisconsin has become divided and Wisconsin is being known as a state of chaos and turmoil. Could this effect employee transfers, recruitment of faculty and business relocation/attraction? Some ideas for change could be a part-time citizen legislature, smaller assembly districts, session limits, one long senate term, ballot reform (instant run off voting), nonpartisan redistricting, unicameral legislature (nonpartisan)and multimember districts.

Inductions

The Rotary Club of Appleton inducted Steve Andrysczyk, Agent with Rural Mutual Insurance Company; Amy Flanders, Chief Development Officer of the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc.; Kathleen Lhost, Executive Director of the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame/Paper Discovery Center; and Thomas Nelson, County Executive of Outagamie County.

Rotary Youth Exchange Student Update - Laura McNeill (Chile)

I am still here. I promise. I have failed miserably on the blogging side of things so far, although from now on I will try to do better. Well, I'm now more than halfway through my exchange. The first half was difficult, and many parts of it, while I'm glad I did experience them, I wouldn't want to repeat the ordeal. The problems, both big and small, caused by the misunderstandings between two languages, are now, finally, almost non-existent. While occasionally I don't understand slang, or a more complex word, the majority of what is said, I understand. The thing is, Chilean Spanish isn't Spanish. It is its own language, only somewhat related to the Spanish I learned in the U.S. Yes, they use most of the basic vocabulary I learned. But their conversations are filled with slang, invented words/verb tenses, and other vocab that only fellow Chileans understand. They often say that even other South Americans don't understand Chileans. Which I suppose is both good and bad for me. On the one hand, it's that much harder to learn, and on the other hand, when I understand 100% of what Chileans say, I'll understand ANY Spanish speaker.

Anyway, enough about that. As to my daily life, I'm still with my original host family. I don't think I will change, which is fine with me, as I have gotten to the point where I am comfortable and happy with this family, and would prefer to stay with them. It's summer here right now, and in the 90s every day. I don't complain, because I remember where I would be right now if not on this exchange, and I prefer 95 degrees to 25.

My host family and I are about to leave on a two week trip through the bottom half of Chile. We won't go as far as Patagonia, where the glaciers and such are, but we'll get pretty close. We will drive down the country, spending a couple nights in each town, camping. I'm very excited to see more of the country. Unfortunately, as soon as I get back, it's back to school. I like school, but I prefer summer. However, at the end of March, my host parents are taking me to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!!!!!!! That is the most exciting.... I CAN NOT wait.

Well, my host mom just told me she wants me to come with her to the local grocery store, so I'll have to close for now... but I SWEAR I will blog more. If there's anyone still reading, of course.