Casey Cook, March Program Coordinator introduced our speakers: Pilots Peter Teahen and PDG John Ockenfles. They talked about Around the World: Flight to End Polio. Peter and John talked about fuel consumption, cost of fuel and explained a lot of the equipment that will be taken on the journey.Peter has experience in the mental health field. The trip has been a year and half in the planning. The flight was to begin March 24th and end May 9. Due to the Coronovirus, the flight has been postponed until July 7 returning August 25th . The club collected donations for the flight. Deb and John will match dollar for dollar the donations made by the club's members. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match two to one.
President Seaba called the meeting to order at 7:05am. A check was to be presented Barbara Venograde, Executive Director, Free Medical & Dental Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa . Barbara was unable to be attend the meeting, therefore, Kate Sojka presented the check in the amount of $1300. The funds were raised from the Clubs Trivia Night.
Rotarian's in the News Alta Media-Peters Big Grove Fundraiser. Peter Teahen and PDG John Ockenfels , the Flight to End Polio Breakfast that was held at the C. R. Airport on Saturday. There were over 350 people in attendance. The food was donated by the airport, the money went to the Polio Plus Fundraiser.
President Seaba talked about the Covid-19 outbreak. The Board of Directors will monitor the outbreak. Criteria: Iowa City Schools close, U of I closes, CDC and or Government recommends limiting face to face contact. It was suggested the greeter not shake hands, no hugging, and members should take their own dishes to the kitchen,
Dick Huber announced that Can Sorting will be held Friday at 9:00 am
The Day was dedicated and to honor John and Peter for the Flight to End Polio.. Deb Galbraith and her team put together a great parting with world beach balls, cupcakes with airplanes, and paper airplanes on the tables for members to make and fly.
Casey Cook interviewed John and Peter. We learned more about the details of the planning and the difficulty deciding the do this mission,
The reason Polio was selected is that when the vaccine is given, it give people dignity and respect for all
Since the Flight has been postponed, The Rotary World is working with John and people to help cancel current plans and get ready to hopefully leave on July 7, 2020.
President Seaba adjourned the meeting at 8:00 am