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VGM is hosting their annual Heartland Conference, using the entire convention center this week.

Finally, new cases dropping in endemic countries, but summer looms.

Official data collected by the World Health Organization show sharp drops in the number of new polio cases in the four countries where it is endemic. But with summer here, the number of new cases may well rise.

Biggest improvement, according to the WHO, is Nigeria where there were 799 cases reported in 2008 and only 288 thru May 9 of this year. Cases in India are also down with 59 cases in 2009 with the most recent case on May 13 compared to a total last year of 559.

In the other two countries where polio is still considered to be unchecked, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the numbers are also down. Afghanistan's public health officials report 31 cases in 2008 and only seven thru April 19 while Pakistan had 117 cases last year and 17 as of May 6.

Meanwhile, the WHO completed immunization days in ten West African countries May 31 and sub-national immunization efforts in three areas of India ended May 28.

UN health officials are cautious about explaining the drop, but it is becoming evident that the massive infusion of funding from the Gates Foundation and the Rotary Foundation along with over $330 million from Germany and Great Britain are having the desired effect.

You can track progress on the internet at www.polioeradication.org/casecount.asp.

The committee has worked hard to present a great fundraiser; now it's our turn to do our part.

The club's second annual wine tasting fundraiser is just one week away and it's important that club members do their share to support our one major effort of the year to raise money to support three great organizations in Waterloo.

On June 1 leaders of the three organizations, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, the Boys and Girls Club and the Boy Scouts, explained how they plan to use their share of the proceeds.  Then, committee chair Amber Jedlicka told us how to buy tickets.

Speaking of tickets, each member received four tickets in the mail recently with a letter from Amber urging us to attend and to bring another couple with us. Unfortunately, 24 members got letters but no tickets, so a second mailing was made to them. If your last name falls between Hurley and Mack, you were one of the 24. 

The event has been expanded this year to include beer since some members reported they don't drink wine. And as we noted last week, it's against the law to serve liquor at our club events without obtaining a liquor license.

Another improvement will be the food. Martin Vollmer, former owner of Martin's Brandenburg in Waverly, will prepare a dinner.

1. It's our only fundraiser of the year.

2. Proceeds will go to three local youth organizations

3. We voted on which groups to support

4. Our committee has done a terrific job of  organizing the event

5. Several great items on the silent auction

6. No meeting June 8 to allow us to go to this event

7. Another chance to visit our Rotary Reserve

8. Use two of your four tickets to invite guests and/or potential new members

9. One of the last opportunities to see Mason Fromm in action as president.

10. And the number one reason to attend- -it's the right thing to do to support your club.

              The club's annual steak fry for members and guests will be Thursday, June 25 at the Rotary Reserve north of Cedar Falls. Cost will be $12.50 per person or $25 per couple. The menu includes steak, baked potatoe, salad bar and ice cream with strawberries.

               Attendees are reminded to bring their own table service and a bottle of wine or beer to share.  No hard liquor, please.  Please RSVP to Kelli or online.

               Because of the steak fry, the regular meeting on Monday, June 29 is cancelled. 

Be the first to email me this Rotarian's name - I'll reveal his identity in the next Reporter, so stay tuned!