The meeting opened with a Moment of Gratitude, during which Dr. Joe expressed deep thanks for the creation of the polio vaccine decades ago. Melanie then led members in reciting the Four-Way Test.
During Happy Dollars, Ed Smith urged prayers for rain, while Tracy humorously modified that request to hope for rain only after Saturday's Kite Festival. Tracy thanked Pete for assembling the kites for the festival. Pete replied that it was a “Breeze!” Several members wished George Wilson a happy birthday. Susan shared that her daughter recently visited from Cooperstown, and Heidi was pleased that her only cousin is moving to the Portland area. Dr. Joe happily announced that his former exchange student from Norway, Arne, will be visiting soon. Tyler and Melanie both said they were glad to see Labor Day behind them. Brenda, feeling well again, reported she has lined up several upcoming Rotary International trips. Ray reflected on a bittersweet but meaningful celebration of life for his brother-in-law. He also was ecstatic about scrumptious Pennsylvania peaches.
Pete’s latest CLYNK poem…
“Everybody come to the Kite Fest this Saturday!
Bring the kids, join in the horseplay,
Let those CLYNK bags rest for the day,
Take 'em in latah, that'll be OK!”
Carol had the winning ticket but did not draw the ace of hearts.
Susan introduced guest speaker Douglas Dodd, noting her personal connection to the Dodd family. Only recently did she discover that Doug had written a book about his father, who lived with polio. Doug shared a striking poster of his father in an iron lung and spoke of the many ways his mother, siblings, and he cared for his father. After retiring from the home construction business, Doug decided to write a book capturing both the challenges of caring for a polio victim and the life lessons that came from that experience. His presentation was heartfelt, informative, and inspiring, highlighting the resilience and bonds forged through hardship.
The title of the book is Our Father Who Art in an iron Lung, a Memoir.
