The Westchester Academy Interact Club had a successful fundraiser called the Purple Pinkie Project. They will present the check to us to forward on to Rotary International. How do the efforts of these students impact the world around us? In 1985, when Rotary launched a worldwide fight against polio, the disease existed in 193 countries. In 1988, there were approximately 350,000 individual cases reported. So far this year, there have been 24 new cases of polio reported. That's hundreds of thousands of lives saved! Here is how the Purple Pinkie Project works:
Throughout the world, each time a Rotary International volunteer administers an oral polio vaccine, the child’s pinkie and cuticle is stained purple with the topical solution Gentian Violet Ink. This bright purple ink stains the skin for 4-5 days and when the next volunteer visits the home, they know to look at the pinkie, and if it is purple, it prevents them from giving the child another dose of vaccine.
The cost for giving the oral polio vaccine is 60 cents, so when a student here donates at least $1.00, the Interactors paint their pinkie purple with the same Gentian Violet used throughout the world on eradication day as symbol of one child saved from polio. Of course, more than one finger can be painted for $1.00 each. Usually, the school nurse and/or PE teacher uses this event as an opportunity to educate students about polio, and how they can help. Children are drawn to this “purple badge” in their desire to help save other children from polio.
In lieu of using the ink, Interactors give purple yarn bracelets (a skein of purple yarn from Wal-Mart costs around $5), use purple "Crayola" brand non-toxic markers, or even purple "Sharpie" markers. You could also paint the nail of the pinkie with purple nail polish, purple glitter in their hair, or even spray-on temporary purple hair color available during Halloween.
Remember this project the next time you see one of our Interactors and be sure to ask about it!
Bill Haglund was born in Galveston on August 26, 1949. His father was the director of the Galveston Housing Authority. Because of his father’s role, the family was required to stay on the island when Hurricane Carla struck in 1961. Bill has memories of the destruction caused by the storms. He lost his father (a Rotarian) a few months later.
Bill played first base and pitched for his little league team and sang in the Boys Choir at St. Patrick’s.
While in the 8th grade, Bill started working as a kennel boy at the veterinary clinic of another Galveston Rotarian. He continued working there until he graduated from Kirwin High School at age 16 in 1966.
Based on that experience, Bill attended the Texas A & M pre-vet program in September 1966. Receiving an Opportunity Award Scholarship from the University kindled Bill’s passion for the scholarships that Rotary grants.
After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1971, he began working at the same Galveston clinic where he had worked as a kennel boy. The Rotarian clinic owner invited him to join Rotary, and he became a Rotarian in 1972. There he organized the club softball team that defeated the much younger Kiwanis Club team.
In February of 1975, after three and a half years in Galveston, Bill opened Echo Lane Animal Clinic with a partner whom he worked with while in Galveston.
Bill is divorced and has a daughter, Lisa from his marriage.
In August of 1975, sponsored by Wayne Schaper and John Royall, he joined Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary. Bill served as Club Secretary in 1978-79 and again in 1980-81 before becoming President in 1982-1983. He served again as President in 1991-1992, when the President elect had a stroke in February 1991 and determined he was unable to serve. Bill is most passionate about the scholarship program of our club.
One of the joys of Rotary is celebrating a second New Year's Day party!
Gwen's Installation Party will be at the Willie G's located at 1605 North Post Oak Boulevard. Drinks will be served beginning at 5:30pm with dinner served at 6:30pm. Bring a spouse or friend and come enjoy an evening of toasting Sheila's wonderful year past and Gwen's year to come. The cost per person is $45.
There will be a wine drinking and decorating (in that order?) party at some point yet to be determined. Skol!
To get on the club website, go to: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3941 Click on the Member Area button, and enter your user id which consists of your first name, a period, your last name, a period and 3941. (gwen.corolla.3941)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
