By the time the world is certified polio-free, Rotary's contributions to the global polio eradication effort will exceed U.S$600 million. This is the largest private sector donation to this initiative and second only to the US government in total contributions. PolioPlus has made the world take notice of Rotary and what we can achieve. We now have respected partnerships with such groups as UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We have earned their respect and are seen as instrumental to this initiative.

In the words of Carol Bellamy, former executive director of UNICEF: "Rotary's presence has been vital for the Polio Plus effort. Without Rotary, everything would have been different."

VICKI BURCH, August Birthday Table Chair, introduced all of the members celebrating a birthday this month and announced that so far $1,641.00 has been contributed to our Foundations. Thanks and Happy Birthday to ALL!

FRITZ COHEN introduced Jared Schroeder, a crop scientist for Monsanto, whose topic was "Monsanto's Sustainable Yield Initiative". Agriculture is connected to several other interests: water, climate, food prices, and both urban and rural populations. The goal is to produce more (double yields by 2030), conserve more (half of the water usage annually) and improve quality of life for farmers globally. To produce more using less means innovation in agronomic practices, advanced breeding practices, and bio-technology tricks against insects, weeds and stressors. Monsanto has a research station in West Lafayette where pre and post commercialization research is conducted. Traits are being developed for ten years from now. Through grower field days Monsanto shares the information with local farmers.

Tim Hula, guest of JANET BROYLES.

Money Collectors: BILL HEATH and KIM MOTULIAK; Greeter: RALPH GANN; Invocation: JAYNE FEATHERS; Piano: HARLEY FREY; Song leader: BOB VERPLANK. Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: JO WADE and TOM MORAN; Help with Ripples: BILL FULLER.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

"The world is a book. Those who don't travel only read one page." St. Augustine