Loomis,Calif. – In recognition of World Polio Day commemorated on Friday, October 24, Rotary Club of Sunset Loomis will bring a pediatric iron lung to Loomis Grammar School (8am to noon) and Loomis Basin Charter School (noon to 4pm) for students to see first hand what children their age had to endure.
In addition, Rotary will provide a mock vaccine (flavored water) by administering two drops from an eye dropper onto the tongue, and then have the student dip their pinkie into a purple dye to symbolize they have received the vaccine.
On hand at Loomis Basin Charter School will be Michele Mutoza, a Del Oro High School graduate, who traveled with Rotary International to Ethiopia in 2000 to help administer vaccines to hundreds of children. Mutoza found this experience to be life changing, not only for the local villagers but particularly for herself. Mutoza can be reached at 916-247-6059 for interviews.
Since 1979, Rotary International has joined other organizations to stop the spread of polio by immunizing children at a cost of roughly one peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As of October 8, 2014, there were only 223 cases reported around the world, and 203 of them were in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Both K-8 schools are in Loomis: Loomis Grammar School is at 3505 Taylor Road and Loomis Basin Charter School is at 5438 Laird Road.
The Rotary Club of Loomis Sunset meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Indian Creek Country Club at 4487 Barton Road, Loomis. Public is welcome. There is a $9.00 charge for dinner and refreshments.
