Polio, a disease causing paralysis and death for much of human history, is now one step closer to eradication, thanks in part to efforts by Rotary clubs around the globe.

At their most recent meeting, Four Peaks Rotary members got an update on the status of the disease worldwide.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of PolioPlus, a program established by Rotary to provide funding to fight the disease.

Working with international health organizations, the program has helped decrease the incidence of polio from the days when over 1,000 new cases occurred each day.

This summer marked the milestone of one year without any new cases of polio in Africa, and in particular, one year without any new cases in Nigeria.

Nigeria, along with Pakistan and Afghanistan, was previously one of three countries in the world where polio was still considered endemic.

From the beginning of the program when 125 countries were considered polio-endemic, now 99 percent of the world’s population lives in areas certified polio-free.

For more information, go to www.endpolio.org.

The Four Peaks meeting also featured a presentation on Freenotes Harmony Park, an ensemble of interactive musical instruments designed to foster creativity in outdoor environments.

Harmony Park makes musical expression available to anyone, regardless of musical training, age, mental ability or mobility. The instruments were designed by a Grammy Award-winning musician and are designed so that any combination of notes is pleasing. The sounds of all instruments blend harmoniously with one another, ensuring music-making ability for everyone.

Harmony Park musical ensembles are featured in many public spaces around the country, including at the Visitors Center in Sedona.

Four Peaks Rotary meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 6:45 to 8 a.m. at Fountain View Village.

Guests are invited to learn more about the group and have a complimentary breakfast.

For more information about the club, go to www.fourpeaksrotary.org or contact membership chair Bill Pape at (480) 390-1395 or billpape@cox.net.