Meeting Date: January 12, 2024
Presiding: President Matt Dodge
Greeter: Michelle Olivier
President Matt opened the meeting at 07:30 and greeter Michelle shared some inspiration.
Attendance:
| 24 |
Live |
| 5 |
Zoom |
| 0 |
Visiting Rotarians |
| 4 |
Guests |
| 1 |
Guest Speakers |
| 34 |
Total |
Guests: Tynan Flanagan (guest of Jon Ruggles), Colony Barrett and Joy Chaffee from Bow High School Interact
Announcements:
President Matt
- Matt Gatzke’s daughter, Emily, has passed away. The Board is considering some options for remembrance, but cards are appropriate. Karen Wadsworth had some cards so one was passed around.
- The Board will be meeting on Monday, January 15th. If you have anything they should discuss please get it to President Matt.
- Durwood Sargent has re-joined our Club. YAY! With his welcome, Durwood gave a pep talk!
Bob Couch - will be offering Clubrunner training at the Baker Free Library for new members as well as any long-term members who need a refresher. Let him know if you are interested.
Gerry Carrier - he and Judy Goodnow will be offering another New Members information session. Dates will be established soon.
Dave Farr – Our Summer Concert Committee is looking for group/performer recommendations for this summer’s concert series.
Joy Chaffee - Interact is working on fundraising for the nonprofit Waypoint again this year, They will be having another Sleep Out in March to raise funds and awareness. The board will look at the budget and vote on a contribution again this year.
Ben Kiniry: still working with PDG Steve Puderbaugh regarding the international grant. Steve has met with the club in Africa and will send Ben a detailed email on what transpired.
Peter Imse - reminded us that a Presidential Primary is coming soon, and he would appreciate volunteers to help count ballots next Friday after the club meeting.
Sergeant at Arms: Tanya Frost
Birthdays: Dick Bean’s was today. Too bad he wasn’t there so we could sing to him.
Fines:
Put your money on the table for late comers, no pins etc.
Rob Werner: no badge, and he is cashless at the moment. He promised to make good.
Happy Bucks:
Dean Cascadden: with his longer hair and a bandana, he announced that he is now a professional musician (proof was his visible card), and he will expect some compensation for his performance at the summer concerts.
Jon Ruggles - corrected Tynan’s name and also let us know that he is Cindy Flanagan’s son. Since he is an electrical contractor, we’re not sure how much dancing he does.
Peter Imse: celebrated his mother’s 100th birthday last year; she is now willing to trust him with her finances.
Dick Swett - His property in Moxie Cove Maine and that of his Sibling, weathered the recent storm with no damage.
Chris Parkinson - He is in the homestretch for Amigos de Honduras. The “packing party” for the trip is happening this weekend in Wallingford. He still could use some light weight suitcases.
Tamar Roberts - happy to have Durwood back!
Michelle Olivier - happy to have most of the positions filled at the branches, so expects to be able to attend more often in person.
Mike Griffin - happy to have been watching his lovely granddaughter over the weekend, but finds it exhausting. (Just wait until she is older, Mike; then you’ll truly know exhausting!)
Program: Carol Niegisch introduced Dr. Bob Dewey
Bob is a retired interventional cardiologist and is representing the NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action.
He presented information on the health impacts of climate change. NH has an “anemic” response to climate change. The goal of this group, which is comprised of healthcare individuals with a wide range of experience and ages, is to help people see that climate change has an impact on their health and wellbeing. A Call to Action in 2021 from the medical community to the US and other countries was the impetus for creating this group.
Precipitation and temperature are critical elements of climate change; dramatic swings of both have been demonstrated recently right here in NH as well as across the country.
- Air Quality is affected by pollutants and particulate matter.
- People with COPD and asthma are more vulnerable.
- Lung cancer and vascular events are increased.
- Increased risk of dementia.
- Cognitive and behavioral problems in children increase.
The Clean Air Act made dramatic beneficial changes, but there are still many Americans (over 40% of the population) who live in unhealthy air and people of color are 3 times more likely to be suffering.
Climate change also worsens the pollen season by creating a longer growing season. The pollen season is extended, and other conditions have created higher concentrations of pollen during the pollen seasons.
Extreme temperatures present the likelihood of mortality from extreme heat: heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more prevalent.
The lengthening of the non-frost seasons has increased our tick-borne diseases.
Responses to climate change:
- Mitigation: reducing emissions, stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy, such as wind power, solar energy and possibly nuclear energy.
- Adaptation: adapting to the changes are wrought by climate change.
- Most likely a combination of both.
NH is lagging Maine and Massachusetts in its climate change goals.
Bob advises us to keep talking about climate change and climate action; while the topic can be controversial and divisive (since it has become political instead of science-based), need to keep talking.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Goodnow
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