We welcomed our Rotary International District Governor, Kelly Drew.
District Governor Kelly Drew
Kelly began her presentation expressing her "love" for Rotary, and how important our 4-Way Test is to our organization. She believes we all joined Rotary for a wide-variety of reasons, but to stay, we have to find the various ways Rotary can enhance our lives through service and fellowship.
She then shared that Rotary has been a part of her life since childhood. She remembered playing cards with her Rotarian grandfather; her father, a farmer, dressing up in a three-piece suit to go talk with other men about helping the community; and Christmas shopping with her mother to buy gifts for those in need. This was probably the first service project she did for Rotary.
When she was in her mid-thirties, she was diagnosed with a stage III cancer. During this trying time and found out how kind Rotarians were: babysitting her 11/2 year-old daughter, buying groceries and rides to treatment centers. Kelly considers Rotary her second family. Rotary...her fellow Rotarians touched her heart. They lifted her up and helped her get through a tough time.
She continued by telling us about Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President, whose theme,The Magic of Rotary, offers the following advice for improving the health of local clubs: make your club irresistible-- engage and take care of your members; head for the future and master change; ask members what they want; and tell your Rotary story from the heart and with passion. She shared that President Stephanie chose this theme from her memories of a Rotary Foundation service project in Africa. The project was the installation of sand filters to purify water. Children were memorized by the change that happened to the water as it was filtered. They asked if they couldn't see the magic again, and again.
Kelly talked reviewed RI's Action Plan that asks us to focus on engaging members in service; expanding our reach By becoming a more welcoming place for people to connect, grow, and lead change; determining how we can make a bigger impact on our communities at home and around the world, and the importance of constantly adapting to changing times.
She reviewed some of the resources that are available to clubs from our Rotary District, from membership resources; to youth service (youth exchange, RLYA, Speech Contest, Interact, Rotaract); Friendship Exchanges; Rotary Foundation District and Global Grants; and a new Learning Resource Center that can be found on the District 7850's web page.
Kelly ended her talk sharing that she is an avid supporter of the Rotary Foundation. It brings her great joy knowing she can touch someone in the world that she will never know, and they will never know her, but they will know their lives were touched by Rotary. We were reminded that it is more important than ever to support our Polio Eradication initiatives.
Ernst Oidtmann called the meeting to order at 12 noon.
Hank Clarke led us in reciting the 4-Way Test.
Ernst Oidtmann led us in singing our Rotary Welcome Song and Home, Home on the Range.
We welcomed our District Governor, Kelly Drew, our Rotary Assistant Governor John Hochreiter, and WRJ Rotarians George Wenz, Phil Hammond, David Briggs and his "Rotary Ann" Peggy Adams to our meeting.
Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries: B-Days, Marion Steiner, Bill Babineau. Anniversary, Tim & Anna Guaraldi.
Christian MacDonald joined us via WebEx
A Thought for the Day from Ernst Oidtmann:
I worry about my brain. On the left side nothing is right, and on the right, nothing is left.
Ernst pointed out that he was in a suit and tie today. He shared that he only wears suit and tie for funerals and the District Governor visit.
Then it was time for our buffet lunch.
After lunch, John Yacavone introduced our speaker Kelly Drew. See story above.
Kelly Drew let us know that the District Conference this year will be a one day conference, with an optional overnight on Friday. The conference will be at Mount Cranmore on May 31, 2024. Information to be posted on the District web page in the near future.
David Briggs let us know that he and Phil Hammond were at the meeting today in honor of George Wenz. George now lives in Lebanon and will transfer his membership to our club in a few weeks. Although they have enjoyed having George as member of there club, he wanted us to know they won't be taking him back
David Briggs and Peggy Adams, Rotary Club of White River Junction
Bruce Bergeron reminded folks that leftover beer is available. This brew he brought this week are only a portion of what remains to be distributed. He'll bring more beer in a couple of weeks. So get some today, and be ready to get some in a few weeks too.
Ernst Oidtmann surprised Kelly with a gift from our Club, a Simon Pearce vase. It was engraved with her name, her role, and the years she was governor.
Bill Secord presented the books given to the Kilton Library children's collection in honor Kelly Drew,
We, the Curious Ones
by Marion Dane Bauer (Author), Hari & Deepti (Illustrator)
Shimmering poetry and stunning cut-paper art portray epic concepts—the evolving biography of the universe and the symbiotic relationship between science and story.
Since the beginning, humans have created stories about the universe. From early mythology to modern-day science is a long journey, yet 95 percent of the world “out there” remains a mystery. What will we believe tomorrow? Marion Dane Bauer’s glowing poetry combines with Hari & Deepti’s intricate cut-paper illustrations, dazzling with light and shadow, to celebrate an active, vital, changing, and growing universe. They also show how we humans—the curious ones, the storytellers—are active, vital, changing, and growing, too. In a comprehensive afterword, the author tracks formative contributions to the study of the universe by Western and non-Western civilizations over the centuries.
Celebrations:
Kelly Drew had the honor of presenting certificates of appreciation to:
Phil Rentz for Brew Fest Leadership
Tim Guaraldi for Mascoma River Clean-up
Kelly then presented a multiple Paul Harris Fellowship:
Bill Babineau is now a Paul Harris +3! Kelly thanked him for supporting the Rotary Foundation.
Announcements
From Will Koppenheffer: Pocket Park Volunteers Needed for Saturday, September 14 from 9-11 AM
Pocket Park By Goss Logan’s Office
4-5 volunteers needed (Phil Bush and Mila Dela Pena plan to be there)
Saturday, September 14, 2024, 9-11 AM
Bring your preferred weeding tool(s) and edging tools, if you have one.
You can park some cars in the Goss Logan parking lot, or you can park in the lower parking lot behind River Valley College and walk over via the tunnel. The park is just to right after you exit the tunnel.
Flu Clinics...Can you help? We will to focus on the clinic in Enfield.
Enfield Community Building
308 US Route 4, Enfield, NH
Thursday, October 10, 2024, 3:30PM to 7:00 PM
Need 4 people to do entire clinic, or 8 people to do split shifts. Confirmed to help, Marilyn Bedell, Hank Clark and Curtis Payne
Let Marilyn Bedell Know if you can help. Sign up for the entire clinic, or come from 3:30 to 5:15 PM or 5:10 to 7 PM.
ClubRunner Training
DG Kelly has asked that I share this information with you about the ClubRunner training that will happen on September 25th. This is not only for Club leadership but for anyone who might be interested!
Topic: District 7850 | ClubRunner Club Version - Website & Events Training
Time: Sep 25, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Hi, I had another wonderful time at brewfest this year. I wanted to let you know that I brought my foster dog who got adopted from someone at brewfest AND her brother got adopted my another brewfest attendee who was also interested in my dog. So congratulations on another wonderful brewfest and 2 puppies found their forever home thanks to your event. Thank you again. Stephanie
Hanger in Action - Take Flight Update from Bonnie Robinson, LHS
Our our students are fully engaged in the first steps of the plane build. There are three lines at work building the rudder, the stabilator, and the vertical stabilizer. They have quickly built a strong sense of community, and students, teachers, and mentors are collaborative in reading the plans, managing the tools, and maintaining quality assurance.
It is a truly remarkable thing to witness, and you are invited to stop by anytime to see the progress. You will find them behind the LHS track in the three-bay garage Monday-Thursday 9:15-11:00 and Friday 9:35-11:05…
Tom Moore and Bo Harwood appear to be having a blast as Take Flight teachers, and that is due to 1) the nature of the opportunity, and 2) the amazing group of students who were selected to be part of the first Take Flight class.
Can you sense the enthusiasm? Read more including information about a Gala, on Saturday, Oct. 12 at:
From the Aging Resource Center at D-H and Lori Fortini
The Aging Resource Center is sponsoring a 4 part class with Vital communities called “Making Connections”. (see attached flyer)
This is a four-part workshop for people interested in helping solve transportation and mobility challenges facing older adults in the Upper Valley. Participants learn key concepts of healthy community design, share their own experiences, get tips on different mobility options, and learn about advocacy techniques. The goal is to help seniors make connections between different choices on where to live and how to get around as we age in place.
The format for the workshops are presentations by co-facilitators Mark Bradley (White River Council on Aging) and John Haffner (Vital Communities), group activities, “world cafe” style small group activity where participants will be able to rotate between different discussion tables on topics such as: Planning & Government, Transportation, Housing, and the Social Determinants of Health for deeper discussions on these topics, and ending with a walking tour of Lebanon.
The workshops are from 9:30 to noon There will be a light breakfast available at 9 am and lunch will be provided after the session from noon to 1 pm.
Session dates and topics:
Monday, September 16. Workshop 1: Why We Drive.
Monday, September 23. Workshop 2: What Choices Do We Want as We Age?
Monday, September 30. Workshop 3: Becoming a Mobility Advocate. We hope you will join us for this session!
Monday, October 7. Workshop 4: Field Trip! Walking/rolling in downtown Lebanon"
Happy Dollars
Marilyn Bedell was happy that DG Kelly Drew could join us today.
George Wenz happily teased David Briggs that the Hotel Coolidge should be running better during the time he was spending at our meeting.
Phil Hammond let us know he was here to wish George Wenz only the best as he transfers his membership from WRJ to Lebanon. He also let us know that George has been a Rotarian for over 50 years.
Phil Hammond, Rotary Club of White River Junction
David Briggs shared that as WRJ has transitioned from a railroad economy to a creative economy, he will be always grateful to John Yacavone who purchased the first season ticket to Northern Stage when it was housed in the Briggs Opera House.
Bruce Pacht shared he was delighted that part of Rotary District 7870 had invaded our meeting today, but reminded them that we are staying in District 7850.
Kelly Drew shared that when she visits a Rotary Club, she always feels like she has come home.
Ron Michaud spoke the woman power of Rotary...a good thing. He also shared that he worries about the one year leadership terms in Rotary.
Queen of Hearts
Tim Guaraldi didn't pull the Queen of Hearts...so the hunt for the Queen of Hearts continues.
Car Wash
I forgot who won the car wash...hopefully Bruce Bergeron remembers.
Upcoming Speakers
Coming in September, 2024
September 19 Lisa Bozogan, Waypoint Family Resource Center
September 26 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Coming in October, 2024
October 3 Melanie McDonough Chief Innovation Officer, City of Lebanon.
October 10 Rob Stenger co-owner Simple Energy
October 17 Nicole-Food Burley, City of Lebanon Historian
October 24 Tamira Martel, Governor’s Institute of Vermont
October 31 Steve Fine Melanoma Cancer Foundation (webex)
Attendance
Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Hank Clarke, Tim Guaraldi, Will Koppenheffer, Christian MacDonald*, Ron Michaud, Dan Nash, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Marion Steiner, Rich Wallace, Steve Whitman, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Guest: Rotary District 7850 Governor, Kelly Drew; Visiting Rotarians from WRJ, David Briggs and his wife, Peggy Adams ; Phil Hammond; and transferring WRJ member George Wentz
*Joined by WebEx
Standing Meetings
Membership Meetings: To Be Announced
Contact: Ron Michaud
Youth Services: Second Wednesday of the month at Noon
Contact: Christian MacDonald
Charities: Third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM
Contact: Bruce Pacht
Board Meeting: 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM via Zoom
Contact: Ernst Oidtmann
Golf: 2025 schedule to be announced
Brew Fest: Post 2024 event meeting on 9/18 at Service Credit Union at 11:30 AM. The 2025 Schedule to be announced
Other Events and Service Projects
2025 Rotary International Convention
Join us in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for the 2025 Rotary International Convention!
Calgary calls
For centuries, people have gathered at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in Calgary, Canada. Next year, it will be Rotary’s turn, as members, family, and friends worldwide will gather there for the 2025 Rotary International Convention, 21-25 June. Get a preview of what lies in store for those attending the convention in the September issue of Rotary magazine. And read about Canada’s fourth-largest metropolitan area, a big city without big city problems. Register now to be a part of the magic in Calgary in June.
Register before December 15, 2024 to receive the preferred rate of $525!
District 5360 is excited to welcome the world to the Rotary International Convention!
Prepare to be captivated by Calgary’s vibrant culture, embraced by warm hospitality, and inspired by the spirit of Rotary as we gather in this iconic destination.
Calgary is Canada's third most diverse city – over 240 ethnic origins and 165 languages spoken.
It is home of the famous Calgary Stampede, founded in 1912
You will be only one one-hour drive from the iconic Canadian Rockies (but you can see them from Calgary!)
Rotary commits funds to polio outbreak response in Gaza
By Rotary International
The recent detection of variant poliovirus type-2 isolates in environmental samples and the confirmation of a 10-month-old child who has contracted polio in Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has contributed to reduced routine immunization rates and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. The crisis also poses a significant challenge to fully implementing disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a high risk for the spread of this polio strain within Gaza and internationally, particularly given the current situation's impact on public health services.
A humanitarian pause has allowed a two-round polio vaccination campaign that began in Gaza on 1 September. Initial reports indicate the campaign started successfully, with teams showing strong commitment and high levels of community participation.
Rotary is committing US$500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary's sustained support to the WHO in combating polio globally.
Rotary will continue to work with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other agencies as vaccination efforts unfold.
Financial contributions to the PolioPlus fund will help Rotary and its Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners achieve a world in which no child is paralyzed by polio again.
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