We will be meeting at 11:55 a.m. on the First and Second Thursdays and we will be meeting at 5:25 p.m. on the Third and Forth Thursdays.
June 17, 5:30 PM, To Be Announced
June 24, 5:30 PM: Dr. Don Kollisch
Don Kollish a resident of Hanover, and a semi-retired physician, currently working for the VA. He previously worked at DHMC, and he has been an active medical educator for both students and residents. As a physician, he has always been concerned that the US Health Care system can be both the best in the world in terms of skill and technology, and yet so uneven in distributing medical services. He has been interested in how other countries "do it". He shared that he has become a student and supporter of national health insurance programs. For the last 8 years he has been the Convenor of the NH Chapter of "Physicians for a National Health Program". He will speak to us about "The Business Case for a National Health Program". Just as important, he shared he would welcome the opportunity to participate in a discussion of the financial and political barriers to providing healthcare for everyone.
July 1, 2021, Noon, Club Change Over Celebration
July 8, 2021, Noon, Carl Gross, Lebanon Airport Manager (note the date, we will meeting on Thursday the 8th of July. This was incorrectly listed in past newsletters)
Bruce Pacht introduced our speaker -- the Upper Valley Jewish Community’s Rabbi Mark Melamut: Judaism 101: Being Jewish in the Upper Valley
Rabbi Mark Melamut
Photo from the Roth Center for Jewish Life Web Page
Rabbi Mark Melamut joined the Upper Valley Jewish Community in August of 2018. Prior, he was rabbi for ten years at an egalitarian and conservative congregation in San Francisco.
Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, Rabbi Mark attended Jewish summer camp in Utica, Mississippi. He studied business at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in religious studies in hand, he moved to Burlington, Vermont, where he worked at the U.S. Immigration administrative office doing accounting work. The Green Mountains fed his soul for a few years before he decided to pursue a Master of Religious Studies at Yale Divinity School, following which he spent a couple of years in Israel for experience and study before entering rabbinical school.
While at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Mark spent another couple of years studying in Israel. He earned his Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters and received rabbinic ordination in 2008.
Bruce was on the search committee which chose Mark after 10 months of a nationwide search and a couple dozen interviews. They thought he would be a perfect fit, and so far, their choice has been confirmed
Synopsis of Rabbi Mark talk:
This was his first time speaking to a Rotary Club. He enjoyed the “mantra” we repeated at the beginning of the meeting (the 4-Way Test), and he enjoys making new friends.
R. Mark started with an expansion on his bio: “How did I end up with the title “rabbi”?
In Hebrew, “rabbi” means “teacher,“ which is his main function. Of course, there are other roles including leading worship services, ministering at life cycle events, and teaching and studying with folks.
His path to the rabbinate was a long journey of figuring out what would bring more meaning to his life, and what he’s passionate about doing. He did some accounting and has relatives and friends who have found much meaning in that work – but he didn’t.
Mark grew up in the deep south with a strong sense of family but also a vague but persistent sense of being an “other,” a person always a bit on the margins. There were not many Jewish people around, and only 5 kids were in his Sunday school. Mark felt different but didn’t quite know why.
In college, Mark developed a curiosity about religion as a concept – How it frames and gives meaning to our lives. He studied both eastern and western religions.
After college, Mark did accounting in Burlington, but after 2-3 years, he still struggled with the internal question of what to do with his life. He took a Master’s in Religious Studies at Yale Divinity School where he was one of 3 Jewish folks amid 300 others studying. After finishing, he went to Israel to explore his own roots and there he found his commitment.
He attended rabbinical school upon his return where he pursued “the study of being a rabbi”. After completion, Mark lived in San Francisco where he worked part-time, and he and his wife raised their daughter for a couple of years.
So, here is Mark’s “Elevator Speech on Judaism.” He uses the “Idea of three Bs – Belonging, Behaving and Believing, stated in Rabbi Mark’s order of importance.
Belonging: This is defining oneself as any “-ish” -- part of a group where you find your affinity. Step 1 is feeling like you belong to the Jewish people or a Jewish community. Affinity happens in two ways (1) “I feel I’m Jewish,” or (2) having your status conferred by a community – (a) being born of Jewish parents, or (b) choosing to convert to Judaism.
Behaving: Where do we learn Jewish behaviors? Many are the same as anyone trying to be a good person in the world – care for others, acting morally, etc. Of course, there are some Jewish-specific rituals, holidays, and ethics which derive mostly from the Torah, sometimes called “the Hebrew Bible”: (the Five Books of Moses, the books of Prophets, and the Writings).
These are Judaism’s written scriptures. Next comes the Talmud, written down by ancient rabbis from 200-600 CE, and containing the essence of where our behaviors are from. The Talmud interprets the Torah. The ancient rabbis understood our religion would have to be portable.
Believing: There is one essential Jewish belief contained in the prayer called the “Sh’ma” which in English states this: “Hear! O Israel -- the Lord our God is ONE.” Judaism doesn’t assume to know what God looks like or how God appears in the world. In fact, there’s quite a bit of leeway in interpreting the ONEness of God but little else. Some think that even making a positive statement such as, “God is XXX,” is a step toward idolatry; God’s unexplained essence is one-ness. Another essential component of Judaism is the centrality of asking questions to obtain a deeper truth.
Rabbi Mark responded to a question he received before he came to speak. It concerned the Dartmouth campus climate for Jewish students, faculty and staff following vandalism of the menorah on the Green during Hanukkah – its glass lights were shot out by a BB or pellet gun. Mark said he was so far unaware as to whether the perpetrators were found. Several pastors shared concerns with Rabbi Mark; some said “Kids will be kids,” but many of us took it as a hurtful action done to one of our central symbols.
Anti-semitism is “something said or done against a Semitic people.” During the Middle Ages, it took on some particularly virulent forms. When R was about 10 years old, the large, intricate and beautifully engraved 15’ high wooden doors where he attended religious school were vandalized by a giant painted swastika, about half the size of the door. It was his first time ever, after feeling a little different, experiencing defamation of his place of worship. This was more than property destruction; he still can still see the image of red, dripping paint. His family had to educate him as to what it meant. R Mark can only remember 2 or 3 other incidents of anti-Semitism in his personal life. Unfortunately, the feelings don’t go away, even if it’s “just a prank.”
The act at Dartmouth was the first overtly anti-Semitic act in a long time. It reminds us that we are all here for each other, for the good of each other. If it happens to one group, it happens to another.
Part of Rabbi Mark’s mission is to be out and about and share a bit of what Judaism is. Let’s focus on the parts of what it means to be a Jewish person.
QUESTIONS
Cal Wolfe: A lot of us are re-thinking our relationship with the natural world, from control. Within Judaism, is there re-thinking of a relationship to the living and non-living world?
Rabbi Mark: There are many denominations of Judaism. There is a strong connection, and a particular emphasis in Judaism on the current moment in which we live, and how to create a nurturing environment around us in that moment. That perspective includes both the natural world and all of our human neighbors: the Torah says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Our focus is on the here and how, less about what happens after life.
Rabbi told a brief story about the importance of the “now” in Judaism: A questions was asked: “How should I act if I’m outside planting in my garden and the Messiah stops by my house? Do I finish planting or do I go greet the Messiah. The answer is this: “First finish your planting, and then go greet the messiah.” First pay attention to the world that IS in the moment you exist; then, of course, engage with the Messiah.
As to the “Afterlife” – Writings on it constitute one of the largest entries in the Jewish encyclopedia, mainly because there is little agreement and many perspectives.
Marilyn: What was it like for you in such a small minority at Yale Divinity? And, knowing that Christianity is the dominant religion in US, what makes it difficult for you when so many others have a different belief system.
Rabbi Mark: My Yale experience is crucial to who I am today. I chose the school over Jewish colleges because it was the best way for me to study my roots in comparison with others’ roots. It was stimulating, challenging and rewarding; my study of Christian theology from the very beginning formed important relationships. Such study compelled me to examine what Judaism had top say about the various topics which arose. Sometimes I felt very outside, other times I felt deeply engaged over the two years with other deeply-engaged students.
As to the effect of living under a “dominant” religion – It’s hardest because when I’m fully myself, I stand out, like wearing the yarmulke (skullcap) which leads people to make assumptions about who I am. So, I sometimes wear a baseball cap to avoid pre-dispositions!
Another thought: I never felt, until I went to Israel, what it felt like to be part of the dominant culture. Not being in that situation in the US forces me to engage in dialogue. I believe that’s the best we can do, especially when we come from very different political and religious places.
John Yacavone: What does a Rabbi do in his spare time?
Rabbi Mark: My life is mostly flexible except for Friday preparations for the Sabbath, and Sabbath itself on Saturday. Most of my work time involves meetings and writing. Free time: gardening is my latest favorite--after 3 years of work, the garden is starting to look good. I love being outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking. I have an affinity for jazz and seek out opportunities to hear live jazz performances. I love to cook, and cannot wait to return to the movies!
Bill Secord – What is the Jewish community like on the Dartmouth campus? How healthy is it and what is their experience?
Rabbi Mark: Even with campus having been nearly all virtual this past year, Jewish student life is fairly robust. The Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) is headquartered at the Roth Center for Jewish Life at Dartmouth, a facility we share with the Jewish student organization, Hillel. The UVJC has about 215 members with folks all over the Upper Valley. Our Sunday school serves about 50 students.
I found a much larger and more robust community here embracing very diverse practices within Judaism; there is lots of dynamism in this community. Mark is the UVJC’s first fulltime Rabbi; Hillel also recently hired its first fulltime Rabbi – these events show the communities’ growth
Jimmy Brock: There seems to be an increase in racism and anti-semitism in US and western world.
Rabbi Mark agreed that anti-Semitism is spiking. Many folks correlate this to what’s going on in Israel. Locally, the UVJC started a group seeking to understand how the UVJC and local Jews individually can we be better allies to those being oppressed, how we might break down barriers of anti-Semitism and racism. I think that building relationships and getting to know each other and seek commonalities is our best course for the future. Still, the outliers on the extremes, will make it hard for the rest of us.
Jimmy Brock: Would you say things are better or worse re: trend of Anti-Semitism – has it reduced or increased? Is this a spike or a change?
Rabbi Mark: I’ve watched the graphs. Today folks are saying we haven’t seen such activity since before WWII. Yet here in the Upper Valley, my kids feel much more positive about their position in their community.
Hank Clarke reflected that anti-Semitism and racism have been there all along, but recent political shifts in the US have brought them raging back.
Book for Children's Collection at the Kilton Library in honor of Rabbi Melamut
The book for Rabbi Melamut is In a Jar by Deborah Marcero.
Here's a marvelous picture book, charmingly written and beautifully illustrated, about the power of memory and the magic of friendship.
Llewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls. And, best of all, when they hold the jars and peer inside, they remember all the wonderful things they've seen and done. But one day, Evelyn has sad news: Her family is moving away. How can the two friends continue their magical collection--and their special friendship--from afar?
Ron Bedell, Marilyn Bedell, Cindy Jerome, Richard Wallace, Cal Wolfe and our leader Will Koppenheffer, planted flowers at Riverside Park. Hopefully in a few weeks they will grow and flourish.
Moorings
Our discussions prior to the ringing of the bell focused on opportunities for kids to ride horses no matter what their income; Recluse spider bites; Cardiac and stroke rehab; and gold (a good walk spoiled).
At 12:01 PM, Ron Bedell then called the meeting to order. Bruce Pacht introduced Rabbi Mark, see story above. Bill Secord presented the Kilton Library children's book to Rabbi Mark. Ron then moved to club business and announcements.
Club Meeting Notes and Announcements
In-Person Meetings
The Administrative Committee continues to explore ways to get back to some sort of in-person meetings according to the wishes of the members; aiming for some form of resumption during July.
Dues
Ron reminded us that our dues will increase to $30 a month starting July 1st. June 2021 are still at $27.
Riverside Park - Flower Planting
Will Koppenheffer reported on the flower-planting last week – “They got planted.” Please stop by and check out the planters except for one that was growing wild strawberries and raspberries – Cal noticed and suggested we leave that one for the kids.
Kancamagus Clean-up Saturday, June 5, 2021
Bruce Pacht and Lori Fortini represented the Rotary Club of Lebanon at the Kanc Clean-up.
From Lori's Facebook Page
Brewfest September 4th
Hank Clarke re: Brewfest: “I will contact people this week or weekend for committee assignments. Bulk of work is getting the permits.”
Our 100th Anniversary
No updates this week.
Traffic Islands at Colburn Park
Dave Crandall spoke with Shaun Mulholland, City Manager. The City would like to see landscaping on the islands around Colburn Park. It was suggested that Rotary might consider partnering with the Lebanon Garden club to establish and maintain attractive plantings on those islands. We would receive signage announcing our efforts.
First Grade Reader
Bruce Bergeron reported that our First Grade personalize books have been delivered to the schools and will be distributed. We hope to have some pictures to share soon.
District Changeover
District Changeover will take place on Thursday, June 24, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM, right after Lebanon Rotary’s regular meeting. Our club meeting will be held as planned. Hoping members will sign on to District Changeover at the end of our meeting.
Rotary Foundation
Reminders have gone out to members to get Rotary Foundation donations to Ron Bedell ASAP, as the mailing needs to be postmarked by 30 June. If you decide to make a direct payment via the Rotary web page, be sure to sign into My Rotary to assure the donation is credited to the club. Select Annual Programs Fund/Share to have the donation be a part of the money that is returned to our District for Global Grants.
Our Golf Tournament — Ed Freidman let us know that they are still sorting out what remains to be paid and what is coming in. Hank thinks we will net around $18,000.
Anything else for the good of the club? Happy Thoughts/concerns
Hank Clarke reported that in Lake Placid he woke up and fell to the ground with vertigo/dizziness. Went to urgent care – EKG and blood tests. Ambulance to Saranac Hospital for a day of CAT scans. Wasn’t a stroke; sugar was a little high. They rehydrated him and he felt better within 20 minutes. VA has the ability to pay for the expenses he incurred.
Jimmy – talk to your doctor about “Liquid IV”. Works very well if you take it on a regular basis.
Hank – VA is working on a face-to-face appointment with a doctor to follow up
JoAnn – She wonders why they sent him to Saranac instead of Lak Placid. Hank says it was the closest place with CAT scan capability.
Jean Flaherty-Wulpern has Molly and Jack with her. Jean is staying busy, and misses everyone. She has been keeping up with emails.
Steve Whitman – 50 years ago today, I was inducted into Rotary! His plaque says he was “indoctrinated”
Hank Clarke noted that the Lebanon City newsletter had some photos of the bridge project with a mention of Lebanon and Hanover Rotaries.
Marion Steiner – Today, her daughter is graduating high school. Headed off to Franklin Pierce University in August.
Janet Vaughan – Daughter graduates high school on Saturday. She is excited not to have to go to school for now and will enter the work world.
Janet Vaughan participated in a nice event at MVRHS for presentation of the scholarships for Lebanon Rotary. She was a little nervous getting on stage to present, but it was a nice time and good event.
Janet Vaughan reported that she had a nice phone conversation with Denée who heads the blood donor program at D-H. Janet would like to have her be a speaker to talk about the shortage of blood locally. Maybe we could help spread the word. They like to give donors some sort of “thank-you” gift like a gift certificate.
John Yacavone closed our meeting with a very sad note...Paul Boucher is nearing end-of-life and is on hospice care, confined to bed and receiving morphine.
The meeting was adjourned just before 1:00 PM. See you all next week.
They profit most who serve the best.
Members at the meeting:
Dan Affeldt
Marilyn Bedell
Ron Bedell
Bruce Bergeron
Hank Clarke
Karen Clements
Ed Friedman
Rudy Fedrizzi
Jean Flaferty-Wulpren
Tim Guaraldi
Cindy Jerome
Will Koppenheffer
JoAnn Lemieux
Jane Mason
Bruce Pacht
Phil Rentz
Bill Secord
Marion Steiner
Janet Vaughan
Rich Wallace
Richard Wallace
Steve Whitman
Cal Wolfe
John Yacavone
Visiting Rotarian Jimmy Brock from Hamilton, Bermuda
Visitor — Steve Taylor
Upcoming Service Projects and Fund Raisers
Rotary Invitation From Northern NH Rotary Clubs to Clean Up Pinkham Notch, July 24th
To: Service Organization Partners
From: Northern New Hampshire Rotary Clubs
Date: February, 2021 Re: Rotary Community Clean-Up New Hampshire Projects
The Rotary Clubs of Bristol, Lincoln-Woodstock, North Conway, Ossipee, Plymouth, and White Mountains invite you to join with us to brighten up our area’s most scenic highways, byways, and trailheads.
The more volunteers we attract, the more impact we will have. We are looking for support from individuals, other service clubs and organizations, chambers of commerce, school groups, churches, municipalities, area businesses, and anyone who would like to join us as we Clean Up New Hampshire.
To participate, contact our Volunteer Coordination Committee Chair: BOB YOUNG
BOB YOUNG YOUNGLAWFIRM@YAHOO.COM
Thank you very much for your consideration in joining our efforts. We look forward to working with you as we Clean Up New Hampshire.
Nexus @ Lebanon Opera House
Reminder: We will be a $2,500 sponsor for this event. Thanks to Rich Wallace's work, our donation of $2,500 should be well-represented in the promotional materials being developed for the festival.
From the Lebanon Opera House Web Page:
Mark your calendar! Friday, August 13–Sunday, August 15
Things feel a bit different. It could be the longer, warmer days. It could be the increase in vaccinations (an important factor in our eventual reopening) coupled with a decrease in COVID restrictions. Either way, we are at a crossroads.
Inspired by the idea of literal and metaphorical crossroads, Lebanon Opera House proudly presents the FREE Nexus Music and Arts Festival in and around Colburn Park, extending to the pedestrian mall and the revitalized rail trail tunnel. Outdoor performances from regional touring artists, LOH’s community arts partners, and student-artists will be featured alongside displays of public art and al fresco dining—flashes of creativity and community at every turn. Necessarily, planning is being done with public health measures in mind.
We see Nexus as an important leadership opportunity; a chance to thank those who support LOH and the greater Lebanon arts community. A chance to demonstrate the impact of the arts on our local economy. Mark your calendar and plan to join the chorus of supporters who believe that the arts are worth celebrating!
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this family-friendly event is FREE and open to all. Please consider your own tax-deductible gift in support of Nexus. As a nonprofit organization, we acknowledge that every dollar raised makes a difference.
Brew Fest 2021 — September 4, 2021 (Saturday of Labor Day Weekend)
Planning underway for Brew Fest 2021. Save the date to be there to help with this fundraiser.
Mascoma River Clean-up — September 25, 2021
Ernst Oidtmann announce that Mascoma River Clean-up will be on September 25 is the date of the biennial Mascoma River Clean-up which will take place in concert with the Connecticut River Clean-up.
Mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity to connect with Rotary members worldwide at the 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities, 12-16 June. Registration will open in mid-April at a special rate of $49. After 21 days, you will pay $65 to register.
You can also join us early at a preconvention for intercountry committees, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange officers, 10-11 June. Each preconvention costs an additional $20.
The 2021 Virtual Rotary Convention and preconvention events are open to all Rotary members and participants. Both the convention and preconvention fees include access to the virtual House of Friendship.
Don’t forget to visit the convention event page on Facebook to connect with others and stay up-to-date on event news and program highlights!
Fellowship has created a global home for LGBT members and friends
by Joseph Derr
During a breakout session on “Welcoming the LGBTQ Community Into the Family of Rotary” during the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Michelle Wilson, a member of the Rotary Club of Athens Sunrise, Ohio, had a question. “I asked, ‘Why doesn’t Rotary have a group for LGBT+ people?’” When she added, “We should start one,” she says, “the response was overwhelming.”
Before the session had even ended, Sean O’Hara, a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Charles Happy Hour, Louisiana (and later the fellowship’s first president), had opened a Facebook group for LGBT people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). Wilson left the meeting with a stack of business cards from people who wanted to be part of the new group. The LGBT Rotarians and Friends Fellowship was born.
In between regular Zoom events held in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, members like Wilson — who is the group’s current president — are talking to clubs about promoting diversity and telling the story of being LGBT in Rotary.
The fellowship is seeking to work with clubs on projects that support the LGBT community and to offer resources to clubs that want to be more diverse and welcoming to all.
We are meeting via
Zoom!
We will be meeting every
Thursdays
The First and Third Thursday at 12 Noon, and the 3rd and 4th Thursday at 5:30 PM
Please join us if you can!!
Need to learn how to join a Zoom Meeting? Click Here
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