Marcos began is talk letting us know that this is the third time he has been invited to give a talk at the Rotary Club of Lebanon. Each time he has been invited by Steve Christy. At each visit Steve has not been present for his talk. He knows Rotarians like the fine members for transgressions and suggested with a smile that Steve should receive a $3.00 fine at the next meeting.
Marcos went on to give us a great update about all that is happening at the Montshire.
The museum was one of the first hands-on science centers in the USA. It is one of approximately 350 science centers in the United States. Last year 170,000 adults and children visited the museum. We learned that the museum sits on 110 acres along the Connecticut River in Norwich, and the land extends into Hartford.
They work to engage all ages in activities both indoors and outdoors. The goal is to help all experience the "joy of science".
Marcos shared information about current and upcoming exhibits that are planned from now to 2021.
He also shared news of efforts to make the center more "green". They have installed a huge pellet stove that is fueled by NH wood pellets.
Holiday/Christmas Party
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Will be at Dowd's Country Inn in Lyme starting at 5:30 PM. We will be doing a Yankee Swap.
In Yankee Swap each participant brings a wrapped, unmarked gift (under $15) and places it in a designated area. Guests are given numbers as they arrive
The person who receives the number 1 will pick a gift (that is not their own) from the pile and open it for all to see (or models it, reads it, or demos it). During the selection of a wrapped gift, the participant may visually inspect the gifts, pick them up and/or gently shake them.
The person who receives number 2 then chooses a gift and opens it, and then must decide whether to keep it or swap it for the first player’s gift. Each person in order then gets to select a present, open it and decide whether to keep it or swap it for any other gift someone has already opened
At the end, #1 gets to keep or swap for a gift they really want.
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SAVE THE DATE
December 6, 2018 Listen Holiday Basket Helpers
Listen, 60 Hanover Street, Lebanon
Across the street from Sacred Heart Church
Our meeting on December 6th will be to help organize and sort through the various holiday baskets for families in need. Our meal will be a potluck lunch. Note: we will be adopting two families. We will be asked to by presents for the families. Stay tuned for more details about this service project meeting.
December 8 & 9, 2018, All Aboard! THE HARTFORD, VT POLAR EXPRESS, Come and celebrate the 12th year. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of White River Jct., Vermont.
December 11, 2018, Listen Community Dinner, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Announcements
Bruce Bergeron is bringing leftover beer to our club meetings over the next few weeks. For a 5 dollar donation, you can get a 6-pack of beer. Just in time for the holidays.
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Sue Donnelly announced that Spark is looking for donations for both their Thanksgiving Dinner and their Holiday Party. From Spark:
Dear Friends of Spark,
We are still in need of volunteers and food donations for Sparks Annual Holiday Party on December 7 . We expect upwards of 75 participants for each of these fun annual events!
April Smith Bean will be coordinating
prepared food donations for both, so please hit reply to this email -
asbspark@gmail.com for all
hot food contributions.
Dry Goods Food Drive - prepackaged or canned foods (stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, fried onions, etc.) are being accepted at Spark! Community Center - SEE THE LIST at the Center or ask a staff member for updated needs.
Menus of needed HOT food items are below for each event, and we are additionally in need of folks who are willing to cook one of our several turkeys (already donated by our lovely Board President) at home and deliver it sliced and hot (please keep it gluten free with any broth).
Holiday Menu ~ December 7
Ham, Cranberry sauce/Cranberry relish, Mashed Potato -
Green Bean Almondine, Rolls, Butter, Rolls, Potatoes, Pies, Drinks and Gluten Free/Paleo/Sugar Free items
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Happy Dollars
[Editor Note - A few brags may be missing as I was pulled from the meeting and missed some of our banter]
Paul Tierney shared he was at the District LEADS seminar on Saturday. He gave kudos to Marilyn for her Foundation presentation. He noted that there were very few veterans at the event.
Valerie Armstrong's cookies got rave reviews at he son's college.
Bruce Pacht shared news of the Chordsmen's upcoming holiday singing events.
Jane Mason was delighted to report that her father has had an amazing response to an new immunotherapy agent that has had a dramatic effect on his cancer.
Rotary Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 11th year
For the 11th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from
Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
The
Foundation earned the recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
“We are extremely honored to be recognized,” says Foundation Trustee Chair Ron Burton. “It represents the hard work and dedication of countless Rotarians throughout the world. They know their gifts will be used for the purpose for which they were given and that they will, indeed, make a real difference.”
The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness
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They Profit Most Who Serve the Best 
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