Program

Simple Energy

Our speaker today was the co-founder of Simple Energy, Rob Stenger. 

Stenger educated us about the ever changing energy markets. He reviewed historical trend in energy product consumption over time, and gave us his perspectives on what our future might look like as innovations in transportation and fuel choices change over time.  

He shared that at the moment, there is less volatility in the cost of oil per barrel.  But he predicts that the cost per barrel may go down to close to $30/barrel. A dance goes on in OPEC to set a price that will permit economies to thrive and keep us buying fuel.

The cost of propane is harder to predict trends. He shared how policy changes may dramatically impact a community's ability to use propane.  

He predicts that driverless and electric cars may cause major disruptions as fewer people purchase cars, and rely on services like electric driverless Uber type services.

He shared that driverless vehicles may impact our future the way the combustion engines, and the advent of cars impacted our use of horses at the turn of the century.

It was a thought provoking presentation, that reminded us that changes in technology will continually challenge us to think about our environment in new and unique ways.

Stenger held a variety of operations and management positions with Dead River Company, Irving Oil Corporation, and Johnson & Dix Fuel Corp. Over 28 years he has developed an in-depth knowledge of delivery and service operations for the fuel industry.

Rob is a strong advocate for the "New Energy Industry".  He hold board positions with New Hampshire Energy Marketers Association, the New England Fuel Institute, and IDEAL Energy Cooperative. 

Kinson Craft and Stenger started Simple Energy in 2006. Today, Simple Energy is a leader in regional energy products including heating oil, propane, bio-heat, bio-diesel and gasoline. 

Stenger lives with his wife Lois and two sons in Enfield, NH.

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Induction of New Member

Richard Gallow and Marilyn Bedell

Today we welcomed a new member Richard Gallow to the Rotary Club of Lebanon.  Richard works as the operations manager for Eastern Propane.  We will look forward to getting to know Richard through service projects, fund raisers and fellowship!

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Announcements

Jean Wulpren let us know that she received a call from The Haven just before Thanksgiving.  She learned that they were in need of over 140 turkeys for families in need.  Jean reached out the the club, and we donated $200 to help provide 26 turkeys.  The Haven wanted us to know how much they appreciated our support during this time of need.

Steve Whitman presented a funding request for Students at the Indian River School.  The funds are for the Granite State Flash Team.  This team of 9 children is working to raise the funds to get to a cross-country meet in Wisconsin.  The board reviewed the request and suggested that we provide $1,000 for this request.  Steve Whitman made the motion to approve funding.  It was seconded by Hank Clarke.  Our membership voted unanimously to provide $1,000 for this team.  You can google Granite State Flash Team for more information about this program.

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Happy Dollars

This may not be a full list of our happy dollars, as your editor was helping our speaker get his AV set up.

Tim Guarldi, Shared news that his daughter is pregnant.  

Hank Clarke has been working to find reasonably price accommodations for the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It has been a challenge, but he hopes he has plan that will work.

Wily Koppenheffer has completed his plans to visit the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

Garland is headed to England in advance of Heidi to go shopping for cars.  He has leads on a 1935 Triumph and a 1939 Morris Minor.  We learned that Heidi fell and broke her femur.  We wish her a speedy recovery.

Steve Christy shared his memories of going the the Albuquerque Balloon Festival and describe the the balloons looked like Japanese candle balloon as the took flight. He shared he met the first person to circumnavigate the earth...according to google it was Steve Fossett.

Cindy Jerome shared new of a 90th birthday, but I didn't hear who was celebrating this milestone.

Bill Secord reminded us about the upcoming Bell Conte Singer concert, Make We Joy.

Rich Wallace let us know that there will be a Gingerbread Festival at Tracy Hall in Norwich this weekend.  Learn more by clicking here

Angela Nelson's Husband got a 8 point buck!  She also thanked everyone who contributed to the family baskets for Listen.  

Marilyn Bedell reflected on her family's day after Thanksgiving Open House for 40 people where she was the chief cook and bottle washer.  She gave another happy dollar in honor of Richard Gallow's induction into our club.

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Raffle

Shaun Mulholland pulled the 5 of Clubs, as the hunt for the queen continues.

Jean Wulpren won the car wash.