and learn more about Lebanon Rotary and our projects.
As with any challenge, we are stronger when we work together as a team.
My thanks to Will Koppenheffer, Bruce Pacht and Bill Secord who will make sure you get a newsletter while Ron and I are traveling from now till near the end of January!
John Fenley was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of three which required ve brain surgeries to successfully remove. Though the resulting brain injury created obstacles to overcome, John strives to dene himself by his abilities rather than his disabilities. John had the honor of serving as President of People First of New Hampshire from 2012 to 2018. He is currently serving as Secretary/Treasurer. He was also appointed to the Council on Developmental Disabilities during those years. In 2013 he became a founding member of the Self Advocacy Leadership Team (SALT) a group of advocates that addresses key issues faced by people with disabilities. Through his involvement in these organizations, John has had many opportunities to testify at the NH State House.
John Fenley
John currently serves on the Disability Health Advisory Work Group (DHAWG) in coordination with the Institute On Disability (IOD) through the University of New Hampshire. In 2014, John founded a nonprot community center in Lebanon, NH called Spark! Community Center. He named it so because as he says, “Everyone has a ‘spark’ worth sharing.” He works as Community Outreach Coordinator for the center and teaches fun classes. John also uses his “spark” of cartooning and graphic design to reach community participants with colorful, eye-catching event yers, often using his mascot creation “Sparky the Spark-plug.” He loves using his art to assist in advocacy as well, having created new logos for People First of New Hampshire and SALT. John believes that a message always shines through when it has graphics to back it up. Sometimes a drawing says it better than any words could. John has made it his calling to speak openly and passionately about his experiences in the hope that it might inspire others to join the disability rights movement.
John was proudly wearing his Paul Harris Fellow pin that was present to him by our Rotary Club several years ago.
John was joined today by colleague at SPARK, Keoki Johnson, and SPARK Board of Director President, Allion Flint.
John spent time sharing why SPARK was established and how it is of benefit to everyone in our community.
The team at SPARK believes believe in an integrated society where everyone is valued for their abilities rather than their disabilities. Their core philosophy is that everyone has a hidden talent or gift worth sharing with the world, a “spark” if you will. Spark welcomes all community members to take part in a variety of programs, classes and events as well as use the many different opportunities available at Spark.
President Ernst Oidtmann called the meeting to order at noon.
Bruce Pacht led us in the 4-Way Test
Birthdays - Ludwig von Beethoven; and Ernst's sister, who is the tri-athlete.
Ernst welcomed our guests from SPARK, Allison Flint, BOD President, a SPARK participate Keoki Johnson, and our speaker and staff member, John Fenley.
Ernst then led us in singing our welcome song, and Auld Lang Syne. Ernst shared that this was a practice sing, as we would be singing it again next week, too.
Thought of the Day: It came from Ernst's talking Santa, "The Magic of Christmas lies in your heart."
Then it was time to go to the buffet to get our lunch.
Following lunch John Yacavone introduced John Finley. See story and bio for John above.
Bill Secord presented the book to go to the Kilton's Children's Library in honor of John Finley:
I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of theAndes
By Karol Hernández (Author), Lorena Alvarez Gómez (Illustrator)
For fans of The Little Blue Truck, Red Truck and The Little Engine That Could, a rhyming ode to a colorful South American bus and the collective spirit of its people.
This joyful and rhyming picture book written by a debut author and illustrated by the beloved creator of Nightlights and Hicotea, follows the iconic bus, or chiva, as it navigates the rugged Andes mountains, celebrating the rich culture and landscape of Colombia that was so beautifully showcased in Disney’s Encanto.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Holiday Party and Yankee Swap — See full details about the swap below and/or review the email sent to you by Ron Bedell.
Harvest Hill Kitchen Staff Holiday Present — John Yacavone asked us for donations for our annual monetary gift for the kitchen staff. He will make an additional collection next week...come with some cash!
REVO Casino Grand Opening
Our club has been invited to the Grand Opening of the REVO Casino next Wednesday, December 18th as one of the 501(c)3 organization that benefits from donations from the Casino. We are welcomed to come at 11:00 AM, this time is for non-profit organizations only.
Charities — The two proposals that require a membership vote were presented last week by Bruce Pacht. He requested two separate motions for the two proposal. After each the motions were made and seconded, we had a time for discussion about the proposals. Both pro and con points of view were raised for both proposals. At the end of the meeting today, voting will close.
Post Meeting Message From Trustee Chair, Bruce Pacht:
I'm pleased to announce that with voting having concluded today at the conclusion of our regular meeting, Club members have voted to approve both the suggested allocation of $2,300.00 to the Lebanon Lacrosse Boosters Club to help provide helmets to those participants whose families cannot provide the full cost, and $3,600.00 to the Mascoma Music Boosters to help students whose families cannot support the full cost of the groups visit to Nashville to participate in a music festival.
These are significant gifts which will help many youth in the greater Lebanon region to gain valuable experience in their early lives.
Thanks to every Rotarian who raised questions, who participated in the discussions, and who voted.
Bruce
SERVICE PROJECTS
Stay tuned for projects that we will participate in 2025. Enjoy a brief hiatus over this holiday season. Thanks to all who helped at our two Listen projects, Holiday Basket Helper Bag and Tag, and our two Food Drives at the Lebanon Coop.
Time for Happy Dollars:
Dave Clarenbach let us know that today is National Construction Worker Day.
Dan Nash attended aAndré Rieu concert film in Springfield, MA. Dan shared that Rieu brings the magic of classical music to life. He encouraged us to watch a concert on PBS.
Ernst Oidtmann let us know that he grew up in Maastricht, Rieu's home city, and he knew members of Rieu's family.
Hank Clarke gave us the 6-week post surgery update on Carol...she is doing very well! Good news!
Dean Cashman was delighted to let us know that Ryan Bergeron, Bruce's son has joined the coaching team for the Raiders. He will work with he defensive players.
Bruce Bergeron let us know that magic can happen every 34 years. He and Holly just purchased a new home across the street from Steve Whitman's home. The home was built by former Lebanon-Riverside Rotary Charter Member, Bill Sahlman. Now he has room for grandchildren to visit!
Members at the meeting:
Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Dean Cashman, David Clarenbach, Hank Clarke, Dave, Crandall, Jim Damren, Mia Dela Pena, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Will Koppenheffer, Ron Michaud, Dan Nash, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Bill Secord, Josh Smith, Richard Wallace, John Yacavone
No one Joined by WebEx
Card and Car Wash Raffles
The hunt for the The Queen of Heart...Dan Nash pulled the 6 of Hearts
The car wash was won by Bill Secord
NOTE: The Car Wash Code Reader is still broken in Lebanon. The Car Wash Codes will now come from the new Jake's car wash in Enfield. 223 US-4, Enfield, NH
FUTURE MEETING PROGRAMS/SPEAKERS
December 2024
December 19 Ernst Oidtmann and Matt Locker, Concert
December 26 NO MEETING. Happy Holidays!
January 2025
January 2 NO MEETING
January 9 Annemieke McLane and Ernst Oidtmann Recital for 4-hand piano
January 16 Rob Stenger, Simple Energy January 23 TBD
January 23 Peter Begin, Mascoma Bank
January 30 SPEECH CONTEST ROUND ONE
February
Feb 6: Tim Cox and Kevin Purcell from the proposed West Leb/Hanover Greenway
Feb 13: Marilyn Bedell, Survey Says
Feb 20: Allan & Jo Wieman, Upper Valley Baroque
Feb 27: Jeremy DeSilva, Dartmouth professor of human evolution
Note: David Crandall will be scheduling programs January through June 2025
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 p.m.
Contact: Bruce Pacht
Board Meeting: 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM via Zoom. Note: We have changed the meeting time for November and December. Because the November meeting would be Thanksgiving week we will meet instead on December 3, at 4:00 p.m. The next meeting then will be the 4th Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Ernst Oidtmann
Golf: 2025 schedule to be announced
Contact: Bruce Bergeron
Brew Fest: The 2025 Schedule to be announced
Contact: Marion Steiner
Other News, Events and Service Projects
Holiday Party and Yankee Swap Detailed Information from Ron Bedell:
Tips for those of you that are coming to our Holiday Party next Tuesday:
Arrive early so that you can pick up your name card and meal choice and put them at your desired seat.
Put your Yankee Swap Gifts under the Christmas Tree.
We have 40 Yankee Swap Gifts. To Speed up the process, if you pulled ticket #13 be ready to go as #12 is selecting their gift,
In case you forgot or are new this year, the Yankee Swap works like this:
Each individual either purchases a gift valued at less than $20 or re-gifts something they have received and do not use. They then wrap the gift without attaching any labels to indicate who it is from.
At the Holiday Party each person will draw a number out of a bag. This will indicate the order in which they will select a gift with number 1 going first. The person having number 1 will open the gift and display it to all. The person with number 2 will open another gift and display it to all. That person will have the opportunity to keep the gift or swap it with the person having selected the first gift. The person with number 3 will open another gift and display it to all. That person will have the opportunity to keep the gift or swap it with one of the persons having selected the first two gifts. This continues until the last person has selected or swapped a gift. Then the first person (# 1) to select a gift could swap their gift with someone else. This concludes the Yankee Swap.
The date for our Annual Christmas Party and Yankee Swap is Tuesday December 17th. The cost will be $50 per person, including tax and gratuities. The club is subsidizing the meal which makes it $10 less than last year for basically the same menu.
The event will take place at the Quechee Inn at Marshfield Farm in Quechee, VT.
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktails in the Tavern (Cash Bar)
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Yankee Swap
The menu will be:
Chef's Choice of 2 Passed Hors D'oeuvres in the Tavern
Mixed Green Salad & Fresh Baked Rolls
Pre-Selected Entrees: Blackjack Sirloin, Grilled Salmon, Chicken or Vegetarian
Dessert and Coffee Service
One Glass of House Red or White Wine with Dinner
The Yankee Swap will begin right after dinner. Remember to bring a new or used gift valued at $20.00 or less for each person in your party.
We made it to Poland! Our 11th humanitarian trip is officially underway.
Our Common Man for Ukraine co-founders enjoyed a smooth ride across the Atlantic from our friends at Lufthansa – who, after learning about Common Man for Ukraine’s work, once again waived the baggage fees for all of the bags of wonderful donations from our supporters that are going straight into the hands of innocent Ukrainian children. We thank the Lufthansa team for their generosity!
Any saw weariness we may have felt from our travels immediately dissipated as we the innocent faces of the 34 Ukrainian children participating in our December session of the Children of Ukraine Health Retreat.
Throughout Monday afternoon and evening, each child shined with hope, resilience, and bravery as they participated in a group therapy session. The children were also introduced to coping strategies and the coping cards that are distributed to the children every month
Read recent Common Man for Ukraine headlines below:
The 2025 District Conference will be a one day conference on Saturday, May 31 2025 with an optional overnight on May 30, 2025. It will be at Mount Cranmore Resort in North Conway, NH. Stay tuned for details.
2025 Rotary International Convention
Join us for a spectacular Rotary gathering from June 21 to 25in Calgary, Alberta Canada!
Click on the link to for a link to a recorded webinar about Calgaryhere
We have added the links below so you can easily access the details!
Where do I register? Is there a special rate for those under 30? Yes! Consider inviting them to join you! Here is the link.
I am exploring hotel options and heard RI has secured hotel room blocks. Where do I find a list of options? Here, you will find the list of options!
Check out the Host Organizing webpage to learn about all the activities our Rotarian hosts are planning!
What is a Host Hospitality event? Where do I explore what is available? These are memorable evening events of local hospitality and international fellowship. Check out this link to sign up today!
Beyond Borders is an exclusive gathering for Rotary members in Zones 28 & 32. Explore here!
We want to bring our RV, where can we camp? ADD
I can only imagine the number of volunteers needed for the convention. Can I volunteer? Yes, explore here!
I love the white hat! Where can I purchase one of the World-Famous Smithbilt Calgary Hats? Check out the sizes here, and yes, you will look amazing!
Are you interested in hosting a district or club gathering in Calgary? Once you finalize the details of your event, please advise Rotary of your event by completing the following required submission form by Friday, 25 April 2025. By completing this survey, you can include your event on the unofficial affiliate events calendar available on convention.rotary.org early next year and added to the Rotary Events app in May.
Take a moment to explore what Calgary has to offer here!
Samantha Cristoforetti longed for space travel since she was a kid. Now, she’s sharing the cosmic awe with her fellow earthlings.
By Diana Schoberg
Image credit: European Space Agency/NASA, Samantha Cristoforetti
In some ways it’s just like any other Rotary meeting.
Dozens of members of the Rotary Club of Köln am Rhein gather on a pleasant Monday evening at one of the famous Kranhäus office buildings, architectural gems shaped like upside down L’s over the Rhine River with the towers of Cologne Cathedral visible in the distance. The night’s speaker, an out-of-this-world member of the club, is scheduled to give the Rotarians a virtual tour of her workplace. The Wi-Fi connection on her end is finicky, and they wait eagerly.
At last, she appears, and that’s when this meeting takes a decidedly different turn. Because Samantha Cristoforetti, an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, is floating.
Cristoforetti is four months into her second stint on the space station, a research vessel about the size of a six-bedroom house that orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. Her hair set loose from the confines of gravity in a way that would make an ’80s metal rocker jealous, she takes questions and wows club members with the cosmic views. “Most of the time I try to take meetings from the cupola, because then you can show people the Earth from the windows,” she says in an interview with Rotary magazine. Read more by clicking here.
