City Manager, Shaun Mulholland with Mayore Tim McNamara
City Manager, Shaun Mulholland began the presentation by providing an overview of the City's Strategic Planning and how it was developed. The Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 was completed and approved by the City Council on May 2023. Going forward the plan will be reviewed and updated annually. Shaun indicated the are one of a few communities that have a formal strategic plan. The City's plan focuses on:
High Performing Government
Housing and Neighborhoods
Financial Stability and Efficiency
Recreation, Arts and Parks
Environmental Sustainability
Public Safety
Transportation
Economic Vitality
Social Health and Justice
Public Health
Shaun invited members to participate in a stakeholder meeting on February 13, 2024 at 8AM in Council Chambers. This meeting is being held in partnership with the Upper Valley Business Alliance (UVBA). This meeting is to gather information to help shape the future of our city by revising/modifying the plan annually. Information about this meeting is posted below in the announcement section of the newsletter.
To read more about the strategic plan (an overview was distributed at the meeting) by click here.
Shaun then turned the presentation over to Mayor Tim McNamara.
City Mayor Tim McNamara
Mayor McNamara focused on two parts of the strategic plan, Housing and Neighborhoods, Transportation, and then shared information about our infrastructure.
Housing and Neighborhood:
He talked at length about the lack of affordable housing in Lebanon. He let us know that 700 new units are being built on Mount Support Road, all will be rented at market rates. Thus they will not be affordable to many. There is a big gap in beginner, single family homes. He is trying to bring pocket neighborhoods to Lebanon. A zoning permit to permit this type of neighborhood has been approved. There are several lots owned by the city that could be used used to permit the building of 6-12, 1,000 to 1,500 square foot single family affordable homes. The homes if built would be funded by the city, and costs would be recouped when the homes are sold to city employees or others groups identified as eligible by the city. A lottery would be used to select the individuals who could purchase the homes. Mascoma Bank is working on a financing plan. Once all the homes are purchased, there would be caps set to permit only a certain level of "return on investment". Thus into the future, these homes should remain affordable.
He let us know that the public works property on Spencer Street has been cleaned up, and the goal is to build affordable apartments on this property. Bids for proposals went out, and 3 proposals have been received. The apartments should be available in 2025, leading to 60-100 apartments.
Transportation:
Lebanon Airport: Cape Air passenger counts have returned to pre-Covid numbers. In 2023 they served 10,500 passengers. The airline needs to serve 10,000 passengers to receive the FAA subsidy. A new FAA Tower is being constructed at the airport. New business are going in the airport park. A road has been lengthened to permit more construction. Some business are expanding, e.g. Novo Nordisk. A childcare center is part of the expansion plans for the airport park.
Infrastructure:
Drinking water: McNamara reminded us that our drinking water comes from Mascoma Lake. The lake is at risk for having a cyanobacteria outbreak which would shut down our water supply. He talked about tapping a very robust aquaphor that could supply the city with plenty of drinking water. A well field once established could replace or augment our open water source (Mascoma Lake). An initial well is to be built.
Layhaye Drive at Mount Support Road. Mount Support Road continues to see a lot more traffic especially at commuter times. A rotary is being planned for this intersection to replace the traffic lights. In addition a multipurpose path will be constructed to connect Layhaye drive to Centerra.
West Lebanon: He spoke about the many ongoing concerns about West Lebanon's vitality. The drybridge at the intersection of route 4 and route 10 is finally on the list to be replaced and should happen between 2025 and 2026. The city continues to negotiate with NHDOT to complete the Westboro Railyard clean-up. The plan is to put playing fields on the site and to extend the trails to go to Riverpark on Route 10. The city will be requests for proposals to redevelop Main Street in West Lebanon. Decisions about the property the city now owns in West Lebanon are still being explored.
Both Shaun and Tim then answered a variety of questions from our members.
Meeting Recap for February 8, 2024
Our president, David Crandall called the meeting to order at noon.
David welcomed our guest that included Mayor Tim McNamara and Ahmad's wife, Chris Haidari.
Marilyn Bedell led us in reciting the 4-Way Test.
Ernst Oidtmann led us in singing the Rotary Welcome song. Our second song was a Shaker song, Simple Gifts.
David Crandall then quizzed us with a football question, since this was Super Bowl Week. Which NFL logos are symmetrical?
Dallas
Saints
Colts
Then it was on to our buffet lunch.
After lunch, Shaun Mulholland and Tim McNamara provided a city update. See above.
Bill Secord presented two books for the Kilton Library's Children's collection in honor of our speakers. For Shaun, it was:
Kid Noir: Kitty Feral and the Case of the Marshmallow Monkey (Turner Classic Movies)
by Eddie Muller (Author), Jessica Schmidt (Author), Forrest Burdett (Illustrator)
From celebrated Dark City author, TCM host, and film noir expert Eddie Muller comes the tale of hardboiled cat detective Kitty Feral and the search for a candy-crusted chocolate confection—and a missing friend.
Dangerous denizens lurk around every dark corner as Kitty searches for clues in bookstores, alleyways, rooftops, and waterfronts. Who made off with the majestic Marshmallow Monkey (inspired by none other than the Maltese Falcon)? Where is the beloved Mitch the Mutt? Kitty’s got plenty of questions and not enough answers! Follow along through a tangled web of crime and intrigue as Kitty tries to solve the case.
The book in honor of Tim McNamara was:
There Was a Party for Langstonby Jason Reynolds (Author), Jerome Pumphrey (Illustrator), Jarrett Pumphrey (Illustrator)
A Caldecott Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds’s debut picture book is a snappy, joyous ode to Word King, literary genius, and glass-ceiling smasher Langston Hughes and the luminaries he inspired.
Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes. His ABCs became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole country. They sent some people yelling and others, his word-children, to write their own glory.
Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and more came be-bopping to recite poems at their hero’s feet at that heckuva party at the Schomberg Library, dancing boom da boom, stepping and stomping, all in praise and love for Langston, world-mending word man. Oh, yeah, there was hoopla in Harlem, for its Renaissance man. A party for Langston.
Announcements
Tim Guaraldi reminded us that the food drive will be February 17th from 9AM to 1PM. Let Tim know if you can help.
31st Bedell Golf Classic – the date will be Friday, May 17th, this is a week earlier than it has been in the past. Mark your calendar, and plan to help the day of the event, prior to the event. We all need to start thinking about getting golfers and sponsors.
Dave Crandall announced that he will be representing Rotary on a panel that will follow the showing of the movie, Join or Die, at the Briggs Opera House on Saturday, February 17th at noon. "Based on Robert Putnam’s trailblazing academic work Bowling Alone, about the decline of American civil society, Join or Die argues that club membership is the bedrock of American community and democracy. Following Putnam’s journey as he researches the health of communities and their correlating civic participation, the film investigates Putnam’s theory alongside modern-day club-builders and includes interviews with acclaimed academics and politicians." If you are interested in coming to the movie and to hear the panel discussion tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Cost $16.79 Movie Run time 1 hour and 39 minutes Trailer: Click Here
From UVBA
YOU'RE INVITED
City of Lebanon Strategic Plan Revision Stakeholder Meeting February 13, 2024
The City of Lebanon is inviting you to an engaging stakeholder meeting to help shape the future through the revision of the city’s Strategic Plan. Your input and perspective as a valued member of our local business community are highly valuable.
Network with other local businesses and community leaders and be part of the discussion on the future direction of our city. Contribute your insights, ideas, and feedback on the Strategic Plan and help ensure it is reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of our community.
Agenda items will include:
Overview of the current Strategic Plan, please visit LebanonNH.gov/Strategic Plan
Presentation of proposed revisions
Roundtable discussions and feedback sessions
Next steps and timeline for implementation
Happy Dollars
Marilyn Bedell went to see the renovations at the Lebanon Opera House. The venue is refreshed, and delighted our club donated $5,000 to help make this transformation possible. The Dartmouth Cancer Center held the first post covid, Marilyn K. Bedell Distinguished Lecture for Oncology Nursing on Tuesday. The speaker was the president of the Oncology Nursing Society, Danya Garner.
Marilyn Bedell and Danya Garner
John Yacavone celebrated Hank Clarke call to action when a fire broke out at the condominium at the end of his condo units.
Bruce Pacht reminded us that the deadline for singing valentines in Saturday, February 10th.
Hank Clarke shared that the people who own the condo unit, will be out of the condo for about 6 months. Insurance is kicking in to help cover the repairs. Hank says he feel like the owners are like his grandchildren. He is happy they are able to support them. His 16-year-old grandson was having some worrisome head issues continues to be symptom free. He is hoping this problem won't show up again. Fingers crossed.
Ernst shared a Churchill quote"Give us the tools, and we will finish the job".
Dean let us know that the Grafton County Senior Center is looking for Volunteer to join the following committees: Finance, Senior Center Programs, Human Resources, Facilities Management, and Marketing and Development. If you are interested in serving this organization, send your resume, or a description of your background to kvasconcelos@gcscc,org
Post meeting request from Listen: The LISTEN Food Pantry, located at 60 Hanover St in Lebanon needs 1 dozen size egg cartons. Please help us restock our egg cartons.
Raffles
Queen of Hearts
Bruce Bergeron pulled the 8 of Diamonds . The hunt for the queen continues.
Car Wash
Dean Cashman won the car wash.
Upcoming Speakers
Feb 15: Suellen Griffin, "The Stigma of Mental Health", West Central Behavioral Health
Feb 22: Steve Taylor - Upper Valley Historian
Feb 29: Speech Contest
Meeting Adjourned at 1:03
Attendance
Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, David Clarenbach, Hank Clarke, Dave Crandall, Jim Damren, Joy Gobin, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Will Koppenheffer, Jane Mason*, Ron Michaud, Shaun Mulholland, Dan Nash, Angela Nelson, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht,Bill Secord, Rich Wallace, Steve Whitman, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Guest: Chris Haidari, Mayor Tim McNamara
Standing Meetings
Membership Meetings: Third Tuesday at 3:30 PM
Contact: David Crandall
Youth Services: Second Wednesday of the month at Noon
Contact: Joy Gobin
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: David Crandall
Golf: Let Ed Friedman know if you want to know when Golf Planning meetings are happening. Dates vary.
Brew Fest: Let Phil Rentz know if you want to know when Brew Fest meetings are happening. Dates Vary.
Community Service Projects
Food Drives at the Co-op Centerra
Save the following date to come and volunteer with the Food Drives:
February 17, 2024 from 9AM to 1PM
Lebanon Poker Room
Poker Room week will be
March 27 to 32, 2024.
31st Bedell Classic Golf Tournament
Save the Date
Friday, May 17, 2024 at Eastman Golf Links
Changeover 2024
Save the Date:
Changeover 2024 will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Time, place, activity to be announced later.
Brew Fest 2024
Save the date! August 31, 2024
TOP STITCH
Rotary Vests and Jackets
John Yacavone has arranged for members to order light and heavier weight jackets and vest for us to wear when doing service projects...for days when our tees shirts just aren't enough to keep us comfortable and warm.
If you click the link below, Top Stitch has created a special website for Lebanon Rotary Club members to order the following clothing items.
1. Men’s and Women’s light weight jackets
2. Men’s and Women’s fleece vests
3. Men’s and Women’s fleece jackets
All jackets and vests will have Rotary Logo and club name.
Just pick your item and follow the instructions for ordering. If you decide to pick up your item at Top Stitch located at 233 Mascoma Street Lebanon, NH 03766 there will be no charge for shipping, otherwise shipping will be charged. If you have any questions about your order please contact Cody at Top Stitch at 603-448-2931. Turn around time is 3.5 - 4 weeks. Once you place your order your order will be processed no waiting on other orders to be fulfilled.
Rotary News
New video promotes Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience that Rotary members organize to give youth a chance to develop leadership skills while having fun and forming lasting friendships! Show the new RYLA video at Rotary meetings to inspire participation, screen it at school and community gatherings to promote your RYLA event, and post it on your website and social media channels.
Find candidates for the Rotary Peace Fellowship
Applications are now open for the 2025 Rotary Peace Fellowship. If you know any peace and development leaders in your community, encourage them to apply for a fully funded master’s degree or professional development certificate at one of our Rotary Peace Centers around the world. The possibilities include our newest center in Istanbul, Turkey. You can also use the referral form to tell us about potential candidates.
Since 2002, more than 1,700 peace fellows have trained at Rotary Peace Centers. They now work in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and development roles in more than 140 countries. Follow the Rotary Peace Centers’ Facebook page to learn more, or write to rotarypeacecenters@rotary.org
Rotary partners with Bahçeşehir University to establish Peace Center in Turkey
New center will train regional peacebuilders through a one-year Rotary Peace Fellowship
ISTANBUL, Turkey (8 February 2024) – Rotary International and Bahçeşehir University (BAU) announce a partnership agreement to establish the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center, offering a professional development certificate program for peace and development professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The center is located at the university’s Future Campus outside of Istanbul, Turkey.
Realizing a vision that has been years in the making, the new peace center will equip community leaders with advanced knowledge and skills in peacebuilding that focus on pivotal issues pertinent to the MENA region. These include land and identity disputes, climate change, food insecurity, refugee integration, and community development.
With a strong focus on Positive Peace – as defined by attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The fellowship will include academic studies, field visits, and seminars and workshops offered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) through its local training center – CIFAL Istanbul. Students will use their experience to implement a nine-month social change project within the region and conclude their fellowship with a capstone seminar to present the results.
"This new collaboration with Bahçeşehir University underscores Rotary's commitment to fostering peace and developing sustainable solutions tailored to the unique challenges across our regions,” said Rotary International President Gordon McInally. “By growing our regionally focused peace and development certificate programs, we are creating a platform where devoted individuals from diverse backgrounds can unite and harness their collective expertise to build a framework of peace and understanding that has impact within and beyond their local communities." Read more by Clicking Here
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