Rudy’s paternal Italian grandparents emigrated in the 1920s from northern Italy, the Trentino, the Italian Dolomites; his mother’s family was Polish. He’s named after his grandfather’s friend, as was his father. About half Rudy’s family emigrated to the US and half stayed in Italy.
Arched Doorway — Entrance to Family Home
View of the Dolomites from the Family Home
Rudy was born in 1962 in Syracuse, NY; graduated from Liverpool High School in 1980. Each class had 900+ kids, a total of 3,600 students in the school.
Attended St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY where he met his wife, Heidi. Wen to medical school at Washington University in St. Louis – his first airplane ride was to that interview. OB-GYN Residency at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, where he learned a lot about country music and met a group of incredibly wholesome people, genuine. Once went to a picnic where Charlie Daniels got up on a picnic table and played The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
Married for 35 years to Dr. Heidi Rinehart, an OB-GYN at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. She is a long-distance hiker. Three children: Julianna (27), Peter (24), and Ellie (15) in Keene in high school.
Career as OB-GYN: Joined Air Force after his residency; became chief of OB-GYN in Arizona for four years. Went to flight school to become a “back seat F-16 flight surgeon” at Luke AFB. Participated in mock dogfights when other fighter planes transited the US from west to east.
Rudy's Fighter Jet
He had practices in Taos, NM (women’s health practice named one of the five best by the World Health Organization in 2001) and then in Ithaca NY with his wife. He was a consulting GYN to Cornell.
When Ellie was about 4 years old, Heidi and Rudy decided to get out of their practice mode and find something else. He “stumbled” into Rotary when his daughter was a youth exchange student in 2008-9 in Poland and had a great experience. In 2009 when he moved to Keene, he joined the Elm City Club in 2010.
He co-developed some programs that Rotary picked up on: DeMar Kids Marathon. Kids accumulate 25 miles of activity over the summer, then run their last 2.5 miles in September finishing their “marathon” of miles. They decided to give every student in second grade (850 of them!) a pair of high end sneakers in May. They pay $10 for $70 sneakers through New Balance.
DeMar Kids Marathon
Rudy served as club president in 2015-16. He partnered with the other Keene Rotary Club to start a Rotaract Club that year.
Now into his 2nd career in Public Health. They wanted to find a place where one of them could practice clinically and other could do something else. Rudy started working with “Healthy Monadnock” to make Keene a healthy community by 2020. Worked for almost 9 years to make southwest NH healthier. Had $2M in grants at its height before it derailed after the merger of Cheshire into the D-H system in 2017-18. Rudy hung in until 2018. He did a TED-X talk in 2017.
Nov 2019, he met up Dr. David Satcher, former US Surgeon General, whom he knew from his medical school years. In April, 2019, Rudy became district director of public health in WRJ – he is one of 12 area directors. Only hassle is that he lives in an apartment in Lebanon 5 days a week and then goes to Keene for the weekends.
Rudy and Dr. David Satcher
QUESTIONS
Bruce: What are you doing besides COVID.
I have a staff of 11. Unlike NH, VT has a public health infrastructure – maternal, school, workplace, immunization WIC, emergency preparedness – a great place to work. We had just started a new breastfeeding coalition, a lot was going on before COVID; but today, I SPENT all day doing testing – we are all COVID all the time. It is felt that 80M children around the world are falling behind in their immunizations – including measles and polio – during this time. Need to message to families – at least get into your family care practices and get the kids immunized.
Tim: How many Gs?
The test I took to fly the F-16 was up to 9 Gs and you have to stay conscious for 10 seconds. Half of my class couldn’t do it.
I tell people the COVID test is unpleasant but it only lasts 10 seconds.
Paul: Future of COVID? Second wave?
At the beginning, we were overly cautious to prevent the health service from collapsing. Today, we are a bit more able to handle COVID like we handle other diseases. My guess is that there will be more cases as we begin to circulate with each other, but I think the health system is in a position to handle it. Right now, there is no one in a VT hospital with COVID. If we bumped up to 20-30/day, we could handle it. We still have no treatment or vaccine for it, so it will still be making us sick. Rudy is happy with what he is reading about the speed with which a vaccine might be available. Once the virus gets into senior facilities, it runs wild – 60% of cases in VT have been in senior living situations.
Marilyn: Compared to measles, contagion?
Measles is THE most contagious disease we know. COVID is not the same. If one person gets measles, 99 non-vaccinated people will get it; COVID it’s 1:5. It does seem that we are not getting COVID easily from touching surfaces. Masks seem to help contain droplets.
Ernst: How sensitive is the test you are doing at the Aquatic Center?
The current RT-PCR test has at least 95% sensitivity meaning that if 100 infected people were sampled the test would correctly identify at least 95 as positive (true positives), but up to 5 would be told they were negative (false negatives) while the test has at least 99% specificity meaning that of 100 people without the virus the test would correctly read negative for 99 of them (true negatives), but might tell one incorrectly that they were positive (a false positive). Some of the serology tests have as low as 71% sensitivity and until there are highly accurate versions and an better understanding of their interpretation regarding immune status the AMA has cautioned against their use to inform individuals here’s the link to an article explaining that position - https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/48890/AMA-cautions-about-limitations-of-antibody-testing-for-COVID-19-160
Only about half of Americans say they would be game to take the vaccine once it is licensed. This surprised us. A vaccine will probably go to 60+ age folks first. A few hundred children have acquired the rare inflammatory syndrome.
a joke about what happens when a mink is crossed with an Kangaroo....You get a coat with pockets,
the joys of haircuts,
answers to questions on the SATS, e.g. what is the best way to keep milk fresh...leave it in the cow.
Then it was time to ring and bell and call the meeting to order.
Members on Zoom:
Dan Affeldt
Marilyn Bedell
Ron Bedell
Steve Christy
Hank Clarke
Rudy Fedrizzi
Tim Guaraldi
Willy Koppenheffer
JoAnn Lemieux
Jane Mason
Ernst Oidtmann
Bruce Pacht
Bill Secord
Marion Steiner
Paul Tierney
Rich Wallace
Steve Whitman
John Yacavonne
After Rudy's classification talk we watched a video entitled What is Rotary? Click here to view it.
SHARING HAPPY THOUGHTS OR CONCERNS:
Steve Whitman and Carolyn had dinner at Three Tomatoes outdoors. Reported it is great what the city is doing for restaurants. A nice chance to get out. Steve also wanted us to know he has many starter plants available for Rotarians to take from his greenhouse – plum tomatoes, regular tomatoes, eggplant, cauliflower and all sorts of things.
Steve Christy said he might be by to get some rhubarb roots. In addition, echoed Steve W’s experience at Three Tomatoes. He had a delightful meal/evening with friends.
John Yacavone let Steve know that the tomato plant he got from Steve is growing nicely. The plant was a heirloom tomato called “Brandywine.”
Ernst – “If you go out, take your mask.” Ernst modeled a full-head birchbark mask popular, which may have been popular 300 years ago but didn’t save the Native Americans from smallpox.
Club News and Other Announcements
Plan for Progams for the upcoming Rotary year.
We had a spirited discussion about program plans for 2020/2021.
John Yacavone started the discussion by reporting on a meeting that was held with Marilyn Bedell, John Yacavone, Paul Tierney, Cameron Fordl and Bruce Pacht about programs for the coming Rotary year.
The Plan for the first three months of Paul’s year is to have programs only during the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the months. 1st Thursday will be for committee reports, classification talks, individual Rotarian updates about their lives. 3rd Thursday will be for Board reporting and discussion.
We don’t want to lose the Zoom platform even if we resume in-person meetings, we’d like to keep multiple platforms for members to join the meetings.
The following are excerpts from the various discussions that ensued after this announcement:
Steve CHristy: Should we be thinking about having an evening meeting? A social event and also a screen projecting a meeting? Marilyn: Yes, but it’s a bit too soon for us to know just what that would look like.
Dan Affeldt let us know that we can record meetings for later listening.
Willie Koppenheffer asked why we would you devote a meeting to what the Board of directors did? We’ve never done that in the past. Wouldn’t it be easier to have anyone interested just attend the Board meeting by Zoom? Then, the third meeting could be devoted to the things we typically devote our meetings to.
Marilyn Bedell shared that the former Lebanon Riverside found that they needed more time for club members to speak about major projects and that when there was a speaker, these discussions were too limited.
Steve C: These last few meetings Zoom meetings have had outstanding programs. We’ve got to figure out a way to do things electronically and also socially. We need to encourage others in the club to join these electronic meetings.
Marilyn: I would ask each of you – when was the last time you really looked for someone to join the club, especially someone who is 15 years younger than you? I’m afraid we will wither on the vine from age if we don’t make a concerted effort to ask others to join us. If you aren’t inviting someone to come to Rotary, is it because you are embarrassed about our club?
Paul: There are many issues we need to consider besides Zoom and in-person. Time of meetings, content of meetings, etc. Paul is hoping that membership chair Rich will lead us toward new ideas.
Rich Wallace: For now, we need to get as many people on Zoom meetings as possible. Social meetings are part of our DNA. We seem to have the same 24-25 people coming to meetings. I will look at the attendance of Zoom meetings and get in touch with those not coming to gather reasons why.
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Brewfest
Willie then asked, "is Brewfest on or off?"
Paul: It’s off because a big part of it is rounding up sponsors. We don’t know when we could set a date, and it takes 3-4 months of work to get sponsors.
Rich Wallace: Calling off the Brewfest is probably a Board decision. This should be discussed at the next board meeting.
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End Polio Now - End of the Rotary year push to meeting the Gates Challenge to match Rotary donations.
Help Take Out Polio
Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced on 22 January that their long-term fundraising partnership, which generates up to $150 million annually for polio eradication, will continue. Under the agreement, Rotary is committed to raising $50 million a year over the next three years, and each dollar will be matched with an additional two dollars by the Gates Foundation.
In a video address at the 2020 Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, Bill Gates told incoming district governors that the partnership with Rotary needs to continue.
“The Gates Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Rotary has been vital to fighting polio,” Gates said. “That’s why we’re extending our funding match, so every dollar that Rotary raises is met with two more.”
He added, “I believe that together, we can make eradication a reality.”
DONATE YOUR LUNCH MONEY ($10 USD or more) to Polio on June 10 At Noon Eastern And Listen to a Very Special Livestream Polio Program featuring: Make your program on Wednesday, June 10, all about Polio. Schedule 15 minutes for a live program on polio as your speaker program. (webinar details coming) And, give the money you save ($10, 20 or 30 USD) to Polio. Every club who has at least 50% of their membership donate during the week of June 8 to June 17 will receive special recognition.
• https://www.endpolio.org/donate (You can sign in and get PH points or just put in memory slot TAKEOUT POLIO)
• Our goal is 50% of all Rotarians give to polio during the week of June 8 to June 12.
• Currently only 9% of all Rotarians give to polio each year
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Officer Changeover
20 June 2020
Paul Tierney – Working on creating a social event with changeover on Saturday, 20 June 2020. Paul has spoken with Robert at Three Tomatoes; he is willing to try and work something out for us. Paul needs to work out a few more details then he will ask Bill Secord to send out a doodle poll how many folks would be interested in a socially-distanced eating-out event for Changeover. The goal will be to be able to join virtually with District 7850’s virtual Changeover event. Marion and Lis will share some thoughts with Paul about the program for changeover.
The guest speaker for District 7850’s Changeover will be Rotary Foundation Trustee Brenda Cressey.
Brenda Cressey
Trustee 2017-21
Rotary Club of Paso Robles
California, USA
Brenda Cressey is the former CEO of Office Support Systems, a telecommunications business in Maine. She has served in many volunteer capacities with civic organizations such as the American Cancer Society.
A Rotarian since 1989, Cressey served as the first female chair and vice chair of The Rotary Foundation. Before that, she held numerous positions in membership, the Foundation, and training. Cressey was a Future Vision RRFC Training Institute moderator, an endowment/major gifts adviser, Council on Legislation representative, RI president’s representative, 2012 International Assembly executive committee member and its partner moderator, district governor, and RI training leader.
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The4thofJuly - Hoping you can help!!
Shaun shared that on the 4th of July, the city hopes to have a large fireworks display at the Lebanon Aiport. Using this venue will permit everyone to be able to do social distancing. He is asking the club to help park cars and help to keep parked cars spread out people appropriately. Donation will be requested and these need to be collected as folks drive onto the sight. Groups that will benefit include AVA, Upper Valley Music Center, Lebanon Opera House. Steve Whitman would love to have Lebanon Rotary working with Shaun to provide volunteer help. Ir would be a great way to partner with the city. Shaun indicated our help would be needed from approximately 5:00-8:30 PM on July 4, Saturday. A Doodle Poll was prepared for members to sign up to help. To-date, 8 members indicated that they are willing to help with this community service project. We need at least 14 volunteers. Please ask others (friends/family) to help us do this project.
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NH Legislative Youth Advisory Committee
From Paul Tierney:
Laurel Stavis-Listen Board Chair and representative to NH legislator sent me an e-mail. She is looking for nominees from our area to serve on the NH Legislative Youth Advisory Committee. This could be a great opportunity for a young person you might know. You can contact her directly at lstavis100@gmail.com
From Laurel's e-mail, "The NH Legislative Youth Advisory Committee is looking for nominations for young people ages 15 to 22. LYAC is a statutory committee that serves as a liaison to the NH House of Representatives, helping us identify matters of importance to young people in NH. If you know of anyone who would be interested in applying for nomination to the Committee and having an inside role in state government, let me know and I will get them the necessary materials."
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International Service Project...It's easy!...For Epilogos Charities
Dear Epilogos Friends,
It’s time for our spring fundraiser.Since we are all hunkered down, it’s a great time to consider cleaning closets! We are once again collecting clothes, shoes, purses, blankets, sheets, pillows, backpacks, sleeping bags, towels in any condition. We bring it all to Savers, they weigh it and give us $.20 per pound.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will provide funding for the Big Friend/Little Friend Mentorship Program in San Jose Villanueva. Local high school students volunteer as mentors to children experiencing emotional trauma. This program’s goal is to teach positive values while developing trusting relationships and self-confidence.
At this difficult time, please help Epilogos support the children in San José Villanueva.
Dates for when you can drop of donations at Bruce Bergeron's office at Jakes on Mechanics St. , or at Tim Guaraldi's Nationwide Office on Bank Street will be announced soon.
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West Lebanon Village Charette
Report now available, click here to read the report.
This report may help us as we plan future projects in Lebanon.
Upcoming Events - Save the Dates
Bedell Classic....Hold the Date
Golf committee has secured September 17 Thusday as a new date for the Bedell Tournament. Probably a smaller event this year, but one where we can raise at least some money.
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Listen Dinners 2020
NEXT DINNER June 9, 2020/Cancelled, Volunteers still not permitted to help prepare meals.
Cook team to arrive at Listen at 3:30 PM
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Now More than Ever, Rotary Connects the World
The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention"
When: 20-26 June
Schedule at a glance
General sessions
Saturday, 20 June
General Session 1: Together, We Connect
08:00-09:15 in Chicago, USA (UTC-5)
14:00-15:15 in Lagos, Nigeria, and London, England (UTC+1)
It's never to early to plan...Mark you calendars now, our 2020 Holiday Party and Famous Yankee Swap! It will be on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms. Cost will be the same as 2019...$40/person
Rotary International News
Rotary clubs in districts across Italy worked together to procure state-of-the-art equipment needed to combat the deadly coronavirus disease for 26 hospitals around the country.
The pandemic has devastated Italy, with more than 32,000 deaths and nearly 226,000 confirmed cases by mid-May. The Italian Rotary club project, funded by global grants, is providing thermal scanners, COVID triage units, and bio-containment stretchers that allow medical staff to safely assess, monitor, and transport patients. Valued at more than $1.4 million, the equipment will address current urgent needs and be useful for the future, helping to reduce the spread of disease and protect public health
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