If you have not attended our in person meetings at the Harvest Hill or the Woodlands, you will need to present your Vaccination Record Card at the door, proving that you are fully vaccinated.
Once again temperatures will be taken for all to assure that you don’t have a fever.
-A clear photograph of your Card, on paper or on your cell phone, will suffice.
-Cindy will have a list of members who attended the August 12 meeting to check off those who have already presented their vaccination card. If you aren’t on the list, you must present your verification of vaccination.
-Everyone attending the meeting will have their temperature taken.
Please plan to arrive between 11:45 and 12:00.
-If you feel unwell, in any way, please do not attend. COVID symptoms can be anything from: Runny nose is the most frequent symptom, with a sore throat and upper respiratory symptoms also common; nausea to headache to fever to loss of sense of smell.
Upcoming Meetings
September 30, 2021, Social Gathering at 11:45 AM at SNAX
Based on the Doodle Pool Responses: We will meet at SNAX at Centerra between 11:45 and Noon. If weather conditions are good, we will be outdoors; we will select what we want from the menu ; and we will have separate checks. You can view the SNAX menu at https://snaxrestaurant.com/
First thanks to Cal for offering to do his classification talk today when our planned speaker was unable to attend our meeting.
Cal shared many stories from his teaching career. He has been a teacher for most of his adult life. He started his career in Nashua. He was there for two years before he went back to grad school at Brown.
During those first two years, in the summer he headed to the British Isles and Europe. He remembered speaking with someone in Scotland. This person shared that unlike the USA, they don't gun down their leaders. Within a year of his return from this trip, Kennedy was shot. He has reflected on this conversation many times throughout his life.
He had an opportunity to visit East Berlin. When he thinks about this trip, he shared the differences between democratic governments and communist government. East Berlin seems like a very dark place. East Germans would not look at the wall, he noticed they lowered their heads as they got close to the wall.
He reflected on another conversation he had during these trips about racism in the USA. He remembers he predicted that racism would be resolved in his lifetime. Sadly this is an outcome that will not happen before he dies.
He talked about teaching in ghettos and in affluent communities in Chicago, and how different the world view is these very different communities. This was highlighted as he taught about Hobbes Social Contract Theory.
Cal then talked about teaching in Rehoboth, MA. During a class, as Cal talked about freedom, he was challenged by a young woman who dismissed the idea the "you are free". She talked about this concept as she shared that her parent kept her under their control and she was not free. Cal then that she could be free of her parents, if she was willing to give up all that they provide. After this conversation, he learned she packed up her belonging and headed to Haight Ashbury. Not the outcome of his teaching that he had ever contemplated.
In another situation, a young women shared, "I'm angry...they won't let me take calculus." Cal went to bat for her, and was told "No, you can't take time away from the boys." "Girls are not fit for calculus". "The chair of the department can do what he wants." He still finds it hard to believe that he couldn't change the schools stand on this.
Cal shared he has taught a murderer. He had been grossly mistreated in a child youth services facility. Upon release he committed a murder.
He taught two murder victims. He then shared a very tragic story about meeting with a young woman who talked about her life struggles and worries about her son. The son ended up murdering her, and all the children at Sandy Hook.
He shared another story about working to help kids understand budgeting. He started by having them list all the things they wanted in life. They had to apply a price to what they wanted, and this then showed them how much money they would need to get everything they wanted. He then had the students create a budget based on living on welfare. One young woman had done a very good job doing this, but Cal challenged her that she had forgotten something that was really important. She challenged back that she hadn't forgotten anything. Cal then said, what about electricity? She defiantly stated, I'm not going to have electricity. My parents have never had electricity and I'm not going to have electricity. He then realized this family didn't have indoor plumbing either. This student lived within 20 miles of Lebanon. It was a great reminder about making assumptions about what a person's living situation.
He ended his talk on a much more uplifting note. He talked about having Jerry Damren as his principal here in Lebanon. He was described as the best principal he had ever worked for. He reflected on his exit interview with Jerry. Another teacher barged in frantic, stating, "I have a problem!". Jerry put his hands on his head and stated, "Then I hope you have a solution in mind." So sensible. Words to remember.
He then talked about his decision to add Rotary to his network and his goal to help Emmah’s Garden in Kenya.
Moorings
Brew Fest lives on as Bruce Bergeron brought many cases of leftover beer to our meeting today, and sold 4 or 6 packs for $5 each. Many members happily purchased many brews. We raised over $325 from these beers sales. Cheers!
Marilyn and Ron received a message from President-elect Ed Friedman that he was called into a meeting at Trumbull Nelson, and won't be able to substitute from President Hank Clarke today. VP Dave Crandall was already substituting for Tim Guaraldi who was off hunting elk and other creatures in Flagstaff, Arizona with Anna and his Dad, so Past President Ron Bedell was tapped to run the meeting.
On to our meeting:
Once beer purchases were completed, and lunch was ready for eating, Past President Ron Bedell rang the bell to call the meeting to order around 12:05 PM. We recited the pledge of allegiance, then Ernst Oidtmann played the piano and we sang our Rotary song and America the Beautiful. This was followed by the 4-way test. Then it was off the buffet for BBQ chicken legs, lasagna and a creamed chicken that was served with puff pastries. We had a choice of turtle pie and cookies for dessert.
Our speaker today was our fellow Rotarian, Caleb Wolfe. Read about his talk above.
We welcomed a guest to our meeting. A colleague of Janet Vaughan's at Northeast Credit Union. Her name is Marie Ledaoux-Howe. Marie is originally from France and is a valued employee at Northeast Credit Union. Janet hopes that Marie might like to join us as a member.
Club Business and Announcements
2021 Mascoma River Clean-up is now completed.
What started as a very foggy morning along the Mascoma River turned into a beautiful early fall day in Lebanon. The river is a cleaner thanks to Rotarians, Rotaractors, friends of Rotary, the Conservation Commission and their friends.
Rotarians who volunteered:
Our Leader — Ernst Oidtmann
Ahmad Haudari
Chris Haudari
Shaun Mullholland
John Yacavone
Bruce Pacht
Marilyn Bedell
Ron Bedell
5th Thursday Meeting - September 30, 2021
Hank Clarke suggested we have a social event on September 30, 2021. We will be going to SNAX we have an 11:45 AM reservation. See information above under Upcoming Meetings.
Upper Valley Flu Clinics
The Public Health Council of the Upper Valley is running several community flu clinics again this year. Club member Dan Affeldt is helping to organize clinics in Enfield, New Hampshire, and Bradford, Vermont. He is asking club members to volunteer again to help with registration and traffic flow each day.
The drive-through flu vaccine clinic in Enfield is scheduled for Friday, October 8, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the La Salette Shrine.
The drive-through flu vaccine clinic in Bradford is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Oxbow High School.
COMPLETE THIS DOODLE TO INDICATE WHEN/WHERE YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:
Further information can be obtained from Alice Ely, the executive director of the Public Health Council of the Upper Valley.
Her phone number is (603) 523-7100. The organization's website is www.uvpublichealth.org.
Other Club Business
Happy Dollars and Sad/Concern Dollars
Bruce Pacht was happy to report that his barbershop group was able to sing at an outdoor pavilion at Eastman. The full chorus sang about a dozen songs and mixed group (boys and girls) sang about 6 songs. The highlight was that they got paid to sing.
Will Koppenheffer announced the marriage of his son in Virginia. Now his wife is on a Dartmouth Coach headed to Logan Airport. She is flying to Copenhagen.
Steve Whitman reported on his trip to Yellowstone National Park. He rode horseback, tubed down a river and zip-lined. He exclaimed, pretty good for someone in their 80s.
Ernst Oidtmann calculated that he owed the club $57 for virtual brags over the past year at our Zoom meetings. He is looking forward to Mascoma River Clean-up.
Marilyn Bedell shared news that Past Rotary International Director, Dan Moores from the Rotary Club of South Portland/Cape Elizabeth, Maine, son was hospitalized at DHMC. Dan was very worried about him. Dan Sr. called Marilyn. Marilyn then contacted Karen Clements who checked in on Dan Jr, Daniel. Dan Jr then reported to his father, everywhere I go, I learn that a local Rotarian know you.
Cindy Jerome then shared a story of how local Rotarians helped her when her son was in a serious accident in Thailand. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. The local Rotarains adopted her, and help her navigate the health system, as they continued to support her as the hospital worked to get her son well enough to get back to the USA.
This story is a good reminder to all of us, that when you need help in another part of the world, try to find a Rotary Club and in most situations, they will work hard to help you.
Jim Damren gave a happy dollar after Cal's classification talk. He was touched by the kind words Cal had to say about his father Jerry Damren.
Queen of Hearts and Car Wash Raffle
Janet Vaughan pulled the 3 of spades. The hunt for the Queen of Hears will continue. The car wash draw was won by Joy Gobin.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 1 PM with our Rotary motto:
One Profits Most Who Serves Best
Members at the Meeting:
Bill Babineauu
Marilyn Bedell
Ron Bedell
Bruce Bergeron
David Crandall
Jim Damren
Joy Gobin
Ahmad Haidari
Cindy Jermone
Will Koppenhefffer
Angela Nelson
Ernst Oidtmann
Bruce Pacht
Phil Rentz
Bill Secord
Janet Vaughan
Steve Whitman
Cal Wolfe
John Yacavone
Guest - Marie Ledaoux-Howe from Northeast Credit Union, invited by Janet Vaughan
Upcoming Service Projects and Fund Raisers
Flu Vaccine Clinics - Volunteers Needed
The drive-through flu vaccine clinic in Enfield is scheduled for Friday, October 8, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the La Salette Shrine.
The drive-through flu vaccine clinic in Bradford is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Oxbow High School.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Smile and celebrate the small wins in DEI
Posted on
Todd Jenkins
Editor’s Note: In September 2020, Rotary formed a task force charged with assessing the current status of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Rotary and shaping a comprehensive action plan to help us further value and live those principles throughout the organization. This is the third in a series of blog posts from DEI Task Force members reflecting on their work on the committee and why it is critical for the organization.
Dr. “Bowtie” Todd Jenkins serves as a Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader at a Fortune 100 company in Corporate America and as an Executive Inclusion Trainer, Strategist, and Speaker with Bowtie Leadership, Inc. Todd is a member of the Rotary Club of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and has served as a Rotaract Advisor, Interact Sponsor, RYLA presenter, and Youth Services Chair. He is currently one of the youngest Youth Exchange District chairs in Rotary. Rotary. Read his full bio.
Q: You have worked with companies like Walmart, Google, Facebook, American Airlines and Kellogg’s. What can Rotary learn from these companies in regard to DEI?
Dr. Jenkins: There is no one right way or one size fits all to DEI work. As individuals and as an organization, we must understand that we are all on a journey. What I will say about these big companies is they have done a great job understanding the business case for DEI— that the most-diverse companies are more likely than ever to outperform less-diverse peers. They are taking business risks that reflect their commitment to DEI and are not waiting for a government to regulate what they already know are the right steps to take. They are using their power for good, to activate communities and amplify diverse voices. Rotary must use its network and connections to continue to activate an inclusive growth mindset and be something the world hasn’t seen before, one where inclusion is at the core of everything we think, say or do. It is going to be rewarding, exciting, and even scary – but we can do it. Diversity and inclusion are essential to our impact today and the future – of Rotary and the next-generation leaders.
Q: You speak to clubs and districts all over the Rotary world—are there frequent questions you hear, and how do you address them?
Dr. Jenkins: There are certainly some common themes, and we spent a lot of time outlining solutions in the Accountability + Inclusion webinar series over the past Rotary year.
Where do we start? This is a great first question to ask. It is vital to assess your community, where you are at and understand where you wish to go. Then most importantly, build a plan to get there and live out your plan in behaviors and actions. Here is a great resource to get you started.
How do we connect with diverse communities? This one should be so easy for Rotary because it is all about building relationships—authentic relationships! Get to know people who are different from you and partner with marginalized communities through service projects or meaningful events. Ask brave questions to learn about how their experiences are different from yours, build bridges that connect them with Rotary and vice versa.
How do we get buy-in? This is where it is so important to make sure that DEI efforts extend to all activities and involve everyone. It should not exist in a vacuum or as a one-time effort. Make sure there is a commitment to the work at the highest levels of the club and district, and if you can make sure all the goals have measurable results!
Q: What is the most challenging thing for people to understand about DEI work?
Dr. Jenkins: There are two things. One is that a club can be diverse without being inclusive, and that is a real risk if inclusion is not a priority. Inclusion efforts must be at the center of our values and actions. The second is understanding the difference between equality and equity, and why we focus on equity. Equality is giving everyone, regardless of circumstance, the same access, and opportunities. Equity compels us to remove the structural barriers that exist for people to access opportunity and acknowledges that what people need to thrive varies from person to person. Here is one way to visualize it.
Q: As more clubs and districts work to set up specific committees to work on DEI, what advice do you have for them?
Dr. Jenkins: Don’t shy away from having hard conversations, but make sure you are able to answer these two questions: 1) Whom will this conversation benefit? 2) What are we looking to accomplish? We all come to this work and efforts differently, so we need to create spaces to listen and ask tough questions around representation, culture, systems, policies, programs, etc., while avoiding the tendency toward shame and blame, or debate versus dialogue. I have learned to practice curiosity with compassion related to different views and perspectives looking to understand. The more we practice these conversations, the better we will become.
Q: How optimistic are you for the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Rotary?
Dr. Jenkins: Hope is all we have, and it is part of why I believe Rotary is ready to do the work. Rotary gives hope every day in communities around the world. Also, this work and commitment is not always meant to be exhausting. Yes, you will have challenging times, conversations, and people you may come in contact with. However, I have seen in my profession, that small changes in the DEI work can make a big difference and you should celebrate the small wins. COVID-19 has taught us many lessons around gratitude and so much more, so don’t forget to smile and enjoy the process of doing the right thing!
Rotary International Convention in Houston Texas 2022
RI Convention June 4-8, 2022 in Houston TX
Ron again announce that the Rotary International Convention will be in Houston. Read more by clicking here Registration fee until 15 December will be $475.
We are now meeting every Thursday.
The First and Third Thursday at 12 Noon via Zoom
&
The Second and Forth Thursday at Noon in the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill or at the Woodlands on the Campus of Alice Peck Day Hospital.
For in person meetings we ask that you only come if you have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19
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