President Marilyn rang the bell and called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.
Recitation of the “4-Way Test of the Things We Think Say or Do” was led by Phil Bush.
Singing: Ron Michaud: “Fly Me To The Moon.”
Ron mentioned that today would be an important event for him since his embarrassment at age 18 when he was to sing a solo but blanked on the lyrics. Ron saw Frank Sinatra when he was a kid performing at the Paramount Theatre in Boston. This song is perfect for someone beginning to take singing lessons: “Fill my heart with song and let me sing forevermore!” Then Ron and those assembled sang together a verse of “Auld Lang Syne.”
WEEKLY STATISTICS:
Guests: 0
Visiting Rotarians: 0
Birthdays: 0
Wedding anniversary: John and Susan Yacavone—43 years
Rotary anniversaries: Phil Rentz, 12 years; Tim Guaraldi, 11 years.
PRESIDENT’S THOUGHT OF THE DAY: In honor of her sister who is a librarian with a commitment to literacy, President Marilyn called our attention to this year’s National Library Week, April 19-25. Please thank your local librarians for their stewardship that brings people together, sparks imagination, and supports lifelong learning.
CHARITIES UPDATES AND CONCURRENCE MOTIONS:
Bruce Pacht, chair of Charities, took the podium. He told the Club of Charities’ decision to purchase an 8”x8” paver for the Ledyard Park in downtown Hanover. Here’s the wording (limit of 23 characters per line):
Lebanon NH Rotary Club
Communities profit
from enhanced downtowns.
Let's work together to
make changes that
benefit all concerned.
Bruce then invited three motions that will be open for voting until 5:00 p.m., April 30, with another opportunity for discussion at that day’s regular Club meeting:
- Phil Bush moved and John Yacavone seconded a motion to adopt Charities’ budget for 2026-27. Bruce reviewed Charities trustees’ thinking and process in putting this budget together, reiterating some of what he sent in a memo to all Club members prior to today’s meeting. Several comments were made and questions asked. Bruce will circulate a “version 5” which will place an asterisk (*) beside line items whose contents would require Club member concurrence if necessary under Charities’ bylaws.
- John Yacavone moved and Ron Michaud seconded a motion to concur with Charities’ appropriation of $3,000.00 to Camerata Northeast’s Camerata Strings Program as outlined in a memo distributed to all Club members two days prior to the meeting. Those present voted unanimously to approve the motion.
- Phil Bush moved and Hank seconded a motion to approve Charities’ appropriation of $2,000.00 to the Lebanon Lacrosse Boosters to purchase helmets for 3rd–6th graders in the Lebanon Recreation’s lacrosse program. Those present voted unanimously to approve the motion.
PROGRAM:
Keegan Carpenter, Classification Talk
Keegan is 33 years old. Since November 2024, he has been branch manager of Claremont Savings Bank’s (CSB) West Lebanon branch at 106 Main Street.
Keegan first heard about Rotary in high school, but it wasn’t until
Jim Damren had a direct conversation with him that he decided to check out our club. He is happy about the confluence of Rotary’s values with his own, and deeply impressed about Rotary’s local and global reach. He’s glad that CSB encourages employees to participate in community activities.
Keegan was born at Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, where he was raised and lived until he was 21. His father at one time managed 13 McDonald’s restaurants. His mother, Kathleen, worked as a para-educator and also as an administrator when his father started a company called C&P Services, which mostly provided refrigeration services for restaurants. His sister, Maureen, has just bought a home in Quechee; she works as a nurse practitioner at D-H’s catheter lab. Keegan said that his father “pushed her into it.” When he was hospitalized (he passed in 2012), he told Maureen, “This is what you gotta do! Work three 12-hour shifts a week and get paid for 40!” Keegan’s brother, Christopher, had Down syndrome, and died at age 8 after having been hit by a car; Keegan said, “He lives in my heart.”
Keegan’s work life began in restaurants. His “first adult job” began in 2011, when he started at Weathervane Seafood restaurant as a server, working his way up through supervisor, shift leader, and assistant manager; he enjoys the idea of being a leader and establishing successful teams. In 2017, Keegan moved to the Blue Sky Group (then comprising Jesse’s, Dunc’s, Molly’s, and Snax), where he again worked his way up from server to management.
Restaurant work is good, Keegan said, because everyone must do two things: eat and die.
Keegan and his wife, Taylor Miller, met in 2014 when they were both attending the same concert. “I ended up stepping on her feet, there was a fire alarm, and we stayed together through the aftermath. Then came a date to the Boston Aquarium and a date to an Irish restaurant in Faneuil Hall. Before they knew it, Taylor moved from Gloucester, and they began their life together.
Keegan and Taylor married in 2020. They’ve lived in South Royalton, Quechee, and Wilder before purchasing a home in 2023. They have two children: son Bradley, 4, and daughter Evelyn, 2, who “caught his wife’s Boston attitude.” Taylor is at home with the children, also working as a home-care provider for various folks in need. He loves coming home to his kids running to him yelling, “Daddy, Daddy!”
Having children made Keegan realize that the restaurant business would keep him from being home when his children were available. He knew the VP of retail at CSB, who reached out to him in October 2024 suggesting he apply for a management position with CSB in West Lebanon. His job now allows him to do things with his family on weekends.
Recreationally, Keegan is an avid bowler who shot his first 300-point game last year. [For non-bowlers, that means he threw 13 strikes in a row. A strike is when your first ball knocks down all 10 pins. If you achieve a strike in the 10th frame of the 10-frame game, you get to throw three bonus balls. 300 is a rare and amazing athletic and coordinative feat.] When not bowling, Keegan loves to play at golf.
CLUB ASSEMBLY:
Club Board of Directors:
- No quorum this month.
- Many thanks to Angela for her excellent work on both the Club and Charities financial activities and records.
- Also on the board’s plate is talking with Harvest Hill re: lunch fees as food prices are going up. John Yacavone is doing a nice job.
John Stalvey, Marilyn Bedell, Christian McDonald, and Curtis Payne met in the Rotary room at Lebanon Library’s main branch with Meredith Melendy, currently working as a para-professional at Indian River School, in conjunction with Meredith’s application for the Rotary District 7850 Teacher’s scholarship. Marilyn reported that Meredith was delightful, thoughtful, and enjoys her work. She wants to become a certified special educator. Marilyn thanked Christan for her insights and advice shared with Meredith.
- Duke’s Art Supply didn’t charge President Marilyn to get signatures on already sealed and framed (thanks to Ron Michaud) certificates.
SERVICE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
- The April 21 table set-up and book moving for the 5 Colleges Book Sale was a great event.
- April 26th, Sunday, 4 p.m.~5:30 p.m., take down tables for 5 Colleges Book Sale at Lebanon Hight School. Bruce Bergeron said we can use more help on this day.
- May 1, Friday, 11:00-1:30 pm, RISE Food Packaging event at Lebanon High School. Jake’s Market and Deli will provide lunches. Sign up here to work with Rotarians, Interactors and students: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/lebanonrotary26
FOUNDATION RECOGNITION
The District's Foundation Celebration was held on Sunday, April 26. The Rotary Club of Lebanon was recognized for our donation to the Polio Plus fund in 2024/2025. Lebanon Rotarians at the celebration were Steve and Carolyn Whitman, Bruce and Holly Bergeron, Bruce Pacht, and Marilyn and Ron Bedell.
[Photo right: President Marilyn and President Elect Bruce Bergeron meet with Eric Denu, the Polio Plus Chair and Event Chair, at the recognition dinner.]
FIRESIDE CHAT AT SALT HILL PUB
[Photo above left: Rob Taylor, Land Use & Community Development Administrator for the Town of Enfield, was inducted as the lead member of the new corporate membership team from Enfield. Rob is a former Lebanon Rotarian. Photo above right: Bruce Bergeron gives the Fireside Chat presentation at the Salt hill Pub meeting. Rotarians attending the meeting were Christina Annas (+1), Marilyn Bedell, Ronald Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Dean Cashman, Hank Clarke, Mila Dela Pena (+2), Hannah Falcone (+1), Tyler Hagan (+1 & 1 year old), Ahmad Haidari, Carol Keeffe, Jane Mason, John Stalvey, John Yacavone, Rob Taylor, and Shay Berry.]
CLUB SOCIAL EVENTS COMING UP SOON!
- Lebanon Club Changeover, June 18th 5:30 PM Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill. (No meeting that day at noon.)
ROTARY DISTRICT 7850 COMING EVENTS:
- June 12–14, 2026, Friday–Sunday: District 7850 Conference at Hotel Estrimont, Magog, Quebec. Widen and deepen your Rotary friendships and network! Lebanon Rotary Club will provide stipends up to $400 to attend; actual amount to be determined based on the number of members who want to attend. Register with Hotel Estrimont by April 29, 2026 to receive the special conference rate!
CLUB FUNDRAISERS—ALL HANDS ON DECK NEEDED TO MAKE THESE SUPER SUCCESSFUL!!
- June 3, Wednesday: Bedell Classic Golf Tournament. It’s time to make your approach to potential sponsors or donations of raffle prizes. Also, there are volunteer opportunities galore, starting with possible setup assistance the afternoon of June 2, Tuesday. We can also use your donated raffle items—new, unused things you may have at home!
- September 5, Saturday of Labor Day Weekend: 2026 Brew Fest
HAPPY DOLLARS:
- Bruce Pacht went on and on about the successful removal of a small duodenal tumor at our magnificent Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and also shared the saga of the title to his first motorcycle. At least he gave $2.00.
- Will Koppenheffer shared that a week ago, he and Ellen received a 3:30 a.m. phone call (first ignored, then answered the second time) announcing that their first granddaughter was born in Arlington VA—they got there in 9 hours. The new citizen’s name is “Natalie Marigold Koppenheffer.” Her middle name is a convenient mashup of the combined names of “Mary” from the in-laws’ family, and “Goldie” from Will and Ellen’s.
- Hank and Carole are receiving guests from Rhode Island today. The woman went to grade and high school with Carole, and the man served with Hank in the armed forces 1967-68. They come up every year for the 5 Colleges Book Sale.
- Bill Secord publicized the coming “Bel Canto” concert on Saturday/Sunday, May 2-3, at Lebanon’s First Congregational Church. The music is fully classical, with singing in Hebrew, German and French. Donations at the door. Bill’s wife, Linda, sings with them and they have a new director with high standards.
- Cal told us that the Kenya village water tank for which we provided funds has been installed; photos to come.
- George—Inflation must still in force because brags and happy dollars are getting longer and longer. At least they should cost more, he said.
- Ron Michaud—Ron loved to watch Rory McIlRoy’s confidence and joyous golf energy, most especially how he handled himself on the 72nd hole of this year’s Masters tournament.
Announcement from Bruce Pacht:
Come to our
"Sing into Spring" a cappella concert on
Sunday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. at
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 9 W Wheelock St, Hanover, NH 03755. This
free concert features five performing groups: BHS Hanover choruses
North Country Chordsmen, VoxStars, and the newly formed women's voices chorus,
Treble in the Valley, plus quartets
Blue Streak, and
91 North.
Free to attend—donations at the door appreciated. All are welcome!
Free parking available throughout Hanover on Sunday.
bhshanover.org| FB: bhshanover | IG: bhs_hanover | 866-498-SING
CARD AND CAR WASH RAFFLE:
- Carol Keeffe’s number was called, but just the 8 of Diamonds was drawn.
- Ron Bedell again won a free car raffle at the Enfield Car Wash, thanks to Bruce Bergeron.
FUTURE PROGRAM:
Apr 30: Nenia Ballard, Ms. Wheelchair New Hampshire
President Marilyn rang the Rotary bell at 1:15 p.m. or so, and we ended the meeting with a recitation of RI’s motto:
