Changes coming in July. We will begin having a mix of in-person (Harvest Hill) and virtual meetings (Zoom) all at 12:00 Noon. We return to Harvest Hill on July 22, 2021
We are headed back to the Dwinell Room
July 15, 2021, at 12 noon (Still on Zoom). Program to be announced.
July 22, 2021 at 12 Noon AT HARVEST HILL's DWINELL ROOM!
July 28, 2021, is a fifth Thursday. The meeting this day is cancelled. Instead on:
July 31, 2021, Saturday at 4:30 PM we will gather at Tim and Anna Guaraldi's home in Newport for The President's Picnic. Charge: $10 to cover the cost of burgers, hot dogs and other picnic supplies. The rest of the meal will be potluck salads and desserts. Please let Bruce Pacht know if you plan to attend.
Lebanon Airport (LEB) is a regional, tower-controlled airport located in western New Hampshire, on the border of Vermont, in the city of Lebanon. Daily commercial service connects passengers to Boston and White Plains, New York. LEB is a hub for those traveling to the Upper Valley for business and vacation.
Terminal Building
Gross reminded us that the current terminal building, access roads and parking lots are now 40 years old. It is time to update the property. Currently work is going ton to rehabilitate the access road and parking lot which hasn't had much attention since it was originally constructed. It is being reconstructed from the ground up.
Next on the list is do some major renovations to the terminal building. The plan is under view, and should get the go-ahead in August. New windows will be installed, the exterior skins will be replaced and new insulation installed. This will make the building more energy efficient Lighting and other electric fixtures will be enhanced. Work will be done to improve accessibility and to bring the building into ADA compliance.
Runway Safety
Discussion about improving runway safety started 7 years ago. Initial cost was estimated to be $30 to $35 million to do the work. A decision was made to revise the plan, and to adjust the timeline. Currently the plan is estimated to cost $14 million. The plan was developed with the overarching goal to make sure the airport fits into the national airport system. It was developed with the FAA. It includes an environmental assessment, and a FAA study to improve navigation. The following work will be done between 2022 and 2026:
Move navigation aide on the primary runway to the end of the runway.
Expand the Primary Runway (Some trees will need to be cut to do this)
Extend & make other changes to the taxiways. These changes will permit future expansion.
Complete Secondary runway improvements
Other News
A new restaurant will be opening. It is a brew pub. (Editor aside...wonder if they would want to be a part of Brew Fest?). (Now the editor will show how long she has been in the Upper Valley. Who else remembers the Skyline Lounge that was in the old terminal building...and then the African restaurant that opened in the new terminal building 40 years ago? I still miss their sandwiches and soups at the Skyline and peanut soup at the African restaurant.)
In 2020, 3,600 passengers traveled through the airport, which was down 36% from 2019. Early number in January, February, March and April 2021 were still depressed but now growing, but business travel is still down. During the pandemic, Gross shared that private jet travel grew as those who fly first class discovered that taking a family by private jet wasn't significantly higher in price than commercial first class tickets.
Upper Valley Flyers Club is growing in membership and back to 2019 levels.
Hertz Rent-a-Car is gone. Now trying to find another vendor to fill this void.
The airport received a grant via the Care Act, and the Corona Response Grant which help cover airport expenses.
Gross let us know that Cape Air is exploring the purchase of electric planes with a firm in Israel. it would be a 9-seat plane. When asked about charging stations, he shared that the outlets that are used for de-icing equipment can be adapted for electric planes, and that the electric grid going to the airport could support more outlets if they are needed. In the meantime, Cape Air will be adding some newer planes that should be less noisy. Another issue that will need to be address is the storage of large lithium batteries.
Gross mentioned that UPS is looking to have Drones that will be able to move product to and from Lebanon. Rules for drones are being developed for the State (League of City and Towns Aircraft Committee) and with the FAA.
Other questions asked by members:
Why are there no Low-Flying Aircraft signs on the interstate highways? People driving on the interstates from outside the Upper Valley might think a plane is in distress and worry that it might crash land.
Carl: This is something the can discuss with the VT and NH highway departments.
Who mans the tower at the airport?
Carl: Retired air traffic controllers from 6 AM to 10 PM.
How is the airport funded?
Carl: User feed, leases, and FAA grants. Their is a minimal tax paid by Lebanon residents. This is a city owned property and surrounding towns do not contribute to funding the airport. This was a change made back in the 1980s.
Will the 10,000 minimum passenger rate be waived?
Carl: It was in 2020 and he anticipates it will be in 2021. Getting to this level will require business travelers to start traveling again.
Will electric planes be less noisy?
Carl: He anticipates that this will be the case.
President Hank then thanked Carl for speaking today, and hopes he may consider learning more about the Rotary Club of Lebanon.
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Carl Gross was born and raised in Horseheads, New York and started flying gliders at 13. He spent the summer months sailing on the Finger Lakes in New York.
He has a BS in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, and is an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Carl’s first job was in 1986 as Airport Manager for a small general aviation airport in the northwest corner of South Carolina. Starting in 1991, he served as Airport Operations Specialist and then Senior Operations Specialist at the Burlington International Airport. His primary functions were training airport staff, coordinating construction and snow removal with the control tower, and coordinating with the Air National Guard and airport tenants. During his tenure, the airport constructed and expanded the parking garage, expanded the terminal building, and rehabilitated the primary runway.
In 2007, Carl joined the Corpus Christi International Airport as Operations Manager and became Assistant Manager in 2019. During that time, the airport reconstructed and shifted all of the runways and taxiways. He served as the airport liaison with the US Navy flight training bases in the area, worked with the city’s Planning Department to ensure compatible land use for four airports within the city limits, developed the airport hurricane emergency plan, and worked with the US Air Force on an air evacuation plan for critical needs individuals. He also worked with the US Navy on mitigating the impacts of commercial wind turbines on air traffic and weather radars.
Currently, Carl is serving as the Airport Manager for our own Lebanon Municipal Airport.
Book for the Kilton Library's Children's Collection
The book going to the library in honor of our speaker Carl Gross is The Heart of a Whale by Anna Pignataro.
In this beautiful story of kindness and empathy, loneliness and love, one creature finds that the help he needs is just a song and a sigh away.
Whale's beautiful song winds its way through the ocean, reaching the farthest of faraways. His song is one of happiness and hope, magic and wonder--and Whale's fellow sea creatures are calmed, cheered, and lulled by it. But though Whale sings his tender song day after day, night after night, Whale wonders why he has no song to fill his empty heart. So when he lets out a mournful sigh, the ocean carries it like a wish through its fathoms, bringing it to just the right place.
Filled with stunning art and poetic language, this poignant story reminds us that being kind and helping a friend in need is sometimes the most beautiful thing of all.
Members began signing on around 11:45. We chatted about John Yacavone making a fence repair after Susan's horse 'bounced' off the fence. This made him arrive late for poker last Thursday evening. The good news is that the horse wasn't injured. We then shared news of the microburst that hit Quechee with Jimmy Brock. This was near Jimmy Brock's condo in Quechee. We shared that the Valley News had an article about this in today's paper. This lead to a Jimmy commenting that he should get a subscription to the Valley News...which Bill Secord wholeheartedly supported. Bill Secord then introduced his brother in-law who is visiting from Reston, VA. This then led to a discussion comparing the Lebanon Airport to Dulles International Airport.
Marilyn Bedell rang our Rotary Bell
President Hank called the meeting to order at 12:02 PM.
Bill Secord skillfully recited the 4-Way Test.
Jane Mason introduced our speaker, Carl Gross, Lebanon's Airport Manager. See is bio and notes about his talk above. We learned a lot about the Lebanon Airport and plans for the future.
Bill Secord presented the book for the children's collection at the Kilton Library.
Then it was time for Announcements and Happy thoughts. See below.
Announcements
Club Dues
Hank reminded us that our dues will be $35 per month. If you haven't already paid your dues, check your email for an invoice from Angela Nelson that came via ClubRunner
In-Person Meetings/Meeting Schedule Changes
Reminder
THE ROTARY CLUB OF LEBANON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WE MEET IN-PERSON AT HARVEST HILL STARTING JULY 22nd AT NOON
All Lebanon Rotary regular club meetings will occur on Thursdays at Noon. We will meet in-person at Harvest Hill on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays (starting July 22nd), and by Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays. This schedule may change to all in-person meetings with an option to attend via Zoom if we determine we have the technology to make it work.
When a 5th Thursday occurs, we will schedule a social event, a service project, or some other activity during that week. (July 31, 2021 will be our President's Picnic at Tim and Anna Guaraldi's home.)
To keep us all as safe as possible Lebanon Rotary will requireall those attending in-person meetings to be fully vaccinated. We will rely on Rotarians’ word that they are vaccinated, bearing in mind the 4-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do. If you plan to bring a guest, please make sure they have been vaccinated. Harvest Hill we require us to use a hand sanitizer station before entering the buffet line.
You should not attend an in-person meeting if you do not feel well – that is, if you have a fever, a cold, flu, Covid or other symptoms, or a contagious ailment.
Listen dinners
We will start preparing meals at Listen starting Tuesday, July 13 (HELP IS NEEDED). Here is the link to sign up to volunteer the second Tuesday of the month from now to December. We need about 5-6 volunteers per meal:
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE SIGN-UP for Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Time commitment 3:30 PM to approx. 6 PM.
Member Resignation
Paul Tierney let Marilyn know that he is dealing with some health issues and needs to resign from the club. Marilyn encouraged him to return to the club when his health permits him to do this.
Terri Dudley’s Funeral
The Valley News reported that Terri Dudley's Funeral will be on July 16 at 1:00 PM. Terri was Lebanon Rotary’s first female member and a former president of Lebanon Rotary.
Brew Fest
A reminder to sign into the Doodle Poll and indicate if you can help, and what tasks you are willing to do; or let Hank know you can't participate.
Bruce B soon will organize a meeting of the community service committee. One item to consider will be City Manager/Rotarian Shaun Mulholland’s potential gardening projects.
Hybrid Meetings
Bruce Pacht, Marilyn Bedell and Dan Affeldt are exploring the best way to offer hybrid meetings. The goal is to start hybrid meeting sometime in August.
President's Picnic at Tim and Anna Guaraldi's Home in Newport, NH (RAIN or SHINE)
Please RSVP either yes or no. If you last name begins with the letter from A to J, please bring a salad; if you last name begins with K to Z, bring a dessert. Main gathering will be at 4:30 PM but you are welcome to come early to swim, fish, target shoot (but bring your own ammo.) Bill Secord is hoping the ATV will be off limits to Linda this year. Cost $10 to cover cost of hamburgers and hotdogs, and other picnic supplies.
Anything else for the good of the club? Happy Thoughts/concerns
JoAnn Lemieux share that she ended up with a house full of visitors. All unannounced... Three grandchildren and their parents. This lead to good chaos and a fun time.
Cindy Jerome let us know that despite all the challenges of going to college during COVID-19 as a Freshman, her 19 year old son ended the year with a 3.75 GPA. His major is mechanical engineering.
Hank Clarke will be checking in on friends in Florida who where in one of the community that got full impact Hurricane/Tropical Storm Elsa.
Marilyn Bedell asked, "Who read the newsletter last week?" A flurry of hands were raised. Marilyn then commented that no one had pointed out that under food for the picnic, she indicated that everyone was to bring dessert...Reminder if you name ends in A to J...please bring salads, although Ron would be happier if you all brought desserts.
The meeting was adjourned close to 1:00 PM. Dan Affeldt lea us in our Rotary Motto: Service Above Self which is one of RI mottos, but not the one we have been using ...which is:
They profit most who serve the best.
Members at the meeting:
Dan Affeldt
Bill Babineau
Marilyn Bedell
Ron Bedell
Hank Clarke
Jim Damren
Rudy Fedrizzi
Ed Friedman
Tim Guaraldi
Cindy Jerome
Will Koppenheffer
JoAnn Lemieux
Jane Mason
Ernst Oidtmann
Bruce Pacht
Phil Rentz
Bill Secord
Rich Wallace
Cal Wolfe
John Yacavone
Jimmy Brock...Rotary Club of Hamilton, Bermuda
Guest: Bill Secord's brother in-law, Michael
Upcoming Service Projects and Fund Raisers
Listen Community Dinners on July 13th.
We can resume preparing meals for the Listen Community Dinners on July 13th. Start time 3:30 PM. We will prepare dinner either monthly or every other month. An email will go out soon to sign up for being part of the cook teams. We will need 5-6 members at each meal.
Rotary Invitation From Northern NH Rotary Clubs to Clean Up Pinkham Notch, July 24th
Fire Chief's Golf Tournament
From former member Chris Christopholus:
I have attached a golf tournament flyer for the NH Fire Chiefs – this is our first year and was hoping you could share this with the club!
Take care and talk soon.
Chris Christopoulos, Jr., MA, CFO
Fire Chief
Lebanon Fire Department
12 South Park Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
Office: (603) 448-8810
Fax: (603) 589-4978
Nexus @ Lebanon Opera House
Reminder: We will be a $2,500 sponsor for this event. Thanks to Rich Wallace's work, our donation of $2,500 should be well-represented in the promotional materials being developed for the festival.
From the Lebanon Opera House Web Page:
Mark your calendar! Friday, August 13–Sunday, August 15
Things feel a bit different. It could be the longer, warmer days. It could be the increase in vaccinations (an important factor in our eventual reopening) coupled with a decrease in COVID restrictions. Either way, we are at a crossroads.
Inspired by the idea of literal and metaphorical crossroads, Lebanon Opera House proudly presents the FREE Nexus Music and Arts Festival in and around Colburn Park, extending to the pedestrian mall and the revitalized rail trail tunnel. Outdoor performances from regional touring artists, LOH’s community arts partners, and student-artists will be featured alongside displays of public art and al fresco dining—flashes of creativity and community at every turn. Necessarily, planning is being done with public health measures in mind.
We see Nexus as an important leadership opportunity; a chance to thank those who support LOH and the greater Lebanon arts community. A chance to demonstrate the impact of the arts on our local economy. Mark your calendar and plan to join the chorus of supporters who believe that the arts are worth celebrating!
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this family-friendly event is FREE and open to all. Please consider your own tax-deductible gift in support of Nexus. As a nonprofit organization, we acknowledge that every dollar raised makes a difference.
Brew Fest 2021 — September 4, 2021 (Saturday of Labor Day Weekend)
Planning underway for Brew Fest 2021. Save the date to be there to help with this fundraiser.
Mascoma River Clean-up — September 25, 2021
Ernst Oidtmann announce that Mascoma River Clean-up will be on September 25 is the date of the biennial Mascoma River Clean-up which will take place in concert with the Connecticut River Clean-up.
Board of Directors strengthens Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
At its June meeting, the RI Board of Directors, with guidance from the DEI Taskforce, took additional steps to ensure our organization values and lives the principals of diversity, equity and inclusion by revisiting and strengthening Rotary's 2019 DEI statement. The result is a new Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion adopted in June 2021:
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.
In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.
The Board of Directors convened the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce in 2020 and tasked it with assessing the current state of DEI within Rotary and developing a comprehensive plan of action with achievable, measurable, and meaningful outcomes for Rotary. This plan is currently in development and will be presented to the Board of Directors in October 2021.
Additionally, the Board agreed to:
Provide DEI training for incoming, current, and past RI officers
Promote the Rotary Code of Conduct
Establish protocols to report Code of Conduct violations
More information about these decisions, and our ongoing focus on DEI, will be available on rotary.org/dei in the coming weeks.
The Board thanks the taskforce for its ongoing commitment to creating a more just, open, and welcoming Rotary experience during this past year. The taskforce's work is critical to the organization's long-term success. The Board also extended the work of the DEI Taskforce through June 2023.
If you witness or experience someone acting in a way that violates Rotary's DEI statement, email DEI.Inquiries@rotary.org.
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.
Changes coming to our meeting Schedule starting July 22, 2021!
We will be 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 on the Campus of Alice Peck Day Hospital
We will still have Zoom meetings on July 1, 8 and 15, 2021 at Noon
For in person meetings we ask that you only come if you have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19
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Cost $10 to cover cost of hamburgers and hotdogs, and other picnic supplies.
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