Carol Majewski Joined us today as an AARP volunteer to present a program on Downsizing and Decluttering. Carol is a retired Nursing Director at DHMC. She served as the Director of the Operating Room, and then transitioned to a position to enhance the patient experience. In retirement she has been volunteering for AARP and at DHMC. In the summer she spends some time shuttling patients/families/visitors to the main entrance via a golf cart.
Carol Majewski
I will send a variety of handouts that were distributed at the meeting via email. Here’s an overview of her presentation. Some of the text has been taken from the PowerPoint presentation Carol presented.
Having too much stuff can impede people from relocating or getting health care into their homes. This presentation explored why stuff can be so important for some people and taught us some practical, easy-to-follow tips on downsizing and decluttering.
Photo from AARP
Carol started by presenting some info about AARP.
With a membership of more than 38 million people, AARP is the nation’s largest, nonprofit, nonpartisan social mission organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired educator in her 70’s, with a goal to help older Americans lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose, founded the American Association of Retired Persons in 1958.
Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus (from AARP Powerpoint)
In 1999, our name became AARP because our focus shifted to all older adults, not just retirees.
AARP continues to change in response to societal changes, but to this day, remains true to our founding goal.
Nationally, AARP, Inc. provides many virtual and in-person opportunities for learning, entertainment, and engagement. Check it out at aarp.org.
AARP NH, with a staff of five people and more than 150 volunteers, offers fun community events to educate and encourage social interaction. We can help you with our Tax-Aide and Driver Safety community service programs. And by using the power of more than 215,000 members, AARP NH is advocating on your behalf for positive social change. You can stay up-to-date at aarp.org/nh.
2011 marked the beginning of a large age wave with over 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the U.S. for the next 20 years.
15% of America is over 65 right now and in 40 years, 33% of America will be over 65.
This will be the largest, most powerful, buying group in America.
This may be the LAST time we will have 4 generations still alive at the same time. Our generations are described as the Silent Generation, Baby Boomer, Gen X and Millennials
For our older Americans, the age gap between their parents and themselves is about 20 years.
And for our Gen Xers, they are 30 to 35 years older than their kids.
The 2 oldest generations have the most stuff and both generations want to pass it down to the youngest two generations.
We are distinctly different generations, socially & financially.
Good Run Research interviewed 1,000 caretakers and the thing that caused the most stress was….the stuff.
We have worked SO hard for all of our stuff….and the cold hard reality is... our kids and grandkids don’t want it.
10 Downsizing Tips:
Include your entire family in downsizing activities, this will help you learn what is important to them.
10-Minute Sweep, rather than looking at all that needs to be done, break it up into small chucks of space to clean and declutter.
Unpack boxes and bags, if you haven’t used it in months or years, do you need to keep it?
Everything should have a place to be located in your home…put things away in the proper place or discard them. When buying new items consider one item in yields one item out.
Do a Four-pile sort, – Keep– Sell– Donate– Trash
Avoid punting decision making to others. Remember dealing with your stuff will be difficult for your heirs.
When possible, donate, donate, donate
Be realistic about the amount of clothing and food you need.
Ernst then led us in singing our welcome song, and Camptown Races.
Ernst thought of the day was from physician and poet, John McCrae from Guelph, Ontario. He as an Lieutenant-Colonel with the Canadian Expeditionary Force,He fought in the 2nd Battle of Ypres in Flanders. During this battle, the German Military use chlorine gas for the first time. McCrae is know for the poem, In Flanders Field, the poppy has been the symbol used as a remembrance of the sacrifices of our veterans on Veterans Day.
In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
–John McCrae
Then it was off to the buffet to get our lunch.
Following lunch John Yacavone introduced Carol Majewski, a AARP volunteer who spoke to us about Downsizing and Decluttering. See the story above.After Carol's talk, Bill Secord let us know that the book going to the Kilton Library's Children's collection would be:
Just Like My Family
By Ashley Molesso (Author), Chess Needham (Author)
Celebrate all types of families in this inclusive picture book that breaks down gender stereotypes while offering aspirational messages to young readers.
Whether a child wears pearls just like their daddy, grills with their mommy, braids hair like their baba, bakes yummy treats with their grandpa, sashays like their zaza, dresses up like their bibi, or decorates their room like their brothers, all families love spending time together! Delight in all that makes a family unique and special—including what makes you you—in this empowering and affirming picture book by the author-illustrator team and queer stationery company, Ash + Chess.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Club Member Opportunity to Serve Surveys — Marilyn Bedell reports she is still hoping to receive two more surveys. Once all are in, and members confirm their commitments, Marilyn will share the results with our membership.
Epilogos February Trip to El Salvador — Bruce Bergeron learned that Epilogos Charities is planning a service trip to El Salvador. He would like to know if any members are interested in going. The trip will be February 20 to February 28, 2025. Read all the travel information at www.epilogos.org Travel advisories can be found at www.travel.state.gov Epilogos takes safety of the travelers seriously, but each traveler must make there own decisions about traveling to El Salvador. Bruce let us know the cost for the trip would be approx. $1,700. You must have a valid passport. The goal is to complete two home builds during the weeks stay.
District Team Training – The session happened at Northern Vermont University, Lyndonville, VT, on Saturday, November 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Here's one more picture of our team with District Governor-elect Luc Pomerleau from Sherbrooke, QC.
Luc Pomerleau, Ron Bedell, Marilyn Bedell, Mila Dela Pena, Sharmila Karki Nirola, Ernst Oidtman
Rotary Foundation Month — Ron Bedell reminded us that this is Rotary Foundation Month. Consider making your donation today.
Holiday Party at Quechee Inn for December 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. with our Famous Yankee Swap – Ron Bedell
Currently, 27 Rotarians and others have signed up to attend. Ron would love to hear from the 13 Rotarians who haven’t yet responded. Please let Ron know one way or the other ASAP!
SERVICE PROJECTS COMING UP
Listen Food Drives at Lebanon Coop on Saturday, November 23, and Saturday, December 14, both from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (setup at 8:00 a.m.) Rotarians are asked to sign up for at least 1 hour over the 2 days, 4 people for each hour, to spread the work among many of us.
Holiday Basket Helpers – Listen, December 9th from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. or December 10th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. There’s room for about 4 volunteers each session. Check with Club treasurer Angela Nelson. At the meeting and then via a post meeting email Angela provided detailed email about the families we have adopted this year, and what is needed from us. Please review the email and let Angela know how you can help by getting gifts, or making a donation so she can shop for you.
Time for Happy Dollars:
Dean Cashman let us know that his hockey team lost their game in Tilton. Of note though, both sides had jerseys with Rotary logo on them. The Mascoma captain is a member of MRHS's Interact Club.
Marilyn Bedell thanked Carol for speaking today. She shared a story of her Aunt Marcia working to clean out the family's 1842 farmhouse attic. As quickly as Aunt Marcia threw items in the attic into the dumpster from the attic window, her Uncle Art would start bringing some of them back into the house.
Steve Grant shared that his daughter had a lovely wedding celebration.
Bruce Bergeron reminded us that today is the last day for beer sales. We raised about $1,000 from post Beer Fest beer sales. Cheers!
Members at the meeting:
Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Burce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Dean Cashman, David Clarenbach, Hank Clarke, Jim Damren, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari*, Max Jovanovich, Christian McDonald, Dan Nash, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Rich Wallace, Steve Whitman, John Yacavone
Guests:
Steve Grant (Former Lebanon Rotarian), Judith Bush (Phil Bush's wife) and Carol Majewski (our speaker)
*Joined by WebEx
Card and Car Wash Raffles
The hunt for the The Queen of Heart...Rich Wallace pulled the 3 of Diamonds.
The car wash was won once again by Judith Bush
NOTE: The Car Wash Code Reader is still broken in Lebanon. The Car Wash Codes will now come from the new Jake's car wash in Enfield. 223 US-4, Enfield, NH
FUTURE MEETING PROGRAMS/SPEAKERS
November 2024
November 21 TBD
November 28 THANKSGIVING - No Meeting
December 2024
December 5 Nicci Maynard, AuD, Clinical Audiologist
December 12 John Fenley, “Spark” a local nonprofit
December 19 Ernst Oidtmann and Matt Locker, Concert
December 26 NO MEETING. Happy Holidays!
January 2025
January 2 NO MEETING
January 9 Recital for 4-hand piano with Annemieke McLane and Ernst Oidtmann
January 16 TBD
January 23 TBD
January 30 SPEECH CONTEST ROUND ONE
Note: David Crandall will be scheduling programs January through June 2025
Standing Meetings
Membership Meetings: To Be Announced
Contact: Ron Michaud
Youth Services: Second Wednesday of the month at Noon
Contact: Christian MacDonald
Charities: Third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Bruce Pacht
Board Meeting: 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM via Zoom. Note: We have changed the meeting time for November and December. Because the November meeting would be Thanksgiving week we will meet instead on December 3, at 4:00 p.m. The next meeting then will be the 4th Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Ernst Oidtmann
Golf: 2025 schedule to be announced
Brew Fest: The 2025 Schedule to be announced
Other Events and Service Projects
YOU'RE INVITED
Wine & Cheese Business After Hours hosted by Systems Plus Computers
November 19, 2024
Systems Plus Computers is under new ownership! Join them and the UVBA for a networking Business After Hours with Wine, Cheese, and conversation on Tuesday, November 19 from 5-7pm!
Meet the new owner, Patrick, learn what they offer, see education, enjoy food, drink, and networking! Plus enter to win a free one hour 1on1 training/consultation!
11/23 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m (set up at 8:00 a.m.)
12/14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m (set up at 8:00 a.m.)
Let Tim Guaraldi know when you can be there to help!
Listen Holiday Baskets...organize, bag and tag
December 9th from noon to 3 PM and December 10th from 10 AM to Noon. At the white church in downtown Lebanon. Please save these dates and times to help get gifts organized, bagged and tagged. A call will be going out to get gifts sometime in November once Listen assigns us a family or families.
2025 Rotary District 7850 District Conference
The 2025 District Conference will be a one day conference on Saturday, May 31 2025 with an optional overnight on May 30, 2025. It will be at Mount Cranmore Resort in North Conway, NH. Stay tuned for details.
2025 Rotary International Convention
Join us in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for the 2025 Rotary International Convention!
Calgary calls
November is Rotary Foundation Month. This is a great time to remind every Rotarian coming to the 2024 Rotary Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, that you will to learn how your valuable contributions to the Rotary Foundation are making a global impact.
Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025.
Imagine the excitement and energy when we, the family of Rotary, all come together at one time, in one place and renew our commitment to being people of action. Our Rotary leaders, members, and global leaders will motivate and empower you with their words, as will world-class speakers, and heart-pumping entertainment!
Besure the check out the Host Organizing webpage to learn about all the activities being planned by our Rotarian hosts in Calgary.
You can consider volunteering to help at the convention too. There will be a wide variety of volunteer roles to match a wide range of interests and skills, providing everyone a chance to contribute to this global gathering. Join us in showcasing our city and making the 2025 Rotary International Convention a resounding success!Click Here
Bottom Line...The best time to purchase your ticket to the Calgary convention is today! The next best time is before **December 15, 2024**. To secure your early bird rate visit: https://convention.rotary.org
Watch the video to hear a first hand account of why Rotary Conventions are so special. Click Here
The Rotary Club of Houston founded the award to honor college football’s best lineman and to raise money to fight the disease that took a legendary coach’s life
Vice Lombardi
By Bryan Smith
The four young men stride confidently into the hospital. They are used to people getting out of their way and happy to displace anyone inclined to do otherwise. Each of them is at least 6 feet tall, and collectively they tip the scales at about 1,000 pounds. That’s half a ton of turf-tested brawn.
The four are football giants. Neither laser-armed quarterbacks nor fleet-footed runners, they work in the trenches and are among the best linemen in the 1994 college season that’s just wrapping up. But now, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, these gridiron goliaths are about to learn that true grit can also come in small packages.
“It was absolutely the one [award] I wanted,” NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp told ESPN in 2009, 15 years after he’d won the Lombardi Award. “It just epitomized everything that I was about.”
The four players — Florida State linebacker Derrick Brooks, Arizona defensive end Tedy Bruschi, Miami defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and Nebraska offensive tackle Zach Wiegert — have come to Houston to learn which of them will receive the coveted Lombardi Award. Presented each year to college football’s best lineman by the Rotary Club of Houston, the award is named after Vince Lombardi, the legendary NFL coach who died of colon cancer shortly before the beginning of the 1970 season. Lombardi was only 57, and in addition to honoring the coach’s memory, the award raises money to battle cancer.
In the cancer ward, the four go from patient to patient, signing miniature footballs and sharing quiet words of encouragement with each of the ill children. Seeing a child who had lost an arm to cancer, Sapp kneels down and coaxes a smile from the little boy. “That’s what this is all about,” says Sapp. “I see more courage and determination in these hospital rooms than on any football field I ever played on.”
On 1 December, in front of a sold-out audience of 1,100 people, Sapp receives the 25th annual Lombardi Award. Houston club member Rocky Yapp, general chairman of that year’s event, presents a check for $160,000 to the American Cancer Society, bringing the total amount of money raised by the club to fight cancer to about $2 million (the equivalent of more than $4 million in today’s dollars). “We wanted my father’s legacy to be preserved and, in time, enhanced,” says Vincent H. Lombardi, the coach’s son and the keynote speaker for the award’s 25th banquet. “The Rotary Lombardi Award is the perfect expression of that wish.”
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