Have an idea for a speaker? Give the information to Steve Whitman
For all meeting you have the option of joining us in person (Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill) or via Zoom. Zoom link will be included on the Agenda
February 23, 2023, NOTE THIS MEETING WILL BE A ZOOM ONLY MEETING, Topic Club Business Meeting
March 2, 2023,No Meeting on March 2nd. Instead, we will meeting on Saturday, March 4th for Round Two of the Speech Contest. at 11 AM (lunch to be served at 12 Noon)
Saturday, March 4, 2023, Hold for Round 2 of the District Speech Contest.
March 9, 2023, TBD
March 16, 2023, Kathleen Vasconcelos. Kathleen is the executive Director of the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council.
March 22nd (WEDNESDAY AT 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, CLUB VISIONING/Strategic Planning. Make every effort to attend.(Dinner from Jake's will be served)
March 23, 2023, No Meeting on March 23
April 6, 2023, Ernst Oidtmann, His Father's Diary [the diary chronicles the last year of WWII in the Netherlands.
Epilogos is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation based in Concord, NH and San Jose Villanueva, El Salvador
The organizations guiding principle is: Working WITH the people of San Jose Villanueva, and todos somos iguales - everyone is equal.
Members of the former Rotary Club of Lebanon-Riverside have spent time in El Salvador working with Epilogos. (Sara Koury, Marilyn Bedell, Bill Sahlman, Ed Warren, Bill Secord, Lee Pelletier, Bruce Bergeron)
Bruce Bergeron started the program by showing pictures of the house build done in 6 days during his trip to El Salvador.
Bruce then turned the program over to Ed Warren to give us an update on work that is continuing to happen in San Jose Villanueva. Ed has just returned from a trip there.
In 2001, Epilogos was founded by Mike and Susie Jenkins.
Mike and Susie Jenkins
They met and married while working in the Peace Corps in El Salvador. They returned to San Jose Villanueva when they retired and started what eventually became Epilogos. Epilogos was derived from the work Epilogue. Epilogue is defined as a final or concluding act or event. As Mike and Susie thought about retirement, they reflected that one of the happiest times in their life was working in the Peace Corp in El Salvador. They decided that going back and working with residents in San Jose Villanueva would make them happy in retirement. They are now back in New Hampshire but successful laid the foundation for Epilogos to continue its work with out their leadership.
Epilogos focus:
Education
They offer any scholarships to any student in need
K - High School
College
Special Needs Students (they have the only special needs educational program in El Salvador)
Scholarships are for school fees, shoes, sports uniforms. Since 2001 they have provided scholarships to over 2000 students. They have sponsors that donate faithfully year after year to support students. Ed shared that early on he supported a scholarship for a student. Many of their former students are working in the community and in-country.
In 2017 Epilogos started a program for students with special needs. The program started with a few students and a wonderful teacher. It has been a resounding success for the students and their families. In 2023 there will be 12 students enrolled in the program.
Teachers and students often have limited classroom supplies
In 2017 Epilogos started a program where donors could Adopt a Classroom. Teachers provide a wish list and supplies are provided
To date 33 classrooms have been adopted.
Casa dignas - building safe, dignified homes for families.
Volunteer groups work with local families to build new homes.
Traditional homes are mud and sheet metal. We are able to help families build cement homes to provide stability for the family. A home that isn’t secure (bars on windows, having doors that lock) means that the house can’t be left alone as possessions can easily be looted. A home with our secured windows and doors often means that a child will not be able to go to school.
Since 2001 Epilogos has helped with the construction of almost 200 houses. Volunteer groups work alongside the family and local craftsmen. Homeowners pay for a portion of their housing costs and not only do they provide labor for their house, they “pay it forward” and work on homes for others. Over the years Epilogos has hosted hundreds of volunteers from the US and Canada
Community support
Epilogos works with community members to provide various programs that enhance the lives of the Josefinos. We help out with sports teams, provide new desks for classrooms, have community gatherings in outlying villages, bring ice cream to the local schoolchildren and more!
One of their key community service projects is a mentoring program that pairs high school students with elementary students. They meet weekly for fun activities that promote self-esteem and build confidence.
Big Kids — Little Kids
Over the years Epilogos has benefited from many long-lasting partnerships. A few include:
Various Rotary groups in the US and Canada
Engineers Without Borders
Peace Corps
Habitat for Humanity
Church groups in the US and El Salvador
The Epilogos staff are all from SJV and the younger members were scholarship students.
Executive Director Graciela Martinez has worked with Epilogos for 19 years
Other staff members are: Keily Guzman, Ruben Guzman, Miguel Flores and Kervin Sanchez
Epilogos has been in one home for the last 12 years. They have been informed in the fall that the building had been sold and we would need to move. They have found a property in the village and are actively fundraising to make the purchase. We are excited to have a permanent home to continue the good work of Epilogos. To-date they have raised $52,000 of their $75,000 goal.
New Oficina Space
Here is the link to the video from Executive Director, Graciela Martinez, asking us to consider supporting the purchase of a New Oficina. Click Here
Kilton Library Children's Book Donation in Honor of Ed Warren
Tracking Tortoises by Kate Messner; Photographs by Jeff Messner
Galápagos giant tortoises are fascinating―and endangered. They live only on the Galápagos Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These tortoises face threats from the humans who live on―and visit―the islands, as well as from Earth's warming climate.
Join author Kate Messner on an a journey to the Galápagos Islands to see these incredible creatures up close and discover how cutting-edge technology is helping scientists to study and protect them.
Rotary of Lebanon Club
Harvest Hill Can't Accommodate Us Next Week, February 23, 2023, So We Will Be Meeting Only By Zoom.
Meeting Minutes from the February 16, 2022 Meeting
APD's Tech person joined Marilyn prior to the start of the meeting to see if he could work out some "bugs" in the video system. We determined that we will need to purchase a WebEx Video Conferencing account to be able to use the system. Marilyn will add this to the Board agenda for next week. In the meantime, Alan will give us temporary access to his WebEx account. We will keep on trying to make this system work for us.
David Crandall substituting for President called our meeting to order with the help of Ernst Oidtmann who rang the bell.
Ahmad Haidari lead the reciting of the 4-Way Test.
Ernst Oidtmann lead us in singing our welcoming song and one other classic song
Those attending the meeting in person dined on a green salad, brussel sprout salad, ham salad, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken al a king, another entree, and a variety of desserts.
Towards the end of lunch, Hank Clarke then went on the hunt for happy/sad dollars:
Angela Nelson is celebrating her 44th birthday, and will make a $44 donation to our charities account.
Ernst Oidtmann let us know he will be away next week.
Bruce Pacht gave us a recap of the Upper Valley Chordsmen's Singing Valentines fundraiser. They did 30 in person valentines, and 45 virtual Valentines.
Paul Tierney let us know that we had another successful dinner preparation and serving at Listen on Valentines Day. The menu was a turkey casserole and garlic bread. See pictures below.
Tim Guaraldi announced the death of Lloyd Bennett. Click here to read his obituary. Lloyd was the first as a teller (as only the seventh employee of a small local mutual savings bank) and working his way up through different positions to retiring in 1993 as the Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. He then went on to reflect on the life of JoAnn Lemieux. We learned that Tim and JoAnn spent a few years together. He shared the JoAnn would go of on cross country runs in the early morning. She often fell down on the uneven ground. Tim decided he should weed-wack a 5 mile trail for her (very noble of him). When this didn't keep her from falling down, she had her eyes checks, and after LASIK surgery, she could run without falling down.
Ed Warren was just happy to be able to join us for our meeting.
Jane Mason let us know that her father enjoyed hiking with JoAnn Lemieux. Both were members of the AMC. Jane shared that on one hike JoAnn and her father helped a hiker who had collapsed and they tended to him.
Marilyn Bedell let the club know that she had been invited to the Upper Valley Lions Club. She had a water bottle to prove she had been there. There may be opportunities for us to work with them in the future.
Bruce Bergeron and Ed Warren talked about Epilogos...see story above.
Bill Secord presented Kilton Library Children's Book...Tracking Tortises.
Reminder that next week's meeting will be ZOOM only.
Reminder about Club Strategic Planning/Visioning will be held at City Hall's Council Chambers on March 22nd starting at 4:30 PM.
The meeting was then adjourned by David Crandall with the reciting of our Rotary Motto.
One Profits Most Who Serves Best
Raffles
Queen of Hearts Draw
Angela Nelson pulled the 3 of Spades...the hunt for the queen continues.
Car Wash
David Crandall won the car wash
Members at the meeting in person and via Zoom included: Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Phil Bush, Hank Clarke, David Crandall, Jim Damren, Joy Gobin, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Will Koppenheffer, Jane Mason, Ron Michaud, Angela Nelson, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Paul Tierney, Steve Whitman, John Yacavone
Guest: Ed Warren
Very Sad News
JoAnn Harada Lemieux
JoAnn died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Her husband, Philip George let Tim Guaraldi know that JoAnn is to be cremated. A memorial service will be held in the spring. If you want to send a note to George here is his contact information:
Styrofoam CollectionTM April 1 from 9AM to 11 AM Behind Jake's Coffee
The Lebanon Rotary Club is once again partnering with Sustainable Lebanon to offer a polystyrene (styrofoam) collection day on Saturday, April 1, from 9 - 11 am at 227 Mechanic Street in Lebanon (behind Jake’s Coffee). The event will take place rain or shine.
We will be collecting CLEAN rigid polystyrene #6 (EPS) and #6 food service foam which will be driven to the Gilford, NH recycling facility. Examples of EPS include packaging foam used for TVs and appliances as well as styrofoam coolers. Examples of food service foam include food containers, trays, cups, and egg cartons. It is IMPORTANT that all tape and labels be removed and all collected foam is clean, dry, and free of food residue or other debris.
PLEASE NOTE: Since we are no longer going to the facility in Palmer, MA, we will NOT be collecting #4 EPE or #6 XPS foam insulation board at this event.
As usual, clean intact foam or biodegradable peanuts should be brought directly to the UPS Store at True Value Hardware in Hanover for reuse. (Also note that Lebanon UPS will NOT accept peanuts.)
An educational handout will be provided explaining the chemical content of polystyrene foam, how you can encourage companies who use foam packaging to transition to eco-friendly packaging, and suggestions on how to shift to a plastic free lifestyle.
There is no fee to participate, but donations are welcome to support the costs associated with this event. Donations can be made at the event via cash or check (payable to Sustainable Lebanon), or online via the Sustainable Lebanon Facebook page. Thanks in advance for considering a donation!
Residents of other towns are welcome to participate, however if you happen to live closer to Gilford, please contact their recycling facility to find out how to drop off directly to reduce the carbon footprint of recycling your foam!
For more information and to volunteer, please contact Liane Avery: L99Liane@aol.com or call 860-556-3114.
Next Listen Dinner April 11, 2022, Volunteer needed.
I set up this Doodle for volunteers to sign up to help in the senior center on Mondays and Wednesday 8-10am, through the end of February. Up to 2 people can sign up for each volunteer slot. Thank you for sharing this with your Rotary Club!
The Original Papa John making spaghetti sauce for the luncheon.
John stated..."I really enjoyed my couple of hours there."
Lebanon Casino Fundraiser - Spring 2023
Harmony Park Installation and Dedication
Dates
Installation in April
SAVE THE DATES:
Harmony Park Dedication in May 13, 2023
Club's 100th Anniversary Dinner will be June 29,2023...Again...Save the Date!
30th Bedell Classic Golf Tournament - See you at the golf course Friday, May 26 2023!!
Brew Fest 2023
Brew Fest on to
September 2, 2023
CHEERS!!
Top Stitch Rotary Vests and Jackets — A great holiday present to give to yourself!
John Yacavone has arranged for members to order light and heavier weight jackets and vest for us to wear when doing service projects...for days when our tees shirts just aren't enough to keep us comfortable and warm.
If you click the link below, Top Stitch has created a special website for Lebanon Rotary Club members to order the following clothing items.
1. Men’s and Women’s light weight jackets
2. Men’s and Women’s fleece vests
3. Men’s and Women’s fleece jackets
All jackets and vests will have Rotary Logo and club name.
Just pick your item and follow the instructions for ordering. If you decide to pick up your item at Top Stitch located at 233 Mascoma Street Lebanon, NH 03766 there will be no charge for shipping, otherwise shipping will be charged. If you have any questions about your order please contact Cody at Top Stitch at 603-448-2931. Turn around time is 3.5 - 4 weeks. Once you place your order your order will be processed no waiting on other orders to be fulfilled.
A Rotary club in the United States used a $3,000 district grant to purchase food and personal care items for a local food pantry that saw a 50% increase in need. A Rotary club in India is using a district grant to provide hygiene kits and training to girls who might otherwise miss school. The project aims to help 40,000 girls.
Clubs worldwide use district grants to support similar short-term projects in their communities.
Every club has the opportunity to create positive change in their community with grants from The Rotary Foundation, one project at a time.
Rotary responds to earthquake that has devastated areas of
Turkey and Syria
Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 February that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather.
The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately. RI President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support.
Rotary's project partner ShelterBox has an emergency response team assessing the needs in the region and how it can respond. That team is communicating with Rotary district leaders. Our service partner Habitat for Humanity International is also working on its response. Many Rotary members are asking how they can help. Here's how to have the greatest impact:
Give to The Rotary Foundation's Disaster Response Fund. Donations help clubs and districts provide aid and support rebuilding efforts where the need is greatest. The funds are distributed to affected communities through disaster response grants. The Disaster Response Fund can accept cash contributions and District Designated Funds (DDF). Donations to the Disaster Response Fund are combined and cannot be designated for a specific disaster.
Support local initiatives. As we learn about local response efforts that are being led by clubs and districts, Rotary raises awareness about how to support them. People can then support these projects by working directly with Rotary members in the region. If you want us to publicize information about local response efforts, write to relief@rotary.org.
9-Feb-2023
We now have hybrid meetings on Thursdays at noon, in person at the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill on the Campus of Alice Peck Day Hospital, OR join us via Zoom. Click Here to request the Zoom Link.
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