As part of our ongoing education about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) our program today was a thought-provoking film by Dartmouth Professor, Matthew Delmont’s book, Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad.
Here is a brief synopsis about the book from the web.
The definitive history of World War II from the African American perspective, written by civil rights expert and Dartmouth history professor Matthew Delmont. Published October 2022
Over one million Black men and women served in World War II. Black troops were at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge, serving in segregated units and performing unheralded but vital support jobs, only to be denied housing and educational opportunities on their return home. Without their crucial contributions to the war effort, the United States could not have won the war. And yet the stories of these Black veterans have long been ignored, cast aside in favor of the myth of the “Good War” fought by the “Greatest Generation.”
Half American is American history as you’ve likely never read it before. In these pages are stories of Black heroes such as Thurgood Marshall, the chief lawyer for the NAACP, who investigated and publicized violence against Black troops and veterans; Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., leader of the Tuskegee Airmen, who was at the forefront of the years-long fight to open the Air Force to Black pilots; Ella Baker, the civil rights leader who advocated on the home front for Black soldiers, veterans, and their families; James Thompson, the 26-year-old whose letter to a newspaper laying bare the hypocrisy of fighting against fascism abroad when racism still reigned at home set in motion the Double Victory campaign; and poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a war correspondent for the Black press. Their bravery and patriotism in the face of unfathomable racism is both inspiring and galvanizing. In a time when the questions World War II raised regarding race and democracy in America remain troublingly relevant and still unanswered, this meticulously researched retelling makes for urgently necessary reading.
From Rotary International: To ensure we live up to that ideal, the Board of Directors and our DEI Taskforce acted to strengthen the DEI statement originally adopted in 2019. The result is in a new commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion:
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.
Rotary of Lebanon Club
January 12, 2022
Marilyn Bedell rang the bell and President Ed Friedman called the meeting to order at 12:01 PM.
Marion Steiner lead us in reciting the 4-Way Test.
Program: Viewing of Professor Mathew Delmont's video about his book, Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad. See story above.
Car wash raffle
Ernst Oidtmann won the car wash
Happy Dollars:
Bruce Pacht shared that he completed his term as president of the North County Chordsmen. He remined members that is you want to order a singing Valentine for Valentines Day, place your request early as there will be a limited number of requests accepted. Chick Here to place your order.
Phil Bush reports that he is doing well after having surgery for a hip fracture, and is grateful for Jim Damren's help in understanding that you can recover quickly from this sort of injury.
Ed Freidman reports that he is now a grandfather (grand-pap) to Laney Lynn who was born 15 weeks prematurely. Weighing in at just over 2 pounds. Shelley is telling other that this will be their million dollar granddaughter. Keep Laney in your thoughts as she has a way to go to be able to be discharged from the ICN.
Announcements:
Our 30th Annual Bedell Classic Golf Tournament has a date change. This year it will be on FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023 at Eastman Golf Links...SAVE THE DATE. The tournament will tee time at 10:00 AM.
100th Anniversary Celebration SAVE THE DATES:
May 13, 2023, Harmony Park Dedication
June 29, 2023, Celebration Dinner and Changeover
Vest and Jackets at Top Stitch: John Yacavone reported that the link you will find below is once again an active link. Consider purchasing some Lebanon Rotary bling in time for our 100th Anniversary Celebrations.
Phil Rentz, Chair of Brew Fest 2023, announced that the first planning meeting will be, Wednesday, January 25, at Service Credit Union. Take the elevator to the second floor. Consider joining this team...and remember if you can, save the Saturday of Labor Day weekend for this event, or consider ways you can help prior to the event. Sponsorships will be needed.]
Next week, our program at Harvest Hill will be to hear committee reports, and provide a time for Q&A.
February 2, 2023 will be the First Round of the Speech Contest. Judges, timekeepers and talliers are need to help on the day of the contest. Let Phil Rentz know if you are willing to help with one of these tasks.
Meeting adjourned at 12:45 PM.
Members at the meeting included: Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Hank Clarke, Jim Damren, Ed Friedman, Joy Gobin, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Will Koppenheffer, JoAnn Lemieux, Jane Mason, Ron Michaud, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Marion Steiner, Paul Tierney, Steve Whitman, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone, and visiting Rotarian, Jimmy Brock.
Next Listen Dinner February 14, 2022, It's Valentine's Day!
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.
Here's hoping you will order some Rotary wear soon.
RI president-elect announces 2023-24 presidential theme
By Etelka Lehoczky
Rotary International President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally called for members to capture the world's attention and lead the way toward possibilities far beyond our current expectations.
McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland, revealed the 2023-24 presidential theme, Create Hope in the World, during the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, on 9 January. He urged members to promote peace in troubled nations, help those affected by conflict, and maintain the momentum of initiatives begun by past leaders.
"The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves," McInally said at Rotary's annual training event for incoming district governors.
McInally spoke about a woman he met in Ban Taling Chan, Thailand, where Rotary members helped build houses, a meeting hall, and childcare and health care facilities following the tsunami that devastated South Asia in late 2004. The woman had lost her husband, her daughter, and her son in the tsunami, as well as her livelihood. But she still had a gift to offer McInally: a beautiful seashell.
"She went on to tell me that Rotary... had restored her optimism. We gave her hope," McInally said.
"This is how Rotary brings lasting change to the world," he added, "one restored or newly created hope at a time."
Promoting peace
A significant way to bring hope to the world is to put a greater emphasis on peace, McInally said. He cited the action Rotary members have taken in the past year to support the people of Ukraine after the invasion by Russia. Rotary has made humanitarian relief a priority, attracting more Ukrainian members in the process. But McInally noted that true relief won't come without peace — not just in Ukraine, but in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and dozens of other places around the globe.
"Peace is the soil where hope takes root," McInally said.
McInally also emphasized the power of continuity, calling for Rotary members to continue the work of some past leaders. He pledged to maintain the Empowering Girls initiative launched by 2020-21 President Shekhar Mehta and uphold the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Rotary. He also noted recent events that underscore the importance of Rotary's continuing focus on polio. In the past year, polio cases have emerged in many areas around the world, making it more crucial than ever for Rotary members to lead the fight against the disease.
To do that, McInally said, Rotary must continue to raise at least US$50 million each year to receive the full 2-to-1 funding match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Only about 1 in 12 members currently gives to the polio eradication campaign, with fewer than 1 in 5 clubs donating each year.
McInally asked the district governors-elect for support creating a new sense of urgency in their clubs to help realize Rotary's vision of a polio-free world. "This is the time for us to go beyond what's necessary year to year and make sure we provide every resource necessary to succeed as quickly as possible," he added.
Focusing on mental health
In addition, McInally said, Rotary members should offer hope to those affected by mental health challenges — a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have lost family members, many more have found their social networks uprooted, and young people especially have had their educational and developmental paths interrupted. As a result, more people around the world are facing mental health issues. And yet, seeking assistance is often perceived as a sign of weakness.
"Nothing could be further from the truth," McInally said. "Reaching out for help is courageous — and continuing on a path toward wellness is even more so."
He added that Rotary will work to improve mental health services in the next year and beyond. Rotary should be known as an organization that takes care of its members as well as the people it serves, McInally said. "Any mental health professional will tell you that by helping others, we essentially help ourselves."
McInally ended his speech by describing his ideal balance of continuity and innovation. "Rotary helps create the conditions for peace, opportunity, and a future worth living," he said. "By continuing what we do best, by remaining open and willing to change, and by keeping our focus on building peace in the world and within ourselves, Rotary helps create a more peaceful world — a more hopeful world."
We will be meeting every Thursday
The First and Third Thursday at 12 Noon, at the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill; and the Second and Forth Thursday at 12 Noon on Zoom
Need to learn how to join a Zoom Meeting? Click Here
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