Margaret Stacey, a Rotarian from Nelson, British Columbia attended the meeting.
Jennifer led us in singing “In the Good Old Summertime” which was hummed by some members who had not previously sung the song.
Marion then gave us a quick discussion of Rotary’s use of Facebook and of her and Evan’s efforts to upgrade our Facebook page and develop more of a digital presence. Check here to see the results of their efforts. Excellent!
JoAnn is also working with Ron on making changes to our website so that it is more accessible to the public as a place for them to learn about Rotary and what the Lebanon Rotary is up to.
Ernst won the draw but that was it.
Speaker:
Bruce Thompson of Webster, NH spoke to us about the role of the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR). Founded in 1972 ESGR is a Department of Defense program to foster the success of the All-Volunteer Force and the Reserve Components’ roles in the national security strategy. There are now 4500 volunteers, such as Bruce, operating in all 50 states and four other jurisdictions. They are supported by a small staff in the 54 State Committees.
Their efforts encompass building support and recognition among the service members, their families, employers and the DoD while in service and after leaving. They act as ombudsmen to solve problems for those who have served all of us. Last year, NH had 12 cases involving employment laws and all 12 were settled successfully without going to the Dept. of Labor. In 2015 NH has 73 volunteers working with 4063 employers and 3787 service members.
Bruce left us with an outlook on this important area of employment activity. Today there are fewer Guard and Reserve members looking for a new job than there are employers looking to hire them. He also indicated that the educational benefits of serving in the Guard & Reserve programs are being extensively used by many retirees to gain new jobs in the private sector.
The “Lebanon/+1/Barre” Curling team was successful at the Friday night match at the District Conference at Jay Peak as they succeeded in defeating the Greater Sherbrooke team in the finals.
Our club was well represented with Dan doing the registration and Jane doing a Round Table on a wheelchair district grant. Then there were those who partook of the 3 D’s (that’s drinks, dinners and dancing) Don & Dorrie, Garlan &Heidi and Steve & Carolyn making the social scene. And last, but not least, Bill and Bartolo were there for the Flag Carrying ceremony and Saturday night dinner. With the 6 or 8 from the Riverside Club, I’d say Lebanon was well represented and probably only surpassed in numbers by the Newport group.
The highlight, among the many talks, was the one by Dr. Bob Scott, a member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg, Ontario. Bob was the chair of the International PolioPlus Committee from 2006 to 2014. He has also served as Chair of the RI Foundation Trustees. He gave us all the stats which are impressive. Today, I should say this past week because he follows it every week, there are 78 cases left in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. They are of the Type 1 series only since Type 3 is now extinct and Type 2 is gone but not yet certified as such. If we don’t succeed in the next few years, and let up on the effort, it is very clear from the studies done, that Polio will return at significant levels very quickly.
He then went on to speak of the danger that now exists in Pakistan because of the killings of the people who are on the ground giving out the doses. He figures about 250 people have died because of these actions and this is one of the major blocks in the road to eradication. He also said he has personally known far too many of those who have died. They are a very brave and dedicated group of young women who are carrying on this, hopefully, last step in the campaign.
Dates to remember:
As plans progress for the end of one Rotary year and the start of the next there have been many dates announced. Take note:
May 14 Combined Lebanon Rotary Picnic at Riverside Park. Noon until 2PM - Horseshoes
May 26 Riverside Rotary Annual Bedell Classic Golf Tournament at Eastman.
June 18 District Changeover at Woodstock Inn, Woodstock, NH
June 24 -26 RYLA @ Lyndon State College
June 25 Mascoma River Cleanup – A project of the combined Lebanon Rotary Clubs.
June 30 Lebanon Rotary Changeover Dinner at the Mountain Meadow Golf Lodge & Event Center in Canaan.
