Our speaker today was Kathleen Vasconcelos, Executive Director for the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council.
Kathleen Vasconcelos
Executive Director for the Grafton Coun
Kathleen leads a team of nearly 100 employees and hundreds of volunteers to provide services for older adults and adults with disabilities. Prior to joining GCSCC in 2018, Kathleen spent nearly 20 years at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in Maryland. She has a master’s degree in Nonprofit and Association Management, a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, and a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science. Kathleen and her family reside in her hometown of Woodsville, NH.
GCSCC Mission is to develop, strengthen, and provide programs and services that support the health, dignity and independence of older adults and adults with disabilities living in our communities.
The administrative office is located at 10 Campbell Street, next to the Upper Valley Senior CItizens building. GCSCC has been in existence for 50 years.
We learned that 30% of individuals living in Grafton County are over the age of 60.
The Centers focus on providing:
Nutrition via meals on wheels (108 clients in Lebanon), and at each center sit down meals and grab and go meals. Grab and go meals program began with the onset of COVID. In addition to the meal, the Meals on Wheels volunteers are doing wellness check 5 day each week to homebound seniors.
Transportation on demand to the centers, medical appointments, shopping centers, barber shops and salons, The centers own 13 buses. The buses traveled almost 20,000 miles in 2022.
Counseling services
Activities — such as on site programs, good morning calls, exercise program (Bone Builders), and Chore Corp.
Service Link — A program that helps seniors with Medicare and Medicaid questions, offers caregiver support, veterans assistance, and guidance to seniors during open enrollment season (October to December). Last year they helped seniors save $511,453 by guiding the senior to a different prescription Part D plan.
A location for RSVP Americorp Seniors Project.
The centers have a 4.2 million dollar budget. The are a non-governmental non-profit. Funds come from:
55% State and federal dollars
17% charitable giving
11% Local governement
9% client donations
4% grants and contracts
4% other
The centers are always in need of volunteers. Last year volunteers provided 18,827 hours of time to the various centers in Grafton County.
GCSCC has develops and works to develop new partnerships with healthcare providers, art centers, agencies, universities, etc.
At the moment, Lebanon's center is without a chef/cook and relying heavily on volunteers to help provide meals. Kathleen thanked John Yacavone and Ernst Oidtmann for helping out in the kitchen. In addition, Kendall, APD and Harvest Hill are providing some meal support too. Until a chef/cook is found they have stopped providing grab and go meals in Lebanon.
Kathleen thanks us for all the support we have given to the GCSCC both in dollars and helping with grab and go meals. She thanked Dean Cashman as he serves as the Center's treasurer.
From the GCSCC web page: If you or a loved one is in need of services in order to remain independent at home, or active in the community, please contact us. We provide the following:
Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels).
Outreach and counseling through the senior centers and ServiceLink to help navigate through Medicare and other services.
On-demand transportation. We drive clients in lift-equipped vans to medical appointments, grocery shopping, the senior centers and more.
Activities, educational programs and congregate meals.
Volunteer opportunities through RSVP at our centers and in the community.
Chore Corps, assisting with chores, repairs and safety modifications in and around homes.
Telephone reassurance, providing a daily call to elderly individuals who are homebound, living alone and at risk.
Call your local center for more information, we look forward to having you be a part of our community!
Rotary of Lebanon Club
We gathered between 11:30 am and 12:05 PM
President Ed Friedman rand the bell and called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM
President Ed welcomed our guests -Speaker, Kathleen Vasconcelos, Grafton County Senior Citizens Council (GCSCC) & visiting Rotarian, Kristele Caniquitte, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tim Guaraldi then led us in reciting the 4-Way Test
Ernst Oidtmann played the piano and we attempted to sing our Welcome to Rotary song, and one verse from Sweet Betsy from Pike
We then proceeded to the buffet for a beef based soup, veggie lasagna, chicken and Biscuits, seafood newburg, turkey meatloaf, a salad filled with huge red raspberries and a variety of sweet treats for dessert.
Steve Whitman then introduced our speaker Kathleen Vasconcelos, from the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council. See story above.
Several members did shout outs to Joan Laplante who works for Service Link who helped them navigate open enrollment at the GCSCC, saving them a lot of money.
There wasn't enough time for happy dollars but we did do our raffles, see below.
Announcements:
Our Club Visioning Session will be at Lebanon City Hall's Council Chambers on Wednesday, March 22, 2022 starting at 4:30 PM.d
Please do the survey that was sent via email by Monday, March 20th.
If you need the web link for the meeting, send an email to Marilyn Bedell and she will send it to you.
President Ed announced that Cal Wolfe has accepted the position to be our International Service Chair; and Ron Michaud is joining the Public Relations Team.
Polystyrene collection will be on April 1st behind Jake's Coffee. Arrive around 8 AM to help with setup. Collection goes from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Next listen dinner will be April 11th,from 2:30 to 6:15 PM Volunteers still needed. Sign up using link below.
Meeting was then adjourned with our Rotary Motto.
Hope to see many members at Club Strategic Planning/Visioning on March 22, at 4:30 PM.
One Profits Most Who Serves Best
Queen of Hearts Raffle an Car Wash Raffle
John Yacavone drew the 9 of Diamonds as the hunt for the Queen of Hearts continues.
Bill Secord was the winner of the Car Wash!
Members at the meeting and other guests: Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Hank Clarke, David Crandall, Jim Damren, Ed Friedman, Joy Gobin, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Jane Mason, Ernst Oidtmann, Ron Michaud, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Paul Tierney, Steve Whitman, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Guests: Speaker, Kathleen Vasconcelos, Grafton County Senior Citizens Council & visiting Rotarian, Kristele Caniquitte, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Kristele Canquitte
Kilton Library Children's Collection Books
[Presented at last week's meeting]
For Speaker. Ryan Fowler:
Bobby: A Story of Robert F. Kennedy by Deborah Wiles, illus. by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh
From two-time National Book Award finalist Deborah Wiles comes a compelling biography of Robert Kennedy.
Americans claimed Robert Kennedy as one of their own. They called him Bobby.
Lyrical and evocative text by Deborah Wiles (Countdown, Revolution, Anthem, and Kent State) brings the story of Robert F. Kennedy to life, with breathtaking illustrations by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.
Bobby is set in 1968, with a grandfather telling his grandchild about Kennedy's life. Bobby was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy. He became an accomplished public servant and activist in his own right. Though his run for presidency was tragically cut short on June 5, 1968, Bobby proved the value of empathy and grit. The story concludes as his funeral train makes its solemn journey from New York to Washington, DC.
Kennedy was perceived by many to be a rare unifying force in American politics. He was beloved by Americans of all races for his integrity and devotion to the civil rights cause. His life continues to inspire efforts for social change.
Deborah Wiles's Bobby will illuminate the importance of Robert Kennedy's life for children, parents, teachers, and librarians. Informative back matter is included.
For Speaker, Angel Hudson:
Get Involved in a Book Club! by Sagirah Shahid
"Love curling up with a good book? If so, a book club might be the right fit for you. Find out what it takes to join a book club or start your own, including information on membership, meetings, and activities. Together, you and your fellow members can participate, create, and most importantly, have fun. Take the plunge, join the club, and get involved!"
[Presented this week]
For speaker Kathleen Vasconcelos,
The Big Bath House
A joyful celebration of Japanese cultural traditions and body positivity as a young girl visits a bath house with her grandmother and aunties
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY New York Public Library • NPR • Publishers Weekly • Kirkus Reviews • Horn Book • The American Library Association • ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project
You'll walk down the street / Your aunties sounding like clip-clopping horses / geta-geta-geta / in their wooden sandals / Until you arrive... / At the bath house / The big bath house.
In this celebration of Japanese culture and family and naked bodies of all shapes and sizes, join a little girl--along with her aunties and grandmother--at a traditional bath house. Once there, the rituals leading up to the baths begin: hair washing, back scrubbing, and, finally, the wood barrel drumroll. Until, at last, it's time, and they ease their bodies--their creased bodies, newly sprouting bodies, saggy, jiggly bodies--into the bath. Ahhhhhh!
With a lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book is based on Kyo Maclear's loving memories of childhood visits to Japan, and is an ode to the ties that bind generations of women together.
Upcoming Projects and Fundraisers
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.
Rotary Volunteers should arrive around 8 AM
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.
Awaiting a new sign up link for meals in March, April and May. In the meantime, Call 603-448-4213 to volunteer to work on Monday and Wednesdays morning.
Ernst Oidtmann at the Senior Center!
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 - We now have our official License so we can be a named non-profit at the Poke Room!!
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.
Our District's RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference will we held at Northern Vermont University from June 23 to June 25. We will be sending students to it. Here's a report from one in Missouri. Our District is alway looking for Rotarians to join the RYLA Team, too!
In RYLA, I’ve glimpsed new horizons of opportunity
Posted on
Kennedy Brooks, right, and two other members of her small group, give the thumbs up during an activity at the a multi-district Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Academy in Missouri in July 2022.
By Kennedy K. Brooks, a participant in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Academy in Missouri, USA. Photos by Monika Lozinska/Rotary International
Last July, I attended a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Academy in Missouri, USA, that changed my life. I found myself in the right place at the right time. In the span of less than four days, I made unbelievable friendships, met mentors who were willing to give me wise counsel, and learned skills that I can use to explore a future of endless opportunities.
Several months earlier, my high school counselor had invited me into her office to tell me that the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club wanted to send me to a RYLA event. I knew what an honor it was to be selected. As the trip approached, I was more excited and anxious than for any trip I had previously taken.
The week began with the ride from my town of Hollister, Missouri, to Warrensburg and the campus of the University of Central Missouri. Upon arriving on campus, I checked into the dorms and met my roommate for the four nights. Her name was Ella, and she was from St. Louis. I was not sure how we would get along, as her and my backgrounds were considerably different. But we got along great and stayed up talking about everything and anything every night.
The first day, we did ice breakers to get to know one another. The entire event was filled with activities designed to help us learn about each other and get to know ourselves. Rotary members came and talked to us. We did some fun activities as a large group. And we broke into small groups to take part in a race in which our small groups competed to be the first to accomplish various tasks.
My small group called ourselves Mike’s Minions and Tracy Terrors after our fearless small group leaders: Mike and Tracy. Mike is a pastor and Tracy a Rotarian, but we called them our RYLA mom and dad.
RYLA participants sponsored by Rotary clubs in Districts 6040, 6060, and 6080 listen to a presentation.
Approximately 100 high school student took part in the leadership training activities over four days in July at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri, USA.
A RYLA participant engages in the Trust Fall activity.
Team members make choices during a race that pitted small groups against each other to be the first to complete various activities.
In a relay race activity, teams of two carefully balance jugs of water.
A group activity inside the gym
RYLA participants sponsored by Rotary clubs in Districts 6040, 6060, and 6080 listen to a presentation.
Approximately 100 high school student took part in the leadership training activities over four days in July at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri, USA.
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Approximately 100 high school student took part in the leadership training activities over four days in July at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri, USA.
Before the race began, the small groups got together to take the True Colors personality test, to learn about our strengths and weaknesses. I learned that my primary color was orange, which meant I’m confident, adventurous, an impulsive decision maker, and a quick action maker. My secondary color of blue revealed that I’m emotionally driven, creative, and empathetic. After we learned our colors, we discussed how we could use this information to help our team win the race.
The race included team-building exercises such as a trust fall, an obstacle course, and an activity designed to teach us about polio eradication. The ultimate goal was to plan a service project, and we were also given a budget exercise where we had to work out a real budget for our project. The service project we decided upon was to hold a 5K Red Ribbon Run to raise funds and awareness for teen drug abuse. We designed a plan that any Rotary club could
implement. After the race, all the teams celebrated with a surprise dance party, led by a fantastic DJ.
Throughout the week, Rotary members told us about different opportunities. I was struck by a presentation on Rotary’s Youth Exchange program, and afterward, spoke to a member of my local Rotary club about applying for the program. Attending RYLA gave me the courage to apply, and now I have been accepted to take part in a youth exchange beginning in July. My adventure with Rotary will continue.
I am forever grateful for RYLA Academy and the way it has taught me things that will help me pursue my future dreams.
Pakistan’s female vaccinators are doing more than helping end a disease
Photography by Khaula Jamil and Sana Ullah
Women make up two-thirds of Pakistan’s polio workforce. It’s a startling statistic for a nation that ranks 145th out of 146 countries for gender parity in economic participation and opportunity, according to a World Economic Forum gender inequality index.
The role of female vaccinators is born of necessity. Because of cultural norms, men are not allowed into many people’s homes in Pakistan. Women who provide the health care are the key link. They can build mom-to-mom relationships and provide trusted advice on not only polio but other health issues.
“Women working with women on the front line is going to be what gets us across the finish line,” says Rotary President Jennifer Jones, who met last year with polio workers in Pakistan. The country and Afghanistan are the only two where wild poliovirus is still transmitted persistently. Click here to read more
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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