Annually, the Rotary Club of Lebanon provides tuition to send students from Lebanon High School to District 7850’s Rotary Leadership Academy at Northern Vermont University in Lyndon, VT. This year our students were Georgia Gaffney and Benjamin "Benji" Madory. In addition, our Rotary District RYLA Team invited back Nora Burns and Shaashwat “Lavi" Halwawala back to be junior counselors at the Academy.
Lavi and Nora
Georgia and Benji
This year, our District hosted student from District 7870 (Southern NH and Southern VT). Over 70 students were in attendance.
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotarians in our districts. The goal is to help students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. We want these students to return to their high schools as stronger student leaders.
Activities are planned to help the students:
Build communication and problem-solving skills
Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school and/or community
Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
Unlock their potential to turn motivation into action
Have fun and form lasting friendships
Norah and Lavi did a brief overview of their training for RYLA as couselors, and how they interacted with students during the weekend. They each were given the responsibility to oversee a team. They arrived a day early and got to do some of the activities that were planned for the RYLArians, as the counselors needed to work well as a team too. They also recognized each student at the end of the conference with a “Plate Award”…a paper plate that listed the major traits they brought to their team as a leader.
Georgia and Benji then reviewed all the activities:
They were divided into teams. Their first task was to create a team flag (based on a type of fish, e.g. goldfish and blue gill) and then work as a team to write and learn their team cheer.
One activity required them to do problem-solving, team building, while using verbal or non-verbal skills and overcoming barriers to complete the tasks they were engaged in.
They had some interactive classroom sessions led by up-and-coming youth leaders…one had worked at a school in Zimbabwe.
They explored their styles of leadership, and how their style impacted working with other people who are “like them”. At times it can lead to an inability to complete a task because they focused too much on details; and for others the task wasn't well done because they were less detailed oriented. They learned that often the task gets done more completely and efficiently when different people with different personality traits are combined into one the group.
They participated in exercises that challenged them to consider how physical obstacles (loss of sight, loss of use of a limb, inability to hear) can impact completion of task.
They worked with the organization, “Rise Against Hunger” and prepared 10,000 meals. They will be delivered to individuals dealing with food insecurity.
They all were required to participate in a talent show, independently or as part of a group, or work behind the scenes to help make sure the show flowed evenly.
Both Benji and Georgia indicated that since they returned from RLYA they have used their newly honed leadership skills to help them when they are a part of a Various groups.
President Ernst Oidtmann called the meeting to order at at noon.
Jim Damren led us in reciting the 4-Way Test.
Ernst Oidtmann welcomed our guests:
George Wentz, Rotarian, transferring his membership from WRJ to Lebanon soon,
Bonnie Robinson, LHS, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
RYLA Participants: Norah Burns, Georgia Gaffney, Shaashwat Halwawala, Benjamin Madory
Ernst Oidtmann shared what he called his spooky thought of the day: He shared a story of climbing Smart Mountain on a winter day. He went up the firetower. He had difficulty opening the hatch door to climb down. Thus is decent down the mountain was later than he intended. He started down the mountain as it was getting dark. He was feeling his way down the train. He couldn't see well as he only had sunglasses and not his regular glasses. At some point, he realized he was no longer on the main trail. He heard a dog bark, it sounded like his deceased dog, Serious, a black lab. He looked around and moved toward to sound of the barking. This put him back on the main trail. He never did see the dog, was this the ghost of Serious helping him to get down the trail safely to his car? Hummm.
No birthdays to announce today. But two members are having an anniversary. See the cartoon above.
Then on to our buffet lunch.
The program today was about the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. See story above.
Bill Secord then presented four books in honor of our speakers.
For Shaashwat "Lavi" Halwawala
Abuela's Library
By Lissette Norman (Author), Jayri Gómez (Illustrator)
Alfonso and Abuela love to spend Saturday afternoons finding books at the library and reading them together beneath their favorite oak tree. But when their beloved tree is cut down, can Alfonso transform the stump into something magical for their whole community—their very own neighborhood library?
This uplifting story from award-winning poet Lissette Norman and illustrator Jayri Gómez shows us how to turn an unexpected setback into a happy ending: one with a beautiful sky-blue door and shelves filled with books for everyone to enjoy.
For Georgia Gaffney
Gaga Mistake Day
By Emma Straub (Author), Susan Straub (Author),Jessica Love (Illustrator)
When Grandma comes for a visit, silliness and creativity are guaranteed, in this funny and endearing book by bestselling novelist Emma Straub; her kids' gaga, Susan Straub; and award-winning illustrator Jessica Love.
Gaga days are the best! That’s when this eccentric, mischievous grandma babysits her delighted granddaughter. These Gaga days are always full of the silliest “mistakes,” like swapping eyeglasses and walking backwards to the park. Like making the house safe by eating all the marshmallow goblins, filling the tub to bursting with bubbles, and then reading a bedtime story all the way through upside down.
With touches of Amelia Bedelia and Eloise, this irrepressible granny might just inspire deliciously goofy, endlessly creative, and bursting-with-love grandma-grandchild playdates!
For Norah Burns
Pasta Pasta Lotsa Pasta
By Aimee Lucido (Author), Mavisu Demirag (Illustrator)
A family dinner gets out of hand as guest after guest arrives with a different pasta request in this delectable and rambunctious rhyming picture book. How much pasta is too much pasta?
Ring-a-ding, the doorbell rings, and oh! What did my Nonna bring? Nonna Ana from Catania only likes to eat lasagna. But Nonno Titi from Tahiti only eats his spaghettini! Zio Tony wants ravioli, Zia Trini wants rotini, the cugini want tortellini… Family dinners can be tricky when the guests are oh-so-picky! As the kitchen gets more and more chaotic, can family pasta night go off without a hitch?
For
Benjamin Madory
Sheepwrecked
By Ashley Belote (Author)
Set sail on a hilarious romp on the high seas with a group of pirate sheep and their big emotions! Join them as they bumble their way to a lost island and find the best treasure of all --friendsheep!
Baa-hoy! Captain Hoof and his crew of sheep pirates are headed home with their treasure. Then -- SMASH! CRASH! BAM! -- the flock has been SHEEPWRECKED. They're cursed! They're lost forever! They'll never make it home! Until. . . a long-lost pirate helps the ragtag flock calm their nerves and see that things aren't all that bad.
Time for Happy Dollars:
Bruce Pacht paid a happy dollar about visiting with independent singer/songwriter Neko Case (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neko_Case) after her performance Wednesday night at the Lebanon Opera House. Bill Fortini (Bruce's partner Lori's older brother and the archaeologist mentioned in Neko's Wikipedia entry), was married to Neko's mother for ~12-13 years while Neko was growing up; they've continued their relationship for the last 35 years. Three of Lori and Bill's cousins from Ste-Hyacinthe, Quebec came down for dinner with us at Three Tomatoes. During the concert, Neko gave a shout-out to her "Auntie Lori who lives right here in Lebanon," and then we all went backstage. It was the first time since she was a child that Neko was seeing her Quebcois cousins in person. She and her band left right after the show for their next gig in somewhere in Ontario.
George Wentz is happy his great-granddaughter is back in Vermont.
Bill Secord shared his granddaughter is at Holyoke and is a dorm counselor. When she was visiting another dorm, she quickly realized an unauthorized drinking party was going on. She found two students passed out with alcohol poisoning. After calling for emergency help, she kicked out the non-Holyoke students. She reported the incident…and at the moment she has survived this harrowing event, and isn’t being harassed for taking charge and holding students accountable for bad behaviors. Fill is very proud of her.
Hank Clarke update on Carol’s back/pain issues. The cyst hasn’t been fully ablated, but isn’t causing as much pain as it caused during the summer. She will have surgery on October 10, with the goal to remove the cyst and the goal is to provide full pain relief.
Bonnie Robinson from LHS thanked us for our support of Take Flight. She invited any member to come to the hanger in Lebanon to see the plane build in progress. They students are making progress.
Ahmad Haidari says some members may not be as happy as he is, as the Phillies have made the playoffs. His sympathies were extended to our Red Sox fans.
Marilyn Bedell is happily celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. She encouraged members to consider attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She also celebrated the students who participated in RYLA.
Announcements
Charities Report and Vote for Donation to Kilton Library to upgrade AV equipment in the Community Room: Bruce Pacht reviewed the proposal from the Charities Board The Charities Trustees proposed we support funding new AV equipment for the Kilton Library's Community Room. Since the donation proposed in >$5,000 if required a club member vote. Hank Clarke made motion that was seconded by Joy Gobin to approve the expenditure of $5,000 from our Charities account to support the equipment that will be upgraded at the Kilton Library Community Room. Our donation will be matched by the Byrne Foundation. Phil Renz and Bill Secord spoke in favor of the expenditure. It was then brought to a vote and it passed in the affirmative unanimously.
Charities Board Chair Bruce Pacht
Membership: Ron Michaud is proposing Michael Campbell for membership. He owned the Hardware Store in Hanover.
Invitation from the Hanover Rotary Club to join them for a special meeting— October 9, 2024, Dartmouth College, Class of 1953 Commons, Paganucci Lounge at 11:45 AM.
Chris Singleton video presentation…
Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He became a nationally-renowned speaker with a message of resilience, forgiveness and unity following the loss of his mother in the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church Tragedy in Charleston, SC.
Date: Wednesday October 9th at 11:45
Place: P53 Commons (formerly known as Thayer Hall to old timers) located at 6 Mass Row on the Dartmouth campus. It is directly behind Collis Center which is the building on the corner of the green which is undergoing renovations.
Parking: There is no parking on campus but one could pull in close to assist a handicapped person to get close to the front entrance ramp. We use street parking or the lots behind Molly’s or wherever…… The meeting is in Paganucci Lounge which is connected to the main lobby
Payment: After you pay at one of the two ticket kiosks. They are credit card only and take just a few seconds. Tell them you are with Hanover Rotary and it’s about $16.50 for a wonderful lunch with way too many options. Several of us will be there to welcome and assist.
Why come?
Well, you, Ron, and Ernst heard Chris’s presentation when I did. I immediately felt he spoke to core Rotary themes - forgiveness and caring.
Second, it is a good way to assemble both clubs which we don’t do often enough. If our members could each identify themselves as I point to each table, that would be great.
Third, the setting and food are terrific and it will be a good warm up exercise for our joint session with President Beilock sometime during the winter term. They are working to set the date as I write this, so please stay tuned.
Time: 11:45 seems like a good target time. (or sooner - I’ll be there by 11:30) This will allow everyone a chance to wander back and decide what to eat - whatever you wish and as much or little - you decide. The only “problem “ is there are too many choices!
Meeting Plan: I will reopen the meeting shortly after noon for the pledge to the flag, a brief invocation, and a welcome from me. Then will allow time to enjoy the meal and we’ll reconvene around 12:30ish to introduce ourselves and screen the video. I’m guessing we’ll be done by 1:15 -1:30 but folks can linger and chat if they like.
Brew Fest: More leftover beer was sold before and after the meeting.
Enfield Flu Vaccine Clinic will be October 10, 2024. Thanks to all who have signed up to help.
Holiday Basket Helpers: Angela sent word that we will be helping to review gifts, bag them, and tag them on December 9th from noon to 3 PM and December 10th from 10 AM to Noon. Please save these dates and time to help.
Members at the meeting:
Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Dean Cashman, David Clarenbach, Hank Clarke, Jim Damren, Mia Dela Pena, Joy Gobin, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Ron Michaud, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Joshua Smith*, Richard Wallace, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Guests:
George Wentz, Rotarian, transferring his membership from WRJ to Lebanon soon,
Bonnie Robinson, LHS, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
RYLA Participants: Norah Burns, Georgia Gaffney, Shaashwat Halwawala, Benjamin Madory
*Joined by WebEx
Card and Car Wash Raffles
Phil Bush pulled the 7 of Clubs... thus the hunt for the Queen of Hearts continues.
The car wash was won by one of our RYLArians, Lavi
FUTURE MEETING PROGRAMS/SPEAKERS
October 2024
October 3 Melanie McDonough, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Lebanon.
October 10 Paul Coats, New children’s playground at Civic Memorial Field
October 17 Nicole-Food Burley, City of Lebanon Historian
October 24 Tamira Martel, Governor’s Institute of Vermont
October 31 Steve Fine, Melanoma Cancer Foundation (Webex)
November 2024
November 7 Rob Stenger, Co-owner of Simple Energy
November 14 Iris Alitilo, A.A.R.P. Downsizing & Decluttering.This presentation begins by helping participants understand why keeping stuff is important to some people. Then, we'll tackle practical, easy-to-follow downsizing and decluttering tips to get your home and office organized!
November 21 John Fenley & Affrille Degoma, SPARK! Community Center
November 28 THANKSGIVING - No Meeting
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 PM
Contact: Bruce Pacht
Board Meeting: 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM via Zoom
Contact: Ernst Oidtmann
Golf: 2025 schedule to be announced
Brew Fest: The 2025 Schedule to be announced
Other Events and Service Projects
Garden Clean-up Near Goss Logan Insurance Office
Here are a couple of photos taken by Mila Dela Pena at the Garden Clean-up
Phil Bush, Mila Dela Pena and Ernst Oidtmann
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
For centuries, people have gathered at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in Calgary, Canada. Next year, it will be Rotary’s turn, as members, family, and friends worldwide will gather there for the 2025 Rotary International Convention, 21-25 June. Get a preview of what lies in store for those attending the convention in the September issue of Rotary magazine. And read about Canada’s fourth-largest metropolitan area, a big city without big city problems. Register now to be a part of the magic in Calgary in June.
Register before December 15, 2024 to receive the preferred rate of $525!
District 5360 is excited to welcome the world to the Rotary International Convention!
Prepare to be captivated by Calgary’s vibrant culture, embraced by warm hospitality, and inspired by the spirit of Rotary as we gather in this iconic destination.
Calgary is Canada's third most diverse city – over 240 ethnic origins and 165 languages spoken.
It is home of the famous Calgary Stampede, founded in 1912
You will be only one one-hour drive from the iconic Canadian Rockies (but you can see them from Calgary!)
Jonghyeong Park, right, with other scholars at the Geneva Graduate Institute in 2021.
By Jonghyeong Park, 2021-23 Rotary Scholar
In 2021, I was awarded a Rotary Scholarship to pursue a master’s in development studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute. This generous assistance allowed me to pursue becoming a global leader in humanitarian work.
I first developed an interest in global peace and humanitarianism while studying international politics at Chung-Ang University, researching and writing papers on how the international community responds to crises like the Rwandan Genocide and conflict in the Middle East. This academic curiosity naturally led me to seek practical experience, which I gained through internships at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and the Korean Red Cross, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of humanitarian crises on individuals and societies.
During my UN OCHA internship in Fiji, I had my first encounter with Rotary. I noticed the Rotary logo on the wall while dining at a restaurant. Curious, I struck up a conversation with the restaurant owner, who turned out to be a Rotarian. He introduced me to Rotary’s scholarship program. The values and goals of Rotary resonated deeply with my own aspirations, and I felt an immediate connection.
A time of growth in Geneva I applied for and received a global grant scholarship with the support of the Rotary Club of Cheongju Dream, and later the Rotary Club of Jincheon Bonghwa. The two years I spent at the Geneva Graduate Institute were more than just an academic experience; they were an opportunity to engage with peers from around the world and immerse myself in diverse cultures and ideas.
In Geneva, a hub for international organizations, I had many opportunities to participate in real-time discussions and lectures on humanitarian crises and global issues. These experiences honed my ability to analyze and understand complex international problems from multiple perspectives and provided invaluable networking opportunities with professionals working in the field.
While I was in Geneva, the Ukraine-Russia war broke out, leading to an influx of Ukrainian refugees in the city. The knowledge I was gaining about international relations and humanitarian crises motivated me to engage directly with these refugees and I developed a deep empathy for their suffering.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting on a project supporting vulnerable groups affected by the Ukraine conflict, organized by the Rotary Club of Lausanne. Witnessing Rotary’s practical humanitarian efforts in collaboration with local communities deepened my understanding of how impactful and necessary these initiatives are.
Supporting those forced to migrate.
After completing the program, I began serving as a project officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Solomon Islands. The IOM, the UN Migration agency, is supporting people forced to migrate due to conflict, climate change, and political oppression.
The Solomon Islands, where I am based, is an archipelago in the South Pacific, consisting of six large islands and over 900 smaller ones, making it highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Our office focuses on supporting residents who may need to leave their homes due to these environmental changes, working to minimize the negative effects they face.
My role specifically involves managing climate change and disaster resilience projects. This includes developing educational materials to increase community resilience, collaborating with local communities and government agencies, and designing communication strategies with international organizations to ensure the successful execution of our projects.
Vision and mission strengthened by Rotary
My Rotary scholarship connected me with a global network of mentors and provided opportunities to contribute to peacebuilding. Even after completing the program, I continue to engage with Rotary members, fostering collaboration in my work with IOM.
Looking ahead, I remain dedicated to strengthening disaster resilience and promoting sustainable development in regions affected by climate change through my work with IOM. Listening to the voices of the most impacted communities, I aim to contribute to strategies that help nations and local societies adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Rotary members and donors who made my scholarship possible. Your support was crucial not only for my academic achievements but also for providing me with the opportunity to contribute to global peace. I will continue to uphold Rotary’s values and strive to make a positive impact wherever it is needed in the world.
.png)
