July 27th MEETING TO BE HELD AT RIVERSDE PARKON THE GLEN ROAD. (NO WEBEX or ZOOM THIS WEEK). Catered by Jakes.
August 3rd Paul Coats and Dan Moriarty will be our speakers.
August 10, 17, 24 and 31
Speakers to be announced. Ron Michaud is waiting for confirmation from several speakers. We should have some really interesting topics for upcoming meetings soon. Stay tuned for details. Ron is talking to Amy Allen, our new Superintendent of Schools, our new fire chief, the president of Dartmouth College to name a few potential speakers.
Our speaker today was Dan McMillan founded and leads Save Democracy in America, a non-partisan campaign to get big money out politics. He has earned a Ph.D. in German history from Columbia and a law degree from Fordham. He has taught college-level history and prosecuted criminal cases for the Brooklyn DA’s office. In 2014 Dan published an acclaimed book for the general public about why the Holocaust happened.
McMillan's book about the Holocaust
After several years researching a book about money in politics, Dan decided that direct political action was more urgently needed and launched his campaign for voter-owned elections.
Dan first came to New Hampshire in the 1980s for the ice climbing near North Conway and St. Johnsbury, VT. A dedicated rock climber in his youth, Dan has made three ascents of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley – the highest rock wall in North America.”
Dan explained why he has created Save Democracy in America. He is worried about our country, but hopeful that fundamental changes are possible to eliminate every elected officials dependence on "big money". He is in New Hampshire as he believes voters in New Hampshire want change, and it is possible to get bipartisan support for changing the way we finance elections.
He shared that he believes that big money has stolen our say in how we are governed. Politicians no longer listen to us, the voters. Candidates often are compelled to listen to the donors who pay for their expensive election campaigns.
I went to his web page and this summarizes his position on this topic:
We can fix our broken politics with Democracy Dollars, by letting the voters be the donors who really count. For every federal election, the government will give each voter an online account of campaign cash – $100 in presidential election years, $50 for congressional midterms. You won’t be able to take this money out and spend it, but you will be able to go online and send these Democracy Dollars to the candidates YOU want to support. Every serious candidate will be able to raise enough money from the voters to run a fully competitive campaign, and no politician will have an excuse for taking money from special interests.
Our campaign for Democracy Dollars can bring Americans together regardless of party, race, religion or social class, and help overcome our divisions. Join us. Let the voters be the donors! Together we can take our country back.
It is his belief that the current funding mechanism for elections, especially National elections leads to gridlock and negative messaging. Big donors are driving who runs for office, who gets support and the drive the platforms for both Democrats and Republicans.
The funding mechanism he described in Save Democracy in America can lead to real change. He spoke about the City of Seattle has implemented a change to put voters as the driving voice for city elections, and how it has prevented some larger donors to take control of the City Council.
He was asked if big money equals corruption...only when it is used to buy elections.
We as individual voters are capable to making good decisions. If you want to learn more you can sign up to receive emails on the Save Democracy in America web page, click here.
With the ringing of our bell, President Dave Crandall called the meeting to order at 12:05
Introduction of guests: Prospective Members, Mary Maxfield (Ernst Oidtmann) and Dave Clarenbach (Angela Nelson) and Rick Urgins a friend of Mary Maxfield.
John Yacavone lead the reciting of the 4-Way Test
Ernst Oidtmann is back but no piano at Service Credit Union, so no singing today.
This date in history....Over half a century ago, on July 20, 1969, humans walked on the Moon for the first time. Neil Armstrong states, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Dave shared his Dad/Bad jokes:
What did the rooster say looking at lettuce?
Chicken sees a salad.
Program
Get Big Money out of Politics, Bring Americans Together, Speaker Dan McMillan. See Story above.
Book given in Dan's honor to the Children's Collection at the Kilton Library:
The British Are Coming (Young Readers Edition) by Rick Atkinson
How did the United States become the country it is today? What led to its creation?
Adapted from Pulitzer Prize–winner Rick Atkinson’s deeply researched and stunningly vivid The British Are Coming, the young readers edition explores these questions and so much
David McMillan presented us with a copy of his book which we will donate to the Kilton Library.
How Could This Happen: Explaining the Holocaust
by Dan McMillan
The Holocaust has long seemed incomprehensible, a monumental crime that beggars our powers of description and explanation. Historians have probed the many sources of this tragedy, but no account has united the various causes into an overarching synthesis that answers the vital question: How was such a nightmare possible in the heart of western civilization?
In How Could This Happen, historian Dan McMillan distills the vast body of Holocaust research into a cogent explanation and comprehensive analysis of the genocide's many causes, revealing how a once-progressive society like Germany could have carried out this crime. The Holocaust, he explains, was caused not by one but by a combination of factors -- from Germany's failure to become a democracy until 1918, to the widespread acceptance of anti-Semitism and scientific racism, to the effects of World War I, which intensified political divisions within the country and drastically lowered the value of human life in the minds of an entire generation. Masterfully synthesizing the myriad causes that led Germany to disaster, McMillan shows why thousands of Germans carried out the genocide while millions watched, with cold indifference, as it enveloped their homeland.
Persuasive and compelling, How Could This Happen explains how a perfect storm of bleak circumstances, malevolent ideas, and damaged personalities unleashed history's most terrifying atrocity.
Brew Fest
Phil Rentz has a limited number of Brew Fest posters that can be posted "around town". If you know a place where you can hang one, let Phil know. You can arrange a time to pick them up from Phil at Service Credit Union on Mechanics Street. If you are posting a poster please use push pins and not staples.
Jim Damren again talked about the importance of sponsorships. He is asking every member to reach out to businesses to request sponsorships and/or ads. If you need forms, let us know. The form was sent by Marilyn Bedell for Jim previously.
Deadline for ads and sponsorships will be 1 August 2023, so we have only ~3 weeks to go.
Reminder....EventBrite ticket site is now up and working. Q code can be used to access the site.
Q-Code takes you to EventBrite Order Page
Poker Room
John Yacavone reported that the State has made the application process simpler for the Poker Room. We will have dates in April 2024.
100 Anniversary
A few more photos:
Sara Koury (former Lebanon-Riverside Rotarian and Marion Steiner)
2023/2024 District Governor Susan Cherry
Sharon Guaraldi (Tim's Mom) and John Yacavone
Name Tags for Attendee
Announcements and other upcoming events
Marketing Plans: Addition information will be shared, but the quote from our preferred marketing professional is perceived as being very expensive ($3500/month). PR Committee wants to have a clearer vision of what we want to accomplish with marketing before making such a huge investment of our funds. Additional information will be shared at club business meeting.
Mascoma River Clean-up Due to flooding and ongoing high water levels, River Clean-up moved to September 223rd. Stay tuned for details. Tim Guaraldi will co-lead the event with Ernst with the plan for Tim to chair the event in 2025.
I hope you received the invitation below to the August 9 open house at Lebanon Opera House. This promises to be an exciting event as we prepare to celebrate our centennial year and launch the next 100 years in a new and improved LOH. Please extend this invitation to the full team at Rotary Club of Lebanon!
The RSVP link and more information can be found by clicking here
All the best,
Maureen
Maureen Krauland I Development Relations Manager I Lebanon Opera House
Ron was happy to announce he had a lovely 85th birthday yesterday. He brought a $100 check for Rotary Club of Lebanon, Charities Inc.
Ernst Oidtmann happy reported no flooding at his medical office building.
Hank and Carol Clarke had a lovely trip to Glacier National park, but the sad news was the train ride that was to take under 12 hours took 30 hours, with limited food on the train. They did receive a $1500 voucher to use on another Amtrak trip.
David Crandall won't be here next week. He will be on vacation at the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, NY.
Queen of Hearts Card Draw
No Card Draw this week.
Car Wash
Mary Maxfield won the car wash.
REMINDER
Next week's meeting is at Riverside Park on the Glen Road. No official program, just loads for fellowship with food once again from Jakes.
The only club business will be:
You should have received this information via email. The email had the full proposal attached.
At its regular meeting July 19, 2023, the Rotary Club of Lebanon, NH Charities, Inc., voted unanimously to appropriate $1,890 to the Hanover Hockey Association to provide 30 jerseys (15 away, 15 home) for a 16U team (age 16 and under) being organized by Lebanon Rotarian Dean Cashman, new head coach of the Mascoma-Lebanon-Stevens Ice Hockey Team.
Please take special note that the Rotary International wheel will appear on the shoulders of each jersey, and that our Visioning process specifically mentioned “sponsorship of a sports team” as a method for expanding our brand into our home community.
Because this appropriation is not part of Charities approved budget for 2023-24 and exceeds $1,000, confirmation of Club members in good standing is required.
Accordingly, the issue will be taken up at our regular Club meeting at Riverside Park on Thursday, July 27. A motion to approve the expenditure will be put on the table for discussion and vote. A majority of members present and voting is required for approval of the proposed allocation.
Thank you for your interest.
Bruce Pacht, chair
Rotary Club of Lebanon, NH Charities, Inc.
Members at the Picnic on July 15: Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Hank Clarke, David Crandall, Ed Friedman, Tim Guarald, Ahmad Haidari, Will Koppenheffer, Sharmila Niroula, Dipack Niroula, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Marlon Steiner, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Members at the meeting on July 20: Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, David Crandall, Jim Damren, Ahmad Haidari, Will Koppenheffer, Jane Mason*, Ron Michaud, Angela Nelson, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Marlon Steiner, Rich Wallace, Steve Whitman, John Yacavone. Guests: Prospective members Mary Maxfield and Dave Clarenbach and Rick Urgins, friend of Mary Maxfield
*Joined by WebEx
Projects and Fundraisers
Next Listen Dinner August 15, 2022, Volunteers needed.
See email sent last week with other dates when help is needed.
ONLINE SIGN UP HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.
Let Dean Cashman know if you can help and he can email Larry the names of members who will help at the dinner. Currently only one person has signed up to cook the meal.
Lebanon Senior Center
Contact the Senior Center for Dates and Time when Helper are needed.
Papa John helping at the Senior Center
Mascoma River Clean-Up — September 23, 2023 at 9 AM
Save the Date! September 23rd for our next Mascoma River Clean up!
Ernst Oidtmann with Tim Guaraldi as co-chair will lead the event.
We will do this in partnership with the Lebanon Conservation Commission and other interested community members.
Brew Fest 2023
Brew Fest on to
September 2, 2023
CHEERS!!
Our next fund raising priority.
Top Stitch Rotary Vests and Jackets
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.
Rotary News
Presidential Initiatives
RI President Gordon McInally
Initiatives Overview
Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally wants Rotary to exist everywhere in a style that suits everyone who has the desire to work with us to do good. During this year, he'll focus on three presidential initiatives that Create Hope in the World: prioritizing mental health, building peace through virtual exchanges, and empowering girls.
Prioritizing mental health
Gordon encourages Rotary members to make mental health a priority. Rotary has a unique ability to connect people and cultures, giving hope and receiving it through acts of kindness. Now is the time to expand this culture of care — both within Rotary and in the world at large.
Providing care in such a way benefits not only the communities we live in and work with, but also our members as they take part in addressing mental health. Research shows that performing acts of kindness is the most effective way to protect our own sense of well-being and become more resilient.
Rotary can create the kind of world we want to live in: one where we all feel supported as part of a community and where we help expand access to quality care. Members can do this by:
Erasing the stigma associated with caring about emotional well-being
Raising awareness about mental health needs
Working to improve access to mental health services
Everyone in Rotary has a role in this effort. Members can help each other prioritize self-care in the ways that are most meaningful. Clubs can make sure they offer welcoming environments where everyone who interacts with us is treated with care, respect, and dignity. We can talk openly about mental health, let people know they're not alone, and encourage them to get professional help if necessary. And we can work with community and national leaders to create or expand access to quality preventive care and interventions for mental health.
Resources for education and support
Review the Prioritizing Mental Health brochure to learn more about this initiative and find ideas for how your club or district can support activities that encourage mental well-being.
Other action groups specialize in related topics, such as addiction prevention. Review the list of Rotary Action Groups and contact them directly for guidance with your service initiatives.
Consult your district resource network, led by the district international service chair, to connect with local professionals who have expertise in mental health. You can also consider applying for a Rotary Foundation district or global grant to support your efforts.
Browse the Mental Health Initiatives campaign through Rotary Showcase to find out how other clubs and districts are identifying and addressing mental health priorities in their communities. Share your own efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and erase misperceptions about these issues.
Rotary International would love to know about your club experiences with the mental health initiative. Tell us your stories.
Peacebuilding through virtual exchanges
Rotary has a long history of working for peace through personal connections, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to do that face to face. Inspired by what we learned from that time, Gordon encourages districts to incorporate virtual components into more of their programs, events, and activities. By using innovative technologies to make connections, we give more people the opportunity to experience our global community.
Adding or maintaining these components in Rotary Youth Exchanges, Rotary Friendship Exchanges, and other programs will:
Give members and participants new ways to experience other cultures, make new friends, and broaden their global awareness
Make participation more accessible to people with time, health, or financial considerations
Build stronger intercultural communication and understanding, and ultimately foster more stable and peaceful communities
Gordon continues the initiative launched by Past RI President Shekhar Mehta and carried on by Past RI President Jennifer Jones that focuses on elevating the voices and unlocking the power of girls and women around the world. He encourages members to keep finding ways to improve girls' health, well-being, education, economic security, and self-determination. Empowered girls become empowered women who can change the world. Share your activities for this initiative on Rotary Showcase.
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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