We were joined today by Riley Naylor, a senior at Lebanon High School who won first round of the Rotary District 7850 Speech Contest. This is the forth year she has been a participant in the contest. Last year she was the Round Four runner-up.
2024-2025 Speech Contest Topic was, How can a Rotary-School partnership increase respect? Increase respect, tolerance & understanding of one another.
Riley was required to prepare & deliver a five-minute speech which relates this topic to your life, school and Rotary value of Service Above Self.
As the winner of Round One, Riley won $200. She will move on to Round Two, with the potential to win an additional $300. She has the opportunity to win up to $1750 in total. If she wins Round Three the prize will be $500 and then in Round Four the as the runner-up she would win an additional $500 or as the over all winner an additional $750.
Riley focused on the concept of respect. She shared that respect is a personal concept and is usually a part of a social standard. Respect can be defined by some in very positive, and at time negative ways, e.g. "you owe me respect". Riley believes that respect is the ability to use empathy to make situations better.
Riley Naylor
She reflected on a quote by Robin Williams. He stated, "I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself. He also shared that everyone must strive to find their own voice. Riley shared that she really values teachers who show students respect. They are the ones who nurture discovery. She shared a touching story of a math teacher who went the extra mile to help student learn during covid as everyone was trying how to make distance learning work.
Riley then moved her focus to Rotary, and shared thoughts about the Rotary 4-Way Test, and if it is followed, positive respect should be the outcome. It is Riley belief that the 4-Way Test reflects the importance of empathy. By following the 4-Way Test, you can foster an environment where respect can grow with gratitude being expanded.
After the speech was done, we learned that Riley is interested in exploring an accountant career and would like to have a minor in psychology. She has applied to many colleges and hasn't decided where she wants to go but McGill and Marest are at the top of her list. Her education at the Hartford Vocational Center has help prepare her for accounting. She is currently learning more about personal finance. She has passed competency test on QuickBooks and Microsoft 360 programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc). She is co-president of the FBLA chapter locally. She is a avid reader, and like to play Dungeon and Dragons.
Rotary Club of Lebanon
Meeting – January 30, 2025
Meeting Overview:
President Ernst Oidtmann called the meeting to order at noon.
Richard Wallace with help from club members led us in the 4-Way Test
Birthdays — Marilyn Bedell's was today, January 30th, who celebrated by making a donation to Rotary Club of Lebanon Charities, Inc.
Ernst welcomed former member, Steve Grant, Anchorage Rotarian, and future Lebanon Rotary member, John Stalvey, and our speech contestant Riley Naylor.
Ernst then led us in singing our welcome song and what he claimed to be a national Dutch national anthem, "Tip-Toe Through the Tulips.
Thought of the Day: Ernst reflected on Murphy's Law, "anything that can go wrong will go wrong". Then he asked if we knew what was Cole's Law....it's cabbage and mayo...*groan*.
Then it was time to go to the buffet to get our lunch.
Following lunch Phil Rentz welcomed Riley Naylor to the podium to deliver her speech for the speech contest. See brief story above.
We will be donating the book, I am Extraordinary, to the Children's collection at the Kilton Library.
It’s the first day of school for Zoe, a young girl with hearing loss who dreams of playing on her school’s soccer team. But, self-conscious of her hearing aids, Zoe is too nervous to try out. With the help of and perspectives from new friends, what begins as a bumpy, anxiety-filled start for Zoe, soon transitions into an eye-opening experience about what it means to be different—and what it means to be extraordinary. I Am Extraordinary teaches kids how to look inside themselves to find self-acceptance and the confidence to achieve any goal.
See announcement, happy dollars, and raffle info below.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Charities: From Bruce Pacht:
Charities is seeking Lebanon Rotarians in good standing who wish to stand for election to Charities’ Board of Trustees. NOMINATIONS ARE HEREBY OPENED for ONE elected Charities Trustee position for a 3-year term beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028.
Rich Wallace was elected in 2023 to serve the unexpired term formerly held by Rudy Fedrizzi. That term will end on 6/30/2025, and Rich has decided not to put himself forward for election.
The nominating period begins with circulation of this memo and will end on Wednesday, February 5 at 5:00 pm. Please send nominating emails to Charities’ chair, Bruce Pacht, brucepacht67@gmail.com.
Lebanon Rotarians are encouraged to self-nominate. If you wish to nominate another Rotarian, please make certain in advance that the individual is willing to serve if elected. You may find Charities’ bylaws on Lebanon Rotary’s ClubRunner site under “Documents.” If you have trouble finding the document, send me an email and I’ll forward you a copy.
A ballot containing the names of all nominees will be circulated for electronic voting during the two-week period, February 6-20; voting will close after the regular Rotary meeting on Thursday, February 20.
If there is a tie, we will have a run-off.
Lebanon Boys Hockey: We are encouraged to come and support Lebanon Boys Hockey on February 12, 2025 (Spaulding) at 7:30 PM and February 25, 2025 (Alvirne) at 5:00 PM at Campion Rink.
Singing Valentines: From BHS Hanover via Bruce Pacht: VALENTINE’S DAY IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025. The BHS Hanover choruses wish to help you celebrate with a gift of song! Options, video or in person ways to send your Valentine a message of love, friendship, admiration, thanks, companionship or cheer! Please complete a separate order form for EACH Valentine at valentines@BHSHanover.org or contact: Bruce Pacht or call 888-293-9191.
From Epilogos: In Memory of Mike Jenkins
It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Mike Jenkins, our beloved Epilogos founder and ambassador, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday January 14th. Mike passed peacefully in his sleep. As many of you know, over the last several years, Mike was deeply committed to caring for his wife Susie, ensuring she was able to remain in their home throughout her final days. As his friends and fellow volunteers, we find solace in imagining Mike and Susie’s beautiful reunion.
Mike was a friend to all, but especially to those who were overlooked by others or marginalized due to their social or financial status. He was a true champion of the people in San José Villaneuva, El Salvador, and they loved him for it. Wherever he went, shouts of “It’s Mr. Mike!”, “Hi, Mr. Mike!” would ring out in warm greeting.
Mike was a collector of people and stories. He started his day meditating and visiting with the Sister’s at the Ayagualo Retreat Center. Then he made his rounds of the village, checking on projects, meeting with various groups. And he always collected things-people, supplies, chickens, bananas, anything really!-along the way, helping them get to their next destination. He relished listening to people’s stories and helping them better their lives. In the storeroom of the Epilogos’ office in SJV, there are thousands of Mike’s photos of the Salvadoran people and the North American volunteers. It was his joy being with people.
He and Susie believed that people should see, hear...and smell, life in San José Villanueva, so everyone could appreciate what they loved about the village and the people. They encouraged folks to come volunteer and come they did. They learned this from their time in the Peace Corps. We know Mike and Susie cherished their Peace Corps friends, with whom they remained in strong connection and who were huge supporters of Mike, Susie and Epilogos.
Mike and Susie, along with the Epilogos staff, hosted many people for months at a time, and hundreds of students and adults from the US and Canada came on group trips for a week or two. Every volunteer was profoundly impacted by their time in El Salvador, especially because Mike and Susie modeled a loving and accepting approach to people and communities.
In the 20+ years since Mike and Susie founded Epilogos the fruits of their labor have paid off. Hundreds of families have casas dignas and clean water, the first scholarship students have completed their education and have returned to work in the village, and there is a spirit of community and volunteering that did not exist before.
The Board of Directors and Epilogos staff are honored and proud to have worked alongside Mike and Susie, and now we will carry their legacy forward, working WITH the people of San José Villanueva.
Our thoughts are with Mike’s son Michael (Gargi), daughter Jennifer, grandson Kieran, and Mike and Susie's entire family.
Rest in peace, Mr. Mike...buen trabajo, amigo.
SERVICE PROJECTS
Storage Locker at Upper Valley Senior Center: From Bruce Bergeron, "We are looking for 2 people to assemble a storage locker at the Grafton County Senior Citizen Council offices at 10 Campbell Street in Lebanon. I'm hoping to schedule for Tuesday 2/4 at 2 pm." Let Bruce know if you can help.
Repair Drum Element at Harmony Park: From Bruce Bergeron, "Immediate after our club meeting on February 6th we will install the new drum at Harmony Park. Feel free to join Bruce B and Dave Cl in the fun. Should take less than an hour."
Polystyrene (StyrofoamTM) Collection: From Sustainable Lebanon, "On Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 9-11 am, a polystyrene collection (aka StyrofoamTM) will take place at Hanover Street School Parking Lot at 193 Hanover Street in Lebanon, co-sponsored by Sustainable Lebanon and Rotary Club of Lebanon. Donations gratefully accepted on site to cover the cost of transportation to the Gilford Recycling Center for processing. Volunteers are urgently needed. Please contact Cindy at cheath58@gmail.com, 603-543-1307 if you can help even for just a couple of hours. The event will take place rain, snow, or shine and is open to residents of the Upper Valley."
Clean Up Day in May: To Be Announced.
Time for Happy Dollars:
Phil Bush: Phil reported that he missed a few meetings as he had a ornery respiratory "bug" that wasn't flu, RSV or Covid. He then shared that he won a speech contest in High School. It wasn't an original speech like Riley, but he had to memorize well known speech. He remembers the last line in the speech.
Ahmad Hadari: Ahmad recently heard a motivational speaker who talked about the importance of persistence and being present. The speaker shared he stayed late with a young basketball player who didn't want to leave practice until he had five "swishes" (no rim, just net) in row. That player was Stephen Curry.
Cal Wolfe: I believe his happy dollar was for beans being supplied to Emmah's Garden.
Marilyn Bedell: I reflected on he 37 days of sailing on both the Coral and Sun Princess. She especially thanked Tim Guaradi for dealing with water issues in their condo, as a result of a burst sprinkler in the unit next to their condo. Fortunately, most of the water stayed in the unit with the burst sprinkle. Tim installed a couple of dehumidifiers to dry out their condo. All is good at their home...nice and dry.
Dave Clarenbach: Dave shared that he really liked Riley speech. He was also happy to welcome John Stalvey back to the club and saluted his staff that have taken the lead on Foremost Builders work being done at John's home her in the Upper Valley.
Ron Michaud: Ron reported that he had a frozen pipe that was promptly managed by his plumber within an hour...thus minimal damage.
Christian McDonald shared that Bonnie Robinson wasn't here today as she is work in a presentation for an important upcoming meeting.
John Stalvey: John reported he will be coming to the Upper Valley soon. He is delighted with the renovations being done by Dave Clarenbach's team from Foremost Builders.
Members at the meeting:
Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Dean Cashman, David Clarenbach, Hank Clarke, Dave, Crandall, Jim Damren, Mia Dela Pena, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Christian McDonald, Ron Michaud, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Josh Smith*, Rich Wallace, Richard Wallace, Cal Wolfe John Yacavone
Guest: John Stalvey, Steve Grant and Riley Naylor
*Joined by WebEx
Card and Car Wash Raffles
The hunt for the The Queen of Heart...Marilyn Bedell pulled the 10 of Diamonds
The car wash was won by Jim Damren
NOTE: Our Car Wash Codes will now come from the new Jake's car wash in Enfield. 223 US-4, Enfield, NH
FUTURE MEETING PROGRAMS/SPEAKERS
February
Feb 6: Tim Cox and Kevin Purcell from the proposed West Leb/Hanover Greenway
Feb 13: Marilyn Bedell, Survey Says
Feb 20: Allan & Jo Wieman, Upper Valley Baroque
Feb 27: Jeremy DeSilva, Dartmouth professor of human evolution
March
March 6 — TBA
March 13 — Round Two Rotary Speech Contest
March 20 — TBA
March 27 — TBA
Note: David Crandall will be scheduling programs January through June 2025
Standing Meetings
Membership Meetings: Second Tuesday each month at 3:30 PM at Downtown Lebanon Library and via Zoom.
Contact: Ahmad Hadari
Youth Services: Second Wednesday of the month at Noon
Contact: Christian MacDonald
Charities: Third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.
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
Contact: Bruce Bergeron
Brew Fest: The 2025 Schedule to be announced
Contact: Marion Steiner
Other News
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 for a spectacular Rotary gathering from June 21 to 25, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta Canada!
Greetings from your Zone 28/32 Promotions Team!
We have just under 140 days until we will gather in Calgary for our International Convention.
YA-HOO!
You can still save on registration fees between now and March 31, 2025. All registration fee types can be found byclicking here.
If you plan to attend your District’s PELS, Training Assemblies of other District Meeting in person or online, help us share the opportunities that you can experience by attending an International Convention…so close to home.
Other things you might want to know about the 2025 Calgary Convention
Housing Option:
RI’s Moritz Housing Vendor as of 01/21/2025 shows that 9 hotels are listed as available. From CAD$165 to CAD$468. Some lower-cost hotels are from 1 to 2 miles from the convention campus
Additional Housing not part of RI block but found as link on Conventions webpage: Click Here
Also consider non-official hotel options for the 2025 Rotary International Convention:
Book Online or Call 1-877-300-6147 for Assistance | For International Callers: 1-619-546-7263
aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.
Travel Discounts on West Jet:
The convention team is happy to announce that Westjet is offering discounted rates of up to 25% off select fares for travel to Calgary, Alberta between 1 June 2025 and 15 July 2025.Click here for details and instructions for booking.
Other Activities at the Calgary Convention include:
We’re excited to share the news about Beyond Borders 2025, an incredible event happening during the Rotary International Convention in Calgary. Set to take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Calgary Zoo, this event will bring together Rotarians and Rotaractors from Zones 28 and 32 for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun. Learn more and pre-register by clicking here.
Rotary members should also consider joining the Fellowship of PDG & Friends, and attending its annual "Evening with the R.I. Presidents," which will be held Friday evening, June 20th at the Hyatt Regency Calgary. Click here for more.
Are there other things we can do to help you plan our Calgary adventures at or surrounding the convention? Let us know!
An election monitoring mission in Nigeria presents a pathway for peacebuilding
By Kúnlé Adébàjò
Pietro Uzochukwu Macleo had reasons to be worried. Nigeria was holding a tightly contested presidential election and he was coordinating scores of people who would be observing the process across the country. It could get rowdy, or worse, bloody. But what Macleo felt most of all when he woke up that Saturday morning in February 2023 wasn’t fear. It was excitement.
Rotary districts in Nigeria, led by Macleo, obtained accreditation for more than 100 Rotary members to serve as official election observers. Rotarians headed to their assigned polling units in the country’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory on the mornings of the two general election days, three weeks apart: one, the presidential and national assembly elections, and the other contests for governors and state assembly seats. Read more by Clicking Here
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