Our speaker was Marcos Stafne, Executive Director for the Montshire Museum in Norwich.
Marcos Stafne & Visitor to the Museum
Photo from the Montshire Museum Web Page
Marcos Stafne, executive director, has been at the Montshire Museum since 2015. Marcos mentioned that he’s to Rotary in the past. Everything in the time of pandemic has shifted in the work Montshire is doing; March 13 was the last day they were open.
The Montshire abides by State of VT rules. On June 1, Gov. Scott said museums could open at 25% capacity. The Museum is multi-faceted: Montshire has 120+ acres, camping space, and can operate under retail guidelines. The Museum store has been open for the past three weeks with curbside delivery.
Opening differently after a long closure with all sorts of new policies has been very complicated. The goal is to be as safe as possible.
Marcos shared his screen:
All employees have been working continuously, mainly on digital offerings. They created a “Montshire at Home” page featuring different weekly feeds to support what families and teachers are trying to achieve by continuing teaching remotely. They highlight something different each week, like Bubbles, Air, Skeletons, etc. The presentation includes various media clips (“components”) to demonstrate phenomena, to show experiments, etc. Each is 3-6 minutes long and targets children 8 years old and younger. They are trying to give access to some sort of STEM activities for families and that teachers can assign.
Marcos said, “We have transitioned from a physical museum to being a digital teaching company.”
Here are the TENTATIVE highlights of the re-opening plan. Lebanon Rotary is the first outside group to be afforded this insight. They cannot re-open in the same space doing the same things.
Pandemic Strategic goals
Create and maintain a safe and supportive environment for employees and volunteers
Maintain Montshire initiatives during closure and reopening
Create a safe, engaging and flexible learning environment for Montshire visitors that is economically viable and fulfills our mission
The Visitor Experience will shift: EVERYONE WILL BE A FIRST-TIME VISITOR
In time of relative stability
In a time of Uncertainty and change
Possibility of visitors of all ages
Visitors must remain together a group, mostly family groups
No special equipment needed
Masks to be required indoors for 3+ years
Open 10-5, 7 d/wk.
Limited days and admission times, reservations and prepayment recommended
Mixed visitor use of exhibits and programs
Social distancing throughout the visit
Familiarity with museum
New floorplan, foot traffic patterns, rules
Lots of touchable objects
Limited touchable objects
Low-medium focus on personal safety/cleanliness concerns
High personal safety/cleanliness concerns
PROGRAMS
Indoors will be solely a “portal” to outdoors to begin with – indoor coming later.
Focus on outdoor and low touch experiences
Robert Shannahan Sculptures – prehistoric mammals
Trails – 3 miles
Water experiences -
Outdoor exhibits that don’t require high touch
Outdoor programming TBD – people are still reluctant to attend outdoor lectures
2 concurrent camps (community room & classroom for rainy day back-up spaces) – used to do 8 camps in the summer.
We cannot predict the future; these plans are for the summer. We hope by the fall to be able to move some exhibits indoors. We are working with the other 3 major science museums in Vermont on the safest ways to open. We forecast continued instability until January; winter may offer additional relative stability. From April forward, we may be back to some form of new normal.
Our public service right now is to provide relief for families in the safest way possible. We think we can make it work economically with these plans by using our reserves plus some assistance from state/Federal pandemic relief funds.
NEW VISITOR EXPECTATIONS
Masks required indoors
Stay together and social distance
One visitor group per exhibit
No eating inside building
No person item storage
Phased openings currently planned
Last week of June: by invitation only
July 1-5: members only
July 8: open to the public
Hours, costs, etc.”
10-4.
Timed ticketing
$14 admission
Online ticketing will happen for EVERY cultural attraction; cash = very low volume
No groups, rentals, etc.
106 people per session (this is 25% of full capacity as required)
The initial opening of the museum will be a “corridor” experience designed to get visitors through the building to the outdoor attractions.
“4 Science Vermont” is the name of the new consortium of the 4 major science meetings in Vermont.
In the interim, Montshire has done 3 programs ; newest one is on COVID 19 and rural health equity. Check their web site.
QUESTIONS:
Bill Secord: my daughter is a homeschooler who’s often visited Montshire during the day. Are the kids “coming in” to the museum virtually?
Marcos reiterated what he said about the museums weekly digital programs. Montshire reaches digitally throughout both NH and VT; we’d like to continue our reach in the future. Should school go back into session (unknown until the end of June) there may be no field trips at all. Bus regulations for students will be dropping from 25 students to 11 passengers with sanitization happening in-between every trip.
Steve Whitman: In the past, my grandkids have never gone all the way through the museum because of so many inside attractions. How will people be satisfied with involvement in the new way?
Marcos: Traditionally in the summer starting in June, our water is on and 80% of the visitors go outside. That’s where we are putting our effort. VINS also has this ability. VINS is opening June 15.
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Biographical Information re: Marcos Stafne (From the Montshire Museum's webpage)
Stafne comes to the Montshire in 2015 with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of museums. He had served as Vice President of Programs and Visitor Experience at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, where he oversaw education, collections, visitor services, and the planning and implementation of traveling and new exhibitions.
He has served as the Director of Education & Visitor Experience for the Rubin Museum of Art and the Director of Public Programs & Traveling Exhibitions at the New York Hall of Science.
He has published in the Journal of Museums and Social Issues, the Museum Education Journal, and contributes to a science blog for the Huffington Post. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and a M.A. in Theatre from Hunter College where he studied museum theatre for science and historical education.
“Cultivating and maintaining a creative community is essential for the sustainability of our future,” comments Stafne. “The Montshire has a nationally noted reputation for providing opportunities for all audiences to flex their curiosity, experience the wonder of science, and feel encouraged to try out new ideas. I am excited to guide the next phase of the Montshire’s future as we enhance and expand indoor and outdoor experiences on over 100 acres along the beautiful Connecticut River. The warmth and friendliness of the Upper Valley is palpable, and I can’t wait to get to know the community in a deeper way—especially as we grow our work with schools in New Hampshire and Vermont.”
This week's children's book given in honor of Marcos Stafne is:
Blueby Laura Vaccaro Seeger.
How many shades of blue are there?
There’s the soft blue of a baby’s cherished blanket, the ocean blue of a romp in the waves, the chilly blue of a cold winter’s walk in the snow, and the true blue of the bond that exists between children and animals.
In this simple, sumptuously illustrated companion to Caldecott Honor Book Green, award-winning artist Laura Vaccaro Seeger turns her attention to the ways in which color evokes emotion, and in doing so tells the story of one special and enduring friendship.
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Moorings
Liss Mooney and Marion Steiner could not join us to night, Paul Tierney wasn't sure he would be home in time to start the meeting, so he asked Marilyn to lead the meeting.
Members joining the meeting by Zoom:
Dan Affeldt
Marilyn Bedell
Ron Bedell
Paul Boucher
Steve Christy
Karen Clements
Rudy Fedrizzi
Tim Guaraldi
Will Koppenheffer
JoAnn Lemieux
Jane Mason
Shaun Mullholland
Bruce Pacht
Bill Secord
Paul Tierney
Rich Wallace
Steve Whitman
After a small amount of typical banter as we opened the meeting we recited the 4-Way Test, and then moved on the the program portion of the meeting.
Following our speaker we watched an End Polio Video it covered in 2 minutes 5 Ways to End Polio:
5 Ways to End Polio
Raise Awareness
Start a conversation on social media
Host an Event
Advocate to governments to fund eradication
Donate
Marilyn reminded us that many of the same systems invented during the process of eradication of polio are being used with regard to COVID-19.
On June 10, please consider participating in the “Take out Polio” effort: make a $10 donation (the price of lunch) to end polio. We want Rotarians to contribute $50 million so we can take full advantage of the Gates Foundation’s match. See more information below and the link to make a dondation.
At the end of the meeting Marilyn called our attention to the country’s emotional turmoil at this time and reminded us of Rotary International’s intentional devotion to diversity, equity and inclusion in all its clubs and programs.
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SHARING HAPPY THOUGHTS OR CONCERNS:
Hank Clarke: We’re in Lake Placid. Our trip to Bordeaux is canceled.
Ron Bedell: Fell and fractured the metacarpal in his right hand but is pain-free and functioning.
Dan Affeldt: Today is his 43rd anniversary and he was happy to hear that it was Rosemary’s, too.
Bill Secord: Our local newspapers are necessary; I hope everyone has subscribed either digitally or physically.
(Bill Secord shared another use for newspapers...composting...picture from the Valley News)
Paul Tierney: I’m an avid gardener – a dozen fairly large lily beds; vegetable garden is as beautiful as it has ever been; this year, I’ve got the whole garden bark-mulched. It will get prettier as the lilies come out over the course of the summer.
Steve WHitman: I still have tomato, broccoli, eggplant plants that folks may come and take away.
Dan Affeldt: Initial planning for NEPETS 2021 has begun; it could be virtual!
Willie Koppenheffer: On the Mall – Richard Wallace was in front of Omer’s and Bob’s planting flowers in the planters. Richard is appreciative of the efforts the City has put in to allow life to resume in downtown Lebanon, especially Shaun’s efforts to help restaurants and other businesses on the Mall.
Steve Christy: A year or two ago, Jackie Logan (Howard's widoe) donated a foundatin to the City of Lebanon that was to be placed in the Glenwood Cemetary. The Fountain has been restored by public work. water lines are being installed along with frost walls and a basin. It looks like it will be powered by solar energy. The hope is that between the public work staff, and some monetary donation to complete the work that the Fountain will be completed in time for Jackie's 97 birthday in near the end of June.
Karen Clements: Reported that DHMC is open and here to take care of you. Karen is ready and available to answer any questions you may have.
Steve Christy shared that he has two procedures scheduled next week at DHMC.
Bill Secord reported that his wife Linda was happy with her recent MRI experience at DHMC.
Hank Clark: VA volunteers have gotten word that they may soon resume their driving chores.
Paul Boucher said that he is gaining slowly thanks to the excellent care he received at the VA.
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Club News and Other Announcements
Mollica Fund and Charities Account
Mollica Committee met. Steve Christy reported that the committee has decided to make a donation to Lebanon’s school lunch program from the end of school to the beginning next year.
Steve learned that Mascoma has adequate Federal funding, so Mollica Committee was awaiting word on whether Lebanon could use $2,500. Willie Koppenheffer reported that he heard from Mr. Smith half an hour ago – they need money, their funding is different from Mascoma’s.
Steve Whitman reported that a recommendation may be coming also from the finance committee that the board appropriate another $2,500; if the board votes “yes,” a vote of the full membership would be required to actuate the donation.
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End Polio Now - End of the Rotary year push to meeting the Gates Challenge to match Rotary donations.
Help Take Out Polio
Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced on 22 January that their long-term fundraising partnership, which generates up to $150 million annually for polio eradication, will continue. Under the agreement, Rotary is committed to raising $50 million a year over the next three years, and each dollar will be matched with an additional two dollars by the Gates Foundation.
In a video address at the 2020 Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, Bill Gates told incoming district governors that the partnership with Rotary needs to continue.
“The Gates Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Rotary has been vital to fighting polio,” Gates said. “That’s why we’re extending our funding match, so every dollar that Rotary raises is met with two more.”
He added, “I believe that together, we can make eradication a reality.”
DONATE YOUR LUNCH MONEY ($10 USD or more) to Polio on June 10 At Noon Eastern And Listen to a Very Special Livestream Polio Program featuring: Make your program on Wednesday, June 10, all about Polio. Schedule 15 minutes for a live program on polio as your speaker program. (webinar details coming) And, give the money you save ($10, 20 or 30 USD) to Polio. Every club who has at least 50% of their membership donate during the week of June 8 to June 17 will receive special recognition.
• Our goal is 50% of all Rotarians give to polio during the week of June 8 to June 12.
• Currently only 9% of all Rotarians give to polio each year
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Club Officer Changeover
Thursday, 25 June 2020
Cartoon from the Rotary Club of Waratah, NSW, Austraila
Stay tuned for an update about our Club's changeover. Paul Tierney is still working out the details for a socially distancing meal at Three Tomatoes starting at 5:00 PM. The date is yet to be confirmed.
It is hoped that we would order off the menu along with drinks and desert.
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District Officer Changeover
Saturday, 20 June 2020
June 20, 2020 District Changeover Cocktail Hour (open to all) 5:00 pm on Zoom. Featuring Brenda M. Cressey, Trustee of The Rotary Foundation. Welcome 2020-2021 District Governor Jamie Milne to his new role and celebrate a successful year! Zoom login information to be sent out in advance of the event, and to make a donation (in lieu of a ticket fee) please go to:
The guest speaker for District 7850’s Changeover will be Rotary Foundation Trustee Brenda Cressey.
Brenda Cressey
Trustee 2017-21
Rotary Club of Paso Robles
California, USA
Brenda Cressey is the former CEO of Office Support Systems, a telecommunications business in Maine. She has served in many volunteer capacities with civic organizations such as the American Cancer Society.
A Rotarian since 1989, Cressey served as the first female chair and vice chair of The Rotary Foundation. Before that, she held numerous positions in membership, the Foundation, and training. Cressey was a Future Vision RRFC Training Institute moderator, an endowment/major gifts adviser, Council on Legislation representative, RI president’s representative, 2012 International Assembly executive committee member and its partner moderator, district governor, and RI training leader.
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The4thofJuly - SAD NEWS...THE FAA won't let the city do Fireworks at the airport.
Shaun thanked us for offering to help with fireworks on the 4th of July, but this event is cancelled. The FAA will not let the city close the airport to make this possible.
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International Service Project
It's easy!...For Epilogos Charities Serving El Salvador
Picture from a 2013 to El Salvador
Bruce Bergeron in the back row
with former Rotary Members
Dear Epilogos Friends,
Do you have any old clothes, shoes, purses, bankets, sheets, pillows, backpacks, sleeping bags, towels and linens you'd like to get rid of?
We have the perfect solution! Donate them to Lebanon Rotary and we will use them to raise funds for Epilogos, a NH based nonprofit benefiting the people and community of San José Villanueva, El Salvador. Every pound of goods will earn $.20. Last year we colleted 1,500 pounds. This year our goal is 2,000 pounds. The items can be in any condition and do not have to be laundered or clean. It couldn't be any easier.
Donations can be dropped off at Jake's Coffee Shop or Guaraldi Insurance June 22 - June 26, 8 am to 5 pm.
Feel free to invite friends and family to drop off as well. The more the merrier.
Lebanon-Riverside Rotary has enjoyed a long relationship with Epilogos, and has sent teams of Rotarians to San José Villanueva on three occasions to build 3 homes for deserving families. We will share more details about Epilogos in an upcoming club meeting.
In the meantime, it's time for some serious spring/early summer cleaning.
Sincerely,
Bruce and Tim
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West Lebanon Village Charette
Report now available, click here to read the report.
This report may help us as we plan future projects in Lebanon.
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Upcoming Events
Save the Dates
Bedell Classic....Hold the Date
Golf committee has secured September 17 Thusday as a new date for the Bedell Tournament. Probably a smaller event this year, but one where we can raise at least some money.
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Listen Dinners 2020
NEXT DINNER June 9, 2020/Cancelled, Volunteers still not permitted to help prepare meals.
Cook team to arrive at Listen at 3:30 PM
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Now More than Ever, Rotary Connects the World
The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention"
When: 20-26 June
There is no cost to participate and the event is open to everyone!
It's never to early to plan...Mark you calendars now, our 2020 Holiday Party and Famous Yankee Swap! It will be on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms. Cost will be the same as 2019...$40/person
Rotary International News
Statement from Rotary International
May 2, 2020
At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.
We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.
We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.
Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
DIVERSITY
Rotary welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and identities.
EQUITY
Rotary strives for the fair treatment, opportunity, and advancement of all Rotary participants.
INCLUSION
Rotary is working to create experiences where all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve.
We're creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.
Through Rotary, we find unique opportunities to get involved. Everyone is welcome in Rotary.
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