Change Over 2022 was held in the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill. As more people arrived, the hum of conversation grew and grew. It is nice to be back in the company of our Rotary friends in person.
Hank rang the bell to begin the festivities. We started with the induction of our newest member, Ryan Tremblay. Steve Whitman helped Hank welcome Ryan to the club, and presented him with his Rotary pin. Steve then shared that based on his 50 years in Rotary what has always resonated with him, is the First Object of Rotary, "The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service." He hoped that Ryan will work to get to know everyone in the club, and participate in all of the opportunities we have to service our community here at home and around the globe.
Steve Whitman presenting Ryan with our Rotary International pin.
Steve sharing his Rotary knowledge with Ryan.
Hank then introduced Ron Bedell to share information about the Rotary Foundation.
Ron Bedell, Rotary Foundation Chair
Ron shared that during the past Rotary year, we donated in total $10,828.58 to the Rotary Foundation or $257.78/member on average. This put us in 4th place for giving in total and per capita in the District 7850. He distributed a sheet that provided an overview of our giving. We are still waiting to hear who will be the recipient of the Club's honorary Paul Harris Fellowship this year. Bruce Bergeron's committee will meet to make this decision.
Marilyn Bedell then had the honor of presenting a Level Two Major Donor pin to Jackie Bruleigh, Susan Donnelly Daughter.
Marilyn Bedell and Jackie Bruleigh, Sue Donnelly's daughter
Marilyn shared the following about Sue's estate gift to the Rotary Foundation:
It is my honor once again have an opportunity to reflect on the life of our fellow Rotarian, Susan Donnelly. Susan died in January of 2019. A very sad day for all who knew her. Sue and I worked together at DHMC, and I got to introduce Sue to Rotary International. She took a risk and joined the Rotary Club of Lebanon-Riverside. As Sue did with many volunteer organizations, such as Girl Scouts and SPARK, she dived in the deep end of the pool and became a very active member. She even helped start Interact, our high school based Rotary Club at Lebanon High School…And the kids loved and respected her. The students established an outdoor food pantry in Sue’s memory at Listen. (Donations are still always welcomed by Listen)
Sue easily made Rotary connections beyond the Upper Valley. As her daughter Jackie wrote in Sue’s obituary, Rotary let Sue indulge in travel. Though Rotary Friendship exchanges she was able to make friends around the globe.
Sue strongly supported Rotary’s mission which states, “We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders”. And she lived the Vision statement. “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
Susan knew that by making donations to the Rotary Foundation, the funds raised would be used to “Do Good In the World”. Susan gave generously throughout her lifetime, and as part of her estate, she left a significant gift to the Rotary Foundation which now acknowledges she is a Level 2 Major Donor. The interest from her endowment, will be used to help support grants that will touch the Rotary Foundation’s 7 area of focus:
Promoting peace. ...
Fighting disease. ...
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. ...
Saving mothers and children. ...
Supporting education. ...
Growing local economies...
Protecting the environment.
Today, on behalf of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, it is my honor to recognize Susan Donnelly contributions to the Rotary Foundation by presenting her daughter Jackie with this Major Donor level 2 Pin. Jackie, as you look at this pin, I hope it will remind you that your mom was a great humanitarian in so many ways.
Hank then shared his reflection of Rotary 2021/2011.
Hank Clarke and Ed Friedman
Hank talked about the challenge of Covid, our meeting via Zoom, then a mix of in person and Zoom meetings, then quickly going back to Zoom, until we could return to our mix of in person and Zoom meeting. He looks forward to the day when the hybrid meeting technology equipment is installed in the Dwinell room so we can finally do hybrid meetings. He shared that despite all of this we had three successful fundraisers, Brew Fest 2021, the Bedell Classic 2021 and our easy but successful fundraiser, the Casino Room in Lebanon netting us over $10,000. We have money to "do good" in Lebanon and beyond Lebanon. He is proud of all that we accomplished this year.
This is not a complete list of volunteer hours, but it is the list of what Marilyn Bedell was able to quantify during the year.
Hank then asked if anyone wanted to add anything.
Bill Secord wanted to thank both Hank and Ron for helping us to navigate through two years of Covid. You both helped keep the club active and viable.
Ellen Hubbell, Sue Donnelly's friend, shared she was delighted that we took time to reflect on Sue Donnelly service to our club and her humanitarian spirit.
Hank then invited Ed Friedman to come forward for the exchange of the gavel.
The official exchange of the gavel between Hank and Ed
Ed Friedman's first official use of the gavel in the spirit of having fun!
Ed Friedman began by presenting a gift to Hank Clarke to thank him for his service to the club. It was a Rotary light weight jacket. He thanked Hank for his dedication to the club; and his ability to help us navigate through change and the impact of Covid.
Ed shared that for our club to be even more successful, we need to embrace new members, find ways to keep our current members engaged, and it is time to have us focus on having a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive club. It is time to educate ourselves about diversity, equity and inclusion, a priority for all Rotary Clubs in Rotary International. We can do some of this by engaging with the broader community in Lebanon. It will be his goal to make sure we listen and learn from diverse opinions. He wants our voices to be heard.
Ed shared how our service projects have helped him learn more about the importance of Rotary in our Community. That we need to look for ways to solve problems here at home and around the globe in Rotary's 7 Areas of Focus.
He hopes we will be able to meet more frequently in person, as this help us build friendships, and this then leads to better service projects too. He hopes we might consider some club field trips during his years. This might be going to a baseball game, or going the the flower show in Boston.
Ed then went on to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to be at Change Over. In particular he thank the following people. First, Paul Tierney who took him to Starbucks for coffee, and convinced him he should accept the invitation to be vice president in the club, and then move on to be the president of the club. He said this made him eager to become more involved in the club. He thanked his daughter, Taylor who has tried to learn more about Rotary, and understand his Rotary meeting schedule. Finally, he thanked is wife, Shelly for all of her support and willingness to let him become more engaged in Rotary. Even it it meant more evening meetings, more Saturdays filled with Rotary activities, and other Rotary commitments.
He reminded us that he hopes that we will find ways to have fun as we serve the club and our community.
Once Ed completed his remarks we enjoyed a meatball buffet (three types), chopped salad, cheese and crackers, cookies and brownies, and a variety on soda and coffee.
At 6:30 PM, the meeting was closed by Ed ringing the Rotary bell for the first time as president.
Ed Friedman ringing our Rotary bell
A Few Photos from our First Grade Book Distribution
Received from Joy Gobin
Thanking Bruce Pacht for his service to Rotary District 7850
Mike Carrier came to meeting while your editor was away to thank Bruce Pacht for the years he has served as District Secretary. He is a picture of the recognition presentation.
On behalf of the Lebanon Opera House board of directors, staff, and volunteers, a big thanks to Rotary Club of Lebanon for supporting the Upper Valley's community hub for the performing arts.
Despite the challenges we’ve faced during the past two years, I’m excited about LOH’s future. We’re building a runway to LOH’s 100th anniversary season in 2024, and there are many exciting ideas developing. We’re motivated to deliver transformative best-in-class arts experiences, and I can’t wait to tell you more.
In the near-term, I hope you’ll plan to attend the second annual Nexus Music and Arts Festival in downtown Lebanon from August 12 through 14. Mark your calendar for three days of free, family-friendly fun and the launch of our 2022/2023 season.
Please accept our gratitude for Rotary Club of Lebanon's donation of $1,000.00 to Lebanon Opera House.
We received a thank you note from the Lebanon Recreation Department, Paul Coates, thanking us for all we do for Lebanon, and in particular for the new picnic tables at Riverside Park, our commitment to work with them to find a way to fund painting the picnic shelter and in anticipation of the installation of Harmony Park in Downtown Lebanon.
Upcoming Service Projects and Fund Raisers
100th Anniversary Project
Harmony Park layout was presented to the City Council. Awaiting word from the city to know when we can place the order.
Cost: $48,875 including installation
Listen Community Dinner August 9, 2022!! We need helpers!
From Dean Cashman: We have 4 slots to fill on August 9. You need to sign up on the Listen Volunteer Web page: http://vhub.at/lebrot
We ask you to personally register for events that your team is signed up for. Don't worry. Your team is keeping the same calendar date - the 2nd Tuesday of even months. So that's April 12th. We just ask now that individuals of your team sign up for each cook-date they plan on attending. This helps us with reporting requirements.
Previously, we have not asked team members to do this. Now however, your registering for events will greatly help us organize, relieve back-end data entry, help facilitate monthly reporting, and will allow us, if necessary, to provide Covid contact tracing. When you arrive at the dining hall, you'll need to punch-in when you arrive and punch-out when you leave. The kiosk is right where you hang your belongings, in the 'Dry Storage" room by the dishwasher.
Please visit the webpage created exclusively for your team at http://vhub.at/lebrot before your next visit. We recommend bookmarking it in your web browser and using the address to access your account. It will save you and us time. Also, please consider sharing the link with other members (or potential members) of your team.
Once on your team's webpage, you will see the dates that your team is registered for. If you personally plan on attending any of the events, click the “Sign Up” button next to the dates (or cancel events that you can no longer attend). At that point you'll be asked to set up your account if you haven't done so already. Be sure when asked to click the checkbox stating that you are interested in the Community Dining Hall.
If you are already registered on Volunteerhub, be sure to update your Listen 'affiliations'. You'll find them after you sign in, on the upper right when you click on your name. By doing so, you can find classes and other information.
If you have any questions, please contact Larry Lowndes.
As always, thank you for your support and all you do for Listen Community Services!
Best regards,
Larry,
Lebanon Casino Fundraiser - Spring 2022
Awaiting an update from John Yacavone.
Brew Fest 2022
Brew Fest will be September 3, 2022
Bedell Classic Golf Tournament - See you at the golf course in May 2023!!
Dr. Olha Paliychuk, a gynecologist and Cherkasy Regional Oncologist in Ukraine, spoke at the general session of the Rotary International Convention in Houston 6 June. Photo by Monika Lozinska/Rotary International
Editor’s note: The following is an adapted version of Dr. Olha Paliychuk’s remarks to the Rotary International Convention in Houston, 6 June 2022
By Olha Paliychuk, Rotary Club of Cherkasky, Ukraine
Ilive and work in central Ukraine, not far from Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv. It was a long journey getting to convention: first by bus to the border of Poland, and then across the border and taking a long flight. But all the efforts are worth it. As we say in Ukraine, “To see a friend, no road is too long.”
I’m very honored – and happy – to be in Houston with my Rotary family and friends. I stand here on behalf of more than 1,000 Rotary members in Ukraine to say Thank You.
In February, when the war against my country began ravaging our families and communities, you – my fellow Rotary members around the world sprang into action. You have not only donated and shipped medical supplies and other daily essentials to those of us inside Ukraine, but also provided shelter to those who have fled. Your help has saved lives, giving us hope and inspiring Ukrainians like me to stand up, to help our people, and protect our homeland.
My city of Cherkasy is located a few hundred miles south of where the Chernobyl nuclear accident happened in 1986. Nearly 40 years later, we still feel the terrible legacy of the nuclear disaster. Many children grew up with their bodies decimated by cancer and abnormalities. As a gynecologist oncologist, I work at a hospital where many young cancer patients come to receive treatment.
Over the past three months, those patients who are struggling for their very lives -are facing another type of danger – brutal Russian military attacks. Our work is constantly disrupted by the loud explosions of bombs and rockets. We treat our patients in an atmosphere of fear. When will the next bomb strike, we ask ourselves?
We had to place sandbags to cover all the windows of our hospital to protect our operating theater.
At the same time, hospitals across Ukraine such as mine now treat serious wounds, and bullet injuries, for both civilians and soldiers. When we do surgeries on women and children or treat newborn babies, we don’t even have access to the basic medical supplies and equipment such as patient monitors, operating tables, lamps, or mobile incubators.
As a surgeon, I’m used to major medical emergencies. But preventable tragedies caused by this unprovoked war fill me with anger and sadness.
Members of my own family are supporting me through this difficult time. I inherited my determined spirit from my parents, who are also doctors. My trip here enables me to reunite with my 21-year-old son, Pavlo. My son lives in Toronto and is attending his second Rotary convention.
My fellow Rotarians, along with my family members, are inspiring me to devote myself to helping others. One of the unique things about Rotary is that we have volunteers working on the frontline. I want to tell you proudly that our Rotary networks in Ukraine are doing an amazing job. Our district holds special online meetings twice daily to identify needs inside Ukraine and coordinate humanitarian aid with clubs in our neighboring countries.
I’m also leading our district’s medical response. The International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals meet every week to allocate care and materials, and to assess the growing needs. I can tell you that your donations are being delivered to those –who are most in need.
As the international community of Rotary reaches out to help Ukraine, we are helping to build strong connections and friendships. As the war drags on, Ukraine will need your continued support. I hope to deepen our bonds and to plan for the future. With our shared efforts, peace will come.
John Hewko is the General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.
(Sorry for the formatting issues, but thought this message John Hewko presented at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, is worth the read)
When we started this Rotary year on 1 July 2021, we were focused on COVID-19, in particular on increasing access to vaccinations. We may not have expected that nearly a year later, we'd still be living through the pandemic, as well as facing humanitarian crises, a war in Ukraine, and environmental disasters.
In response, our members have taken action and connected with each other and with our communities to make the world a better place. And the staff of Rotary International has assisted at every step, providing resources, tools, and support to help us increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and better adapt to the changing world around us.
We're about to announce the recipient of our second Programs of Scale grant. We continue our commitment to creating environments where peace can flourish. We introduced a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Code of Conduct and supported clubs as they adopted innovative models that can adapt to the needs of current and future members. And support for The Rotary Foundation remains strong, thanks to our generous donors and successful events like World Polio Day, World Immunization Week, and Giving Tuesday.
People of action are needed as never before. I'm grateful we have 1.4 million change-makers who are ready to make a difference.
— John Hewko, Rotary International General Secretary and CEO
Making a difference
We will be meeting every Thursday
The First and Third Thursday at 12 Noon, at the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill; and the Second and Forth Thursday at 12 Noon on Zoom
Need to learn how to join a Zoom Meeting? Click Here