Bruce Bergeron began our program by reflecting on his trip to El Salvador as a part of an Epilogos Charities work team to do a house build. He hopes we can organize another trip in the future. It was one of those life changing experiences.
He then introduced former Lebanon-Riverside Rotarian, Ed Warren who is the president of Epilogos charities. Ed talked about meeting Epilogos Charities founders, Mike and Susie Jenkins who came to a Rotary meeting to talk about the charity. They talked about the inability of many kids to be educated beyond 9th grade as many parents could not afford the $150 tuition. Ed thought at a minimum he could sponsor a child. This then led to him volunteering to do an eye clinic in San Jose Villanueva. He was then hooked and wholeheartedly supports the work being done by Epilogos. Ed then turned the meeting over to Brooke Finnell, US Executive Director of Epilogos Charities.
Ed Warren and Brooke Finnell, Epilogos Charities
Brooke reviewed the history of Epilogos. Mike and Susie Jenkins met as Peace Corp workers in San Jose Villanueva, fell in loved and married there. They also fell in love with the people who lived in San Jose Villanueva. After their peace corp service, they returned to the USA to raise their children and work in the USA. As they approached retirement, they made a decision to return to San Jose Villanueva to visit in 2000 , and returned and stayed in 2002 for many years. They formed the Charity with with the help of Denny Williams. The name comes from the Spanish word for epilogue. This was the epilogue to Mike and Susie's time in San Jose Villanueva as peace corp workers... To read more about the history of Epologos, click here.
Epilogos has three areas of focus:
Education
Casa Dignas
Community Support
Education: They support children with their educational needs from Kindergarten to through College. To-date they have helped educate over 2000 children. In 2023, the supported 77 kids from Kindergarten to grade 9; 58 high school students; and 17 children with special needs (one of there newest programs). In 2024, they have a waiting list for children waiting for help to start school. School enrollment is up 30%.
In order to keep ongoing support, children must must maintain good grades, and participate in school and community activities. Funds are used to support tuition, uniforms, books and sport equipment. The special needs program started in 2017 with 3 students, and has grown to 17 students. They are now looking for a second teacher to suppor t the program. Currently, they have 6 students attending collage, studying secondary education, nursing, accounting and computer technology. A recent graduate has completed additional education to become an attorney.
Education helps children get good paying jobs. Brooke reflected that as they return to El Salvador and people learn she is a part of Epilogos, she learns that individuals she meets tell her they got their education thanks to epilogos. Many students have stayed in San Jose Villanueva.
Another program they support is Adopt a Classroom. Funds that are donated support specific requests from teachers in the classroom. To-date, 41 classrooms have been adopted.
Ernst Oidtmann is in Munich...so no singing today! or depending on your point of view.
David Crandall let us know that Bruce Bergeron has a birthday this week, and Hank and Carol Clarke have been married 55 years!
David Crandall welcomed our guest. See those in attendance below.
Humor — What music scares a balloon? Pop Music Where do dads keep their jokes? In a Dada Base.
After lunch, Tim Guaraldi presented our 2023 Honorary Paul Harris Fellowship to Susan Johnson, City of Lebanon Tree Advisory Board Vice Chair. She was instrumental in obtaining a $244,000 grant to help plant trees in Lebanon...protecting our environment.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a proud tradition that honors the memory Rotary International's Founder and Past President Paul Harris. As Rotarians, we believe that he would be deeply moved to see all that Rotarians and friends of our Foundation have done and continue to do in the name of his beloved organization.
In order to be honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, the Rotary Club of Lebanon, NH, USA contributed US$1,000 to our organization's Rotary Foundation. These funds can be used to honor others while being applied to the amazing work that has distinguished our Rotary Foundation as an organization promotes peace, fights disease, provides clean water, cares for mothers and children, supports education, grows local economies and protects our environment.
Becoming a Paul Harris Fellow is a tremendous accomplishment and honor individuals committed to "doing good in the world".
Dave Crandall presented the book for the Kilton Public Library's Children's Collection being given in honor Brooke Fennell.
What's New Daniel? By Micha Archer (author, illustrator)
Caldecott Honor winner Micha Archer’s gloriously detailed collages invite readers into Daniel’s blossoming world, encouraging them to appreciate all the wonderful new things in their own lives, big and small.
"What’s new?" We casually say this to each other all the time, but when Daniel’s grandpa asks him this question, Daniel’s curiosity is sparked and he’s determined to really find out! And there is so much new stuff to report on, since their local park is brimming with spring life. Birds have reappeared from their winter journeys, ducklings are hatching, and polliwogs are growing long legs—just like Daniel!
Cancelled May 29: Invitation to join Hanover at their meeting to hear the President of Dartmouth College, Sian Beilock To be reschedule for the fall.
Club Changeover will be on June 26 at 5:30 PM in the Dwinell Room.
Menu: Hors-d'oeuvres (meatballs, cheese and veggie platters) Main Course: Salad, Chicken Marsala, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Brownies and Fruit. Price not fixed yet but won't be more than $30/Person. BYOB
District Change Over
From District Governor-elect Kelly Drew: This is going to be a fun and joyful event where you are invited to come dressed in your best island garb*.
Fun Activities
Food and Refreshments
Duckie Drawing
Music
Mix and mingle with felow Rotarians and their guests. Participate in engaging activities, and enjoy the fun theme!
*No bathing suits, sorry!
June 8 - 1PM to 4PM - MWV Adult Day Center
987 E Main St - Center Conway, NH 03813
Golf: Ed Friedman and Bruce Bergeron thanked everyone who supported the gold tournament. Tim Guaraldi is busily filling in all the insurance forms to get the check for $50,000 for Jerry Smoyer who had the exciting hole-in-one.
Charities Budget: see email from Bruce. 2024/2025 Charities Budget approved by email vote.
May 25, 2024
I'm happy to report that about 67% (23) of our members-in-good-standing cast votes on the motion to approve Charities' 2024-25 budget.
All voters supported the proposal, so the budget is adopted.
Thanks very much to all who voted and to all who asked questions.
Bruce
Chair, Charities
Harmony Park Sing-a-Long: Bill Secord recorded the "sing-a-long". It will be played at our next meeting on May 30, 2024.
Happy Dollars
Ron Michaud and John Yacavone filled us in on Bruce Pacht's motorcycle accident that resulted in a fibula fracture. Bruce is now in a walking boot.
Ron Michaud is rebelling against ageism. He gave several examples he has witnessed.
Marilyn Bedell let us know that our Zone 28/32 Rotary Director Drew Kessler and his wife and two sons that was on Singapore Airlines flight 321 that experienced severe turbulence. Here is the latest update from Facebook:
Ahmad Haidari...sorry I can't read my notes...but think you talked about invasive plants.
Angela Nelson reported that she had a great vacation (cruise to Bermuda). She was happy to know that golf was a success. She is looking for a truck so she can plow her driveway. If you know of one for sale, let her know.
Bruce Bergeron thanks us again for helping to make golf a success.
Rich Wallace let us know that his daughter is engaged, and they are starting to plan a wedding.
Tim Guaraldi tried to convince us that he is happy to be filling in a lot of forms to get the check for the hole-in-one.
Raffles
Queen of Hearts
Rich Wallace pulled the 5 of Diamonds. Still looking for the queen of hearts.
Car Wash
Phil Bush won the carwash.
FUTURE MEETING PROGRAMS/SPEAKERS
CANCELLED May 29: Invitation to join Hanover at their meeting to hear the President of Dartmouth College, Sian Beilock
May 30: Alex Bortolot, Deputy Director, Hood Museum at Dartmouth College
June 6: Morgana Isenberg, VA Services
June 13: Ed Morris, Enfield Town Manager
June 20: Dianna Hastings, NH Children’s Trust
June 26: Changeover
Attendance
Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Dean Cashman, Hank Clarke, Dave Crandall, Jim Damren, Tim Guaraldi, Ed Friedman, Joy Gobin, Ahmad Hadari, Jane Mason*, Ron Michaud, Angela Nelson, Marion Steiner, Joshua Smith, Rich Wallace, John Yacavone
Guests: Susan Johnson, City of Lebanon Tree Advisory Board; Brooke Finnell and Ed Warren, from Epilogos Charities; Dan Russell*, Prospective Member, Mila Dela Pena...entered as a member of May 23 post meeting.
***If I missed letting anyone in via WebEx, I apologize***
Standing Meetings
Membership Meetings: Third Tuesday at 3:30 PM
Contact: David Crandall
Next meeting May 21, 2024 at 3:30 PM.
Youth Services: Second Wednesday of the month at Noon
Contact: Joy Gobin
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: David Crandall
Next Meeting, May 28, 2024 at 4 PM
Brew Fest: Let Phil Rentz know if you want to know when Brew Fest meetings are happening. Dates Vary. Next meeting, June 4, 2024 at Noon at Service Credit Union
Community Service Projects, Fundraisers and Rotary Events
31st Bedell Classic Golf Tournament
Pictures from Eastman!!
Changeover 2024
From David Crandall's Leadership to
Ernst Oidtman's Leadership
Save the Date:
Changeover 2024 will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill, Guest Welcomed. Time 6:00 PM
BYOB
Brew Fest 2024
Save the date! August 31, 2024
Time to start thinking about sponsors for Brew Fest
Cheers!
Hazardous Waste Collection (HWC), from John Yacavone
The 2 or 3 Rotary volunteers needed are for One or all the following dates Fri., 12, and Sat., Sept. 28
Collections are 9-Noon in Lebanon, July 14, and Sept 28. I would need 2-3 people to interview attendees and direct them where to go. Shifts can be the full 3 hours or I can do shorter shifts – as you know, the busiest time is the first hour or so.
Listen, Request for Volunteers: Food Pantry Stocking
A few volunteers are needed at the Food Pantry to open bags and stock shelves. Arrive anytime from 9:00 – 4:30, Monday thru Friday for the next 2 weeks. Stay as long as you like. Bags are donated by Price Chopper customers. Contact valerie@listencs.org to notify us of your arrival time. The Food Pantry is located at 60 Hanover St, Lebanon.
🤔True or false: LISTEN’s Dining Hall is serving up lunch?
True! The LISTEN Dining Hall identified a need for free, accessible lunches in our community, and we’re working hard to meet it.
But we need your help.
Join our crew in the Dining Hall for a few hours any weekday morning to assist with meal prep for these lunches. No cooking experience needed! Just bring your enthusiasm and a pair of comfy, closed-toe shoes. Interested? Check out our Community Dining Hall Volunteer Calendar:
Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The Rotary International Convention will be in Calgary in 2025. Marilyn Bedell has been asked to be the promotions chair for Rotary Zone 32. Ron shared that he has been to Calgary twice for the Calgary Stampede. Calgary is a great city in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. The conventions will be June 21-25, 2025
This is the only Rotary International Convention that
will be held in North America for the next few years.
So, start planning. The Calgary committee has many
exciting events and pre & post trips planned for the
convention that will be revealed in detail on June 25th.
If you register during this year's Singapore Convention you
will receive a special rate of only $425 per person. That
will last only five days, so you must act quickly. The
dates are June 25 through June 29, 2024. After that
the rates will go up starting June 30, 2024.
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
Timely outbreak response, enhanced surveillance halts wild poliovirus transmission in Southern Africa
After a thorough evaluation, an independent Polio Outbreak Response Assessment Team (OBRA), has concluded that there is no evidence of ongoing wild polio transmission in Mozambique and Malawi
Brazzaville, May 14, 2024 – Following thorough assessments in Malawi and Mozambique, an independent Polio Outbreak Response Assessment Team (OBRA) today recommended the closure of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak in Malawi and Mozambique, marking a significant milestone in the fight against polio in the African region.
The last WPV1 case in the African Region, linked to a strain circulating in Pakistan, was reported in Mozambique´s Tete Province in August 2022. A total of nine cases were detected in Mozambique and neighbouring Malawi, where the outbreak was declared in February 2022. In a coordinated response, more than 50 million children have been vaccinated to date against the virus in southern Africa.
The meticulous evaluation carried out by the OBRA team included two in-depth field reviews and supplementary data review, concluding that there is no evidence of ongoing wild polio transmission. The assessment considered the quality of the outbreak response, including the overall population immunity, supplementary immunization campaigns, routine immunization coverage, surveillance systems, vaccine management practices, and the level of community engagement.
The successful stopping of this outbreak reflects the unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts of African governments, health workers, communities and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners, including Rotarians on the ground. Through robust surveillance, quality vaccination campaigns and enhanced community engagement, both countries have effectively controlled the spread of the virus, safeguarding the health and well-being of their children.
“This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together with dedication and determination,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “I commend the governments of Malawi and Mozambique, as well as all those involved in the response, for their tireless efforts to contain the outbreak. It is now imperative that we continue to strengthen our immunization systems, enhance surveillance, and reach every child with life-saving vaccines.”
Health authorities, with high-quality technical support from GPEI, have put in place national prevention strategies in Malawi and Mozambique, as well as in all districts bordering other countries involved in the response. These include Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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