Editor: Marilyn Bedell and note taker, Bruce Pacht...Thanks for the help!
Upcoming Programs/Speakers
October 29, 2020 -- Club Business Meeting and Lebanon Charities Bylaw Vote - If you can't attend the meeting, please send you vote to Marilyn Bedell (see email sent earlier in the week) We need at least 28 members to vote to adopt the bylaw changes.
Our speakers, Paul Coats, Director of Lebanon Parks and Recreation and Kristen Coats, Non-Profit Community Building shared how they spent their one year sabbatical touring the United States and New Zealand.
Paul and Kristen shared how the trip informed and changed them, and how the trip help energize them for their return to Lebanon.
They shared that their jobs often prevented them from spending time together. Both had been working many hours during the day, and many times extending into the evenings. They reflected that they wanted to spend more time together. The sabbatical provided the opportunity for them to work and be together. Through many recreational activities on their trip, they have returned with new ideas of ways to make parks and recreation better in Lebanon.
Kristen explained that here in the Upper Valley, she was paying attention to people in communities and how they paid attention to things like addiction, public places for people to be. This trip afforded her an opportunity to learn new ways of thinking from others.
Paul shared a poem by Mary Oliver Storage; "I filled a storage space. Nothing changed, not a twinge of the heart from the stuff. One day, called the trash man and felt like a little donkey whose burden is lifted."
As and example of how they lessened their stuff, they conveyed that they got rid of our medals from foot races (they gave them away along their journey), reduced our wardrobe to 1’x2’ cases for a full year. They put Norman, our dog, with friends for a year.
There plan pre-COVID was to drive from Lebanon across northern sates to Oregon, down to SF bay area by mid-November; then fly to New Zealand to tour the north/south islands 3 months; then drive the southern states back to NH in April. In May to August their plan was to cycle from Portugal to Norway.
Paul: Our trip started off well: Niagara Falls – there’s a reason people go here. It is magnificent, awe-inspiring, breathtaking...Very appreciative of the world.
Learning: Our own ideas of what we need are not always correct. We can learn from others.
Kristen: I felt so luxurious to see the beauty in all the 26 states, Ontario and New Zealand. Seeing some of the most beautiful places known to man. Living very simply tethered to our vehicle and our tent. We relied on publicly-supported infrastructure like laundromats, libraries (charge electronics, wifi), places to find water. Lesson: investing in community is a HUGE piece of supporting essential resources that Rotary can do.
Paul: We went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – I’m here to say that this is a place to which I would love to return. The painted rocks lakeshore of this “inland ocean”, the Great Lakes that look and behave like an ocean without the salt smell, with lighthouses, waterfalls, shipwreck places, how the wind shaped the shoreline rocks, etc.
They went to the least-visited national park in the US – Isle Royale. For 7 days, they hiked around this place with just our backpacks. Lots of mushrooms and Kristen discovering nature photography. Wolf’s Milk Slime mushrooms – pink on the outside and black inside. They were around the same group of people for the 7 days and formed some close relationships – learned more about how communities come together.
Winter came in September – blizzards in South Dakota’s badlands. Then the Tetons, Yellowstone, Bozeman MT, Idaho and Oregon with Paul’s family and then his sister in SF.
Then on to New Zealand
Lord of the Rings was shot in many places around that country and Paul went to many of the sites.
They flew into Auckland, North Island. Most folks advise spending 1/3 of time in north island; 2/3 in the other. They spent 1 month in the north island and 2 months in the south island. They re-met their friend, Jeff, whom they met in Michigan.
Kristen: Whaling ships would come into Russell from New England. We saw ships from New England. Name of town was called Hell Hole because of their lascivious living.
Paul: We did a lot of cooking over fires each evening.
They talked about the resilience of citizens in Christchurch on the South Island. The earthquake damage is still very visible but everyone has found ways to adapt.
They shared that they really enjoyed their time in Milford Sound. Spending time soaking in the beauty, and found it a great place to kayak.
Then came Covid-19 and they decided they should return to the United States and not head to Europe. They enjoyed setting a new plan that afforded them an opportunity to go back to the Badlands for a longer period of time. This was a place they really enjoyed heading west, and realized they should spend more time there hiking and exploring. Kristen reflected on on the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC)the work done my the Corp during the depression continues to permit visitors to see places that may have been inaccessible. The workers used ingenuity, and many trade skills to create places of wonder.
A great example of work done by the CCC isAngels Landing, known previously as the Temple of Aeolus, is a 1,488-foot tall rock formation in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, United States. A trail cut into solid rock in 1926 leads to the top of Angels Landing and provides views of Zion Canyon. There is a YouTube video, Scariest Hike in America?, Kristen and Paul Climbed it.. Willie has too. Take a look to see what you may have missed doing Click Here Be still my acrophobic heart.
Paul ended the talk by telling us that one of his favorite pictures from the trip was one of their backpack by their front door at their home in the Upper Valley. They returned with a sense of gratitude for the time they were afforded to be together.
Paul and Kristen use the PolarSteps application to picture journal their trip. Reach out to Paul if you would like to see the pictures they shared with us.
The book going to the Kilton Library for Paul and Kristen Coats is Vote for Our Future, written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Micah Player.
In this charming and powerful picture book about voting and elections, the students of Stanton Elementary School learn how we can find--and use--our voices for change.
Every two years, on the first Tuesday of November, Stanton Elementary School closes for the day. For vacation? Nope! For repairs? No way! Stanton Elementary School closes so that it can transform itself into a polling station. People can come from all over to vote for the people who will make laws for the country. Sure, the Stanton Elementary School students might be too young to vote themselves, but that doesn't mean they can't encourage their parents, friends, and family to vote! After all, voting is how this country sees change--and by voting today, we can inspire tomorrow's voters to change the future.
This book reflects Paul's dedication to children and the services he helps provide in the City of Lebanon.
Ron welcomed everyone to the meeting. We were delighted to have Jimmy Brock on Zoom from Bermuda. Despite technical difficulties, he was able to be with us by video and phone. Hank shared that he hoped the hurricane off the coast of Bermuda won't cause him any trouble.
Members present were:
Dan Affeldt, Ron Bedell, Marilyn Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Paul Boucher, Hank Clarke, Garlan Hoskin, Cindy Jerome, Willie Koppenheffer, JoAnn Lemieux, Jane Mason, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, Paul Tierney, Steve Whitman, John Yacavone.
Other guests:
Paul Coats and Kristen Coats
Club Updates/Announcements
Paul Harris Fellowships Announcements
Honorary Paul Harris Recognition
Bruce Bergeron had the honor of presenting a Rotary International Paul Harris Recognition to Paul Coats, Director, Lebanon Parks, and Recreation.
Coats was recognized for the profound difference he has made in our community. He has been a true steward of the parks, athletics and recreation for the residents of Lebanon and most specifically, our city’s youth.
Paul served as a Recreation Coordinator from his arrival in 2001 through 2010 and as the Recreation and Parks Director from 2010 until the present, recently celebrating his 10 year anniversary.
Paul is a tireless worker with a very strong passion for his job. He can be found at events and activities all over the City, and his presence in our community has made a positive impact since his arrival. Recreation is the fuel that keeps Paul Coats going.
Paul is an exceedingly worthy recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow.
2019/2020 Club Member Paul Harris Fellowships
Club President Ron Bedell announced the following Club Member Paul Harris Fellowships.
Melissa Mooney — received her Paul Harris Fellowship and Pin.
Richard Wallace — received his Paul Harris Fellowship and Pin.
Marion Steiner received her Paul Harris Fellowship pin with one sapphire
Forrest Cole — received his Paul Harris Fellowship pin with three sapphires
Ron Michard — received his Paul Harris Fellowship pin with three sapphire
Jane Mason — received her Paul Harris Fellowship pin with five sapphire
Karen Clements — received her Paul Harris Fellowship pin with two rubies
John Yacavone — received his Paul Harris Fellowship pin with two rubies
Steve Whitman — received his Paul Harris Fellowship pin with three rubies
Ron thanks all who continue to be avid supporter of the Rotary Foundation.
DOODLE POLL WAS SENT— Hoping you can help with a few of our upcoming service projects.
From Bruce Bergeron - Community Services Chair
Here is run down of the events:
Saturday October 3rdCOMPLETED
8:30 am – 9:30 am. Load clothes we collected 8 weeks ago for Epilogos. We will meet at Jake’s Coffee Shop at 8:30 and then going to Guaraldi Insurance to pick up rest. (6 volunteers)
9:30 am – 1 PM. Deliver clothes to Savers in Manchester NH. (2-3 volunteers)
Saturday October 10thCOMPLETED 8:30 am – 1 pm. Assist with the Drive Thru vaccination event at the Plainfield NH Elementary School. The Public Health Council of UV is coordinating this event. (2-4 volunteers)
Wednesday October 14th COMPLETED
1 pm – 3 pm. Drive Thru Food Drive at La Salette Shrine Parking lot to benefit Enfield food pantry, managed by Friends of Mascoma. This project will be in conjunction with the Drive Thru Vaccination event sponsored by Public Health Council of UV. (6 volunteers)
Wednesday October 14thCOMPLETED
3 pm – 6 pm. Drive Thru Food Drive at La Salette Shrine Parking lot. (6 volunteers)
Saturday October 24th
Boston Lot Trail Maintenance Project. CANCELLED...See below
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Flu Shot Clinic in Bradford, VT. COMPLETED
Friday, October 30, 2020
**** NEW PROJECT ANNOUNCED***
Our Annual fall cleanup of the Riverside Park (Glen Road West Lebanon) will take place Friday October 30th 2 pm - 4pm. The rain date will be Nov 6th.
Please also consider joining us for our equally enjoyable tradition of having a pint immediately after the clean up is completed!
***As usual, bring your own hand tools, leaf blowers, etc.***
October 31st
8:30 – 1 pm. Assist with the Drive Thru vaccination event at Canaan Elementary (3-5 volunteers) Still time to sign up for our last event in October
Below is a Doodle link to indicate which events you wish to volunteer for.
Four Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic are now completed. Dan Affeldt helped in Orford. Ron Bedell, John Yacavone, Dan Affeldt, Angela Nelson and Marilyn Bedell helped at Plainfield. Paul Boucher, Tim Guaraldi, Bruce Bergeron, Cindy Jerome, Ron Bedell, Marilyn Bedell, Dan Affeldt, David Crandall and Bruce Pacht. Dan Affeldt, Bruce Pacht, Ernst Oidtmann (physician in charge), and Rolf Zuk from the Cohase Rotary Club volunteered in Bradford, VT.
Plainfield
Enfield
Enfield — Food Drive
We collected 67 lbs of groceries and snacks, AND $306 in cash donations for the Enfield Food Pantry!!
Reminders
**Please sign up to help in Canaan at the Flu Shot Clinic.
Canaan 10/31 in costume or not; estimating 350-400. Working with Friends of Mascoma Foundation.
**Plan to come and help at the Riverside Park Clean-up on October 30, 2-4 PM. Bring rakes, gloves and leaf blowers will make the task a lot easier.
Halloween Fun
Take a look at the the Lebanon Parks and Recreations video on how to keep Halloween safe and fun. Thanks to Paul Coats for sharing this link with us. Click Here
Million Mask Distribution
Marilyn Bedell distributed our 2,000 masks from the Million Mask Challenge to:
Lebanon Library 400
Child Care Enfield 200
Police 300
Listen 400
Wise 200
Mascoma School District 300
Headrest 200
Note: Lebanon High School was offered masked but declined the donation as they were all set with masks.
Charities Bylaws Review
Bruce thanked members who reviewed the Charities Bylaws. The goal is to vote on the bylaws at the October 29, 2020 meeting. PLEASE VOTE BY E-MAIL if you can't attend the meeting. We need a 2/3 of the membership vote or 28 members.
Youth Services Committee
Steve Whitman announced the next Youth Services Committee meeting will be on November 12, 2020 at 12 noon. Anyone interested in helping with Youth Services is welcome to attend. A lot of projects need to be discussed and organized. Many hands will make light of the work.
District Treasurer
DG Jamie Milne is looking for a Rotarian to take on the position of treasurer for our Rotary district, Rotary District 7850. If you are interested in taking this on, let Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell or Bruce Pacht know and they can share you contact information with DG Jamie. We can also give you contact information for our current treasurer, Lynda Carmire, if you want to ask her about the time commitment for this role.
Bedell Classic Golf Tournament
Bruce Bergeron announced that we are still waiting for a couple of smaller checks, but when all is say and done, we will have netted $17,000 from the Bedell Classic Golf Tournament! Job well done Team Rotary!
Holiday Party – Ron Bedell
Twenty-two people are indicated that they will go to the holiday party. Ron will be sending out more information about menu choices in November.
Community Service Planned for 2020/2021
Drive through Flu Vaccine Clinics
October 21 - Bradford
October 31 - Caanan
Assisting the Public Health Council of the Upper Valley (PHCUV) with drive through flu vaccine clinics. Helping with traffic coordination. There will be a food pantry collection in Canaan.
Dan Affeldt coordinating this activity (see announcement above)
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Listen Food Drives
This fall we are doing this for the food pantry in Enfield & Canaan in conjunction with the Flu Shot Clinics. Still trying to find a way to do this for Lebanon.
Tim Guaraldi will organize these events.
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Working with Cover on a Winterizing Project
Winter 2020/2021
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First Grade Reader Distribution
April, May
Bruce Bergeron will organize this event.
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Mascoma River Clean-up &
Rail Trail Clean-up
Summer 2021
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2020 Holiday Service Projects
Listen Holiday Basket Helpers Gift Card Purchases. We can't be on site for basket review this year. Donations will only be gift card this year. members will be asked to donate gift cards. Send either cash donations of gift card donations to Angela Nelson.
Working with our Interactors 2019 (the good old days)
Community Dinner Set-up on December 24, 2020...though this may not be able to happen.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge to the way Rotarians meet and provide training. But it has also provided an opportunity for Rotary to adapt and innovate.
We’ve seen that district and club leaders have turned to the Learning Center for resources and materials to help convert in-person training events to virtual learning sessions. Between April and June 2020, the number of people using the Learning Center rose from 2,800 per month to 10,000.
Some highlights of how the Learning Center has grown from its August 2018 relaunch to June 2020 include:
Members took more than five times as many courses in June 2020 as they did in August 2018.
The zones with the highest course completion rates are in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Our most popular courses are Getting Started With the Learning Center, Rotary Club Central Resources, and Protecting Personal Data.
In districts that receive Learning Center reports, an average of 9.3% of members use the Learning Center — four percentage points higher than districts that don’t receive reports. If you’re a governor, district trainer, district membership chair, or district Rotary Foundation committee chair, take the Access to Learning Center Reports course to get access to reports.
The Learning Center is ready to support your online learning future!
Featured breakout session recordings from the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention
You can still access featured breakout sessions from the virtual convention on convention.rotary.org in Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. Learn about new club types, digital trends, disruptive innovations, and engaging families in Rotary. Click the session title to access the recording. The recordings play best using the Chrome browser. You can find presentation materials that accompany the featured breakout sessions in the Learning Center.
