Our speaker today was Elizabeth Franson, MHA, the executive director of the Good Neighborhood Health Clinic & Red Logan Dental Clinic.
First, I want to thank Elizabeth for sharing her notes with me, so I could share some of them with you.
John Yacavone introduced our speaker:
Elizabeth Franson, MHA, is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Good Neighbor Health Clinic and Red Logan Dental Clinic, where she leads efforts to expand access to high-quality healthcare for uninsured and underserved individuals throughout the greater Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. A passionate advocate for rural health, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community-centered solutions. Elizabeth has guided significant organizational growth, strengthening clinical services, expanding community relationships, and advancing initiatives that address both healthcare access and the social factors that impact health. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that healthcare should be accessible, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of every individual. Elizabeth is recognized for her collaborative approach, bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, educators, and policymakers to create meaningful and lasting change. She is committed to developing future leaders, fostering innovation, and building sustainable systems that improve the well-being of entire communities across the region.
Good Neighbor Health Clinic & Red Logan Dental Clinic
Before Elizabeth began her formal remarks, she let us know that she prefers to think of CEO, as Chief Encouragement Officer. At the end of her talk she let us know that we were the first to learn (even before her parents) that she has been accepted into a doctorate program for Health Administration at Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia.
History
In 1992, two local physicians, Dr. Peter Mason and Dr. Paul Manganiello, recognized a critical need in the Upper Valley. As more local residents faced homelessness and lacked access to essential healthcare, the two felt compelled to act, offering primary care in a modest space at St. Paul’s Church near the Upper Valley Haven’s original site in White River Junction, Vermont. This grassroots initiative marked the beginning of what would become a powerful force for health equity in the region.
As more local residents faced homelessness and lacked access to essential healthcare, the two felt compelled to act, offering cost-free primary care services to those in need.
By 1994, demand for care had grown significantly. Dr. Bob Keene and Dr. Red Logan joined the effort, expanding services to include dental care. By 1996, following the passing of Dr. Logan in 1995, the Red Logan Dental Clinic was formally established as part of Good Neighbor Health Clinic.
-Each year, the medical and dental clinics provide care to hundreds of unique Upper Valley residents who are uninsured or underinsured living with household incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Limit.
Organization’s Mission and Vision
Mission: Good Neighbor Health Clinic is a nonprofit organization that delivers free, high-quality medical and dental care, helping Upper Valley residents facing financial hardship to live healthier lives
Vision: We envision a community where everyone has the services and care they need to achieve good health and well-being
Overview
Good Neighbor Health Clinic & Red Logan Dental Clinic is a great example of a grassroots initiative that developed into a powerful force for health equity in our region of the Northeast. In the early days, patients were treated wherever care could be provided—from the rented church vestry where primary care services were initially provided to local dental offices—where providers often volunteered extended hours to meet overwhelming needs (typically after providing full days of care themselves). Care ranged from urgent procedures, including tooth extractions, to assessing patients and coordinating treatment across multiple providers, with the hope of engaging more providers in sharing the responsibility of care. This work requires persistence, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose: what one founding member described as “the hardest missionary work is in your own backyard.”
Co-President Jim Damren called the meeting to order.
Bill Babineau lead us in reciting the 4-Way Test
Jim Damrens's Thouight of the day from Roger Staubach, There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.
No Ernst Oidtmann, No music today.
No Birthdays of Anniversaries
Then on to the lunch buffet.
John Yacavone introduced our speaker Elizabeth Franson, MHA, the executive director of the Good Neighborhood Health Clinic & Red Logan Dental Clinic. See story above.
Bill Secord presented our children's book for the Children's Collection at the Kilton LIbrary given in honor of Elizabeth's talk.
I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me
by Sylvaine Jaoui (Author), Anne Crahay (Illustrator)
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2025! • The growth of a tree and of a child parallel each other in this exquisitely constructed die-cut picture book about our nestedness in the natural world.
I am a seed. I grow bigger and bigger each day. I’m starting to become who I am.
So begins this story, which is also how a child’s life begins… and so too does a tree’s. With an affirming, poetic text and gorgeous, delicate art as revealed through die-cuts on almost every spread, I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me is a beautiful picture book about how we begin, how we grow, how we’re nourished, and how we live. By drawing parallels between a growing child and a growing tree, author Sylvaine Jaoui and illustrator Anne Crahay remind us of the myriad ways that humans and plants are connected as living beings.
Announcements
Brewfest: deadline for getting sponsors has been extended until August 4, at 5 PM. We are behind last year in sponsorships. Information has been sent out about last years sponsors that we have not heard from. Can you help?
Brewfest Signage: We still have some signs that could be placed in high traffic areas. If you know of a property that would let us post a sign talk to John Yacavone.
Brewfest Volunteers: Help will be needed on Friday, September 4, 2026 to do the initial setup. Then the day of the event, September 5, 2026 we many volunteers. If you know of individuals who could be approached to help, let Bruce Bergeron know ASAP so he can get them on the list.
Community Service: Marion Steiner and Angela Nelson will now co-lead our Community Service team. They plan to call a meeting in the near future to better understand the interests of those who indicated on the engagement survey how they would like to help. The goal is to do 12 to 15 service projects in 2026/2027. We just heard of two that we may be able to add to our list from the Good Neighbor Clinic.
Milkweed Planting with our District Governor Ariel Mondlak on August 6,2026, at about 2 PM: Our 2026/2027 District Governor has selected a “protecting the environment” project for all clubs in our district. Her goal is to improve the habitat for Monarch Butterflies in our region. Bruce and Jim are spearheading this project. If you want to help plant milkweed, please hold this date on your calendars.
Improving Access to Parks and Trails in Lebanon: John Stalvey reported that a small group has been meeting to prioritize places that Nenia Ballard identified as problem areas for individuals in wheelchairs. Dean Cashman is leading this project. Members who are working with Dean are John Stalvey, Paul Coats, Dave Clarenbach and Bruce Bergeron. More information will be coming about ways all of us can help get this work accomplished.
Concurrence Voting for Donation for Sustainable Lebanon: Phil Bush reminded us that voting is still open on the reusable container project being proposed by Sustainable Lebanon. An email from Bill Chabot has gone out to all members. Please submit your electronic vote if you haven't done so already.
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Happy Dollars:
Marion Steiner continues to be very proud of her daughter. She continues to do well as she pursues her doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Ron Bedell continues to celebrate his birthday. Today he celebrated by donating $100 to the Rotary Club of Lebanon, Charities, Inc.
George Wentz let us know that we saved him $100 dollars as he said he never would have betted that duck would be our lunch menu…as it was today.
Elizabeth Franson our speaker celebrate her acceptance to Morehouse Colleges, Doctoral program in Health Administration.
Ahmad Haidari express his condolences to Angela Nelson on the death of her mother.
Marilyn Bedell shared that as a member of AARPs NH executive council she continues to learn of all the ways AARP is empowering people to choose how they live as they age. AARP isn't just for “old peiople”. AARP has resource that can help all of us age better especially as we work to advocate for seniors citizen's needs…as children of older adults or a sa senior adult.. Marilyn shared that AARP provides information to help fight fraud through AARP's Fraud Watch Network, a free resource. Learn how to spot and report scams, and get alerts to stay ahead of scammers. At the last meeting, Marilyn learned that one of the latest scams is individuals trying to take control of property deeds.
In NH *Did you know?
The Grafton County Registry of Deeds is are excited to offer our users the ability to manage their accounts. View your print history in real time. Set alerts, view your statements on line via Laredo Connect. Click to read more….Laredo Connect.
Marilyn indicated she took advantage of the Property Fraud Alert service. It was relatively easy to do.
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Queen of Hearts, Bruce Bergeron pulled the 4 of Hearts…so the hunt for the Queen will continue.
Car wash, went to Bill Chabot
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Attendance
Christina Annas, Bill Babineau, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Phil Bush, Keegan Carpenter, James Carroll, Bill Chabot, Dave Clarenbach, Jim Damren, Steve Grant, Tim Guaraldi, Ahmad Haidari, Andy Jones, Carol Keefe, Will Koppenheffer, Dustin Lester, Jane Mason, Jason Massey, Ron Michaud, Angela Nelson, Phil Rentz, Bill Secord, John Stalvey, Marlon Steiner, Rich Wallace, George Wentz, Cal Wolfe, John Yacavone
Guest: Elizabeth Franson, MHA, is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Good Neighbor Health Clinic and Red Logan Dental Clinic
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 3, District Governor Ariel Mondlak visitation—Just before our Brewfest! Milkweed Planting Service Project at 2 PM on August 6, 2026
CLUB FUNDRAISER
September 5, Saturday of Labor Day Weekend: 2026 Brewfest
(NOTE: This is now the official spelling and capitalization of “Brewfest.” The only exception is ALL CAPS for certain applications such as our road signs:“BREWFEST.” One word, in both cases.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
July 23 2026/2027 Club Operating Budget and
Charities Budget Reviews
August 6: Club Meeting, Classification talk by Tyler Hagan
August 13: Gary Summerton Portraits
August 20: Clara Moses, Hydrate Marketing
August 27: Colby Price Director Lebanon Adult Education & Literacy Services SAU 88
Program coordinator for start of Rotary year 2026-2027:
John Yacavone (July, August, September); Steve Grant (October, November, December)
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