Prepared by John King
Wendy Bagley convened the meeting at 6:00 pm. She led the Pledge of Allegiance and
Dan Whitney led the prayer.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians
- Kim Lesnewski - President, Lakes Region Search and Rescue
- Ashley Smith - Treasurer, Lakes Region Search and Rescue
Announcements
- Jim McFarlin introduced Elena Morrison as a prospective new member.
- Jim also welcomed Janine Neggers (pictured on the left) to the podium as a new member.
- Wendy circulated a written announcement about a maiden 5K run for the Franklin VNA and Hospice on April 27 at 9:00 a.m. (poster at the bottom of this page).
- John Moulton announced the passing of member Gary Lund, a Vietnam veteran and ski team member.
- Fred Strader proposed weekly rather than bi-weekly summer meetings at different venues. He asked if there was any “violent” opposition to this proposal, and there was none.
- He also moved to floor discussion a proposal to increase the membership dues from $125 to $150 (the District/International cost per member to the club is $143),
$175 per couple, and Corporate Membership is $250. The membership assented.
Happy Dollars
- John King offered Happy Dollars for his aortic valve replacement on March 5th and a hopeful trip to Ireland in April.
- Bob Kennelly for his trip to Foxwoods and BIG supercruise upgrade
- Erin Kaik for school resumption
- Kevin Kelly for the use of the Covid grant for cleaning equipment for the firehouses in Moultonborough, Sandwich, Meredith, and Center Harbor
- Jim Whitehouse for the repair of his grandson’s broken finger
- Chuck Thorndike for a first-place finish at Waterville.
The raffle money was awarded!
We then enjoyed a Harts dinner at 6:20 PM.
Special Rotary Program Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR)
Arranged by Ted Fodero
Kim and Ashley began a slide presentation about LRSAR. The 501(c)(3) was created in 2019 to respond to a need to assist Fish and Game on wilderness search and rescue missions, initially on a three-season basis (Spring through Fall), in the southern White Mountains and lakes region. In 2021, a dedicated winter team was added.
LSAR has approximately 75 well-trained members whose most considerable expense is excellent condition and reliable equipment. The team can only be as effective as the equipment allows.
Kim and Ashley described several rescue missions assisting Fish and Game. They described the training that goes into obtaining a Hike Safe Card and the liability protection afforded by possessing the card. They also mentioned their community outreach efforts to educate the public and potential hikers. These community outreach initiatives include seeking grants and other needed assistance through fundraising. Some of the outreach initiatives are listed on LSAR’s website.
Members have “skin in the game” regarding expenses they incur themselves.
Kim outlined three main missions triggered by 911 calls:
- The first is the carry-out of a hiker, sometimes a four/or five-mile trek for a heavy person.
- The second is a hasty search, often involving a child or an older person with dementia.
- The third mission, and the “worst,” is a line search “covering the woods” for many miles, often in bad weather.
The team includes men, women, and young volunteers.
The presentation led to a lively discussion about the efforts of LSAR volunteers and
their needs and self-funded initiatives. The membership gave a grateful round of applause to Kim and Ashley.
Informative PDF link:
Wendy led the four-way test. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm.
.png)
