Many times a small but ingenious idea will have a profound, life-changing effect on an individual, a family or a community. Imagine that 4 or 5 times a day you must trudge a distance to potable water and then walk back, balancing a 40lb jug of water on your head. This is the life of a woman in many African villages. Now think of a better way to get more water in a more efficient manner. Think of the time that's now available to pursue other activities, such as education.  This week's meeting featured Luke Vostermans who joined us via Zoom from British Columbia to explain the project.   Please visit https://www.rollahippo.org/rotary/  and then look at the videos on the website which will illustrate the impact improving water distribution has on a village and in particular, the women in the village.

Today our club was pleased to present a check for $2,000 in support of literacy efforts at St. Agnes School in Lake Placid. These funds were raised at our Trivia Night events and we thank the Lake Placid community for their participation. Principal Katie Turner joined us to discuss the school's curriculum which focuses on a "foundation of literacy" and the collaborative literacy efforts with parents. Also shown are some of the thank you notes written by the students.

Eleven teams logged in for what was a very challenging night of trivia questions.  Of course we raised a few $$ for literacy projects but the object is to do this while having fun and amazing others with our (lack of?) knowledge.  As usual Grand Master MC Sean took us through the thoroughly researched questions.  And in keeping with tradition, there was a glitch or two in getting things rolling.  Eventually we'll figure that out!.  Thanks to all for playing and for supporting literacy.  The top finishers:

If you're reading this then you are breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack for the famous Adirondack black fly.  While we may like spring and summer, black flies are part of the package.  Here in North Elba/Lake Placid there is a black fly control program headed by John Riley.  John visited our club with a presentation that told us everything we wanted to know and more.  While not a fashion statement, some say that a head net is de rigueur in those months.  Since 1994, the control program has focused on targeted waterways with preventative measures.  See the FAQ here https://on.ny.gov/3wv9HQ0.  And for a really deep dive, take a "bite" at John's presentation here https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZgiA30pPUjwr3ExY6xVMyx1Sy-yHvOuM/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114952308540517625750&rtpof=true&sd=true

 

The Lake Placid Olympic Museum will make the Olympics come alive for the whole family.  Museum Director Courtney Bastian presented an overview of the many exhibits which focus on our town’s role in two Olympics.    Click to view Courtney's presentation https://bit.ly/49z2bSx  This is just a fraction of what you'll explore on your visit.  Here's a short video on the Museum's "Continuing the Legacy" campaign https://bit.ly/3Suoamy    Before you go, visit the Museum's website for the latest on exhibits and special events:  http://lakeplacidolympicmuseum.org

Dr. Adam Dewbury is ANCA's Local Food Systems Program Director handling several roles in his position with the goal of strengthening food systems in order to drive economic growth, sustain regional farms and food businesses and increase access to local food. Adam works closely with farmers, food entrepreneurs and regional partners to identify gaps in the regional food system and provide opportunities for learning and growth.  On the consumer side, Adam directs a process to enhance the value of the assistance provided by SNAP program to develop healthier eating habits.  More information on the initiatives being done by the Adirondack North Country Association visit https://www.adirondack.org/  Here's a link to Adam's page on the ANCA website: https://www.adirondack.org/staff/adam-dewbury/

Our donations from proceeds our our Dam Duck Race are already at work. These are plyo boxes. A plyo box is a piece of training equipment used for plyometric exercises, which are a type of explosive power training that uses muscle elasticity to produce rapid, forceful movements. A plyo box can be any elevated platform suitable for plyometric exercises, but it needs to be level, sturdy, and capable of handling repeated strong yet softer impacts. Donated to Adirondack Health Medical Fitness Center.

Continuing a tradition that started during the pandemic, our club brought pizzas to show support and thanks to the hard working staff who care for the residents at Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid.  This will be followed very soon by a delivery of presents that have been requested by each resident.

 

 

Continuing the tradition, Rotarians set up a table on Main Street during the Holiday Stroll to offer shoppers and strollers cups of hot chocolate to chase any chill away.

 

At this week’s meeting, Naj Wikoff gave us the history behind the installation of several pieces of artwork in place around Lake Placid in conjunction with the 1980 Winter Olympics.   Did you know Olympic rules establish that a program of the Arts is to be held concurrently and in the same vicinity as the games themselves.   Through the persistent efforts of Placidians like Shirley Seney, Bob Peacock and Jack Barry, a well-received program was created in keeping with International Olympic Committee Rule 35.  It wasn’t an easy task as this article from the NY Times Archive will attest.  Many of the initiatives put in place are still in use today.  The arts program was delivered on time and on budget.  Did you also know that the use of a three-tiered podium for the top three finishers in a winter Olympic sport originated at the 1980 Winter Olympics?  https://nyti.ms/47DqIoU

Katherine Rhodes (L) was inducted into the Rotary Club of Lake Placid NY by past Co-President Heather Perkins.  Katherine is sponsored by Mercy Care for the Adirondacks where she is the Elder Care Manager.  We're very happy to have Katherine as a member of our club and judging from the pictures, she's happy to be on board.  Welcome Katherine!

Today we welcomed NCPR Reporter Amy Feiereisel to talk about community engagement and the ways in which North Country Public Radio seeks to connect with those who work and live here.  Amy defines this process as talking and listening to those in NCPR's service area to create content that better serves them.  This leads to reporting on issues that matter and content which listeners want to interact with.  We were taken through the methodology that goes into preparing a series such as North Country at work http://ncpr.org/work or a listener participation survey to develop a North Country Ice Cream Map.  We also saw a short video of a presenter at a recent Howl Story Slam - a series of events where our North Country neighbors relate a meaningful tale from personal history.  You can't get much more engaged than that.  Hear more from Amy and other NCPR reporters plus uniquely curated music shows at ncpr.org or by downloading the NCPR app from your app store.  

Rotarians Mary Liz and Randy present Lake Placid Central School District's Patricia Damp with a check to support a grade level trip to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.  Patricia's program offers a funded trip to this world-class museum to stimulate an interest in reading.  The importance of our funding this trip enables all students to benefit from this experience.  It allows for families who could not afford the entry fee not to feel stigmatized by having to be subsidized.  Our Literacy Committee derives the funds for these gifts from events such as our Trivia Nights.  We'll be having a Trivia Night in November - please watch for details.

Stories from behind the badge this morning with Essex County NY Sheriff, Dave Reynolds, a seasoned law enforcement professional.  Policing today is much more than the what's depicted in TV shows.  Changes within society and the law have thrust police into many new roles.  While the Sheriff's Department performs traditional activities such a managing the county jail, civil actions such as evictions and road patrol, there are expanded responsibilities and programs which have caused the 98+ individuals under Reynolds' command to become involved with many social service activities, particularly in managing those who are incarcerated.  Sheriff Reynolds told us that many of the programs he has implemented are being copied by other police agencies in NY State and around the nation.  Today we were introduced to the broad range of activities a sheriff's deputy will deal with daily in a job that carries with it many dangers but can also be quite rewarding.  The Rotary Club of Lake Placid thanks Sheriff Reynolds and the men and women who wear the badge for their dedicated service to the public.

A thank you to Rick and Kate Thompson for hosting our August social.  The rains stayed away to allow us to enjoy good food, good conversation and good music.  

 

Rotarians Charlotte, Stephanie, and Lee were at the Octoberfest themed aid station at this year's Lake Placid Ironman.  Thus the Tyrolean hats. Despite what you may be thinking, nothing stronger than Gatorade was handed out to the athletes.  

Today we had the pleasure of inducting Daci Shenfield as a Companion Member in our club.  Daci stands between Membership Chair & Past President Heather Perkins and Club Treasurer John Huttlinger..  Daci is the daughter of another Past President, Tina Leonard.  Our club has worked closely with Daci and the Lake Placid NY Rotary Foundation in establishing the Tina Leonard Award which is given annually to a student in our school district who has shown the strength to overcome disabilities and challenges in their life.  Welcome Daci!

Our 30th Changeover Event (June 22, 2023) as we thanked the past year's leadership and congratulated our incoming leadership team.  A Paul Harris Fellow Award was presented to past Co-President Harris Semegram.  There's a carousel of pictures from our event playing on the left side of this page.   Good food, lots of Rotary comradery and another evening of good times when the Rotary Club of Lake Placid gets together.   We're looking forward to our Duck Race on September 23rd, many, many informative and interesting speakers, fun social events and of course continuing our strong history of sponsoring and taking action on projects to better our Lake Placid/North Elba community.

 

ur June 15th meeting featured Sue McKinney, a visiting Rotarian from the Uptown Oakland (CA) club. Sue divides her time between the US and Vietnam where she works with the Rotary Vietnam Project to help stop the very serious global issue of human trafficking. We had a very enlightening presentation which included a video which you can see here.  https://youtu.be/OBE-XYzLUjc  Sue told us how people from areas of extreme poverty can be duped into being ensnared into being sold just like a piece of property numerous times over. This is not something that happens in other parts of the world.  Sue said that if you know the code words, etc. we would find that human trafficking exists even here in the Adirondacks.  If you suspect that a person is being trafficked, report it anonymously to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.  

Rotarian Debbie Erenstone and her husband Jeff are principals at Mountain Orthotic and Prosthetic Services.  Mountain O&P is a dedicated supporter of Operation Namaste, a 501(c)3 whose mission is to help determined people achieve mobility by providing tools and support to Orthotic and Prosthetic practitioners around the world.  Jeff travels worldwide as part of his work with https://www.operationnamaste.org/.  Recently Jeff, Debbie and the kids visited Nepal, a nation of scenic beauty and culture that frequently suffers from devastating earthquakes.    Nepal is one such country in need of quality prosthetic care.  Debbie presented a slideshow of the family's trip to Nepal, showing glimpses of the people, their traditions, and of course the Himalayas.  Here are just a few of what our club had the opportunity to view:

Today we welcomed Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Director of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI).  The Adirondack Diversity Initiative works to make the Adirondacks a welcoming and inclusive place for both residents and visitors while ensuring a vital and sustainable Adirondack Park for future generations.  Tiffany brings to her role as Director extensive experience in the performing arts and organizational leadership.  Approaching her Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) work through the lenses of both the arts and culture, she uses positive disruption through inclusion as a way to influence her work.  While fairly new in her role with ADI, Tiffany has maintained a presence here for many years as the first woman of color to serve as Director of the Lake Placid School of Dance.  In her conversation with us today, Tiffany focused on the opportunity to make the Park a more welcoming environment for all.   https://www.diversityadk.org

Nicholas George, Executive Director of High Peaks Hospice addressed this week's meeting to provide an insight on how hospice offers care that helps the whole family when a terminal diagnosis is received.  End-of-life care is a difficult subject to discuss but hospice provides a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and trained volunteers to help with the whole range of needs - physical, emotional, social and spiritual.  Under hospice care, the terminally ill are able to fill their time with dignity, in comfort and in the location of their choice, whether it be at home, a nursing facility, or hospital. Hospice services are covered by the Hospice Benefit under Medicare with no copays or deductibles.  No one is refused care due to inability to pay. http://www.highpeaks hospice.org

Saturday May 13 brought 14 Rotarians to the North Elba Recycling Center where a collection point was set up to accept Lithium Ion (Li-on) batteries for recycling.  Over 225 lbs. of batteries were collected! Li-On batteries require special handling to recycle and as such are not included with household waste.  Our club partnered with Redwood Materials for special to ensure safe handling of these batteries in facilities that are set up for this.  It's quite specific so here's something from the EPA to explain further: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries  Thanks to Stephanie, Bill, Bridget, Tracey, Heather, Charlotte, Martha, Hannah, Susan, Lee, Chandler, Sean, John and Greg for volunteering.  

 

Another fun night as Trivia Night returns in-person at the Craig Wood Golf Clubhouse.  MC Sean Donovan kept the players on their toes with some very challenging questions developed and carefully documented by our question selection team.  And once again, funds were raised to support various literacy projects in the Lake Placid / North Elba area.  Congratulations to teams Irish Mafia and Scatterbrains who wound up in a tie for first place.  Rounding out the standings were the Literacy Bombers, Komodo Dragons, and team "Don't Have A Name Yet."  Thanks for playing!