The Bulletin -- Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008 (969) |
Program:
Filmmaker Frank Christopher, from Mountain Lake PBS on “Dead Reckoning, Champlain in America".
Who is Samuel D. Champlain Anyway? Frank Christopher, a Californian from San Diego, didn’t know much about the East Coast or its rich history before relocating. In fact, Frank wasn’t sure who Samuel D. Champlain was when he undertook the production of this PBS Documentary.
Christopher tried to compare his experience moving to upstate New York to that of Champlain. Both were embarking on an adventure, not knowing what to expect of the new land or the people. For the most part, that’s where the similarities end. Christopherbooted up his wireless laptop, downloaded a GPS map, and began researching the area and our history from the comfort of his office.
Champlain began his journey with poorly written accounts that were over sixty years old. He tried to get local knowledge from fishermen who were secretive and private not wanting to divulge too much about the land that was their livelihood. Some told him of harsh winters and sickness that often lead to death, but nothing could have prepared Champlain for his journey.
“Dead Reckoning, Champlain in America" is a media project that will increase awareness about Samuel D. Champlain. The hour–long documentary, scheduled to air in 2009, will reveal Champlain’s adventurous spirit and his obsession with finding a passage to China. The project will explore Champlain’s relationships and allegiances with the Native Americans inhabiting the Northeast and utilize Champlain’s own writings to create a historically accurate account of his adventures.
A National Audience While those who grew up in the North Country have been steeped with this history for centuries, many across the nation know little about Champlain. Christopher said he hopes the media project will educate people nationwide. Segments of the program will be available for classroom lectures and will be posted on-line. Tourists and travelers will have access to segments relevant to “hot spots” around the Adirondack region. As Christopher put it, “this documentary will bring regional stories to a national audience.”
Q: In films such as 1491, Native Americans were portrayed with sophistication and respect. Obviously, Champlain had great respect for them. Will your film portray them this way?
A: I have no interest in glorifying European heroes. I will try to reflect the history accurately. The natives were strong healthy people. It was the Europeans who struggled to live in the harsh land. In many ways, they envied the natives and their freedom while the natives considered Europeans as captives of their own technology. This shift of perspective is critical.
Q: How do you complete your research?
A: I’ve had countless meetings with historians and experts on this region. A lot is owed to the specialists who know about details such as, what the people were actually wearing at the time and what types of activities they were doing. I’ve done a lot of reading on the subject, and the bottom line is that it’s my job to take the historical bits of information and weave them into an appealing story. It has to keep the audience engaged.
Q: Have you done previous work for PBS?
A: I’ve worked for PBS in San Diego doing editing, directing, producing and writing. I started doing freelance filmmaking in 2004 with my film on the slave revolt.
Announcements:
- President Steve told a quick story to inspire new memberships. He was with a group of people including Anne Cutaiar, a new club member, and Steve Wood. When Steve Frederick asked Steve Wood what his lunch plans were, Anne whipped out her Rotary business card and handed it to Steve who was invited to attend today’s meeting and is here as Anne’s guest. Please don’t forget to use these cards as a tool for encouraging new members!
- President Steve also proposed a club vote on buying a new sound system (to which Bill Rowe hollered, “Whaaaaat?!”). The system, which will cost about $1,200, received unanimous approval.
- Jon Cooper reported on the Bankers’ Challenge for the Foodshelf. Thanks to all of the bankers and participating members, the club exceeded the goal of $3,000. We raised nearly $4,000. Hats off to everyone who helped!
- Ange LaMariana encouraged club members to visit the nursing homes and hospitals during the holidays. Help make the season a little brighter for those who would otherwise be alone.
- Please visit the website: www.plattsburghrotary.org for a complete wish list for nursing home residents. Ange is accepting these gifts on behalf of the residents and will distribute them with the help of Vicki Marking.
- Tony Searing is recovering nicely from a recent surgery. He is welcoming visitors and is in room 757. Soham Patel is ranked #2 on the Kidney Transplant waitlist and is ready to go to Boston.
Dates to Remember:
- Wednesday, Dec. 10, is the Annual Meeting.
- Also, for those who have agreed to buy gifts for the Christmas Bureau, Vicki Marking asks you to please bring the unwrapped gifts with the index cards attached on Dec. 10th.
- Wednesday, Dec. 3, is the last collection for the Christmas Bureau, Salvation Army and the Nursing Homes. Please help those in need this holiday season.
- The December 15th Board Meeting has been canceled.
- The Dec. 17 meeting will be held at Lake Forest.
- The weekly meetings for Dec. 24 and 31 have been canceled.
Guests:
- Steve Wood (Anne Cutaiar);
- Beth Drollette & Betsy Morrow (Vicki Marking);
- Sybil Kiroy (Paul Connelly)
- Kiwanis Guests: Nancy Church, Al Light, Sharlene Durgan and Theresa Bennett
Visiting Rotarians:
Auction Item:
- 4 Tickets to see The Messiah at Giltz Auditorium on Dec 6th at 8pm. Each ticket is valued at $17. Jon Cooper bought a pair for $30 and Bob Smith bought the other pair for $20.
Happy Thoughts:
- Stan Ransom donated $28 in celebration of his 28th Anniversary.
- Vicki Marking is coordinating the gift wrapping at the mall throughout the holidays. If you’d like to volunteer, she would LOVE the help!
- Stephens Mundy announced an upcoming blood drive at CVPH from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Friday. He will pay $5 to the club for each member donating blood.
- Nancy Church reminded everyone to join Kiwanis on St. Paddy’s Day in the spring.
50/50: The pot today was $1,924, and Al Folsom drew the King of Hearts.
Another candle burning for:
- Don Anderson (12/2);
- John Prim (12/5);
- Erik Eaglefeather (12/7).
Make-ups:
- Online—Amy Asadourian (11/18); Kristen Shives (11/12); Carmen Carpentier (11/12).
- Kristen Shrives, Metroport, TX Rotary (11/07);
- Frank Hamilton, Lake Worth Rotary (10/22, 11/05, 11/12).
Upcoming Programs
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008
- Program/Speaker -- Janet Duprey and Teresa Sayward (N.Y.S. Assemblywomen). Topic -- What's going on in Albany
- Greeters -- John Prim and Allen Racine, Jr.
- Hospitality -- Colin Read
- Blessing --
- Introductions -- Alice Recore
- Program Intro. -- Keith Tyo
- Thank Speaker -- Nicholas Pope
- New Mem. Talk -- Brian Tuthill
- Seasoned Mem. --
- Food Shelf --
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Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008
- Program/Speaker -- Annual Meeting, Steven Frederick
- Greeters -- Bill Rowe & Joann Rushford-Gowett
- Hospitality -- Leona Salzman
- Blessing -- Bonnie Black
- Introductions -- Paul Sands
- Program Intro. --
- Thank Speaker --
- New Mem. Talk --
- Seasoned Mem. -- Driss Hassam
- Food Shelf --
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Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008
- Program/Speaker -- Holiday Lunch with the Residents at Lake Forest
Senior Living Community, PARC
- Greeters -- John Seiden &
Bob Smith
- Hospitality -- CJ Soper
- Blessing -- MaryAnne Bukolt-Ryder
- Introductions -- Sylvia Stack
- Program Intro. --
- Thank Speaker --
- New Mem. Talk --
- Seasoned Mem. --
- Food Shelf --
