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THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
 
Todd Allen will introduce Dartmouth computer science professor Peter Winkler who, in addition to teaching at the college, sends out math puzzles each week for the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath). It's called "Mind-benders for the Quarantined!". Todd recommends signing up and seeing how you can do. It’s fitting to be sending this to you on National Pi Day
 
THE ZOOM LINK FOR THE MEETING
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88229582283?pwd=aS9Hd3o1cS9ZK0hQL0ZhUHZXSEdxQT09
 
Meeting ID: 882 2958 2283
Password: 254494
 
The Zoom Room opens at 11:45 AM.  As noted above, we will begin our talk promptly at noon, forgoing the Pledge of Allegiance and opening remarks.
 
LAST WEEK’S SPEAKER: 
 
Todd Allen introduced 2011 Dartmouth alum Allie Levy, owner of Still North Books in Hanover, a new business that opened and thrived during the pandemic. Allie opened her store a month before the pandemic was declared on the assumption that “you can’t have a college town without a bookstore”… and with the closure of the Dartmouth Book Store that was the situation in 2019 in Hanover. She offered a brief history of book stores in Hanover, noting that the first one opened in 1873 under the local ownership of the Storrs family and eventually closed in 2018 under the ownership of Barnes and Noble, a national chain who took over the store in 2009 in order to keep it afloat. When the college and Barnes and Noble operated the bookstore it had 20,000 SF, roughly 8 times larger than Still North. Allie described how Still North Books overcame the obstacles it encountered as a result of the pandemic and the niche it fills in the community. She noted that the food portion of the operation keeps the bookstore’s cash flow in the black during the periods when the college is closed and emphasized how important she believes it is for the customers to feel emotionally attached to the owner of the store. Several club members shared positive experiences they’ve encountered at Still North and as a sign of our club’s support for this local business the Board gave club president David Allen a $150 gift certificate for his valiant work in the face of recent medical challenges. 
 
In the Q and A session Allie emphasized the importance of having the landlords in Hanover offering some kind of minimal break on rentals for small businesses like hers if they wish to have a vibrant downtown area and appreciated the club members' laments for better parking. 
 
LAST WEEK’S ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK:
 
Last week’s “Rotarian of the Week”, Dick Booma, deferred his presentation having just had some dental work. We will be hearing from him before the end of the month. 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
David Allen recognized two Paul Harris fellows: Todd Allen who received a “+1” pin for giving enough to qualify for a second pin and Carolyn Watson who received a “+5” pin for donating enough for five additional pins! 
 
Rod Thomas made an appeal for help on the Administrative Team once we return to live meetings in the near future. Because his appeal was so heartfelt I provided a special space in this Newsletter to elicit support. 
 
Tom Csatari announced that he would be sending an email regarding a way to make donations to support the Ukraine through the Rotary Foundation. 
 
Rob Adams offered a Happy Dollar for the Hanover High School girls team for their State Championship and their 77-3 home record over the past several years.  
 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
In anticipation of returning to Jesse’s in a few weeks, Rod Thomas, Chair of the Club Administration Committee, invites all club members to help with setting up the hardware for our in person speakers. Club members interested in learning more can contact Wayne Gersen (603-359-2636) or simply show up early at upcoming meetings.
 
And... rumor has it that we will be reviving the Pancake Breakfast to align with Green-up Day, May 7. Len Cadwallader may have an announcement this week! 
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS:  
 
March 23 – Wayne Gersen introduces Nikki Grimes from the Upper Valley Humane Society who will tell us how they’ve fared over the past couple of years. 
 
March 30 – Wayne Gersen introduces the new ED for the AVA Gallery in Lebanon, Shari Boraz, who will share her vision for the direction that non-profit will take in the future. 
 
April 6 – Heidi Postupak will introduce Sylvia Dow, Executive Director for Visions for Creative Housing Solutions
 
April 13 – Dick Podolec introduces Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon
 
I am in the process of fleshing out speakers for the balance of our year (which ends June 30) and the summer. Please email me with any ideas you have for speakers or to determine open dates for speakers you’d like to invite. Thanks to those who have done so recently… but more ideas would be greatly appreciated! 
 
Wayne Gersen
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