banner
THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
 
In what we hope will be our final ZOOM ONLY meeting, 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. 
 
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.
 
Note that ZOOM will continue in the future, though the vibe will be different since we will be broadcasting to viewers from afar with an Owl, which limits our "camera work" and relies on Jesse's sometimes sketchy internet... 
 
LAST WEEK’S SPEAKER: 
 
Wayne Gersen introduced Nikki Grimes from the Upper Valley Humane Society (UVHS) who offered a very comprehensive update on that non-profit. The UVHS mission is to have the Upper Valley be a community where all pets are loved. To meet that ambitious goal UVHS offers a food pantry at their site, a mobile food pantry, emergency boarding, and an array of veterinarian services including neutering. Ms. Grimes framed her presentation by answering “3 Tough Questions” she invariably gets at presentations. First, she made it clear that stories about difficult adoption procedures are grossly exaggerated; UVHS has streamlined the process over the years, and it can be done, in some cases, in one visit. Secondly, by showing pictures of the venue she illustrated that the UVHS shelter is NOT a sad place; the animals there are well treated and the facilities are clean and up to date. Thirdly, she emphasized the UVHS meets the “no-kill” protocols with less that 3% of its placements euthanized. 
 
LAST WEEK’S ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK:
 
Last week’s “Rotarian of the Week”, Ginia Allison, shared some stories from her past that left this writer wanting to hear more! She described trips to Europe as a child when Hitler and Mussolini were coming to power and trips she took as a young adult that included a jeep trip from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean Sea and a trip in a paddy wagon in Paris. She described her early career working for Amex as a travel consultant and subsequent work in public relations that provided her with an opportunity to share dinner with Leonard Bernstein. She self-effacingly described herself as having a wide range of interests but limited range of expertise. We know better, Ginia! I look forward to learning more about her experiences over a meal at Jesse’s!  
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
WOW! Did we have announcements at the meeting… AND we’ve gotten a bunch of them since then. In an effort to give you a digested version, I’ll begin with the announcements David Allen gave us at the meeting: 
  • On April 6 we are returning to Jesse’s, which means that typically we will begin eating at noon and have the talk begin around 12:30. We will be offering a Zoom option as well. 
  • A reminder that all club members are expected to make a donation to the Rotary Foundation by the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30. 
  • We need some Rotarians to join the Board so the club can get the benefit of as many minds as possible when planning activities and events.
  • We need someone to step up to be chairman of the membership committee to take Dick Podolec’s place in July
  • Our club’s donations are being directed to Afghan refugees, who as of this past weekend outnumbered Ukrainian refugees by a 3-to-1 ratio! 
  • On April 16 the Lebanon Rotary Club will be collecting Styrofoam to help keep it from clogging up the landfill (and our garages, basements, and attics) 
  • On April 23 Rotary will be offering training for committee chairs via Zoom. 
  • June 1 will be the club’s annual members meeting.
  • Dick Podolec announced that the Rotary Friendship Exchange will re-start in 2023 with a trip to Scotland followed by a 2024 opportunity to visit Turkey. Details will be forthcoming. 
On Wednesday after the meeting, David Allen sent an email with some of the same information included above but also noting the following dates and events:
  • Saturday, May 7, at Storr's Pond Recreation there will be a Hanover Rotary Pancake Breakfast! This is a big deal and a fundraiser that will help keep member dues under control, help sponsor our partnership with ACTS Honduras, promote the Rotary and benefit other causes.
  • July 4 we expect to be doing our long-standing and renowned burger and hot dog grilling on Dartmouth Green.
  • September or October, exact date to be determined, we plan to do a Stuff-the-Truck to benefit Cover.
  • November 17 is our gala and auction. We already have $75,000 in matching contributions! This is a very big deal!
And then later in the week, David Allen sent an email with an invitation to a "Fare Thee Well" party for those who have supported the Occum Pond Party (OPP) for the last 25 years. The Fare Thee Well Party is Saturday, April 9 from 2 to 4pm outdoors at 22 Rope Ferry Road. Please RSVP to William.W.Young@dartmouth.edu or (603) 643-2224 indicating the number of adults and children. Also let him know if you're willing to help "build, serve [or] play music".
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS:  
 
A REMINDER that we will be meeting live at Jesse’s
beginning in April with masks welcome but optional. 
Oh… and the meals will be $20. A menu will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
 
Due to some schedule adjustments, we find ourselves with a couple of gaps that I plan to fill before our meeting on Wednesday.  
 
April 6 – Dick Podolec introduces Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon
 
April 13 – TBA
 
April 20 – Wayne Gersen will introduce Leona Bergman-Gaul who has launched a Welcome Wagon initiative under the umbrella of Vital Communities
 
April 27 – TBA 
 
May 4 – Wayne Gersen introduces Tom List and Kim Chambers from Hanover Adventures who will tell us about the exciting opportunities they offer
 
May 11 – Kevin Wenger will introduce Eve Loomis, Habitat for the Humanity’s ED
 
Apart from the recent “holes” in the schedule which I hope to fill in short order, we’re now fully booked through June 1 with one speaker booked for June who will be getting in touch soon with thier chosen date. Thanks to those who have suggested speakers and offered contact information… but more ideas are always greatly appreciated! 
 
Wayne Gersen
Advertisement for Russell Hampton
Advertisement for ClubRunner
Advertisement for ClubRunner Mobile