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THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
 
We will have a presentation on Kurn Hattin Homes, whose mission is to transform the lives of children and their families forever. And here’s an interesting tidbit from Wikipedia on the name of the institution: 
 
The name "Kurn Hattin" stems from the Hebrew name for "The Horns of Hattin", the mountain range in Palestine where Christ is said to have recited the Beatitudes. In 1893, Kurn Hattin's founder, Charles Albert Dickinson, visited the site in his hometown of Westminster, Vermont, which he had secured for the purpose of establishing a safe haven for homeless boys. Looking out over the landscape, he noted its resemblance to the biblical location.
 
I’m sure we will gain even more interesting insights at our meeting on Wednesday. 
 
LAST WEEK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
Tom Csatari updated the club some decisions reached at the recent board meeting, one of which was the elimination of the $12 soup and salad option. He reported that the list of officers is complete except for Vice President. He reminded club members that our club is co-sponsor for the February 9 is Occum Pond party which he is hoping Bill Thomas will organize again. ... we are cosponsoring event $500. Tom announced that he is close to identifying chair for 2019 auction, after which the club will identify the date and partner for the event. Tom reminded club members that we volunteered to assist with the clean-up and development of the new School Street Park, which would take place sometime in the Spring. Lastly, he announced that the annual Pancake Breakfast would be held on April 6. 
 
Kathy Geraghty announced that during 2018 the club collected $420 in Happy Dollars… which made her so happy she contributed on for 2019. She hoped that Rotarians would continue to share their happy experiences! 

Gus Ventura won the raffle again, this time securing a free hot chocolate at the Occum Pond party. Will he win a third time? Come this week to find out! 
 
LAST WEEK'S PROGRAM
 
Nan Carroll introduced former Dartmouth trustee Sherri Oberg, a “serial entrepreneur” who has been CEO of several public/private biopharma companies. Sherri described the daunting fund-raising process that involves trips through “the valley of death”, a gauntlet that requires her to persuade venture capitalists to underwrite speculative projects she and MIT biotechnologist Bob Langer are working on that MIGHT yield a long-term profit… or MIGHT yield nothing. She also described the challenges researchers face in administering vaccines in remote areas, challenges that not only involve giving the shots and subsequent boosters but in keeping track of who has received the booster shots. She reported that philanthropists are facing a major staffing challenge: finding enough scientists who are idealistic enough to accept the relatively low salaries non-profits offer as compared to those offered by the private sector. Her work is heroic and difficult. 
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
 
A REMINDER: Next week have an evening social event at the X Spot in lieu of our regular lunch meeting. 
 
Beyond that... I am not sure... BUT I do expect to know what lies ahead in February before we go to press next Monday. In the meantime, hunker down and stay warm! 
 
Wayne Gersen
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
ClubRunner