THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
David Allen will introduce Lia Rubel who will share information on an initiative she launched that provides used electronic equipment to seniors to assist them with obtaining access to tele heath… a topic we learned about last week.
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. After our opening Pledge of Allegiance and opening Password Todd will hand off the virtual podium to David Allen who will introduce our speaker.
LAST WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Todd Allen announced that Bob Boon was in the process of scheduling the initial meeting of the Fundraising Committee that would be meeting in the near future.
Kathy Geraghty offered Happy Dollars in honor of her husband Bill’s re-election to the Selectboard and her picture appearing in the Valley News as she tended to her kntting at the Town Meeting.
Dennis Logue offered a Happy Dollar in honor of his granddaughter’s well written letter to the school board in Florida which led to he being interviewed by local media outlets.
Todd Allen offered a Happy Dollar in appreciation of the fact that his sister-in-law’s new home was completed just down the road which meant she would no longer be living in his place.
Carolyn Watson won the virtual raffle: a $10 discount when we return to Jesse’s reopens.
DONATIONS IN LIEU OF MEALS
LAST WEEK’S PROGRAM
Casey Aldrich introduced her colleague Anne Sosin who oversees the Global Health Initiative at the Dickey briefed us on a study she recently completed on how our region is dealing with COVID 19 cases. In general, our region did reasonably well. We avoided the surge that was anticipated thanks in large measure to the state and local responses. Vermont’s rapid response to homelessness and the local community’s informal and formal networks help stem the rapid spread of the disease that was expected and shone a light on some of the strengths of rural communities. She flagged the “rural ethos” of “pragmatism, compassion and solidarity” as an important element in stemming the spread of the coronavirus. She DID offer some concerns about the future, however.
Notably, there is a concern that because no outbreak occurred that complacency may set in and residents my see no need to continue following protocols like wearing facemasks and maintaining social distancing. She also noted that the opioid epidemic has continued unabated and that visitors to the state might bring some infection with them. Finally, and most concerning is the financial cliff should funds for the medical services dry up.
I came away with a sense that Rural NH and VT dodged a bullet, but also heard her say loud and clear that the coronavirus is “insidious” and is not going to go away any time soon.
Coming Attractions:
July 22 – I will introduce NH State Senator Martha Hennessy, whom I asked to speak to us about how the current CARES funds are being used in Nh, the role she envisions the State playing to keep institutions like DHMC afloat, what steps the state might take to help keep small businesses in our region thriving, and what changes will take place vis a vis voting procedures in November… and any other topics you would like to raise to our soon-to-be retired legislator.
July 29 – Heather Drinan will introduce her uncle
Paul Drinan, who is the Paul Executive Director of the
Friends of Fort Gorges. which is located in the Casco Bay, off Portland, Maine.
August 5 – Page Tomkins, Upper Valley Educators Institutes (UVEI) President, will share his organization’s experiences converting to remote learning. UVEI trains teachers in dozens of school districts in the region and he will have a broad perspective on what worked, what didn’t work… and what’s in the offing for 2020-21. One of the UVEI Board members in Rotary (Jed Williamson or me) will introduce Page.
August 12 – Dennis Logue will introduce Robert Hargraves will offer a talk titled “Fearless Fission”. As the date of the talk approaches we will feature additional information.
August 19 – Todd Allen will introduce David Diamond who will offer his insights on the future of retail.
AND… we have one open date in August (the 26th) and most of the month of September!
