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THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
 
January 12 – John Hochreiter introduces District Governor Mike Carrier who’ll offer his perspectives on Rotary during his term of office. 
 
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.  At noon, after the Pledge of Allegiance and opening remarks from whoever is substituting for David Allen (or, I hope, from David himself) John Hochreiter will introduce the District Governor.
 
LAST WEEK’S SPEAKER: 
 
Wayne Gersen introduced Hanover Town Manager Julia Griffin who offered forecasts for Hanover’s future and described how the town coped with COVID over the past 20+ months. She opened her talk by acknowledging that one of the reasons she was retiring after 25 years was that she was tired as a result of the many no-win decisions brought on by the pandemic, but was confident she would be able to leave the town in sound financial and operational shape upon her retirement at the end of June. Among the challenges Julia cited were: 
·       Preparing a budget that was targeted for a 3.5% increase while inflation is now approaching 6%
·       Dartmouth College’s shortage of 800 beds, which drove up the cost of rental properties and houses in the Town.
·       The possibility Dartmouth might choose to build new dorms or other facilities on open space, which would undoubtedly lead to contentiousness, litigation, and delays. 
 
Julia also flagged several success stories, citing the recent completion of the “second wave of valuations” that—so far---have not yielded massive protests from homeowners; the completion of a new Master Plan that emphasizes sustainability, placing Hanover in the forefront of this movement; and the Town’s process for identifying and recruiting her replacement. 
 
In response to questions Julia noted that police officers and public works truck drivers are among the hardest jobs to fill, noting that the town has encountered problems finding people with a background in town planning. She also lamented the State legislature’s attitude toward towns, citing the 23 bills filed to limit the ability of towns like Hanover to adopt mask mandates. In addition to undercutting public health efforts, the legislature is also disenfranchising voters. She extolled the virtues of serving as Town Manager in Hanover where the selectboards avoid micromanagement, help to maintain a positive Town-Gown relationship, and support sustainability.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
David Allen offered Happy Dollars to Kevin Wenger and Bruce Atwood for covering for him while he recuperated from a stroke he experienced while volunteering for the Red Cross in Kentucky. 
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS:  
 
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NOTE: AS OF THIS WRITING, WE WILL BE RETURNING TO
JESSE’S FOR OUR MEETINGS BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 
…AT THE EARLIEST
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January 19 – Heather Drinan introduces Dartmouth College’s Interim Provost David Kotz to offer his insights on the academic and fiscal situation at the college. 
 
January 26 – David Allen introduces Naveen Yoosa who will tell us of ROOTA--- Rising Out Of The Ashes, an initiative she has undertaken. 
 
February 2 – Dick Podolec introduces Danny Blanchflower who will let us know the REAL state of our economy. 
 
February 9 – Todd Allen introduces Brendan Nyhan, Dartmouth professor, will talk to us about the latest “Bright Line Watch” report. 
 
NOTE: I have phone calls out to four speakers and MAY have an update on Wednesday… but mid-February is fast approaching and any ideas for speakers would be appreciated! 
  
 
 
 
Wayne Gersen
Russell Hampton
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