THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
How are public libraries dealing with technology that makes it possible to read book, listen to podcasts, and stream movies without setting foot in a library? This week Rubi Simon will introduce Rachel Donegan who is the Howe Library’s Emerging Technology Librarian, who will give us the answer to those questions and tell us about the Community Makerspace that is in the works. Come this week and find out how and where you can learn how to use technology effectively and efficiently.
LAST WEEK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tom Csatari announced that the Lebanon Rotary Club is sponsoring a golf tournament on May 23 at a cost of $125 per team, offering details to anyone interested.
John Hochreiter drew members’ attention to the sign-up sheets for the April 6 Pancake Breakfast on the table, encouraging club members to sign up and recruit friends and family to attend.
Wayne Gersen made a final for pitch to Rotarians whose businesses had not purchased ads for placemats in the past.
Bob Ashtonwon the raffle, which was a custom-designed PowerPoint to be done by Rob Adams. Maybe Bob will be one of our speakers! It looks like there is an opening on April 17... maybe Rob could redeem his prize then!
Four members offered Happy Dollars: Julia Griffin donated in appreciation of the heartening talks she heard at a conference in Colorado where she learned that the private sector is increasing its efforts to address climate change despite the lack of government support; Kathy Geraghty contributed three dollars--- one to celebrate the birth of grandson #3, one to thank Bob Donin for heling her with the selection of RILA participants, and one for the forthcoming YIA Pancake Breakfast; Wayne Gersen donated his happy dollar to celebrate the fact that his grandson in Brooklyn got his first choice of high schools; and Tom Csatari donated one for something I missed because I could not type fast enough on my I-phone.
LAST WEEK'S PROGRAM
Wayne Gersen introduced Samantha Pause, Mascoma Bank’s benefits administrator and one of the driving forces behind the bank’s effort to secure B-Corp status. Samantha explained that companies with B-Corp certification strive to the best FOR the world as opposed to being the best IN the world. She described the rigorous process Mascoma followed to become a certified B-Corp, citing the leadership of Mascoma’s former CEO Steve Christie who embarked on the process is hopes that it would ensure that the bank would remain mutual bank that would focus on the well-being of the community and not be beholden to shareholders. She emphasized that the only reason to do this from a business perspective is to do make certain that the business focusses on what is good for the world, citing Mascoma’s recent efforts to reduce its impact on the environment as an example. In responding to questions, Samantha reported that she believes that employees have benefited the most since BCorp certification and also believes that Mascoma has been able to get a deep and highly qualified talent pool since the B-Corp mission aligns the values of today’s generation. Samantha did acknowledge that a shareholder owned company might find the B-Corp ethos challenging, but hoped that the virtuous circle that results from the certification might override the profit motive.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
April 3 Andrew Winter, the Executive Director of Twin Pines and recent auction partner will give us an update on his organization.
April 10 Carol Olwertwill introduce Dr. Sally Kraft from DHMC who will speak on population and health.
April 17 we have an opening… for Bob Ashton???
April 24 the Director of the Lebanon Opera House, Joe Clifford, will share upcoming events at his venue.
May 1 will be our quarterly social, which will be hosted by the Emily Bristol at the Brick and Barn Realty in Quechee.
We’re working out a couple of kinks in May but it looks like we are set for the balance of that month except for the 29th.
