THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM
Deecie Denison will introduce David Celone Director of Development & Community Relations for Wet Central Behavior Health Services who will tell us how his organization is coping with the pandemic.
As a reminder, here’s the format for our Zoom meetings, which look like they will continue for at least another month:
11:45 AM– The Zoom Room opens. When you enter your video will be on but your microphone will be muted. I will be standing by (603-359-2636) if you need some technical assistance.
12:00 PM– Liam McCarthy begins the official meeting, at which point it’s best if all mikes are muted. It may be helpful to go to gallery view when guests are introduced, birthdays are celebrated, and Happy Dollars are offered. During this time Liam may also invite members to share any information on how the pandemic is impacting our region.
12:25 PM– Liam introduces our speakers, who will be accepting questions at the conclusion of their talk.
1:00 PM– The meeting ends.
THE ZOOM LINK FOR THE MEETING
https://zoom.us/j/92197031483?pwd=NWFGM1JHRjlyTmduZGhtQWlVZXVSdz09
A duplicate will be sent Wednesday morning.
LAST WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Liam McCarthy also reminded members to make weekly contributions in lieu of the money we pay for meals (see section below) now that our treasury has been drained and we no longer need to spend $18/week for our meals.
Todd Allen offered a Happy Dollar in honor of his first grandchild who he hoped to see in person in the near future.
A number of Rotarians suggested Liam McCarthy should contribute a Happy Dollar in recognition of his attempted mustache.
Liam McCarthy recalled his memories of the most recent world-wide pandemic in1968, an event that seemed to affect the British Isles more that our country. Ginia Allison, Arthur Gardner, and Jim Bonney all recalled the polio epidemics of the 40s and 50s that resulted in the closure of public pools and massive vaccination drives that put an end to that disease in our nation.
DONATIONS IN LIEU OF MEALS
Kevin Wenger reports that our club members have been very generous in contributing to the local Covid 19 fund. As of Monday, we had raised $2757 in lieu of our lunches! That’s a lot of Happy Dollars… but I am certain every one will be greatly appreciated. Here’s the link to make a donation this week:
LAST WEEK’S PROGRAM
Dartmouth professors Charles Wheelan and Russell Muirhead described the highlights of a course they offer each year for undergraduates at the Rockefeller Center titled “The Future of Capitalism”. Professor Wheelan indicated the course addresses one broad question: “What are the things the government should do?” The speakers reminded club members that the students on campus today were born after the Berlin Wall fell and, consequently, do no associate socialism with communism. And the students today have a vivid memory of the Great Recession of 2008 and so they are far more likely to question the value of capitalism and to see socialism as a viable alternative. Professor Muirhead emphasized while free markets and unrestrained capitalism reduced global poverty, especially in India and Asia, it also caused great inequities which, in turn, led to the populism that swept the world after 2008. To help frame the content of the course, Professors Muirhead and Wheelan ask the students to respond to three questions regarding the political system:
- Is it parasitic? Are some benefitting to the detriment of others?
- Is it fair? Does everyone have a chance to succeed economically and politically?
- Is it good? Does “success” result in well-being for individuals and society?
Both professors emphasized that they have no political or economic agenda to promote. Rather, they hope to see their students develop informed decisions about whatever political and economic beliefs they hold.
Next week:
We’re not sure what the coming week holds…. I hope to have something to report on Wednesday.
April 29 - The Hopkins Center’s Outreach staff as presenting on April 29… but a confirmation would be appreciated.
May 6 – Dick Podolec introduces Rotary Scholar Rachel Brooks who will share her experiences abroad.
As always, ideas are welcome! Free Zoom tutorials are available for those who have miraculously escaped the clutches of the small squares!
