Aaron Rivkin
David Crandall introduced Aaron by sharing that he plays the tuba, piano, guitar and euphonium, an instrument that Dave also played. Aaron is working on his doctorate at the University of Michigan. Currently, Aaron is the Manager of Impact and Community Alliance. He is responsible for measuring the impact of Hop events and works to bridge local communities in the Upper Valley to the Hop. Prior to coming to the Hopkins Center, he was a music teacher.
Aaron.S.Rivkin@dartmouth.edu (Keep this email…read more to find out why you may want his email address…)
Arron began his talk showing a rendering of what the Hopkins Center will look like when it renovations and construction is completed.
Hopkins Center after Construction is complete
The toping off ceremony for new construction was held on February 28, 2024. The Center will reopen sometime in 2025.
Susan Mathison was our speaker today. Sue gave us an overview of the work that has been done and will continue to be done by Common Man For Urkraine/Rotary Club of Plymouth, NH. Common Man for Ukraine was featured in the January 2024 Rotary magazine.
She started by stating that after we hear her remarks we would better understand why the world needs Rotary, and she hoped her story could be shared to help others in our community understand why Rotary membership is important in making our communities stronger here at home and around the world.
Susan Mathison, Common Man for Ukraine
Susan reflected on meeting over a cup of coffee as the start of the war. Alex Ray (Common Man Restaurant Group and Plymouth NH Rotarian), and Steve Rand (Plymouth NH Rotarian) and Susan wondered what if anything they could do to support the citizens of Ukraine. They decided that they wanted to raise money to help, but in addition, wanted to explore what they could do in country to help. They shared ideas with with the Plymouth Rotary Club that agreed to support their projects, and set up the systems to take donations via the Plymouth Rotary 501(c)3 Foundation.
They started their work believing that people want to help Ukraine, but didn't know how. On the Common Man for Ukraine webpage, I found this quote, "As the invasion began, four heartbroken friends in New Hampshire could not look away." Susan, Alex and Steve decided that they could identify ways to help partnering by with Rotarians in Poland and Ukraine.
Their mantra is: The only thing stronger than fear is love.
Alex Ray putting his cooking skills to work making Borscht
We dedicated Harmony Park on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Here are some pictures from the dedication.
The day has arrived!
Rotary Tent on the Mall Next to Village Pizza
Rotarians and Community Members
, 
Jim Damren, Willie Koppenheffer, Dean Cashman and President Ed Friedman
Phil Rentz
Ron Bedell
City of Lebanon Mayor Tim MacNamara
Rotary District 7850 — 2023/2024 District Governor Susan Cherry
2023/2024 President David Crandall (Our Centennial Chair!)
Lebanon Rotary Board of Director and Charites Trustees Member Marion Steiner
Rotarian Hank Clark
Now on to community members, adults and kids, enjoying our new park
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