Rotarians will go into Early Childhood Education Classrooms at Community Based Organizations throughout Pittsfield and read to preschool children on Friday, March 25, 2016.Each Rotarian will bring a book to read and will then distribute that book to the entire preschool classroom.  Each book will have a name plate so children can write their name inside as it will be their book to own. In addition, Rotarians will be distributing books at “The School Readiness Fair” which provides an opportunity for families to explore “learning through play” and preparing children and families for school success on March 26 at the Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield. The fair is geared towards families of infants, toddlers, and preschool children, but elementary school-aged children are welcome to attend.  Our theme for Rotary Reads and this year’s fair is STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education.  Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pittsfield, Pittsfield Promise and the Berkshire United Way.  

Sign-up sheets are being passed at tables or contact Kelly Marion to help out.

Taconic High School:                    Brian Hassett
Brian is a two sport athlete and captain of the cross-country team. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and sits as a student advisor for the school committee.  He participated won an award at the Mr. Taconic competition and works at Regal Cinemas.  Brian has applied to Colgate, Lehigh, Franklin & Marshall, RIT, Suffolk and UMASS and plans on becoming an astrophysicist.
Pittsfield High School:                 Ty Bramer
Ty takes several AP courses and is a member of student council and National Honors Society.  He enjoys baseball and basketball and has been both a coach and referee for several years.  He is involved with the community and actively volunteers as a Senior Leader at the Boys & Girls Club, at Athletic, Cultural, Educational Social Service (or ACES, which is a branch on UNICO), and teaches CCD at Sacred Heart.  Ty plans to enroll in college for next year.
St. Joe High School:                      Elizabeth Bean
Elizabeth is a member of National Honors Society and has received various merit awards for academics.  She plays both varsity soccer and basketball, volunteers at the school's community service club and teaches CCD.  Elizabeth plans on attending college next year and has looked at Providence College, Assumption College and others, with the end goal of becoming a teacher.

Joan DiMartino thanked all the Rotarians who attended and Mazzeo's for another fantastic evening benefiting our Foundation.  Unfortunately attendance was low so she is planning a "Cash Calendar" for August.   Keep this in mind if you have gift certificates to donate.

Jeff Whitehouse reported last week that projected attendance at the Paul Harris Dinner on May 7 (at Cranwell) is up to 90. If you have not yet responded, what are you waiting for?  If you have commited to underwriting the event, please get yor check to Jeff Hassett. 

05/12 Matt Scarafoni

05/19 Jim Scolforo

05/26 Joel Scussel

06/02 Brooks Sherman

06/09 Tom Sherman

06/16 Christine Singer

If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.

05/12 Jeff Hassett

05/19 Shaun Heimann

05/26 Mike Hinkley

06/02 John Hudnall

06/09 Chris Jacoby

06/16 Randy Johnson
Please remember to use a non-denominational prayer - be respectful of others' beliefs. If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.

This week we celebrate the birthdays of Jim Scolforo (5/11) and John Franchebois (5/12); and the Club anniversaries of Greg Knight (14 years a/o 5/9/02) and Joan DiMartino (12 years a/o 5/13/04).