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Speakers
Oct 22, 2015
 
Oct 29, 2015
 
Nov 05, 2015
 
Nov 12, 2015
 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Nov 26, 2015
 
Dec 17, 2015
 
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Upcoming Events
Trunk or Treat
Oct 23, 2015
 
Halloween Party
Gail's House
Oct 30, 2015
7:00 PM – 11:59 PM
 
Lunch at Crowne Plaza Hotel for November
Nov 01, 2015
 
Distric Foundation Dinner
Chez Joseph
Nov 05, 2015
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
 
Auction Item Deadline
Dec 01, 2015
 
Lunch at Mazzeo's for December
Dec 01, 2015
 
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
Stories
Our best luncheon speakers come to us by way of member referral.  If know of someone interesting that you think the Club might enjoy hearing from, please share your ideas with John Reynolds.
Last week we honored John R. Franchebois, who is selling his home in Pittsfield and moving out of state.  JR joined the Club in 1955, and was Club President (1977-1978), served two terms on the Club Board of Directors, was the Club Photographer for 45 years, Rotary Information Committee for 9 years.  Over his years with us he was a dependable volunteer, which is why the Club honored him in 1980 with a Paul Harris Fellowship.  His daughter and son-in-law brought him to our meeting, which is probably the last time that many of us will see JR.  We wish him well.
Last week we were entertained by Jessica Roemischer, a pianist, inspirational speaker and author.  As part of her presentation, she invited a member to join her at the keyboard where, without any music experience, she invited the volunteer to select random notes that she would then interweave into a duet of sorts.  It seemed rather fitting the JR Franchebois was "volunteered" for the assignment.  At first somewhat shy, JR rose to the occasion as a wild man on the keys.  Those of us who have been in the Club for several years will recognize some of those "memorable moments" in Club history.  JR on the keyboard will be one of those moments for many years to come. 
Kelly Marion gave her inaugural address as president last week.  She began by reminiscing on being asked to join Rotary 13 years ago after many years being associated with the club through the pancake breakfasts held at Girls Inc.  Kelly remembered being honored to be asked to join and being told of the importance of attendance along with how important it is to be a Rotarian in action and not in theory, to be willing to give of her time and talent to benefit those less fortunate.
She went on to discuss her goals for the club for her year as president:
Rotary International President K.R.  Ravinderan chose ”Be a Gift to the World” as his theme for this year and urges us to give the gift of time, talent and knowledge to improve lives in communities across the globe.  Kelly asks us to think about what it means to be a Rotarian in mind, body and spirit, what difference are you going to make this year as a Rotarian, what gift can you give?  To remember what it is to be a Rotarian and act upon it. She asks us to be more involved when you can and where you can as it will make a difference.  Set a goal to do something extra this year.  Help out at meetings, assist with a special event, volunteer on a committee.  She encourages all to attend meetings and support our charitable funds.
 
“Remember it is an honor to be a Rotarian, use the gift of Rotary to make a positive difference in the life of at least one person this year who is less fortune than you, that is all I ask.” Kelly Marion ‘15
This is it!  The drawings start on Saturday August 1st.  Please bring in your sold calendars to Joan this week for the Rotary International Fundraiser to benefit Shelter Boxes going to Nepal. Please make sure to sell them or give them as gifts, then turn your $60 in to Joan along with any ticket stubs for the raffle.
We have raised 2,700.00 so far.  Let's get those tickets in.  Thank you all for your willingness to support our friends in Nepal during this time of great need.
The Rotary Club of Pittsfield has the honor of being the volunteer service organization to assist with the opening night of Shakespeare in the Park!  We need at least 8 volunteers so please let see Kelly Marion if you are able to assist on July 16th.  The following is the information on what we need to do:
Your eight organization volunteers should plan to arrive at the First Street Common by 6:45pm, and expect to stay until the end of the performance, around 10:30. They will be assigned to one of the following tasks:
  • helping guests park cars and directing them to the performance location (2 volunteers)
  • collecting ticket donations and handing out programs (3 volunteers)
  • ushering: helping audience members find space on the lawn in the appropriate seating sections, directing them to the restrooms, and making sure park rules related to smoking and alcohol are followed (2 volunteers)
  • counting the number of audience members who attend the performance using a mechanical tally (1 volunteer)
10/8 Ben Parhizgar
10/15 John Perreault
10/22 Robert Proskin
10/29 Bart Raser
11/5 John Reynolds
1112 Matt Scarafoni
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.
10/8 Ed Forfa
10/15 Dave Hall
10/22 Donna Halton
10/29 Tom Hamel
11/5 Robert Harrison
11/12 Jeff Hassett
11/19 Shaun Heimann
If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.

Birthdays:

Bart Raser October 15

Dave Hall October 15

 Club anniversary:

None this week