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Upcoming Events
Lunch at Mazzeo's for December
Dec 01, 2015
 
Auction Item Deadline
Dec 01, 2015
 
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
Stories
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.
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 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. 
Melissa Quirk Cairns, poet, performer and teacher, spoke to the club about this year’s sixth annual WordXWord festival.  This week long festival is a variety of competitions and events held at various locations in Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District. WordXWord uses spoken word, poetry and storytelling in shared space and time to celebrate diversity and creativity, empower the individual, foster understanding and empathy, and make real human connections. Events include Poetry Slams, Story slams and teenaged versions of these events. The festival creates a transient community of visiting, nationally recognized spoken word artists; local poets; and enthusiastic audiences in celebration of diversity and the creative use of language. The common element to all performance events is the focus on work from a personal perspective, specifically intended for oral, live presentation. WordXWord is a lively week at times humorous, at others serious, always honest, thought provoking, engaging and entertaining.  Our lively speaker also stressed that WordXWord is truly a year round.  Pre and post season events include: “preliminary” qualifying events for spots in the Poetry and Story Slam finals that take place during the August festival; visiting artist residencies to work with teens in classroom or workshop settings; teen spoken word events; performances by visiting spoken word artists; and the 30/30 poetry challenge, an online program with participants from around the world.
All WXW programs are free and open to all. WordXWord Festival, Inc is a 501(C)(3) and their website is www.WXW365.org .  Melissa Quirk Cairns enthusiastically invited all members to become involve but was especially interested in our Sergeants at Arms.  It had better be an adult only event if she was able to convince Jeff Whitehouse to Poetry Slam.
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 board voted to reinstate the $2.00 fine for members needing to leave the meeting before the speaker.  Please make the effort to stay to hear the speaker and the 1:15 meeting end time.
President Kelly read thank you notes from Big Head Books for our contribution and from scholarship recipients Christopher Broast and Basil Billow.
11/5    John Reynolds
11/12  Matt Scarafoni
11/19  Jim Scolforo
12/3    Joel Scussel
12/10  Tom Sherman
12/17 Christine Singer
 
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.
11/5    Robert Harrison
11/12  Jeff Hassett
11/19  Shaun Heimann
12/3    Mike Hinkley
12/10  John Hudnall
12/17  Randy Johnson
If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.

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