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ROTARY CLUB-PITTSFIELD, MA.

Pittsfield

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

We meet Thursdays at 12:10 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel
or Mazzeo's (see Calendar)
Pittsfield, MA  01201
United States of America
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Home Page Stories
Splash Pad Centennial Project
Club President, John McLaughlin, and Past President’s John Perreault, Jeff Hassett, Joan DiMartino and Kelly Marion, presented Mayor Linda Tyer with a final check of $155,000 on Monday, July 15th as the final payment for the Splash Pad Centennial Project.  The initial payment of $25,000 was made earlier in the process to help support the design and infrastructure of the Slash Pad. Also, present, were Michelle Matthews, Pellerin Group, Parks Commissioner, Cliff Nilan and Parks & Open Space Manager, Jim McGrath.
Rotary Club of Pittsfield
Splash Pad Centennial Project
The Pittsfield Rotary Club and the City of Pittsfield have enjoyed a long and very successful partnership, starting with the Rotary Park Project where the Club and City teamed up to create a Boundless Playground™ at Springside Park in 2004/2005.  That endeavor was very successful, resulting in Springside Park being one of the most widely used parks in the City of Pittsfield. 
 
According to Club President, John McLaughlin, “the Rotary appreciates the opportunity to leverage our resources with state grant funding and the Pellerin Group for needed improvements at Clapp Park as part of the Pittsfield Club’s 100-year anniversary project.”
 
Clapp Park is a wonderful park used by many and the proposed redesign and addition of a splash pad will benefit many residents.  It will also give families a safe place for their children to cool off in the summer.  The sprawling park with a proud history has long been a central location for park and recreation activities in the city.  The construction of the Splash Pad, along with the current playground being made more universally accessible with the addition of new components specific for children with disabilities is part of the City of Pittsfield, Clapp Park Improvement Plan.
 
The Pittsfield Rotary Foundation was established in 1986 with a mission to create an endowment to support capital and special projects which have a long-term community impact.
 
The majority of the construction will be done in late August of this year.
Food Pantry Donation Distributions
Last week Jay Bailly and Shaun Heimann, co-chairs of The Rotary Club of Pittsfield's Annual Food Drive, presented a $1,000.00 donation to the following twelve local food pantries and kitchens:
Berkshire Dream Center
Christian Assembly Church　
Christian Center　　　　　　　　　　
First Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church
Reigning Love Church
Saint Agnes Church
Saint Joe's Kitchen (South Congregational Church)
South Congregational Church/Food Pantry
Saint Mark's Food Pantry　　　　　　　　　
Saint Stephen's Table
Salvation Army
Many thanks to Jay and Shaun for all their hard work and to all contributing Rotarians!!

Rotary Club of Pittsfield Golf Tournament 2019
Join us for our 15th Annual Golf Tournament
May 22, 2019 at the Country Club of Pittsfield

All monies raised will go to support The Pittsfield Rotary Club’s 100 Year Anniversary Project to build a Splash Pad and upgrade the playground to be more universally accessible at Clapp Park in Pittsfield.

 
“One of the best tournament of the year!”
 
In addition to 18 holes of golf, each player receives lunch, dinner, door prizes and the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and win some very valuable prizes.
12:00 Lunch 1:00 Shotgun Start
 
Golfer entry form can be found here: Golfer's Entry Form  
 
If you're saying
YES…………….Sign Me Up As a Sponsor for the 14th Annual Rotary Club of Pittsfield Golf Tournament
The sponsorship form can be found here: Golf Tournament Sponsorship
 
 
Service Above Self
Last week Joan DiMartino presented our Service Above Self awards to the following high school students for their amazing service to our community.  The students also receive a $100 donation to go to the charity of their choice that is listed after their names below.
From PHS:
Shakia Green -Eureka Program at the Girls Inc
Carolyn Guachione - Jimmy Fund
Johnathan Campbell - Be like Brit foundation an organization that helps children and families in Haiti.
 
From THS:
Kailey Sultaire - Camp Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Fairlee, Vermont
Katelyn Zwingelstein - Soldier On
McKenzie Benoit - Berkshire Humane Society
The Service Above Self Recipients and Dr. Jason McCandless - Superintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools
 
Here is the combined listing of all the community services provided by the students:
  • Participated in the Farm & Garden Program
  • Promoted Rooms Rising – a program that brings unprocessed farm food to the plate
  • Farmers Market in Downtown Pittsfield
  • Catered for Herberg Middle School Open House
  • Assisted in promotional of the vocational education programs
  • Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center Bizarre Bazaar and School Age Enrichment Programs
  • Girls Inc. Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening
  • Berkshire Medical Center
  • Mentor & Volunteer for Youth Development Program – Hope for Haiti
  • Elizabeth Freeman Center Walk A Mile in her shoes,
  • Toys for Tots collections and toy drives
  • Jimmy Fund Events
  • Thanksgiving Turkey Angels Food Distribution Day
  • Miss Halls Horizon’s Service Learning Projects
  • Volunteer tutor in math & sciences for other students
  • Juvenile Arthritis Advocate
  • St. Stephen’s Table/Soup Kitchen
  • Red Cross Blood Drive
  • D.A.R.E. Graduation Guest Speaker
  • Volunteer Child Care for children ages 2-12
  • Berkshire County ARC working with the disabled
  • Volunteer Elderly Care
  • Berkshire Humane Society
  • CYC Girls Volleyball Coach
  • Taconic Boys Soccer Team Coach
POSTPONED until February 2nd 28th Annual Pittsfield Rotary Auction – "Margarita Village"

Due to the incoming snowstorm the Pittsfield Rotary Club has postponed their signature Annual Auction to February 2.　 It will still be at the Holiday Inn (formerly Berkshire Plaza) and start at 5:00 PM Saturday, February 2.


 
 

28th Annual Pittsfield Rotary Auction – "Margarita Village"

Help our community’s future by attending The Pittsfield Rotary Club’s 28th Annual Auction on Saturday February 2nd at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. The event features a cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres during the preview and silent auction beginning at 5:00 pm; the live auction begins at 6:30 pm. This fun and exciting live auction features merchandise and gift certificates generously donated by local merchants along with travel and advertising opportunities. Funds raised at the auction allow the Rotary Club of Pittsfield to continue issuing generous scholarships to our local students, fund Advanced Placement testing assistance programs, provide grants to local nonprofits and to continue maintenance of the Rotary Boundless Playground equipment at Springside Park in Pittsfield. It will also help the club’s effort to assist the City of Pittsfield with many improvements to Clapp Park and installing a splash pad at the park. Admission is $10.00 donation per person with light fare included and cash bar.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Rotary-Club-of-Pittsfield-MA-158122127559955/

Lyon/Nash Scholarship
At our June 7th meeting the Lyon and Nash scholarships were presented by the scholarship committee.  The Lyon Family scholarship was presented to Gavin Sicurello-Laclair of Taconic High School.  The Nash Family scholarship was presented to Brandon Williams also of Taconic High School.
Committee member John O'Brien, recipients Brandon Williams and Gavin Sicurello-Laclair, Committee members Brad Felix and Dave Hall.
Gene Case Scholarship 2018
Last Thursday, the annual Gene Case Scholarship was awarded to Samantha Callaway of Taconic High School. The ceremony was lead by Gwen Davis, chair of the Gene Case Scholarship committee, and Marshall Raser, who shared his memories of Mr. Case and his contributions to Pittsfield Rotary. In the spirit of the service-oriented nature of the award, Samantha gives back to the community while being a highly accomplished student and athlete, We congratulate Samantha on receiving the honor and wish her all the best in future endeavors.
 
(L-R: Don & Marsha Callaway, Samantha Callaway, Gwen Davis and Sarah Maddalena (Guidance Counselor at Taconic)
Pittsfield Rotary Club Scholarships
On May 17th The Pittsfield Rotary Club awarded their annual scholarships to recipients Michelle Johnson and Jennifer O'Neil from BCC, Olivia Douhan and Grace Barini from Pittsfield High School and Keiahna Cargill and Jaclyn Boateng from Taconic High School
 
Butler Award Presented to John Perreault
President Jeff Hassett honored John Perreault with this year's Butler Award last week.   Jeff Whitehouse started the presentation with remembrances of his uncle and by reading a moving letter from Fred P. Toot, Past President and first recipient of the award in 1986.  Jeff and Mr. Toot reminded us that this award is presented as a memorial to Don Butler who was " A man of distinction in our community. His actions to love, assist, care and fulfill the needs of many in the Pittsfield community set examples for us to follow"
President Jeff reviewed John Perreault's many contributions to our community and club.  He used a quote by Dean Smith,  a well know basketball coach, to describe his thoughts on the award and recipient:
"You should never be proud of doing the right thing.  You should just do it"
Congratulations John! 
Jean Butler Boino, John Perreault and Doreen Butler
2017 Student Service Above Self Awards
   President, Jeff Hassett and Service Above Self Award Chair, Joan DiMartino presented seven local students with "Service Above Self" awards.  This award exemplifies student volunteer efforts and their selfless contributions to the service of others.  The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise which we both encourage and foster.
   Joan DiMartino and Committee member, Rob Proskin, had the privilege of reviewing a number of outstanding nominations for students this year and selected the seven awardees for their service above and beyond in their community.  Ms. DiMartino noted, “It certainly was not an easy task but it was truly heartwarming to see that more of our students are out in our community volunteering both their time and talents.”
   Representatives from Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School presented each of the awardees to the Club at a luncheon, held on November 16, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield.  Also in attendance to recognize the student achievements were Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Director of Administrative Services, Office of the Mayor City of Pittsfield, Mr. John Vosburgh, Principal of Taconic High School, Susan Pivero and Sarah Maddelena from Taconic High School Guidance, along with Susan Haughey, Health Tech Teacher.  Pittsfield High School was represented by Amy Higgins and Janice Barry, from the Guidance Department, along with Todd Eddy, Culinary Teacher. Again this year Rotary made a $100 donation in the award winners name to a charity of their choice.
   This year’s awardees who are all Seniors at their respective schools are Anthony Arace, Cooper Baity, Keiahna Cargill and Daniel Zielinski from Taconic High School, along with Gabrielle DiMassimo, Danielle LeBlanc, and Marilyn Maison, from Pittsfield High School.
   The presentation ended with Ms. DiMartino congratulating the award winners and thanking their parents for their involvement in supporting their students volunteerism.  She added that our wish is that these students will continue down the path of service to others as they prepare for graduation and the many challenges and successes ahead!
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With Fellowship & Free Beers For All
We are scheduled to go to Wandering Star Brewery at 5pm next Thursday (August 31st) instead of our regularly scheduled Rotary meeting.  Jeff needs a head count by today if you want in on some tasty craft beers, and probably some halfway decent company as well.  Wandering Star is located at 11 Gifford St. in Pittsfield.
Paul Harris Award Dinner & Dance
On Saturday night Pittsfield Rotary came out to honor this year's Paul Harris Fellowship recipient, Jay Marion. The Paul Harris Fellowship is imparted on Rotarians who exhibit dedication and exemplary service to the Club. Congratulations to Jay on being named the newest Paul Harris Fellow!
Student Scholarships Awarded
On Thursday, May 18 Rotary scholarships were presented to this year's recipients. The students were joined by mentors from their respective schools, as well as family and friends who came out to support them. The following students were awarded scholarships for 2017:

 
Allison Kahn - Berkshire Community College
Stephanie Vargas - St. Joseph's High School
Cassie Winn - Taconic High School
Jade Tanguay - Berkshire Community College
Lauren Daury - Pittsfield High School
Emily Reardon - Pittsfield High School
Gianna Paris - Taconic High School (Not Pictured)
 
Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients!
2017 Butler Award presented to Kelly & Jay Marion
The Donald Butler Award is presented each year to a Rotarian who the president feels has exemplified the Rotarian motto of Service Above Self.  President Joan presented this year's award to Kelly & Jay Marion. Joan gave a heartfelt presentation and explained that the guidance and support given by both of these individuals made it impossible for her to choose only one.  Congratulations to these two dedicated recipients.
Food Pantries Donation Celebration
Posted by Adrienne DeBlieux Speed on Feb 06, 2017
Using funds raised from the Annual Rotary Club of Pittsfield Golf Tournament, last week the The Rotary Club of Pittsfield presented the following ten organizations a donation of $1,000.00 a piece to support their food pantries:
The Salvation Army, St. Mark's Food Pantry, 1st Methodist Church, The Christian Center, St. Stephen's Table, Christian Assembly Church, 1st Baptist Church, St. Agnes Food Pantry, Reigning Love Church and South Congregational Church. 
Get Your Groove On!!  
Save the Date for our 2017 Rotary Auction!!  It's sure to be a Groovy Time!! Saturday January 28.  The donation form is available below.
Service Above Self Honorees
Posted by Adrienne DeBlieux Speed on Nov 04, 2016

Congratulations to our Service Above Self Award Honorees:

From St. Joseph's: Olivia Bolluck, Connor Thurston, Theresa Kirsimagi and Samantha Saddick
From Taconic: Amber Myers, Jill Scussel and Kailey Bell
From Pittsfield High: Erin Murphy, Jackson Rich and Zachary Senecal

Because they have all shown such willingness to give back to their community, along with the honor and award, the Pittsfield Rotary Club will make a donation to a charity of each student’s choice.

Gene Case Awards
Posted by Ron Latham on May 31, 2016
Last week, after background information about Gene Case was delivered by Marshall Raser, Matt Scarafoni presented Gene Case Awards (scholarships) to Anita Curtain (SJCCHS) and Kaitlyn Barcus (PHS).
 
Student Scholarships Awarded
Posted by Ron Latham on May 17, 2016
Last week was our annual Student Scholarship Awards, hosted by Tom Sherman, who presented awards to the following students:
Berkshire Community College
  • Tori Wadsworth
  • Melanie Breault
Pittsfield High School
  • Justin Roy
  • Dylan Northrup
Taconic High School
  • Rosemary Harrison
  • Hannah Cornwell
St. Joseph Central Catholic High School
  • Leanne Hamilton
Jay Bailly Presented the 2016 Butler Award
Posted by Adrienne DeBlieux Speed on Mar 27, 2016
The Donald Butler Award is presented each year to a Rotarian who the president feels has exemplified the Rotarian motto of Service Above Self.  Jeff Whitehouse gave a moving remembrance of his uncle Don for whom the award is named and we were graced with the presence of Don's wife Doreen. President Kelly presented this year's award to Jay Bailly. Kelly noted Jay's quiet but steadfast dedication as he has served two terms on the Club's Board of Directors and also on the Foundation Board.  Jay is co-chair of the Annual Food Drive and for the past 8 years has been essential in our efforts to alleviate hunger in our county. Jay also has 10 years of perfect attendance. This year, Rotary International's theme, is "be a gift to the world" and Jay Bailly, our 2015-2016 Donald G. Butler Award recipient has been a gift to our Club.
Jay Bailly and Doreen Butler
Jay Bailly and Doreen Butler (95 years young)
Auction Donation to Barton's Crossing
The Rotary Club of Pittsfield presented Jay Sachetti, ServiceNet's Vice President of Sheltering, Housing, Addiction, and Vocational Services, with $7,000 raised at the club's annual auction on January 30th to support the Barton's Crossing shelter.

Pictured left to right: Gail Molari, auction co-chair; Joan DiMartino, auction co-chair and incoming president; Jay Sachetti; and Kelly Marion, Rotary Club president.
 
 
 
Paul Harris Dinner
 
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