Last week DG Joanne Alfieri visited the Club and shared her thoughts about what Rotary means to her. She acknowledged that membership was fundamental, but noted that while Clubs were successful in bringing new members in, we are less so with retention. She advised Clubs to achieve a better understanding about what members want out of Rotary, then take necessary steps to meet those needs. She reported that April 9, 2022, was targeted as Rotary "Day of Service," with the goal of every Club in the district having a service project to work on that day.
Last week we heard from Chris Keegan, who spoke about the local Toys for Tots campaign. Today’s mission is the same as it was when started in 1947: to bring the joy of Christmas to America’s less fortunate children. Toys for Tots is a National program with a local touch, having nearly 800 local toy collection and distribution programs in most major market areas in all 50 states, distributing an annual average of 18 million toys to 7 million children-in-need. Chris emphasized that all toys collected in Berkshire County (estimated at 9,000 pieces) get distributed in Berkshire County. Anyone wishing to contribute - a new and unused toy or a cash donation - may send it to Chris Keegan in care of Berkshire County House of Correction.
At last week's meeting we distributed lists of items that each member has solicited in the past two years. Members are asked to review the list and let Alex Reczkowski know if you find errors or what items you will not be collecting this year. In November the Auction Committee will distribute donation sheets. You'll get one donation sheet for each item you've committed to collecting, and you'll get blank sheets for any additional items. Then, when you drop off items, you will have a sheet for each item to facilitate tracking. Those members not at last week's meeting, will get them at this Thursday's meeting, or by mail thereafter. If you would like to see the entire list, including your items, click Google Sheet of Rotary Auction 2022 items, which is arranged by member's name.
Probably the most important Club initiative going forward is membership enhancement. To that end, last week Eric Schaffer and President Murphy announced a membership challenge for the Club. For the next several months, any Club member that brings a prospective member to a luncheon meeting will have that guest's meal paid for by Eric. When/if that guest attends a second meeting, the meal will be covered by the Club. Can you think of someone to bring to Rotary?
Please RSVP your intent to Joan DiMartino (joan.dimartino@gd-ms.com) by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday so she may give Mazzeo's a head count. If unable to attend, our luncheon meetings are also available live on Zoom. If you cannot be there in person, consider streaming the event via the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84791340270?pwd=bm1zNkJPemF0MGJoLzZncW5KS3Judz09 ........ and please, if you've committed to attending, please don't neglect to attend unless there's a crisis.
The Club is holding a special raffle, the proceeds of which will support our international "Service Above Self" mission, specifically our "Years of Ascent" (kindergarten S.T.E.M.) program in Serbia. Tickets are $20 each, and the drawing will be on November 4. Only 200 tickets will be sold, for a chance at one of three gift cards from Mazzeo's Ristorante: a first prize of $250, a second prize of $150, and a third prize of $100. Each member was given five tickets to sell/purchase. Members unable to sell their tickets should turn them in to Alex Reczkowski or Jayson Tanzman soonest.
Last week we had a second student guest join us for the month of October: Sonya Massery, representing THS. Sonya is Phil Massery's granddaughter, and joins Lena Ungewitter, who was introduced to us the week before. Please help them feel welcomed at our meetings.
This week we have three birthdays to celebrate: Dave Hall (10/15), Tom Sherman (10/17), and Joan DiMartino (10/18); and one Club anniversary: Jeff Whitehouse (43 years a/o 10/19/78).
