State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier was the guest speaker at last weeks luncheon. Ms. Farley-Bouvier entitled her remarks "What the h**l does a state representative do?" The Representative is one of 160 across the Commonwealth, her current district is 13 of 14 Pittsfield precincts, the coming redistricting map will update her territory to include all of Pittsfield. While Farley-Bouvier is on the Consumer Protection and Cyber Security House Committees, child welfare and foster care are her core issues. She is working to aid the overburdened agencies, especially DCF.  Her latest pending bill, the family mobility act would allow all persons in the Commonwealth regardless of immigration status to obtain a drivers license. Other highlights: House meetings remain via Zoom at least through the end of the month. The House has been inundated with requests for covid-19 assistance. Unemployment benefits have been difficult to administer, the unemployment office grew from 50 to over 1,000 employees to manage the crisis. Finally, Representative Farley-Bouvier reminded us that her most important job is to be accessible to all citizens. Several members expressed frustration with changing rules and hard to find answers regarding all things covid. The good Rep agreed the times have been very challenging. 

Plan Ahead: This weeks meeting will focus on planning for the Club's future. The strategic planning session will include a SWOT analysis and general discussion around the opportunities and pitfalls ahead. Lunch will be plated and awaiting your arrival. Kindly do you best to be on time or early. If you have not RSVP'd for the event, please do so now.

 

Zoom Zoom: As announced in various forms, luncheon meetings are now available live via Zoom. If you cannot make our weekly gathering, please consider streaming the event via the following link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84791340270?pwd=bm1zNkJPemF0MGJoLzZncW5KS3Judz09

 

Berkshire YMCA: Foundation President John Perreault introduced Jess Rumlow, Executive Director of the Berkshire Family YMCA (Pittsfield), presenting her organization with a check of $5,000 from the Foundation in support of their annual campaign. Ms. Rumlow is also a Rotarian from North Adams and plans to transfer her membership to Pittsfield.

 

Sign of the Times: At meetings end, Chuck Wetherell showcased new signs indicating the time and place of our weekly program. These signs will be attached underneath five existing signs throughout Pittsfield. A sixth sign is planned for the Pittsfield / Dalton border. Though petty larceny was suggested, it is more likely a new sign post will be installed instead of appropriating the Kiwanis post. Sparks was told the new signs are of such strong construction that they will survive even Armageddon. Eric Schaffer will assist with the installation process.

 

Dues bills have long since been sent to the membership via email.  If you want a paper copy, or would like an invoice that includes prepaying for 44 lunches, let Jeff Hassett know and he will send you a revised invoice. To the moment, the Club has received payments from 37 members, with 10 still outstanding.

 

Ed Forfa 09/24

 

 

Richard LaFleche 36 years! (1985)

 

Tom Sherman 09/23

Jayson Tanzman 10/7

Jay Bailly 10/21

Jim Bronson 10/28

Mark Busch 11/4

Sadly, there was no winner at our last meeting. The pot is now $498 with 28 cards remaining in the deck.

The deck is almost half gone, the odds of someone walking away with over $500 are getting that much better. Good luck!