The Club will present our Student Service Above Self Awards on May 13th. With students remote learning, it's difficult to rely on Guidance to provide us information and recommendations so we are seeking Rotarian award nominations for either PHS of THS seniors, with a short paragraph detailing how they volunteer in their community. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, 4/15, which should be sent via email or text to Joan DiMartino (413-822-5551). If you have questions, contact Joan.
There have been a number of members who have commented that the Sparks they receive by email only captures the first page. While I have no idea why some, not all, are experiencing this problem, ClubRunner software does offer a work around. At the top of the emailed Sparks is the following message: "Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view it online." Be sure to click there. You don't want to miss out on important Club information.
The Club has returned to live meeting at Mazzeo's and will continue doing so - outdoors, weather permitting. 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. The pandemic has taken such a toll on our Club. Please make every effort to join us at Mazzeo's.
Seeking membership support for books for our Library House at the Boys' and Girls' Club. John Hudnall donated a number of new books last Thursday. We could use more books and Club members to watch over the book house.
Our 5th Thursday social event will be held at Balderdash Cellars on Thursday, April 29th from either 5:30 or 6 (depending on what works for most people) for 90 minutes to stay in compliance with State regulations, which also requires the purchase of food. To that end, meatball and/or sausage grinders will be available for purchase from a food truck. Because we may need to be inside, we are limiting attendance to 30 Rotarians and guests. Because of the attendance limitation it is imperative you respond as quickly as possible to Joan DiMartino to let her know you are coming, and whether you are bringing a guest. Balderdash will be closed to the public for this event. It is just Rotarians and our guests that will be attending. If you have not been there it is a beautiful place, great wine and definitely good fellowship.
Last week Alex Reczkowski updated the membership on the status of the "Hearts of Europe" initiative that partners Rotary International with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Alex reported that after technical review, RI approved the Global Grant application. This is a $60,000 project that sees our Club working with other clubs in the district to introduce STEM technology in Serbian early education, and Alex indicated the project had entered into a networking phase to facilitate partnerships. In consultation with Rotary International, Alex learned that Rotary will be sending an email survey to our club members to do a pre-project assessment. One of the goals with our global grant project with Serbia is to build relationships, and this initial survey will provide a baseline for Rotary International to evaluate the project. Alex asks members who receive this survey through the email (from Rachel Hermes) to know that it is legitimate and worth our time.
Because of the problems mentioned above regarding members not seeing all of Sparks in their emailed edition, the following new member proposal is being posted for a third time:
Proposed New Member: James Bronson
Sponsor: John O’Brien
Classification: Retail – Owner [Your CBD Store on Elm Street]
This year's District conference will be an online event from Thursday, 4/29, through Saturday, May 1, and will include our District (7890) as well as District 7950. If you're seeking Rotary inspiration, information, fellowship and fun, register for this virtual event through the District website.
This week we celebrate NATIONAL BE KIND TO LAWYERS DAY (2nd Tuesday each April). Lawyers are perhaps the most reviled and ridiculed profession in the world today, and yet people flock to them the moment they need help writing their will, running a business, fighting a DUI, and otherwise avoiding jail time. This is one day out of the year to give an ounce of respect and appreciation to the men and women who daily tip the scales of justice. So give Hamel and Hinkley a break and show them a little love.
