July 15th Sparks (Jul 15, 2021)

5th Thursday Social

Jul 29, 2021

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John Murphy - New Club President

At our July first meeting, President John Murphy shared with us his vision for his administration. He noted how honored he was to be president, and reminded members about their "obligations" as defined by Club bylaws: "To attend meetings regularly; to pay my dues promptly, to do my part when called upon, and to be a big-hearted, broad-minded person — a person of energy and action — a Rotarian." Doing good while having fun, or having fun while doing good. That's why John's in Rotary, which ties into Rotary International's theme this year: "Serve to Change Lives." Committee chairs for the year were announced:

Program Committee: Shaun Heimann (He'll use Rotary's seven areas of focus as the skeleton to organize our year. Contact him with your program ideas.)

Auction Committee: Robert Harrison, Brooks Sherman and Alex Reczkowski

Rotary Club of Pittsfield Foundation President: John Perreault
Strategic Planning: John Perreault
Benevolence Committee: John Hudnall and Shaun Heimann.
Membership Committee: Jay Marion
Club Communications Committee: Kelly Marion
Fellowship Committee: John McLaughlin
Sergeant at Arms: John O'Brien
Club Sunshine Committee: Adrienne DeBlieux-Speed

Dues Bills have been sent

Jeff Hassett has sent all dues bills via email. If you want a paper copy just let him know. Also, if you would like an invoice that includes pre-paying for 44 lunches, please let Jeff know and he will send you a revised invoice.

Audubon / GABCC Campership Challenge

Two weeks ago Marianne Hall received a (virtual) check from the Club in support of camperships at the Audubon Nature Sanctuary. After Marianne's brief remarks, Tom Sherman offered the following challenge to the Club: he would match, up to $1,000 the Club collected in fines on 6/24 and 7/1, to be shared equally between the Audubon Nature Sanctuary and Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center for camperships. The membership took the challenge and raised the 1,000. in fines! Thank you to Tom and all the contributing members.

Annual RCPF Appeal

This past year has been extremely challenging, with social distancing and Zoom meetings, however the Rotary Club of Pittsfield Foundation continued helping out in the community. We're making our annual appeal for member support. Please make checks payable to Rotary Club of Pittsfield Foundation, and either bring it to a weekly meeting or mail it to PO Box 78, Pittsfield, MA 01202. If there is a specific designation you would like it to go towards please put it in the notes on your checks. Choices are:

Rotary Capital (bricks & mortar & general)
Boundless & Splash
Literacy
AP testing
Scholarships-Paul Harris

Attendance Requirement Restored

At the last Board meeting it was voted to restore the Club's attendance requirement. Members will recall that as a result of the Covid pandemic the attendance requirement had been set aside. Additionally, the Board voted on several benevolence requests as well as making a $10,000 transfer to Rotary Club of Pittsfield Foundation.

Don't Forget To RSVP

We're back to live meeting at Mazzeo's. 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.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

There's one birthday (Brad Felix 7/18); and one Club anniversary Jayson Tanzman 21 years as of July 20th.

Invocation Duties

Donna Palma 7/22

Ben Parhizgar 8/5

John Perreault 8/12

AlexReczkowski 8/19

John Reynolds 8/26

Eric Schaffer 09/02

Brooks Sherman 09/09

Club Lottery

There was no winner at our last meeting, so there now $334 in the pot, with 38 cards remaining in the deck.