Last week we heard from Fennie Wang, CEO of Humanity Cash, a platform for any community to design its own community currency, which are local payment networks that encourage recirculation of funds within a community. BerkShares is one of the most well-known community currencies in the world that has operated in Berkshire County since 2006. BerkShares is now going digital with Humanity Cash, who works with the community banks to hold cash reserves, and the Schumacher Center, the local non-profit whose research supports the BerkShares program. Credit cards take funds out of the local economy. BerkShares funds stay local, strengthening small business. To find out what businesses accept BerkShares, visit their website at BerkShares.org.
Last week Joan DiMartino reminded the Club about the Wine Pairing Dinner scheduled for Saturday, March 19th at Mazzeo's. Tickets are $100 per person, with 100% of the profits from the fundraiser going to a memorial scholarship for Dr. John Reynolds. Joan noted that because of Covid restrictions, there would be a limit of 75 ticket sold, so RSVP pronto.
Rotary District 7890 has challenged all Clubs in the district to participate in a Day of Service on Saturday, April 9. With Service Above Self at the heart of all we do, we are in a unique position to provide meaningful, participatory volunteer experiences for Rotary while introducing prospective members to our clubs. Every club has been challenge to plan and host at least one practical and action-oriented Rotary Day of Service which as stated above will be April 9th. The event should address a challenge facing our community that fits in one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus and brings together volunteers from within and outside of Rotary. This is a chance to create meaningful volunteer opportunities for families and partnering organizations in our area, regardless of their profession or affiliation with Rotary. While no final decision has been made has to what our service project will be - the Club will be looking to see what other Rotary organizations around us will be doing to see if we may dovetail with them to provide greater impact - under serious consideration is a gesture to first responders to express our appreciation for their service, perhaps coffee and doughnuts. If you have suggestions, please let Alex Reczkowski or Joan DiMartino know. April 9th is a little over five weeks away.
Please RSVP your intent to Joan DiMartino (joan.dimartino@gd-ms.com) by 12:00 noon 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. Sometimes it takes a few moments to set up Zoom, so please be patient........ and please, if you've committed to attending, please don't neglect to attend unless there's a crisis.
The Auction is now scheduled for Saturday, April 2nd, at Berkshire Hills Country Club. Please gather up your items and get them to Molari's so they may be entered into the database in preparation for our best auction ever!