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Speakers
Jan 28, 2016
 
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Upcoming Events
Gift of Rotary Auction
Crowne Plaza
Jan 30, 2016
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
 
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
Stories
Downtown Pittsfield Inc
Our speaker last week was Kristine Hurley, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc.  Kristine is a Pittsfield native who returned to the area five years ago.  Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.is an association of businesses, downtown property owners, residents, cultural and non-profit organizations joining forces to increase economic activity through promoting downtown as a great place to do business, obtain professional services, shop, dine, work, live, attend events, and enjoy recreational activities. Downtown Pittsfield Inc was started as a grassroots organization 30 years ago to support downtown businesses and their employees.  They continue that mission today by advocating for businesses by taking reports of issues that need resolution, through their website, social promotions and publishing the Downtown Pittsfield Guide.  They also have a division focusing on arts & culture that incudes promotions and activities such as the 1st Friday Artwalks and the annual ethnic fair.  Kristine told us they are currently working on their five year strategic plan focusing on areas such as public safety, quantity and diversity of foot traffic and promoting the positive aspects of our downtown.
New Members
At the November 12th meeting two new members were introduced:  Jay Marion introduced his son Lucas Marion, owner of Otto's Breakfast and Deli. Tom Sherman introduced his son Brooks Sherman of The Sherman Investment Group an RBC Wealth Management team.  Welcome to both of you! 
Board Vote / Announcements
At the November 12th meeting the membership voted to elect Joan DiMartino, Jeff Hassett and Jay Marion to a term on the Board of Directors.
Also announced at the meeting: The club has a tree at the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees this year.  Make sure to stop by and see it and thanks to Jodi Rathbun-Briggs for decorating the tree.
Save the Date:  The annual Paul Harris dinner will be May 7th 2016 at Cranwell.
Dictionary Distribution Delayed
Because of a shipment delay delivery to the schools has been postponed to the week of December 14-18. Thank you to the 23 Rotarians who volunteered to deliver the dictionaries to the children.  If you are unable to make the switch to the same time the following week, contact Ron Latham.
Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed
Don Kuczarski is still looking to fill a two-hour shift for ringing the Salvation Army bells: 11:00 to 1:00 at Walmart on 12/12.  Contact Don if you can help.
Auction Update

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get your Auction items in!  We still have a lot of items that are “Status Unknown” – please talk to your contacts and send Carol, Gail and Joan  your updates.  If anyone has items please drop them off at MOLARI any weekday from 8:00 – 4:30, or by appointment for other hours.  If you need items to be picked up please contact  Joan, Carol or Gail.  If you need help, forms, etc. please let  Joan, Gail or Carol know.

Food Drive Update
The first week of the food drive netted $615 and 500 lbs of food. The second week netted $748 and 800 lbs of food. Week three netted $330 and 600 lbs of food.
Introduction Duties
01/07  Greg Knight
01/14  Don Kuczarski
01/21  Rick LaFleche
01/28  Ron Latham
02/04  Dick Laureyns
02/11  Carol Leibinger-Healey
02/18  Vin Marinaro
If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.
Invocation Duties
01/07  Sally Umlauf
​01/14  Charles Whetherell
01/21  Ryan Ayelsworth
01/28  Jay Bailly
02/04  Mark Busch
02/11  Dave Cianflone
02/18  Ralph Cianflone
Please remember to use a non-denominational prayer - be respectful of others' beliefs. If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.
Birthdays and Anniversaries

Since or last meeting in December celebrate the birthdays of John Murphy (12/23) and Jay Marion (12/27); and the Club anniversaries of Don Kuczarski (14 years a/o 12/21/01), Chris Farrell (27 years a/o 12/22/88), Dick Laureyns (37 years a/o 12/28/78) and John McLaughlin (17 years a/o 1/8/98).