Fines at last weeks luncheon were designated for the Club food drive. Many members brought extra cash to contribute to the cause. We did fairly well in the early effort. Funds grew exponentially in the happy dollars segment when Robert Harrison produced a sizeable wad of $100 bills, pledging to give them all away to match fines or happy dollars that met or exceeded one hundred dollars. Many Rotarians increased their donation to take advantage of the matching funds offer. Extra thanks to Robert for his individual generosity and financial challenge to Members. The food drive benefited to the tune of $2,814 - Amazing charity by all!

Jay Bailly, reporting for the Food Drive Committee noted that one additional volunteer is needed for the last collection this Saturday. Last week $355 and 150 pounds of food were collected.

Final food drive event: 11/19:   Stop & Shop (Merrill Road)

 

Third Thursdays this year are evening events. This month, we shall instead convene on Wednesday evening (11.16) at Shire Breu-Hous, downstairs at the Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton. Trivia kicks off at 7:00 PM and is hosted by Sparks Tower's very own Jim Bronson. If you arrive by 6:40 or so, you will have no trouble finding seats or moving a table or two as needed. Teams are usually limited to 6 players per, but your humble host makes all the rules! Please contact Jim if there are special requests, needs or questions of any kind. The restaurant opens at 4:30 PM should your hunger or thirst get the best of you earlier in the afternoon. We hope to see you all there!

Dave Hall in his member minute, perhaps in an effort to avoid disseminating too much fine fodder, presented a close to the vest picture of his life and career. We were able to glean the following: Mr. Hall is married to an admitted cradle robber, the lovely Marianne; the couple have two adult daughters. A graduate of WPI, a founder of Pittsfield based CompuWorks, an avid runner and rower as well as track coach, Dave, a 30 year Rotarian, is always a busy fellow!

Third Notice: Proposed new members: Nicholas Kirchner wishes to join under the classification: Employment Services Management, Gail Molari is the proposer.  Christian Bianchi wishes to join under the classification, Health Organization, John Murphy is the proposer.

Guest Diners: Due to the short November meeting schedule, Jamie Duquette, the student Rotarian of the month from PHS thanked us for her brief attendance with the Club. Ms. Duquette is a senior and very much into basketball and soccer. She joins her twin sister as student Rotarians. John O'Brien was accompanied by his bride Anne Marie, John Murphy was joined by his bride Joanne, proposed new member Christian Bianchi also accompanied Mr. Murphy. 

 

Remember: "Each one bring one" Club growth depends on each of us brining a guest to our meetings and encouraging our guests and others to join us in Rotary.

 

It's in the Bag! Should you find yourself or a family member shopping at the Pittsfield Big Y, please purchase one or more of their "better bags" for around $2-2.50 each. The Club receives $1 per bag in support of our food programs. Jeff Whitehouse has concluded that no less than 8 bottles of brown liquor can easily be nestled in these special Big Y bags. Thanks for the exhaustive research! 

Robert Harrison 12/8

Evening Social  12/15

Christmas Party  12/22

Jeff Hassett 01/05

Shaun Heimann 01/12

No birthdays to celebrate this week but we do have the anniversaries on 12/04 of both John Murphy (36 years!!) and Donna Palmer (8 Years.)  On 12/08 the invisible man, Brad Felix has his 6 year anniversary 

Although we were all wishing her well, lady luck did not favor Kelly Marion last week.  The pot is at $542 with 33 cards in the deck. We are looking for the 2 of Clubs. Good luck!