Pictured nearby, Area Governor Vin Marinaro and President Alex Reczkowski welcome Stacy Hebb and Tom Bernard as new members of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield. 

Ms. Hebb, retired of Berkshire Health Systems is now a relator with Nocher Reality. The firm has offices in Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington. 

Mr. Bernard, recently mayor of North Adams, is the President and CEO of Berkshire United Way. Mr. Bernard serves on the Board of Trustees at BART School in Adams and is a board member of the E-For-All program.

Providing information about the Club and Foundation, Joan DiMartino and Jeff Hassett also participated in the induction of our newest members.

Sparks Tower has already received dirt on Mr. Bernard, we are very pleased to have a new source of funding er fine fodder as we are close to high school sports doldrums at least until ski season begins.  Welcome Stacy and Tom!

Roger Gibboni was our member of the week and gave us a quick rundown of his history. An electrical engineer with Drexel and U Penn degrees, the Philadelphia native has lived in Orange County NY then on to the current home along the shores of Pontoosuc Lake. Roger has been affiliated with several Rotary Clubs over the past 30 years. Currently, he is able to crank Grateful Dead music on his very own brand of hand made amplifiers, Roger's High Fidelity is located in North Adams and produces top notch audio equipment. From what we understand, the walls will soon be rattling at Dave Hall's manse when he finally unboxes the masterpiece of audio tech he won at last year's auction. Thanks again to Roger for donating this one of a kind amp! 

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! 

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)

 

With Christmas fast approaching, Salvation Army is gearing up their annual Kettle Campaign, the bell ringing fundraiser. Rotarians have "traditionally" helped ring the bell for SA and have proven to be an important part of the campaign. We will not be doing a Club-organized effort for the Kettle project, however interested members are asked to contact Captain Justin Barter directly if you can find the time to support this worthwhile effort. Bells are rung every day except Sundays, and their schedule goes from 10:00 AM-7:30 PM (starting the day after Thanksgiving).

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!