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Stories
Last week we honored John R. Franchebois, who is selling his home in Pittsfield and moving out of state.  JR joined the Club in 1955, and was Club President (1977-1978), served two terms on the Club Board of Directors, was the Club Photographer for 45 years, Rotary Information Committee for 9 years.  Over his years with us he was a dependable volunteer, which is why the Club honored him in 1980 with a Paul Harris Fellowship.  His daughter and son-in-law brought him to our meeting, which is probably the last time that many of us will see JR.  We wish him well.
Our best luncheon speakers come to us by way of member referral.  If know of someone interesting that you think the Club might enjoy hearing from, please share your ideas with John Reynolds.
Last week we were entertained by Jessica Roemischer, a pianist, inspirational speaker and author.  As part of her presentation, she invited a member to join her at the keyboard where, without any music experience, she invited the volunteer to select random notes that she would then interweave into a duet of sorts.  It seemed rather fitting the JR Franchebois was "volunteered" for the assignment.  At first somewhat shy, JR rose to the occasion as a wild man on the keys.  Those of us who have been in the Club for several years will recognize some of those "memorable moments" in Club history.  JR on the keyboard will be one of those moments for many years to come. 
Michelle Bauer spoke to the club about the local chapter of “Dining for Women.”  Dining for Women is a global giving circle that funds grassroots programs working in developing countries to fight gender inequality. Dining for Women celebrates the power of the individual to see an injustice and act to change it; to see need and act to fill it.  Dining for Women chapters meet on a regular basis – most monthly – and share a meal together. Generally they meet at a member’s home and bring a potluck dinner item and then donate the funds they would have spent dining out. Members share camaraderie and learn about that month’s featured programs through videos, educational documents and presentations, and free and open discussion. Funds raised each month go to fund the featured program and sustained program.  The program’s vision statement is “We envision a world where the lives of women and girls have been transformed and extreme poverty has been reduced because Dining for Women connected people in creative, powerful ways that assure gender equality.  Through collective giving circles, Dining for Women inspires, educates and engages people to invest in grassroots programs that make a meaningful difference for women and girls living in extreme poverty in developing countries. “
Michelle played an informative video on one of their featured programs “Ripple Africa.”  If anyone would like more information on the local chapter contact Micelle Bauer at PittsfieldDiningForWomen@gmail.com
This is it!  The drawings start on Saturday August 1st.  Please bring in your sold calendars to Joan this week for the Rotary International Fundraiser to benefit Shelter Boxes going to Nepal. Please make sure to sell them or give them as gifts, then turn your $60 in to Joan along with any ticket stubs for the raffle.
We have raised 2,700.00 so far.  Let's get those tickets in.  Thank you all for your willingness to support our friends in Nepal during this time of great need.
The Rotary Club of Pittsfield has the honor of being the volunteer service organization to assist with the opening night of Shakespeare in the Park!  We need at least 8 volunteers so please let see Kelly Marion if you are able to assist on July 16th.  The following is the information on what we need to do:
Your eight organization volunteers should plan to arrive at the First Street Common by 6:45pm, and expect to stay until the end of the performance, around 10:30. They will be assigned to one of the following tasks:
  • helping guests park cars and directing them to the performance location (2 volunteers)
  • collecting ticket donations and handing out programs (3 volunteers)
  • ushering: helping audience members find space on the lawn in the appropriate seating sections, directing them to the restrooms, and making sure park rules related to smoking and alcohol are followed (2 volunteers)
  • counting the number of audience members who attend the performance using a mechanical tally (1 volunteer)
11/5    John Reynolds
11/12  Matt Scarafoni
11/19  Jim Scolforo
12/3    Joel Scussel
12/10  Tom Sherman
12/17 Christine Singer
 
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.
11/5    Robert Harrison
11/12  Jeff Hassett
11/19  Shaun Heimann
12/3    Mike Hinkley
12/10  John Hudnall
12/17  Randy Johnson
If you will not be at the meeting, please notify Joel Scussel (joel.scussel@mountainone.com) who your replacement will be in advance.

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