Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti (pictured nearby with President Jim) provided a lengthy update on all things Pittsfield at our previous luncheon. Of the many issues facing our fair city, housing is chief among the most challenging concerns. Like many or most cities in the US, housing prices are very high as are rental apartments. Several housing projects are in various states of completion throughout Pittsfield. Some of the projects are being handled by private developers while others are government / private partnerships. The new housing will be a mix of subsidized and market rate living spaces. West Side Legends has a duplex and four condominium project underway; between the micro apartments at Zion Church and the new units along West Housatonic St. another 37 units will be available soon; 28 new units on Wendell Ave are in the works; 25-30 new units are coming to North St.; Hibbard School (closed) will be converted to 22 housing units. These projects will bring about 225 new housing units to the market. The City has received 3 state grants, which it will be using to assist in its endeavor to continue fighting this crisis.
Many thanks to Amy for organizing another wonderful fundraising event for our foundation! Please reach out to Amy if you would like tickets as they are disappearing fast!
Assignment for Feed My Sheep is on Monday, October 26th. We need 5-7 volunteers to assist with the activity. We have access to the Church starting at 4:30 to start preparing. Your help is needed for prep, serving (which starts at 5:30 and ends at 6:00), and clean up. We would also like to have some additional volunteers to break bread with the participants. If you are up for a great meal and can lend a listening ear, please let Nick Kirchner know. If you can help, please let Nick know by email.
For those not familiar with this, Feed My Sheep community meal program at the First Baptist Church in Pittsfield. The Rotary has been involved in the program for a number of years along with several other community organizations. Each organization is part of a rotation that purchases, prepares, and serves a supper meal. There are currently 30-40 meals served.
A little taste of the fall foliage from Onota! (photo courtesy Linda Dulye)
A heart felt welcome to our newest member: Lance Palmer, from Pittsfield MA. Lance is a Clinical Documentation Specialist Charge Nurse RN, BSN at Berkshire Health Systems. Classification is Healthcare-Clinical Nursing. Proposed by Erik Ungewitter.
Amy did the Invocation this week! She also did the member minute. Amy has graciously filled in on this duty. She wanted to remind us of the Rotary Wine Pairing event coming soon.
The new Flags of Honor website is live thanks to the tireless efforts of Prez Jim. Feel free to sponsor (and pay for) your flags to honor your Veterans. go to www.pittsfieldrotaryflags.com
Don't forget to solicit for Corporate sponsors as well.
As a reminder, your Club dues are due! Emails went to all eligible club members with your invoice. Help Treasurer Jeff avoid panic attacks. Also, the club can now accept credit card payments for your dues if this makes the process easier. Approx 50% have been paid at this point.
Please make sure if you are to be absent from your assigned invocation date that you secure a replacement or let President Jim know of your absence. A big thank you goes out to our very own Amy McNally, who graciously steps in to fill the absentee void!
