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.
Caroline Wheeler spoke to us about her organization Sisters for Peace. She started this grass roots effort four years ago when she was trying to look for a meaningful way to give back. She felt as if she was overwhelmed by the amount of need in the world and how could she actually make a difference. She then realized if she could affect just one person or group at a time that, in fact, does make a difference. Caroline does the research and finds they projects the groups helps. In just four years, Sisters for Peace has rallied to do humanitarian projects and has given over $50,000 for local and global organizations and organized volunteer projects both large and small. They help with many local services including soup kitchens, visiting nursing homes, diaper drives, and delivering food. Sisters for Peace helps out at the Elizabeth Freeman center, the teen parent program and they also did Hurricane Sandy relief. The also help internationally with a focus on impoverish areas. Caroline has traveled to many of the program they have assisted including Nepal. There are no overhead costs for Sister for Peace as Caroline does all of the work and the group includes men, women and children. For more information visit her website at www.sistersforpeace.org
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 board voted to reinstate the $2.00 fine for members needing to leave the meeting before the speaker. Please make the effort to stay to hear the speaker and the 1:15 meeting end time.
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.
