Last week we heard from Jeff Hassett, current president of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield Foundation, who provided an overview of Foundation accounts and activities. Jeff noted that the Foundation actively seeks worthwhile community projects. Contact Jeff for current proposal guidelines. Jeff further noted the Foundation would conduct a member fund drive this spring, and that this year's auction within the auction beneficiary would be the Foundation. Current balances are as follows:

Rotary Capital Fund     $235,789

David B. Kagan Award Fund     $5,476

Lyon Scholarship Fund     $8,209

Nash Family Scholarship Fund     $33,748

Paul Harris Scholarship Fund     $3,060

Literacy Fund     $93,635

Gene Case Scholarship Fund     $30,501

Boundless Playground Fund     $31,497

Food Fund     $0

AP Testing Fund     $17,776

Clapp Park Splash Pad Fund     $15,279

John Reynolds Scholarship Fund     $8,090

Habitat - Veterans Fund     $5,000

TOTAL FUND BALANCE A/O 12/31/2022:     $498,410

This month's 3rd Thursday evening social (March 16) will be at Patrick's Pub starting at 5:30. Be advised that Patrick's has several wall-mounted TV's, so if you're into the NCAA basketball tournament, this is the place to be. Please RSVP to Joan DiMartino if you are attending, and if you will bring a guest.

Regarding Thursday's lunch meeting, don't forget to RSVP your intent to Joan DiMartino by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday so she may give Mazzeo's a head count.

Last week we were introduced to our student guests for the month of March: Julianna Johanson (PHS) and Jane Wong (THS). Please help make them feel welcomed to our meetings.

As a reminder, Pittsfield's Interact Club is sponsoring the "Helping Hands of Rotary" project, which will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at St. Joseph's Church.  Items needed are new or used (but CLEAN) blankets and towels, individual new packages of deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, sanitizers, feminine products, shampoos and conditioners.

Our auction is slated for Saturday April 1, 2023.  That's just a couple of weeks away! We need your items (and forms) to enter into our database. This Thursday, March 9, is an Item Rally Day, where you're encouraged to bring your donated items to our luncheon meeting - otherwise, get them to Molari Employment Services ASAP!  Advertising forms have been out for some time, Contact Don Kuczarski with completed forms and payment for program book advertising.

Jay Marion 3/9

Kelly Marion 3/23

Phil Massery 3/30

Joe McGovern 4/6

John McLaughlin 4/13

While we have no birthdays or anniversaries to report this week.

With no winner at last week's meeting, the available cash is up to $773, with 23 cards remaining in the deck. We're looking for that elusive two of clubs. t