Sparks 12.19 & 12.26 2024 (Dec. 19, 2024)

Holiday Celebration

Rotarians and guests joined together for our annual holiday affair this week. A great time was had by all to be sure! Going away from our traditional chicken nuggets and saltines, the assembly feasted on a delicious meal from our friends at Mazzeo's. We were entertained by members of the Pittsfield High string ensemble. Jeff Whitehouse pictured nearby was red nosed at the start of the festivities. This doesn't usually happen until the bar has been open for at least 30 minutes, impressive! President Tom even brought Lynne Bronson back to life, the Magic of Rotary is truly inspiring. Happy Holidays!

Membership Proposal

The board has completed a first round vote of acceptance of the proposal for new members:

Emily Badger, a new Therapist / Licensed Clinical Social Worker in town (read about her on the ellie Mental Health site or on Psychology Today); coming from Tennessee, where she was a member of the Rotary Club of Columbia Breakfast. Alex Reczkowski is proposing her. This is the 2nd posting of this proposed member.

First Posting:

Diana Knaebe, transferring from the R.C. of Decatur, IL. Ms. Knaebe is the president and CEO of the Brien Center. She looks to join the Club under the classification of behavioral healthcare / healthcare. President Tom Bernard is the proposer.

David Harrington, commercial lending team leader and a VP at Lee Bank, Dave is proposed by Erik Ungewitter and looks to join under the Finance Business Banking classification.

Board Proposals

Members will vote on the next slate of Club Directors soon; proposed new members (3 year term) are: Adrian DeBlieux Speed, Eva Sereghy and Roger Gibboni.

Students of the Month

We said goodbye to our Student of the Month: PHS Senior Ella Bassi with us this month. Ms. Bassi is very involved in the community and at PHS. She plays varsity soft ball, is on the class council, is the chapter president of Best Buddies. She plans to attend college next year and study psychology. Ms. Bassi was joined by Taconic High senior Alec Ginsberg. Alec is a captain for both the cross-country and swim teams. He is taking classes at both THS and BCC, with future plans to attend college in the math and physics realm.

Mark Your 2025 Calendars Now

Please note these important dates for 2025:

Saturday April 5th – Our annual Rotary Auction with a Pirate Theme
The weekend of Saturday May 3rd – Rotary District Conference held in Pittsfield and our Service Day Project (Food packing event) The conference has a Kentucky Derby Theme.
Saturday May 10th - Paul Harris Dinner at the Country Club of Pittsfield

Please Note:

Sparks Tower will be closed over the holidays. The next award winning issue will come out after our January 2nd meeting at Patrick's Pub. From all of us behind the gleaming glass at Spark's Tower, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a joyous New Year to you and family!

Invocation Duties

No Meeting, Happy Holidays! 12/26

Gwen Davis 01/02

Adrienne DeBlieux Speed 01/09

3rd Thursday Evening Event 01/16

Fred "The Dash Dad" Dery 01/23

Please make sure if you are to be absent from your assigned invocation date that you secure a replacement or let President Tom know of your absence.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

While we are on holiday break, we must remember to wish Happy Birthday to:

John Murphy - December 23rd

Jay Marion - December 27th

Club anniversary cheers to:

Dave Dery (58 years - 12.15.66)

Don Kuczarski (23 years - 12.21.01)

Richard Laureyns (46 years - 12.28.78)

Club Lottery

Winning an all expense paid trip to Cheshire Harbor was none other than Jeff Hassett! Jeff opted for the cash equivalent prize and now has $84 burning a hole in his pocket! Congrats good sir!

The Lottery is taking it's annual sabbatical to South Florida and will return refreshed and ready to go when we resume meetings in 2025.