Last week we heard from Lia Spiliotes, the interim CEO of Community Health Programs (CHP), who spoke about her agency, a network of health centers and caring professionals in Berkshire County that provide outstanding primary and preventative care for patients of all ages. CHP is unique in that it offers a broad spectrum of support services beyond medical and dental issues to strengthen families and improve community well-being. CHP embraces the role of non-profit health care provider and community partner, and is a leader in the communities it serves by providing high quality health care, dental services, wellness education and family support services. Their outreach provides free health screenings, insurance enrollment assistance as well as information so people may learn how to take better care of themselves and their families.
Jeff Whitehouse reported last week that projected attendance at the Paul Harris Dinner on May 7 (at Cranwell) is up to 90. If you have not yet responded, what are you waiting for? If you have commited to underwriting the event, please get yor check to Jeff Hassett.
Club members will remember the Trunk 'n Treat program coordinated by Gabriella Keator last October. Last week Gabriella joined us at our meeting to speak briefly about the success of the program, thank Rotary donors and supporters, and to present checks to Pittsfield Promise and SADD.
Last week were were introduced to two of our three student guests for the month of April: TJ Nykorchuck (PHS) and Camila Gomez (SJCCHS). Please make sure our student guests are made to feel welcome at our meetings.
Each year Rotary Club of Pittsfield recognizes two individuals in the community - a man and a woman - who have made significant contributions to their community through volunteer activities that have created lasting change in the lives of individuals and families in the community, activities that have made our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. The nominees are not necessarily high profile individuals, but persons who have provided service above self to others. If you have a person you would like to nominate, contact Kagan Award Committee co-chairs Ed Forfa or Kelly Marion before the May 6 submission deadline.
The 2016 Rotary Golf Tournament is this week! We're at the Country Club of Pittsfield on Wednesday, May 25, again raising funds for local food pantries. Contact Greg Knight to sign up as a player, sponsor or volunteer.
According to Joan DiMartino, the Rotary Club of Pittsfield Foundation will be offering a cash calendar for the month of August at $5 per calendar. The minimum prize will be $25. The Foundation stands to profit $5,000 if we sell 1,000 calendars.
Rotary Club of Pittsfield was chartered on March 30, 1920. Our 100th anniversary is fast approaching, and the Club needs to decide just how we will commemorate this important milestone. The Club has been challenged by incoming president Joan DiMartino to come up with suggestions for a big project - like the Boundless Playground - that will have a significant and lasting impact on the local community. Start thinking, because if it's really big, it will take a few years to execute.
Gail Molari is still recruiting hosts for the Vocational Technical Training Group coming to Pittsfield from May 1 through May 8. The group will be comprised of five pre-school teachers from Union Of South Africa. Hosts are responsible for room and board and any incidentals that occur from the visit, excluding personal necessities/items. Contact Gail if you have questions about hosting.
06/30 Greg Knight
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.
This week there are no birthdays to celebrate, however there are three Club anniversaries of note: Ken Sewell (32 Years a/o 5/24/84), Gail Molari (18 years a/o 5/28/98) and Rob Proskin (29 years a/o 5/28/87). At last week's meeting there was a minor brouhaha created by Scratch and Sniff because new member Lucas Marion's birthday (5/17) did not get mentioned in Sparks. Out of his heartfelt concern for the well-being of this new member, the editor both regrets and apologizes to Mr. Lucas for the oversight.
