Last week Mayor Linda Tyer spoke to the Club about her vision for Pittsfield, which she sees as strengthened by many knowledgeable and engaged citizens. She is inspired by the people and organizations – like Rotary – all across the City who are devoted to improving the quality of life for everyone. She is committed to municipal government pledging its resources to promote success in the community, leading with the energy and enthusiasm that it deserves. While disappointed that Sabic is leaving, she is optimistic that the strength and growth of General Dynamics will move the City forward. She understands that while the success of large employers like GD is important, she is also committed to supporting small business growth. Nurturing the area young professionals is also critical to her administration.
Preliminary results are back from the auction with $11,000 in donations $1000 raised from te games, $4800 from, ads gross profit is around $65,000 Thanks go out to all that helped the night of the auction as well as those who solicited all the great items
Read Across America will be celebrated by the public elementary schools in Pittsfield on Wednesday, March 2. Rotarians read to 3rd graders as a means of strengthening the relationship created when we gave them their dictionaries in December. Readers should select a book that is age (3rd grade) appropriate that will take about 20 minutes to present to the children. If you need help selecting your book, stop in to the Children’s Library at the Berkshire Athenaeum. Schools will be reading according to the following schedule:
Allendale School - 9:15 a.m - Randy Kinnas, Ron Latham, Warren Dews
Capeless School - 9:00 a.m - Phil Massery
Conte Community School - 9:15 a.m - Vin Marinaro, Kelly Marion, Jay Marion
Crosby School - 9:30 a.m. - Joel Scussel, Sally Umalof, Dick Laureyns, Ralph Cianflone, Greg Knight
Egremont School - 9:00 a.m - Tom Sherman, Brooks Sherman, Chris Jacoby, Bart Raser
Morningside School - 9:00 a.m - Gwen Davis, Gail Molari, John McLaughlin
Stearns School - 9:00 a.m. - Jeff Hasset, John Perreault
Williams School - 9:30 a.m. - Carol Leibinger-Healy, Matt Scarafoni, Tom Hamel
From DG Kyong Wilson we learn that the District Conference is planned for April 29 to May 1st at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, MA. This year's theme is Hawaii 7890. The conference opens on Friday evening at 6 pm with a cocktail hour followed by a delicious Luau dinner. On Saturday the general session at will begin at 9:00 am with registration and breakfast starting at 7:30 am, followed by exciting breakouts. Youth exchange students and the South African VTT teams will also be presenting. Click the following link to register for this event. http://rotarydistrict7890.org/
The Paul Harris Dinner will be held on May 7 at Cranwell. In order to put on a high quality event, the Committee is soliciting sponsors at $250 each. To date the following members or businesses have stepped forward to sponsor the Paul Harris Dinner: Robert Harrison Associates, Pierce Machine, Cianflone Law, Scarafoni Financial, Pittsfield Pipers, Oliver Autobody, Carr Hardware, Dery Funeral Homes, CompuWorks, and Crescent Creamery. If you would like to join the sponsors of this important annual celebration, please contact Jeff Whitehouse.
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 we celebrate the birthday of Jayson Tanzman on March 13th and the Anniversaries of Mike Hinkley March 17th (5 Years)and Craig Fischer March 14th (42 Years).