Last week we heard from Jason Cuyler, Executive Director of Second Street Second Chances (shown above pointing out Jeff Whitehouse), whose mission is to provide a central point of access where formerly incarcerated people of Berkshire County connect with the tools, programs, and support, to encourage a successful reentry into a more welcoming community with dignity and sustainable opportunities to thrive. Jason noted that research and community leaders confirm that incarcerated individuals who receive support, greatly increase their chances to continue on a path to responsible citizenship and positive engagement.
Last week we were introduced to our two student guests for the month of January: Ava Telladira (PHS) and Giana Barscz (THS). Please help them feel welcomed at our meetings.
You may think you have lots of time to get your items in, but you don't. Our 2024 auction is fast approaching. You have the list of items you submitted for last year’s auction. Please commit to your items for this year, or let the the auction committee know that you cannot commit. The committee's goal this year is to have each Rotarian acquire 10 items. Bring your items to Nick Kirchner at Molari Employment Services. It's time for us to start seriously building our inventory.
The Club's Environmental Committee (who knew we had one?) is running a Spring Fling Cash Lotto, where all members are asked to sell ten $10.00 dollar tickets (feel free to ask for more!). There are $2,500.00 in cash prizes, each ticket is eligible for the daily drawing in March. Tickets and cash should be returned to Adrienne DeBlieux-Speed by the end of February. Funds raised will assist the Club in supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. By supporting this fund raiser, you are helping Rotary Club of Pittsfield work with our local community to plant pollinators and native gardens, access grants and other resources, and support environmental programs. A maximum of 1,000 cards will be sold. Drawings will be held each Wednesday in March, and winners will be notified.
Voted to have John McLaughlin serve on the Club's Board of Directors. John replaces Jess Rumlow, who recently resigned from the Club,
Heard a "member minute" from Roger Gibboni, previously an aerospace engineer , now owner of Roger's High Fidelity. He's a 30-year Rotarian from three Clubs, having been a member in Pittsfield for the past two years.
One birthday to celebrate this week: Stacy Hebb (1/13); and two Club anniversaries: Ben Parhizgar, 38 years a/o 1/16/1986, and Jay Bailly, 18 years a/o 1/19/2006.
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