We heard a fascinating historical narrative about the founding of Bethlehem by the Moravians at our January 18 Club meeting. Paul Peucker from the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem was our program speaker, who shared a wealth of knowledge about the early beginnings of our City.
The Protestant group known as Moravians originated in the 15th century in Bohemia and Moravia (both in present-day Czech Republic). They took the name "Moravians" in the early 18th century as a reference to the group's place of origin. In 1735, Moravians began to migrate to colonial America in search of social and economic opportunity and the chance to spread their religious beliefs. A group of Moravians arrived in Nazareth in 1740. That settlement was not to be, so in 1741, the Moravians purchased a 500-acre tract of land north of Philadelphia, along the Lehigh River where they organized and built the religious communal society of Bethlehem. These communal living groups were called Choirs and were established according to age, gender, and marital status. In the Choir system, members did not receive money for their work; instead, they were supplied with food, shelter, an education, community support, and a place to worship.
Bethlehem operated as a cooperative, communal society referred to as "The General Economy" from 1741 to 1762, After 1762, members were allowed to operate their own businesses and build family homes by leasing land owned by the church. By 1844, the leasing system was abolished, and members could purchase church land.
The 19th century saw many more changes, including the switch from German to English that would eventually make way for the life we know today. Paul invited Club members to visit the anniversary exhibit at the Moravian Archives located at 41 W. Locust Street to learn more about the rich and colorful history of Bethlehem.
Announcements:
The Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech Artisan of the Month, Jessica Sigley, shared samples of some of the graphic designs that she created in her program of study at BAVTS. She received a $100 scholarship from our Club.
Our Club’s first Rotary Mini meeting will be held on Thursday, January 26th at Taps Tavern on Route 378 (formerly Starters). The meeting, which will be led by Paul Ricciardi, will start at 5:30 pm with Club announcements followed by fellowship and light food fare. The after-hours Rotary Mini meetings will be held once a month to provide an opportunity for Club members who find it difficult to attend lunch meetings to keep up their membership meeting requirements while engaging with fellow Rotarians.
Rotary District 7430's Gala Committee for the Rotary Foundation's 100th anniversary has been busy planning an evening of dinner and dancing on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 6 -10 p.m. at the Pine Crest Country Club, 101 Country Club Drive, Lansdale, PA In order to raise money for The Rotary Foundation, Doug Cook is organizing a live and silent auction for the event and is asking each club to donate a themed basket with a value of $100 for the silent auction. Our Club is putting together a themed basket called “A Taste of Bethlehem” and we are looking for donations for items (gift certificates, tickets, Bethlehem-related items). We may have to purchase some items to round out our basket so if anyone would like to make a small donation toward the basket or you would like to donate or solicit an auction item, please see Sylvia Doyle or Gail Evans. All donations and baskets must be received by our February 8th meeting. Registration for the event is now open through Eventbrite by clicking this LINK. I’m hoping you will join me and Don for a fun-filled evening of fellowship.
The Outreach Hunger Committee Meeting will be held on January 20 at 8:30 am at Wegmans on Route 512. If you’d like to be involved in this exciting Club service project, please feel free to attend. The Outreach Hunger Food Packing Event will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017.
Next week’s program will be devoted to learning about new Rotarian, Dr. Richard Sharpe, as he presents his Classification Talk.
Other Upcoming Events/Activities:
A Celebration of Life for Bob Cohen will be held on March 25, 2017 at 11 AM at the UUCLVPA located at 424 Center Street in Bethlehem.
Ginny Sandoval, Membership Chair, Allentown West Rotary, is organizing an International Women’s Day at Cedar Crest College on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 in an effort to recruit more women to Rotary. The event will start with round table discussions form 3:00-5:00, followed by a celebration of women with networking, drinks, and snacks, and entertainment from 5:00-7:00. Our District Governor, Linda Young, has been invited to join the effort, and Ginny has extended the invitation to area Clubs. Despite it being geared toward women Rotarians, men are invited to attend as well!
Our District is planning a fun, yet impactful, service opportunity. On March 26-April 2, 2017, your fellow District 7430 Rotarians will be leaving for a 7 day round trip cruise, leaving from Miami and sailing to the Dominican Republic on the Fathom Adonia, an elegant, yet relaxed, 710 passenger ship. Rotarians will have a chance to serve and participate in Impact such as teaching English, helping with tree planting and reforestation, making water filters for home use, pouring concrete floors, aiding a women’s chocolate cooperative as well as a paper recycling and craft entrepreneurship. When not serving, you can relax at beautiful Amber Cove, a $90 million dollar facility, and enjoy the beach, hiking, touring, zip lining, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and more! Cost is $299 pp for an inside or outside cabin*, $599 pp for a room with balcony, $999 pp for a suite! Airfare and onshore leisure activities not included.
The annual conference for Rotary District 7430, hosted by District Governor, Linda Young, is scheduled on May 5th - 7th, 2017, at the Eden Resort & Suites in Lancaster. Conference ticket prices are $220. Special Conference room rate is $169 - $189 per night for Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2017. Rooms at this rate will be held until April 4, 2017.
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 15 (rain date is May 22) for our annual Rotary Golf Tournament at the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course.
RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley urged incoming district leaders to seek gender and age parity and protect the environment in announcing the 2017-18 presidential theme Rotary: Making a Difference at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.
