At our November 29th meeting, we were updated on the results of our successful Tastes & Tunes fundraising event in October. Co-chairs Deb Walter and Bob Smith reported that there were 250 people who attended our event at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Our club was able to raise $50,000 for the benefit of The Junior League of the Lehigh Valley, which will use the funds to deliver childhood education programs throughout the Lehigh Valley through their committed volunteers.
We learned that the Junior League conducts a great deal of research to determine the most effective way to deliver programs that will support disadvantaged students. The funds we raised will enable them to expand the scope of their efforts to include the families of the children, and also provide funding for a new program designed to teach math and reading by simulating a food shopping experience to which they can easily relate.
Deb and Bob recognized our Honorary Chairs, our event sponsors, participating restaurants, and especially the Tastes & Tunes Committee for their extraordinary efforts to make our event a success. Deb Walter expressed her pride that our event was a great success not only because it raised money for a worthy cause, but also because all who attended had fun, and all Rotarians who participated strengthened the bonds of friendship between us by working so hard together. Realizing these three objectives is the purpose of the Tastes & Tunes event, so thanks to Deb and Bob for a job well done.
50/50 drawing was the tenth week of our return to the “Queen of Hearts” style. Chad Paul had the winning ticket, and pulled the Queen of Hearts, which paid a $312 pot.
Announcements:
Ron Bauer reported that our bell ringing efforts on Saturday December 2nd raised $1,116 for the Salvation Army kettle. Fourteen of our members contributed their time to help relieve distress for people who are less fortunate, a shining example of the Rotary spirit coming together with the Christmas spirit. Thanks to everyone who volunteered.
Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for next week, December 13th, where we approve the election of club officers and board for the upcoming year. We need a quorum in order to have an official vote, so please attend to cast your vote.
Our Fun & Fellowship Committee asks that you join other Rotarians at the Christmas City Follies on Thursday December 14th. The Follies are held at Touchstone Theatre, and you can pay for tickets at the door. Please let the committee know if you plan to attend.
Should peace be left up to our politicians? Our RI President Ian Riseley thinks Rotary should lead the way. Our Zone 32, along with Zones 24, 25, and 26 has been selected by Rotary International President Ian Riseley to hold the first Presidential Peacebuilding Conference on February 10, 2018 in Vancouver, BC. If you would like more information, please contact me, or you can also go to https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50004/Stories/presidential-conference . There is also a link on the District Website.
District 7430 has announced that the District will sponsor a Rotary Friendship Exchange which will take place between April 26, 2018 and May 7, 2018. There will be 6 Rotarian couples from Sweden who will be visiting us during this time. Our District 7430 will be providing an itinerary and a van for transportation during their visit, but we are looking for Rotarians who are willing to provide the couples with a place to stay during their visit. The visiting Rotarians will be paying for all of their own activities and tours while they are here. The District expects that they will plan on the Rotarians spending between one and three days at each home, depending on the eventual itinerary. This is a great way to enjoy the international nature of your Rotary experience, that is, by getting to know Rotarians from around the world right in your own home. If you would like more information, please contact me.
Overcoming obstacles to polio eradication in Pakistan
Alina A. Visram first joined Pakistan's National PolioPlus Committee as a manager eight years ago, when polio eradication in her country seemed within reach. Then hostile militants and other obstacles altered the dynamics, and forced a change of tactics. This year, the country has only five cases of polio. In her blog post for World Polio Day, Visram shares why she is convinced we will eradicate this disease.
Severe storms, an earthquake, and hurricanes are wreaking havoc across the globe from the United States and Mexico to South Asia and Africa. The Rotary Foundation and Rotary clubs in affected areas are helping bring emergency aid to battered communities.