Sportswriter Mark Wogenrich from The Morning Call gave our Rotarians an inside look at the Penn State football program, including some rare insights into the coaching style and philosophy of the late Joe Paterno. Mark, a Freedom High and Penn State grad, has covered the Nittany Lions since 1998 and has detailed knowledge of the changes in big time college sports since Paterno’s time, especially with recruiting, revenues and the role of television. He also discussed the after effects of the Sandusky scandal in 2011 and its continuing impact on the university and athletic programs. It was a fascinating look behind the scenes of the most visible Division I (FBS) program in Pennsylvania. Based on the enthusiastic response to the presentation, I’d say that the Rotarians were captivated by Mark’s knowledge and views. Thanks to Bob Schenkel for arranging for Mark to join us.
Other News
This bears repeating: Please bring some nonperishable food items to the meetings on February 3rd and 10th. We will be donating them to the Northeast Ministry’s Food Pantry on Valentine’s Day in the ongoing efforts of Rotary to relieve hunger in our community. Once the holidays have passed, the needs of the hungry often go overlooked and the cupboards of the food banks begin to get a little bare. Our Bethlehem Rotarians won’t let that happen!
Here’s another pitch for Rotary Fun Night at the Revolutions Bowling Center on Route 378. “Bowl and Bites with the Bethlehem Rotary” is scheduled for Thursday evening, February 18th. The $20 fee includes two hours of unlimited bowling, free fountain drinks and lots of hearty appetizer food. Please sign up at the Registration Desk at our luncheon meetings or see Buck Jones for further details. Make your checks out to The Bethlehem Rotary Club.
Bethlehem Rotary is participating in the Cops and Kids Celebration of Reading Day on Saturday, April 23rd. Shannon Sigafoos will have signup sheets at the Registration Desk each week from now until the big day. Please consider coming for an hour between11:00 and 3:00, or donating one or more childrens’ books that we will distribute that Saturday. See Shannon for more information and details.
In District 7430 news and as reported by Past President Ham Malek a few weeks ago, our district raised more than $2 million in support of Rotary International’s Million Dollar Journey campaign. Recognition of this achievement will take place on Tuesday, May 17th at the Valley Forge Sheraton in King of Prussia, and the keynote address will be given by RI President Ravi Ravindran. We’d like to have a good representation from the Bethlehem Rotary Club in attendance, so please mark your calendars, as more details will be forthcoming over the next few months
In other “save the date” news, please mark your calendars for Monday, June 6th, for the annual Rotary Golf Tournament at Silver Creek Country Club, sponsored by the two Bethlehem Rotary Clubs. Proceeds will again benefit the Bridges Foundation supporting the Bethlehem Area Vo-tech School.
Our meeting on Wednesday, February 3rd will feature retired Lieutenant General Rhett Hernandez, former commander of the US Army Cyber Command. General Hernandez is a West Point graduate and recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star. We’re looking forward to hearing from him.
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