We began our 100th year of service with a sentimental journey into the olden days of radio entertainment, courtesy of Don Hunter. Don did a “reclassification talk” based on his second career as a radio and television personality on local cable TV. After a grand tour of his radio days in the Lehigh Valley (including references to WAEB’s Ernie Stiegler and other local broadcasting legends), he regaled us with stories about all time favorites from Orson Welles to Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, all of whom began their paths to stardom during the Golden Age of radio. We concluded with lots of laughs listening to Abbott and Costello’s iconic routine, “Who’s on First.” This was a great way to begin a new (and significant) calendar year. Thanks, Don.
Past President Ham Malek presented gift certificates of appreciation to the kitchen and serving staff of Moravian Village as a holiday “thank you” for all they provide us during the year. We are indeed fortunate in having this great facility and its capable staff for our meetings. Thanks to all.
Other News
As noted above, 2016 marks 100 years of the Bethlehem Rotary Club’s service to our community. The Centennial dinner and gala celebrating the occasion is scheduled for Friday, June 3, at the Hotel Bethlehem. Please save the date and plan to attend. In conjunction with the centennial, Rotary will undertake an anniversary project. We have a few ideas in mind, but if Rotarians would like to suggest some worthwhile commemorative projects, we’re all ears. Please see PE Gail Evans or me.
This year also marks the 275th anniversary of the City of Bethlehem, formally named in 1741. Our Bethlehem Rotary Club will be partnering with the city to mark this historic occasion as well. More to follow on this in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks to all who contributed to this week’s “Happy Bucks.” The stories are always enjoyable and the “bucks” collected help us fund other projects during the year.
Rotary Relieves Hunger
Even in our relatively comfortable community of Bethlehem, there are many families who don’t have enough to eat. In the “Love thy Neighbor” category of service, we will be collecting food products for New Bethany Ministries at our meetings on both February 4th and February 11th. We plan to deliver our collectibles on Valentine’s Day this year. Can all of us bring something to help the hungry—a can of fruit, a tin of tuna, a box of lasagna noodles, a jar of salad dressing? Every donation helps. We will issue some reminders at future meeting leading up to the collection days.
Next Time
At our meeting on Wednesday, January 13th, we will welcome Mayor Bob Donchez as our speaker. I hope you can attend.
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