Rotarians at Wednesday’s meeting heard a lot about “Girls on the Run,” but it wasn’t about Thelma and Louise-style outlaws. The catchy title represents an important program of transformative learning experiences for girls from 8-13 years of age that does indeed have a running component in it. Lisa Fiori, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley branch, gave us a multimedia presentation on how GOTR reinforces life skills and builds a sense of confidence, caring, competence, connectedness and character in school age girls. The national program operates in 225 communities and serves over 168,000 girls in any given year. There are 525 girls in the Lehigh Valley chapter this year. It was a timely program, coming as it did just one day after International Women’s Day. Thanks to Hal Funt for bringing the program to our attention and introducing Lisa.
Many thanks to our March Shadows from the BAVTS, Selena Martinez and Robert Hanna. These Liberty High juniors from the Graphic Communications program presented our club with a skillfully designed and beautiful banner celebrating Rotary International’s theme for the year, “Be a Gift to the World.” Their teacher, Dana Huber, attended with the students and promised that the Shadows who come in June will have another surprise for us.
Other News
Speaking of Banners, Sergeant at Arms Don Hunter announced that the Bethlehem Rotary Club will retire its current banner, as the new one has arrived. The old one is showing its age, but will be used as a backdrop decorated with banners from Rotary Clubs visited by our members. In short, it will be become living history instead of a dusty relic. Thanks, Don, to Mrs. Hunter, who will attach the club banners.
Congratulations to Abigail Burnett, who won the Four Way Speech Competition sponsored by the two Bethlehem clubs. Abigail is a senior at Freedom High School and will move on to regional competition later this month. Thanks again to Charlie Walter for coordinating the contest.
On Wednesday, March 16th new Rotarian Andy Mowrer will deliver his classification talk. Given the proximity to St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll enjoy a bit of Irish music and mirth as well. Bring along your green and an Irish story to tell. If time permits, we’ll have another round of Happy Bucks as well.
