Rotarians were treated to the musical majesty of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, courtesy of our speaker, Greg Funfgeld, Conductor and Artistic Director of the world renowned choral group. Greg took us on a video tour of the choir’s rehearsals and performances, and gave us a brief but passionate overview on its near-legendary history. It was here in Bethlehem that the first performance of Bach’s masterpiece, Mass in B Minor was performed, and since then the group has performed all over the world singing that piece and other Bach compositions. An important dimension of the Bach Choir’s service is their ongoing commitment to bringing Bach and other classical music to the local community. Concerts for both adults and school children in the Lehigh Valley are performed every year. We are fortunate to have such an illustrious artistic ensemble in our very midst. Thanks to Paul Florenz, a former choir member, who arranged to bring Greg to Rotary and introduced him.
At the beginning of the meeting, Rotarians honored the memories of former Bethlehem Rotarian Bob Kroner and the father of Rotarian John Englesson with a moment of silence.
Thanks to VP Gerry Foran for his initiative in launching a new service project for Bethlehem Rotary. Third graders from Marvine School will take a field trip to Bethlehem business and professional offices to learn firsthand the importance of and practical applications of mathematics in their future work lives. Mastery of math is a sometimes demanding but absolutely necessary skill for twenty-first century Americans in the workplace, and third grade is not too early to learn some life lessons about its essential role in a high tech world. Rotary will provide transportation expenses for the pupils. VP Gerry will debrief us on the field trip, and if the experience is deemed a success, we will consider continuing it in future Rotary years.
Deb Geiger brought us up to date on Bill Votral’s recovery from surgery. While he’s still in the hospital, Bill is making progress and has received the card signed by many Rotarians. Let’s continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks to Shannon Sigafoos and fellow Rotarians who staffed the Rotary booth at Cops ‘n Kids Celebrate Reading Day on Saturday, April 23rd. All the children’s’ books donated by our members were distributed and the day was a great success.
Other News
Please try to support our Membership Recruitment Night at the Iron Pigs game on Tuesday, May 3rd. We still have several tickets left and would like to use them all. Consider bringing a prospective Rotarian to the game for fun, fellowship and a night of baseball. Contact Ron Madison for tickets and other information.
Rotary Strikes Out Hunger Night at the Phillies will be held on Tuesday, August 16th. More to follow in the months ahead.
Please check your mail! Invitations to our Centennial Gala and dinner on June 3rd were sent out last week. We hope all our Rotarians will come to celebrate 100 years of service to the Bethlehem community. It will be a night to remember, so please register and join your fellow Rotarians for this once-in-a-century experience.
Please consider attending the celebration of the Million Dollar Journey Campaign on Tuesday, May 17th at the Valley Forge Sheraton. RI President H.R. “Ravi” Ravindran will be on hand to congratulate District 7430 for raising over $2.3 million to support Rotary initiatives around the world. You can get more information and register online at the District website. Several Bethlehem Rotarians are going, so ride shares are a distinct possibility.
At our meeting on Wednesday, May 4th, we will induct Dr. Rich Sharpe as a new member of our club. Our speaker will be Jim Harbough from City Center Investments. I hope you will be able to attend.
