We had the pleasure of hearing from Barbara Martell, Co-Director of the Moravian Theological Seminary Formative Spirituality Program, who is obviously very passionate about promoting peace throughout the world. She explained how International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a United Nations resolution and is celebrated each year on September 21. The day is devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”
There are thousands of events held all around the world to observe International Day of Peace. Barbara emphasized that there is no one way to celebrate; people are simply encouraged to do something to make the world a better place.
Unfortunately, our AV equipment was not cooperating for Barbara, and we did not get to see the video she was going to share with us. Here is the link for you to watch a clip about International Day of Peace.
In the September of the Rotarian magazine, you can read about the 9,000 Rotarians from 80 countries who participated in Pope Francis’ Jubilee of Mercy in St. Peter’s Square. During his message, Pope Francis said, “We need to build a culture of peace, security and solidarity around the world.” Rotary’s ideals help to promote peace every day. Thanks Rotarians!
Announcements/Updates
Happy September Birthday to the following Rotarians
Fred Achey
Mike Albarell
John Callahan
Pat Connell
Gail Evans
Don Foellner
Bryon Grigsby
Don Hunger
Sean Metzgar
George Mowrer
Shannon Sigafoos
Don Spieth
Charlie Walter
Kerry Wrobel
Our Club had the pleasure of hearing from two shadow students, Lindsey Faust and Hannah Gooding, who are both in the Heath Careers track at Bethlehem Area Vo-Technical School. They were joined by their teacher, Jan Stilgenbauer.
Buck Jones promoted our next Fun and Fellowship Event – Mini-Golf at Putt-U on Route 309 – September 29th. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE WAS INCORRECTLY ANNOUNCED ON LAST WEEK’S BULLETIN. We will meet at 6 pm and will be finished by 7 pm. Cost is $4.95 per person. See Buck Jones to sign up.
With our signature fund raising event less than a month away (Sunday, October 2nd), don’t forget to sign up to attend Taste & Tunes on Sunday, October 2nd. Mark Reed also put out a call for Club members to sign up to volunteer the day of the event. Everyone’s help is needed!
Bill Fitzpatrick reminded members to sign up for the 6th Annual Purple Pinkie 5K Run/Fun Walk – Saturday, October 22nd at Lehigh Carbon Community College. This is a multi-club event, and we will be sharing in the proceeds that will go toward supporting our Polio Plus commitment. It’s a great way to get your exercise and support a GREAT cause.
Paul Florenz announced that the Bethlehem Rotary Foundation is currently accepting grant applications from local not-for-profit organizations serving the Bethlehem community.
In recognition of Basic Education and Literacy Month in the Rotary calendar year, our Club is collecting new or gently used books to benefit Cops and Kids and Healthy Kids, Bright Futures, both programs help to get books into the hands of at-risk children in our community. Sylvia Doyle is coordinating this effort.
The next Rotary Leadership Institute will be held on November 12, 2016, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm at Bucks County Community College. Tyler Papaz and Ham Malek will be attending so there are car-pooling opportunities available. Please contact President Gail for more information.
Our speaker on Wednesday September 21 is Reverend Dr. Walter Wagner, Associate Professor and Chaplain at Muhlenberg College who also serves as adjunct faculty at Moravian College and Theological Seminary in Bethlehem and adjunct faculty at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Dr. Wagner's topic is Building Peace: Piece by Piece. See you Wednesday!
Head of CDC talks about polio, Rotary, public health
As head of the U.S. public health system, Tom Frieden has taken on everything from Ebola to the flu. But where his work most closely intersects with Rotary’s is in polio eradication – CDC joins Rotary, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Health Organization as a core partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Find out what Frieden has to say about ending polio, Rotary, and the best buys in public health in an interview in The Rotarian.
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