This week we began our meeting with a brief remembrance and moment of silence to honor the memory of our fellow Rotarian Bill Votral, who passed away on Saturday, May 28th. In addition to his many contributions to Rotary, Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him, and may he rest in peace.
Local historian (and Allentown Rotarian) Frank Whelan, former reporter for the Morning Call, filled us in on the history of the oft-seen but rarely identified Marshall Mansion just off Route 248 in Palmerton. The home was owned by General Elijah Marshall, a decorated Civil War veteran who fought at Malvern Hill (in the Peninsula Campaign) and Fredericksburg (where he was wounded), and was wounded again in the ill-conceived Battle of the Crater near Petersburg, Virginia in 1864. Originally from upstate New York, General Marshall married Janet Rutherford, a New Jersey socialite whose family owned the zinc mines in Palmerton. After the General's death, Mrs. Marshall lived there as a recluse and the home eventually fell into disrepair and later got the reputation as a haunted house. Most of us know it as the lonely mansion sitting all by itself on the bluff overlooking the Lehigh Gap. Thanks to Frank, who gave us "the rest of the story." Thanks, too, to Don Hunter, who arranged Frank's visit and introduced him.
Other News
By the time you read this eBulletin, we will have celebrated our 100th year of Bethlehem Rotary on Friday at the Hotel Bethlehem. About 100 Rotarians, guests and public officials attended. A recap and more news to follow next week.
Along the same lines, the Rotary Golf Tournament benefitting the BAVTS Bridges Foundation and our centennial project is scheduled forMonday, July 6th at Silver Creek. We'll have a brief recap for everyone at the June 8th meeting.
If you have not already made your annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation, please get it to PP George Mowrer by June 22nd. We are still aiming for 100% club member participation.
Maria Nathans reminded us that we will hold a "Thirsty Thursday" fun and fellowship event on June 16th at the Clubhouse Grill at the Bethlehem Golf Club ("Muni" to those of us from another era). Come and enjoy Rotary camaraderie in the clubhouse and the deck.
We will be collecting food items for Rotary Relieves Hunger at our meetings on June 8th and June 15th. Please make a note to bring items. Our support makes a significant difference in our community.
District News
The District 7430 Changeover Dinner will take place at the Hotel Bethlehem on Monday, June 27th (two days before our Club Changeover meeting). You can learn more, register and pay through the District website. Please try to attend to welcome incoming DG Linda Young from our neighboring Saucon Valley Club.
Rotary Strikes Out Hunger night with the Phillies at Citizen's Bank Park is scheduled for August 16th. Come see the Phillies beat the Dodgers (with Chase Utley) and help alleviate hunger in our area. Remember that our club gets money back for every ticket we sell.
Our program on June 8th will be a performance by this year's Schrempel Music Scholarship recipient. This is always a highlight of our Rotary year.
