Bethlehem Rotarians welcomed back one of our favorite annual speakers, Channel 69 News Anchor Rob Vaughn. This year, Rob gave us an inside look (what he called a ‘potpourri’) at the practices, policies and politics of the news business. Putting together a nightly telecast about the Lehigh Valley is a complex process. He explained in detail how social media and online content are reshaping the ways in which people receive the news, and discussed the generational divides in how newsworthiness is perceived. He even tackled, in his talk and during Q and A, the vexing topic of how “political correctness” can flavor both headlines and stories. Rob also lightened his presentation with witty quotes from Dave Barry, Charles Osgood and even Oscar Wilde. Thanks to PDG Gerry Long for arranging Rob’s visit and introducing him.
Bethlehem Rotary also welcomed this month’s Shadows from the BAVTS, seniors Jasmine Carrasquillo and Corey Ortiz. Both are Liberty High students enrolled in the Vo-tech’s Culinary Arts program. Jasmine and Corey talked about their culinary creations in Louisiana style cooking under the auspices of the chef and his staff at Bethlehem’s popular Bayou restaurant. The students were joined at the meeting by their Culinary teacher, Sue Mc Caughan.
Our fellow Rotarian and friend Bill Votral is in our thoughts and prayers this week as he recovers from open heart surgery at LVH-Muhlenberg. We will have cards to sign at the meeting on April 20th, but I’m sure he would welcome individual greeting and good wishes as well.
Our club was well represented at the Annual District 7430 Conference held at Pocono Manor the weekend of April 8-10. PP Diane Donaher, PP Ham Malek (and son Josh), PE Gail Evans (and husband Don) and your humble correspondent all attended. The conference this year focused on Rotary’s efforts to relieve hunger, and a special shout out goes to Diane, who made arrangements for Bethlehem and Bethlehem Morning Star to bring home eleven boxes of ready to eat meals assembled by the Rotarians ourselves on Saturday afternoon. Even as we were making the food and packing the boxes, the knowledge that Rotary was feeding hundreds of hungry children in our community was a rewarding feeling. The food boxes will be delivered to the Hispanic Center and New Bethany Ministries for distribution. Below are a few photos from this wonderful event:
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A special thank you to Mary Hunter (Don’s wife), who generously agreed to embroider our collection of Rotary banners from other clubs onto our recently retired club banner. Thanks, Mary, for your skillful work and the many hours it took to do it.
Other News
Many thanks to all who donated children’s books to be distributed at the Cops ‘n Kids Reading Celebration Day on Saturday, April 23rd on the South Side. Shannon Sigafoos, our club’s coordinator for the event, noted that Rotarians came through once again, donating hundreds of books for the occasion. If you can volunteer an hour of your time to help, please see Shannon for details.
PP Diane Donaher gave us all a tantalizing peek at what can be expected at our Centennial Anniversary Gala on June 3rd at the Hotel Bethlehem. In addition to a fabulous dinner and great speaker, “Dancing Through the Decades” promises to be top shelf entertainment. Please save the date and plan to attend. Don’t wait for the bicentennial!
The Boutique at the Rink is coming up fast, and slightly used clothing will be collected at our luncheon meetings on May and May 11th.
At our meeting on April 20th, PP George Mowrer will give us an update on our annual campaign for the Foundation, and Jordan Young will deliver his classification talk. I hope you can attend.
Until then, continue to be a gift to the community.
