Rotarians were treated to two special presentations on Wednesday, very different in nature, but each captivating in its own way. Schrempel Scholarship recipient and recent Moravian Academy graduate Julia Costacurta enthralled all those present with twelve minutes of classical violin music played with virtuosity and passionate interpretation. She left us yearning for more, even as she is getting ready to enter Johns Hopkins University to prepare for a career in Biomedical Technology. Martha Schrempel, daughter of the former Bethlehem Rotary president for whom the scholarship is named, was on hand to enjoy Julia's performance. Thanks to Don Spieth, who oversees the annual Schrempel selection process and who introduced Julia to the club members.
Our fellow Rotarian Chad Paul then gave us an informative update on happenings at the Ben Franklin Technology Partnership Center. Chad explained just how much the BFP has contributed to the economic vitality of our community and the entire commonwealth, creating nearly 17,000 new jobs and assisting 2500 start up companies get off the ground. Chad highlighted three BFP incubator projects--Orasure, Micro-Interventional Devices, and Cerora -- that have since become important cutting edge manufacturers of health care technologies. The BFP under Chad's leadership is truly a gift to the Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley area.
As you all may know by now, the Centennial Celebration on June 10th appears to have been a magical and fun-filled evening as described by many of those in attendance. One hundred Rotarians and guests were present, and the Club received accolades and citations from Mayor Bob Donchez, Congressman Charlie Dent and City Council President WIllie Reynolds. State Senator Lisa Boscola, while unable to attend, sent along congratulations and a citation. Friday, June 10th, was declared Bethlehem Rotary Club Day throughout the city. The dinner also raised $2600 in contributions from attendees toward our centennial project. We are grateful for all those who donated and to the several sponsors whose generosity helped to underwrite the costs of the celebration. Many, many thanks to Centennial Dinner Committee Chair Diane Donaher and the members of the committee: Tracy Bozik, Gail Evans, Bruce Palmer, Paul Ricciardi (who produced a special video for the event), Stacey Scholl, Roger Whitely, and your humble correspondent.
President Mike McGovern and Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez
We owe a special "shout out" to unofficial club historian Roger Whitely, who spent months writing "The 100-Year History of the Rotary Club of Bethlehem." Roger's painstaking attention to detail and historical accuracy will make this an important (and very readable) archive for future Rotarians who are interested in the first century of Rotary service to Bethlehem. We owe Roger a special thanks for his critical contribution to our centennial observation.
Click this LINK to visit the photo album of photos taken during the Gala.
The Rotary Golf Tournament, so-sponsored with Morning Star, was held on Monday June 6th under the best weather conditions in years. Eighty golfers enjoyed the day at Silver Creek Country Club and helped raise funds for the BAVTS Bridges Foundation and our club's centennial project at the Ice House Rotary Park. We'll let you know the financial results as soon as they are available.
On Wednesday, we also said a fond farewell to our Youth Exchange Student Paula Fabon, who will return home to Spain on Sunday, June 12th. Paula had a great year at Liberty High School and made friends wherever she went. Special thanks to Paula's host families, George and Betsy Mowrer (fall semester) and Morning Star's Cheryl Baker (spring semester). Paula's time with us illustrates in a real and powerful way the immense value of Rotary Youth Exchange as a vehicle to promote international understanding and peace.
Other News
Please bring food items to the remaining meetings in June (the 15th, 22nd and 29th) as Bethlehem Rotary continues to relieve hunger in our area.
The Fun and Fellowship Committee is hosting a "Thirsty Thursday" social hour at the Clubhouse Grill on the deck at Bethlehem "Muni" Golf Course on Thursday, June 16th at 5:30. Come enjoy some casual conversation and libation with Rotary friends.
District 7430 Events
Please try to support "Rotary Fights Hunger Night" with the Phillies at Citizens' Bank Park on Tuesday evening, August 16th. The Phillies play the Dodgers, but the real winners are hungry families and children throughout our area who will benefit from the proceeds. If you can't attend, think about purchasing tickets for children from Bethlehem to make the game. Tickets start at only $28, and remember that our club will get $10 back for every ticket sold to support Polio Plus.
The District Changeover Night will be held this year at the Hotel Bethlehem on Monday, June 27th. DGE Linda Young from the Saucon Valley Club (but a Bethlehem resident) will be installed as DG for the 2016-2017 Rotary year. Since the ceremonies will take place in our own city, please consider attending. Reservations and payments can be made directly on the District 7430 website.
On Wednesday, June 15th, our speaker will be acclaimed CEO Coach Ed Parrish. Please try to attend.
