In delivering her Classification Talk yesterday in the relatively new classification of "Volunteer," Jill Long demonstrated how she embodied Rotary values long before she officially (and recently) became a Rotarian. Jill chronicled a lifetime of service to others: building an ambulance corps; serving as a foster mother; housing Polish refugees; opening a soup kitchen; sitting on community boards and a host of other activities. Along the way, she finished secretarial school, worked at defense contractor Grumman; clerked at Abraham Strauss in New York, and--oh yes--raised a family. Originally from Garden City, Long Island, Bethlehem greatly benefitted when Jill relocated here in the 1970s. When she met PDG Gerry Long, the subsequent marriage became a merger of families and kindred spirits, and together they have made a lifetime of service leadership to Rotary. We're glad you made Rotary official, Jill. Thanks to PDG Gerry for sponsoring and introducing Jill.
We recently received updated news on Bill Votral. He continues to slowly recover and has been moved to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation at Muhlenberg. He is allowed short visits. His family asked that we continue to keep Bill in our thoughts and prayers.
Rotarians recognized the contributions of Pam Beattie and PPHam Malek as they became "Benefactors" of the Rotary Foundation through their substantial gifts. They joined several other Bethlehem Rotarians who will be similarly recognized in the weeks ahead. Congratulations and thanks to Pamela and Ham.
As we get near the end of the Rotary year, we are hoping to make our goal of 100% club member participation in contributions to the Rotary Foundation. While we ask that members consider a gift of $100, no gift is too small and every gift helps Rotary meet its goals in fighting disease, hunger and the effects of poverty. Please consider a gift of any level.
Other News
PE Gail Evans requested that all Bethlehem Rotarians return their survey form indicating their preferences for service over the upcoming Rotary year. We're almost there!
Several Bethlehem Rotarians who contributed to the Million Dollar Journey Campaign had dinner and fellowship with RI President Ravi Ravindran and 280 other Rotarians from District 7430 at the Valley Forge Sheraton on Tuesday night. Attendees included PPs Diane Donaher, George Kurtz and Ham Malek, along with Deb Geiger, and Pam Beattie. It was a grand time recognizing all those whose contributions helped the District raise over $2 million for the Foundation.
Dates to remember:
- Friday, June 3rd: Centennial Dinner and Gala. Please register soon or by May 27th.
- Monday, June 6th: Rotary Golf Tournament at Silver Creek. Golfers, sponsors and prizes still needed. Benefits the Bridges Foundation of BAVTS and the centennial project.
- Tuesday, August 16th: Rotary Strikes Out Hunger. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia.
On Wednesday, May 25, our speaker will be Bennie Khamneh, Food Pantry Coordinator for the Hispanic Center (introduced by Lorna Velasquez). We will also have a Paul Harris Recognition ceremony. I hope you can attend.
