Last week's meeting recognized the impact our club has on the local community. Bethlehem Rotary Foundation Grants Chair Cindy Glick presented an overview of the local organizations that requested and received funding and how that money will aid their particular programs. A total of $16,000 in grants was provided to 13 area organizations. Thank you to 2020 BRF President Gail Evans and Grants Chair Cindy for making this possible.

 

Jill Long closed the books on the 2020 Taste & Tunes Dessert Edition fundraiser by giving us the timeline of how we went from our usual in-person event to a virtual bake goods auction. Much was learned and we can capitalize on the new skills and contacts made from the event. Our main beneficiary-Northeast Community Center and its Executive Director Paula Johnson took us on a virtual tour of their food pantry that has provided over 80 tons of food since the pandemic began. A very clean, well organized facility will use the $13,000 we provided for upgrading various areas of the pantry and possibly upgrading to a new food ordering platform. Thank you to Chairs Jill Long & Deb Walter and committee for providing the vision and guidance to make the 2020 T&T event a big success. After the meeting Jill & I went to the NECC and provided them the check in-person.

 

 

ATTENTION MEMBERS: We need several more Rotary District Grant-Certified members. How do you do this? Attend only one of the upcoming webinars listed below hosted by District 7430. Your training certification is valid for 3 years. If you are currently certified and unsure for how long, email me for the expiration date. Remember, for our club to apply and receive future District Grants, we need certified members or the request will be denied. Now is a great time to receive that certification. Go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org  to register for one of the dates listed:

 

 

Students are needed to participate in the annual Rotary Four Way Speech Contest. Open to high school students grades 9-12. Each contestant chooses the topic of his/her speech. The purpose of the speech is to persuade others while applying the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test. The Vision: To make the world a better place by encouraging high school students to put in to practice the virtues of critical thinking and ethical decision making by developing their public speaking and leadership skills in order to positively influence and inspire others regarding an issue they are passionate about. Contact Charlie Walter or me if you know of a student interested and get them in a local contest. The regional contest is April 17, 2021.

 

This week there will be NO regular Zoom Wednesday meeting because the Presidential Inauguration will be taking place at the same time. But mark your calendar to be here the following week to hear Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck speak to us.