This week, Rayah Levy, Head of Adult Services at the Bethlehem Area Public Library, gave us an excellent summary of the services available online and from the comfort of our own homes or offices. We had a demonstration on how to access the library's data bases, including those for reading magazines online. For those who actually come to the Library on Church Street, Rayah cited several interesting programs, including Yoga for Adults and the Local History Room (in partnership with the Moravian Archives, Lehigh University and Northampton Community College). In short, libraries have gone 21st century as sources of information. The BAPL is a great community resource.
Other News
Deb Geiger and Bill Fitzpatrick gave us a timely update on the project (in conjunction with the Morningstar and Allentown Clubs) to supply the Community Bike Works with a van. The District grant has arrived, the van has been purchased, and the "wrap" is being added. The Rotary logo will be prominently displayed on the back doors of the van. Rotary will be helping many from Bethlehem and Allentown to get some needed transportation to work and school.
Thea Phalon put out another call for silent auction items and registration for Tastes and Tunes. Our biggest fund raising event is only four weeks away. Please register as early as possible and try to find some items that can be auctioned off. The committee is working very hard to meet our goal of raising $85,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem.
Speaking of Tastes and Tunes, I shared with the members the midyear report from the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) on the disposition of the $64,000 we raised last year for their veterans' programs. The Council has established a "Warriors Special Assistance Program" with the funds. Veterans in need who apply can receive assistance with housing, health care, job training, life skills enhancement and a variety of other services that will help them in many basic ways. As of July 30th, eighteen veterans (several of them women) and their families are receiving services funded by Bethlehem Rotary via T&T. More to follow in January, 2016. Well done, Rotarians!
Save the Dates
- October 7: The District Governor's visit to the Bethlehem Rotary Club. Please attend to support the club and greet DG Doug Cook.
- October 8: District 7430 Golf Tournament at Silver Creek. See PDG Gerry Long to register.
Our speaker for the meeting on September 9th will be Lynn Cunningham from the Chamber of Commerce, who will update us on the plans for the City of Bethlehem's 275th anniversary celebration. I hope you can attend.
Until then, continue to be a gift to the community.
