Thank you to all who attended our lunch meeting this week… we had a very robust attendance which always feels great!
This week we heard from Kimberly Hopkins and Maggie Klingseis from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Lehigh Valley. Kim is the Development and Marketing Manager and Maggie serves as the Program Director. BBBS serves both Lehigh and Northampton Counties, where more than 450 children benefit from their services. The “littles” in the program have a need for a positive adult role model, and the “bigs” who serve as volunteers, come from across the entire Lehigh Valley. We are truly thankful for those who participate in the programs of BBBS.
Kim and Maggie also advised us of a program they are launching in Bethlehem at Lincoln Elementary School from October through May. This 1-hour, before-school program takes place every Wednesday, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This is a program that can help volunteers get a taste for being a “big” with a somewhat minimal commitment.
We also heard from our first two BAVTS students who are part of our Shadowing program. As a reminder, this program provides an opportunity for students of BAVTS who have demonstrated academic success, to come to Rotary and tell us about their accomplishments and plans. For many of these students, it is the first time that they have an opportunity to do public speaking, and we provide a great audience and venue for them. This week we heard from Jalissa Molina and Victoria Gilbert. For those of you who were in the room, I think you would agree… Jalissa and Victoria demonstrated why he have the Shadowing program…. They were simply awesome!
As for a Tastes and Tunes update…
Restaurant sponsors - all spots have been filled!
Event sponsors - Continue to roll in… we are getting there!
Attendance - WE NEED IT! Please encourage your friends, neighbors… anyone to go online and register for our event. The event is not a success unless we have participants to enjoy the food and bid on our auction items.
Volunteers - WE NEED THEM. Please contact Cindy Glick to get signed up as there are lots of open positions that need to be filled. We will circulate the sign-up sheet at our meeting as well.
Basket of Cheer Raffle – Please bring to our lunch meeting a bottle of “cheer” for the basket raffle. Either Dee Dee or a designee will be there to receive your donation.
Silent Auction Items – We have made good progress but we need more. Please reach out to those businesses that you patronize and see if they can help.
Please be sure to come this week to hear Maria Esposito’s classification talk. We will also be inducting three new members, so please come see David Erickson, Cathy Abreau and Justin Porembo as they become members of Rotary International!
Announcements:
This Thursday, please join the Fun and Fellowship Committee at Putt U on Rt. 309 at 5:30PM. The cost is $5. This is a great way to socialize with fellow Rotarians… Thanks to Buck and Maria for organizing this event!
The Purple Pinkie 5K and Walk at LCCC registration period is open. The event takes place on October 13th. Remember that this is a district event that supports Polio Plus. Registration can be done online or I will have paper registration forms at the meeting on Wednesday.
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
September 20th – Putt U – Fun and Fellowship Event
October 7th – Tastes & Tunes – Moravian College
October 13th– Purple Pinkie 5K – LCCC
October 20th – Rotary Leadership Institute - DeSales
On the first day of her Rotary Youth Exchange orientation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Marie Tornquist recalls being confused about the nationality of her country officer. Though the officer was living in the United States as an American, she continued to identify with the Brazilian culture. Tornquist's own experience quickly taught her how Rotary Youth Exchange, and the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in your host's culture, allows you to become a global citizen. Read about her experience in our blog, Rotary Voices.
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