It was a great week to be a Rotarian! 

 

So, our lunch meeting on Wednesday had an agenda that was packed with things that just make you feel good.  First, we heard from Diane Donaher, as she reminded us of the good work that is done by Rotary International (RI).  Often times we get so focused on our local efforts, we lose sight of the impact we have on a global level.  Please remember that we have our club goal to achieve 100% participation and raise $18,000.  We will hear inspiring stories from Diane and the RI Annual Fund Committee each month as we continue our campaign until the end of the Rotary year.

 

Next, we inducted Chris Betley into Rotary International!  Chris works in public accounting at the Allentown office of Buckno Lisicky.  (His Buckno colleague, Bruce Palmer, is his sponsor!).  Chris and his wife Emily live in Bethlehem and have three children, ages 1, 3 and 5.  Stay tuned for Chris’ classification talk where you will learn more!  Welcome Chris!!

 

 

Chris has become our fourth new member this year, and over the next few weeks, we expect to have three more inductions!

 

Last, we heard from five beneficiaries of the Bethlehem Rotary Foundation who received, in total, more than $5,000!  Recipients included:

 

 

As I mentioned on Wednesday, in one meeting we saw our membership grow… we were reminded of the great work Rotary does internationally AND we saw the direct impact we have on our local community…. very, very inspiring!

 

And this Saturday, capped a great week of activity as we saw five Area 2 clubs collaborate for the Outreach Hunger event held at Moravian College.  Bethlehem, Morningstar, Easton, Saucon and Nazareth clubs combined to assemble 40,000 meals to be distributed to several food pantries in our communities.  Club members were scattered amongst the seven different assembly lines and many new acquaintances were made!  In less than six hours, we came into an empty room… setup seven “production” lines…. assembled and packed 40,000 meals…. cleaned up…. and left the room as we found it!  All in a day’s work!!  When we work together like that, it becomes clear that we are all so like-minded in a very important part of our lives.  Thanks to Assistant Governor, Ron Searfoss, for coordinating the work of five different clubs, and to Diane Donaher and Thea Phalon for leading the activities for our club.  Our club will donate our meals to The Salvation Army and Hispanic Center Food Banks.  Please check out the WFMZ website and/or app, as this event was covered by Channel 69!

 

And the hits keep on comin’!  This week, David Shaffer will be on hand to talk to us about the good work of the United Way!  United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has set the gold standard amongst the agencies within the United Way, so come hear how David and Just Born are leading the way!!

 

Also this month, we will hear from Charlene Donchez Mowers (March 20^th, Update on World Heritage status) and Rob Vaughn (March 27^th, The Year in Review).  Mark your calendars!

 

Some reminders: