This week we held our Annual Meeting to elect officers and directors for the upcoming 2016-2017 year. Nominating Chair Ham Malek presented the following slate of candidates:
President-elect: Gerry Foran
Vice President: Mark Reed
Secretary: Tracy Bozik
Treasurer: Hal Funt
The following were presented for two year terms on the Board of Directors:
Sylvia Doyle
Bill Fitzpatrick
George Kurtz
Buck Jones
Bob Weed
The following was nominated for a one year term (filling out Tracy Bozik’s unexpired term):
Bob Smith
Ballots were administered and counted during the meeting, and all the nominees were resoundingly elected by the membership. Congratulations to all the incoming leaders, who will assume their responsibilities on July 1st.
In addition to the election, Foundation Treasurer Bruce Palmer gave a report on the financial status and activities of the Foundation this year, and Cindy Glick reported on the community organizations that will receive funds from the Foundation this year. Details from both reports will be available in the minutes of the meeting recorded by Tracy Bozik, secretary pro tem.
In the less official portion of the program, Rotarians honored the memory of business and community leader Elmer Gates. Elmer, who passed away earlier in the week, was inducted as an Honorary member of the Bethlehem club in 2000.
We also recognized our Artisan of the Month from BAVTS, Helena Burdumi. Helena is a senior from Saucon Valley High School enrolled in the Electrical Technology program at the Vo-tech, and hopes to receive her IBEW Journeyman’s card upon graduation. Helena’s Electrical Program teacher, Kevin Strawn, joined her at the luncheon.
Thanks to the team of Rotarians who rang the kettle bells for the Salvation Army at Christkindlmarkt on Saturday, December 12th. Our kettle filled up with $1169 during the day, the second highest total of all kettles that day. There is an unconfirmed rumor that we were bested only by the Morningstar kettle, but in any case Rotarians helped raise some much needed financial support for our less fortunate neighbors and friends.
Given all that went on during the meeting, our speaker was introduced a little later than usual, but it was worth the wait. Dr. Roger Whitcomb, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and International Relations at Kutztown University, and a Past District Governor, and a member of the Emmaus Rotary Club, spoke about the ongoing “crisis” of American Foreign Policy. He summarized the evolution of US foreign policy since World War II, and argued compellingly for diplomacy as a powerful tool in resolving the complex and increasingly volatile issues of the world in which we live. Roger’s presentation was thoughtful, data-driven and provocative. Several members requested copies of his remarks following the meeting.
There will be no meetings on either December 23rd or December 30th. We will meet again at Moravian Village on Wednesday, January 6th. On behalf of the Bethlehem Rotary Club, have a Happy Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
