My apologies for missing a week with my weekly newsletter last week. It was a very busy week on all fronts, and I simply dropped the ball on that one! So let me bring you up to speed on all the Rotary activity for the last two weeks!
The speakers for our last two meetings were simply inspiring and should make us all proud of the work we do as Rotarians. On October 3rd, we heard from Carol Ferguson, a member of the Doylestown Rotary Club and the District Chair of the PolioPlus Committee. Carol considers herself a polio survivor and she spoke to us about the resources available to other survivors and those who suffer from post-polio syndrome. Her message was so genuine and sincere… she chooses not to consider herself a victim, but rather a survivor who is motivated to help “end polio now”. Her message was timely as it was delivered just 10 days prior to the running of the Purple Pinkie 5K walk/run where she also delivered a motivating speech to the participants!
If that were not enough, this past week we heard a message from Easton Rotarian and Past District Governor, BJ Metz. BJ’s message “Rotary… A Somewhat Larger Picture” helped us to better understand and appreciate the work that is done by Rotarians all over the world and the role we have as individuals in Rotary – it starts with us! While I was not able to attend this meeting, I have followed up with several of you since Wednesday’s meeting, and it seems we were all inspired by BJ’s message.
PDG BJ Metz addresses our club.
So, for this meeting, a very special “thank you” to:
- BJ, for sharing his message with us so that we all have a better understanding of the value we provide as Rotarians
- Paul Ricciardi, for providing video services at our meeting. BJ’s speech was recorded so that we can share this message again and again!
- Thea Phalon, for running our meeting on VERY short notice. I gambled (thinking I might be able to get to Moravian Village in time) and lost… and Thea picked up the ball and ran with it… THANK YOU Thea!!
Since my last newsletter, we also pulled off our Tastes & Tunes fundraiser! Since last Sunday, I have received SO much positive feedback about our event… it was truly AWESOME!! The Sally Breidegam Miksiewicz Center for Health Sciences was buzzing with activity all night long. The night ended perfectly with two musical performances that were over the top, and perfect messages from our Honorary Chairs the Callahans and the Cunninghams! Mafalda Callahan sharing her memory of bringing home that first instrument from school, with the case with the crushed blue velvet lining… WOW! What a feel-good moment about the causes we were supporting, not only for the Foundation of the Bethlehem Area School District, but the funds that we raised for our OWN foundation! Knowing that I had expressed reservations about even holding the 6th Annual Tastes and Tunes… I could not have been more thrilled and proud of the outcome!! While I thank you all for your varied roles in making it happen, a very special thank you to:
- The Tastes and Tunes Committee for their efforts over the past year
- Sylvia Doyle, who did so much of the “behind-the-scenes” work in making the new venue at Moravian College work, and;
- Our Co-Chairs, Deb Walter and Bob Smith who kept us all together and made it work.
To all of you… WE DID IT… And, best of all… you don’t need to listen to my annoying reminders about stepping up to help!
The photos of the event are posted on our website. Please take the time to enjoy browsing through those pictures.
This past Saturday, October 13th, the Purple Pinkie 5K Walk/Run was held at LCCC. Thank you to Maria Nathans, who although illness kept her from participating in the event, raised over $600 (which becomes $1800 after the Gates Foundation 2:1 match) in pledges. In addition, Tyler Papaz and I participated in the race, with Tyler bringing home the Gold hardware in his age group! Not knowing how things would go, Tyler and I made friends with the right people!! (see background).
Please join us at our next meeting where we will hear from:
- Ukranian Educators
- Center for Humanistic Change (presentation of the District Grant Check)
- Artisan of the Month from BAVTS
Announcements:
- The deadline for submissions for grant applications to the Bethlehem Rotary Foundation is October 31st. If you are aware of an organization in need of funding, please encourage them to apply ASAP! Please contact Mike McGovern if you need additional information about applications and criteria.
- Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
- October 19th 3:00 PM – Central Moravian Church - Janet Sipple Lecture Series “Global Health” – Speaker will be the Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee, Mike McGovern, District 7780 in Maine
- October 20th – Rotary Leadership Institute – DeSales
- October 25th – Mini-meeting at Taps Tavern
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