Welcome to the 2020/21 Rotary year. While we still meet via ZOOM, we have great chance to open opportunities within our club since it is easier to stay connected than before. And just because we are not physically meeting, it does not mean we are accomplishing various projects. A big tip of the hat to President Thea Lind for keeping us together and moving ahead in a different world.
A few current project updates:
Maria Dietrich is leading the formation of the new Interact Group at Liberty H.S. with help from other fellow Rotarians. Stay tuned for their projects and goals this year.
Jill Long & Deb Walter are working with very talented committee to bring us Taste & Tunes Dessert Edition Virtually. The success of this effort will bring needed relief to Northeast Community Center food pantry and give exposure to our talented bakeries and restaurants.
Chris Nelson is leading the Jamaica Unitas Project for sustainable farming in central Jamaica. Thanks to ZOOM that committee can meet and plan with their Jamaican counterparts!
Last weeks program featured Amber Emory and Kara Mohsinger from the National Museum of Industrial History. Amber's talk on Women in Industry centered around two 19th Century women-Emma Allison and Rebecca Lukens. Emma was regarded as the first female steam engineer and operated the Baxter steam engine at the 1876 World's Fair. Rebecca, after many early personal losses, took over the steel company that would be known as Lukens Steel-manufacturers of the first boiler plate. A Club connection-our own Hank Barnette led the Bethlehem Steel purchase of Lukens in the late 1990's. Look for Live Interpretations of these two women later in the year at the museum in a partnership with Touchstone Theater. I highly recommend a visit to the museum, there are many fascinating displays covering various industries. Since they just reopened, it is a great place to "beat the heat" without traveling far. For more information visit www.nmih.org or email Kara at kmohsinger@nmih.org.
This week's meeting will feature the first induction of the New Year. Nikki Gingrich from BAVTS will join us and also head the Vocational Committee.
Our speaker is Alicia Karner, Director of Community & Economic Development for Bethlehem. She will give insight to what the City is doing related to Covid-19, the economic impact, and how the City is responding to the community needs.
