Aug. 18 President's Message
Posted by Ron Searfoss
on Aug 18, 2015
Thursday, August 13 we were enthralled by Kathy Zoshak, docent at our Moravian Museum and Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts. Kathy really lives and breathes Bethlehem since childhood. Her favorite topic which she so aptly presented was The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel.
Growing up in a steel family with many members employed at the Steel was like having a very large extended family. Kathy’s passion for the Steel was exceptional. She walked us through the beginning of the company around 1855 when Asa Packer needed a means to produce rails for his Lehigh Valley RailRoad, becoming Bethlehem Steel in 1889, the leadership and growth under Charles Schwab from 1904, the incredible contributions to our country during World War II and into the turmoil and change in the latter part of the century which eventually lead to bankruptcy and its demise. At its peak Bethlehem Steel employed nearly 32,000 people in Bethlehem alone! As evidenced by the many questions raised by our fellow Rotarians, Kathy’s saga of the Steel was warmly received. A great many of us were impacted during our lives by the rise and fall of this giant. Thank you Kathy!
Thanks to Sue & Al Reeps, plus Kristian Schafer, for last Saturday’s BBQ and Pool Party!
The MSR Race Committee is moving forward at full sprint. Our 25th Anniversary 5K/10K race is quickly approaching. The Race Committee is asking for everyone's help in soliciting sponsors for the race. Please see the Sponsorship form and information in the Downloads section. Please use this for your personal sponsorship opportunity and pass along to friends, family and colleagues. Ginny Wolkoff and Eileen Dunn are coordinating sponsorship efforts. If you have opportunities in this area please give the information to them. This event is an “All Hands On Deck” key major event for us.
Please join us this Thursday when Bernie Story and Erika Petrozelli of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation will share insights into philanthropy in the Lehigh Valley.
Meanwhile, please "Be a gift to the world"
... like charity, it begins at home.
President Ron