Aug 4 President's Message
President's Message August 4:
The July 31 meeting of Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary celebrated our Community Grants program. Peter Brown, Executive Director from the American Red Cross, provided us with an overview of Red Cross programs, particularly the "Free Night Out to Reconnect" program which MSR helped fund through our 2013-2014 Community Grants.
"Free Night Out to Reconnect" provides service members returning from deployment a getaway evening. It is typically a gift certificate funding a dinner at a local restaurant with their spouse or significant other. To entertain other family members, the Red Cross provides baby sitting and other kids’ related activities. Peter also described other programs for both deployed and returning veterans. These struck a chord with some of MSR's vets who shared the good work Red Cross did for them during their military service.
Peter was introduced by Desty Bonstein. Peter and Desty were formerly banking industry colleagues and they served together on the Red Cross board.
Please attend the August 7 meeting when our own Dr. Charles Incalcaterra gives an inspiring presentation on our Club's District Grant project for 2014-15 the MOM-n-PA Dental Mission of Mercy. Morning Star Rotary is one of the lead Rotary clubs supporting this effort.
The MOM-n-PA Dental Mission will be held on September 12 and 13 at the Allentown Fairgrounds Ag Hall. Registration is open at the MOM-n-PA website. Please sign up for a volunteer role.
Our next social event is the "Wine Tasting at the Library" from 5:30 - 8:00 PM on August 12. Prospective members are free and MSR members are only $5.00.This is the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to Rotary, especially during August which is "Rotary Membership Month" across all of Rotary International.
The current plan is that, Annika, our Rotary Exchange Student from Finland, will arrive in Bethlehem this week. The Kolepps will be her first host family and we encourage all Rotarians to welcome her and take part in making her year a positive and memorable experience.
If you are visiting town, visiting our website, or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Wishing you all the best during Bethlehem's Musikfest week. Enjoy the music and "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
