MAR 26 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Posted by Tom Kolepp 
on Mar 24, 2015
 

President’s Message for March 26, 2015

Our March 19 meeting was a combination of music education updates and improv comedy from Dr. Nora Suggs. Nora is well known to many of our members and serves as the Artistic Director of Satori, the classical and contemporary chamber music group based here in the Lehigh Valley. I can’t remember the last time we had a speaker who holds degrees in biology, medicine, surgery, English lit and who is an accomplished flute player. (Maybe it was the last time Nora spoke to us!). Nora provided an update on how the Morning Star Rotary Community Development Grant is being used to support the “Chamber Music in Your School” outreach program, including pictures and thank you notes from the students. During question time, our newest member Bill Hunter asked Nora for advice on how to inspire his daughter to continue her piano lessons. Nora inquired about his daughter’s age, to which Bill replied that she was a teenager. Nora’s advice was succinct: “You’re so screwed” and the house rocked with laughter. You will have the opportunity to hear music by Satori at our Spaghetti Dinner on May 1. If you would like more information about Satori, visit their website at www.satori-chambermusic.org.

Our annual Four Way Speech Contest took place Wednesday, March 18th. We had two outstanding contestants - Abby Burnett who is a junior at Freedom HS (and daughter of MSRian Susan) and Blake McGill who is a sophomore at Bethlehem Catholic HS (and daughter of past AG Jean McGill and Past President of Lehigh Valley East Kerry McGill). It was a very close contest with Abby taking first place (by four points out of 300). Abby will go on to represent the two Bethlehem clubs in the regional competition at LCCC on April 11. Six MSRians had dinner at The Brick afterwards. Our thanks to Ben Tenaglia for organizing the contest and to our colleague club for sponsoring with us. Also, a special thanks to Ed Ortelli and Cheryl Baker for promoting the contest at local high schools.

At our March 26 meeting, Mary Ann Przekurat, Executive Director of the Literacy Center, will speak to us about the challenges of illiteracy and what her organization is doing about it.

We hope to see everyone at the Morning Star Rotary 25th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, March 28 at 6PM at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. A wonderful program has been planned – with “no speeches” – but lots of toasts, dining, dancing and memories. We have confirmation that current DG Gary Fedorcha and incoming DG Doug Cook will attend along with their wives. You have heard all the hype. Now come, bring your cameras, make some new memories and have a great time.

Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:

  • MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: see announcement above.
  • MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets distributed. See Val Walk for more!
  • Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation.

Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.

  • District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
  • District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
  • Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22

Remember to do your part to meet our 2014-2015 initiatives – “Every Member Bring a Prospective Member” and our “Every Member Every Year” Rotary Foundation contribution.

If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you 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.

Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom

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