President's Message Apr. 16

Posted by Ron Searfoss 
on Apr 16, 2016
 
On Thursday, April 14, Morning Star Rotarians had the pleasure of learning about the “Journey in Education” as experienced by Bernie Gardiner as she gave her Classification talk.
 
A hoped for career path to become a medical doctor was altered by marriage and the birth of four wonderful children in six years. Subsequently expanded with the addition of five grandchildren! Life happens! Bernie pursued a varied career path while still having an education-dominated core. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989 from Muhlenberg College and a Masters Degree in 1997 from Lehigh University.
 
In this timeframe Bernie became part of the Jason Project. Founded in 1989 by Dr. Robert D. Ballard, JASON has provided curriculum and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for K-12 students … over 20 years before STEM was the standard! Just think about the programs in the early 90’s, before the internet! This was a time for hands-on interactive learning experiences for children. Equipment was constructed in Grace Hall at Lehigh, with computers and screens and satellite communications. The objective was bring the kids in and show them actual scientists and educators working underseas, in the Galapagos, Iceland, Yellowstone, etc. Go to Jason.org to learn more about JASON, Bernie’s passion. She was noted in the press as “one of the people keeping this thing alive”. She is almost ‘Bernice Jason’.
 
An outgrowth of the JASON Project in 1992 was the establishment of the Science Model Area Resource Team – SMART Center. This focused on the hands-on interactive learning experiences. In 1994 it moved from campus to the East Annex of the Bethlehem Steel and became the SMART DISCOVERY CENTER. Bernie continued her passion for education with “wormtown” and “Mr. Bones” - the bicycle riding skeleton - among many, many other interactive exhibits.
 
Bernie is now a very active volunteer in many facets of the community. We are very pleased she is part of Morning Star Rotary, and look forward to her coming “Rotary Passion.”  Thank you Bernie, and welcome!
As you may recall, Sue Reeps, Treasurer, had notified us of her resignation effective June 30, 2016.  She will remain an active member of Morning Star Rotary, thankfully. Jean Searfoss has stepped forward to assume this position on July 1, 2016, which was approved by the Board in accordance with the Club Bylaws. They will begin work immediately on the transition, and to assist President-Elect Sharon Fontana in developing the 2016-2017 Budget.
Fellow Rotarian Tom Bailey, avid motorcyclist and our favorite Vietnam Vet, is recovering nicely from his St. Luke's adventure for triple bypass heart surgery topped off with an aortic artery repair. Presently 'a little stiff and sore, but bored as hell!' Imagine that! Please keep Tom in our thoughts and prayers. Please reach out via a visit, call or text 610-216-5512 or email Tbailey540@gmail.com. I'm sure he will welcome your greetings and good wishes.
 
 
Due to business, a little vacation and timing challenges, there will be no additional bulletin before our April 28th meeting.  Speakers are noted below, and Meeting Responsibilities for both weeks are shown below as well.  Please remember to sign-up and support your club.
 
This Week’s Meeting – April 21st
 
Please join us this Thursday, April 21st when our speaker will be Paula Fabon, the Exchange Student from Madrid Spain, sponsored by Bethlehem Rotary.
 
Cheryl Baker and her family are currently hosting Paula. Please plan to attend and hear a young student’s perspectives on her experiences in our country.
 
Next Week’s Meeting – April 28th
Please join MSR on Thursday, April 28th for our speaker Kelsey Oesmann from Bike & Build telling us all about Pedaling for Affordable Housing. (Yes Kelsey is the daughter of proud parents, Carrie and John Oesmann!) See you there.  
 
          
 
If you would like to learn more about either Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Ron Searfoss at rsearfos@ptd.net or 610-504-1460.
   
Be a gift to your world!
President Ron