Sept. 29 President's Message

Posted by Ron Searfoss 
on Sep 29, 2015
 
Our program last Thursday was presented by Loretta Ottinger, General Manager of RER Energy Group from the Reading area.
 
 
Loretta is also a very active member and Past President of the Fleetwood Rotary Club. She proceeded to educate us on the current state of Solar Power asking the question, "Why Solar Now in PA?" The key strategy of RER is to help their clients reduce electric consumption through the effective installation of systems based upon solar energy panels. The overwhelming majority of their clients are manufacturing enterprises, although residential systems have grown to nearly 20% of their annual volume. 
 
Why Solar NOW is very relevant from a financial strategy, as there are incentives and options available currently with a finite life.  Currently through the end of 2016 there is a Federal Tax Credit of 30% of project costs.  Additionally there is Accelerated Depreciation allowed for a write-off over 5 years (50% in the first two years!) With RER systems the effective cost of energy is in the $.03 - $.05 per kWh for the next 25-35 years.
 
If you are unable to take advantage of these opportunities, please feel free to share this information with other firms, businesses, non-profits, etc. Be a Gift to their World!
 
Morning Star Rotary, you all have earned a welcome chance to stop and smell the roses (or lager or Meade – your preference!) Congratulations on an outstanding Morning Star 25th Anniversary Run!
 
 
 
There were 600+ registered participants.  Race Director Wayne Achey and the core Run Team of Jeff Kicska, Robin Metzler, Tom Kolepp and Jim Santanasto, coordinated a cornucopia of activities with the help of Club members plus volunteers to produce a fantastic race. As Wayne put it, “being able to pull off an event like a race shows the strength and character of our organization”. The contributors to this success are varied and too numerous to list. Special thanks to all Rotarians, the folks from the Special Olympics, and all the friends and family who showed up early to provide support. A special shout out goes to ESSROC which had 200+ registrants to support Special Olympics.
 
A special thanks to all the actual runners and walkers.  I heard many, and I mean many positive comments ... very well organized, great course, lots of helpful people, thanks for all the water and wow! The food! Credit for the great weather goes to a higher source - we’re good but … Thank you to St. Luke’s for all their support having two emergency facilities manned and ready right on course.  Greatly appreciated especially when some hyperactive bees joined the fray.
 
To quote my predecessor, Tom Kolepp, “please accept my heartfelt thanks for the outstanding Service Above Self required to successfully complete this great annual event.”
 
Following the Race, a team of MSR Rotarians worked a ticket booth at Celtic Fest from 11 to 3 to promote our club and what Rotary is all about.
 
Photo courtesy of team member Dave Cincera. (Also missing: Tom Kolepp)
 
6 of us served in the booth as ticket sellers and cashiers. (We sold nearly 40,000 $1 tickets during our shift…very busy!) Our own Mr. Celtic Fest, Tom Kolepp in kilt and Rotary attire, functioned as Rotary guru and was exceptionally effective giving directions and explanations to the Fest guests on both Rotary and Celtic Fest.  A really special thank you to this team as this was a first time experience and I think we succeeded in promoting Morning Star and Rotary very admirably. (See the new MSR “be our guest” brochure and business card on the front table when you come in! Thank you Jean Searfoss & Tom Kolepp.)
 
Congratulations to Cheryl Baker on the very successful Equi~Librium Lehigh Valley Polo fundraiser on September 27th at Braden Airpark. Over $25,000 was raised. Thank you to those Morning Star Rotarians who were able to attend.
 
October will have, in addition to the normal club activities ...
  • The Dictionary Project in full swing.
  • Preparations for the Salute the Troops Concert on November 8 will be full speed ahead with ticket sales and sponsorship acquisition.
  • The 9th Annual Sipple Lecture, “Homeless and Hungry: Community, Nursing, and Health Care’s Influence” on October 21st at Moravian College followed by MSR fellowship.
  • October 31st is Rotary Foundation and Grant Training in Blue Bell. This is a great opportunity for Rotarians to learn more about this very important part of Rotary. The new Membership Committee event is planned as an evening social to spread the good word of MSR.
I opened with a chance to stop and smell the roses. As you can see, it must be a short sniff.  We have a lot to do!
 
Your participation is needed and encouraged to make these events successful and help build the MSR club in our communities.
 
The Nominating Committee will begin preparations for identifying candidates for the Board of Directors and Officers.  Anyone wishing to step up to a leadership role in helping the Club progress, please contact any committee member. You will enrich the club and your own experiences as a Rotarian.  Besides, we have FUN!
 
Please join us Thursday when Alan Jennings will talk to us about the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.
 
 
“Be a Gift to the World”
President Ron