For our program last Thursday, 9/3/15, we had the distinct pleasure of hearing from Greg Heller-LaBelle, CEO of the Colony Meadery.
Photo thanks to Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
Mead can lay claim to be the oldest alcohol-based drink in history. Its origins come from fermented honey some 50,000 years ago. Many of us find our first exposure in literature courses with stories like Beowulf! Since the primary base ingredient is honey, there are a tremendous variety of flavors which may be created. Generally alcohol levels range from 5% to 20% depending on the fermenting process employed. An amazing characteristic is, with honey being the main ingredient, the product has an exceptionally long shelf-life. Honey maintains its character and does not deteriorate over time!
The Colony is one of 8 meaderys in Pennsylvania and part of a growing industry of nearly 200 across the United States. While evaluating the plans for a second location, recently opened in the Moravian Book Shop, our own Rick Santee, Board Chair of the Book Shop, found solid roots of Mead use in the Bethlehem Moravian community hundreds of years ago. The Colony Meadery’s mission is to produce the boldest and most innovative meads in the world. They specialize in experimental, dry and flavored meads. Through use of experimental batches, modern methodology, and precise control of fermentation they create meads that are distinct and varied. Colony Meadery believes in uncompromising quality, flavor and craftsmanship.
Many questions and lively discussion clearly indicated a level of interest in MSR planning a Mead tasting fellowship event at the Colony Meadery in the not too distant future. Thanks to Greg for his presentation and best of luck in pursuing the Colony Meadery becoming the Sam Adams of the Mead industry!
‘Bag Stuffing’ for Our 25th Anniversary 5K/10K race is on September 17th at our regular meeting.
Race Committee Chair, Wayne Achey, indicates sign-ups of runners has already surpassed 200 and asks all MSR Rotarians help in getting sponsors and prizes for the race. We still need gift certificates, raffle prizes, etc. A Volunteer Sign-Up sheet will circulate during the meeting for the race itself on Saturday, September 26th. Registration opens at 6:30 am, with the race starting promptly at 8:00 and Awards Ceremony & Raffle Prize Giveaway at 9:30. “All Hands on Deck” - this is open to family, friends, students (community service anyone?) etc. Many people will be needed to ensure the success of this major event. (Even if not signed up in advance, please come to help!) Sponsorship info/form is available in the Downloads section at www.morningstarrotary.org with no sign-in needed. Please reach out to businesses, organizations, friends, family and colleagues.
Community Bikeworks is showing its appreciation to Morning Star Rotary, 3 other clubs and Rotary International for contributions - right on the back of the van we helped them purchase with a Rotary Foundation District 7430 Grant! Check it out:
Congratulations to Equi~Librium and CEO Cheryl Baker for recently earning its accreditation as a Premier Accredited Center through PATH Intl. Equi~Librium has demonstrated that it is in accordance with the national standards for the equine-assisted activities and therapies industry. (Morning Call NEWS 13 9/6/15)
Reminder: Board Meeting this Wednesday, 9/9/15 at 6:00 at Moravian Village.
Please join us this Thursday when Jim Byrnes, CEO of the Allentown Rescue Mission, will talk about the present and future of the Mission.
As we approach the 14th Anniversary of 9/11, please take some time to reflect on what it means to be an American.
“Be a Gift to the World” means more each day.
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