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Thank You from EM Crouthamel School
A team of Harleysville Rotarians attended the EMC School Assembly in November, to be honored by the students for the Club's contribution of 35 new books to be placed in the school's new library.
These were presented in celebration of Harleysville Rotary's 25th Anniversary. The goal was originally 25 books but was increased to 35. Pictured above (from left to right) are Past President Steve Godsall-Myers, Chuck Heckenberger, Larry Moss and Past District Governor Frank Romano. They are standing in front of a display created by the students at the entrance to the library.
End Polio Now
During his recent visit to the Harleysville Rotary Club, District Governor Herb Klotz presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Past President Steve Godsall-Myers in thanks to the Club for raising $1,500 for the Polio Foundation in the 2018-2019 Rotary year.
Camp Niedig Participants
Twin brothers, Calvin and Ethan Ribelan, who were sponsored by Harleysville Rotary to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards summer camp (RYLA - also known as Camp Niedig), described their adventures at this year's camping experience. They are joined by Kyle Zehr, member of the Camp Niedig Committee. One of the brothers was named Camper of the Year. Both relayed some wonderful stories of their experiences and what the camp did to increase their leadership skills.
Hedwig House
Our guest speaker on October 2nd was Susan Hays of Hedwig House who described to us what makes their organization unique. Hedwig House, Inc., cares deeply about those they serve. Many people ask “what makes the organization unique?”
First, Hedwig House is a non-clinical organization, meaning we do not have doctors, psychologists, or therapists on our staff. The staff practitioners who work diligently on helping our Members achieve their goals, rather than manage their medication.
The second aspect which sets us apart is our heavy emphasis on social skills. Hedwig House is designed for our Members to have the ability to gain and practice social skills on a daily basis. We also offer community-based social outings which allow Members to put their skills to use in various settings.
Lastly, Hedwig House is easily accessible, and we mean this in two ways. We make it very easy to get signed up with our services through our downloadable referral quick outreach. We understand the importance and urgency that goes along with contacting a mental health service, and we are sure to get in touch in a timely manner. Hedwig House is easily accessible in another way- transportation! A hard obstacle to overcome, when it comes to receiving mental health services, is transportation. Our staff are able to travel throughout Montgomery County in order to reach our Members wherever they may be.
Volunteers are always welcome for all sorts of needs. Come teach a class like American history, music, sports or budgeting. Also need participating guests at the fund raisers like the Annual Spotlight on Mental Health.
Rotary Speed Networking
Last week President Gary organized a game to help newer members, who have been in Rotary three years or less, network with older more experienced members. It was set up similar to Speed Dating in which new members have 60 seconds to talk about themselves before the older members get to relate their story. Every couple of minutes the new members would move to the chair on their left. It was a fast moving game and everyone learned quite a bit. Lots of fun.
Montgomery County Commissioner
Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale spoke to us recently about the workings of our county government. The annual budget currently is $420MM. It is larger than the budget of Alaska or Vermont. One half of those funds are applied to health and human services. The Commissioner went on to explain the scope and demographics of the County and how business is conducted in his view. We thanked him for his insights and for his public service.
Harambee Foundation
Joshua Johnston was accepted to the graduate school of Bryn Mawr College to study for his MSW in 2005. Before enrolling, he took his last trip to Tanzania and never really came back. He works there today providing social services for children in a town of 100,000 in a region of 1.3 million residents. The kids age from 7 to 17 and are orphaned, poor and live on the streets doing odd jobs. Some of the girls do domestic work. Most have little or no formal education. Josh is affiliated with the Harambee Foundation (Harambee means "all pull together" in Swahili) that provides remedial schooling and readies kids in just 2 years to be able to go back to school. There are 61 children in the center and 30 beds for the homeless. A cook comes in the evening and 3 kids are assigned to assist. Every Saturday everyone gets a meal of rice & beans. Kids even get a soap allowance. The goal is to provide for their needs so that they can get an education and be productive members of society. Harleysville Rotary is proud to be a contributor to this amazing project.
Bethlehem Rotary Action Group Against Slavery
Pat Morgan of the Bethlehem Rotary Club spoke to us on August 14th on the subject of Human Slavery. This phenomenon is often considered to be a victimless crime that happens in someone else's community. Because it is largely done underground and often in the cover of darkness, good hard data is lacking. But this they do know: it is the 2nd largest criminal industry in the world and the fastest growing. About 85-95% are under pimp control. Average entry age is 12-13. Live span is only 7 years. In the US alone, 300,000 victims are forced, frauded, and coerced into the sex trafficking industry often by friends or family. To stop these crimes we first must have recognition. The problem needs to be brought into the light. If you see something suspicious, report it to the police. Until there is a public outcry, the problem will persist.
...between now and then
Author, Joanne Hoff introduced her new book, "Between Now and Then". In the book she asks the question, "Do you want to leave a legacy of love or a mess?" Lawyers love a mess and you can not depend on lawyers to straighten out the mess. Joanne talked about being an executor and tips on settling an estate. She also advises folks to get a will and if you have one - keep it updated. Good practical advise that we all need to follow.
Paul Harris Fellowship x 5
Charter Member, Chip Schofield, receives a new lapel pin from President Gary Volpe to signify his achievement of qualifying for a fifth membership in the Paul Harris Fellowship. Congratulations to Chip for his 25 years of Service Before Self and his contributions to the Paul Harris Fellowship.
We the Weeders
On the 5th of July these Patriotic Weeders entered the Garden of Health and proceeded to rid the garden of the unauthorized growth found therein. Thanks to efforts of earlier groups, the job was completed in less than two hours. Sunday's visit was therefor cancelled. See individual photos of the team in "Read More".
Mark Singh-Hueter joins Rotary
President Steve inducts his last new member to the Harleysville Rotary Club before he retires from the Presidency. The newest member is Mark Singh-Hueter who is Pastor of Advent Luthern Church in Harleysville. Mark is already enthusiastic about Rotary and we look forward to working with him on many Rotary projects. Congratulations, Mark!
RI Convention Report
Dressed in their souvenir shirts, Larry Moss and President Steve reported on their impressions of the Rotary International Convention that was held on June 1-6 in Hamburg, Germany. Approximately 25,000 Rotarians from all over the globe joined in this annual celebration of the accomplishments of Rotary. Between the plenary sessions, the breakout sessions, the House of Friendship, and the Inspiration Lounge, there was plenty of Rotary knowledge to be absorbed. Lots of fun and excitement and many interesting conversations along the way.
Hugs from EMC
Yes thank you so much for coming. I have attached the group picture. I am so happy that you would like to be our guest reader next year! Thank you!!
Thank you for partnering with our school. It means to much to the teachers and students!
Sarah Hange
Second Grade Teacher, EMC Elementary SchoolClemens Food Group
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Craig Edisell (on left) and Keith Stahler (on right) of the Clemens Food Group spoke to the Club on April 24 at our regular meeting. This local business was founded in 1895 by John Clemens and is in it's 6th generation. Their business model has changed recently as they became a "Business Family" as opposed to the older "Family Business" model. The priority is now the business. Craig gave us the history of the organization. | Keith who handles the communications for the company, spoke about the corporate ethics and the core values which are integrity and stewardship. He described the company's commitment to ecology and the stewardship they offer by the way of corporate tithing. The operation has grown over the years and now boasts 4,000 employees speaking 12 languages and operating 3 plants, 15 farms and a transportation company in a vertically integrated business model. |
Four-Way Test Speech Contest
Harleysville Rotary hosted their annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest on the evening of March 26th at the Peter Becker Community Arbor Square Conference Center. Four excellent speakers from the Dock Mennonite Academy presented their 5 minute talks centered on how the Rotary Four-Way Test was applied to a moral or ethical problem in which they were personally involved or knew of. Pictured above from the left are Four-Way Test Committee Member Kyle Zehr, First Place Contestant Ashley Mellinger, Second Place Contestant Madelyn Bergen, Mirabel Fizzano, Third Place Contestant Aya Berry, and Contest Chair Phil Janke. Miss Mellinger will be entered in the Regional Contest to be held at Ursinus College on April 13th.
Two New Harleysville Rotarians
 | New Rotarian Brenda Frederick receives her official Rotary pin from Sponsor Dinah Hayes. We look forward to working with Brenda in current and future Rotary projects. |
 | John Benavage who was a prior member of the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre has now joined ranks in the Rotary Club of Harleysville. His sponsor Marsha Poust is shown here adding a new rotary pin to his lapel. |
 | The induction ceremony was conducted by Area 6 Assistant District Governor, Phil Janke. Phil described the Object of Rotary and the responsibilities of Rotarians to our motto "Service Above Self". |
Dr. DeFazio Classification Talk
At our regular meeting on Wednesday, March 27th, Dr. Claire DeFazio presented her Classification Talk in which she described her vocational progression into the field of chiropractic. After 16 years of nursing she realized the merits of chiropractic medicine and changed the direction of her career path to attain a degree in that medical specialty. She now owns a practice in Hatfield in which all new patients receive a full spine X-ray before any manipulation of the spine begins to be certain that she does no damage because of a hidden condition. Signs of trouble in patients is often indicated by (1) impeded neck movement, (2) tingling of fingers, (3) headaches, or (4) pinched shoulders. Claire is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about her profession. We look forward to enjoying those positive traits in her work with Rotary.
New Paul Harris Fellow
President-Elect Gary Volpe pins on Frank Hueber's first Paul Harris Fellowship pin. Frank is the new Area 6 Rotary Foundation Coordinator and is working on getting all members of District 7430's Area 6 to become Fellowship members or encourage present Fellowship members to achieve the next level. The Foundation is the "financial engine" that makes most Rotary projects possible. Congratulations, Frank!
Indian Creek Foundation
George Casady, Director of Day Services at the Indian Creek Foundation, described the joy of having a job for the developmentally disabled clients of the Indian Creek Foundation. It is not so much the money as it is being a productive member of the community. On site tasks are performed throughout the area at locations such as Care & Share, the Animal Rescue Center, and the Peter Becker Community. Also, mobile work crews, who work for minimum wage, perform specific tasks at area businesses.
A new opportunity has been created that constructs sleeping mats for the homeless out of a product called "plarn" which is made from discarded plastic throwaway shopping bags. Workers perform many tasks including folding, cutting and weaving the plastic yarn. The mats are distributed in different ways such as the Norristown Police Department which carries them in their 3rd shift cruisers to give to homeless persons.
Harleysviile Rotary is very appreciative of all the services that ICF does to help make so many disadvantaged folks a vital part of our society.
Indian Valley Public Library
Foundation of Friends
Dr. Al Grande from the Board of Trustees of the Indian Valley Public Library was our guest presenter on March 6, 2019. Dr. Grande introduced the Club to the newly formed Foundation of Friends at the library. He also went on to highlight the variety of services that the organization provides to the community. The process of loaning books is just a part of all the other activities that are available. In 2018 there were almost 250,000 visits, 1,200 programs, 19,000 program attendees, 270 groups totaling 4,000 people met in library meeting rooms, 1,500 museum passes were loaned out, 2,900 children attended summer learning events, and 5 hotspot devices were loaned out 131 times. It is manned by an 8 person staff and 31 part-time staffers along with 166 volunteers who worked over 7,500 hours. The library has become come a hub of educational and social activity.
Richie Aichele presents Classification Talk
New member Richie Aichele gave his Classification Talk on February 27th at our regular meeting. He became interested in Rotary through his late father who helped found the Rotary Club of Harleysville as an off shoot of the Souderton/Telford Club. Richie often assisted his father in Club functions such as Concert Sundaes, work service days and District Conferences. He grew up in a Rotary family. These days he works as a field technician for a Harleysville based computer service company and operates his own IT service on the side. He was recently married to Amanda Aichele who is also a member of the Harleysville club. We are proud to have him as a member and look forward to having him apply his many skills to our service projects.
Our guest speaker on February 6, 2019 was Xander Duerkson who currently is a senior at Dock Mennonite Academy. Last summer the Rotary Club of Harleysville sponsored him as a camper at Camp Neidig, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp to participate in a four day leadership program along with scores of other seniors from many high schools in District 7430. Xander described his hesitation and trepidation about going through this program since it was a way out of his comfort zone, but once he became involved he was amazed at all he learned about himself and the number of new friends he made.
This fall he will be heading to Eastern Mennonite University to further his education. He is certain that this experience has better prepared him for college. Congratulations Xander and best wishes for your continued success.
The Magnificent Seven
On Wednesday morning, January 16th, seven new members were formally inducted into the Harleysville Rotary Club by President Steve Godsall-Myers and District Governor Cindy Hornaman. This was the largest class ever inducted into the Club at one time in our 25 year history.
Shown in the front row from left to right are New Members: Angela Davidson-Evanick, Beth Hilghman, Lois Ruth, Claire DeFazio, and Richie Aichele. Standing in the back row are: Member Sponsor LaVerne Sheetz, Club President Steve Gotsall-Myers, New Member Lani Goshow, Member Sponsor Dinah Hayes, New Member Anna Halteman, Member Sponsor Gary Volpe, Member Sponsor Phil Janke, and District Governor Cindy Hornaman.
We are neighbors, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good. With you, we can accomplish even more. We are ordinary people working together to accomplish extra ordinary things.
The Rotary Club of Harleysville is a volunteer service organization whose members donate their time and resources to help others in the community and throughout the world since 1994. Working together makes a positive difference and fosters friendships. We welcome you to join us and discover the spirit of Rotary.
TO OUR ON-LINE GUESTS, we encourage you to explore the stories and pages of our website and we welcome any further interest you may have in our club
Aug 18, 2011
by Richard Wagener
THE CHARLES REED MEMORIAL PARK PROJECT
The largest project undertaken by the Harleysville Rotary Club has been the development of the
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25th Anniversary
