THE A-W January 4, 2023 (Jan 04, 2023)

Gail Micca

As we begin a new month, I always need to look up the new “ monthly theme” and February is one of my favorites – Peace and Conflict Resolution. Personally, I avoid conflict to a fault. I always search for peace in my daily life and sometimes that means I need to turn off the media around me. Maybe that’s not the right answer, but listening to the many conflicts we are facing in our world today can really drag a person down.

In contrast, I find myself focused on those who are making a difference and bringing peace through good works. At this very moment, there are boots on the ground in the Dominican Republic as the Engineers Without Borders team has finally made it back after three years. Herb Klotz and the team are visiting the various sites there to inspect the work that has been progressing, and witnessing the clean water that is being provided to these communities. These kinds of projects bring peace to our world. They bring cultures together and a beautiful opportunity to understand each other emerges.

I love that Rotary supports many projects like this. Every global grant promotes peace. Every project we do in our community promotes peace.

This is what keeps me wanting to explore more about Rotary and really dig in to the opportunities that Rotary provides for each of us. Keep asking and learning. There’s much to learn.

Gail

Rotary Club of

ALLENTOWN WEST

Pres. Gail Micca

Area 1 Asst. Gov. Rick Zayaitz

District 7430 Governor

Len Gieseler

MEETING OPTIONS:

Second and Fourth Wednesdays

are in-person.
Meeting begins promptly at 7:30 a.m.

OTHERS

First and Third Wednesdays

Special events, such as Dining Out, Business Tours, etc.

Follow us on Facebook and watch your email for updates.

Zoom is also available during in-person meetings

WEBSITE

www.allentownwestrotary.org/

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CALENDAR of EVENTS

March 18 -- D7430 Foundation Spring Fling at the Wm. Penn Inn.

May 5 to 7, 2023 – Annual District 7430 Conference at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City

May 27 thru 31 -- RI Annual Convention in Melbourne, Australia

July 13 thru 16 -- STEM YEA program for 2023.

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AWRC

Board and Committee

Members for 2022-23

Current Executive Board:

President – Gail Micca

President Elect – Gwenn Carr's Committee

Immediate Past President – Ralph Witcher

Vice President – TBD

Treasurer – Gary Englehardt

Secretary – Michelle Steiner

Sergeant at Arms – Mitch Huston

Directors:

Membership Chair – Tori Morgan

Service Chair – Debbie Jack

Public Relations Chair – Marlene Heller

Fundraising Chair – Len Salines

Youth Services Chair – Sue and Bill Weber

AWRC Foundation Chair – Amir Famili

RI Foundation Chair – Herb Klotz

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Opportunities for Service

Here is an update for service opportunities in the coming weeks:

Community Service:

Habitat for Humanity – Any Tuesday or Thursday morning.

Contact Amir: [email protected]

Kingdom Life Food Pantry

The dates for the next three KLFC Food Bank Giveaways are:

January 14

February 18

March 11

Each time we start at 7:30AM and usually are finished by 9:30AM.

Meals on Wheels – we can still use a few more substitute volunteers, low level of commitment, fun to do with family or friends. Contact Helen Papathanasiou.

Club Service:

Help plan a Dining Out or Event for a First Wednesday.

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FIND US ON YOUTUBE!

Missed a club meeting? Lucky for you, we record our Zoom meetings! Click the link and then choose which meeting you’d like to view. Use the slide at the bottom if you want to skip over the socialization part of the meeting. We open the formalities at 7:30 am, and presenters begin at 8 am. So even if you missed the meeting, it’s just like being there!

The AWRC YouTube.com channel link is:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClHOvGQzfK4z7CUgSQQGqHA

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TRIBUTE CARDS

Send Cards to Support the
Allentown West Rotary Club Foundation

Send a Thank You, Condolence, Congratulations, Thinking of You, In Honor of, In Memory of, or Just Because card and make a donation to the Allentown West Rotary Club Foundation at the same time.

Our new Tribute Cards are here and ready to send out! You fill in the reason for the card on the top lines and your name on the bottom lines, and mail it out. On the front is a beautiful photograph of a familiar farmhouse in the Lehigh Valley. Inside, recipients will see that the purchase of the card goes to fund the Foundation of our Rotary Club, and they are invited to learn more at our website. On the back is some information about Rotary and our areas of focus.

Cards are sold in packs of 5 for $25, plus shipping. To order, go to the Allentown West website at www.allentownwestrotary.org and scroll down to the Tribute Cards.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

AWRC ACTIVITIES

Kingdom Life Food Pantry: Jean Masiko – [email protected]

Parkland Snack Packing: Gail Micca – [email protected]

Lowhill Food Pantry and Northwestern Snack Packing – Amir Famili – [email protected]

Membership: Tori Morgan – [email protected]

Public Image: Marlene Heller – [email protected]

Fundraising: Len Salines – [email protected]

Dining Out: Various

Park Cleanup: Dennis Houser – [email protected]

Highway Cleanup: Sharon Goldner

Miracle League: Barb Kistler – [email protected]

Meals on Wheels: Helen Papathanasiou – [email protected]

Camp Neidig – Nicole McGalla – [email protected]

Student of the Month: Nicole McGalla – [email protected]

Scholarship Committee: Laurie Grube – [email protected]

Speaker suggestions: Ralph Witcher – [email protected]

Website Editor: Marlene Heller – [email protected]

RLI: website www.rlinea.org

Feb 08, 2023 7:30 AM

Bob Hobaugh, Past District Governor, District 7430

Das Awkscht Fescht

Feb 22, 2023 7:30 AM

Diane Donaher, Exec Dir at Cay Galgon Life House

Navigating Motherhood

Mar 02, 2023 6:00 PM

AWRC Dine Out Event

Sumo Sushi and Japanese Fusion

Mar 08, 2023 7:30 AM

4-Way Test Speech Contest

Annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest

Mar 22, 2023 7:30 AM

Lin Erickson Exec Dir at The Da Vinci Science Car

2023 Da Vinci Science Center Update

Apr 12, 2023 7:30 AM

Patricia Mulqueen

Classification Talk

View entire list

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THE WORLD NEEDS MORE ROTARIANS

Make it your business to share your Rotary story! When you meet someone who isn't aware of all Rotary has to offer personally, professionally, and to the world, it's an opportunity. Let them know you are one of the 1.4 million people in the world who make the world better by serving the community.

Offer them the chance to join us for an activity or a meeting to learn more. If you don't ask, they won't know! Be a Rotary Ambassador!

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SPEAKERS WANTED

Please suggest or request speakers and topics for future meetings and send your ideas to Ralph Witcher.

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TELL JEAN

As you become aware of any member of our Rotary family who would benefit from our support with cards, flowers, or visits, please notify Jean Machamer at [email protected]

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Check out the AWRC

Facebook Page

See Home Page link

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Bill Palmer
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)

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JANUARY 4, 2023

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LATER SUNSET

We have added eleven minutes of evening daylight in the last two weeks.

We lost three minutes in the morning

since the solstice.

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YES, IT'S WINTER

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DID YOU KNOW?

The religious significance of January 6th:

Celebrated annually this day, Epiphany is a major feast that commemorates, for Western Christians, the coming of the Magi and, for Eastern Orthodox Christians, Jesus' birth, baptism by John, and the first miracle.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you can help even one person become self-reliant, it's the greatest achievement of social reform.”
― Abhijit Naskar

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WHERE ???

New year;

new meeting venue!

We are starting 2023 with a change to our meeting venue. We will meet at the Conference Center at Cedar Crest College. The Conference Center is located at the Tompkins College Center on South Cedar Crest Blvd.

Our first meeting of 2023 will be held there on January 11, 2023. Come early to enjoy the food, the fellowship and the venue. The specifics are:

• A $400 minimum (20 people x $20 person) has been approved by the committee.

• Private conference-style room set up with round tables of eight people each.

• A table at the entrance for the Sergeant-at-Arms.

• The installed AV equipment is professional grade and sports two projection screens.

• Food and beverages will be set up at the back of the room, furnished from the Dining Hall across from the conference Center.

• Lavatories are nearby.

• Entire campus is ADA compliant, meaning that no stairs are required to enter or move about any of the buildings. Elevators are available from the ground floor.

• Walkway from the parking lot to the building is flat and macadam. Walk takes about four minutes.

• There are four parking spaces in front of the building for mobility-challenged people.

On this basis, we are contracting for one month (two meetings) to try out the venue. The venue is available under contract for periods of as long as one year at a time.

This would be a great place for events such as the awarding of Scholarships.

The room can hold up to 75 people.

ALSO --

Our breakfast menu with Cedar Crest College will include:

Assorted pastries

Scrambled eggs

Sausage

Home Fries

Coffee and water service

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Allentown West Rotary Club

NON-MEETING NOTES

JANUARY 4, 2023

There was no meeting today. These notes are continuing to be updated to keep you all informed.

CELEBRATIONS:

The list of January member celebration events is shown below.

STEM YEA FUNDRAISER:

The 2nd Annual Big Ticket Reverse Raffle (BTRR) will be held on April 15, 2023 at Brookside Country Club, in Pottstown from 5:30-10:00 p.m.

HELP STRENGTHEN THE STRUCTURE OF THE AWRC:

A topic for the January 11th In-Person meeting at Cedar Crest College is the plan to strengthen the structure of our Rotary Club. You will hear about the two teams that will lead the club during the 2023-2024 year, as well as engage newer Rotarians for leadership roles.

Team 1 is the Committee that will run the business side of the club. This was formerly the President position. This team has a unique combination of complementary skills.

Team 2 is the Advisory Group. This team needs members to help develop the AWRC Succession Plan. Learn how you can be a part of this team.

During 2023-2024 we will focus on the Rotary Avenues of Service. This is the topic for the January 25th meeting. Join us for both meetings to learn more about how you can be a part of Strengthening the Structure of the our Club.

Please join us to ask questions, provide comments and suggestions. We are looking for your input and feedback.

The Presidential Committee for 2023-2024

VOTE STATUS:

The results of the annual voting for our B.O.D. members for Rotary Year 2023-24 are held up due to a candidate change. There will be a new vote taken later in January.

DINING OUT JANUARY:

Our first dining out for 2023 will be held at Cumin N Eat at the Tilghman Square Shopping Center (4686 Broadway, Allentown). The date is Thursday, January 5 at 6PM. Cumin N Eat serves delicious Indian Cuisine!

DINING OUT FEBRUARY:

Marlene Heller has announced Dining Out for February will take place on Thursday, Feb. 2, at Capo & Co. on Chestnut St. in Emmaus. RSVP to Marlene Heller ([email protected]). The restaurant opened this past summer with a 1920’s vibe, and has an eclectic menu, which will be available for perusal at next week’s meeting. More information will be forthcoming.

Y.E. STUDENTS GO SKIING:

The exchange students have a ski day at Bear Creek this Saturday, Jan 7.

WELCOME TO ROTARY:

Gwenn and Gary will host this meeting at their Kutztown home on Sunday, January 8 at 2 PM.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS –– FOUNDATION SPRING FLING:

Join us in our Rotary District 7430 "Spring Fling"

Saturday, March 18, 2023 William Penn Inn

1017 DeKalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436 5:30 pm

Come for Foundation support, fellowship, fun, silent auction, entertainment -- And maybe some surprise fun!

SNACKPACKING:

The next snack packing days are:

Parkland on Jan 11

NorthWestern on Jan 18

If anyone wants to help, they should email Diana Dunn at [email protected]

KINGDOM LIFE FOOD DISTRIBUTION:

The dates for the next three KLFC Food Bank Giveaways are:

January 14 February 18 March 11

Each time we start at 7:30AM and usually are finished by 9:30AM.

PROJECTS FOR GRANTS FOR 2022-23:

Please tell Pres. Gail your recommendations for special projects for which we can make Grant applications. Herb said we will have one for Sierra Leone too.

PARKLAND C.A.R.E.S. PRODUCE DELIVERY:

Parkland CARES will distribute food for first time in the new year on Saturday, January 7th. Contact Katrina Sundstrom or Karen Rodgers

The Pantry will hold its food distributions on the first Saturday of each month for the entirety of 2023.

Food collections for Parkland CARES will be held the third Wednesday of each month at the Pantry on Kernsville Road.

Most needed items for donation can be found on the Parkland CARES website at parklandcaresfp.org

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS:

EPCC & WLCC Movie Tavern Mixer- January 18 5pm- 8pm

Chamber Night at Board and Brush Allentown- February 1 5:30pm- 8:30pm

East Penn & Western Lehigh Movie Tavern Mixer- January 18 5-7pm

• Movie Tavern Trexlertown

• Come enjoy food and drinks while networking and listening to live music!

• Tickets are $25 for Members and $50 for Future Members. Register at: https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/Movie-Tavern-Mixer-East-Penn-Western-Lehigh--838709/details?fbclid=IwAR1e9-o1VgYP82RJ66NuoqspyPVhh51ExjiSj1xVqQX7KpkDL7IGtoHuqv4

• For more information, please go to the East Penn & Western Lehigh Movie Tavern Mixer Facebook Page

• For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]

Wine & Design at Board and Brush with East Penn & Western Lehigh Chambers- February 1 5:30-8:30pm

• Board & Brush Allentown

• Come create pieces of art!

• BYOB

• There are only 35 seats available! Tickets are $35 for Members and $50 for Future Members. Register at: https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/Wine-Design-Chamber-Night-Board-Brush-Allentown-EPCC-WLCC--838751/details

• For more information, please go to the Wine & Design at Board and Brush with East Penn and Western Lehigh Chambers Facebook Page

• For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]

Ocean Spray Luncheon Tour with East Penn & Western Lehigh Chambers- February 15 11:30am-1pm

• Learn about all the manufacturing and distribution that takes place at Ocean Spray which is home to our favorite juice!

• Tickets are $20 for Members and $40 for Future Members. Register at: https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/Ocean-Spray-Luncheon-Tour-East-Penn-Western-Lehigh-Chambers--838820/details

• For more information, please go to the Ocean Spray Luncheon Tour with East Penn and Western Lehigh Chambers Facebook Page

• For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]

WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR at LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO”

Pres. Gail received the following thank you letter:

“I just wanted to extend a big THANK YOU from all of us here at the LVZoo to you and the other Rotary Club members for helping us at our Winter Light Spectacular! Help from volunteers like you all make it able for us to have such amazing events like WLS and we appreciate your time making it one of our most successful years ever. “

Thank you,

Katie Lerch, Volunteer and Events Coordinator

MEALS ON WHEELS:

The schedule for the next 4 months is set. Helen always needs substitutes.

MEETING SCHEDULE:

Starting in January, the first Wednesday will be a Dining out meeting, or equal. It may not be on a Wednesday.

January 4: No meeting

January 5: The first zoom of the month will be replaced with our first dining out for 2023 which will be held at Cumin N Eat as detailed above.

NEXT MORNING MEETING:

Wednesday January 11th In-Person at Cedar Crest College starting at 7:30 A.M. Come early and talk around.

See separate story on that new venue.

Our program will be Gwenn Carr & Gary Englehardt & Herb Klotz leading the AWRC Path Forward Planning Session.

January 18: Zoom only starting at 7:30 A.M. , Student of the Month.

January 25: In-Person at Cedar Crest College.

PDG Bill Palmer, Editor

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BIRTHDAYS

Gwenn Carr Jan 07

Jeanne Shipe Jan 12

Ernie Boll Jan 20

Geoff Legg Jan 22

Mercedes Scott Jan 25

ANNIVERSARIES

Sally & Jerry Frank Jan 05 1985 38 years

JOIN DATES

Marlene Heller 4 years Jan 02 2019

Michelle Steiner 2 years Jan 02 2021

Chuck Ehninger 47 years Jan 15 1976

Sue Weber 26 years Jan 15 1997

Sharon Goldner 2 years Jan 19 2021

Gail Micca 5 years Jan 31 2018

February Promotes Peace