Today was a Zoom meeting with 24 people on line.
Pres. Gail Micca opened the meeting at 7:30 A.M. And she welcomed us all.
GUEST ON LINE:
Nick Millward, friend of the club; and Cheryl Huckabee, Whitehall Area RC.
OPENING:
Chuck Ehninger gave a very nice invocation Then Pres. Gail led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the U.S.
AWRC HISTORY STORY:
Past President Chuck Ehninger told the history of the requirements for Rotary club membership.
Pres. Gail then led us in the recitation of the Four Way Test to which we added “Is it fun?”
TRIBUTE TO SHARON RITTENHOUSE”
Sharon M. Rittenhouse passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021.
Sharon served as our D7430 Administrative Assistant and later as Administrator, working with leadership and helpful to all District Rotarians who called or e-mailed her. She 'loved Rotary!'
Her insight, experience and Rotary knowledge impacted significantly on D7430 success over the course of eight years and with nine District Governors. She was truly a Servant Leader. It was an honor to know her and we all will miss her greatly.
CELEBRATIONS:
Pres. Gail displayed the list of August member events. And we sang Happy Birthday very poorly.
YOUR SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
There is an updated list of service opportunities in the coming weeks: on the left side of this bulletin.
P-E John Scott was spotted working in the Green Thumb Garden yesterday.
Pres. Gail will be away for 10 days, so your primary contact is Amanda Lawler. Amanda said we can use help in the garden all of the time. Bring your children to help too.
KINGDOM LIFE FOOD CENTER -- DATE CHANGE:
Jean Masiko reports that because of their upcoming Women's Conference, Kingdom Life Family Center Food Bank will be distributing their monthly Drive-through Food Giveaway a week earlier than originally scheduled.
The NEXT Drive-Through Food Giveaway will be held on
Saturday, September 4.
As always, volunteers are requested to be there by 7:30AM for set up. Please update your information and thank you for letting people know about this worthwhile project. We can always use more volunteers.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:
Amir Famili emphasized that this work is for a really good cause. They need volunteers each week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS:
This is our first social event with 3 other RCs. Please bring your friends. A cornhole contest will be attempted. And the food will be very special and fantastic.
PURPLE PINKIE D7430 ANNUAL 5K ON OCTOBER 2nd:
Race Director, John Scott, said that the race and walk will take place on the Schnecksville Fair Grounds near LCCC in the morning. OktoberFest will follow.
Please register for the race. AND note that there is a virtual option this year for a lesser fee and no Tee-Shirt.
FUNDRAISING:
Pres. Gail said that our CASINO NIGHT will be held at the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown at 5 N Front St. The date is Saturday, January 22nd, with Jan 29th as the snow date. We need sponsors and also more committee members.
MEALS ON WHEELS:
Kathy Ott said we will deliver on their Route #19 on two Tuesdays each month starting on October 12th.
On Aug 26 at 8:00 A.M. there will be a zoom meeting to provide operational details.
MONGOLIAN YOUTH PROGRAM:
Nick Millward said that Katrina Sundstrom has created a flyer. And Tori Morgan is meeting with someone from the Iron Pigs. Nick asks us to bring donations to our in-person meeting. Nick also has a contact that may ship the donations to Mongolia for us.
GAIL’S BIKING CHALLENGES:
Pres. Gail’s e-mail says “I want to thank all of my sponsors for helping/pledging to raise $5,000 on my first bike challenge. This challenge will keep me moving 60 miles a week on my bike for the remainder of this Rotary year. As I keep my word to you, I have the bonus of becoming stronger and healthier every day.”
“These $5,000 beautiful dollars will be matched with another $5,000, so we are all set for our current year budgeted obligations. That makes us all sigh with relief. “
“But the work for the coming year fundraising is just getting started. I have committed to a 350 mile bike trail ride from Niagara Falls to Albany NY from Oct 3-9. That's 60 miles a day! Please pray for good weather and good health.”
“If you haven't sponsored me yet or you'd like to throw some more $$ in support of this effort, please let me know. The next fundraiser will be targeted for Youth programs in our community. As you know, this is a big part of what we do at Allentown West Rotary and we need to get the ball rolling for next year!”
“$10 per mile would equal $3,500! no limit to how many miles you can pledge. And if anyone would like to step up to match these funds, let me know.”
“Thanks everyone for your amazing support.”
HAPPY DOLLARS & NEWS:
Today’s speaker, Thomas Smith, was on line early and he and Gail got acquainted.
Marlene Heller was wearing a hat and because of her background it appeared that it had a working propeller on top.
Ralph Witcher put in a Happy Dollar in honor of Gail Micca’s inspiring hard work. Two others added a dollar.
Jean Masiko is most happy to praise Ron Coleman for his faithful volunteer time for the Kingdom Life Food Center distribution.
Ron Coleman noted that his 70th birthday is on August 30th.
Ernie Boll put in an “unhappy dollar” because he is sad that we had to meet via Zoom today.
STATUS OF MORNING MEETINGS:
There will be hybrid meetings twice a month, plus all-zoom meetings for two more Wednesdays each month.
NEXT MORNING MEETING:
Wednesday September 1, 2021 and it is a Zoom meeting starting at 7:30 a.m. Our program will be Regan Kenney & Madi Seed, Students at Parkland HS 2020-2021 re the Lehigh Valley 911 Heroes Run.
PROGRAM:
Pres. Gail Micca had Ralph Witcher introduce Tom Smith, Co-Vice President. Tom is a police officer in Bethlehem Township. His wife got him involved with Teach Rwanda some years ago. Tom visited Rwanda in 2016 to get firsthand knowledge. They have a six month old son. Ralph said that all the people working the Teach Rwanda businesses are “All in.”
Tom noted that they are working with the Springfield Township RC to apply for a Rotary Grant to fund a Bakery and Kitchen at the Bright School in Rwanda.
Tom was filling in for Janet Brown, M.Ed., TEACH Rwanda Founder & President, to discuss Teacher Mentoring in Rwanda.
TEACH Rwanda provides evidence-based teacher mentoring and education, that fosters respect for children, curiosity, and a love of learning. Professional development is vital in Rwanda, as many preschool and primary teachers have only been educated through high school.
Bright School is a learning hub and demonstration school, where visiting educators see the impact of innovative, evidence-based teaching methods, and are inspired to implement these engaging practices in their own schools. TEACH Rwanda provides Fund a Future scholarships for about 70 vulnerable children.
Tom explained that 8 years ago when they started mentoring, the students were not engaged, and there was much hunger among students and a low attention span. Now the Bright School has about 230 students with 22 to 24 per classroom, and with two trained Teachers.
While there are books in the room, there are not enough funds for every student to have a book. Tom said that they try to involve kids in doing things. When kids are having fun they are learning. Over time some students have passed a fifth grade level and end up teaching their parents when they get home. And parents also sometimes attend training sessions.
Most of their funds come from fundraisers. They are hopeful for Rotary’s help such as the grant in process. The school has a garden and they eat their grown food. The new Bakery should produce products for sale to raise funds too.
CLOSING:
Pres Gail led us in the saying “One profits most who serves best.” And she rang a real bell.
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