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Message from President Gail Micca
   
   

Greetings from
The Erie Canal Trail!

 

   As I trek along this week, I am constantly reminded of how much I love this club. Believe me, if I hadn’t promised you all that I would do this for your pledges, we never would have ridden 59 soaking miles on Sunday and 79 miles in the rain on Monday! Over 200 miles are behind me now and I’m excited to keep on riding for Rotary.  

   We have lots of exciting things ahead of us and new members joining, too. Thanks to so many of you for making our first Cornhole event and the Purple Pinkie/Oktoberfest a great success.

   See you all at Starlite next week!

 
Gail
Rotary Club of
ALLENTOWN WEST
Pres. Gail Micca
Area 1 Asst. Gov. Rick Zayaitz
District 7430 Governor
Bob Hobaugh
 
MEETING OPTIONS:
 
Second and fourth Wednesday in Oct and Nov will be at the Starlite  Diner
7:30 a.m. meeting begins promptly
Contact President@AllentownWestRotary.org for location information
 
 
Via Zoom
7:15 a.m. chat room opens
7:30 a.m. meeting begins promptly
First and third Wednesday in Oct and Nov.
 
Contact President@AllentownWestRotary.org for Zoom link
 
Zoom also available during in-person meetings
 
WEBSITE

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GREETERS

Greeters will be working at all in-person meetings.
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HAVE YOU MISSED A MEETING?
 
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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CALENDAR of EVENTS
     
  
        Nov 6  --  D7430 Annual Foundation Seminar
 
       Apr 22 to 24, 2022  District Conference at the Hershey Lodge. You can register on our website at Rotaryathershey2022.org.
 
        June 4-8, 2022  RI Annual Convention, Houston, Texas
 
        
 
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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, familiamir@gmail.com
 
 
Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Pantry Saturday, Oct 9th 7:30- 11:30
Help pack produce and deliver at  Kernsville Elementary
contact Karen Rodgers  kmrbmr1@gmail.com
 
 
Kingdom Life Food Pantry Oct 16 7:30- 10:30am
contact Jean Masiko   masiko@aol.com
 
 
Garden Clean-up October 17th 1-4pm Gail, gailmicca@gmail.com or Amanda, lawlerfamilyof4@gmail.com
 
 
Collect baseball equipment, send emails to friends and neighbors to help collect, contact Nick Millward, nick@ycaps.org
 
 
Meals on Wheels - we still need a few more substitute volunteers, low level of commitment, fun to do with family or friends, contact Kathleen Ott   avalon104@verizon.net
 
 
Highway clean up Oct 16, 7:45 arrival contact contact Nick Millward, nick@ycaps.org or
Gail at gailmicca@gmail.com
 
 
Club Service:
 
Help plan the Casino Night --  next two meetings Oct 10 & 17th 7pm
contact Len Salines lenmary3657@ptd.net
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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. Payment is by PayPal. 
 
 
 
 
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Please “Like” Us!
 
If you are on Facebook, and you have any sense of Allentown West Rotary Club loyalty, please show it by going to our Facebook page and clicking “Like” in the top bar, right under the cover photo.
 
You can also click “Follow” for extra "brownie points."
 
We are in a pseudo-competition with other clubs in our district, and right now we are in the lower half of the pack, with just over 260 likes. The top of the pack is over 500! You can also invite your friends and family to like us, by sharing any of our posts to your own FB page, and asking your own followers to like us! HELP US FLOAT TO THE TOP! We know how good we are; let’s show everyone else that Allentown West Rocks!
 
Marlene Heller
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CONTACT INFORMATION
AWRC  ACTIVITIES
 
Kingdom Life Food Pantry: Jean Masiko – masiko@aol.com
 
Parkland Snack Packing: Kathy Ott – avalon104@verizon.net
 
Lowhill Food Pantry and Northwestern Snack Packing – Amir Famili – familiamir@gmail.com
 
Membership:  Herb Klotz, Temporary
 
Public Image: Marlene Heller  – marleneheller@mac.com
 
TT6:  Len Salines – lenmary3657@ptd.net
 
Dining Out:  Jean Machamer – jeanmachamer@ptd.net
 
Purple Pinkie Services: Barb Kistler barbara.kistler@rcn.com
                          
Purple Pinkie 5K at LCCC: John Scott – johnscottl@msn.com
 
Park Cleanup:  Dennis Houser – houserdah@gmail.com
 
Miracle League:  Barb Kistler – Barbara.kistler@rcn.com
 
Meals on Wheels: Kathy Ott – avalon104@verizon.net
Kids of Character: Gwen Pongracz – gwen.pongracz@gmail.com
 
Speaker suggestions:  Ralph Witcher – rwitcher@msn.com
 
Website Editor: Marlene Heller – marleneheller@mac.com
 
RLI:   website www.rlinea.org        
 
Speakers
Nov 24, 2021 7:30 AM
STEM YEA: What's it All About & What does it mean to Allentown West
Dec 01, 2021 7:30 AM
The Bubushka Adoption Serving Central Asian Elders
Dec 08, 2021 7:30 AM
Heart Ball - Mental Well Being: Keeping Your Heart in Mind
Dec 22, 2021 7:30 AM
Classification Talk
Jan 12, 2022 7:30 AM
A Cup of Coffee Solves Everything: Roasting the World's Finest (100% Colombian Supremo certified)
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 1.2 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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AWRC
Board and Committee
 Members for 2021-22
 
 
Current Executive Board:
President Gail Micca
President Elect – John Scott
Immediate Past President – Ralph Witcher
Vice President – TBD
 
Treasurer – Chris Blechschmidt 
Secretary – Michelle Steiner
Sergeant at Arms – Mitch Huston
 
Directors:
Membership Chair – TBD
Service Chair – Dr. Kathleen Ott
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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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 jeanmachamer@ptd.net
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Check out the AWRC
See Home Page link
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Bulletin Editor
Bill Palmer
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile
OCTOBER 6, 2021
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           QUOTE of the WEEK
 
    “Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.”
               ― Horace Mann
       
___________________________________ 
 
 
DID YOU KNOW  ?
 
Tea is the most consumed drink in the world after water.
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SEPTEMBER 30  CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT PHOTOS
 
 
 
 
 
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OCTOBER 2nd   5K  RACE TO ZERO PHOTOS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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OCTOBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH
 
        RYAN MCDONNELL
 
 
 
Ryan McDonnell, a Senior at Northwestern Lehigh High School, is Student-of-the-Month.
 
Ryan is a member of National Honor Society at Northwestern. He is on the Debate Team, plays varsity football and is a member of the Leo service Club.
 
He is part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
One awe-inspiring moment in his life occurred during a mission trip to Mexico with his church. His mission team provided food and medical supplies to homeless people and orphanages. They held a camp to share American football. The people he met and the dire needs he encountered made him want to create channels to get help to those who need it. 
 
Before COVID-19 Ryan was part of Players of the Stage, a non-profit organization that put on shows in support of the Allentown Rescue Mission.
 
Ryan’s future plans are to attend a four-year college, majoring in Finance and Computer Science.
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OUR ALMOST-NEW MEMBER
 
Jill Kearney, our recent speaker, is excited to join our club. We are thrilled to have her!
 
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AFGHAN REFUGEE ISSUES
OCTOBER 21 DINING OUT
 
 
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Zoom Meeting  Notes – October 6, 2021
 
Today was a Zoom meeting with 26  people on line.
P-E John Scott  opened the meeting at 7:30 A.M., and he welcomed us all.
 
GUESTS ON LINE:
Nick Millward, friend of the club; and our student-of-the -month, Ryan, and his parents, along with David Combs, NWL Counselor.
 
OPENING:
Bill Weber  gave a very nice invocation. Then P-E John led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the U.S.
 
P-E John then led us in the recitation of the Four-Way Test to which we added “Is it fun?”
 
AWRC HISTORY STORY:
Past President Geoff Legg delivered today’s story giving  our service projects overview.
 
 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH:
Rev. Jeff Kistler recognized Ryan McDonnell, a Senior at Northwestern Lehigh High School, as our Student-of-the-Month. He was joined on Zoom by his parents, John and Noel McDonnell, and by Mr. David Combs, a Guidance Counselor at Northwestern.  See separate article.
 
Bryan thanked us for the honor. He said he was greatly pleased to learn about Rotary and our service work.
Dave Combs said that Ryan is a great guy and very service oriented.
 
NEW MEETING SITE PLAN:
Pres. Gail announced last week that arrangements have been made for AW Rotarians and friends to meet IN-PERSON at the Starlite Diner on Route 100 for the two October, and two November meetings. Two food options will be available to select from upon arrival.
 
CELEBRATIONS:
P-E John displayed the list of October member events.
 
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT:
This was our first social event with 5 other RCs. and members from the Chamber of Commerce. Pres. Gail declared it a huge success. See photos above.
 
THE YVETTE M. PALMER PURPLE PINKIE D7430 ANNUAL 5K ON OCTOBER 2nd:
Race Director, John Scott,  said that over $35,000 has been donated, and that is expected to grow to $40,000 when all dollars are in and counted.
Our friend, Nick Millward, came in at  FIRST PLACE! See photos above.
 
The Oktoberfest that followed was a success. The leftover food was donated to a happy group of shelter residents.
 
JOB OPENINGS:
Herb Klotz and John Scott will not continue to lead this ANNUAL D7430 Purple Pinkie 5K Race. These two positions are open for members to fill.
 
YOUR SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
There is an updated list of service opportunities in the coming weeks on the left side of this bulletin. They are:
 
Community Service:
 Habitat for Humanity – Any Tuesday or Thursday morning
contact Amir, familiamir@gmail.com
 
Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Pantry Saturday, Oct 9th 7:30- 11:30
Help pack produce and deliver at  Kernsville Elementary
contact Karen Rodgers  kmrbmr1@gmail.com
 
Kingdom Life Food Pantry Oct 16 7:30- 10:30am
contact Jean Masiko   masiko@aol.com
 
Garden Clean-up October 17th 1-4pm Gail, gailmicca@gmail.com or Amanda, lawlerfamilyof4@gmail.com
 
Collect baseball equipment, send emails to friends and neighbors to help collect, contact Nick Millward, nick@ycaps.org
 
Meals on Wheels – we still need a few more substitute volunteers, low level of commitment, fun to do with family or friends, contact Kathleen Ott:   avalon104@verizon.net
 
Highway clean up Oct 16, 7:45 arrival. Contact Nick Millward, nick@ycaps.org or
Gail at gailmicca@gmail.com
 
Club Service:
 
Help plan the Casino Night scheduled for January 22, 2022 –  next two planning meetings are Oct 10 & 17 at  7pm.
Contact Len Salines lenmary3657@ptd.net
 
BASEBALL IN MONGOLIA:
Nick Millward still seeks donations. So far some good items are now here, including some youth jerseys and hats donated by the Iron Pigs, thanks to Tori Morgan.
 
The stuff will be boxed up in October and shipped out in November.
You can bring them to 8 Oaks on Sept. 30.
 
GAIL’S BIKING CHALLENGES:
Gail  is on her bike  in Auburn, NY State raising money for us today. But she called in to the meeting. Her first two days were in the rain. The first day she had a flat tire to fix. She really is earning the money.
 
HAPPY DOLLARS & NEWS:
When Ron Coleman first  appeared his hat placed a shadow over his face  --  so he took it off. Ron then told us that he recently fell six feet off a ladder onto his back. Nothing was broken but he does hurt.
 
Tori Morgan says she is not good at cornhole tossing and did not win the Tee-shirt.
 
Ralph Witcher says he is a winner because he knows Tori Morgan.
 
Ron Coleman said that they had great fun at Eight Oaks.
 
Bill Palmer is happy for Wendy Weaver because Penn State football now is 5 and 0.
 
Sue Weber is happy to be a Rotarian.
 
John Scott is very  happy that he finally has completed his four-year  college degree.
 
Marlene Heller told the story of home schooling their two grandchildren   --  first and third grade  --  using buying from Amazon to help Afghan refugees as a way of teaching math. Their  granddaughter Emma’s actual quote:  "We can't believe anyone could survive without their stuffed animals.”
 
STATUS OF MORNING MEETINGS:
The first and third Wednesday meetings in October and November will be via Zoom. The second and fourth will be in-person at the Starlite Diner.
 
We may add some Dining Out meetings to provide in-person conversations.
 
NEXT  MORNING MEETING:
Wednesday October 13, 2021  IN PERSON  at the Starlite Diner on Rt. 100 starting at 7:30 a.m. Our program  will  be Janice Kelsey, Co-Founder & Executive  Director  Solar CITIES To Tell Us How To Get Free Fuel From Waste Using Local Materials.
 
PROGRAM:
Program Chair, Ralph Witcher introduced Keiichi Sato, Founder & President - NGO Monti-Sand Education for Better Life for Mongolian Children. Ralph said  Keiichi is big-hearted, lived in Japan, is all about children, and he teaches them Japanese.
 
 
Keiichi for the last 4 years has lived in Mongolia in a town called “OB.” Besides teaching he is bringing baseball to the students to broaden their world view and to  improve their physical and mental strength.
 
He described his area as extremely cold in their long winter from October thru March, with temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees. He also noted that folks in general are poor and use local very dirty coal for heating and cooking. Many have no electricity.  So there is a great deal of air pollution that keeps people indoors. Visibility is as low as two meters sometimes.
 
Teaching the kids baseball is a challenge. Much time in winter is indoors. And they have very little equipment or uniforms to use.
 
There is a Mongolian Baseball Federation established in 1991 that they collaborate with. And next year his NGO team hopes to go to China to participate in a baseball tournament with nine Asian countries.
 
He also has been teaching baseball to schoolteachers. This is part of the P-E training program for students.
 
Keiichi reviewed his needs to support the programs. One expense is the rent they pay for the Gym use in the winter. They need equipment and uniforms. Their current goal is $44,700. They still need masks re covid-19.
 
CLOSING:
 P-E John led us in reciting our motto “One profits most who  serves best.” and adjourned the meeting.
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BIRTHDAYS
 
Herb Klotz                   Oct 01
Len Salines                  Oct 01
Alexis Phillips              Oct 08
Bill Palmer                   Oct 25
Maureen Haight          Oct 28
 

Anniversaries

 

Halyna & Mike Stegura       Oct 12 1974       47 years
Sharon & Mike Goldner       Oct 22 1988      33 years
Michelle & Jeff Steiner       Oct 26 2003       18 years
 
 

JOIN  DATES

Tom Friday                 2 years               Oct 02 2019
Chris Blechschmidt   6 years               Oct 07 2015
Herb Klotz                 10 years             Oct 19 2011
Laurie Grube            15 years             Oct 30 2006
 
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