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Rotary Club of
Allentown West
Pres. Amir Famili
Area 1 Asst. Gov. Barb Bottitta
District 7430 Governor
Herb Klotz
 
MEETINGS:
Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
at Luther Crest
2nd and 4th Thursday
at 5:30 p.m.
at various locations
 
WEBSITE
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Here are the AWRC
Board and Committee
 Members for 2019-20
 
 
President - Amir Famili
President- Elect - Ralph Witcher
Vice President  -  Gary Englehardt
Immediate Past President - Jeanne Shipe
 
Secretary -John Scott
Treasurer - Chris Blechschmidt
 
Sergeant at Arms Committee -
     Mitch Huston, Ron Coleman & Len Salines
 
Service Committee and Domestic Grants Chair - Gail Micca
 
RI Foundation and International Grants Chair - DG Herb Klotz
Fundraising Chair - Len Salines
 
Evening Meeting Chair  - Barbara Kistler
 
Public Image Chair - Marlene Heller
 
Membership Chair - Mustafa Jaffer
 
Youth Services Co-Chairs - Bill Weber and Sue Weber

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GREETERS

Feb 19  --  Len Salines
Feb 26  --  John Scott
 
Mar 4  --  Halyna Stegura
Mar 11  --  Jennifer Stinson
Mar 18  --  Katrina Sundstrom
Mar 25  --  Justin Schell
 

-NOTE that the Greeter Schedule also appears as a "site page" accessible on the left of our website Home Page without logging-in.

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THURSDAY  EVE  PROGRAMS
 
The next Thursday e evening meetings will be at the Starlite Diner in the private room to the rear left on February 13 and 27.  There will be no meeting charge, but we are expected to order a menu item or drink. 
 
 
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CALENDAR of EVENTS
 
      Feb 14, 21, and 28  --   Tempting Taste 6 Planning Meeting.  Holiday Inn 7736 Adrienne Dr, Breinigsville
 
      Mar 28  --  Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) at DeSales University
 
      Apr 24 to 26  --  District Conference in King of Prussia. It includes the District Training Assembly and the Foundation Gala.
 
      June 6 to 11  --  RI annual Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii.
 
      Sep 13  --   Tempting Tastes 6 at the Holiday Inn
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BAD  WEATHER  POLICY
 
The  policy is to cancel a meeting for bad weather whenever the Parkland Schools are closed.
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PHOTO  REQUEST
 
AW Rotarians do a lot of good things and take a lot of pictures. In order to maintain the best quality photos on file, it is requested that the original be sent first to Gary Heller, our RC Photographer.
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MEMBERSHIP  IS  EVERY  MEMBER'S  BUSINESS
 
Each of us should seek out good candidates for our Rotary Club. Ask them to breakfast or to our Thursday evening meeting.
 
 
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Excuse me, do you have her email?
 
Yes! And so do you!      If you are a member of Allentown West Rotary, you have a ClubRunner (CR) account, and your phone number and e-mail address are in CR.
 
Need to contact a member for any reason? Download the ClubRunner app – it’s free, of course – and sign in! If you don’t know your password and login information, call Bill Palmer, and he will walk you through the process.  Why Bill? Because everyone knows how to get in touch with him! (Hint: just reply to this newsletter!)
 
Why would I want to use ClubRunner?
 
ClubRunner helps to organize us as a club. It is the platform for all our communications, and offers members an opportunity to stay in touch on various levels.
 
Here are just some reasons people use CR:
  • To call a member on club business, such as to get a ride to a meeting, find out the logistics of an event, or ask for help in getting club business done.
  • To make plans for a social gathering.
  • To check on their birthday so you could send a card. Or their address, same reason.
  • To check on their address before you head over to their house for an event, meeting, or to drop something off.
  • To find their email or phone number. Or work address.
  • Because you’ve forgotten the name of their spouse and you were up all night trying to remember it.
  • Find out the proper spelling of a member’s name.
     
What’s your best use of Club Runner?
 
                            By Marlene Heller
Speakers
Apr 08, 2020
Toastmasters International
Apr 15, 2020
Update to the recent trip to Sierra Leonne
Apr 22, 2020
Converting the Distillery to the production of hand sanitizer
Apr 29, 2020
New Initatives at LCCC
May 06, 2020
Classification Talk
May 13, 2020
Scholarship award presentation
Jun 17, 2020
Subcommittee Reports
View entire list
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SPEAKERS  WANTED
      Please suggest or request speakers and topics for future meetings and send  your ideas to our President, Amir Famili.
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LOWHILL FOOD PANTRY:
 
Please remember that the Collection jar is at the registration desk for cash and check contributions.
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TELL  JEAN
 
     As you become aware of any member of our Rotary family that would benefit from our support with cards, flowers or visits, please notify Jean Machamer at jeanmachamer@ptd.net
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CONTACT INFORMATION
AWRC  ACTIVITIES
 
Kingdom Life Food Pantry:-  Jean Masiko – masiko@aol.com
 
Parkland Snack Packing:--  Gail Micca gailmicca@gmail.com
 
Lowhill Food Pantry and Northwestern Snack Packing: Amir Famili 
 
Membership:     Mustafa Jaffer mustafa@ebclv.com
Public Image  --  Marlene Heller  --  marleneheller@mac.com
TT6:  Len Salines – lenmary3657@ptd.net
 
 Dining Out:  Jean Machamer – jeanmachamer@ptd.net
 
Evening Meeting :  Barbara Kistler  barbara.kistler@rcn.com
 
Purple Pinkie Services: Barb Kistlerbarbara.kistler@rcn.com
                          
Purple Pinkie 5K at LCCC --  John Scott --     johnscottl@msn.com
 
Park Cleanup:  Dennis Houser – houserdah@gmail.com
 
Miracle League:  Dale Heffner – dheffner@electrochemical.net
                             Barb Kistler – Barbara.kistler@rcn.com
 
  Meals on Wheels:  Dorothy Bloom – bloomnbunny@ptd.net
 
Kids of Character:  Gwen Pongracz – gwen.pongracz@gmail.com
 
Speaker suggestions:   Amir Famili
Website Editor: Marlene Heller  marleneheller@mac.com
 
RLI:   website www.rlinea.org        
 
Threads of Change - Foster care support --  Dale Heffner  dheffner@electrochemical.net
                         
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Check out the AWRC
Facebook Page
See Home Page link
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Bulletin Editor
Bill Palmer
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile
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CHECK OUT RON COLEMAN'S NEW HAT
 
 
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         QUOTE of the WEEK --

            

        “Stop wishing and be the good that needs to happen to this world.”
                ― Abhijit Naskar, When Humans Unite: Making A World Without Borders    
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Jacob Smith
Student-of-the-Month,
 
 
At our February 12 meeting Allentown West Rotary recognized Jacob Smith, a Senior at Northwestern Lehigh High School, as Student-of-the-Month.
Jacob was selected because he passionately works to preserve and renew our environment.  Here are a few quotes from school staff and teachers:
 
"Jacob is an outgoing, intelligent and respectful outdoorsman who helps create a better environment for all.  Service is all around this young man and he looks for it too!  He accepts constructive criticism and always tries to improve and learn.
 
“One highlight was Jacob’s Eagle Scout Project where he mapped out the trails for the school greenhouse.  Jacob is passionate about wild trout.  He attended Monroe County Conservation Camp.  He helps Springside Sportsman Club with cleanup every spring, restoring 1,000 feet of stream.  He has impacted the community by working with his local land trust to conserve and enhance the cold water fisheries of the Lehigh River Watershed.  He teaches young children about fly fishing and stream conservation. 
 
“I had him in class .  I have heard about numerous endeavors of his, but he never brags about it.”
In school Jacob is a member of the Steam Club which does laser engraving.
 
Jacob enjoys working on cars.  In the summer he works full-time in an auto body shop.
 
Jacob’s future plans are to attend Wilkes University and major in environmental engineering.
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PARKLAND C.A.R.E.S. EVENT 
MARCH 28
 
 

The tickets for our fundraiser that is taking place on March 28th went .

https://crushhunger2.eventbrite.com

 

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Allentown West Rotary  Club
Meeting, Notes – February 12,2020
 
Our Greeter today was Brian Peterka and he did a marvelous job.
 
President Amir Famili rang the bell at 7:30 A.M. opening the meeting and welcomed all. Then David Haight  gave a very nice invocation with a special mention of Ronnee Klotz.
 
Secretary John Scott began the meeting by having the members recite The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Then he led us in reciting the Four Way Test. John then introduces our guests and reviewed upcoming events.
 
 
GUESTS:
Oliver and Carolee Smith, parents of Jacob; and  Northwestern teacher, Stacie Schafer: Pat Witcher, wife of Ralph. And Jack Martin, guest of Ralph Witcher.
And Dawn Costello was with us today.
 
 
OUR APRIL 24-26 DISRICT CONFERENCE:
John Scott  said that so far we do not have enough AW members registered. DF Herb needs even more so we can staff our table at the “Summit” and explain the projects that we do.
Herb Klotz noted that there are a number of ways to attend OUR conference. You can volunteer for some hours for any day, but Saturday needs the most.
ALSO we really need some more corporate sponsors.
 
LEARN ABOUT ROTARY:
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) offers many levels of Rotary education. AWRC will reimburse the registration fee to members that attend the Saturday, March 28 session at DeSales University.
 
These courses are most worthwhile, especially to our newer members.
 
PARKLAND C.A.R.E.S.  FUNDRAISER:
John noted the March 28th  fundraiser. See separate notice.
 
DONATIONS ARE NEEDED:
Dottie Bloom is charged with setting up and stocking a Hospitality Room for both Friday and Saturday evenings at OUR April 24 and 25 District Conference. Donations of Beer, Wine and snacks for at least 40 guests are needed. Please contact Dottie at bloomnbunny@ptd.net.             
 
LOWHILL FOOD PANTRY:
This great group still depends on cash donations from AW Rotarians. And volunteering for the produce pick-up and distribution on Saturday mornings is a very satisfying thing.
 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH:
Jacob Smith was recognized as AWRC’s Student of the month of February. Rev. Jeffrey Kistler conducted the ceremony. Teacher, Stacie Schafer said some nice things about Jacob. See separate article.
 
 
THURSDAY EVENING SCHEDULE:
Tomorrow, February 13th --  The meeting  will be held at the Starlite Diner starting at 5:30 P.M. in the private back room.
 
NEXT  MORNING MEETING:
February 19th at Luther Crest with  Len Salines as our Greeter. The program will be Daniel Delgadillo  discussingthe Peace Corps.
 
Pres. Amir introduced Sgt.-at-Arms Len Salines who conducted the drawings and collected Happy Dollars.
 
The door prize bottle of wine donated by Brian Peterka was won by Laurie Grube.
 
The $66 pot of the 50:50 was not won by Bill Palmer’s ticket being drawn  followed by a white marble.  Eight  marbles will be back next time.
 
 
HAPPY DOLLARS
Len asked if anybody knows the longest word in the dictionary (SMILES).
 
Chris Blechschmidt is happy to announce that Andrea, our Y.E. student from last year is coming here to visit.
Chris also is happy to report that wife, Allison, spoke at Amir’s Mosque last weekend.
 
 
Amir Famili said that Allison gave a great talk.
Also Amir has been appointed to the Board of Muhlenberg College.
 
Brad Maier urges us to support the Parkland C.A.R.E.S. March 28 event.
 
Pat Witcher is pleased to announce that today is son Seth’s 21st birthday. And Pat is happy to be here today.
 
Dawn Costello reports on her two grandchildren  Alec now works for ESPN in advertising. Maddie is a Freshman at the University of Michigan and is a tri-athlete.
 
 
Jeff Kistler is happy to see Dawn here today. And he is happy that Barbara and he are going on a cruise to the Western Caribbean Friday.
 
Bill Palmer reports that Sue and Bill Weber are doing well in Hilton Head and sends their best regards to us.
 
PROGRAM:
 
 
Murtaza Jaffer introduced our speaker for  today, Phil Armstrong, Executive Director, Lehigh County, to discuss the Priorities of Lehigh County. The Census and the new voting role. Murtaza noted that Phil was his H.S. History teacher, and that Phil likes Jeeps.
 
 
Phil graduated from Kutztown University in 1971 with a B.S in Secondary Education and a minor in social studies. He obtained his Master’s Degree in education in 1975. He settled in Whitehall Township where he taught social studies for more than 40 years.
 
Phil’s retirement from education led him to his next venture in public service when he was appointed to the Whitehall Board of Commissioners. In 2017 Phil became part of the Lehigh County Government.
 
Phil said he came to tell us a little bit about Lehigh County. Many residents know very little.
 
There are 50 municipalities in Lehigh Cty and Phil vests each one all year long. When he does he asks questions. And when folks ask for help solving problems, Phil tries to provide it.
 
The annual budget for Lehigh County is $514 million. Then $127 million of that comes from County Property Taxes. The other funds are “pass through” monies. And, Yes, the property taxes are increased by 3.8 % for this year. Phil said that they try to spend our tax monies very carefully.
 
Phil said a few years ago it seemed to be Party against Party. But this latest budget was approved by 7 to 2.
 
Phil discussed the County Justice System. They received a $280 million grant for their model Justice program. They added an Advocate to work with arrestees and speed up the processing times. Many of these people have mental health problems or drug issues. The shorter times have allowed them to close two wings of the jail.
 
Phil said that Lehigh Cty has a homeless Veterans problem, and that the Feds cut some money out. So a new Foundation has been formed to accept funds. Yesterday, Feb 11, State Senator Pat Browne presented the County with $200,000 for this cause.
 
Switching subjects to Elections, Phil said we switched to paper ballots last time to feed into the computers. Now we can go On-line up to 50 days ahead, and get an early voting ballot. They expect 40,000 to 50,000 mailed ballots, and need to find storage space for them.
 
Next Phil said that the 2020 Census is coming. We will receive postcards that we can fill out and return. Or we can go On-line and do it. It seems that ten years ago the census missed about 30,000 people. This cost the County many dollars in state support.
 
Phil asks all Rotarians and their friends to spread the word to reply to the census.
 
CLOSING:
Pres. Amir closed our meeting by our reciting the saying “One profits most who serves best.”
 
                  Photos by Gary Heller

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 Here is a link to our District Governor Herb's latest Newsletter:

CONNECTIONS

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000050086/en-ca/files/homepage/connections---february-2020/DGNL-Feb-2020.pdf

    Give it a try. It is informative and entertaining.

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BIRTHDAYS
 
 
Dave Dries,                 Feb 03
Gary Englehardt,        Feb 04
Sukaina Jaffer            Feb 07
Cindy Rosevelt           Feb 14
Sue Weber                  Feb 14
Sandi Boll                   Feb 20
Mitch Huston              Feb 22
George Ikeda              Feb 24
Carrie Ballek              Feb 27
 

Anniversaries

 

NONE

JOIN  DATES

 

Ihor Fedoriw      36 years             Feb 01 1984
Scott Hock         32 years             Feb 01 1988
Ralph Witcher   4 years               Feb 03 2016
Diana Dunn        2 years               Feb 14 2018
Donna Beach     4 years               Feb 17 2016
Jean Machamer    4 years               Feb 17 2016
Stephanie Fenstermacher  2 years      Feb 21 2018
George Ikeda     41 years             Feb 24 1979
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