Stories
The Rotary Club of Bethlehem met on July 17th for the first time at our new location - the Perkins on Bethlehem's South Side. Our guest presenter was Anna Smith, Director of Community Action Development Bethlehem, a subsidiary of CACLV. Anna spoke eloquently about "Southside Tomorrow" -- a multi-year program of community engagement and development. Our own Ham Malek has been a volunteer working for eight years on the housing committee, having followed Dale Kochard in the same role. Anna is looking for Rotarians willing to train to serve as mediators between tenants and landlords to help preserve relationships and prevent evictions. If you're interested, you can contact her at asmith@caclv.org. Click HERE to see Anna's exciting presentation.
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Polio Survivors Serving OthersCarol Ferguson spoke at the June 26, 2024 meeting about how Rotary's efforts in support of the World Health Orgnization's live-oral vaccination program has helped the World Health Organization accomplish nearly 100 percent elimination of wild polio virus throughout the world. The low cost of live orally-administered vaccines makes them widely available, yet because the vaccine uses a live form of the virus, the virus can derive variants that may have paralytic capabilities. The speed and volume of air travel worldwide makes the spread of such novel viruses likely, even in the US where we are used to thinking that Polio no longer exists. Thus childhood vaccination in the United States cannot be emphasized enough. Please take a few minutes to watch this important video, that Carol intended the audience to see on Wednesday, but that would not run on the Moravian Village projection system. Click HERE to watch.
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BAVTS Students Create Electric CarOverr the summer of 2023, two BAVTS automotive technology students and their instructor retrofitted a gas-engined ccar with a brand new electric power system. The "Grand Unveiling" ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 12:30 pm with remarks by very special guests. Light refreshments were served. Bethlehem Rotarians were invited to join BAVTS faculty and students in celebrating this achievement.
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Admiral Scott Pappano Visits Bethehem Rotary ClubFreedom HS graduate and Bethlehem native US Navy Rear Admiral Scott Pappano visited and spoke to our club on Wednesday August 16, 2023. The Morning Call attended our meeting and provided an excellent article in the August 17, 2023 edition of the paper. Click the link below to read the The Admiral's slide presentation is available by clicking HERE.
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Allentown Band Concert for UkraineFor Ukraine Concert- A Concert of Remembrance and Hope The Allentown Band Ronald Demkee, Conductor Patricia Risley, Mezzo Soprano The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem | Kelly Rocchi, Director | conducted by Dr. Christopher Jackson Rudy Lucente, Organ Johan de Meij, Guest Conductor 3:00 pm, Sunday, August 20, 2023 Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown |
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Past-President Hopeton''s Message of ThanksWe were surprised and delighted to have a guest speaker for the last lunch meeting of Rotary Year 2022-2023. Asher Schiavone, Bethlehem's Economic Development Coordinator, shared an amazing PowerPoint on the expanding work of Partnership for Innovation and the Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ). Reflecting on the highlights of the past year, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude for the hard work of scores of club members. Among those who stepped up and offered tremendous assistance to the club are:
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Liberty High School Interact Club Career DayOn Wednesday April 12, 2023, members of the Bethlehem Rotary Club shared their career stories at Liberty High School with the Interact Club's high school seniors. It was a very rewarding hour. Click HERE to see more photos.
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ROTARY Volunteers Needed! |
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Join Rotarians as we read books about homelessnessChoose a book and read it before we discuss the books at our club meeting on September 28.
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Donegan 3rd Graders Getting Their DictionariesOn Friday, June 3rd, Lisa Jordan, plus Al & Deb Philpotts, presented dictionaries to each of Donegan's three third grade classes. It was a great day to be sure. Lisa told them about Rotary and pointed out some of the interesting additional content - such as a page with American Sign Language symbols. It was a great day, made even greater when they all sang The Rainbow Connection to us. |
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DISTRICT 7430 SHOWCASE TUESDAY - June 2022Here's Rotary District 7430's Project Showcase Video for June on Fellowships: https://youtu.be/ |
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District 7430 Changeover Dinner |
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Centennial Park Cleanup - THANKS TO ALL.THANKS to all who helped on the 30th to pull weeds, trim trees, and mulch the beds. The park looks great,
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Rotary and the Peace CorpsIn the 60 years since its creation, more than 240,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps. Chances are there might be a returned Peace Corps volunteer in your club or district. The relationship between Rotary International and the Peace Corps, made official with a 2014 partnership agreement, has its foundation in the organizations’ shared values. Learn more about how Rotary members and returned Peace Corps volunteers are working together and take part in events 20-26 September to highlight the partnership.
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Our Club is a Shelter Box Hero |
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Rotary District 7430 Welcome Aboard! |
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New Rotary Int'l President
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How Rotary Alleviates Refugee CrisisIn 2019, 79.5 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced. An estimated 40% were under the age of 18. On World Refugee Day, held every year on 20 June, people worldwide salute the strength, courage, and contributions of refugees who abandon their homes in a desperate search for safety. Rotary clubs have demonstrated how we are people of action by assisting refugees in a variety of ways. Learn how Rotary clubs in Switzerland created a program that supports the professional integration of young refugees into society. |
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Stove Team Makes ProgressAt our Wednesday June 9th meeting, our video program featured Stove Team International - an effort begun by a Rotarian from Oregon who, in her sixties, went to Guatemala and took action when she witnessed women tending open fires INSIDE their small living spaces to cook meals for an average family size of eight. More than four BILLION people cook this way around the world, using biomass (dung, wood, charcoal) to cook and causing irreparable damage to the health of themselves, their families, and the environment. Stove Team addresses this issue head on, starting local businesses that build stoves that are vastly more efficient and vent all smoke emitted outside the home while at the same time greatly reducing the amount of fuel, usually firewood that is consumed. Here are links that may be of interest: |
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Kindness Project's Yard Sale Fundraiser was a successThanks again for the positive response from the club in supporting The Kindness Project's Yard Sale Fundraiser. The sale was a big success.
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Monarch Butterfly Sister Schools Pgm
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Bethlehem Rotary's TREE-mendous SuccessONE TREE PER EACH OF OUR 105 MEMBERS!
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Dictionary Project - WORD of the day = SUCCESSPaul Ricciardi and students smiling behind masks at Marvine Elementary School.
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Rotary Expands Sanitation Access in Phillippines
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Tri-District Conference 2021 |
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Rotarian Chris Nelson Writes Morning Call Op-Ed |
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FIG Bethlehem features Winston AlozieFOR WINSTON ALOZIE , CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, it’s all about the kids. He knows from experience: he was a kid, 13 and new to Bethlehem from Shreveport, Louisiana in 2001. The Club was a place not only to make friends (“and eat snacks, food my parents didn’t want us to eat”), but for necessities–like heat–through the hard cultural and socioeconomic shift. “The Club has a storied tradition of being here for the most vulnerable children and families,” he says. And the work is about letting those kids and families know “their presence here matters. And is appreciated.” CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE Fig connects people with local shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, organizations, services, and events. Fig promotes a media message that energizes a thriving, sustainable local economy and revitalizes the community.
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AGUA CALIENTE GLOBAL GRANT FULLY FUNDEDOUR CLUB HELPS FUND AGUA CALIENTE GLOBAL GRANT On December 24, 2020 (Christmas Eve) the $130,457 for this Global Grant was electronically deposited in the bank account established by the Rotary Club of La Antigua, Guatemala. Despite many Corona virus-related restrictions upon this effort, Rotarians persevered and the funding goal was achieved. When completed, this project will benefit 290 families (approximately 1,827 residents) by funding the cost of materials to construct a complete water system with spigots at every household, 290 gray water filters and 153 vented improved pit latrines for the families without these facilities. The men and women in Agua Calient will supply ALL labor to construct the project. Construction has begun - supervised by an NGO Cooperating Partner, ABPD, and members of the Host Rotary Club of La Antigua, GUA. Oscar Santos Simon Roquel “I am the president of Agua Caliente COCODE. Almost 300 families don’t have access to enough water in the community. We build our water system more than 30 years ago and it was designed for less than 200 families. Thanks to the support from ABPD (NGO Cooperating Partner) and The Rotary Foundation our dream of having water is becoming true.” |
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ShelterBox recognizes Rotary with Global Humanitarian Service Awardhas recognized Rotary with Global Humanitarian Service Award.Click HERE for more information |
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Every Rotarian Every YearThanks to the gifts of generous Rotarians, its members were able to complete more life-changing projects last year than ever before! You can make a difference by helping people in need — from supplying equipment that protects health workers against COVID-19 to training peace builders who’ll work toward a future with less conflict. It all starts with giving the gift of Rotary. The Rotary Foundation funds the work of Rotary members who provide sustainable solutions to their communities’ most pressing needs. This work is necessary now more than ever, and Rotary needs people who will take action and help make these projects possible. With your gift today, together Rotary can fund projects that make a big impact by strengthening communities to create real, lasting solutions. Please consider giving a gift to the Foundation so Rotarians can keep doing good in the world. Click the image above to donate. |
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Why I finally joined a Rotary Club
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Tastes & Tunes 2019 |
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Strikes Out Hunger (Click image to download flyer) |
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Weekly Update
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DID YOU KNOW...?The Rotary Club of Bethlehem was organized on April 13, 1916 in the old Eagle Hotel and was chartered as the 225th Club of Rotary International on June 1 of that same year. There were 29 charter members. Robert Sayre Taylor, Sr. was the first President. The Eagle Hotel Did you know that in 1916:
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Rotary Weekly Update2019 Rotary Int'l Council Elevates ROTARACT The 2019 Council has completed its work. Among its most important actions, the Council elevated the status of Rotaract clubs, allowing them to join Rotary International the way that Rotary clubs do. The change is intended to increase the support that Rotaract clubs receive from RI and to enhance their ability to serve. The Council is made up of representatives from each Rotary district, and meets every three years in Chicago, Illinois, USA, to review the rules that govern the organization. |
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Networking Event InvitationRegister by email before April 9 by contacting either: Gerry Foran forangf@gmail.com Phone 610-392-8894 OR Gerry Long longgolf@ptd.net Phone 610-625-5105 |
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Action Group Against Slavery Event |
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AFP Honors Rotarian Hank Barnette & His Wife Joanne
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Bob Cohen Book LaunchFellow Rotarian, Bob Cohen, died unexpectedly and far too soon, on December 6, 2016. A Renaissance man, Bob artfully continually reinvented himself, with ART at the center of each reinvention. Bob, the singer, thespian, and author, adored libraries and gave special attention to the Bethlehem Area Public Library where he served as a board member, donor, and friend. The library, in turn, dedicated the Bob Cohen Room, a concert venue and multi-use main floor space that will host lectures and meetings and plays and art galleries. The library has just published "Home at my Typewriter," a book of selected poems that Bob wrote over many years. Bob's wife Amy Miller Cohen, invites us to a book launch. Details follow, but space is limited. Please RSVP directly to Amy by phone at 610-867-5501. Saturday, November 17, 2018 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM SAHL Communications, Suite 904 West Broad Street, Suite 904, Bethlehem, PA (Brick Sign faces Broad Street) DIRECTIONS - click HERE
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Rotary Weekly Update
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World Polio DayWorld Polio Day is here The livestream of Rotary’s World Polio Day event starts at 18:30 Philadelphia time (UTC-4) today! This year’s program:
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Weekly UpdateCheck out Rotary's newest Virtual Reality Film Patience Asiimwe, a Rotaractor from Kampala, ventured deep into her native Uganda with a polio vaccination team as part of Rotary’s newest virtual reality film, Two Drops of Patience. "When we first started filming, I was focused on what we were going to shoot. But that changed when I did my first vaccination. I felt like a hero. It was a satisfying feeling, knowing you probably just changed someone’s life." Read more of Asiimwe's story and check out the virtual reality film.
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Golf OutingPlease join fellow Rotarians, friends, and family of all skill levels for fun and fellowship at PUTT U Miniature Golf, 5201 Route 309 Center Valley PA Thursday, September 20th Shotgun start at 5:30 PM Cost = $5 per person, payable at the door Food & soft drinks available for purchase. |
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Rotary Weekly UpdateWhat are you doing for World Polio Day? Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have had to take bold action in the historic fight against polio. At Rotary’s 6th annual World Polio Day event on 24 October in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, we’ll highlight the monumental and innovative steps that are getting us closer to our goal. We’ll also celebrate 30 years of achievements by the GPEI. Learn more about the event in Philadelphia and how you can promote your own event or find an event near you. |
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Weekly UpdateRotaract Club inside refugee camp creates sense of family After fleeing conflict in their own countries, a group of young Rotaractors is healing wounds and bringing cultures together in a Ugandan refugee settlement. Established in late 2016, and officially inaugurated last July, the Rotaract Club of Nakivale may be one of the first based inside a refugee settlement. Read the story, watch the video, and learn about the effort from one of the Rotarians who helped make it happen. |
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Rotary Weekly UpdateGupta is selection for 2020-21 RI president Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested. Gupta says he wants to increase Rotary’s humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership. |
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ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITYDue to a cancellation we are able to add two people to participate in the outbound group to District 1030 in Northeast England. Dates are Aug. 29 to September 10, 2018.
District 1030 is next to the border of Scotland and along the coast with Newcastle Upon Tyne the largest city in the district. We'll have a chance to visit Hadrian's wall and castles as well as seaside towns.
If you like meeting new people as well as learning about new cultures plus able to travel within a short time frame email me directly : deeleng@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.
Travel expenses are paid by the participant although we are hosted in Rotarians home with some meals included. Participants are also asked to have their club host when District 1030 comes in the spring of 2019.
At the moment tickets to Edinburgh airport which is 1 1/2 hours away by train is about $700 for economy and train tickets are about $30 one way.
My contact info:
Dee Eng RFE chair
cell:610-428-3355 |
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Rotary Weekly UpdateMeet RI President Barry Rassin RI President Barry Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is asking Rotarians to Be the Inspiration this Rotary year. In addressing the closing session of the 2018 Convention in Toronto, Rassin encouraged Rotarians to take the time to understand the real needs of their communities by talking to people in those communities, and to become agents of change through leading by example. Read more about Rotary’s 2018-19 president in The Rotarian. |
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VIDEO: Human Trafficking Awareness June 26th Event |
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Rotary Weekly UpdateCanada a champion in polio eradication Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accepted Rotary's Polio Eradication Champion Award at the Rotary Convention in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in recognition of his country's contributions to polio eradication. Canada has been a strong contributor to polio eradication efforts for decades. |
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Where in the world are ROTARIANS???in more than 33,000 clubs worldwide |
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Leadership ChangeoverPast-President Gerry Foran and Newly Installed President Mark Reed At its June 27th, regular noon-day meeting, our club continued a tradition more than 100 years old -- transferring the gavel of leadership from Gerald Foran to Mark Reed. Mark is the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Moravian College in Bethlehem. As Club President, Mark will lead a growing club of more than 100 members who work together to serve humanity globally and locally. CONGRATULATIONS MARK AND WELL-DONE GERRY!
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Rotary Weekly Update
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Rotary Weekly UpdateRotary wins Hero Award for polio eradication efforts Rotary's commitment to polio eradication won a Hero Award from the One Billion Acts of Peace Campaign, an international global citizens' movement to tackle the world's most important issues. The campaign is the initiative of the PeaceJam Foundation led by 14 Nobel Peace Prize laureates including Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. Rotary was one of two finalists in the Best Nonprofit Act category. |
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Learn About Sex Trafficking- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - FREE Program, and Seats are Limited. Register on Event Brite: https://harmofdemand.eventbrite.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -
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Rotary Weekly Update - VOTE!Help ROTARY.ORG win a Webby Award Rotary.org has been nominated by the Academy of Digital Arts and Science for two Webby Awards, the leading international honor for excellence on the internet. Rotary is competing with four others in the association category for both a Webby Award, selected by the academy, and a Webby People's Voice Award, chosen by public vote. Help us win the People's Voice Award by voting between now and 19 April. |
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Our Growing Club's Newest MemberOn April 4th, members of the Rotary Club of Bethlehem joined club president Gerry Foran in welcoming Mark Walter as the newest member of the club. Mark is employed by British Telecom as Client Compliance Officer. He manages regulatory compliance aspects associated with several of BT's customers in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical products, HR outsourcing, banking and finance. WELCOME MARK! President Gerry Foran (L) installs Mark Walter (R) as our newest member.
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Our own Deb Geiger Receives Women's Day RecognitionDebra Geiger, a Bethlehem Rotary club member, was honored at the Emmaus Rotary Club's first International Women's Day celebration with an award from the Emmaus Rotary Club, plus a proclamation from the House of Representatives and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for her outstanding accomplishments. Deb Geiger receiving her award from Emmaus Rotary Club President Burt Duran
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Southside Film Festival: Old Men Singing (Documentary Short)One of the feature films to be shown during the Southside Film Festival is Old Men Singing, a Documentary Short film directed by: Mickey Rapkin and Zachary Weil After losing touch for more than 50 years, the men of a collegiate a Cornell University a cappella group reunite on campus to reminisce, settle old scores and find out if they still have what it takes to perform together in this documentary short about the enduring power of music and the families we choose. This film features Bob Cohen, our dear departed Rotarian and former director of the Bethlehem Rotary Morganaires. Screening Times: Victory Firehouse, 205 Webster Street, 5:20pm Friday, June 16th | Victory Firehouse: 3:20pm Saturday, June 17th. Cost to see this film at the Victory Firehouse is $5. Single tickets are available at Deja Brew (101 W 4th Street) or at any of the venues during the festival. Please note, if you wish to use a credit card, please visit Deja Brew during business hours to purchase tickets. |
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WHY WE SERVERotary is a volunteer organization with 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. It initiates humanitarian projects that address challenges affecting the world today, such as hunger, poverty, and illiteracy. Rotary club members unite a broad cross-section of business and professional leaders around the world around a common mission: Service Above Self. These 1.2 million men and women donate their expertise, time, and funds to support local and international project, helping people in need and promoting understanding among cultures. The members of the ROTARY CLUB OF BETHLEHEM continue to meet virtually each week and to work on projects in service to our community and beyond. And we continue to grow. We'd love to welcome you into our club. Want more info? Click the Tell me about Rotary! menu item at the top of this web page or reach out to Gerry Foran (forangf@gmail.com). |