Dear Fellow Rotarians,
We are under a Winter Storm Warming and told to anticipate 12 to 18 inches of snow accumulation here in the Lehigh Valley before the Nor'ester leaves us mid-morning this Thursday. While we do not anticipate a record-breaking snow total (the record goes to January 22-23, 2016 with a measurement of 31.7 inches!!), the weather broadcasters are excited to tell us we might get sleek, hail, wind, and thundersnow! Can anyone tell me what thundersnow is?
My first thought is gratitude that we will not have to cancel Thursday's regular meeting as we are already set for a virtual meet-up in Vox Tandem land. So barring power outages, we will have a short business meeting, a program featuring the Emmaus High School Chorale, and our monthly Board meeting. Then I realize that last year at this time-- pre-pandemic/before Covid 19, this storm would have meant a disappointing cancellation of all our morning events. What is that folk saying, "It's an ill wind that blows no good."? We are learning, adapting, and being more resilient. That all sounds good.
What I hope I do not hear among my family and friends, or read on social media are these words, "See, why do we have to worry about climate change when it is seasonably cold, windy and snowy out?" This is a total misunderstanding of the serious global crisis we face. Do not let last year's snow drought fool you. Recall all the firestorms, flooding and earthquakes in this year's news. What we are facing is more than local climate change. Rotary International has added a seventh area of focus which is Supporting the Environment. I look forward to mapping out a response for Emmaus Rotary. How can we join in this effort? What are our local concerns? Where can we lend our strengths and skills? Several of you have mentioned your interest in this new area of concern. It might be a good New Year's resolution for us to form a study group. Who is in?
Happy Holidays! Hanukkah Sameach! Happy Solstice! Merry Yule! and a very Merry Christmas to everyone!!
Lexa Shallcross
President Emmaus Rotary
2020-2021
