Come join our first book club - hosted by Sue Straeter Interested in participating in an ERC Book Club? Contact Sue Straeter 610-762-5833
Thanks to all the volunteers to hauled pallets for our food program!
Service Opportunities
Race to Zero Join other rotarians to raise money to erradicate polio. The Race to Zero is an annual Rotary Club of Horsham event in Horsham, PA that supports Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The 2026 edition will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM from Simmons Elementary School, 411 Babylon Road, Horsham, PA. Contact Cindy for more info. It is the same day as the Emmaus Halloween Parade. Emmaus National Night Out The Emmaus Borough Police Department will host its 2026 National Night Out on Saturday, October 3, 2026 Help represent Rotary@ See Karen (or look out for a sign-up link)
Did you Know: September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary. The month, which includes International Literacy Day on 8 September, celebrates the ways Rotary members work with communities to improve schools, reduce gender disparities in education, and increase adult literacy.
An update from East Penn and the EPSD Foundation
Dr. Kristen Campbell, Superintendent of the East Penn School District, and Mike Mauro, East Penn teacher and leader of the East Penn Foundation, provided us with an informative look at both district operations and the education foundation. Dr. Campbell shared an overview of the district's budget, explaining that the largest expenditures continue to be staff salaries and benefits (72%), followed by ongoing operation and maintenance of school facilities (10%).
Campbell also addressed the district's recent facilities planning efforts. She noted that discussions surrounding possible school facility reorganizations have largely been put on hold, allowing district leaders to focus on current educational priorities and future planning. Her presentation highlighted the complexity of balancing enrollment trends, facility needs, and educational programming when making long-term decisions for East Penn.
Mike Mauro then highlighted the impact of the East Penn Foundation, which was founded (in part) by our fellow Rotarians and has raised approximately $250,000 to support innovative educational opportunities throughout the district. Through the Foundation's grant program, teachers can apply for funding to bring creative ideas and unique learning experiences directly to students. These grants help educators go beyond what traditional budgets can provide.
We left with a greater appreciation for both the challenges of managing East Penn and the Foundation's role in helping students and teachers succeed.
Hi Area 1,
Our first mixer of the year is set for 9/10 in Downtown Allentown, 5-7pm. Details:
•Venue: Arts Walk Pocket Park 65 N Church Street
•What’s provided: Music, cash bar, food available for purchase, seating for all
•Bonus: The first 25+ people who sign up get a free DaVinci day pass, courtesy of me!
This is a great chance to meet new people, connect with friends, bring people who are thinking about joining, and hear what other clubs are up to.
Please RSVP by 9/5 and share this with your club — the bigger the turnout, the better!
Looking ahead, I’d like to hold our next mixer in November.
Get ready for take two! We are
excited to announce that we will once again have a float in the Emmaus Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 17, 2026, continuing the celebration of our Centennial year! The parade begins at 7:00 p.m., and our float will carry forward the same Centennial theme that has helped showcase Rotary’s century of service.
We invite all Rotarians, family members, and friends to join us!
Happy Birthday!
Roger Whitcomb - September 3 Jeff McElhaney - September 12 Valerie Deneen - September 14
Meeting Roles
September 10, 2026
Greeter
Zayaitz, John
Sign in
Wills, Chris
Invocation
Zayaitz, Rick
September 17, 2026
Greeter
Birdsell, Ceil
Sign In
Boyer, Geoff
Invocation
Christopher, Kwinn
September 24, 2026
Greeter
Cozzubbo, Mario
Sign In
Eng, Dee
Invocation
Epperly, Mike
If you will not be at the meeting when you have an assignment, please arrange for another member to swap or cover for you.
Speaker Recommendations Do you know someone who would be a great speaker for one of our upcoming Thursday morning meetings? If so, please contact Anthony Moyer: anmoyer1229@gmail.com 610-295-7691.
Have something to announce in the Trumpet? We are always happy to receive information to include in the Trumpet. If you have additions, please email ccallkennedy@gmail.com and include the word "Trumpet" in the email.
Weather Policy
Our weather policy is to cancel our meeting whenever East Penn has a weather cancellation or whenever there is a 2-hour weather delay (or is virtual). EPSD's process for determining safety is robust, beginning the night before when they consult with Accuweather, PennDot, and other officials. Please sign up for weather alerts by going to the following link, entering your information and searching for East Penn School district. https://asa.textcaster.com/asa/ba251a36-ebf8-4c1a-8247-4becb2e26e07