Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Shhh…. Don’t tell Sarge. I am sure my omission is fineable!
At the 2021 Emmaus Flag Day Program on Monday evening, June 14th, I was given a few minutes to speak. I bragged on Emmaus Rotary and Rotary International. And I failed to mention our new Flag Subscription Program!! On Flag Day, no less! Mea culpa.
Despite my misstep, the ceremony went smoothly thanks to the months of planning by our ERC Flag Day Committee headed by Sue Straeter. The rain held off. Local Veterans and Scouts advanced the colors. The contest winners were posed and presented outstanding recitations on “What the Flag Means to Me”. Cynthia Zettlemoyer's Musikschule students captured the hearts of the audience with their spirited patriotic medley and sing-a-long.
Dr. Raymond Fritz, Jr. struck just the right tone as a guest speaker who knew his audience well. He spoke as a local guy who valued the opportunities this great country and the military gave him to succeed and serve. He was part of Seal Team Team One and spent over 28 years in the active and reserve military. After congratulating the Flag Day contest winners--
Addison Lausch
Jasmine Beckles
Matthew Oviedo
Connor Iyengar
Ellas Patterson
Chase Will
Fritz turned back to the audience to thank their families for raising such fine young people and then stated that he was optimstic because they were our future.
Parents, teachers, and all manner of adults say that: “the young people are our future”. I know that Emmaus Rotary has from time to time said something similar: “Our Interactors are the future of Rotary”. Let me suggest something different. Young people and members of the Emmaus High School Interact Club are also our now-- our present. Right now they are serving and leading and inspiring everyone around them. In some ways, they are our leading-edge or cutting edge.
Time is funny that way. I imagine that everyone on the Flag Day committee is stunned that it finally happened-- that no virus nor downpour interfered. Months of planning for an hour program. Let me say thank you again to Sue Straeter, Ceil Birdsell, Valerie Deneen, Rory King, Doug Reichley, Roger Whitcomb, and John Zettlemoyer.
Yes, time flies. This is my penultimate president’s message for the Trumpet. On June 24, we will pass the President’s gavel to Mike Waddell. Please try to attend that morning’s meeting. It is an inspirational ceremony. Past ERC presidents will join me and line up in solidarity to show that the past, the present, and the future of Rotary are all in good hands!
Thursday, June 24th is also the date for our next Board meeting. Please get any reports or agenda items to me. And semi-annual dues are due. Speak to Jim Palmquist, our Secretary, if you have questions or did not receive an email bill. Thank you.
Yours in Service,
Lexa H. Shallcross
Emmaus Rotary President 2020-2021