In spite of the challenges that COVID-19 has created, I’m happy to report that our club has continued to meet every Monday, serve the community, and even find opportunities to share fellowship with each other. While we have not been able to operate in our traditional manner, the pandemic has allowed us to try new ideas and explore new opportunities.

Though we have not been able to host our Students of the Month in person, we have continued to honor a male and female student from Milton Hershey, Hershey and Middletown Area High Schools. The students’ pre-recorded videos have allowed us to hear from them and learn about their accomplishments and aspirations. Many thanks to Susan Steadman, Doug Nicotera, Kirk Sponaugle, and Larry Demers for working with the students and their schools, making it possible for us to see and hear the students during our meeting. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Hershey Food Bank fundraiser and purchased a wreath (or two or three!). We raised over $700 for the Food Bank. This fundraiser was created since we couldn’t “pass the hat” as we traditionally have done to make a holiday donation to the Food Bank.

If you haven’t already signed up, I encourage you to check your calendars and sign up to volunteer next week and in December for Cocoa Packs, and to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at Karns Foods. We are now using an online sign-up website to simplify volunteering. If you encounter any problems signing up, you can always contact me for assistance. Sign up details can be found below in this newsletter.

During the upcoming holiday season, I want to encourage us to remember that we have much for which to be thankful. Though our Thanksgiving celebrations will probably take a different form from other years, I hope the day finds you healthy and in contact with loved ones, even if the contact is virtual.

Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.

In Rotary,

Pam Whitenack

President, 2020-2021