Chason Goldschmitz, Executive Director Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, shared that NEPA Philharmonic is celebrating its 55th season offering the community innovative music experiences. In addition to the full orchestra events, Candle Lit Festivals/chamber music of 2-5 musicians are included this season. Additionally, sensory friendly concerts, deaf-inclusive concerts, memory friendly concerts as well as music education are part of their offerings. Events cover 5 counties, including Monroe. Health benefits accrue: research shows that attending cultural events once a month or more is associated with an over 40% lower risk of developing depression among adults aged 50 and older. The young benefit as students who have music programs in their school do significantly better academically than those without. Young people's concerts draw 1800 third to fifth grade students for the music of Jurassic Park. For more information, visit their website here
Rotarians Stepping Up in the Community
Thank you to all the Rotarians that helped cook, serve and cleanup at Mady's Kitchen this past Sunday, Nov 25, 2026. You are all a blessing to all the community members that look forward to this community meal each month.
Hard working in the kitchen, Mike Uklenowich and John Beljean, (Cathy Sterling not pictured), Gail Kulick, Debbie Kulick, Tiffany Lyons, Juliette Caines, Russell Little (Zerla Bartolome, not pictured) apologies to anyone that we may have missed.
Soles for Souls
Our endeavors for collecting shoes for out international project was a huge success. Over 230 pairs of shoes were collected though the efforts of Stroudsburgs Rotarians, our Rotaract Students at ESU, and the community for coming out in supporting impoverished communities. Per the website calculation the impact we had:
We diverted 290 pounds from going to local landfills, reducing the environmental impact of these unwanted items.
Donations can create $2099 of economic opportunities for families and communities to keep more money in their pockets to use towards other necessities and education. Donations could also provide countries like Haiti and Honduras with consistent quality of food, housing, and education for their families.
So again we thank you for participating, or spreading the word for this cause. A big thank you to Russell Little for collecting, counting and dropping off the shoes.
Rotarians Tiffany Lyons and Russell Little helped set up and run the Tricky tray at Valor's Cornhole Tournament. Kudos to you!
Rotarians Spotted Volunteering in the Community
Pictured below are Danica Hartenfels, Rose London, Grace D'Amico, Ted Butz, and Ed Schaefer at the Third Annual Gathering for Good/Community Foundation of Monroe County event. (Present but missing from the photo is Phil Weber.)
The 7th Annual Bushkill Emergency Corps Gala brought out Zerla Bartolome, Danica Hartenfels, Gail Kulick, Debbie Kulick, and Cathy Sterling.
Please text pictures of your volunteer efforts in non-profit community endeavers to Grace D'Amico at 570-977-0536 for inclusion in Rotarians Spotted Volunteering in the Community.
