Rotarians and community partners gathered July 9 at Brookside Country Club to celebrate the installation of the club’s new leadership team and look ahead to another year of community service. Guided by Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” members emphasized collaboration, service and strengthening partnerships throughout the region.

Networking began at 7:15 a.m. before approximately 50 attendees joined in singing “America the Beautiful,” led by emcee J.P. Raynock.

Sarah Modrick delivered the invocation, encouraging members to approach their work with “open minds, generous hearts and respect for one another’s ideas and experiences.”

Modrick said she hoped members would renew their sense of purpose and be inspired by the impact they can make through service.

“May our actions reflect the very best of who we are, and the work we do today create opportunities, hope and lasting change for those we are privileged to serve,” she said.

Several visiting Rotarians and guests were recognized, including District Governor Diane Donaher; Kescha Bell, director of career development and civic engagement at Lehigh Carbon Community College; and representatives from community partner organizations.

Past District Governor Dr. Roger Whitcomb administered the oath of office to incoming board members. New directors include Linda Finkelstein, executive director of the Downtown Allentown Alliance; J.P. Raynock, of Raynock & Associates Insurance; independent investor Craig Reber; and Diane Graham.

Also sworn in were Sergeant-at-Arms Don Blose, Treasurer Chris Wills and Second Vice President Cynthia Phillips. First Vice President Courtney Kennedy and President-elect Dr. Anthony Moyer were unable to attend the ceremony.

Valerie Deneen, the club’s new president, received a standing ovation as she accepted the gavel from Raynock.

Deneen outlined her vision for the coming year during a presentation titled “Connection That Leads to Impact.” A recent graduate of Kutztown University’s MBA program, she said she wants Rotary to be a place where people feel “safe, supported and appreciated” and where there is “a meaningful place for every member.”

Recognizing that members have “different gifts, schedules and seasons of life,” Deneen encouraged everyone to find a way to contribute to the organization’s mission.

“There’s a place for everyone to make an impact,” she said.

Deneen said she hopes to continue developing Rotary’s partnership with Main Street Partners, noting that economic development can have a significant effect on the overall health of a community.

“If we can solve economic development, then we can solve a lot of the problems in a community,” she said.

The club supports a variety of local initiatives, including partnerships with the East Penn School District and the East Penn Feeding Program, which assists children and families experiencing food insecurity. Rotary also hosts business networking events that benefit community causes, sponsors a Flag Day program that connects elementary and middle school students with local veterans, partners with Emmaus High School’s Interact Club and supports STEM YEA, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program for youth.

To fund those efforts, the club holds several annual fundraisers, including the Summer Festival, an annual golf tournament and fundraising nights at local establishments.

Rotary members also support service projects around the world. Those efforts include funding neonatal intensive care units and supplying medical equipment to hospitals in India, providing computers to schools in Mexico, assisting orphanages in Haiti, supporting water and sanitation projects in Sierra Leone and participating in a science teacher exchange program in Zambia.

Deneen’s enthusiasm for Rotary’s mission was evident throughout her remarks, and members expressed optimism about the year ahead and the opportunities to serve the community.

Those interested in learning more about Rotary membership can visit the organization’s website.