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Welcome to Morning Star Rotary!

We meet In Person

Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.

Flatiron Building

5th Floor
301 Broadway
Bethlehem, PA 18015
United States of America

1st Thursday of the Month Meetings Held at 5:30 PM Artisan Wine & Cheese Cellar 55 W Lehigh St. Bethlehem, PA 18018

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MorningStarRotary.org

THIS WEEK'S MEETING INFORMATION

Please join the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star this Thursday, April 25, 2024, for our Live/Hybrid Meeting. Our meet & greet starts at 7:15am with the regular meeting starting at 7:30am.

Our speakers will be Sharon Runge and Faith Doucette providing information on "Kenya Connect."

You will have the option of joining us IN PERSON or via ZOOM. Please see Option details below:

IN PERSON LOCATION DETAILS:

The Flat Iron Building (5th floor)

301 Broadway, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Metered street parking is available on Broadway and on 4th Street. Meters begin at 8AM. Additional parking is available in the tenant parking lot along 4th & Wyandotte Streets and the Cathedral Church parking lot.

ZOOM Detail:

Topic: Bethlehem Morning Star Hybrid Meeting
Time: Apr 25, 2024 07:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85744230490?pwd=Rll0UUd2YmpEbkJmcE5udGZ6Y3ljZz09

Meeting ID: 857 4423 0490
Passcode: MSRotary
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,85744230490#,,,,*91891155# US (New York)
+13017158592,,85744230490#,,,,*91891155# US (Washington DC)

THIS WEEK'S SPEAKERS

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Our People of Action Team is thrilled to announce that Kenya Connect (kenyaconnect.org) will be presenting at our upcoming meeting on April 25, 2024. Let's extend a warm welcome to Sharon Runge, Executive Director, and Faith Doucett, Director of Partnerships and Mentorships, who will be sharing valuable insights into the impactful work of this organization. Kenya Connect is a non-profit dedicated to improving education and enriching the lives of children in rural Kenya. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, they strive to bridge the gap between communities and educational resources, empowering young minds to reach their full potential. The People of Action Team were fortunate to connect and visit with this organization during their February visit in Kenya.

At the heart of Kenya Connect's mission lies a commitment to providing access to quality education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. Through initiatives such as school libraries, computer labs, and literacy programs, they aim to create a nurturing learning environment where children can thrive and develop essential skills for the future. One of the key pillars of Kenya Connect's approach is community engagement. By fostering strong partnerships with local schools, parents, and community leaders, they ensure that their efforts are sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of each community.

We encourage all members to attend this informative session. We meet on the 5th Floor of the Flatiron Building, 301 Broadway. If unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom.

ARCH KLUMPH SOCIETY

Our very own Morning Star Rotarian, Charlotte Hartmann-Hanson was recently inducted into Rotary's Arch Klumph Society in recognition of her generous support of the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Charlotte on this well deserved honor!

STEM-YEA REVERSE TICKET RAFFLE

Morning Star Rotarians attended the District 7430 STEM-YEA Reverse Ticket Raffle on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Indian Valley Country Club in Telford. Proceeds from this event benefit this year's Youth Explorer Academy at Kutztown University.

MONOCACY CREEK STREAM CLEANUP

Morning Star Rotarians braved the elements on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024, to participate in the MCWA (Monocacy Creek Watershed Association) Stream Cleanup along the historic Monocacy Creek.

TRADITIONS OF HANOVER VISIT

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Morning Star Rotary held its weekly club meeting at Traditions of Hanover in Hanover Township. Our host speakers were Cathy Heimsoth, Executive Director and Megan Sedlock, Marketing Director of Traditions. Thank you to TOH for hosting this annual meeting and providing breakfast for our members.

AUDREY RAFFERTY SPAGHETTI DINNER

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW

At our April 4, 2024 "Happy Hour Social" MSR Rotarian, Elleni Pippis, was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her contributions to The Rotary Foundation. She was presented with her Paul Harris certificate and pin by Tom Hartzell, Foundation Chair. Congratulations Elleni!

ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Morning Star Rotarians who attended the Rotary Leadership Institute, as students and facilitators, returned to share their experiences and insights with our members at our March 29th meeting.

"RLI seeks to provide quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills to Rotarians interested in enhancing and strengthening their Rotary experience. These educational opportunities teach skills that will benefit the members both in their lives and in their volunteer service and the exchange of ideas among future leaders."

THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE OF NORTHEAST AMERICA, INC.

MORNING STAR AT RLI

Posted by Janet Kolepp

Together, we learn! This past Saturday, March 23, 2024, members from our club participated in the Rotary Leadership Institute, which aims to provide quality learning in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills. These skills are invaluable, benefiting members in both their volunteer endeavors within the Rotary community and their professional lives. Additionally, some of our members had the opportunity to serve as facilitators during the sessions.

REDUCING PLASTIC

Posted by Jennifer Cunningham

At our March 22, 2024 meeting, a team of students from the Creative Inquiry program at Lehigh University shared how they are developing their "PlasTech" System to reduce plastic waste in the Philippines (the 3rd largest plastic polluter in the world). Thanks to the Green Team for introducing us to this fascinating group of smart and ambitious problem solvers! Click Here to view their presentation.

BETHLEHEM EMERGENCY SHELTERING

Posted by Shawn Bariana

Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Director of Volunteers Maria Shior gave us some insight at our March 14th meeting into the lives of our street neighbors that come to the warming shelter each winter and the growing need for a year-round emergency shelter.

Our Rotary members are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty, which is why we support the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter both financially and as volunteers. #PeopleOfAction

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY AWARD

CONGRATULATIONS

SUSAN!

Morning Star Rotary's own Susan Burnett was honored with the "2024 Rotary International Women’s Day Rotarian Award" for her exemplary humanitarian service work, both locally and globally, by the Emmaus Rotary Club at their club meeting on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Numerous MSR Rotarians were present to honor Susan as she accepted this award. In addition to receiving a Paul Harris +3 Pin and a crystal plaque, Susan was recognized with a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Congratulations Susan on receiving these well deserved accolades.

Click "Read More" to view the testimonial from Gilbert Mato of the Rotary Club of Isiolo, Kenya.

MAPETS EXPERIENCE

At our February 29, 2024 "Leap Day" club meeting, Morning Star Rotary's President-Elect Rodney Conn shared with the membership his experiences at the recent Mid-Atlantic President-Elect Training Seminar (MAPETS). Click Here to view his presentation.

REAL ESTATE IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Our speakers at our February 22, 2024 club meeting were MSR Rotarians and Lehigh Valley realtors, Eileen Dunn and Ginny Wolkoff. Eileen and Ginny gave us an informative presentation of historical facts and the direction and trends affecting the current housing market in the Lehigh Valley. Click Here to view their presentation.

SOUTHSIDE ARTS DISTRICT

Our speaker at our February 15, 20024 meeting was Erin Zebertavage, Downtown Manager of the Southside Arts District. Erin gave us an overview of the organization and highlighted their art installations, revitalization projects, and events.

“Located in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem, the Southside Arts District (SSAD) is a revitalization initiative of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to improve the economic conditions for businesses and institutions located in the core business district of South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Formally organized in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, the SouthSide Arts District follows the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach from the National Main Street Program, with volunteer based committees focused on the Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality of South Bethlehem.”

CLICK HERE to view presentation!

MORNING STAR ROTARY AT BES

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these Rotarians from serving their community! MSR members serving dinner and providing showers on February 13, 2024 for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering. Morning Star Rotary provides dinner at BES on three evenings during the winter months.

MACHAKOS DISTRICT GRANT PROJECT

What a fantastic live/hybrid club meeting on Thursday morning, February 8, 2024, as we heard via Zoom from Kenya from our “People of Action” team at the Kivutini School in Machakos. We were treated to songs and dances by the school students and able to view all of the work done on refurbishing the school through our District 7470 Grant and the additional projects by our team in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Machakos.

To view a recording of the meeting go to:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/oJ93f5quPDrU-8raFrxy6OASVWQ7NPhh4Yf7mrF3i-wGubdrq59jkz8g7_FkqvFx.z7QL4y7s8Bhn4cOi

Passcode: gd=S*9YQ

FIRST THURSDAY "HAPPY HOUR"

Club members enjoyed some fellowship at our First Thursday “Happy Hour” Social on February 1st at the Artisan Wine & Cheese Cellars!

KIVUTINI SCHOOL GRANT PROJECT

Our Morning Star Rotary “People of Action” team is currently on location in Kenya inspecting our Kivutini School grant project in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Machakos. The team reports that "The smiles and energy of the students is priceless!"

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell presents PHF pin

to MSR member, Rick Santee

At our January 25th club meeting, Tom Hartzell, MSR Foundation Chair, presented an overview of our club and district Foundation giving and Foundation funded projects for the past and current Rotary year. Click Here to view his TRF presentation. Tom also presented MSR members with Paul Harris Fellow pins to recognize their continued financial support levels of the Foundation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

At our January 18th club meeting, we were joined via Zoom from Istanbul by Yasar Atacik, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, who spoke to our members about Rotary's Role in Global Climate Change Discussions and Negotiations. Yasar is a member and past president of Acarkent Rotary Club of Istanbul,Turkey.

Yaşar has been a Rotarian since 2014. One of the reasons Yasar joined Rotary was to bring awareness about environmental and sustainability issues to the attention of an influential group of people, Rotarians. Since then, he helped establish a Carbon Footprint Committee, which later was called Environmental Sustainability Committee at the District level and has supported clubs cultivating projects on sustainability.

He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Turkish Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Association, working mostly with school districts to develop and implement energy efficiency projects at schools.

2024-2025 RI THEME ANNOUNCED

At the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, Rotary International President-Elect Stephanie Urchick announced her theme for the 2024-25 Rotary year: THE MAGIC OF ROTARY.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE

THIS WEEK!

Week of 4/25/2024

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this month's Rotary Magazine

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"End Polio Now"

February 2024

LIVE/HYBRID CLUB MEETING
Flatiron Building - 5th Floor Community Room

Apr. 25, 2024
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
DISTRICT 7430 CONFERENCE
Wind Creek Hotel and Casino

Apr. 26, 2024 – Apr. 28, 2024
FIRST THURSDAY "HAPPY HOUR" SOCIAL
Artisan Wine & Cheese Cellars

May 02, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

May 08, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
LIVE/HYBRID CLUB MEETING
Flatiron Building - 5th Floor Community Room

May 09, 2024
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
AUDREY RAFFERTY MEMORIAL SPAGHETTI DINNER
Advent Moravian Church

May 10, 2024
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
LIVE/HYBRID CLUB MEETING
Flatiron Building - 5th Floor Community Room

May 16, 2024
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
LIVE/HYBRID CLUB MEETING
Flatiron Building - 5th Floor Community Room

May 23, 2024
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
LIVE/HYBRID CLUB MEETING
Flatiron Building - 5th Floor Community Room

May 30, 2024
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

Jun. 12, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
CAMP NEIDIG
Camp Manatawny

Jun. 14, 2024 – Jun. 17, 2024
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

Jul. 10, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
STEM-YEA
Kutztown University

Jul. 11, 2024 – Jul. 14, 2024
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

Aug. 14, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

Sep. 11, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

Oct. 09, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERT
Northeast Middle School BASD

Nov. 10, 2024
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
MSR BOARD MEETING
ZOOM

Nov. 13, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Kivutini School District Project

Salute the Troops Concert 2023

2023 Celtic Classic 5K Race

Fun Facts about Morning Star Rotary

Charter Members

Committee Pages

Our Four Founders

Rotary Objectives

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