Welcome to Morning Star Rotary!
Bethlehem Morning Star
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 Happy Hour Networking at 5:30 PM at locations throughout our Bethlehem community.
Donations
Happy Dollars, Club Matching, Charitable Account, etc...
Please add a note to designate what you would like it to be used for.
           
 
 
Please join Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary this Thursday, February 13, 2025 for our Live/Hybrid Meeting. Our meet & greet starts at 7:15am with the regular meeting starting at 7:30am.
 
Our Morning Star Rotary Green Team along with Lehigh University students will present "In Good Hands: Lehigh Students Discuss Sustainability."
 
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: February 13, 2025 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
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On February 6th, Morning Star Rotarians enjoyed some quality social time on a chilly winter evening at the Flying Pig Tavern & Tap!
  
 
ROTARIANS AT WORK...serving our community!  MSR members serving dinner and providing showers on January 27, 2025 for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering.  Morning Star Rotary volunteers at BES on three evenings during the winter months.
 
 
Dr. Joseph Roy, former superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, was our guest speaker at our January 23, 2025 meeting where he shared his experiences volunteering at the Northampton County Prison since his retirement. He has created a discussion group to assist inmates prepare for reentry into society.  Dr. Roy indicated that the prison's minimum security unit, where he is working, has limited resources and services for inmates, many of whom are in for parole or probation violations, drug and alcohol DUI charges and are awaiting adjudication of their cases. He highlighted the challenges inmates faced in maintaining communication with the outside world and accessing information about available resources. Dr. Roy emphasized the importance of inmates being productive while incarcerated to improve their chances upon release.  He discussed the challenges faced by defendants in the criminal justice system, particularly those who are unable to bail out at arraignment, noting that 65% of defendants are unable to bail out, and the cost of bail can be prohibitive.
 
Dr. Roy shared his experiences and observations from working in the minimum security prison unit.  He noted the unique culture among the inmates, who despite being strangers, worked effectively together and supported each other. They were willing to participate in discussions, reflecting on their lives and challenges.   Dr. Roy emphasized the challenges facing the inmates for reentry into the community after being incarcerated, as lives were disrupted and inmates had to start anew.  80% of criminal cases are settled prior to trial, and the average number of days for a case resolution is 90 to 180. He emphasized the high recidivism rate of 65% and the difficulties faced by defendants in accessing resources such as cell phones, email, and housing upon release. Dr. Roy stated that the criminal justice system can be a vicious cycle, with defendants unable to escape the costs and restrictions imposed upon them.
 
CLICK HERE to see Dr. Roy's presentation.
 
PDG Herb Klotz
Rotary International Zone 32
Action Plan Champion
Regional Plan Lead 2024-2027
 
 
At our January 16th meeting, PDG Herb Klotz presented a program on the **Rotary Action Plan**.  He spoke about the plan's four strategic priorities: Increasing our Impact, Expanding our Reach, Enhancing Participant Engagement, and Increasing our Ability to Adapt.  PDG Herb provided insights and tools for Rotarians to actively participate in shaping Rotary's future by making meaningful, sustainable change.
 
Click Here to view his presentation.
 
 
 
This month, January 2025, Morning Star Rotary celebrates its 35th Anniversary.  At this past week's meeting, PDG Janet Kolepp recognized the Morning Star Rotary anniversary of our charter members, the growth and work of our club throughout the years, and the progress we have made in our ongoing service to our community and the world.
 
At our initial Rotary meeting of 2025, Jennifer Cunningham, Youth Services Coordinator for Morning Star Rotary, presented "A Focus on Youth and Education", an overview of the programs that Morning Star Rotary, in coordination with the Bethlehem Downtown Rotary, offer to the youth in our community.  Jennifer emphasized that our programs addresses three of  RI's  "Areas of Focus", Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Basic Education and Literacy, and Community Economic Development while adding value to our local clubs, enabling our members to engage with our younger generation, providing valuable inspiration, insight, and leadership training and opportunities for our youth from grade 8 through high school.
 
Click Here to view Jennifer's presentation.  For additional information on our Youth Programs visit our New Generations Page.
 
Morning Star Rotarians ringing in the New Year! Great food, drink, conversation, and laughter!  Thank you to Mike and Terri Long for their hospitality in hosting our annual holiday get-together!
 
 
Our Annual Holiday Meeting is one of the most wonderful events of each Rotary Year!  This week, the talented singers and musicians of the Liberty High School A Cappella Choir along with the Brass Ensemble from the LHS Grenadier Band serenaded us with holiday favorites.  Plus, the morning would not be complete without the musical magnificence of our very own Rick Santee on the accordion.  A fantastic and enjoyable time was had by both young and old!  Thank you President Rodney and the Cathedral Church of the Nativity for hosting our meeting.
   
 
 
       
At our December 19, 2024 Holiday Meeting, President Rodney Conn and the Salute the Troops Concert Co-Chair, Rod Seifert presented a MSR grant check for $3500 to Tom Carson, Executive Director of Victory House of Lehigh Valley.  Morning Star Rotary, through our annual concert, continues to support the fantastic work of Victory House!
 
MSR President Rodney Conn presents
 Miguel Rivera, Director, Development & Communications for the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem with the 2024 Morning Star Rotary $10,000 Community Grant.
 
 
 
 
Together, We Learn! The Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary is dedicated to supporting and serving our communities through impactful projects and initiatives.
 
 
We are thrilled to announce the recipient of our 2024 Community Grant: The Teen Experience Improvement Project by the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, Pa.  This initiative will address critical gaps in resources for local teens by providing technology access, life skills development, and food security. We are proud to support this project, which reflects our commitment to improving education and community well-being.
 
 
Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, Pa. and thank you for your dedication to serving our community!
 
Click Here to view BGCOB presentation by Miguel Rivera at our December 12th meeting.
 
In Kenya, free public education ends at eighth grade. Attending high school requires not only excellent results on the national exam, but also payment of a fee which averages $1200 per year. Needless to say, many able students are unable to continue their education because their families cannot afford the cost.
 
Among their many inspiring projects, our partner, Rotary Club in Isiolo, Kenya, has established a Scholarship Fund for some of these students. Gilbert Mato of RCI says, “I believe this will be our legacy project, the one with the deepest and longest-lasting effect on our communities.” 
 
Some of our Morning Star members have been glad to support this RCI Scholarship Fund.  At our December 12th meeting, photos and videos of some of the students who are benefiting from our contributions were shared with our fellow BMS Rotarians. The scholarship recipients wish us a heartfelt Asante Sana (Thank You).
 
For more information, or to make a contribution to this project, see Janet Kolepp or Donna Holton.
Announcing the 2024 Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Community Grant Recipient!
 
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 recipient of our annual Community Grant: The Teen Experience Improvement Project by the Bethlehem Boys & Girls Club. This year's grant is $10,000. Funding for this grant is provided through the Hartman-Hansen endowments at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation &The Rotary Foundation, as well as our Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Charitable Organization. 
 
Each year, this grant is awarded to a local organization that aligns with one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus. This year, our committee prioritized initiatives emphasizing education and economic and community development. After carefully reviewing applications from 16 organizations, the Teen Experience Improvement Project was selected for its transformative approach to supporting youth development in our community. The review committee members were Sheila Seifert, Robin Metzler, Taylor Breinich, Rodney Conn & Susan Burnett.
 
About the Teen Experience Improvement Project
 
This initiative is designed to enhance the educational and life skills of teens by addressing three critical areas:
  • Technology Access: The grant will fund the purchase of iPads, Apple Pencils, and a desktop computer, giving teens the tools to explore digital art, coding, and other creative pursuits.
  • Life & Career Preparedness: Programs such as financial literacy and career planning will empower teens with essential skills for their futures.
  • Food Security: Funds will also support regular meals and snacks for club members, addressing a vital need for many families in our area.
Why This Project Matters
 
The grant application highlighted significant gaps in resources for teens, including technology access, life skills training, and food security. The staff of the Bethlehem Boys & Girls Club received input from teens, staff, families, and local schools, emphasizing the need for more tailored support. Programs like Career Launch and Money Matters were shown to have a positive impact, and this new initiative builds on that success. With 79% of club members qualifying for free or reduced-price school lunches, the application underscored food insecurity as a critical concern. This project is designed to address these challenges, paving the way for a brighter future for our community’s youth.
 
Sustainability and Future Impact
 
The Boys & Girls Club is committed to sustaining this project through partnerships, regular evaluations, and strategic planning. By demonstrating early success, they aim to attract additional funding and expand the program’s reach.
 
Together, we are creating lasting change—one grant at a time!
 
TO OUR PARTNERS: Heartfelt ❤️ Thanks for Your Support on the Kivutini School Project in Kenya 
 
Doylestown Rotary
Bethlehem Downtown Rotary
Kutztown Rotary
Nazareth Rotary
 
**********************
As we take time to give thanks this week, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution and support to the school project in Kenya.
 
Your financial support is immensely appreciated, but it’s your commitment to making a difference that truly inspires us. You've embraced the true spirit of Rotary by working together with us to impact the lives of those we serve. Through this partnership, we are not only renovating a school but also providing countless children with the chance for a brighter future. The opportunities and education these children will receive because of our support will change their lives and uplift their families and communities.
 
Please remember to share this incredible story with others. The world needs to know about the remarkable difference Rotary members make every day. By sharing our collective efforts, we can inspire even more people to join us in our mission.
 
We hope you will continue to join us each month to hear firsthand about the progress and results of the project. Your ongoing involvement and support mean the world to us and to the communities we serve. 
 
Thank you for embodying the Rotary way and for your steadfast commitment to service. Together, we are creating lasting change and proving that when we unite, we can achieve extraordinary things.
 
With heartfelt gratitude,
 
Susan Burnett
Wendy Ellsworth
Donna Holton
Janet Kolepp
 
In recognition of November being National Diabetes Month, our speaker for our November 21st meeting was our very own MSR Rotarian, Robin Metzler.  Robin spoke about living with Type 1 diabetes for the past 25 years.  His presentation provided important statistical facts and pertinent information regarding the different types of diabetes, their symptoms and treatment.  Click Here to view Robin's presentation.  Thank you Robin for sharing your story!
 
 
At our November 21, 2024 meeting, MSR Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell presented Tom Kolepp with his PHS+8 pin recognizing his ongoing support of the Rotary Foundation.  Also, MSR Rotarian Bob Bennett was honored for achieving his initial Paul Harris Fellow.  Congratulations and thank you both for your support.
 
PDG Diane Donaher attended our November 21, 2024 meeting to present two achievement awards to Morning Star Rotary for our previous year's contributions to Polio Plus and being the third highest pre capita giving club to the Rotary Foundation in District 7430.  Accepting the awards were 2023-2024 MSR President Betty Issacs and Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell.  Congratulations and thank you to all of our members who contributed to the Foundation this past Rotary year.
 
 
 
Our speaker at our November 14, 2024 weekly meeting was Jim Deegan, Executive Editor of LehighValleyNews.com.  LehighValleyNews.com is the non-profit digital news division of Lehigh Valley Public Media, which includes PBS Channel 39 and WLVR  91.3 National Public Radio.  Jim gave us an overview of his career in journalism along with the inception and structure of LehighValleyNews.com digital on-line news reporting.  Jim Deegan has lived in the Lehigh Valley for more than 25 years and has worked as a reporter, producer and editor during his long career in journalism.
 
  
 
MSR Weather Policy

MORNING MEETINGS ONLY

If the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) CLOSES schools, then the Morning Star Rotary meeting will be held ZOOM only, not In-person.

If BASD just DELAYS school opening, our meeting will be HELD AS USUAL (Zoom & In-person), unless notification e-mailed for a Zoom format for all.

*************************

Check online: BASDSCHOOLS.ORG/WEATHER or WFMZ.COM/WEATHER/STORMCENTER

Based on BASD assessments, a decision to delay the start of school or to close school is made by 5 AM!

Meeting Responsibilities
February 13, 2025
SET-UP/BREAKDOWN
Jackson, Enid
 
GREETER
Dunn, Eileen
 
SGT @ ARMS
Metzler, Robin C.
 
50/50
Isaacs, Betty
 
INVOCATION, PLEDGE & 4 WAY TEST
 
INTRODUCTIONS
Hunter, Bill
 
ZOOM COORDINATOR
Seifert, Rod
 
Flatiron Building
            Week of 2/13/2025
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Rotary Magazine
 
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February 2025 Rotary Magazine
 
 
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            "End Polio Now" 
             December 2024
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    Rotary Conferences
       
                 
    Rodney Conn
    President
    2024-2025
    Speakers
    Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Green Team
    Feb 13, 2025
    "In good hands: Lehigh University students discuss sustainability"
    Celebrating New Members
    Feb 20, 2025
    Their Story: "Classification Talks"
    Sandra Beiber
    Feb 27, 2025
    Lehigh Valley Ambassador Program
    The Bach Choir of Bethlehem
    Mar 13, 2025
    Cheryl Dungan, Development Director & Dr Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director/Conductor
    4-Way Speech Contest
    Mar 19, 2025
    Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School
    Scott Slingerland
    Apr 10, 2025
    CAT–Coalition for Appropriate Transportation
    Taylor Breinich
    Apr 17, 2025
    "Let's plant some native trees!"
    Traditions of Hanover
    Apr 24, 2025 7:15 AM
    Rotary on the road!
    Fred Rooney
    May 08, 2025
    Changing the World: One Fullbright Experience at a time!
    The Rotary Learning Center
    May 15, 2025
    Spotlighting the fantastic resources available in The Rotary Learning Center!
    Rotary Recognitions
     
     
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              District 7430 February Newsletter
     
      
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           District 7470 February Monthly Message                 
     
     
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