Mar 21. 2018 (Mar 21, 2018)

BUSY MEETING AT MORNING STAR!

Our March 15^th meeting featured quite a variety of activities. First of all, Race Chair, Wayne Achey, presented the ceremonial oversized check for $5,000 to Louise Tusak and Amanda Reiss of Bethlehem Special Olympics. This represented funds raised through our Celtic Classic Annual 5K/10K Run Walk. As Louise pointed out, "this is the 27^th straight year for Morning Star and BSO; for which they are more than a little grateful.

Amanda Reiss took the podium and gave a heartfelt talk on just what the Bethlehem Special Olympics has meant to her and how it has helped to improve her life.

Amy Miller Cohen became our newest member when inducted on March 1^st at our First Thursday event. At the March15th meeting she received her official Morning Star Rotary badge. As you can see Amy reflects her two Rotary badges – from Downtown and Morning Star – with enthusiasm!

Rodney Conn gave a presentation talk flowing from his roots in Cleveland to a career as an industry research chemist lasting 37 years. Obviously his crowning achievement was becoming the spouse of fellow Rotarian, Sarabel, (currently in Scotland on a “knitting odyssey”). Rodney has a diverse background being engaged with the Freemasons and is a Deacon in the Diocese of Bethlehem focused on community challenges. He and Sarabel have been key players in the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter programs. Rodney has some very interesting perspectives on the world. Science and religion are not mutually exclusive. He wants to continue to give back to the community. Rodney admits to being engaged in his Salisbury community as a ‘local level politician’.

Make yourself known to Rodney and enjoy your conversations. Welcome, Rodney, to our Morning Star family.

Carl Kolepp giving a presentation talk was a very special occasion. Carl has been engaged with Morning Star Rotary since his father, Tom, became a member in 1999. Carl has truly grown up in MSR!

Carl had the incredible experience of being a Rotary Exchange Student to South Africa in 2008/09. An avid rugby player, he admitted to being blown away by going to cricket matches at stadiums with over 80,000 people in attendance.

Carl likes to travel and not too long ago did a solo experience going to India for a few months. Ask him about the Beatles! One of his goals is to visit all the continents and he already has an excellent start.

Carl started at Hotel Bethlehem 7 years ago as a dishwasher. He is now the Manager in Charge at the front desk. 4 times per month he functions as the overall manager for the hotel. He has had some exciting and interesting experiences at the hotel, from calling into action the EMTs with fast response to save a customer’s life to giving a set of collar stays from his own shirt to Jeb Bush. A true Rotarian! Small world.

While doing all this, Carl has also earned two associates degrees from NCAC focusing on hotel management.

We officially welcome Carl as a Rotarian, but he is a long time and cherished member of our Rotary family. Welcome, Carl!

Weather Permitting,

Please plan to join us Thursday, March 22, 2018 for a presentation by Linda Mayger and George Morrison from our Saucon Valley Rotary Club on their experiences with a District Grant to Myanmar.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

BETHLEHEM MSR SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER

Posted by Val Walk on Feb 14, 2018

BETHLEHEM MORNING STAR ROTARY

Audrey Rafferty Memorial Scholarship

The Spaghetti Dinner is quickly approaching and there is still a lot to be done. Here is how you can help:

VOLUNTEER: We still need many volunteers in order to make this a success. Attached is a volunteer sign-up sheet as well as a job description for each task. PLEASE get back to me with the slot that you can fill. We need all hands on deck.

BAKE (OR BUY): We still need many more desserts! Please bring a dessert with you - can be homemade or store bought. Again, please let me know if you will be bringing a dessert (for planning purposes.) If you will not be able to make it that night, I will be happy to make arrangements to pick up your donated dessert.

SPONSORS: If you or your business would like to be a table sponsor, please forward your ad by April 7th. The cost is $40 per ad and will appear at every table.

SELL: To make this a success, we need diners. Please sell your tickets or buy and donate them back to the club. Remember, you can dine-in or take-out.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this fun(d)-raising event a success.

Proceeds will not only go toward our general Community Grant fund, but will support the Audrey Rafferty Memorial Scholarship.

Val

BETHLEHEM MORNING STAR ROTARY

Our Spaghetti Dinner is Friday- April 20th, at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.

My mouth is already watering just thinking about Butch's spaghetti sauce!!

Attachments for your use are in Downloads on the Home Page of our Website:

Gift Card Letter for help in those seeking donations/gift cards
Spaghetti Dinner Flyer for printing and easy distribution all over!

Thanks to everyone who will be working to make this event FUN as well as successful!!!

Val

Friday April 20, 2018

Cathedral Church of the Nativity

Sayre Hall 321 Wyandotte Street

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

ST. PATRICK'S DAY ROTARY FOUNDATION GALA

The Annual Rotary Foundation Gala was held March 17, 2018 at the PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale. About 125 Rotarians, spouses and friends enjoyed an evening of celebration of The Rotary Foundation. In addition we raised over $5,900 from the basket silent auction (thank you Morning Star for your lovely basket donation) and another $730 from the raffle.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Our Major Donors. Please give special thanks and appreciation to Morning Star Rotarians Tore and Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen who have attained Major Donor Level III. Tore and Charlotte continue to set the bar for Morning Star Rotarians. Thank you.

Charlotte briefly addressed the attendees and then regaled all present with her wonderful acapella rendition of “Follow Your Rotary Dream” harkening back to the theme song for the year our favorite Viking, Tore, was District Governor.

Special thanks to Tom & Janet Kolepp for providing transportation for Charlotte so we could all enjoy this happy occasion.

Click here for special video.

AREA 2 OUTREACH FOOD PROJECT

Area 2 Rotary Clubs (Bethlehem, Bethlehem Morning Star, Easton, Nazareth and Saucon Valley) came together March 10th at Moravian College's Haupert Union Building along with friends, family members, BAVTS students and Victory House residents. Working with Michele and Bobby Polito from The Outreach Program, the Rotary Community Team of over 200, ages 6 to 93, packaged 40,000 meals for families in need in our Club areas.

Food Insecurity is a serious concern in all communities, no matter the demographics of the areas. With the help of a $5,000 District Grant, the 40,000 meals were double what was accomplished last year. The end products are shared to food pantries throughout the Area 2 Rotary Clubs. A fantastic effort with lots of fellowship and sharing. True to the Rotary Theme - ROTARY: MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Be sure to put this on your calendar for next year.