Please join Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary this Thursday, March 19, 2026 for our Live/Hybrid Meeting.Our meet & greet starts at 7:15am with the regular meeting starting at 7:30am.
Our speaker will be Mollie Santee talking about the Morningstar Living Memory Cafe program for folks living with dementia.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Morning Star Rotary members completed volunteering at the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering for three evenings during the 2025-2026 winter months. Members served food, washed dishes, and monitored the showers for the guests. 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. The Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering is located at Christ Church UCC at 75 E Market Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018.
A huge thank you to MSR Rotarians Justin Strasser, Ginny Wolkoff, and Lynn Milet for their exemplary work leading Morning Star Rotary's efforts at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering this year and to all the MSR Rotarians who volunteered their time to serve our community!
As part of our tradition, new members are invited to share their story with the club. Formerly known as the “classification talk,” this is a chance for us to get to know new members better. Their stories are an essential part of our club’s tapestry, and sharing it helps us understand your journey, passions, and the unique perspectives you bring to our community. We believe that every member’s story enriches our collective experience and strengthens the bonds between us. Hearing their insights and experiences will inspire and connect us, fostering a deeper sense of fellowship and collaboration.
A recent new member of Morning Star Rotary, Debi Rice, told "Her Story" at our March 12, 2026 meeting. Debi presented an overview of her family background, her extensive event planning and marketing business as Owner and President of Fun-Nominal Events & Marketing, and discussed her work with various clients detailing her work with craft shows, trade setups, and high-end events. She also spoke about her passion for event planning including her teaching position at a college where she trains the next generation of event planners.
"Wanting the ability to create and diversify led to the founding of Fun-Nominal Events & Marketing. Debi is currently involved in over 300 annual events, provides marketing strategy for dozens of businesses, has spoken at national and international conferences, and contributed expertise to industry and trade publications.
In addition to Debi’s professional pursuits, she serves on numerous civic, local, and regional committees and boards."
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Morning Star Rotary participated in the annual "Parade of the Shamrocks" in downtown Bethlehem sponsored by Celtic Cultural Alliance. In addition to our float, Rotarians passed out candy along the parade route and carried banners for the various divisions of the parade. Thank you to everyone who assisted in the planning, preparation of the banners and float, and marched in the parade.
We have been informed that the Memorial Service for MSR Rotarian John St. Clair (Obituary) who passed away on November 9, 2025 will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem (remote participation will be possible).
For those interested in RLI, I received this from the RLI Site Chair. This is a great learning opportunity for everyone. I will be attending my fourth session this time and can attest to the fact that I've learned something about Rotary each time.
Morning Star Rotary will reimburse any member attending RLI.
Hello Rotarians,
I recently spoke with your Club President and wanted to personally invite you to attend Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) on March 28 at DeSales University. RLI is one of the best ways to learn more about Rotary and become more engaged in your club. Many who attend say it made a real difference in their Rotary journey, and a number of participants return because they enjoy it so much.
Whether you are a newer member or a long-time Rotarian, RLI offers practical ideas, great discussion, and a chance to meet Rotarians from across the district.
We already have nearly 30 Rotarians committed to attend, and we would love to see your club represented.
Clubs that send three or more participants will receive a Rotary leadership gift — a Rotary portfolio for each participant and the Club President — as a thank-you for investing in leadership.
Date: March 28, 2026 Location: DeSales University, Gambet Hall, Center Valley, PA Time: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Immediately following RLI is the District 4-Way Speech Contest, and we hope you can stay and enjoy the student presentations and refreshments.
Once again Bethlehem Morning Star is partnering with the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association for their annual Spring Stream Clean-up on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 9:00-11:30 AM. The meet-up location is at Illick's Mill,100 Illick’s Mill Road. Sign-up to volunteer at an upcoming meeting or contact Rick Morrissey.
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROTARY FOUNDATION THIS
ROTARY YEAR?
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary will match member contributions to Rotary Foundation with club points during the 2025-26 Rotary year. A minimum $100 contribution is required. For contributions of greater than $100, the club will match a maximum of 200 points. This will help newer members achieve their first Paul Harris Fellow quicker, and encourage other members to contribute at a higher level. Major donors not eligible for points. Points will be given for contributions retroactive to July 1, 2025 and continue through June 30, 2026.
See Foundation Chair, Tom Hartzell for information on making your contribution. You can send your contribution on-line or give your check (payable to Rotary Foundation) to Tom. You can also mail a check to Tom Hartzell, 1341 Biafore Avenue, Bethlehem, Pa 18017.
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