Due to our weekly Thursday morning meeting catering deadlines, it is necessary to make a decision concerning any changes to either meet as usual (live/hybrid), or to switch to virtual only by 9:00 PM on Tuesday. These decisions will be done based on best available weather forecasts.
Please check your emails and the Morning Star Rotary website (morningstarrotary.org) on Wednesdays when inclement weather is forecast for Thursday mornings.
Thank you for understanding as we try to be fair to all concerned during bad weather.
It is the end of 2025, but halfway through the Rotary Year. Our two main fundraising events, Celtic Classic 5k and Salute the Troops Concert, were successful and I thank all who participated. I especially wish to thank Tom Hartzell for taking on the 5k and Sheila and Rod Seifert for their work on the STT concert. As already mentioned, Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary honored Ron Demkee, conductor of the Allentown Band, and Tom Carson, executive director of Victory House, with Paul Harris Fellows.
Our club continues to provide grant opportunities. The Hartmann-Hansen Community Grant will be announced shortly, and we continue our Global Grant support for Kivutini School (Kenya).
We’ve also been doing some FUN-raising with our Thirsty Thursdays and the Holiday Breakfast with the Liberty High School A Capella Choir and instrumental ensemble, and our own Rick Santee getting everyone involved in some early morning carols. Later in January, we will be gathering for our Holiday Party, so come out and enjoy good food and fun. Last summer, we got together with the other Area 2 clubs and enjoyed a beautiful day of food and fun. We are planning on doing it again.
Coming up are opportunities for service projects. We have three nights at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering to prepare and serve a meal to our street neighbors. Look out for other opportunities for service, including a D&L Trail cleanup opportunity.
We also continue to provide opportunities for students to experience other countries and cultures through Youth Exchange, and scholarship opportunities through hosting 4-Way Test Speech competition and our two college scholarship awards.
Learning opportunities are available on the Rotary website, and through both Rotary Leadership Institute and District 7430. This year’s District Conference has seen some changes. Seven districts have combined to provide a leadership learning opportunity in conjunction with the Lincoln Leadership Institute in Gettysburg. Please visit the District 7430 website for more information on both events.
Thank you for your service and support. Your community appreciates your service spirit as I do for all your support.
On January 13, 2026, Morning Star Rotary celebrates its 36th Anniversary. Congratulations to 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.
Please join your fellow Morning Star Rotary members at our Annual Holiday Party on Friday, January 16, 2026. The party will graciously be hosted by Mike and Terri Long at their home at 4201 Anthony Drive beginning at 5:30 PM. An entrée, wine, beer and soft drinks will be provided by the club. Those attending should bring an hors d'oeuvres or dessert to share with other partygoers.What a fantastic opportunity to ring in the New Year with your fellow Rotarians!
Morning Star Rotary will be volunteering at the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering on three evenings during the 2026 winter months. We will serve food, wash dishes, and monitor the showers for the guests at the shelter. The Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering is located at Christ Church UCC at 75 E Market Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018.
MSR at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering
Food Preparation 2:00 - 5:30 PM
Serving Meals/Showers 5:30 - 9:00 PM
**If volunteers wish to stay longer, you are welcome to sign-up for both shifts.
Due to our weekly Thursday morning meeting catering deadlines, it is necessary to make a decision concerning any changes to either meet as usual, hybrid, or to switch to virtual only by 9:00 PM on Tuesday. These decisions will be done based on best available weather forecasts. Please check your emails and the Morning Star Rotary (morningstarrotary.org) website on Wednesdays when inclement weather is forecast for Thursday mornings. Thank you for understanding as we try to be fair to all concerned during bad weather.
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.
.
