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.
At our January 22, 2026 meeting, Morning Star Rotary welcomed PA State Representative Steve Samuelson who serves the 135th Legislative District. Representative Samuelson gave legislative updates and addressed community initiatives. He discussed the state budget process, highlighting challenges with delayed approvals and funding for education, mass transit, and affordable housing. Representative Samuelson shared details on various grants secured for local projects in Bethlehem, including transportation improvements and housing developments. He also explained state programs like the property tax rebate and homestead exemption, emphasizing their impact on seniors and homeowners. The discussion touched on public transit challenges and potential solutions, as well as the need for more affordable housing in the community. Representative Samuelson addressed attendees questions about state revenue sources, including natural gas extraction fees, and explored ideas for improving public perception of public transportation.
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary is hosting a Blood Drive in conjunction with the Miller-Keystone Blood Center from January 19-30, 2026 at all of the Blood Center's locations.
Register at giveapint.org and include the Group ID Number E414.
Morning Star Rotary is volunteering at the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering on three evenings during the 2026 winter months. We are serving food, washing dishes, and monitoring 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.
.
