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.
Now is the perfect time to proudly showcase who we are and the good work we do—right here in our community and around the world. Our Rotarian at Work tee shirts, polo shirts, and caps are now available, each featuring the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary logo. Wearing Rotary apparel at service projects, fundraisers, volunteer events, or even around town helps spark conversations, builds awareness, and highlights the real impact our club makes every day.
CLICK HERE for Ordering Information and to Download Forms
Please join Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary this Thursday, February 26, 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 Lydia Peters, speaking on "Timothy’s Echo Suicide Prevention and Awareness."
Lydia Peters is the newly crowned Miss Midstate’s Teen, Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen Class of 2026. She will tell us more about her community service platform, Timothy’s Echo Suicide Prevention and Awareness.
On February 19, 2026 Morning Star Rotary conducted its Annual Meeting which focused on Officer/BOD elections for 2026-27, revisions to our Constitution and By-Laws, and year to date goal updates. The presented slate of officers was approved, including Jennifer Cunningham as President for 2026-27. President Rodney gave a "State of the Club" overview of the yearly activities of the club thanking various people for their contributions to the successful functioning of our organization, especially Jean Searfoss for her many years of dedicated service as Treasurer.
The club's membership trends and financial contributions were discussed, with over $18,000 raised so far this year for The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund, over $12,000 for PolioPlus, and one Major Gift. President-Elect Jennifer outlined her plans to improve the club's online presence, attract new members, and increase community service projects. The club's relationships with Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and other organizations were reviewed, with plans to potentially transition to a 12-month program at BES. Fundraising efforts were evaluated, with a focus on shifting to more public-facing events like the 5K Race and Salute the Troops Concert. There was discussion of future initiatives, including leveraging partnerships with Celtic Classic and expanding outreach to alumni and Past Presidents.
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).
We need 2 judges from each Rotary Club and at least 15 people in the audience to support and applaud the brave students.
The contest will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM at BAVTS (Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School). The school needs a list of names for security reasons, so if you can do this wonderful and fun service, please contact Jenniferby 2/28/26.
Bethlehem Morning Star has sponsored the Celtic Classic 5k. Expanding on our connections with Bethlehem's Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA), we have the opportunity to take part in the Parade of Shamrocks on March 14. There are two opportunities for you to help CCA and get BMSR a bit of publicity.
The first opportunity is as a banner bearer. There are five banners to delineate the groups marching in the parade each needing two people to walk ahead of the group in the parade. Local television will then acknowledge the club each time we appear. The parade route is shown below.
Additionally, several Rotarians have volunteered to put together a float and join in on the fun. Again, this is a great way to provide publicity for Rotary and BMSR.
If you are interested in a little bit of Fun-Raising, please contact President Rodney. The date is approaching fast, so please don't hesitate. The parade kicks off at 1:00 pm and more details on gathering before the parade will be provided.
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.
A Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is planned for Saturday, March 28, 2026 at DeSales University Gambet Center, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA beginning at 7:30 AM.
Here's your chance to learn more about Rotary from trained facilitators and fellow Rotarians!
Get ready for an interactive learning experience as we offer parts I, II, III, and Graduate courses.
For only $125 or $50 for Rotaractors, you'll gain invaluable knowledge and skills to benefit your Rotary service.
To register for RLI, please visit our website, https://rlinea.org/ and register for our district event on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at DeSales University.
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.
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is planned for Saturday, March 28, 2026 at DeSales University Gambet Center, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA beginning at 7:30 AM.
