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.
Orders due by March 10, 2026
CLICK HERE for Ordering Information and to Download Forms
Please join Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary this Thursday, March 12, 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 Debi Rice presenting her Classification Speech.
"The award honors a fellow woman Rotarian who is leading the way in outstanding International and local humanitarian service. The honoree also exemplifies a dedicated support of The Rotary Foundation and her commitment to the Four-Way Test, the Rotarians world-wide moral code for personal and business relationships that can be applied to almost any aspect of life."
Morning Star Rotary's own PDG Janet Kolepp was honored with the "2026 Rotary International Women’s Day Rotarian Award" for her exemplary humanitarian service work, both locally and globally, by the Emmaus Rotary Club at their club meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Numerous MSR Rotarians were present to honor Janet as she accepted this award. In addition to receiving a crystal plaque, Janet was recognized with proclamations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate. Congratulations Janet on receiving these well deserved accolades.
Click "Read More" to view the Janet's nomination for this outstanding award.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in conjunction with the Bethlehem Downtown Rotary Club, Morning Star Rotary held our local 4-Way Test Speech Competition at Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School. Andie and Taylor both did a great job on their speeches, and thanks to all Rotary members who were able to attend.
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.
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.
