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.
Orders due by March 10, 2026
CLICK HERE for Ordering Information and to Download Forms
On February 26, 2026, Morning Star Rotary welcomed high school junior Lydia Peters, Miss MidState's Teen 2026. Lydia is a 17-year-old competitive pageant participant, author, and mental health advocate. She discussed her book "Ranger's Proudly Sad" and her upcoming book tour focused on promoting mental health awareness, particularly among children. She shared her personal experiences with grief and depression, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about suicide and mental health. Lydia also highlighted the role of social media in influencing young minds and suggested age-appropriate content restrictions and parental involvement in monitoring children's online activities. She expressed her commitment to advocating for mental health resources in schools and shared her plans to collaborate with organizations like NAMI and the Shanti Project organization to further this cause. Lydia plans to attend a four-year school in Philadelphia, major in child psychology, and compete in the Miss America Opportunity Program, where she currently represents the Central Pennsylvania area as Miss MidState's Teen.
CLICK HERE for additional information about Lydia and her mental health advocacy.
I have the great pleasure and honor to inform you that you that our own Janet Kolepp, PDG, has been selected as the 8th Annual International Women's Day Celebration Award recipient by the Emmaus Rotary Club.
CONGRATULATIONS JANET!
"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."
The award will be presented on March 5, 2026 at 7:00 AM at theMercantile Club, 427 Railroad Street, Emmaus 18049 (Directions) and all MSR Rotarians are invited and encouraged to attend this celebration. Please let President Rodney know ASAP if you are able to attend. The cost of the breakfast is $20.
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.
Morning Star Rotary will be volunteering at the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering for the third and final time this winter on the evening of Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Lynn Milet has requested that MSR Rotarians bake brownies to serve to the guests at the March 10th shelter meal. We will need approximately 100 brownies for that evening's meal. This is a fantastic opportunity for MSR members who cannot be present at the shelter on the 10th to still participate in this important ongoing project of our organization. If you are able to provide brownies, please contact Lynn. She has offered to pick up the brownies for those who are unable to deliver.
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.
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.
