RSVP: To Sheila sheilseif@ptd.net by November 30 (to ensure we have large enough space)
Attendees will enjoy a variety of drinks, with some opting to order food while others simply mingle over their beverages. It’s a great way to connect in a relaxed atmosphere!
Please come and enjoy some warm Rotary fellowship and kick off the Holiday Season. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
At our November 20, 2025 meeting, our attendees enjoyed a fun and engaging TRF Trivia Contest designed to help members learn more about The Rotary Foundation. With our Foundation Chair, Tom Hartzell, acting as our "Alex Trebek" game show host, members were able to test their knowledge, discover interesting facts, and deepen their understanding of the Foundation’s impact—all while enjoying some friendly competition with their fellow Rotarians! Thank you to Tom and PDG Janet Kolepp for developing this fun and educational event.
Tom Hartzell emphasized the importance of continued contributions to the Foundation and announced a new initiative where the club will match points for donors, encouraging participation, especially from our newer members. After January 1, Tom will notify members regarding their contribution status and the club's new matching points program.
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.
Check out the TRF Trivia questions...do you know the answers?
PDG Katie Farrell 2024-2025 visited on November 20, 2025 to recognize our club's achievements this past year. We were honored with Rotary recognitions for setting and achieving our yearly goals, foundation giving, and our contributions to the PolioPlus campaign. Morning Star Rotary was designated as a 2024-2025 RI President Club Excellence Awardee and was also honored as the #1 club in our district in per capita giving to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund this past Rotary year. PDG Katie stated that Morning Star Rotary served as an example of excellence in District 7430 and deserving accolades for our contributions and endeavors serving our community and the world.
At our November 20, 2025 meeting, MSR Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell presented Marianne Aronson with her Paul Harris +5 pin, recognizing her continued support of the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations and thank you Marianne for your support.
Our annual Holiday Meeting will be held at The Cathedral Church of the Nativity on the corner of 3rd and Wyandotte Streets. The meeting will be located in Sayre Hall where we will ring in the holidays in our usual MSR style and be entertained by the Liberty High School A Capella Choir and our resident accordionist, Rick Santee.
We will have approximately 40 students performing for us this year. Please consider sponsoring a student(s) breakfast at $10 per student. We will have a sign-up sheet at upcoming meetings or you can notify Sheila Seifert (Sheila Seifert E-mail). In addition, to assist in planning catering, please RSVP to Sheila indicating your intention to attend and # of people attending.
Parking is available at the church with lots accessible from Wyandotte (upper lot) or 3rd Street (lower lot). You may also park at our usual Flatiron lots for a short walk to the Cathedral. The parish hall is accessible from both parking lots with elevator access from the lower lot. The hall is on the same level as the entrance from the upper lot.
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
Approximately 4:30 - 9:00 PM
Monday, January 13, 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Thursday, March 10, 2026
**Please note: We are still determining whether we will be cooking the food or having it catered. Stay tuned for more announcements.
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.
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