Stories
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BETHLEHEM EMERGENCY SHELTERINGRotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Director of Volunteers Maria Shior gave us some insight at our March 14th meeting into the lives of our street neighbors that come to the warming shelter each winter and the growing need for a year-round emergency shelter. Our Rotary members are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty, which is why we support the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter both financially and as volunteers. #PeopleOfAction |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEMorning Star Rotarians,
We have a busy Spring! The RLI is March 23rd. This is a chance for newer members to learn more about Rotary and more seasoned members to pick up new and innovative ideas for our club. The tuition for this will be reimbursed upon request. April 13th is Earth Day and there is a Spring Clean-up scheduled for that day. Next, we are excited to have the District Conference in our backyard, April 26th through 28th. You can sign up for the entire weekend or just a part of the weekend. Lastly, we have our Spaghetti Dinner on May 10th. This is one of the events where we get many of our members involved. Many hands make light work. See where you can help! We are excited that Rod and Sheila Seifert have stepped up to be the Co-Chairs this year for the Salute the Troops Concert in November. They need at least four other members to join the committee so we can again have a fabulous concert this year. One of the reasons for joining Rotary is to provide "Service Above Self". Here is an opportunity to a little work with meaningful results. Contact Rod or Sheila to help. I will still be on Zoom for for a while. Thanks to Rodney and Rod for stepping up to help! Betty Isaacs, President
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY AWARD
Morning Star Rotary's own Susan Burnett was honored with the "2024 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 7, 2024. Numerous MSR Rotarians were present to honor Susan as she accepted this award. In addition to receiving a Paul Harris +3 Pin and a crystal plaque, Susan was recognized with a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Congratulations Susan on receiving these well deserved accolades. Click "Read More" to view the testimonial from Gilbert Mato of the Rotary Club of Isiolo, Kenya. |
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MAPETS EXPERIENCEAt our February 29, 2024 "Leap Day" club meeting, Morning Star Rotary's President-Elect Rodney Conn shared with the membership his experiences at the recent Mid-Atlantic President-Elect Training Seminar (MAPETS). Click Here to view his presentation. |
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THIS WEEK'S MEETING |
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REAL ESTATE IN THE LEHIGH VALLEYOur speakers at our February 22, 2024 club meeting were MSR Rotarians and Lehigh Valley realtors, Eileen Dunn and Ginny Wolkoff. Eileen and Ginny gave us an informative presentation of historical facts and the direction and trends affecting the current housing market in the Lehigh Valley. Click Here to view their presentation. |
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SOUTHSIDE ARTS DISTRICTOur speaker at our February 15, 20024 meeting was Erin Zebertavage, Downtown Manager of the Southside Arts District. Erin gave us an overview of the organization and highlighted their art installations, revitalization projects, and events. “Located in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem, the Southside Arts District (SSAD) is a revitalization initiative of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to improve the economic conditions for businesses and institutions located in the core business district of South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Formally organized in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, the SouthSide Arts District follows the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach from the National Main Street Program, with volunteer based committees focused on the Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality of South Bethlehem.” CLICK HERE to view presentation! |
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MORNING STAR ROTARY AT BESNeither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these Rotarians from serving their community! MSR members serving dinner and providing showers on February 13, 2024 for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering. Morning Star Rotary provides dinner at BES on three evenings during the winter months. |
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SHELTERBOX
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FOUR-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTESTThe 4-Way Test Speech Contest is back! Morning Star Rotary is partnering with the Bethlehem Downtown Rotary Club to send one Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School (BAVTS) student to the District Finals at the District Conference at Wind Creek in April. 4-5 students from BAVTS will compete at the Bethlehem Downtown club's luncheon on March 20, 2024 at Moravian Village beginning at 12:00 PM. Luncheon cost is $18, cash. Please fill out this 3-question form to RSVP so we can give them a headcount of attendees. Jennifer Cunningham Youth Services Coordinator Here's more info about the 4-Way Test Speech and a video of last year's winner. She puts the American Dream to the 4-Way Test.
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MACHAKOS DISTRICT GRANT PROJECTWhat a fantastic live/hybrid club meeting on Thursday morning, February 8, 2024, as we heard via Zoom from Kenya from our “People of Action” team at the Kivutini School in Machakos. We were treated to songs and dances by the school students and able to view all of the work done on refurbishing the school through our District 7470 Grant and the additional projects by our team in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Machakos. To view a recording of the meeting go to:Passcode: gd=S*9YQ |
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FIRST THURSDAY "HAPPY HOUR"Club members enjoyed some fellowship at our First Thursday “Happy Hour” Social on February 1st at the Artisan Wine & Cheese Cellars! |
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KIVUTINI SCHOOL GRANT PROJECTOur Morning Star Rotary “People of Action” team is currently on location in Kenya inspecting our Kivutini School grant project in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Machakos. The team reports that "The smiles and energy of the students is priceless!" |
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THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
At our January 25th club meeting, Tom Hartzell, MSR Foundation Chair, presented an overview of our club and district Foundation giving and Foundation funded projects for the past and current Rotary year. Click Here to view his TRF presentation. Tom also presented MSR members with Paul Harris Fellow pins to recognize their continued financial support levels of the Foundation. |
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITYAt our January 18th club meeting, we were joined via Zoom from Istanbul by Yasar Atacik, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, who spoke to our members about Rotary's Role in Global Climate Change Discussions and Negotiations. Yasar is a member and past president of Acarkent Rotary Club of Istanbul,Turkey. Yaşar has been a Rotarian since 2014. One of the reasons Yasar joined Rotary was to bring awareness about environmental and sustainability issues to the attention of an influential group of people, Rotarians. Since then, he helped establish a Carbon Footprint Committee, which later was called Environmental Sustainability Committee at the District level and has supported clubs cultivating projects on sustainability. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Turkish Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Association, working mostly with school districts to develop and implement energy efficiency projects at schools. |
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SAVE THE DATE! |
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2024-2025 RI THEME ANNOUNCEDAt the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, Rotary International President-Elect Stephanie Urchick announced her theme for the 2024-25 Rotary year: THE MAGIC OF ROTARY. |
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SAD NEWS
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KIVUTINI SCHOOL PROJECT UPDATE |
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HOLIDAY PARTY CANCELLEDIMPORTANT MESSAGE THE HOLIDAY PARTY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024 HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE IMPENDING SNOW!
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KIVUTINI SCHOOL PROJECTProgress on our Kivutini School District Project....floors, walls. blackboards, verandas, etc. The walls are painted and the tile floors are in! |
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MSR CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYSOur holiday meeting is one of the most wonderful times of the year because the Liberty High School a cappella choir visits. This year they were accompanied by the Grenadier Band - Bethlehem Area School District and, to make the morning even more special, the musical magnificence of our very own Rick Santee on the accordion. From Victory House: “Today was a very special day! Morning Star Rotary of Bethlehem invited us out to present us with a $10,000 check to help support our Mission. We also got to enjoy a Christmas concert put on by the choir of Liberty High School Bethlehem PA. We at Victory House are very thankful for all the continuous support by the Morning Star Rotary of Bethlehem.” |
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HELP NEEDED!HELP NEEDED: We need volunteers on Wednesday evening 12/20 at 7:00 PM to set up in advance of Thursday’s Holiday Meeting at Advent Moravian Church. If you are able to assist, please contact Rick Santee at rsantee@ptd.net. We will also need people to remain after the meeting to clean up and reset the room. Thank you in advance for your help. |
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MSR COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDED
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club Grants $10,000 to CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation
BETHLEHEM, PA – December 14, 2023 – Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club proudly announces a significant contribution of $10,000 to CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT). This generous grant aims to support CAT's mission of promoting sustainable and accessible transportation solutions within the community. The Morning Star Rotary Club has a longstanding commitment to making a positive impact on the local community. Recognizing the essential work carried out by CAT, the club is thrilled to contribute to the organization's efforts in creating a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. CAT, a prominent non-profit organization, focuses on advocating for and implementing environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The organization plays a vital role in addressing the challenges associated with transportation in our community, striving to make it more inclusive, affordable, and environmentally conscious. The $10,000 grant from the Morning Star Rotary Club will provide CAT with additional resources to enhance its programs and initiatives. These funds will support the development and implementation of projects aimed at improving public transportation, bicycling education, and pedestrian accessibility.
Club President Betty Isaacs Presents Grant Check to CAT Leadership
The President of the Morning Star Rotary Club, Betty Isaacs, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to partner with CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation in their pursuit of creating a more sustainable and inclusive transportation landscape. The Morning Star Rotary Club is committed to supporting organizations that contribute to the betterment of our community, and we believe that CAT's work aligns perfectly with our values." CAT Executive Director, Scott Slingerland, expressed gratitude for the generous grant, saying, "We are truly grateful for the Morning Star Rotary Club's support. This contribution will significantly impact our ability to advance our mission of promoting transportation solutions that are not only efficient but also mindful of the environment and community needs. Together, we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve." This collaboration between the Morning Star Rotary Club and CAT underscores the power of community partnerships in addressing pressing issues and fostering positive change.
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KIVUTINI SCHOOL PROJECT UPDATEThe roof is going on and it is ROTARY BLUE! |
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ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTYPlease join your fellow Morning Star Rotary members at our Annual Holiday Party on Saturday, January 6, 2024. The party will graciously be hosted by Mike and Terri Long at their home at 4201 Anthony Drive beginning at 5:30 PM. What a fantastic opportunity to ring in the New Year with your fellow Rotarians! |
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ANNUAL HOLIDAY MEETING |
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NO MEETING DURING HOLIDAY WEEK |
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KIVUTINI SCHOOL PROJECTThe Morning Star Rotary Kivutini School District Grant project in Kenya is underway and will be complete in the coming weeks. Many parents of the school children are participating in the project which provides some much needed income to those families. The old roof has been removed and the walls are being repaired. Due to inflation, the cost of some goods has gone up but the Machakos Rotary Club (Kenya) members have made up the difference. The MSR Kenya Travel Team cannot wait to get there and paint! UPDATE: The roof is going on and it is ROTARY BLUE! |
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JANUARY RI THEME |
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"BE THE GOOD" T-SHIRT SALEThe team traveling to Kenya in January asks for your support of our club project with the purchase of BE THE GOOD t-shirts. The t-shirts are 100% soft cotton. $25 Place your order here by January 12, 2024: (CLICK HERE) Your purchase supports one for you and one for a member of Isiolo Rotary Club. (Payment will be due when t-shirts are delivered.) |
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MSR "BE THE GOOD" FUND 2.0Dear Friends and Supporters, The Women of Action team of Rotary volunteers will be returning to Kenya on our 2nd humanitarian trip January 28th for two weeks. The team will be reviewing the progress of The Rotary Foundation Global Grant at the Ngaremara Dispensary and exploring Phase II options of the project. As part of this trip we will also be conducting additional service projects including a menstrual health project at the Ngaremara Girls Secondary School. Many of the girls that attend this school live in the area served by the dispensary. This project will begin to create an environment where girls feel supported during their menstrual cycle so they can attend classes and not miss out on their education. The project will include both distributing sanitary pads and basic education in menstrual hygiene. We hope that you will join us in supporting this project by donating to our Be The Good Fund 2.0. You may make a tax-deductible donation by clicking here. We are grateful for your interest and support of our work in Kenya. We plan to keep you updated via email on the continuing work of the projects. You may also follow us on Facebook @MorningStarRotary Yours in Rotary Service, 2024 Morning Star Rotary Travel Team Susan & Ronald Burnett Wendy Ellsworth Amy Sheller & Jim Herman Janet Kolepp |
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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HOLIDAY HOPE CHESTSThe Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, through our program Holiday Hope Chests, has been supporting nonprofit organizations who serve children and youth, primarily underserved youth, with donated shoeboxes filled with gifts for the holidays. Since the program’s inception in 1999, we have distributed 75,000+ boxes in the community supporting on average 45-50 nonprofit organizations each year at the holidays. Making a difference and bringing smiles to children during the holidays is what Holiday Hope Chests is all about. This year, the nonprofit organizations need almost 9,000 shoe boxes. To meet this need, we are looking for new donors and supporters to help us bring extra smiles to children this holiday season. Can you help? We are hoping to cultivate new donors in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, specifically businesses and organizations who have a vested interest in helping the children and families in our community. The Volunteer Center has great systems in place to make this a very simple and organized process to make a difference at the holidays. One shoebox filled with $25 in gifts is all it takes to bring joy during the holidays. Every box is important. And if you want to make a bigger impact, get your co-workers, friends and family involved! You can easily pledge your boxes below using our online pledge form. Lehigh/Northampton County Pledges:
Carbon County:
For further information, please visit https://www.volunteerlv.org/holiday-hope-chests or contact Past President Shawn Bariana at 610-807-0336 / shawn@volunteerlv.org
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SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERTThe “Salute the Troops” Concert on Sunday, November 12th, honoring our veterans and current members of the US Armed Forces, was a successful and very enjoyable event. The Allentown Band including soloist Chet Brown, the Lehigh Valley Men’s Chorale, and the music students from Northeast Middle School performances were fantastic. A big MSR “Thank You” to the MSR Rotarians who stepped up to ensure a successful event. Thank you to all MSR Rotarians who sold tickets, solicited sponsors, attended the concert, and those who volunteered to assist on concert day. Special thanks to all our concert sponsors, especially the major sponsors, Embassy Bank and Wind Creek Bethlehem. Because of all of our sponsors generosity, we are able to continue supporting Victory House of Lehigh Valley and will accomplish many of this year’s other charitable projects. CLICK TO VIEW CONCERT PICTURES |
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2023 SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERTTODAY! Tickets available at the door!
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VOLUNTEER CENTER OF THE LV
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SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERTTHE PRESS – Focus on the Arts Allentown Band: “Wild Symphony” “Salute the Troops” CLASSICAL VIEW By Karen El-Chaar …Excerpts from Article, Week of November 1 In observance of Veteran's Day, the Allentown Band will perform its annual “Salute the Troops” Concert this year at Northeast Middle School, Bethlehem. “I really look forward for many reasons to this annual concert sponsored by the Morning Star Rotary Club of Bethlehem”, says Ron Demkee, Conductor of the Allentown Band. “In addition to performing patriotic music in tribute to veterans and those serving in the armed forces, we invite members of the Northeast Middle School Band and Chorus to perform along with the band in a side-by-side experience.” Concert selections include…….Proceeds from the Salute the Troops concert benefit Victory House of the Lehigh Valley. ****** The concert also includes performances by soloist Chet Brown, Vocal Instructor of the Lehigh Valley Charter School of the Arts, the Lehigh Valley Men’s Chorale, and the Northeast Middle School Select Chorus. |
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DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MONTHLY MESSAGE |
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ROTAPLAST FUNDRAISERThis past Saturday evening, October 21st, the District 7430 Rotaplast fundraiser was held at Pennsylvania Playhouse. Attendees were treated to a fabulous performance of Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" and enjoyed delicious food, drink, and fellowship. A basket raffle, 50/50, and a quilt auction all benefited the fantastic work of our district Rotaplast team. Morning Star Rotary was proud to be a club sponsor for this event. A big shoutout and kudos to MSR Rotarian Susan Burnett for all her work on this benefit on behalf of Rotaplast..."What an incredibly amazing evening D7430 Rotaplast had last night at the Pennsylvania Playhouse with “Sweeney Todd”! The thesaurus is not up to the task of describing the evening. The show was phenomenal! Right down to that last second! Darah Donaher (director) and her entire cast and crew should tour! Thank you to all who came out and supported the event. Thank you to the Rotary Clubs and local merchants who sponsored and donated items. All raffle prizes were loved and appreciated. The Clubhouse Grille once again provided amazing food! The talk back with the actors, as with last year, was an enormous hit! Wish we could see it again!!" "SAVING SMILES. CHANGING LIVES."
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DISTRICT ROTAPLAST FUNDRAISERIT'S SHOWTIME! TODAY IS THE DAY! |
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PA REP. SAMUELSON SPEAKS TO MSR
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEMorning Star Members, I am sending you the revised Advertising request form for Sponsors for the November 12 Salute the Troops Concert. The change indicates the information from sponsors and those wishing to have a message naming memorials and In Honor of to come to me. The Program may be different this year. Because of the timing, we may put logos of Sponsors in a separate handout to be given as people enter the concert, plus do a revolving slide show of all of our sponsors with their logos before the concert begins and at the Intermission. This will shorten the actual program and simplify having both parts printed. Attached is the revised form. We need a serious effort by our Club members to contact companies who may consider sponsoring our major fund raiser which supports Victory House and our other community projects. The Deadline for the Sponsor request is October 25th and November 4th for the In Honor of and the Memorials (which will go into the Program). CLICK HERE to download revised sponsor form. If you have any question, feel free to email or call me. Let's make a valiant Rotary effort to reach out to organizations to be sponsors. Thanks! Betty Isaacs President - Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club |
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MORNING STAR AWARDS ARM GRANTTwice a year, Morning Star Rotary offers Audrey Rafferty Memorial (ARM) Education Grants to clients in the St. Luke’s Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) Program. NFP empowers first-time mothers to transform their lives and create better futures for themselves and their babies. Specially educated nurses regularly visit first-time moms, becoming a trusted resource in providing care, support and advice. The most recent recipient of the ARM Education Grant was awarded a $1,000 grant to assist in the purchase of a computer to aid in her studies at LCCC where she is pursuing a degree in nursing. With the assistance of MSR Rotarian Lynn Milet, she was able to buy the proper computer. In her words “I want to thank you and the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star for allowing me to have this grant. I am so thankful because now I can accomplish my dream career.” |
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CONFLICT IN ISRAEL AND GAZA Rotary International's statement on the conflict in Israel and Gaza. |
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NAMI LEHIGH VALLEYAt this past Thursday's meeting, Margaret Murphy, Executive Director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lehigh Valley, presented a program about the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with mental illness, NAMI Lehigh Valley is the local affiliate who provides support groups and education courses for individuals and their loved ones as well as informative presentations to schools, businesses, clubs, and civic organizations. nami-lv.org CLICK HERE to view presentation.
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PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY RECOGNITION
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JANET A. SIPPLE LECTURESHIP
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JANET A. SIPPLE LECTURESHIPWe are pleased to announce that the Annual Janet A, Sipple Lectureship is being held this year on this coming Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 5:00 pm in Foy Concert Hall at Moravian University. This year the lectureship is entitled The Power of Nursing and Public Health in Tobacco Control. Morning Star Rotary will once again support this event. Tickets will be provided to anyone who wishes to attend. Dr. Sipple has been an active and revered member of our club for many years. Please feel free to show your support. |
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RAY HOLTON CLASSIFICATION TALK
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IN MEMORIAMREST IN PEACE PAST-PRESIDENT RON Ronald "Ron" C. Searfoss 1947-2023 Always Remembered... Never Forgotten! ****** "Thank you for your service to our club and all the people we serve!"
Obituary - Cantelmi Long Funeral Home Ronald C. Searfoss, 76, of Wescosville, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. He was the treasured husband of Jean (Gavin) Searfoss with whom he shared over 41 amazing years of loving marriage. Born in Coaldale on July 25, 1947, he was an adored son of the late George R. Searfoss, and June K. (Weaver) Searfoss. Above all he cherished his time spent with his family and being a phenomenal pappy. He was a beloved youth sports coach and served as a Mason with both his father and his son Brandon, a part of the Porsche Club of America’s Riesentöter region, and a Green Bay Packers owner. Ron was renowned for the infectious joy he elicited as Santa Claus. Ron worked as a CPA, corporate controller, entrepreneur, non-profit financial manager, and college professor. He honorably served his country in the US National Guard. He endlessly served his community as a Rotarian, including as Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary club’s past president and chair of the Salute the Troops concert. Forever a most loving husband (Honey Bunch), Dad, Pop, and Pappy, Ron deeply enriched the lives of his wife Jean; daughter Heather Haas and her husband Jared; sons, Brandon Searfoss and his wife Milly Dignetti, and Cameron Searfoss and his fiancée Victoria Zienkiewicz; grandchildren, Hannah, Gabrielle, Lucas, and Barrett. Also survived by great grandchildren, Antonio, Filomena, and Giovanni; brother, Gregory Searfoss and his wife Sharon. He is now reunited with his house bear Koa. |
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MORNING STAR "CELTIC CLASSIC" 5K
Dear BMS Rotarians: Our Club put on an excellent 5K experience for the participants in the midst of a cancelled parade and the outer bands of tropical storm Ophelia. We hosted the 72 valiant runners that showed up out of the 127 registered. Thanks to all our volunteers. To paraphrase George Orwell: "All volunteers are equal, but some volunteers are more equal than others." All did their part, however Mike Long's course management and Jeff Kicska's on-line registration and electronic scoring were instrumental in race success. President Betty has some leftover race t-shirts for those who would like one. At a future meeting, we will debrief on the race and the financial results Thank you all for another great 5K event. Tom Kolepp, Race Director And a very special THANK YOU! to Race Director, Tom Kolepp who managed many, many challenges throughout the process - changing venues, coordinating various groups, and having the last minute impact of running a race on an alternative course in a tropical storm! Well done Sir.... and thanks to all for their support! |
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SEP 21, 2023 HISTORY OF HATS TRIBUTE TO RON HELMUTHPresident Elect Rodney Conn presented “A History of Hats – A Tribute to Morning Star Rotarian Ron Helmuth.” Rodney, who has some involvement with bonsai trees, shared a passion with Ron for all types of hats. Together, they had conceived of a “hat day” program which, tragically they were unable to complete that thought. For the tribute to Ron, Rodney had a very informative power point video accompanied by impressive examples of his own “hats” to which he modeled and spoke. |
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PROGRAM EDUCATING SPECIAL NEEDSMrs. Andrea Richards Tonge, Principal of the Adele School for Special Children, and Ms. Dianne Joseph - Teacher Kindergarten/Beginners Class presented a very impassioned story on "Educating Special Needs Children in Antigua and Barbuda." The school teaches about 60 students per year with an age range from 5 years to 21 years of age. These are all special needs children, primarily affected with autism. The focus is on teaching real life skills. Emphasis is directed to the pace of each student as you can only imagine the challenges of working with such a broad range of ages. For a pdf version of their presentation click Adele School Antigua & Barbuda. (or select the Download File on MSR website www.MorningStarRotary.org.) |
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GLOBAL GRANT IN ACTION!Our Morning Star Global Grant partner, the Rotary Club of Isiolo, Kenya was just featured on local TV. The Club was responsible for distribution a huge ( ~$500,000) RI Emergency Grant for famine relief. The report is in Swahili, but project manager Gilbert Mato speaks English. (Gilbert is also the project manager for our Global Grant.) Skip the ads after the first 5 seconds. Thanks to Donna Holton for the update! |
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AUG 31, 2023 PROGRAM FOOD PANTRY UPDATE FOUNTAIN HILL ELEMENTARYWe welcomed our program speaker, Joe Tramontana, who presented an update on the Food Pantry at Fountain Hill Elementary. Joe is a member of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity and has been involved in the planning and renovations at Fountain Hill Elementary to build a food pantry for students' families. An invitation was extended to everyone wishing to attend the Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Thursday, September 14, 2023. |
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AUG 17, 2023 ROTARY CITATIONSPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS FROM ROTARY INTERNATIONAL TO PRESIDENT ROD SEIFERT AND MORNING STAR ROTARY!!! |
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AUG 25, 2023 ANTIGUA VISITORS & MSR REQUESTBill Hunter announced at last week's club meeting, Lehigh University will be hosting two teachers from the Adele School for Special Needs in Antigua from September 2-15. Our Morning Star Rotary Club has supported professional development programs at the Adele School several times, including helping to sponsor an Autism program for parents and teachers several years ago. The two amazing teachers will be staying at the Comfort Suites Hotel in Bethlehem the entire time, and it would be great if members of our club would consider hosting them for dinners, local outings, etc. during their stay. If you could help us out in anyway, please contact Bill Hunter: wdh3@lehigh.edu or 610-703-6617. Special thanks to all Morning Star Rotarians for their support. |
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AUG 17, 2023 PROGRAM "THE CAMP NEIDIG EXPERIENCE"We had a fantastic presentation from our three rising seniors who leveled up their leadership skills @RotaryCampNeidig this summer! Remember their names - they're going places! Among the many positive comments put forth (they had no negative comments, except it needs to be longer): Maximize team success! Communication is key. Include everyone in the tribe! Best part - meeting all the people and connecting. Step out of your comfort zone! Trust the process! Improvement suggestion - all wanted to make it longer! Did not want to leave....many chat groups and friendships continue! President Betty Isaacs Jennifer Cunningham Youth Exchange Coordinator Phoebe Cunningham Freedom High School Carleigh Andreas Moravian Academy Nicholas Moniz Freedom High School Charlie Incalcaterra Co-Chair Rotary Camp Neidig Committee Special thanks to all the Rotarians in D7430 who made their experience possible! Editor's Note to 'Campers': you are now Neidig Ambassadors, asked to share your experiences with fellow students to encourage participation in this wonderful experience! |
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JAN 29 - FEB 10 2024 Kenya Grants and Next Trip Updates - Looking for Volunteers
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JUL 27, 2023 DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISITWe were very happy to welcome District Governor Diane Donaher for her "official visit" as DG, but a homecoming celebration as well. With great enthusiasm - imagine that! Diane spoke to many topics in explaining her vision to be a Beacon of Hope in the District. A key focus is that it is Okay to talk about anxiety. Rotary is fully embracing the need to address mental health and wellness. Diane has a semi-colon tat on her wrist which reminds her and tells everyone to strive to be open to discussion. Another key to helping Rotary and our communities is to reach out and invite people to help in a service project. Everyone has busy lives, but there are many opportunities outside of meetings to engage people and their families and friends by simply participating in community projects of our clubs. Diane challenged everyone with the Phone Contact Trick - just click on your phone and look in your contacts to find two people you could invite to an event, project, social, etc. Bottom line - MORE MEMBERS EQUALS MORE SERVICES! DG Diane in action (see lighthouse left of bell) Sue gets Beacon of Hope (lighthouse) award for service! MorningStar celebrates with DG Donaher |
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JUL 24, 2023 GREETINGS FROM POLANDEverywhere you go....#ThisisRotary Enjoy your vacation Janet & Tom Kolepp |
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JUL 13, 2023 PRESIDENT ISAACS MSR 2023-24 PLANSPresident Isaacs presented Morning Star plans, (budget, activities and projects) for guiding us in our efforts to Create Hope in the World for 2023-24. President Betty addressed our upcoming community projects and the need for all around engagement - including the exciting new Celtic Classic 10K Race/Walk - starts at the front of the Celtic Parade! Plans are to have an Area 2 event in the spring with local beer and wine vendors in support of all clubs. We are planning a global grant roadshow headed by the Women of Action team and a Green Team roadshow spreading the word on what we can each do for the environment. Further efforts will focus on our recurring fundraisers. Betty wrapped up with the video of RI President Gordon McInally giving his inaugural address from Australia at the international convention in June, |
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JUL 10, 2023 THANK YOU FROM PRESIDENT RODFellow MSR Rotarians: I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you individually and collectively for your contribution to a fantastic 2022-2023 year for the Morning Star Rotary Club for 2022-2023. Because of your team efforts, we were able to accomplish so much serving our community and the world through our service projects locally in addition to our district and global grant projects. We had a stellar year fundraising for our local projects and charitable beneficiaries along with our members record contributions to the Rotary Foundation to support our club’s and RI’s efforts throughout the world. Our successes this past year were truly the result of our members working together to meet our goals. It was a privilege and honor to serve as your president this past year. Thank you to my fellow officers and the members of the Board of Directors for their support and work on behalf of the club. Along with all the members who stepped up to chair and serve at our various fundraisers and on committees, they ensured that Morning Star Rotary had an incredible year. Best wishes to President Betty, her leadership team, and all MSR members for another amazing year for Morning Star Rotary. Also, thank you for a very enjoyable “Kick-Out” party this past Friday. Special thanks to Rodney and Sarabel Conn for hosting and for all your kind comments. I am proud to be a Morning Star Rotarian! Yours in Rotary, Rod RODNEY L. SEIFERT Past President, 2022-2023 Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club Rotary International District 7430 (201) 723-1882 |
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JUN 29, 2023 MORNING STAR CHANGEOVERMorning Star Rotary of Bethlehem Changeover Meeting 6/29/23. Congratulations to outgoing President Rod Seifert and best wishes to 2023-2024 President Betty Isaacs and the incoming Officers and Board of Directors. Thank you to DG Diane Donaher for administering the oaths of office and AG Kathy Heller and all the Past MSR Presidents for their participation in the ceremony. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2023-2024 serving our community and the world. #PeopleOfAction Research shows that positive club leadership is a major factor in the growth of a club. Yes, one person can make a difference! But it's the culture you create by working with the Board and engaging all members that will create the successful projects for your community and communities around the world. Rotar President Gordon McInally says that "service is the soil where hope grows!" We look forward to working with you this coming rotary year as we create Hope In The World. District Governor Donaher swearing in of President Isaacs. Morning Star 2023-24 Board and Officers The Traditional "Passing of the Gavel" from all Past Presidents present to Rod handoff to Betty! Special thanks to Past President Rod and the great team efforts of the membership in achieving a very successful Rotary Year! |
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JUN 22, 2023 PRESIDENT ROD 2023 REVIEWPresident Rod provided a thorough review of all the happenings and activities Morning Star accomplished in the past year. The overwhelming focus was on how the members functioned as a TEAM TEAM TEAM all year long. Click link on website for IMAGINE ROTARY 2022-23 RECAP A special thank you to President Rod (and Sheila) for a great year positioning the club for continued success! |
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JUN 1, 2023 FIRST THURSDAY
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Meet Rotary's Women of Action TeamFour members of the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star have traveled over 7,400 miles away to Isiolo County, Kenya for a boots-on-the-ground look at our Rotary Global Grant project. Wendy Ellsworth, Janet Kolepp, Susan Burnett and Holly Sachdev will visit Ngaremara, the center of Rotary's work to improve maternal and child health care. There they will meet with our project partners at the local Isiolo Rotary Club, along with the residents who will benefit from the improved facilities. Back in the United States, Donna Holton continues the planning and coordination of the project, which includes a safe reliable water supply, sanitation, solar energy, training for health workers, diagnostic equipment, and transportation. Together, these five remarkable ladies make up our "Women of Action" team.
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MONOCACY CREEK CLEANUPIMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! The Monocacy Creek Creek Cleanup that was scheduled for tomorrow morning. October 1, 2022, has been canceled due to predicted bad weather conditions.
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LINDA MAYGER RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR SHELTERBOX!!!Linda Mayger, of Saucon Valley, is a 2022 recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her efforts as a ShelterBox Ambassador. ShelterBox is an organization that supplies emergency shelter and household items to people who have been forced from their homes by a disaster or war. “One of the things about ShelterBox is that it’s very tangible about what you’re giving toward. $1,000 gives a box and a tent. $150 gives a toolkit that can help people repair their homes.” Click here to listen to Linda's interview: https://wlvr.org/.../a-saucon-valley-woman-receives-a.../... Click on ShelterBox for the video and more information on ShelterBox! Mayger said her district, which includes the Lehigh Valley, was the No. 1 giving district in the entire country for Shelterbox. Please reach out to Ambassador Linda and express our thanks for an incredibly successful example of Service Above Self globally!!! |
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APR 14, 2021 LEHIGH-UNITED NATIONS UPDATEMSRotarian Dr. Bill Hunter, has extended an invitation so a special session "U.S. Re-engagement in the UN System." The Lehigh University / United Nations Partnership is hosting 2 Senior Diplomats from the US Mission to the United Nations to discuss this topic. Wednesday, April 14 4:30 pm via Zoom Here's the registration form: |
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Copy of MSR GIFT CARD DONATE LINK UPDATEPlease use the donate link below as the original link exceeded PayPal protocols. Apologies for any confusion. Morning Star Rotary Grocery Store Gift Card Project Update Over the weekend, another $900 of non-Board donations came in, which brings that portion to $2,236 so far. When the $3,500 from the Board ($1,750) and MSR Charitable Org ($1,750) is added, the total is now $5,736. To make it even easier for anyone to donate, just click DONATE. Please type in that your donation is for Grocery Gift Cards. At Morning Star Rotary’s most recent board meeting a decision was made to engage in a new fundraiser to purchase grocery store gift cards to be distributed to families in need in the Bethlehem area. A pool of matching funds has been donated by Morning Star board members and is matched by our Club’s reserves up to $2,000. The funding from the Club budget comes from unused items which will not be expended due to the effects of the pandemic on our operations. The funds from the board members are from donations which they have made as individuals. So far we have $3,500 available to match the donations of our club members and friends of the club who will be asked to donate. A donation of $25 will result in making a $50 gift card to Giant Food Stores available to a family in need. We will distribute these Gift Cards with the assistance and judgement of school principals in the Bethlehem Area School District, the Director of the Hispanic Center of Bethlehem, and the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem. Further, we are asking Giant Food Stores to add 10% more gift cards to our purchase to enhance the effect of our project. To make a donation to this project you may go to the “Donate” icon at the top of the Morning Star Rotary home page. Note: you do not need a PayPal account to donate via PayPal - your debit or credit card is fine! The link includes a field for a description or comment. Please type in that your donation is for Grocery Gift Cards. (This same link will be used to collect funds for a variety of club purposes.) Another option is to mail your check, paid to the order of “Morning Star Rotary” c/o J. Searfoss, Treasurer, 1409 Bogie Ave. Wescosville, PA 18106. Please share this appeal with people outside of the club membership who you feel may have an interest in this effort. Also, club members are encouraged to donate resources which otherwise would be used for breakfast or Artisan First Thursday meeting expenses, as well as funds which would be expended for other club fund raisers during the balance of this Rotary year. Our goal is to distribute 150+ gift cards of $50 each to families in need in Bethlehem. Service above Self by People of Action will result in homes with food on the table to our neighbors in need. Yours in Service, Mike Long, on behalf of the Morning Star Rotary Board members |
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MSR 4 ACES 44 CARDS $110CONGRATULATIONS TO BETTY ISAACS. Winner $80 January 16th! NEW CYCLE UNDERWAY!!! Reminder - you can not win if you do not play! |
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FEB 20 TRADITIONS ALIGNED WITH ROTARYWe had our annual meeting at Traditions of Hanover February 20, 2020. Our hosts, Executive Director Cathy Heimsoth and Marketing Director Megan Sedlock gave an update on Traditions. Cathy Heimsoth Megan Sedlock Executive Director Marketing Director Key Points Mission and philosophy of Traditions is closely aligned with Rotary Independent living focused on the quality of life Very young “mindset” Currently 123 residents ranging in age from 72 – 101. Sized for ‘family feel’ 70% women/ 30% men (as referenced by Rick Santee and Rod Seifert, from Top Gun “a target rich environment”) Advocates for seniors throughout the community on what is best for the individual Family atmosphere throughout Units are monthly rentals which you furnish to your taste Special thanks to the folks at Traditions of Hanover for sponsoring this event! |
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SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGINGSPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE MORNING STAR VOLUNTEERS We had great weather for the Moravian Book Shop on December 7. The weatherman definitely moved to the naughty list for Christkindlmarkt on December 14. Thank you for a great Morning Star Club Event supporting our community! |
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NOV 17 SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERTRotarians, Friends, Neighbors, & Colleagues,
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NOV 14 ZACH AINSLIE TALKLast Thursday we had the pleasure of a 'classification talk' by Zach Ainslie. Turns out Zach has been an avid outdoorsman since a very early age. Started rock climbing with his father at age 3! Hiking, camping, etc, led to eventually a career as an Arborist with Bartlett which allows him to apply his expertise while spending most time outdoors. Zach is also a pipe lover, being a member of two actual pipe clubs in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia. He admits to having over 50 pipes and actually smokes all on a rotating basis. Dad, younger brother & Zach Dad & Zach on the way up! Thanks Zach. We are happy to have you as part of our Morning Star Rotary family. |
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5K - 2019 Financial ResultsHi Wayne, Jeff, and all Morning Star supporters, MANY thanks to both of you, the whole race committee, and all who helped and supported the 2019 Morning Star Rotary Celtic Classic 5K! To my knowledge, all the income and expenses have been recorded as of 10/31/19. While we have heard that the number of participants at other races in the Lehigh Valley have dwindled in recent years, the registration income for our 5K holds steady ($7,132 this year vs $7,387 last year). When we add in the $1,062 early registration income processed in the 2018-19 Rotary year, Total Income for the 2019 Race is $11,244 (vs Budget $11,000). Expenses are $4,591, or $909 less than the $5,500 Budgeted. Including the $1,062 early registrations, the Net Income is $6,653, or $1,153 better than the Budgeted $5,500! Congratulations! With sincere appreciation, Jean Jean Searfoss, Treasurer Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star |
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GIFT OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL SERVICEOn October 31 we had an appearance by Robbie Donno, a Rotarian from the Manhasset Club and Past Governor of District 7255. It was 1975 when Robbie read an article in the Rotarian magazine about a nurse in Uganda who needed facial surgery after being mauled by a hyena. Communications technology being what it was at that time, the nurse received treatment in Australia before Robbie could respond BUT, along the way, he met a 5 year-old girl who needed heart surgery. He arranged to have her transported to New York for the life-saving operation. That was the first of what has become over 35,000 heart surgeries provided by the Gift Of Life International organization founded by Robbie. Their unique stories revolve around the single idea that somewhere in this world, there were people who extended help, hope and love when there was no other relief in sight and those people were Rotarians! GOL is stronger than ever and hopes to provide over 3,500 operations this year. 93+% of children born with a congenital heart defect are born in a country where there is no hope for treatment. GOL now operates in 80 countries across five continents. Their initiatives are supported by 286 Rotary Clubs and 63 Rotary Districts. Robbie with nephew, MSR's Jeff Kicska. Jeff credits his uncle as his inspiration to do good things! In background are the latest recipient and on the right the first recipient of the GOL! One person can really make a difference. Given his vocational background, Robbie refers to himself as "a garbageman who does heart surgery on the side."
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9th PURPLE PINKIE RACE TO ZERO LCCC 10-12-19
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BETHLEHEM HEALTH DEPT VACCINE CLINIC SEPT 19Special thanks to Stephanie Oakley, RN, from the Bethlehem Health Bureau for a very informative program and the administration of the latest flu vaccines. Stephanie's talk focused on what you need to know to protect yourselves and others. What You Need to Know •The best way to prevent getting the flu this year is to get vaccinated! •Everyone 6 months of age or older should get vaccinated every flu season. •Even though flu season does not start until October, the vaccine could take up to 2 weeks to achieve full effect so it’s best to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available. •Besides getting the flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the flu is by washing your hands and staying away from sick people to prevent germs from spreading. Note: to transmit the flu, you must have it! Please adopt the "HERD IMMUNITY" mentality - the more people getting vaccinated, the greater protection to everyone! The presentation is available to review on our MSR website under the DOWNLOADS section "FLU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW". Please take this opportunity to educate yourself and others. The information was quite sobering especially to so many of us considered "seasoned Rotarians!" Check with your Primary Care Provider if in doubt. |
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AUG 01 FIRST THURSDAY
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AUDREY RAFFERTY MEMORIAL SPAGHETTI DINNEROur “ARM funraiser” was enjoyed by many people once again. The food was excellent as many guests expressed enthusiasm for “Butch’s Sauce”! REMINDER As you often hear, the job is not finished until the paperwork is done. If you have not as yet submitted payment for your tickets, please bring to this Thursday's meeting or send to Chair Val or Treasurer Jean. Thanks to all for a great time.
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President's Message 4-16-19Ron's Daily Threshold Prayer Threshold - a point of entry or beginning. For Ron, he has passed another threshold. We are all better for his journey through our midst. We will remember him with the love he shared with all of us. Saturday, April 20, between 2:00 - 4:00pm you are invited to visit and remember with Ron's family at Cantelmi - Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA. A memorial service will take place next month at First Presbyterian Church Bethlehem (Details to come.) At this week's meeting, April 18, we will welcome Todd Repsher, Director of Safety with Bethlehem Area School District. Todd will be sharing "Safe to Say" program that is part of the Sandy Hook Promise that PA has instituted across the state. Next Thursday April 25, we will have the opportunity to visit TJ Elementary School. This Rotary Road Trip was rescheduled from the coldest day of the year in January. Our club will be hosted by Tracey Hirner, principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, 404 E North St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, just a few blocks from our regular meeting place. Until then...... YIRS, Plan-it Janet "Rotary Connects the World!" |
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RUGBY HOOLIGANS and HOOKERS!Our March 28 meeting featured Rugby players sharing their amazing experiences on the pitch! Many thanks to Judy Smullen & Rick Santee, both hookers... (one of the positions on a rugby team 🏉). Their anecdotes of games past, teams played, friends made, and bars where they were thrown out had the Morning Star Rotarians in stitches. What a fascinating sport, requiring strength, fitness, and agility of the entire team. (Credit - Shawn Deiter/Facebook) |
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UPCOMING EVENTSThe Upcoming Events as presented on the Bulletin is limited to approximately a 60 day window. If you go to the Morning Star Website, you will see the current full list of over 5 events covering all the way through the District Governor Changeover on June 24. There is a mixture of Morning Star, Area 2 and District events we are fully engaged in one way or another. It also is included in the Downloads section. This also gives an easy reference below.
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DICTIONARY PROJECT GOING STRONGDistribution of Dictionaries to 3rd Graders continues. Butch Macri at Our Lady of Perpetual Help John Oesmann and Msgr Baddick, celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday! Notre Dame |
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FOUNDATION GALA ALMOST HERE!CLARIFICATION - COSTUMES ARE OPTIONAL! SEEMS ROTARIANS ARE NOT INTO COSTUMES SOMETIMES! What is important is your participation and support of our Foundation. Please join in a wonderful night of fellowship and celebration. Your $50 ticket for celebrating the FUN in fundraising at the Foundation Gala "Costumes for a Cause," on March 23, 2019 includes dinner (choice of chicken, beef or vegetarian) and dancing. There will be opportunity to bid on silent auction baskets and participate in the 50/50 raffle. Cash bar too! If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to email, text or call DGN Janet (484-241-1252.) Make your reservation now (here!) Cutoff for reservations is March 17!
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OUTREACH FOOD PROJECT NEEDS YOU NOW!!!Rotarians, Family, Friends and other Volunteers, The time to step up is now. This is our Area 2 project where we collaborate to produce 40,000 meals for the food insecure in our area communities. The event is Saturday March 9th at the Moravian College Haupert Student Union Building at 1119 Monocacy St. (the same building as last year). Signup/registration can be easily done by clicking on the link below. Club members can simply pick your shift(s) one at a time, click "Myself", add your cell #, Save, and you're done! Or ANYONE (all ages of family, friends, co-workers students (receive community service credits) and potential Rotarians) can click AREA 2 OUTREACH FOOD PROJECT UNDER Upcoming Events on the right side of this page and click the box Rotary Food Packaging Event 2019. This takes you directly to the sign up lists. Sat. March 9th is rapidly approaching. We need participation commitment ASAP. Reach out beyond Rotary. This is one great opportunity to show Rotarians working with the community. John Oesmann (973-479-3146) or myself, Ron Searfoss (rsearfos@ptd.net; 610-504-1460) will be happy to sign up anyone with the enthusiasm to help others and have great fellowship in the process. WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW. Thank you! John Oesmann Ron Searfoss (rsearfos@ptd.net) Cell 973-479-3146 610-504-1460 This service opportunity project is open to all who share the Inspiration of SERVICE ABOVE SELF! What better way to get "hands on" and learn about Rotary while helping our communities. |
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President's Message 2-19-19In 2016 the Charlotte & Tore Hartmann-Hansen Community Grant (HH Grant) was established by our club. The grant, awarded annually to honor Charlotte & Tore's dedication to the work of Rotary, will continue their legacy of impact locally & globally. On Valentine's Day we celebrated the generosity of Charlotte & Tore to insure the legacy of this grant, with the PDG Tore & Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen Endowment Fund through The Rotary Foundation and the Tore & Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen Fund for Bethlehem Morning Star Charitable Organization through the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. Proceeds from these two permanent funds will match an additional 50% of the award given annually through the HH Grant. District Governor Cindy Hornaman also joined us to recognize Charlotte & Tore for achieving The Rotary Foundation - Major Donor Level 4. Our dear MSR friends certainly are an inspiration to us all! Yours in Rotary Service, Plan-it Janet "Rotary Connects the World!" |
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ROTARY "LOVE STORY"What could be more appropriate on St. Valentine's Day than a Love Story? This day at our meeting we will be celebrating our favorite couple, PDG Tore & Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen and their Rotary "love story!" This love story of theirs certainly includes their gift of time for 30 years to Rotary and MSR. District Governor Cindy Hornaman will join us to recognize the significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation by PDG Tore & Charlotte. There will also be some special surprises that day - so please make sure to be there!! The celebration will include an exciting announcement for the future of Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary. |
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OUR NEWEST MEMBER MILLARD COOKPlease join us in welcoming our newest member Millard S. Cook. Looking forward to his 'Get to Know You' talk. Not sure which of his 5+ languages he may select! Congratulations and welcome to the Morning Star family!
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Mary Jo HeblingINTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESTORATIVE PracticesOur speaker, Mary Jo Hebling, will introduce us to the International Institute for Restorative Practices, a graduate level entity with a global reach, and headquartered in Bethlehem. Those of our members involved in education likely are aware of this important work. Come and hear the latest creative thinking on conflict resolution by one of Bethlehem's own. Hope to see you Thursday, January 24! |
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DIVERSITY IN THE LEHIGH VALLEYWho are we in the Lehigh Valley as to race and economics? How is that changing, and how does this inform civic-minded clubs and individuals?Sharon Brown has spent a career advocating for minority student populations, at Lehigh, Moravian, and most recently at East Stroudsburg University, and is highly qualified to speak to their unique challenges. The topic is particularly of interest to Rotary Clubs, who struggle to attract a membership that reflects the make-up of their communities. Sharon provided an overview of Demographics from 2018 for Lehigh and Northampton counties. Significant changes noted were: Increased ethnic diversity Increase in religious communities More ethnic and diverse restaurants Increase in language diversity Increased presence of LGBTQ community Greater inclusion in community events Increase in small minority owned businesses There are very real Barriers to continued development: Lack of awareness Inability to examine with a critical lens Inability to challenge structural barriers Unwillingness to examine one's own biases and beliefs (both conscious and unconscious) Conscious silence - take action as an individual Fear Prime example: there many, many non profit boards in our communities which do not reflect the reality of the organizations they guide. Conscious silence must be overcome. A willingness to explore the field of different flowers. Close, well-seasoned friends, Sharon Brown and MSR's Janet Sipple Thank you Sharon for a most enlightening program! We look forward to working with you in the future. |
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SHELTER BOX UPDATEWe had the pleasure at our January 3, meeting to have Bill Tuszynski, District Shelter Box Chair, provide an in depth update on the status of Shelter Box. There continues to be evolutions in design and adaptations to address changing needs.
Last year placements exceeded 200,000 units with the five year plan to provide over 1,000,000 units deployed throughout the world annually. Support for the program derives primarily from individual Rotarians globally and a modest corporate support level. It is not supported financially by RI. So every dollar you give to Shelter Box makes a significant difference. |
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Dick Roberts MSR President 2003-04
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HOLIDAY PARTY SATURDAY JAN 5Ho Ho Ho and Happy New Year!! Our warm friendly HOLIDAY PARTY tradition continued, again graciously hosted by Mike & Terri Long! Over 30+ Morning Star Rotarians and Significant Others joined the celebration sharing various foods, libations and excellent desserts. We wish to thank our hosts, Mike & Terri, for opening their home for all the fellowship. Some were quite accepting of the arrangement of having the Colts taking down the Texans. Happy New Year to Everyone! Pictures courtesy of Millard Cook |
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SALUTE THE TROOPS - SPONSORS, ETC. DUE BY OCT 26“Salute the Troops” Concert
REMINDER Sponsors, Advertisers, etc. DUE by Nov. 1st!!!
Who? The Allentown Band will entertain Rotarians, friends, family, veterans, students and the general public
What? An excellent concert by the oldest municipal band in the country, featuring patriotic and related songs.
When? Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3:00 pm
Where? Northeast Middle School’s new Auditorium 1170 Fernwood St., Bethlehem (Parking very close, and easy access)
Why? To benefit Victory House of the Lehigh Valley and other Morning Star Rotary charities. Many of those served by Victory House are Veterans.
How can you help?
The flyer plus the form for Sponsors/Patrons/"In Honor Of" listings are available in downloads on our homepage, and they were emailed to all members for easy access. Hard copies are also available at club meetings.
Questions? Contact Gayle Justice gljustice55@gmail.com or 610-597-8846 Thank you!
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COMING OUT DAY SPECIAL PROGRAMLBGQ ISSUES, NATIONAL COMING OUT DAYOct 11, 2018 7:30 AM Adrian Shankar LBGQ Issues, National Coming Out Day Adrian Shanker, Executive Director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, is a leader in LGBT health advocacy with a decade-long history of working for LGBT legal, social, and health equity. Adrian is an accomplished organizer, having led numerous successful campaigns to advance LGBT rights in municipalities across Pennsylvania, including non-discrimination protections, relationship recognition ordinances, and laws to protect LGBT youth from conversion therapy. A specialist in LGBT health policy, Adrian has developed leading-edge campaigns to advance health equity for LGBT Pennsylvanians, through policy, behavioral, and clinical changes. Adrian is co-author of "Queer and Quitting: Addressing Tobacco Use as an LGBTQ Issue" a chapter in The Routledge Handbook for LGBTQIA Administration and Policy (Taylor & Francis, 2018). In addition to his leadership at The Center, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Adrian as a Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Pennsylvania Department of Health's Office of Health Equity, as a member of ACLU of Pennsylvania's Board of Directors, and the Board of the Non-Profit & Business Partners Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Hope to see you at this very special, contemporary program. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 10-09-18The only way to do great work is to love what you do! ~Steve Jobs You can see that LOVE all around us!! September, October & November is a busy time for Morning Star Rotarians. Celtic Classic 5K, Salute the Troops Concert, Dictionary Project, Janet Sipple Lecture & "Why Zero Matters" Dinner. Foundations & Grants, Youth Services, and Bethlehem Emergency Shelter groups are meeting to strengthen the work of Rotary in Bethlehem. The Program Committee have "not to miss" programs planned. Morning Star Rotary is doing great things!! We are grateful ❤ Yours in Rotary Service, Plan-it Janet "Rotary Connects the World!" |
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YOUNG HELMUTH PREPARING |
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GAYLE JUSTICE - WE WELCOME YOU!Gayle Justice featured next to MSR President Elect Ron Helmuth, dazzled us with her musical life story from banking to teaching, and now enjoying her grandchildren in retirement. Gayle has always been extremely talented and we so look forward to having our own "drama queen” being fully engaged in Rotary! Who else comes to a Rotary meeting with a pitch pipe? |
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WHY ZERO MATTERSMichael McGovern, Chair of Polio Plus Committee - Rotary International, will be our special guest as we honor District 7430 efforts to eliminate polio through contributions to The Rotary Foundation and the two District 7430 Yvette M. Palmer Purple Pinkie 5K Run & Fun Walk being held in October. THIS IS A DISTRICT 7430 EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE HOTEL BETHLEHEM. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY TO ENSURE ACCESS! Date and TimeLocationRefund Policy
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SIPPLE LECTURE 10-19-18Janet Sipple Lecture registation
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MSR RACE COMMITTEE MEETINGMSR RACE COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 7 AM ALL INVITED!!! LAST MEETING BEFORE THE EVENT!! The 28th Year of our Morning Star Celtic Classic 5K Run/Walk on September 29 is HERE. Thank you for your help and support in making this the best year ever! THIS IS AN 'ALL HANDS ON DECK' EVENT. |
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THE ROTARY FOUNDATION 2017-18 RESULTS
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VACCINE CLINIC THANK YOUTHEY CAME EARLY!!! Many received their shots. Special thanks to Dr. Janet Sipple for once again taking the initiative to conduct this event. A very special thanks to the Bethlehem Health Bureau and RN Stephanie Oakley for the fine execution. STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER SEASON!!!
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DISTRICT GOVERNOR OFFICIAL VISIT SEPTEMBER 27Cindy Hornaman, our District Governor, will be at our September 27th meeting for the DG official visit. Mark your calendars as you will want to hear the wonderful things happening in our District and how Rotary is evolving. BOARD MEMBERS NOTE: there will be a special Board Meeting with the District Governor following the club meeting. |
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RETURN OF A FAMILY MEMBEROn August 30, we were very pleased to welcome back to our Rotary family Iryna Levytska. Iryna, Alex Shnaydruk and daughter Victoria return to us from Ukraine via Belgium. We welcome them all back and are very happy to see them again. Victoria is quite the young lady. She was entertaining us at the last First Thursday. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 9-18-18I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. ~Confuscios Rotarians. That's what we are about - doing. We get it. We understand that the work of Rotary brings understanding and peace to those we serve .... and to ourselves. There are numerous MSR opportunities this fall to "do it" - Celtic Classic 5k, Dictionary Project, Purple Pinkie Lehigh Valley, Janet Sipple Lecture & Why Zero Matters Dinner and Salute the Troops Concert. So as Nike says " Just do it!" YIRS, Plan-it Janet |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 9-10-18“....please remember there’s nothing nobler than serving a cause greater than your own self-interest.” -Senator John McCain As you all are aware, because of Rotary I find connection all around us. On a recent weekend once again that point was brought close again. As I watched the funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC; this quote was shared by those speaking about the life of service that John McCain gave to this country. I realized that our Rotary motto "Service above Self!" is another way to state it. As Rotarians we have committed to a cause greater than ourselves - doing The Work of Rotary; serving humanity and making a difference. At the August 24th meeting, Tom & I had the opportunity to share with you some of the experiences we had at the International Convention in June. From the incredible speakers at the opening ceremonies, to meeting with new friends and old, to breakout sessions on The Future of Rotary and Corporate Social Responsibility we left the convention feeling inspired to come back to MSR and our Bethlehem community and commit our self to The Work of Rotary. YIRS, Plan-it Janet THIS THURSDAY!! Flu Vaccines, and Inoculation Myths Dr. Richard Hjorth will speak to us on this timely subject. Look forward to seeing you! Plan-it Janet |
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THE POTATO PROJECT 9-22-18VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! CHANCE OF A LIFETIME! BE A REAL POTATO PICKER AND HELP THE FOOD INSECURE IN 5 COUNTIES Dear ROTARIANS: Harvest conditions have caused The Potato Project to ask us Rotarians to pick potatoes at a new 15 acre location in conjunction with a harvest festival on Saturday, September 22, 2018 beginning at 1:00 pm: 22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown, PA 196530 which appears on Google Maps as follows: https://www.google.com/maps/place/22+Luckenbill+Rd,+Kutztown,+PA+19530/@40.5105258,-75.7912856,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c5d3c8b17e422f:0x809954bb509f71f!8m2!3d40.5105258!4d-75.7890969?hl=en . We will donate these potatoes to the Berks Food Bank to assist food-insecure people in a 5-county area. Please join other District 7430 Rotarians at this new location which is Kutztown University’s farm and the German Heritage Center. The related festival is the Heemet Fescht which is fun and you can learn more at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/pennsylvania-german-cultural-heritage-center/calendar-of-events.htm. This is a perfect project for all Rotarians and friends; those who do not pick can help by (1) serving freshly cut French fried potatoes and drink to other volunteers, (2) taking pictures, (3) assisting with boxes on pallets for others to load, or (4) smiling. Exchange students, Rotaract and Interact members and children and grandchildren are welcome too, provided you supervise them with qualified adults. Please share this opportunity with your Area Presidents and other constituents and other friends and let me know how many will participate by September 20, 2018. This is a change of location with better parking than the church field we previously picked. This supersedes my August 22, 2018 email about the other location. Thanks, Bob Robert J. Hobaugh Co-Chair, Annual Fund Assistant Governor District 7430, Area 3 610-360-6537 |
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COME SEE DR. KAMRAN AFSHAR ECONOMIC UPDATEThe Lehigh Valley Economy Kamran Afshar is the Lehigh Valley’s preeminent economist, and a member of our sister club, Bethlehem Rotary. Kamran has just completed his latest survey of Lehigh Valley businesses, providing a current outlook for the immediate economy. Even more intersting will be his insight into the Lehigh Valley’s directions and growth and what the future bodes for the Lehigh Valley. Dr. Afshar has presented to our club in the past, though not for a number of years. His outlook is both timely and timeless for anyone engaged in leadership of any kind in our community. Be sure to come and hear about our Lehigh Valley economic status Thursday, August 23, 2018. |
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RAPTORS in the LEHIGH VALLEYLast Thursday, Morning Star 💫 Rotarians Rick Morrissey (a passionate birder) and Geoff Wright, VMD introduced us to the fascinating raptors living in & migrating through the Lehigh Valley including kestrels, bald eagles, hawks, and falcons. Geoff, a veterinarian, is a go-to resource for treating wounded raptors. He operates on anywhere from 6 to 60 injured raptors per year.
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CONGRATULATIONS TOM HARTZELLMorning Star Rotarian Tom Hartzell has been a committed leader rallying club members on behalf of The Rotary Foundation, which supports much-needed Rotary programs throughout the world. Past District Governor Doug Cook helped us honor Tom this week for his own generous contributions and awarding him with the title, “Major Donor Level 1.” Congratulations, Tom! Yes, Tom is really in his happy place! |
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Update: Spotted Lantern FlySpotted Lantern Fly - What to do if you see one! Whenever you see a Spotted Lantern Fly - KILL IT!!!! Both Northampton & Lehigh Counties are part of the quarantine areas, so we need to continue to report it. To be helpful, if you travel outside these counties inspect your vehicle so not to have any SLF "hitchhikers" traveling with you. There are really no known predators to these creatures. There are pesticides that work. It is the property owners’ responsibility to use whatever means they can to destroy them and get rid of them. YIRS, Plan-it Janet |
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ROTARY GLOBAL REWARDS
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COMMITTEE/GROUP SIGN-UPThank you to all that have signed up to participate in one of the important committees or working groups. Specifically we are still looking for leadership in the following areas:
There is still time to sign up: (Click here!) There will also be a signup sheet at the August 9th weekly meeting. Just a reminder to signup for our weekly duties. The club meetings run well when we all help make it happen!! |
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THOMAS JEFFERSON UPDATEReceived from Tracey Hirner, Principal, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Pictures of the lettering recently hung at TJE. This is a big part of creating their Leader In Me Culture throughout the building. The mural (seen previously in our Bulletins) will be hung by the end of the summer as well. |
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WELCOME MSR MEMBERSMEET OUR NEWEST MSR MEMBERS Please welcome Zachary Ainsley and Gregory Scarlato as our newest Morning Star members. Zach is from forest resource management where he is an ISA Certified Arborist. Greg comes to us from the banking industry where he is a Business Development Officer. We look forward to hearing from them in the near future as they tell their stories to the club. Please introduce yourself to them. Easy to identify - they are so young and enthusiastic! |
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ANTIGUA & BARBUDA DR. HUNTEROur July 26th meeting was a presentation on 9 years of student and Rotary service projects in Antigua & Barbuda by MSR Dr. Bill Hunter, Director, Fellowship Advising & United Nations Programs at Lehigh University. Bill has been directly engaged in these projects and has been instrumental in guiding the efforts of many Lehigh students in trips to the islands to participate in accomplishing many projects. These have been done with the Ministry of Education and support of the partner Sun Down Rotary Club. Bill does Q&A Sadly, last year Antigua and Barbuda, the sister island in its nation, were devastated by hurricanes. Fortunately Antigua with a population of nearly 70,000 was spared the brunt of the storms. Barbuda, with a population of around 2,000 was totally devastated. While Bill went through the previous successes of Lehigh's projects, his focus was on the current state of the islands with a look to the future. Possibilities
As Morning Star moves forward with its plans, we ask serious consideration be undertaken to find means to help these people recover and move forward. Global grant evaluations, partnerships with other clubs, etc. are among the opportunities. For more click here for the video Bill shared. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGECouncil on Legislation ......just so you know!Every three years, Rotarians meet in person at the Council on Legislation to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. They consider enactments, which change Rotary’s governing documents, and position statements by the RI Board. Much of the work is now done in advance via webinars and online sessions. The next Council on Legislation will take place in April 2019. PDG Doug Cook will represent our district at this session. The cost to hold these meetings is provided through an assessment to clubs each year. In the recent past the assessment was $1.50 per member, however this year the cost has been reduced to only $1.00. If you have any questions about the Council on Legislation, please don't hesitate to ask me. YIRS, Plan-it Janet |
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JOAN PAUL SHARES FUN IN EVANSTONJoan Paul, Morning Star Rotarian who has moved, was at TASTE OF EVANSTON (IL), Sunday, July 8, 2018. She figured she should be representing Morning Star! Thought she would share the fun with all of us. Evanston is the home of Rotary International headquarters. Would imagine there are some excellent turnouts to support the community! Thanks, Joan! |
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COMMITTEE/GROUP SIGN-UPPlease take this opportunity to show your support of our Rotary work and sign up to participate in one of the important committees or working groups. We can't do it without you! (Click here!)There will also be a signup sheet at the weekly meeting. |
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ROTARY, LEHIGH, and ANTIGUA & BARBUDAOur program this Thursday will feature Dr. Bill Hunter, MSR, Director, Office of Fellowship Advising and UN Programs at Lehigh University. He will be discussing 9 years of
Promises to have lots of photos, video and heartwarming stories. Please join us for what may lead us to our next Global Grant project. |
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CAMP NEIDIG UPDATEOur July 19th meeting was the annual Camp Neidig update with input from our MSR support team, the incomparable Rick Morrissey and Charlie Incalcaterra. Rick has been our ace recruiter for a number of years seeking out appropriate high school juniors to be scholar campers sponsored by Morning Star. He spoke to how students begin the process of getting to know one another even in the time it takes to drive down to the camp. Bonding starts. An official Camp Neidig Highlight video was shown. YouTube Video for camp neidig▶ 4:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0hPz8GqwFk. Enjoy! Next Charlie, (seasoned District Camp Co-Director) reprised the speech he gave at the end of Camp, encouraging the students to seek out and talk to their political representatives to voice their views and have an impact in Harrisburg and Washington. After all, they will be able to vote next year! The highlight of the event was camper Mariah Nagle, Cheryl Baker’s daughter, who told us about learning how to lead by listening (rather than talking loudly over others) and the close connections forged in just a few days together. Watch and listen closely to see how this self-avowed introvert evolved from “why did I come to this god awful place” to someone with a whole lot of new friends who learned the best way to lead is to listen, communicate and talk to people. As Rick summed it up “Mariah GETS IT!!!” See Mariah'sTransformation here. Congratulations Mariah. All your friends at Morning Star are so very happy for you. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEOn July 1 each year, around the world, the succession of leadership takes place in every Rotary Club. I am the 29th president that has been chosen to lead our club. MSR has a wonderful tradition of leadership symbolized by "passing the gavel" and the "kick-out" party. What a great gathering we had last Thursday to honor outgoing President Cheryl. Thank you to all that contributed food and a special thanks for our hosts, John & Carrie Oesmann. Succession planning is absolutely vital to every club that wants to continue to have impact in their communities. Next year Ron Helmuth will have an encore presidency. But the future is uncertain. Who will lead MSR the following year? Could it be you? YIRS, Plan-it Janet |
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ROTARY'S BIG EVENT
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KICK-OUT PARTY HOT SUCCESS!!!Our last meeting was a celebration “Kick-Out President Cheryl” wonderfully hosted by Carrie and John Oesmann at their home on Broad Street. The festivities were well attended and a great time was had by all. See our FaceBook for additional pictures. Thank you to Cheryl and the members for a great year! |
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HAVING FUN....."Never underestimate the importance of having fun" - Randy Pausch Though Morning Star Rotary has a strong legacy of having fun, often clubs become so entrenched in their habits that they forget to have fun. If Rotary isn’t fun, how can we inspire the hearts of our members? How can we increase our membership? How can we survive? So weekly we continually ask ourselves that important question: Is it fun? And.....in that spirit, see you on Thursday as we "kick-out" past president Cheryl and have some fun!! "Plan-it Janet" |
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President Kolepp Presents Our Strategic PlanThe strategic plan was reviewed at the July 5th meeting. This plan is a work in progress and will continue to guide and direct the work of Rotary for our club. Working groups have been formed with the objective to strengthen the strategic areas of focus as follows:
As part of the strategic planning process, we are asking all Morning Star Rotarians to volunteer for the project and fundraiser committees that you want to serve on during the 2018-2019 Rotary year. This may be accomplished by visiting the website here or using the signup sheets that will be at the July meetings. If you have any questions regarding the strategic plan, please feel free to contact any board member. |
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EVENING JUL 12
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MSR CHANGEOVER 6-28-18MORNING STAR ROTARY CHANGEOVER 6-28-18 Last Thursday we had our annual Changeover Meeting. The program was emceed by AG Ron. We had a great time thanking everyone, conducting our traditional “Past Presidents Passing of the Gavel” and installing our new President Janet after raising President Cheryl to that exalted position of “Past President”. Cheryl and Janet have worked diligently to focus on our strategic plan going forward, and to provide the added benefits of continuity in focus and management. Thank you Cheryl for all your efforts this past year and helping establish an ever stronger base upon which we will continue. |
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HARTMANN-HANSEN BAPL GRANTBETHLEHEM AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES HARTMANN-HANSEN COMMUNITY GRANT FROM ROTARY CLUB OF BETHLEHEM MORNING STAR BAPL Press Release 6-21-18 (Bethlehem, PA) -- The Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) is pleased to announce it is the 2018 recipient of the Charlotte & Tore Hartmann-Hansen Community Grant, presented by the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star. The grant award of $2,500 will support the renovation of the Bob Cohen Room at BAPL, and was presented to Library Executive Director Josh Berk, Development & Marketing Specialist Kate Racculia, and Amy Miller Cohen, widow of Bob Cohen, by Club President Cheryl Baker and Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen on Thursday, June 21. The Cohen Room--the former children’s room on the first floor of BAPL--currently shows the wear of over 50 years of use. It is in the process of being refurbished and updated into a multi-use community room, to host concerts, lectures, meetings, plays, art galleries, workshops and other community-driven events. The room honors the memory of late Library Board member, donor, and dear friend--and dedicated Rotarian--Bob Cohen. “We are so grateful for this generous gift,” said Berk. “With construction about to begin, it’s an exciting reminder that the Cohen Room truly is a place for the community to come together. We thank Morning Star Rotary and the Hartmann-Hansen family for helping bring the room closer to becoming a new space for the public to enjoy.” The grant, named in recognition of Charlotte and Tore Hartmann-Hansen’s commitment, dedication, and love of Rotary, is awarded annually by the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star to continue their legacy of service and impact locally and globally. Photo, L to R: Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, Cheryl Baker, Josh Berk, Kate Racculia, Amy Miller Cohen About the Bethlehem Area Public Library On December 1, 1900 nine prominent women from Bethlehem’s north, south and west sides met to “consider the need of a Public Library in the Bethlehems and to devise methods by which it might be established.” On February 1, 1901 the doors to the free reading room and library officially opened to the public, and the Bethlehem Area Public Library has faithfully served the community since. Committed to the public good, the Library educates, informs, and inspires by providing community, engagement, and free and open access to materials and information. www.bapl.org About the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club Members of the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club are community and business leaders dedicated to making the world a better place, and are part of a world-wide fellowship of 1.2 million. SERVICE ABOVE SELF is Rotary's motto, and fun, fellowship and community involvement empowers them to meet this worthy goal. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEI want to introduce you to my "alter" ego Plan-It Janet. Each week you will find her here at the bottom of the page, sharing a short quip from the world of Rotary. The main focus of our weekly bulletin will be to keep you informed about current projects, programs and events of the club. I'm looking forward to serving with you this year as we continue strengthening the work of Rotary around our community! YIRS, Janet PLEASE JOIN US THURSDAY JULY 5 AT 7:30 AM WHEN PRESIDENT JANET WILL PRESENT THE PROGRAM FOR MSR TO BE THE INSPIRATION! NOTE - MORNING MEETING - NO FIRST THURSDAY EVENING MEETING FOR JULY !!! |
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DISTRICT 7430 CHANGEOVER 6-28-18The District 7430 Changeover was conducted at Brookside Country Club in Macungie. Worthy of note was how new President Janet Kolepp was kept quite busy from the performance recognition of the Morning Star Rotary Club! MSR was acknowledged for having a net +6 increase in Membership for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. In addition we had a 96% retention rate. Of the 47 clubs in the District, 11 were recognized for successfully completing the District Governor's Certification. Congratulations to all MSR as you achieved this worthy goal as a result of your club efforts!
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Strategic Planning Process - Next StepsVOLUNTEER FOR THE PROJECT AND FUNDRAISER COMMITTEES As part of the strategic planning process, we are asking all Morning Star Rotarians to volunteer for the project and fundraiser committees that you want to serve on during the 2018-2019 Rotary year. This may be accomplished by visiting the website here or using the signup sheets that will be at the July meetings. Please provide your input in a timely manner to facilitate our moving forward, Thank you. |
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Jun 27, 2018 Morning Star BulletinIMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UPCOMING MORNING STAR ROTARY MEETINGS! PLEASE FOCUS ON THE TIMES AND LOCATIONS AS WELL AS THE CRITICAL CONTENTS! JUNE 28 MORNING STAR CLUB CHANGEOVER MEETING Moravian Village 7:10 am to 8:30 am Plan to join us for the "Passing of the Gavel" This is the official Club Leadership Changeover! We will honor past presidents and induct our new officers and President Janet Kolepp. Guarantee some surprises you will not want to miss! JULY 5 MORNING STAR CLUB BREAKFAST MEETING!! Moravian Village 7:10 am to 8:30 am Prepare to be inspired! The Board and members have been busy this spring working on the 2018-19 Strategic Plan. President Janet will share the club's important plans for strengthening all that we do! NOTE - THIS IS A MORNING MEETING. THERE WILL BE NO FIRST THURSDAY EVENING MEETING AT THE ARTISAN FOR JULY!!! JULY 12 MORNING STAR CLUB "KICK-OUT" PRESIDENT CHERYL BBQ @ Oesmanns 6:00 pm 114 East Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 Help us "kick-out" President Cheryl. We will gather at John & Carrie Oesmann's home. Hamburgers, hot dogs, dessert, beer & wine will be provided. Bring a salad or side dish to share. JULY 19 MORNING STAR ROTARY CLUB ANTICIPATES A RETURN TO "NORMALIZED" MEETINGS AT MORAVIAN VILLAGE! We look forward to seeing you everywhere! |
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AMY MILLER COHENOur speaker on Thursday was Amy Miller Cohen, our newest member. Amy, though new to Morning Star Rotary, qualifies as a “seasoned Rotarian” having been in the Downtown Rotary Club for many years. She was the wife of Bob Cohen, a long time Bethlehem Rotarian whom we sadly lost in the recent past. Fortunately for us, Ellen Roberts sensed that Amy was ready to bring her wonderful enthusiasm back into Rotary and asked her to join Morning Star. Amy, or Dr. Cohen, earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University and has a psychology practice in Bethlehem for many years. In addition, currently she has been busy with editing the first book of Bob’s poems. Amy is also a SOULCOLLAGE Facilitator. This is a process through which you contact your intuition and create an incredible deck of cards which deep personal meaning and which will help you with life’s questions. She has an excellent PowerPoint presentation available and with all her enthusiasm will be happy to share this new and fascinating approach to helping individuals. A warm Morning Star welcome to our new and quite unique family member! Top to Bottom Says it all! Amy & Bob 1972 Tai Chi with Buzz Lightyear Our Newest Member! |
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MSR ROAD TRIPROTARY ROAD TRIP JUNE 21, 2018 Frances L. Barnard Children's Center at Bethlehem Area Public Library 7:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast - will be provided (via Panera Bread) and we'll collect our $10 meeting fee. PARKING - Unfortunately parking isn't available in the underground garage during the day; certain spaces are only open for the public after 4 pm on weeknights and weekends. Early in the day, (as out meeting is), there should be plenty of free 2-hour parking spaces on New Street around Payrow Plaza. You can also find non-timed back-in spots on the City Hall side of New Street; on E. Church Street across from the cemetery (see map!); and on E. Church Street after Center Street and before School Street (for part of the block, there isn't permit parking). The walk is largely flat and takes about 5 minutes. There are a few handicapped spaces, a blue curb, right in front of the library and in front of City Hall on Church Street. SEE YOU THERE! |
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OUR NEWEST MEMBER AMY MILLER COHENThis Thursday we will have a 'fireside chat' with one of our newest and very enthusiastic members Amy Miller Cohen. Amy already qualifies as a "seasoned Rotarian" having previously been in the Downtown Rotary Club for many years. She was the wife of Bob Cohen, a long term Bethlehem Rotarian and famous musical entertainer whom sadly we lost in the recent past. Please plan to join us as I know this will be a memorable classification talk! |
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FIRST THURSDAY JUN 7, 2018FIRST THURSDAY - ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS Our meeting kicking off June activities last week, found us engaged in a conference call with fellow Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown club. The topic of discussion was initial consideration of the feasibility of a global grant focused on addressing autism needs in Antigua. Following discussions, there was a good deal of enthusiasm with recognition of the need to address the many questions identified before being able to proceed. The ball appears to be gaining initial traction. Speaking of the ball rolling, yours truly found himself upon a chair which actually was a "transformer" and evolved into a reverse chaise lounge; whereupon I lost any semblance of musical chairs and disappeared under the hors d'oeuvres table! These First Thursday meetings can really be exciting! A discussion followed with a visiting Rotarian, guest of Tom Kolepp. It afforded all some wonderful insights into the perceptions of millenials. With luck this person may come to Morning Star and bring his wonderful enthusiasm along! These First Thursday meetings at the Artisan continue to grow in popularity and have resulted in becoming a strong membership recruiting tool. Please plan on coming to the next meeting and catch the excitement. |
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Morning Star Rotary Update 6-12-18EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year Every dollar you contribute will help us to continue to do good in our communities and in the world. If you have already donated to The Rotary Foundation since July 1, 2017, we thank you. If not, we would appreciate your consideration of donating to The Rotary Foundation so Morning Star Rotary can achieve 100% participation for the fourth year in a row. Your support is vital to growing our Annual Fund and more that we can do in the world. Ways to donate: STILL TIME TO GET YOUR DONATION TO TOM HARTZELL BY JUNE 15, 2018!!! Mail a check payable to The Rotary Foundation to Tom Hartzell 1341 Biafore Avenue Bethlehem PA 18017 Contribute at the $2/week at the Sign-In Table Donate on-line at the Rotary Foundation. Thank you. SAVE THE DATE JUNE 28 MORNING STAR CLUB CHANGEOVER Plan to join us for the "Passing of the Gavel" This will be the official Club Leadership Changeover! We will honor past presidents and induct our new officers and President Janet Kolepp. Rotary District 7430 Changeover and Club Awards Night Thursday, June 28, 2018 6:15 pm - 8:30 pm Brookside Country Club 901 Willow Lane Macungie, PA 18062 Come attend the annual Rotary District 7430 Changeover Dinner and Club Awards Night to celebrate the outgoing District 7430's 45 club accomplishments under District Governor, Rick Gromis. We will also welcome incoming District Governor, Cindy Hornaman and the 45 incoming Presidents for the 2018-2019 Rotary year. Cocktails will begin at 6:15 pm with dinner at 7:00 pm (Governors meeting to be held beginning at 5:30 pm) Menu includes: Appetizers, Salad, Choice of Chicken Marsala or Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Green Beans, Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Carrot Cake with Caramel Praline Sauce Tickets are $40 and must be purchased online using this link D7430 Changeover Tickets Hope to see you there! |
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MY YEAR IN BETHLEHEM - FRANCESCA "PITTI" BRAJAAt our meeting May 31, 2018 we had an update by our exchange student, Francesca Braja! Francesca comes to us from Piemonte in northwest Italy near Torino. It is a very beautiful area with a mix of modern and very old picturesque buildings. She is more commonly known by her nickname “Pitti”. She highlighted some of the key differences in the educational process in Italy versus the US.. She had choices for high schools based on Classical, Scientific and Language studies. Her choice also determined the school she would attend as in the system, the schools are dedicated to one of the curriculum of studies in each school. Italian High School Key Areas of Difference versus US
Pitti has been very active at Freedom High School! Cheerleading, lacrosse, Mini-Thon (helped raise $130,781 to help kids!), and many new friends in “Young Life!”. The FHS prom was a unique experience as there are no proms in Italian schools. Celebrated her 18th birthday at Beni Hana’s, not exactly traditional Italian cuisine! Trips to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York complete with a visit from her family from Italy. Pitti really enjoyed her experiences with the other exchange students in the district. She gave very special thanks to her host families for making this such an incredible experience! She will have 3 more families for life! She gave a very warm, heartfelt thank you to Morning Star Rotary for supporting this incredible opportunity of a lifetime. We hope Francesca comes back to visit in the future! Photo thanks to Shawn Deiter |
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THOMAS JEFFERSON MURAL UNVEILED!Today we unveiled our amazing mural created by our students and community artist Matt Halm during this semester. So thankful to Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary for adopting our school and making it all possible @tjeffersonbasd @bethlehemareasd |
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Memorable Day for AllAs we celebrte Memorial Day please I ask that we take a moment to stop and think about what it really means. Look around and take the opportunity to explain to our younger generations the real meaning of Memorial Day. We have the holiday, the celebrations, the Indy 500, etc. because of all the brave people who have served, continue to serve and will bless our freedom with their service in the future. The following was excerpted from the Bethlehem Rotary club’s bulletin from last year. It is real, very close to home and warrants revisiting. The program topic was one that Rotarian, Bob Weed, does not like to talk about. If that’s how he feels, you might wonder why he does talk about it. It’s because the Korean War is often classified as the ‘forgotten war’ and Bob never wants others to forget about it. During the 3-year war, 1,789,000 young people served in the Korean War. Of those million plus Americans, 36,574 were killed in action and another 103,284 were wounded in action. The New York Times aptly referred to the Korean War as World War 2.5. July 17, 1953 will be forever etched in Bob’s mind. It was what he described as the ‘night from hell’ when a Chinese mortar round landed too close to him. Although he was somewhat protected by his flak jacket, his arms and legs were severely injured by shrapnel. He was first taken to a MASH unit to be stabilized and quickly flown out to the USS Repose for further care. He was eventually transferred to a naval hospital in Japan where he was operated on 7 times in 7 months. Bob will be forever grateful to the Naval Chaplain and the Navy Medical Service Corp for all they did to help get him back on his feet. Bob left us with two important messages:
Thank you, Bob, for reminding us of what a great country we live in and for your personal sacrifice to our country. God Bless America! |
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District Training AssemblyRotary District 7430 Training Assembly was conducted this past Saturday at DeSales University In addition to a session for AGs/PEs, there were sessions on Strategic Planning, Secretary/Treasurer Review, mix it up with membership, Branding, Marketing and Social Media. New Membership Initiatives were introduced along with the RI Theme – Be The Inspiration, District 7430 Goals for next year and requirements of the Governor Citation. Logan Ruyak, winner of the 4 Way Test Competition, gave an encore performance of her outstanding talk. Following lunch, Jeffry Cadorette, RI International Director Elect, Zones 24 & 32 gave an enthusiastic talk on “why Rotary”. The afternoon had an optional grant training session for clubs looking to expand their engagement with both District and Global grants. There were nearly 80 Rotarians at the Assembly from all around the District. . Morning Star Rotary was very well represented with 8 of our MSR Rotarians participating in all areas. In attendance were Marianne Aronson, Tom Hartzell, Shawn Deiter, Janet, Tom & Carl Kolepp and Jean & Ron Searfoss. We always look to encourage our members to get engaged in areas outside the regular club activities to experience how great and involved an organization you are a part of. Please feel free to ask any of the attendees for their perspectives on the District Assembly or the District Conference or Foundation Gala and other events outside ‘your Rotary box’! |
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MSR TRADITIONS ROAD TRIPMORNING STAR ROTARY ROAD TRIP Special thanks to Traditions of Hanover with Executive Director, Cathy Heimsoth and Marketing Director, Jennifer Murphy for hosting Morning Star for this Road Trip. Jennifer provided an excellent perspective on the capabilities and the significant differences of their services at Traditions. They are the only Month-to-Month such facility serving the Lehigh Valley, thus giving potential clients a very realistic alternative to other such providers of senior care. Janet Kolepp led a review of the results of our Strategic Plan update and the MSR Member Survey, which had a response rate of 42%! Members indicated diversity is a real issue to be addressed. Discussions focused on raising awareness of MSR in the community, and pursuing the quest for good, solid rotary candidates. We highlighted the leadership opportunities to help in all areas both in the club and to help in the community. Janet and President Cheryl are planning a more comprehensive review later in June. |
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MSR SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISERA brief preliminary update on the Audrey Rafferty Memorial Scholarship ARM (Audrey Rafferty Memorial) Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser – Overall meals were up more than 40+ over last year. This also reflects a growing number of ‘takeout’s’. Proves the aroma of the sauce is spreading throughout the community. There was significant support exhibited from some of our other community groups including Bethlehem Special Olympics, Victory House, and Nurse Family Partnerships. Our Scholarship Recipient, Isa Sanchez, was very engaged in distributing salads accompanied by her niece. Thanks also to all the ‘diners’ who enjoyed the food and fellowship. Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the event such a wonderful success. I personally want to thank the committee for the very effective redesign of the workflow assignments which made everything move more efficiently. A complete report will be forthcoming from Event Chair Extraordinaire, Val Walk. Thank you to all and especially the great work in the kitchen with Butch and all the folks. |
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AUDREY RAFFERTY SCHOLARSHIPLast Thursday, April 19, we celebrated Maternal & Child Health Month. Isa Sanchez was named the recipient of the First Audrey Rafferty Memorial Scholarship. Isa and Audrey had a very special relationship which developed through the Nurse-Family Partnership. NFP is free for women who are pregnant with their first baby. When you enroll you will be connected to a registered nurse who will provide the support, advice and information needed to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and be a great mom. Audrey and Isa connected and really lit a fire in each other. Isa gave birth to a baby boy who is now a 15 year-old young man and wonderful source of pride to his mother and family. Isa has completed her GED, achieved an Associate’s Degree, and is pursuing her degree in Nursing. She currently is an Administrative Coordinator in the NFP as she continues to grow. Isa has also earned her own home through the Habitat for Humanity. In describing herself as a “go getter!” this appears to be quite the understatement. Isa is an example of how the NFP has been an effective program for over 15 years. It serves over 250 families per year and has documented proof that it works. Although state supported, the support level has remained flat for 15 years. The success of the program reflects the continual professional, dedicated efforts of its management who constantly pursue grant funding to support the continued success of NFP. We may want to keep this program in our “TOMA” – Top Of Mind Awareness – as we go forward with our community support efforts. There have been many instances where the seemingly small things have had a tremendous impact, e.g. providing the $50 fee to take a GED test successfully and the very powerful positive impact on the woman's future earnings ability for her and her family. l to r: Isa Sanchez, Administrative Coordinator, NFP Dr. Janet Sipple, MSR & St. Luke's Tina Wida, Program Manager, NFP Cheryl Baker, President MSR Tiffany Grabinski, Program Manager, NFP Ellie Fenner, retired NFP Nurse Home Visitor Kelly berk, Director of Maternal-Child Health Initiatives SLUHN Janet Kolepp, MSR PE & DGN |
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 18, 2018UPDATE Rob Vaughn, Channel 69 News Anchor, was our speaker at the April 12 meeting. Rob thoroughly entertained the group with many anecdotes from his 30 years at WFMZ or as he referred to it as “since the earth has cooled.” A key to objectivity is to know very little about a lot. He openly wonders why people find it so annoying that they broadcast standing up. Of overall importance in reporting is to make sure you are fair. In this day and age this is not an easy task. In response to a question on why the media does not pursue term limits, he responded by saying the responsibility of the media is to report the news, not to make it. If the people want term limits, this should be a grassroots effort. Thank you Rob for an informative and humorous presentation. Thursday April 19, our meeting will focus on Maternal & Child Health Month. Isa Sanchez will provide her insights as the First Audrey Rafferty Memorial Scholarship Recipient. This kicks off the initial ARM Scholarship program which is in its evolutionary state of development. Please join us and provide your support to Isa and the Scholarship program. SPECIAL REMINDER FOR APRIL 26TH MEETING - MORNING STAR ROAD TRIP - TRADITIONS OF HANOVER! |
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2018-19 STRATEGIC PLAN GATHERING2018-19 Strategic Plan Update In February of 2017 a group of Morning Star Rotarians met and created a strategic plan for our club. This plan is available on our website for you to review. On April 14th, we met again to review and update this plan. This plan is not a president's plan, or a board's plan. This plan is designed to represent the vision and mission of the entire club. Take-aways from the meeting included: 1) establishing two groups - member and community awareness to establish objectives and plans; 2) share meeting outcome with the club - targeted for the Changeover Meeting on 6/28/18; and 3) organizing a projects group and meeting before the end of June. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the process. The inputs, ideas and perspectives put forth will continue to make us a strong sustainable club. As the last question of the Member Satisfaction Survey result showed us - we are all proud of our Morning Star Rotary Club. Yours in Rotary Service, Janet Kolepp President Elect |
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Monday April 2, 2018Our speaker last Thursday was Tony Ortiz, the Host of Nuestro Valle. Tony was born in Mexico and has been a resident of the Lehigh Valley for more than 25 years. Tony has more than 24 years of experience in television. He presents a fresh vision of the new generation of Hispanic immigrants: highly educated, entrepreneurs and professionals from the academic and scientific world. Nuestro Valle (Our Valley) is a program with topics of general interest produced by RCN with Tony Ortiz as producer and host. His job is to get the information out there that people are interested in. Great focus on transparency. Each week important topics are presented that affect the growing Hispanic community in the Lehigh Valley, including Health, Legal and Political Issues, and Community Leaders. Tony’s observations around the Lehigh Valley were quite telling. “There is way too much parochialism in many areas.” We have many, many topics and areas of challenges for discussions and actions in our communities. He emphatically implored Rotary to “get out there! Show the community what we can do.” "There are 10 Rotary Clubs in the Lehigh Valley. They are focused on doing good in our communities and making a difference in our world. Bring this energy to the communities!" Our own Rick Santee proudly announced that youngest son, Tom, will be graduating from Penn State with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. In addition, through his Naval ROTC efforts he has received his certification to attend Naval Flight School to train as a fighter pilot. God Speed Tom! Honorary Morning Star Rotarian, Don Smith, has been dealing with some medical challenges. Don is the father of BethAnn Wright and father-in-law to Geoff Wright. Please keep Don and the family in your thoughts and prayers. On a related note, our exchange student, Francesca, has returned to her prior host family, the Pompa’s. Please keep this in mind and reach out to Francesca whenever possible to include her in your activities. President Cheryl presents our newest member, Gayle Justice, with her official "Red Badge". |
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MARCH 29 PROGRAM TONY ORTIZTony Ortiz is the Host of Nuestro Valle Nuestro Valle (Our Valley) is a program with topics of general interest produced by RCN with Tony Ortiz, producer and host. Each week important topics are presented that affect the growing Hispanic community in the Lehigh Valley, including Health, Legal and Political Issues, and Community Leaders. Tony Ortiz was born in Mexico and has been a resident of the Lehigh Valley for more than 25 years, Tony has experience of more than 24 years in television. He presents a fresh vision of the new generation of Hispanic immigrants: highly educated, entrepreneurs and professionals from the academic and scientific world. Please join us Thursday for what promises to be a very engaging program. |
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WELCOME SPRING 2018MOTHER NATURE MARCH NOR’EASTERS 4 LEHIGH VALLEY O Start of Spring - Go to Rita’s for Annual Spring freebies? Clean up from winter… 15" of "Onion Snow!" Date with the snow thrower! Our exchange student Francesca with host sister Bella Pompa found a great solution! |
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BUSY MEETING AT MORNING STAR!Our March 15th meeting featured quite a variety of activities. First of all, Race Chair, Wayne Achey, presented the ceremonial oversized check for $5,000 to Louise Tusak and Amanda Reiss of Bethlehem Special Olympics. This represented funds raised through our Celtic Classic Annual 5K/10K Run Walk. As Louise pointed out, "this is the 27th straight year for Morning Star and BSO; for which they are more than a little grateful. Amanda Reiss took the podium and gave a heartfelt talk on just what the Bethlehem Special Olympics has meant to her and how it has helped to improve her life. Amy Miller Cohen became our newest member when inducted on March 1st at our First Thursday event. At the March15th meeting she received her official Morning Star Rotary badge. As you can see Amy reflects her two Rotary badges – from Downtown and Morning Star – with enthusiasm! Rodney Conn gave a presentation talk flowing from his roots in Cleveland to a career as an industry research chemist lasting 37 years. Obviously his crowning achievement was becoming the spouse of fellow Rotarian, Sarabel, (currently in Scotland on a “knitting odyssey”). Rodney has a diverse background being engaged with the Freemasons and is a Deacon in the Diocese of Bethlehem focused on community challenges. He and Sarabel have been key players in the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter programs. Rodney has some very interesting perspectives on the world. Science and religion are not mutually exclusive. He wants to continue to give back to the community. Rodney admits to being engaged in his Salisbury community as a ‘local level politician’. Make yourself known to Rodney and enjoy your conversations. Welcome, Rodney, to our Morning Star family. Carl Kolepp giving a presentation talk was a very special occasion. Carl has been engaged with Morning Star Rotary since his father, Tom, became a member in 1999. Carl has truly grown up in MSR! Carl had the incredible experience of being a Rotary Exchange Student to South Africa in 2008/09. An avid rugby player, he admitted to being blown away by going to cricket matches at stadiums with over 80,000 people in attendance. Carl likes to travel and not too long ago did a solo experience going to India for a few months. Ask him about the Beatles! One of his goals is to visit all the continents and he already has an excellent start. Carl started at Hotel Bethlehem 7 years ago as a dishwasher. He is now the Manager in Charge at the front desk. 4 times per month he functions as the overall manager for the hotel. He has had some exciting and interesting experiences at the hotel, from calling into action the EMTs with fast response to save a customer’s life to giving a set of collar stays from his own shirt to Jeb Bush. A true Rotarian! Small world. While doing all this, Carl has also earned two associates degrees from NCAC focusing on hotel management. We officially welcome Carl as a Rotarian, but he is a long time and cherished member of our Rotary family. Welcome, Carl! Weather Permitting, Please plan to join us Thursday, March 22, 2018 for a presentation by Linda Mayger and George Morrison from our Saucon Valley Rotary Club on their experiences with a District Grant to Myanmar. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! |
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ST. PATRICK'S DAY ROTARY FOUNDATION GALAThe Annual Rotary Foundation Gala was held March 17, 2018 at the PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale. About 125 Rotarians, spouses and friends enjoyed an evening of celebration of The Rotary Foundation. In addition we raised over $5,900 from the basket silent auction (thank you Morning Star for your lovely basket donation) and another $730 from the raffle. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Our Major Donors. Please give special thanks and appreciation to Morning Star Rotarians Tore and Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen who have attained Major Donor Level III. Tore and Charlotte continue to set the bar for Morning Star Rotarians. Thank you. Charlotte briefly addressed the attendees and then regaled all present with her wonderful acapella rendition of “Follow Your Rotary Dream” harkening back to the theme song for the year our favorite Viking, Tore, was District Governor. Special thanks to Tom & Janet Kolepp for providing transportation for Charlotte so we could all enjoy this happy occasion. |
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Classification TalksClassification Talks - Carl Kolepp & Rodney Conn |
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Bob Cohen Community Room at BAPLPlease join us Thursday, March 8 to hear Kate Raculia talk to Morning Star on the Bob Cohen Community Room at the Bethlehem Public Library. Bob was a long time and very engaged member of the Bethlehem Rotary Club for many years. The Community Room will be a wonderful memorial to his many years of community service. We are pleased to welcome Amy Miller-Cohen, Bob's wife, who has become the most recent member of Morning Star Rotary. See you Thursday!
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PA GAMING CONTROL BOARDAt our last regular program on February 22, 2018, we had the pleasure of being educated on the PA Gaming Control Board by Richard McGarvey, Deputy Communications Director. As Rich pointed out, “this has nothing to do with the deer population, nor raccoons under your deck or a bear in a tree!” The PA Gaming Control Board (PAGCB) is tasked with monitoring the 4 types of gambling in Pennsylvania: Horse Racing, Small Games of Chance, Lottery Games and Casinos. It operates at no expense to taxpayers. The primary objective is to ensure that casinos are safe and gaming is fair. The Role of the Board is being expanded. Gaming industry integrity is assured through a comprehensive regulatory framework and when necessary, fines for various problems. Fines levied are approaching $7.0M. The Board has identified certain individuals who have proven to be detrimental to the industry’s integrity. 785 persons have been permanently banned from PA casinos. Millions of dollars per year from casino revenues go to outreach and treatment services through the PA Dept. of Drug & Alcohol Programs. Rich emphasized that casinos are very safe and secure. The Eyes are on the floor and in the sky! Smoking is partially permitted under the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008. Up to 50% of the casino floor can be designated to permit smoking. PA is #2 on Casino Gross Revenues nationally. PA is #1 in Casino Tax Generation. The Total Yearly economic impact of the gaming industry in PA is nearly $6.2B Tax on play of slots and tables generates $3.7M of tax revenue per day…resulting in $1.4B annually! Where does the tax revenue go Property Tax Reduction $780M Sustainability of the Horse Racing Industry $255M New Dollars to Casino Host Local Governments $155M Statewide Economic Development Projects $120M General Fund – Lowers Overall Tax Burden to Citizens $ 90M County Fairs & Fire Company Grants $ 32M Thanks to Rich for a very interesting presentation. |
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MAR 1 FIRST THURSDAY
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RICHARD McGARVEY PA GAMING CONTROLThursday, February 22 we will have the pleasure of a presentation by Deputy Director of Communications for the PA Gaming Control Board, Richard McGarvey. Just a note - think Sands, not Xbox! See you Thursday!
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February is Peace & Conflict Resolution MonthFEBRUARY IS PEACE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION MONTH Our program last Thursday featured MS Rotarian President Elect, Janet Kolepp presenting this RI video. We engaged in discussions on how we, together as Rotarians, can help. |
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ROTARIAN ACTION GROUPSRAGS - Rotarian Action Groups help Rotary clubs and districts plan and carry out community development and humanitarian service projects in their area of expertise. The groups are organized by Rotarians and Rotaractors who are proficient, and have a passion for service, in a particular field. Click Rotary Action Groups Flyer to access pdf in Downloads and learn more on how RAGS operate, their benefits, examples of RAGS, Start a NEW RAG and related resources.
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VALENTINES AND ROTARY GLOBAL REWARDS
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Morning Star First ThursdayLast meeting was our February First Thursday event at the Artisan Wine & Cheese Cellar. We changed locations within the venue, occupying a larger lounge area with much more inviting seating arrangements. This has been perceived as a definite enhancement to our fellowship. There were 16 Rotarians in attendance including a special guest Rotarian from the Nazareth Rotary Club, Mollie Santee. A highlight of the evening was the induction of Karen Achey as our newest Morning Star Rotarian. First thing Karen did was to knock husband Wayne off the top of the Morning Star Club Roster. Sorry Wayne, your first place is no more, but the Club has another great new Rotarian. Karen has been involved in many of our community projects in the past. Welcome Karen – we know you will Make A Difference! The theme for this coming Thursday’s program is Getting to Know Our Newest Members! We will have the pleasure of having classification talks from Ron Spier and Sarabel Conn. As Ron always claims to not be a morning person, please plan to be there to provide our support to both of these new members. Remember to watch the weather forecast – that time of the year! See you Thursday. |
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FOUNDATION COMMITTEE SEMINARMSR Committee Foundation Chair, PP Sue Burnett, along with committee members, conducted a Rotary Foundation Educational Seminar last Saturday. The focus was on bringing new members up to speed and any other members wishing to avail themselves of this learning opportunity or refresher as the case may be. New members in attendance included Sarabel and Rodney Conn, Carl Kolepp and John Oesmann. Foundation and Committee support consisted of Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, Steve Bajan, Tom Hartzel, and Ron & Jean Searfoss. Many topics were covered and there was a good deal of interactive discussions. Special thanks goes to Steve Bajan for providing the venue, Saucon Mutual Insurance, his company. Great job everyone! |
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DA VINCI SCIENCE CITYOur program last Thursday featured Lin Erickson, Executive Director of the Da Vinci Science Center in Easton. Lin gave us excellent insight into the fantastic new Science Center being constructed in downtown Easton. The Fact Sheet provides a great summary. This will be a wonderful educational experience for all ages! |
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Bethlehem Emergency ShelteringMorning Star Rotarians did it again! We volunteered to work at the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter on January 29-30. This was a significant undertaking -- we registered, fed (dinner and breakfast) 76 guests at the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering at the Christ UCC Church. Many thanks to the following who worked so hard to make this a success: Lynn Milet planned delicious meals, did all the shopping and delivered the food. Rod and Sarabel Conn were on hand -- special thanks to Rod who serves on the Board of the BES and guided us with proper procedures. Rick Santee and Janet Sipple (and her visiting friend from South Carolina) deftly handled registering all the guests. Ron & Jean Searfoss, Janet & Tom Kolepp, Rick Morrissey, Mike Long, Dee Elliott & Dave, Jess Elliott, served dinner and did all the clean-up. John & Carrie Oesmann did yeomans service staying over night. Carl Kolepp and Ron Helmuth arrived at 5:00 AM to serve breakfast and clean up. Many thanks to everyone. This was a successful first effort and now we need to decide if we will be doing it again! Ginny Volunteers to serve dinner and Make A Difference! |
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President's Message 1-22-18I read Easton Mayor Sal Panto's post on facebook this morning with a lot of interest - he was sharing his remarks he made on Saturday at a presentation about the new DaVinci Science Center in Easton. We are so lucky to be able to have the opportunity to have a front row seat for the latest news directly from the Center's Executive Director, Lin Erickson, herself this Thursday! Last week's meeting wasn't quite so much a club assembly meeting as it was a chance for us all to catch up a little bit; we were able to present, and vote on, our slate of officers for next year. We had VERY special guests - fresh from their recent return to the United States, we were graced by the entire Shnaydruk family! Alex gave us an update, and it was wonderful to see Iryna and Victoria. We talked a bit about new members, and some upcoming opportunities for them - one coming up this Saturday, courtesy of Susan Burnett and the Foundation committee to offer a better understanding of how the Rotary Foundation works. We would also like to have our new members put together their own service project, specifically so that they can get to know each other better. If anyone has an idea for what could be done, offer it up! I'm sure there are plenty of projects from which our community could benefit. We're closing in on our goal for coats for the kids at Thomas Jefferson - we're at $425; we need to raise $175 more to get to our goal. If you'd like to help get us there, here is the link: Next Monday is our Emergency Sheltering project - don't forget to reach out to Ginny Wolkoff if you can help! We still could use a few people to help with cleanup once the meal is done See you all Thursday! Service Above Self. Making A Difference. President Cheryl, Making A Difference |
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2018-19: BE THE INSPIRATION |
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Morning Star Election ResultsAt our Thursday January 18th Club Assembly the following were approved: Slate of Officers and Directors for the Rotary Year 2018-2019 President – Janet Kolepp President Elect – Ron Helmuth Vice President – Open Past President – Cheryl Baker Secretary – Val Walk Treasurer – Jean Searfoss Directors 2017-2019 Stephen Kazar Lynn Millet Josh Mrozinski Directors 2018-2020 Shawn Deiter John Oesmann Open |
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CAMP NEIDIG STUDENT REFERRALSStudent referrals for Camp Neidig WANTED!!! As many of our members already know, each year our club sponsors four high school juniors to participate in the four day leadership development program which is our district's Camp Neidig event. Rotary District 7430 welcomes you to Camp Neidig, celebrating its 69th year of inspiring tomorrow's leaders in 2018! Preparations are under way for Camp Neidig 2018. Before starting this year's recruitment process in our Bethlehem area high schools, we would like to extend this sponsorship opportunity to interested sons and daughters of our club members. Camp Neidig is a well-established youth development program dating back to 1950, and annually serves approximately 150 students from 80 high schools in our southeastern Pennsylvania region of district 7430. The program begins on Friday, June 15, and concludes on Monday, June 18. For more information, please visit www.campneidig.com or feel free to contact Rick Morrissey at rpmorrissey16@yahoo.com for a direct contact for students or parents with questions in reference to applying for Camp Neidig. Tour our site to see what makes this camp one of the best leadership experiences for high school students in Eastern Pennsylvania! |
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CLUB ASSEMBLYPlease join us Thursday January 18th for a Club Assembly. President Baker and President-Elect Kolepp will direct the proceedings. The main topics will be the recently approved changes to reduce number of Directors on the Board and presentation of the Slate of Officers and Directors for the Rotary Year 2018-2019 President – Janet Kolepp President Elect – Ron Helmuth Vice President – Open Past President – Cheryl Baker Secretary – Val Walk Treasurer – Jean Searfoss Directors 2017-2019 Stephen Kazar Lynn Millet Josh Mrozinski Directors 2018-2020 Shawn Deiter John Oesmann Open |
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Information UpdateMother Nature cancelled our last meeting Thursday January 4. Suspect there were a number of members who welcomed the alternative to braving the Arctic Chill. We fully recovered in time for our Holiday Celebration hosted by Mike and Terri Long on Saturday evening. A fine turnout was accompanied by great foods and beverages and our wonderful Morning Star Rotary fellowship. Many thanks to all who participated and a very special thank you to Mike and Terri. The ‘Fish Tie Guy’ was present – but it seems he is missing his retirement and not being in the sunny state of Florida. Safe travels Tom & Landa! We can all smile as the weather moderates and hopefully normalcy returns. his Thursday we will have the pleasure of hearing from Jack Jerrett of OraSure Technologies. OraSure Technologies is teaming up with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to offer its HIV price in 50 developing countries in Africa and Asia. Please join us in hearing how this $20 Million Gates Foundation Grant will be implemented. |
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Razia's Ray of Hope FoundationFrom: Razia Jan/Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation [mailto:patti.quigley@raziasrayofhope.ccsend.com] On Behalf Of Razia Jan/Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation An Extraordinary New Year
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NO MEETING TODAY! BASD SCHOOLS CLOSEDNO MEETING TODAY! BASD SCHOOLS CLOSED
Please stay safe, warm, and dry. Looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday night at the Long’s. |
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JANET KOLEPP NOMINATED FOR DGJANET KOLEPP NOMINATED for D7430 Governor 2020-21 As announced in the District 7430 Rick's M.A.D. Report - per DG Rick Please join me in congratulating our 2020-2021 District Governor, Janet Kolepp. The Nominating Committee met on December 16th and endorsed Janet for this position. One of the strengths in our District has been the selection of good leaders who have a passion for Rotary. Janet certainly demonstrates both qualities. Our future looks bright indeed! Congratulations, Janet. DG Rick Janet is a very active member of our Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club. She was involved in Rotary long before joining a club; first as a spouse of a Rotarian (Tom) and host Mom to Youth Exchange Students (as well as parent to son Carl, Exchange Student to South Africa). But in 2008 she could no longer be on the sidelines and she joined the Lehigh Valley East Rotary Club. Janet has served in many Rotary roles including Treasurer and President of Lehigh Valley East, Assistant Governor - Area 2, District 7430 RLI Site Chair, District Youth Exchange committee member, Club YEO, Director and President Elect of Bethlehem Morning Star. Janet truly believes "Rotary Connects the World" and looks forward to serving as part of the District Leadership Team. Morning Star Rotary is very proud of Janet and looks forward to fully supporting her as our District Governor in 2020-21! |
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Jan 4 MORNING MEETING!!!CLUB NEWS NO MEETING TODAY! BASD SCHOOLS CLOSED Thursday, January 4th, we will NOT begin the second half of our Rotary Year. BASD Schools are cancelled, and so are we.. WE WILL ALSO NOT BE MEETING IN the First Thursday format with an evening meeting, but a kick-off of 2018 with Next week’s meeting at regular time for our morning meeting - 7:30 am. THURSDAY JANUARY 11 BRIGHT AND EARLY!
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OPERATION WARM - THOMAS JSTILL TIME FOR YOU TO GET MAD - MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! Donate directly to Operation Warm: https://give.operationwarm.org/campaign/bethlehem-rotary-club-2017-18/c159756 See Downloads for pdf version of flyer! |
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Morning Star 2nd Half Dues - 12-31-17Just a reminder - if you have received a notice from Treasurer, Val Walk, please submit all Morning Star Second Half Dues by December 31, 2017. Send your remittance to Jean Searfoss, Treasurer 1409 Bogie Avenue Wescosville, PA 18106 If you have already done so, thank you. If not, your prompt attention will be appreciated.
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President's Message 12-20-17On the first day of Christmas... I'm already getting ready for Thursday morning's breakfast - hope you are, too! I love this meeting, and not just because the Liberty a capella choir is singing, and Rick Santee's going to be accompanying our singing with his accordion, but because this meeting, like the one before Thanksgiving, brings both Bethlehem clubs together for fun and fellowship. We really need to remember and give thanks that we have two vibrant clubs in Bethlehem! NOTE - this meeting tends to run past 8:30am!!! We had such a nice discussion this past Thursday with District Membership Chair & District Governor Nominee Herb Klotz. He talked about a study he had done of growing clubs, and the five characteristics of these clubs which he attributes to their successes. The first, and the one that was the most common and evident in all, was that the president of the club and the club itself put recruitment and membership forward as a high priority in their efforts. We also learned that we are tied for the most new members to a club so far this year - and we're at seven! The good news: I know of at least four more people right now who have expressed interest in also joining, so that would put us well ahead of the pack. Let's just keep pushing! We have been blessed with wonderful new members; we'll be installing the next new member, Karen Achey, on January 11th. We had hoped to install her this past Thursday, but conflicts got in the way. Speaking of conflicts, we were unable to meet the Audrey Rafferty Scholarship recipient Isa Sanchez; due to the school delay she had responsibilities with her son. We will be inviting her back to the club to speak to us in April, during Child and Maternal Health Month. We did welcome Tiffany, Tina, and Kelly; they expressed their thanks for our continued support of the Nurse/Family Partnership and our commitment to honoring Audrey's memory. We have had a number of people use the link to donate to purchase new winter coats for the kids at Thomas Jefferson - but we need to do a bit more! If you were thinking of making a donation of $20, $50, or $100, be sure to do it soon. We won't be distributing them until school is back in session in January but we should take the time now, over the holidays, to be sure we have all we need to order as many as the school will need. (See Operation Warm story below.) Dates for your calendars: December 28 - no meeting, but anyone who would like to meet, informally, for breakfast, we'll be meeting at 8am at Billy's Downtown Diner on Broad Street. January 4 - we will NOT be meeting at the Artisan; instead, we will meet for a BREAKFAST meeting at Moravian Village January 6 - Holiday Party hosted by the Longs January 18 - Thank You breakfast for Sponsors of 5K/10K and Salute The Troops events January 29 - we will be hosting the Emergency Shelter overnight - see Ginny Wolkoff if you can help March 10 - Area 1 & 2 Community Outreach Food Packaging Project In closing, I want to share with all of you a letter we received from the student we sponsor through Razia's Ray of Hope. This is from Musal KhairMoh, our student (Age 10 Grade 4): Hello. I am glad to have a chance to tell you how well I am doing. I just got my midterm results and done quite well. Also, I am trying to read different stories from my library. I am interested to know more about the world's different countries. We are so lucky to have a new library in our school. This year we have grown some vegetables in our courtyard. We have fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. We also have grape orchards that will be ready to harvest in a few weeks. All my family members try to help as this is the only source of income. I always wonder about you once a day. I hope to meet you in person and thank you for changing my life. Best Regards Service Above Self. Making A Difference.
President Cheryl, Making A Difference |
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DEC 7th FIRST THURSDAYFIRST THURSDAY - ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS We had a nice turnout of Rotarians and a guest. Joan Paul was on hand and had some happy but sad news. She will be leaving Morning Star and Bethlehem as she relocates to Evanston, Illinois to be closer to family. She will be missed! Thank you Joan ,for all the great years of Morning Star Rotary service. Yes, she will transfer membership and continue! On another positive note, Gamini Vedage, an engineer from Air Products and Bethlehem resident was in attendance. Gamini is looking forward to join Morning Star and become an active member of the TEAM! Welcome! FIRST THURSDAY AT THE ARTISAN WINE & CHEESE CELLAR 5:30 PM |
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Salvation Army Kettle Drive UpdateSalvation Army Bell Ringing Special thanks to the Morning Star Rotarians, family and friends who came out to make this Annual Event successful once again. Wayne & Karen Achey, Sue Burnett & Family, Sarabel & Rodney Conn, Shawn Deiter, Bill Hunter, Charlie Incalcaterra, Carl Kolepp, Butch Macri, Josh Mrozinski, John Oesmann, Ron, Jean & Koa Searfoss, Kathy, Eric & Kris Sullivan, and Val Walk & Ryan Results were over $1,802 this year! Up from $1,153 last year. To help the Salvation Army help our communities! Thank you all. |
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November 30 Speaker FRED ROONEYOur speaker last Thursday, was Fred Rooney. Fred's life and work is a special interest story. His innovative work has significantly contributed towards providing access to justice for the impoverished and minorities on the local, national, and international level. Fred Rooney continues to provide a living example of what it means to work towards "providing liberty and justice for all" in the Americas. Fred Rooney became an attorney with a dream to provide access to the legal system for everyone. His efforts were successful and in 2007 - From that beginning, the concept has been embraced with incubator programs in 33 states of the USA! In the past few years the legal incubator concept has gone international with the first group in the Domincan Republic. The concept resonates with people all over the world. Incubators are now in India, Turkey, Central and South America and the foundations are being put in place in Cuba. Fred is an exceptional individual and we can all give thanks for his vision and tenacity in pursuing his goals. Truly a man Making A Difference! |
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Morning Star New Member InductionsPresident Cheryl inducts our Newest Morning Star Rotarians Sarabel & Rodney Conn and Ron Spier As part of his official DG Visit, District Governor, Rick Gromis, inducted Kathleen Sullivan and Carl Kolepp at out First Thursday Celebration November 2 . That makes 5 new members in November! Congratulations Morning Star! Come and welcome our newest members at First Thursday, December 7! |
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MSR Salvation Army Bell Ringing 12-2 & 9Morning Star Rotary again takes part in the Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive during the Holiday Season. Val Walk's Grandson Logan. Logan raided his piggy bank so that he could make his own donation prior to ringing the bell on Saturday! Logan on Duty This young man gets it! A future Rotarian! Thank you, Logan!! We will be at the at Christkindlmarkt from 10 am to 8 pm Saturday December 9th. Questions, contact Ron Searfoss or Mike Long. Thank you! |
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Submit Salute the Troops RevenuesThe Salute The Troops Concert was once again a resounding success. Now we need everyone to submit their STT funds for Ads - Patron Listings - In Honor Of - and TICKETS ASAP! Please make checks payable to Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Charitable Org. (or BMSRCO) Give to Treasurer Jean Searfoss at the November 30 meeting, or mail to 1409 Bogie Ave, Wescosville, PA 18106 The Board wants to finalize financial information to determine grant amounts. Thanks to everyone for your wonderful support. |
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Lehigh Valley Rotary Joint Thanksgiving CelebrationOur November 15th “Rotary Road Trip” meeting was the annual Thanksgiving Celebration. We had 15 Morning Star Rotarians joining with the Downtown Bethlehem Club and their BAVTs Artisan of the month in attendance. The speaker was Eric Ruth of the Kellyn Foundation. Eric co-founded the Kellyn Foundation along with Dr. Meagan Grega, and began a program to address childhood obesity in 2008. He provided alarming statistics on the rapid increase of obesity in the general population, and discussed the urgent need to address the issue at the local level. The Foundation provides programs at local schools which are designed to teach children to focus on “real foods” as opposed to processed foods. They have a “Garden as a Classroom” program which teaches children to grow and eat healthy, natural food from the school garden, rather than relying on processed foods for their nutritional requirements. The “Kellyn Kitchen” also teaches children and adults how to prepare tasty and nutritious fresh food in a group atmosphere at other community locations. A more recent development is the “Mobile Market” set up by the Foundation, which purchases locally grown produce from farmers and then delivers that produce at reasonable prices to local neighborhood stores. This enables families in poor neighborhoods to purchase fresh foods which are not normally available to them. In addition to better nutrition, the Foundation encourages families to take action toward adopting healthier lifestyles which includes exercise, better sleep habits, and medical attention when necessary. The Foundation’s view is that healthier lifestyles will result in a better quality of life and lower healthcare expenses by reducing the burden of chronic disease. Our November 15th “Rotary Road Trip” meeting was the annual Thanksgiving Celebration. We had 15 MSR with the Downtown Bethlehem Club and their BAVTs Artisan of the month in attendance. The speaker was Eric Ruth of the Kellyn Foundation. Eric co-founded the Kellyn Foundation along with Dr. Meagan Grega, and began a program to address childhood obesity in 2008. He provided alarming statistics on the rapid increase of obesity in the general population, and discussed the urgent need to address the issue at the local level. The Foundation provides programs at local schools which are designed to teach children to focus on “real foods” as opposed to processed foods. They have a “Garden as a Classroom” program which teaches children to grow and eat healthy, natural food from the school garden, rather than relying on processed foods for their nutritional requirements. The “Kellyn Kitchen” also teaches children and adults how to prepare tasty and nutritious fresh food in a group atmosphere at other community locations. A more recent development is the “Mobile Market” set up by the Foundation, which purchases locally grown produce from farmers and then delivers that produce at reasonable prices to local neighborhood stores. This enables families in poor neighborhoods to purchase fresh foods which are not normally available to them. In addition to better nutrition, the Foundation encourages families to take action toward adopting healthier lifestyles which includes exercise, better sleep habits, and medical attention when necessary. The Foundation’s view is that healthier lifestyles will result in a better quality of life and lower healthcare expenses by reducing the burden of chronic disease. Thanks to President Gerry Foran of the Bethlehem Club for sharing. |
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SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERT“Salute the Troops” Concert The Concert was a wonderful success. The auditorium was filled with fans of all ages coming to enjoy another great presentation.
Above is our President-Elect Janet Kolepp extolling the virtues of Rotary during the break.
If you look closer down in front of Janet, you will see Ron Spier, a member of the Lehigh Valley Men's Chorale and soon to be one of our newest Morning Star Rotarians.
Great event! Thanks to all for your participation and support.
Thank you!
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THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION NOVEMBER 15 MORAVIAN VILLAGETOMORROW, we will have a combined Thanksgiving Celebration with other Rotary clubs at Moravian Village. Sign-in begins at 11:30 am and the cost is $20 per person. There is an excellent menu with Soups and Salads, multiple Entrees, numerous Sides and "Sweet Endings" - a fabulous array of Cakes & Pies and a Make Your Own Sundae Bar! Speakers will be Eric Ruth and Meagan Grega, co-founders of the Kellyn Foundation. The topic will be healthy eating and healthy lifestyles for youth. THIS CELEBRATION MEETING IS OUR “NOVEMBER ROADSHOW” and replaces the regular Thursday meeting this week. REMINDER – NO MORNING STAR ROTARY MEETING NOVEMBER 16! |
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To a Brighter FutureOur speaker last week was Jack Pfunder, President & CEO of MRC – Manufacturers Resource Center. The topic "What's So Cool About Manufacturing?" This is a student video contest for middle school students with the purpose to help build a strong pipeline of talent by giving students a new perspective on exciting STEM career opportunities that exist at area manufacturing companies. These annual video contests excite students across Pennsylvania to explore cool manufacturing careers and produce profiles of companies. Each contest features an online vote for its Viewers' Choice Award. The program is dedicated to changing perceptions and attitudes about advanced manufacturing careers in the Keystone State. This past year 123 middle school teams participated statewide, more than 3,300 attended award ceremonies, and more than 500,000 online votes were cast. The video contests are run by Manufacturing Resource Center, where Jack is President and CEO. Link to view actual presentations: https://youtu.be/PxOrylLYQ5E These are done by middle school students throughout the Commonwealth. The future is looking bright! |
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President Baker UpdateI’m so sorry I was unable to be with all of you Thursday evening, but thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I continue to recover more daily, and will be much better Wednesday once I’ve had a chance for my post-op visit; the doctor will remove a drain I’ve been tethered to and I won’t have need for painkillers after that. Given that progress, I’m looking forward to seeing the board on Wednesday night for our board meeting! I will try and make the meeting the next morning, also. No guarantees, but that’s my hope. I’m also going to try and make the Salute The Troops concert next Sunday. Looks like everyone had a great time Saturday at TJ-wish I could have been there, but you were in Jess’ capable hands! Thank you all for your commitment. We all continue to wish Cheryl a timely and safe recovery and look forward to her return. |
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"What's So Cool About Manufacturing?"Our speaker this week is well known to many. On November 09, 2017 please join us to hear Jack Pfunder on "What's So Cool About Manufacturing?" These annual video contests excite students across Pennsylvania to explore cool manufacturing careers and produce profiles of companies. Each contest features an online vote for its Viewers Choice Award. See you there! |
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MSR SPONSOR SCHOOL THOMAS JEFFERSONMorning Star Rotary is hard at work! Saturday, we were helping the Bethlehem community, along with students, family and staff of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School to clean up the yard and playground. The value of our efforts can be seen in the many smiles as we kick-off our sponsorship with TJE! Special thanks to Shawn Deiter for the pics!
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PURPLE PINKIE GRAND SLAM!The results of the District 7430 sponsored Purple Pinkie Run raised over $30,000! This will be matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at a 2:1 rate. Bottomline, the event will have raised over $90,000 for polio eradication! This is leverage at its finest. Special thanks to all of our members and friends of Rotary who participated by making pledges or taking part in the run.
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MSR SPONSOR SCHOOL THOMAS JEFFERSONThomas Jefferson elementary school has become a Morning Star "adopted " grantee. More Volunteers are still needed. Come on out, enjoy fellowship as we start a great community project! Good Afternoon Everyone, Thank you all for volunteering your time this Saturday to assist in the Thomas Jefferson clean-up day. This is just a reminder that we will begin at 9:00 a.m. I will be arriving at 8:30 to make sure a table is set up for all breakfast items. The school wrote up a request for Home Depot and were given: 2 brooms, 1 rake, a pack of lawn bags and a pack of multi purpose gloves I know some of you agreed to bring leaf blowers and rakes, which would be great! Please bring any items you have that may assist in the work. I will be picking up the paint, brushes and additional bags. When I went to the school last week, we decided to hold off on re-painting the map of the U.S. (for time purposes) and thought we may plan a second cleanup/paint day in the spring. We will still be painting hop-scotch, four squares and new kickball bases. Below is the list of breakfast items for which each person has signed up to bring. If something has changed, please let me know so I can fill in where needed. Lynn & Jean- muffins Wayne & Karen- bagels & cream cheese Dee- coffee Shawn- juice Ellen- half & half If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. If not, I will see everyone on Saturday! :-) Thank you, Jess Elliott
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11th Annual Sipple Lecture SuccessThe lecture was well received and well attended. Following the lecture and reception, a group of MSR joined for fellowship at the Brick. We were most fortunate that Dr. Sipple was able to join us as well! Below is a picture of the flowers provided by MSR. Thanks to all! |
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What 's Happening at Moravian College?At our October 26 meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian College. Dr. Grigsby provided a very enlightening presentation of “What’s Happening at Moravian College!” Of course, you need to take a look back at the first 275 years of the College’s history to gain perspective on how it has and continues to evolve. Did you know Moravian started out as a girls school in the 1740’s? Now Moravian College has evolved into a liberal arts education in conjunction with various professional healthcare programs. Two recent additions include a Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center in collaboration with St. Luke’s University Health Network and The Sally Breidegam Miksiewicz Center for Health Sciences. These are leading edge state of the art facilities focused on bringing liberal arts and science together to serve the future needs of educators, scientists and entrepreneurs. As Dr. Grigsby stated, “as we enter our next 275 years, we will continue to help our students to prepare for their chosen careers but also prepare them for the 3 or 4 other careers they will pursue in their lifetimes.” Thank you Charlotte! |
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WORLD POLIO DAYRotary SpotlightGet ready for World Polio Day 2017. Watch the livestream of our fifth annual event on 24 October at 14:30 Seattle time (UTC-7) or the recording later. Join us online > |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT MORAVIAN COLLEGEOur program this Thursday will be Dr. Bryon L. Grigsby, President of Moravian College. Dr. Grigsby will address all the wonderful "happenings" taking place at Moravian College. Hope to see you there!
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ROTARY FOUNDATION SEMINAR NOV. 4All Rotarians, PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE BY OCTOBER 30 Registration website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rotary-d74307450-foundation-seminar-tickets-37319878762 When: 11/4/17 registration/continental breakfast 7:45 to 8:15 Where: Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell PA Who Should Attend: Anyone looking to fund a project with a grant, club Presidents, Presidents-elect, Foundation Chairs, Those who support the Foundation, District Leaders, Those who want to support the Foundation and anyone wondering if they should support the Foundation. What to Expect: Education about The Rotary Foundation, Annual Fund, Polio, District or Global Grants, Peace Centers and Scholars, Rotarian Action Groups, Major Donors and Endowment Fund, plus Grant Management Training. Key Notes Speakers - Julia Phelps Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, John Nanni - Rotarian from Middeltown DE and Polio Survivor, David Forward - Rotarian from Medford NJ author of 100 Years of Service, 100 Years of Doing Good In The World and A String of Pearls (Inspiring Stories of Peace Scholars). This year's Seminar is being held jointly with District 7450 so we are expecting 150 Rotarians and plenty of chances to share information about The Rotary Foundation and Rotary. Cost and What You Get: $35 plus a modest processing fee. This includes the continental breakfast, boxed lunch, key note speakers, three sets of breakout sessions and grant management training. We will start promptly at 8:15 am and end following lunch at 1:15 pm. Grant Management Training begins at 1:15 and ends at 3:15. The District Foundation Committee is dedicated to providing our District with knowledge needed to maximize the use of The Rotary Foundation and support for The Rotary Foundation. This event and your attendance are critical to achieving that goal. I can't wait to see you all in November. Thanks for all you do for Rotary Doug District Foundation Chair 2016 - 19 District Governor 2015 - 16 |
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FLU VACCINATIONS AT MSRJust a note of special thanks to Dr. Janet "Fluzy" Sipple and the Bethlehem Health Bureau for conducting a vaccination clinic during our meeting last Thursday! Hopefully those inoculated will have another measure of protection during the "forecasted cold, snowy winter!" As usual, Janet was in full regalia for the occasion! Much appreciated. Thank you. |
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11th Annual Sipple LectureWednesday is the DAY! Please join us to hear Gail Kaempf, Certified Family Nurse Practioner, discuss "Healthcare Crisis - The Opioid Epidemic - A Nursing Perspective". Moravian College Foy Concert Hall 99 West Church Street, Bethlehem Priscilla Payne Hurd South Campus Lecture 5 PM. Reception following in the Gallery. Come join us at The Brick for fellowship and libations following the lecture!
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Morning Star Club AssemblyThis past week, President Cheryl asked me to lead the meeting in her absence. To further the work of our strategic plan and committees; we broke into "Areas of Focus." These areas had emerged as goals during the planning process back in February. Each Area of Focus group was given a question relating to that specific area and asked to brainstorm ideas. Here is an outline of the results by area: +Engaged Members (Brainstorm ideas about how to move a new member into an engaged members?) +Community Involvement (Included in this area is Community Grants, Foundation and Youth Involvement). What are we NOT seeing/finding as a way to connect with our community? +Impactful Projects (Brainstorm ideas of a new fundraiser) +Community Awareness (What "avenue" of public awareness has not been explored by Morning Star Rotary?) The results from these conversations are being compiled and will be further communicated to the board and club in the coming weeks. These "focus groups" are emerging as a way to work together on our strategic plan. Thanks to all that participated sharing their ideas and insights. Thanks and let me know if you have any questions! Regards, Janet Kolepp President Elect |
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Rotarians, the Bethlehem Health Bureau (BHB) will be here to administer the flu vaccine to anyone who wishes to have it. Vaccination will begin on October 19 at 7:00 AM at our meeting site and will continue until 8:30 AM. Your health insurance or Medicare will cover the expense; therefore, be sure to bring your card. The BHB will submit the paperwork to your health care provider. Invite your spouses, partners, children, parents, friends and neighbours to join you at Rotary on this date so they can receive the vaccine too. Should you not have health care insurance the cost of vaccination will be $30. You may pay in cash or by check made payable to the City of Bethlehem. Submitted by Dr. Janet A. Sipple, RN Make A Difference! Help not to get sick!!! |
CANAL PARK GARDEN UPDATE
10/12/17
MSR CLUB ASSEMBLY 10-19-17
PURPLE PINKIE GREAT SUCCESS!
WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY BIKE & BOAT
First Thursday Dividends
Hartmann-Hansen Community Grant "Recipient"
Rotary's Purple Pinkie 5K/10K
Dear District 7430 Rotarians, If you haven’t already signed up, you can sign up on race-day, October 14! Registration starts at 8AM. Come and join us for 7th Yvette M. Palmer Purple Pinkie 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville, PA. This is a District-Wide event. Every Dollar Raised will be TRIPLED by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. You don’t need to run to participate. Most people walk! It will be a fun morning. Bring your family and friends. We will have awards for the race winners and also many drawings for door prizes, so both runners and walkers will be winners. We will also have great food! We are planning to have polio survivors at the race to talk to participants about her experiences with polio. The race-day cost to participate is $35 ($25 if under 18). Come on out and have a great time for a great cause! For more information, visit the website at www.purplepinkie.net. Questions: E-mail the Race Director John Scott at JohnScottL@msn.com . John Scott Purple Pinkie Race Director |
Wildlands Conservancy Bike & Boat
District 7430 Shelter Box Match
McGehee Isaacs Life Celebration
Sep 28 Morning Star Bulletin
"SALUTE THE TROOPS"
Celtic Classic 5K/10K SUCCESS!!!
MS ROTARIAN OFF THE BEATEN PATH!!!
VICTORY HOUSE LIKES BASEBALL!!!
2017 CELTIC CLASSIC 5K/10K SEP 23
National Museum of Industrial History
National Museum of Industrial History is located at: 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Parking is available in the SteelStacks lot on Second Street between Founder’s Way and Fillmore Street or in the NCC Fowler Center lot at 511 East Third Street
All the best,
President's Message 8-15-17
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Dear Rotarians, One of the goals outlined in the 7430 District Strategic Plan is to increase membership retention. The District leadership feels that Rotary education will result in higher rates of retention in our clubs. Consequently, the District would like to encourage attendance at RLI by offering a reimbursement of $50.00 to the club for anyone attending the institute to be held on September 16, 2017 at Desales University. Yes, that is correct!! The reimbursement will be not only for the first year participants, but the second and third as well. It covers EVERY attendee. So if a club sends 3 people to level one, 2 people to level two, and 1 person to level three. The club would be entitled to a reimbursement of $300.00. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen our club. Register now at: http://rlinea.org/event/center-valley--pa-(7430)/. Payment may be made by credit card or check. Reimbursement checks will be sent after confirmation of attendees at the institute in September. If you have any questions, please contact Janet Kolepp, jkolepp@gmail.com or 484-241-1252. Look forward to seeing you in September! Janet Kolepp RLI Chair Bottom line - this is in your back yard and MSR will reimburse your tuition! Commit yourself to get outside the box! ed. |
MSR UPDATES FYI
All the best,
MSR JULY BIRTHDAYS
FOOD, FAMILIES & HEALTH
President's Message 7-17-17
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Are We People of Action?
MSR DUES 6-30-17
ROTARY: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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Special Thanks & Appreciation for Service Above Self
President's Message 6-4-17
FRANCISCO'S UNIQUE MEMORIAL DAY
President's Message 5-26-17
ROTARY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Memorable Day for All
- How very blessed we are in the US for our military – past, present and future. They deserve the highest regard from all of us.
- Those who served or are serving in the US military are the backbone of America. May God bless our military and the United States of America – the greatest country in the world.
President's Message 5-23-17
President's Message 5-10-17
District Training Assembly MAY 20
Saturday, May 20th at 8 am Montgomery County Community College, Parkhouse Hall 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422 (Registration closes Sunday, May 14th so don't delay!) Dear Rotarians, The District 7430 Training Assembly is fast approaching. It is a chance for club officers, committee chairs and assistant governors to further develop leadership skills and refine strategies to achieve their goals for the upcoming Rotary year. It is also GREAT for ALL Rotarians - especially newer Rotarians. Learn more about Rotary programs, increase your leadership skills and learn best practices from “seasoned” Rotarians. District Training Assembly is also a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with other Rotarians from throughout the District. Training assemblies like this are the best way to help your club be even more successful in 2017-18. Attendees will discover tips to take your Clubs to the next level. Breakout sessions are planned for:
An information packed afternoon is planned for all Rotarians, we are confident that everyone will go home with something they can use to make your club better. Register NOW https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rotary-d7430-district-training-assembly-tickets-33154170015 for this important event! Registration fee of $35 includes continental breakfast and lunch. I look forward to seeing you all at our District Training Assembly on the afternoon of Saturday May 20th 2017, so we can prepare to do “Good in our Communities” with the knowledge and skills that are provided at the District Training Assembly. Yours in Rotary Service, Rick Richard C. Gromis District Governor Elect District 7430 |
Spaghetti Dinner Outstanding Success
Heidi Hoffer
President's Message 4-14-17
Whitehall Area Rotary Club Chartered
President's Message 3-28-17
EXCHANGE STUDENT CONTINUES ENGAGEMENT
Morning Star Coming Events
EXCHANGE STUDENT HOST FAMILY NEEDED
ROTARY DISTRICT 7430 GALA CELEBRATION
President's Message 2-28-17
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8
President's Message 2-20-17
Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent BASD
- 6th largest school district in Pennsylvania
- 5th largest employer in Northampton County
- 22 schools with almost 14,000 students
- Largest district to first implement full-day kindergarten in 2015-16
- Non-homestead properties generated $82.1 Million (51%) of BASD tax base.
- Top 20+ Bethlehem properties paid $18+million in property taxes
- The highest Bethlehem property paid $24,600 in taxes; the median paid $3,200.
- Dr. Roy has 10,200 Twitter followers and actively uses Twitter as a direct form of communication with students and their families.
- Roadmap to Educational Excellence is a framework for establishing goals for school improvement based on core learning, stretch learning, student engagement, and personal skill development.
- Building early literacy skills lays the foundation for future educational success, yet many students enter kindergarten already behind. The Reading by Grade 3/Literacy Initiative along with universal full day kindergarten has produced student growth in literacy. The goal is to have all students become proficient readers by grade 3. Dr. Roy used a statistic from Lincoln Elementary School where they reduced the achievement gap. At the start of the year, only 38% of beginning students reached appropriate proficiency levels. By the end of the year, 90% reached appropriate proficiency levels. Children deemed proficient by third grade have more successful future outcomes, such as fewer special education needs and higher graduation rates.
- Based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Leader in Me program focuses on character development and builds leadership skills to decrease discipline problems and increase engagement among teachers and parents.
- United Way Community Schools help level the playing field for schools with a high poverty rate. BASD has 6 schools designated as community schools.
- Controlled growth of local expenditures
- Lack of adequate state funding
- Charter school funding reform
- BASD sends over $25 million per year to charter schools.
- Charter school expenses continue to increase, while state funding has not.
- Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) reform – pensions are high
President's Message 2-5-17
CONGRATULATIONS SCHAFER FAMILY
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!!!
Strategic Plan Seminar
President's Message 1-30-17
President's Message 1-20-17
Rotary Foundation Goal Status
Celebrate the Foundation’s centennial by making a special contribution to help us reach our goal
Make your gift to The Rotary Foundation
President's Message 1-17-17
MSR & BES GO INTERNATIONAL TO HELP
- We believe all people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their circumstances.
- We believe serving those in need is a tangible expression of the faiths practiced by our volunteers.
- We believe individuals and groups that seek to work in partnership with others create a more talented and resourceful community.
DISTRICT GRANT PROJECT IDEAS WANTED! RSVP 1/20/17
- Peace and conflict prevention/resolution.
- Disease prevention and treatment.
- Water and sanitation
- Maternal and child health.
- Basic education and literacy.
- Economic and community development
The total cost of the project should be a maximum of $5,000 if MSR will work on the project alone & $10,000 if we partner with another club. There is also a sweat equity requirement.
Please send your ideas to Sue Burnett by Friday 1/20: burnetts@rcn.com. Kindly include any information you have at this point to outline the project and estimate cost.
President's Message 1-10-17
HOLIDAY PARTY SATURDAY JAN 7
President's Message 12-28-16
Morning Star Elections 12-15-16
Morning Star elections were held December 15 for 2017-18 Rotary year, which starts July 1, 2017.
The following Morning Star Rotarians were elected as follows:
Director 2017-2019
Stephen Kazur
Josh Mrozinski
Audrey Rafferty
Thank you!
PP Ron
Celebrate Paul Harris Fellow Recipients
Purple Pinkie Polio Plus Success!
DEC 22 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUSICAL PROGRAM
President's Message 12-19-16
Bethlehem Emergency Shelter 12-15-16
- December 15 - Janet Kolepp
- A sign-up sheet has been circulated for menu items and duties.
- If any questions please see Team Captain Janet Kolepp
- January 12 - Jan Chicka
- February 23 - Sue Reeps
- March 16 - John Oesmann
President's Message 12-7-16
President's Message 11-23-16
"Salute the Troops" Concert
The 14th annual rendition of our Concert was a fantastic success! Family, friends, old and young enjoyed our best concert to date.
Performing together with the famous Allentown Band were the Northeast Middle School Band & Chorus and the Lehigh Valley Men's Chorale.
The music was so well received people were actually dancing in the isles.
Special Thanks to Gary Hartney for once again performing the yeoman's share of the Concert!
Thank you!
Ron
Nov 15 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
It is as simple as having a notebook, pencil and glue. In Pavas, a poor district in San Jose, Costa Rica a packet of educational materials means the difference between an education and working on the street. Most public schools in Costa Rica are under funded and lack many basic supplies, so the Rohrmoser Rotary Club, Costa Rica developed a packet of teaching materials for students and partnered with the Vancouver Rotary Club, Canada to distribute 777 packets to children in five very poor elementary schools. US$100 buys 15 packets.
When Every Rotarian, Every Year participates, our foundation is able to continue to build a brighter future for the children of the world.
President's Message 11-15-16
"Salute the Troops" Concert
We look forward to seeing you with family and friends at the Concert.
Concert chair Gary Hartney asks for your help to make this year's event a great success once again!
Who?
The Allentown Band will entertain Rotarians, friends, family, veterans, students and the general public
What?
An excellent concert by the oldest municipal band in the country, featuring patriotic and related songs.
When?
Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3:00 pm
Where?
Northeast Middle School Auditorium
1170 Fernwood St., Bethlehem
(Parking very close, and easy access)
Why?
To benefit Victory House of the Lehigh Valley and other Morning Star Rotary charities. Many of those served by Victory House are Veterans.
How can you help?
- BUY (or sell) the TICKETS (or more!) which given to each member by chair Gary Hartney. Adult ticket price remains $10. (If you can't use yours, consider donating them for Victory House residents to attend.)
- POST CONCERT FLYERS in grocery stores and anywhere else potential concert-goers might see them!
- Help the day of the concert with taking tickets, ushering, etc.
- Enjoy the concert with family and friends!
The flyer is available in downloads on our homepage. Hard copies are also available at club meetings.
Questions? Contact Gary Hartney glhartney@aol.com
Thank you!
Ron
Viewing Weekly e-Bulletins SmartPhones & Tablets
1. Scroll down to the very bottom of the email where you should find a link from your email client asking if you want to download the whole message. Click that link and the entire e-Bulletin should download to your phone.
2. If your email client doesn't cooperate -- and sometimes it doesn't, there is a link at the top of every e-Bulletin, that says "Having troubles viewing this email?" If you click there, it will open the internet browser in your phone or tablet and take you to the bulletin.
Nov 7 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
When reflecting on our personal estates and the legacy we want to leave, have we thought about how much we can afford to give away?
This should be the dream, goal and reality of all Rotarians. We need just look and see and feel and touch the wonderful programs and projects we are continually completing that help the world know a more humane society and a more peaceful world.”
President's Message 11-07-16
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 11-12-16
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President's Message 11-01-16
JOINT THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
Nov 1 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
When the Foundation’s founder Arch C Klumph said:
“The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work upon marble, it will perish;
The educational, humanitarian and PolioPlus Programs are the monuments of the Rotary Foundation and Rotarians should be proud to yell it from the roof tops.
D7430 FOUNDATION SEMINAR SUCCESS!
WORLD POLIO DAY OCT 24, 2016
Oct 24 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
Every minute of every day someone’s life is being improved by our Rotary Foundation. Rotary clubs on every continent are working to improve the living conditions and health of their fellow citizens. Rotarians like you and me can make a difference by continually supporting our Foundation and the Annual Fund. As Rotarians we determine where funds are allocated through District Designated Funds, which we can use for local or international projects. When we contribute to our Foundation we are promoting worldwide Peace and Understanding.
President's Message 10-18-16
Oct 18 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
What can you get for US$100 dollars these days? A pair of shoes, a nice dinner for
two or a stove for a needy family in rural Guatemala, A contribution of US$100 to
the Annual Fund will make you a Sustaining Member of The Rotary Foundation but
it also provides life-changing opportunities for those in need.
When you choose to support our Rotary Foundation you are making a difference in
two ways: you are changing lives and you are literally saving lives.
Purple Pinkie Polio Race
This is a 7430 District Event. So far there are 26 Rotary Clubs sponsoring the event. Please join us to raise funds to !!!!!
Join with the Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network as we participate in the Purple Pinkie Run/Walk. Polio Survivors all over the globe are truly grateful to the efforts of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate this terrible disease. 80% + of Polio survivors are affected not once but twice from the effects of this disease. Post-Polio Syndrome disables us once again as our muscles lose additional strength as a result of the damage done by the original illness. We are hoping to meet Rotarians from all over the district on October 22nd, and say “Thank You”. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Polio Survivors Network, click on the following link:http://www.papolionetwork.org/
Every Dollar Raised will be TRIPLED by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
You don’t need to run to participate. Most people walk! It will be a fun event. Bring your family and friends. We will have awards for the race winners and also many drawings for door prizes, so both runners and walkers will be winners. We will also have great food!
The cost is $30 ($25 if under 18) (tech T-shirt only while supplies last). Come on out and have a great time for a great cause!
Special prize basket for largest group running or walking together: Interact Clubs, Rotary Clubs, families, other organizations, Engineers without Borders, sports teams. If you have the largest number of folks walking or running in the Purple Pinkie on Oct. 22 you will receive a special prize basket for all to share! Those who walk or run together will eliminate Polio together!
Make a donation to Polio Plus: If you can’t attend that day, you can make a donation to Polio Plus by mailing it in with the attached registration form. Just fill in the additional donation amount, note that you are not attending, and mail the check and form as described on the form. All donations from Rotarians to the race will be credited directly to their Rotary Foundation account for Paul Harris Fellow credit.
We are planning to have a polio survivor who has Post-Polio Syndrome, talk about living with the results of having had Polio. She will focus on the importance of the world-wide commitment by Rotary International to eradicate this terrible disease.
To sign up for the race, or learn more, visit the website at www.purplepinkie.net. You can either register online or mail in the attached registration form.
Questions: E-mail the Race Director Herb Klotz, at herbk@ptd.net .
Without question, the one thing we ALL share is the prayer that with world-wide vaccination, death and disability from the Polio Virus will soon be gone . . . Forever.
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10th Annual Sipple Lecture
D7430 FOUNDATION SEMINAR
Location: Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell.
Starting at 8:30 am with registration beginning at 7:30 am. Continental breakfast and lunch included.
The sessions are designed to be informational, practical and inspirational. A wonderful Rotary educational opportunity 'outside your club box'
Grant Management Training will follow lunch and go until 3pm.
It is important that Each Club be represented. Foundation Chairs, Club Presidents, Presidents-elect, officers and new members should plan to attend and learn how critical The Rotary Foundation is to the work we do and how it can help your club and members achieve their dreams.
Sep 26 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
All of our programs such as Vocational Training Teams, scholarships, global grants and district grants are directed at that ignorance. The Rotary Foundation was started “to do good in the world” and the result is to reduce the hatred that Paul Harris spoke about.
When you give to The Rotary Foundation you work towards a more peaceful world.
Sep 20 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
Izabela Pereira, a 2007 graduate of the Rotary Center for International Studies at Universidad del Salvador in Argentina, helped monitor Nicaragua’s recent election as part of an Organization of American States (OAS) mission to the country.
Izabela is one of hundreds of Rotary World Peace Fellows who have received the training and field experience necessary to work for lasting peace and stability throughout the world.
Sep 13 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
own communities or internationally.
funding we will have for such projects.
The Rotary Foundation allows us to “do good in the world” here in our own
community, as well as internationally.
President's Message 9-13-16
Motivational Quote of the week:
President's Message 9-7-16
Motivational Quote of the week:
Sep 7 Weekly Foundation Thoughts
Every minute of every day someone’s life is being improved by our Rotary
Foundation.
typewriters in Brazil, toilets are part of improved sanitation in Sri Lanka, and dental
treatment is available to the needy in Nicaragua.
Contributions from every Rotarian to the Annual Fund every year are critical to
making a difference in our world.
Aug. 29 Weekly Thoughts
When Rotary launched the PolioPlus program in 1985, there were more than 350,000 polio cases in over 125 countries. Since 1988, when Rotary began working with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to immunize more than 2 billion children, the incidence of polio has decreased 99 percent. As of 2013, Rotary’s contributions to the global polio eradication effort totaled $1.2 billion. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for Rotary’s leadership and vision.
What a wonderful legacy we are leaving to the children of the world. Goodbye Polio. Thank you, Rotary.
President's Message 8-29-16
WEEKLY THOUGHTS - THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
A member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Arch C. Klumph served as the
RI president in the 1913-14 Rotary year. In 1917, Klumph declared that “we should
accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable,
educational, and other avenues of community service.” His vision and a contribution
of US$26.50 left over from the RI Convention helped to establish the charitable and
humanitarian arm of our organization, The Rotary Foundation.
Due to the hard work and generosity of Rotarians worldwide, The Rotary
Foundation has improved lives for nearly 100 years. With ongoing financial support,
our Foundation will continue to carry on Klumph’s dream well into our second
century of service.
Weekly Thoughts - The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is the economic engine for Rotary International. It is a non-profit corporation that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of Rotary who share its vision of a better world. Its sole mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, good will and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. We accomplish that through our local and international humanitarian and educational programs.
President's Message Aug. 1
President's Message July 25
The Year in Review 2015-16
The following is the promised report on our goals and achievements during the past Rotary year. Basically it follows the flow from RI goals through District to the club level. Detail information is available to all members by accessing RI Club Central.
- Club Hunger Project – in February and March MSR began providing dinner one Thursday night per month for the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter in Bethlehem. We brought food per a menu, setup, prepared, served and cleaned up. Served 40 “guests” each time. Our Board has approved funding to complete this project on an on-going basis next December through March when the shelter is open. Very needed and great hands-on with members. Wonderful fellowship!
- Bike Works – collected 15 bikes and delivered to Bike Works (District Grant Equity portion).
- Equi~Librium – Vocational project - preparation and painting of a horse corral
- Dictionary Project – made presentations and distributed dictionaries to over 800 Third Grade Students
- Camp Neidig – sponsored 4 students from local high schools at Rotary Youth Leadership camp
- 4 Way Test Speech Contest – partnered with Downtown RC to conduct competition and send a candidate to the regional competition.
- District Grant for Water Project in Nicaragua with Lehigh University Engineers Without Borders. Will be completed in August 2016, and our own Susan Burnett will be the Rotary representative.
President's Message July 18
President's Message July 11
Dues are (Past) Due
ROTARY SERVING HUMANITY - 2016-17 RI THEME
Presidential Theme
2016-17: Rotary Serving Humanity
KICKOUT PARTY THIS SATURDAY!!!
Please join us starting at 2:00 PM
At the home of Kristian Schafer & Family
2334 Coventry Court, Emmaus, PA, 18049 (near Limeport)
If you didn't sign up at last week's meeting, please RSVP to Kristian Schafer <theincredibledad@hotmail.com> or Sharon Fontana msrsfontana@gmail.com
(But if you don't RSVP and find you can attend, please come anyway!)
Directions can be provided if needed. Start time is 2 pm, ending time is open :-)
The club will provide burgers & dogs, soft drinks, beer and cake.
Please bring an appetizer or side dish ... and your swim suits if you'd like!
Kids are welcome, nanas are welcome, the more the merrier!
... and if the weather cooperates, we can do an evening bonfire as well topped off with some homemade s'mores!
President's Message July 5
Weekly Meetings for Race
PAST President's Message June 28
- Charlie Incalcaterra, our first and “forever young”
- Barb Seifert-Sigmon
- Mike Long
- Butch Macri
- Diane Donaher, who is also Past President of the Downtown Bethlehem Club
- Tom Hartzell
- Gary Hartney
- Dee Elliott
- Dave Cincera
- Eileen Dunn
- Susan Burnett
- Jean Searfoss
- Tom Kolepp
- Ron Searfoss
One last big Thank You to everyone for making this a wonderful experience.
President's Message June 20
- 1 in 5 people will have some form of disability in their lifetime.
- Less that 15% were born with this disability
- 1 out 100 people will be in a wheelchair in their lifetime
- 11.6 million people need assistance walking
- No-step entry door
- Maneuverable doors and hallways
- Accessible bathroom on the first floor
President's Message June 14
D7430 DG Changeover & Club Awards Night
D7430 DG Changeover & Club Awards Night
Monday, June 27, 2016
Join us as we Celebrate and Thank 15/16 DG Doug & Mary Cook, his Leadership Team, and our Rotary Clubs for the many accomplishments achieved this year by "Being a Gift to the World."
We will also welcome new 16/17 DG Linda Young who will lead her "Shining Star Rotarians" in the year of "Rotary Serving Humanity."
President's Message June 6
More than 43,000 attendees left the Rotary Convention in Korea inspired to end polio for good, to celebrate The Rotary Foundation's centennial, and to champion changes that will help Rotary appeal to a broader audience.
On the last day, RI President K.R. Ravindran shared a personal story of his mother’s triumph over polio.
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Thank You from Kelsey!
President's Message May 31
President's Message May 23
- Golfers by June 1
- Raffle donations, including gift certificates - take a brochure to give them
- Volunteers - contact Butch
- The raffle board has available squares to purchase for $5 per square - a great way for non-golfers to support this event!
Fun at Bowl-n-Bites!
Greetings from Antigua
Spaghetti Dinner Pix!
Morning Star “Bowl-n-Bites”!!!
President's Message May 3
President's Message Apr. 16
Service Project at Equi-Librium on Sat. April 30
Weekly Duties for April 21 and 28
You are invited to dinner with RI President Ravi!!!
President's Message 4/12
District Conference Wrap-up
The Healthy Rotarian 35 - Men's Health: Prostate Cancer Screening
The Healthy Rotarian #34: "Health Benefits of Friendship"
President's Message Apr. 4
President's Message Mar. 26
From District Governor Doug Cook
Deed Request
City State Zip :
District Governor Event Coordinator
President's Message Mar. 22
- Gift of Music instrument donation project where over 534 total musical instruments have been donated to 51 schools, valued at over $115,000.
- In-school chamber music programs scheduled throughout the academic year which has reached over 8,000 children to date.
- Annual Student Performance Competition – over 11 student chamber music competitions.
Rotary Foundation News!
- Up to $100 match for new donors this Rotary year. (Initial donors will be only new members, since everyone gave something last year.)
- For any of last year’s initial donors who received under $100 match, the club will give an additional match this year, with the total match for the 2 years not to exceed $100.
- A brand new points “RAFFLE / LOTTERY”!!! The names of ALL members giving at least $100 to the Rotary Foundation this Rotary year by May 19 will go in a hat. (Each name only once.) At our club meeting on June 2, five names will be picked and offered 300 points each towards their Paul Harris status (whether first or multiple). If a winner does not want the points, he or she can decide what to do with them. (Give to another member, or have the club retain for use in the future.)
President's Message Mar. 15
President's Message Mar. 1
- Promote empathy and understanding for the world’s most vulnerable
- Inspire leaders to take bold actions
- Reach new audiences
- Support the UN’s advocacy by building multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Showcase the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of different global crises
The Healthy Rotarian #33: "Big Ideas" Improving Human Lives Through Innovation
President's Message Feb. 23
President's Message Feb. 15
By changing your login details, at least once or twice a month, you can cut down your chances of being a target of cybercrime.
Always be sure to activate your firewall settings. Furthermore, installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software will protect your computer from various forms of malware, viruses, Trojan horses and other malicious software used to obtain your personal details.
Make sure your social networking profiles (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MSN, etc.) are set to private. Check your security settings. Be careful what information you post online. Once it is on the Internet, it is extremely difficult to remove. Don’t announce when you’re away, or you’re telling thieves your house is empty!
More often than not, we leave our mobile devices unattended. By activating the built-in security features you can avoid any access to personal details. Never store passwords, pin numbers and even your own address on any mobile device.
Use encryption for your most sensitive files such as tax returns or financial records, make regular back-ups of all your important data, and store it in a different location.
While these access points are convenient, they are far from secure. Avoid conducting financial or corporate transactions on these networks.
Be cautious when giving out personal information such as your name, address, phone number or financial information on the Internet. Make sure that websites are secure (e.g. when making online purchases) or that you’ve enabled privacy settings (e.g. when accessing/using social networking sites).
Always think before you click on a link or file of unknown origin. Don’t feel pressured by any emails. Check the source of the message. When in doubt, verify the source. Never reply to emails that ask you to verify your information or confirm your user ID or password.
Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Community Service Event THIS THURSDAY Feb. 18th
• Food donations (soup, salad, bread & dessert) and/or a cash donation.
• Serve on the Setup & Cooking Crew 5 – 7pm.
• Serve on the Serving & Cleanup Crew 6:15 – 8pm.
Feel free to invite any potential members for a hands-on Rotary experience.
Please see the sign-up sheet at the meeting and plan to support this event.
Contact Janet Kolepp if any questions, or if you can help but won't be at the meeting to sign up on the sheet. 484-241-1252 agjanetk@gmail.com
Thank you!
This Week's Meeting
President's Message Feb. 8
Morning Star Rotary has established a very successful long-term relationship with the Allentown Band.
The Allentown Band also qualified for a Community Development Grant from Morning Star Rotary to support their programs of Transforming Student Lives Through the Power of Music. We were honored to have Ron Demkee, ‘Conductor Extraordinaire’ present to educate us on these programs, and happy to meet Ron’s wife, Joan. Susan Hartney was also a guest. She is Gary’s wife and a former Morning Star Member; she also plays in the Allentown Band and was instrumental in establishing the long relationship between the band and our club!
• Evaluating music and music performances
• Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside of the arts
• Understanding music in relation to history and culture
• By understanding works in context, students see ties between music and literature, history, visual art, and a variety of cultural influences.
These concerts are inclusive of low-key, interactive teaching moments with the students. The concerts continue to grow and be fabulously successful.
SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERTS have advanced high school students from the region participating in a public concert playing alongside members of the Allentown Band in a program of professional level music presented at Allentown's premier concert venue - Miller Symphony Hall.
This program commenced in 2005. A key feature in addition to the students having the opportunity to play is the inclusion of visiting top notch musicians from across the musical spectrum. These visitors help instill an incredible level of musical synergy to the whole experience.
THE ALLENTOWN BAND MISSION
The Allentown Band preserves and advances the heritage of concert band music by providing quality, inspiring performances and education in partnership with the community and beyond.
www.allentownband.com
Thank you to Ron Demkee and the Allentown Band. We look forward to your continued success and especially to our next Salute the Troops Concert in November 2016.
Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Community Service Event on Feb. 18th
Morning Star Rotary Club will be providing dinner for the guests of the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter on February 18 at Cathedral Church of the Nativity. We need your help in three ways:
• Food donations (soup, salad, bread & dessert) and/or a cash donation.
• Serve on the Setup & Cooking Crew 5 – 7pm.
• Serve on the Serving & Cleanup Crew 6:15 – 8pm.
Feel free to invite any potential members for a hands-on Rotary experience.
Please see the sign-up sheet at the meeting and plan to support this event.
Contact Janet Kolepp if any questions, or if you can help but won't be at the meeting to sign up on the sheet. 484-241-1252 agjanetk@gmail.com
Thank you!
If you haven't already done so,
PLEASE REGISTER NOW!
District 7430 Conference
2015 – 2016
The Inn at Pocono Manor
April 8 – 10, 2016
Educational and a ‘real’ Celebration
Here's the link: http://www.whythecow.com
This Week's Meeting
President's Message Feb. 2
Seeking Contestants for Four-Way Test Speech Contest
President's Message Jan. 26
POSTPONED! Membership Event will be held in the Spring
Membership Event at Goosey Gander on Jan. 28
President's Message Jan. 18
- General Demographics
- Education
- Safety and Stability
- Economy
- Health
- Identifying and increasing the capacity of eligible entities that are focused on achieving results for children and youth throughout an entire neighborhood;
- Building a complete continuum of cradle-to-career solutions of both educational programs and family and community supports, with great schools at the center;
- Integrating programs and breaking down agency “silos” so that solutions are implemented effectively and efficiently across agencies;
- Developing the local infrastructure of systems and resources needed to sustain and scale up proven, effective solutions across the broader region beyond the initial neighborhood; and
- Learning about the overall impact of the Promise Neighborhoods program and about the relationship between particular strategies in Promise Neighborhoods and student outcomes, including through a rigorous evaluation of the program.
- Approved a $10,000 grant from the Salute The Troops concert for Victory House. Additionally approved a $250 grant each for the Northeast Middle School Band and Chorus.
- Approved an $8,000 grant from the 25th Anniversary Race for the Special Olympics of Bethlehem. (Please plan to be at the Race Recognition Breakfast on January 28th!)
- Approved release of $1,000 each of budgeted funds for Rotaplast and Shelter Box.
MILES TO END POLIO RIDE
President's Message Jan. 12
We extend a very special Thank You to Mike and Terry Long for hosting the Morning Star Rotary Post Holiday Party last Saturday evening! A great time was had by all, as we enjoyed a wide variety of dishes and a veritable cornucopia of desserts. All that was exceeded by the warm Rotary fellowship and the opportunity to just be with friends and relax.
The photo below depicts some of our favorite Rotarians heavily engaged in a discussion of the Four Way Test. As you might imagine, the focus was on number 5 – Is It Fun!
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If you are sick or injured, the number one priority of medical staff is to save your life
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Donors may have an open casket viewing
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There is NO cost to the donor or their family for organ/tissue donation
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All major religions in the U.S. support organ donation
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Anyone can be a potential organ donor regardless of age or medical historyTime is of the essence when a donor event takes place. It takes about a minute to become a registered organ donor online! By the simple act of registering the proper steps will be taken in a timely manner. www.donors1.org/register.
I'd Like to Withdraw a Treat, Please!
Community Development Grants Approved
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A simplified “Request for Proposal” was publicized, and applications were accepted for a month.
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A summary sheet and about 3 pages from each of the 20 applications received (a record!) were sent out to the six Community Development Grants Committee members.
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Each of the six committee members assigned points (from low of 0 to high of 5) to each applicant.
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A point summary was distributed.
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The committee met and agreed to recommend full funding of the top 3 rated
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The bottom half (10 of 20 applications) were eliminated.
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We then discussed the remaining 7, and some people modified their points. (Considerations included location, number of children helped, long term impact, and cost effectiveness.)
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Agreed on one additional full funding and one partial funding to total the $8,000 budget.
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At it’s Dec. 9 meeting, the board discussed and then approved the committees’ recommendations.
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Each of our five recipients will present at a Morning Star Rotary meeting over the next few months. They are:
Organization
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Approved
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Description
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1
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Allentown Band
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$ 2,000
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Transforming Student Lives Through the Power of Music
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2
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Lehigh Valley Children's Centers
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$ 1,500
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Preschool Science Enrichment at LVCCs for 30 preschoolers age 3-5 in Bethlehem and Easton. Done with Da Vinci Discovery Center.
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3
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Moravian College and William Penn Elementary
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$ 2,500
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"Reading and Riding" - provide stationary bikes which allow riding while reading or doing homework.
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4
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Satori
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$ 1,000
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In support of "Artists -in-Residence" project at Governor Wolf Elementary. And Satori will perform again at our Spaghetti Dinner!
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5
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YWCA
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$ 1,000
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TechGYRLS Afterschool Programs to address persistent gender gap in science and technology professions. Science-Tech-Engineering-Math enrichment to girls ages 9-13 over 16 weeks.
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President's Message Jan. 4
President's Message Dec. 21
President's Message Dec. 14
President's Message Dec. 7
President's Message Nov. 30
Rotary Bellringers Needed on Dec 5!
President's Letter Nov. 23
President's Letter Nov. 17
Rotary Foundation Trivia Throwdown
President's Letter Nov. 10
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The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
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The Rotary Foundation’s motto is Doing Good in the World.
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Foundation programs are supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
Dictionary Project a Great Success!
"Salute the Troops" Enjoyed by All!
Nov. 2 President's Message
Joint Thanksgiving Luncheon - Nov. 18
Oct. 27 President's Message
District 7430's Purple Pinkie 5K benefited Polio Plus
Morning Star Rotary Signage at Canal Lock Project
RSVP Nov .13: Requests for Community Development Grants
President's Message Oct. 18
The Dictionary Project!
2015-16 Events "CALENDAR" Planning Items
President's Message Oct. 12
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Enhance the historic perspective of facilities across the Lehigh Valley. The many opportunities would far surpass places like Williamsburg.
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Convention center with over 100,000 square feet to accommodate much larger events.
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Improve the tour services through enhanced training of local people.
The Healthy Rotarian #32: A Healthy Gut
“Salute the Troops” Concert - Please post flyers, and come this Sunday!
Who?
The Allentown Band will entertain Rotarians, friends, family, veterans, students and the general public
What?
An excellent concert by the oldest municipal band in the country, featuring patriotic and related songs.
When?
Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3:00 pm
Where?
Northeast Middle School Auditorium
1170 Fernwood St., Bethlehem
(Parking very close, and easy access)
Why?
To benefit Victory House of the Lehigh Valley and other Morning Star Rotary charities.
Many of those served by Victory House are Veterans.
How can you help?
- Buy (or sell) the 6 tickets (or more!) which were given to each member by chair Gary Hartney. Adult ticket price remains $10.
- POST CONCERT FLYERS in grocery stores and anywhere else potential concert-goers might see them!
- Help the day of the concert with taking tickets, ushering, etc. (Contact Gary)
- Enjoy the concert with family and friends!
The flyer is available in downloads on our homepage, and was emailed to all members for easy access. Hard copies are also available at club meetings.
Questions? Contact Gary Hartney glhartney@aol.com
Thank you!
Register NOW for Rotary Leadership Institute in KOP on Nov. 7
Multiple Sign-Ups on Duties Sheet
Oct. 6 President's Message
- Wages and income disparity; a negative spiraling effect impacting everyone.
- Housing, which needs to be addressed in real terms being much more localized markets oriented. The number of Millennials exceeds Baby Boomers and for the most part they are interested in being in vibrant urban markets. The demand for rental units has far surpassed the supply of availability in our Lehigh Valley cities.
- Wealth disparity continues to expand in key areas of housing, savings and retirement provisions.
- Race is a very real issue. Just look at the composition of the Boards of Directors all around the Lehigh Valley.
Sept. 29 President's Message
- The Dictionary Project in full swing.
- Preparations for the Salute the Troops Concert on November 8 will be full speed ahead with ticket sales and sponsorship acquisition.
- The 9th Annual Sipple Lecture, “Homeless and Hungry: Community, Nursing, and Health Care’s Influence” on October 21st at Moravian College followed by MSR fellowship.
- October 31st is Rotary Foundation and Grant Training in Blue Bell. This is a great opportunity for Rotarians to learn more about this very important part of Rotary. The new Membership Committee event is planned as an evening social to spread the good word of MSR.
The Healthy Rotarian #31 - The Power of Fiber
Sept 21 President's Message
Morning Star 25th Anniversary Run
RUNNERS TAKE YOUR MARKS! CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY RUN !!!
After many months of preparation Race Director, Wayne Achey and the MSR Race Committee are ready to hit the trails. The race this year again will feature professional timing and scoring facilities. As President Searfoss raises the cry "All Hands On Deck" it is time for ALL of us to Be a Gift to Our Community and make this historic event a resounding success. With registrations approaching record levels, an outstanding course and the state of the art timing and scoring equipment, we really need course marshals and supporting personnel! We ask you to help and to bring family, friends and students (community service credit!) if possible on Saturday.
SATURDAY SEPT. 26 - RACE DAY!!!
Where: Start/Finish and Registration is on Old York Road - enter from Union Boulevard behind the Senior Centers.
When: 5:00 AM Setup Begins
6:30 AM Registrations and Race Packet Pickup Open
8:00 AM Race Begins
9:30 AM Awards and Raffle Prize Giveaway
Followed by clean-up!
All Volunteers - Come early and ask at Registration where you can assist. Thank you!
RACE QUESTIONS?
Please check the race website thoroughly first http://www.morningstarrotary.org/events/5k/ .
If that doesn't provide the answers you need, then please call Race Director Wayne Achey at 610-509-1505. With over 500 registrants to date, he is VERY busy - so we ask that you contact him only if really necessary.
BAG STUFFING
Special thanks to all Rotarians participating last Thursday. Circled the tables, stuffed the bags and MSR fellowship!
Thanks, and hope to see you Saturday!
The Healthy Rotarian #30 - MyPlate
- Drink plenty of liquid - water is best, limit sugary beverages including drinks with artificial sweeteners, avoid sodas and fluids with sodium. Choose low fat milk and yogurt, but no more than 2 servings daily.
- Make eating a social event. Avoid eating in front of the TV and choose to be with someone at meals.
- Plan healthy meals. Anticipate what you'll need for The Plate and grocery shop accordingly.
- Know how much to eat. Portion control is essential in choosing a healthy diet.
- Vary your fruits and vegetables. Fresh and in season is advised, avoid canned veggies to control sodium intake and canned fruit with added sugars.
- Use herbs and spices. Explore cooking with fresh herbs and organic spices. Ginger, turmeric, cilantro, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, and thyme have health benefits. Check out The Healthiest Herbs and Spices at huffingtonpost.com
- Read the Nutrition Facts label to avoid sugars, sodium, preservatives, and high calories.
- Ask your health care provider about vitamins and supplements. Food nutrients are best, but based on individual dietary intake and physiological status you may need to supplement your diet.
- Keep food safe. Food borne illnesses can be dangerous therefore follow safe food handling principles. Avoid unpasteurized foods, undercooked, and raw meats and seafoods.
Bill Hunter Achieves 10,000 Mile Landmark
Celebrate 20 years with Bike Works on Sunday, 9/20!
Sept. 7 President's Message
"The Healthy Rotarian" to Return!
Aug. 31 President's Message
Aug. 23 President's Message
- Early Learning – quality early learning critical to achieving a quality workforce in the future
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) coalition with over 30 members focused on matching underrepresented students with mentors in these key areas to provide high-quality educational experiences and career opportunities. Begun in 2014, with a grant from LVCF the effort has now been expanded across the Lehigh Valley.
- Environment
- Equity Community Development – provide fair opportunities to all students
- Next Generation of Leaders – from where? Motivations?
- Arts – requires growth of patrons to continue this quality endeavor
- “The M Word” - with so many Non-Profits, the increasing need for merging and effective collaboration is essential.
Aug. 18 President's Message
Aug. 10 President's Message
Jenna Archuleta of RI visited Tore & Charlotte H-H
AFRICA GOES ONE YEAR WITHOUT A CASE OF POLIO!
K.R. Ravindran
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President, 2015-16
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Just a few days from now, on 11 August, we will mark a tremendous milestone: one full year without a single case of polio caused by wild poliovirus in Africa.
The magnitude of this achievement can hardly be overstated. A polio-free Africa has been within sight, so near and yet so far, for over a decade. The hard work and commitment that have brought us to this point have been nothing short of heroic. Tens of thousands of health workers reached hundreds of millions of children with vaccine, in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Together, we have done what once seemed impossible: We have stopped polio in Africa.
Yet this progress, momentous as it is, is still fragile. As long as polio exists in the two remaining endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the virus still has the potential to spread and to spark new outbreaks. Now, more than ever, we need the power of all of Rotary to carry us through to the end: not just a polio-free Africa, but a polio-free world.
Wherever you live, whether your country has just conquered polio or has been polio-free for decades, we need your voice, and your help. I ask all of you to read and use the materials in this tool kit to find ways to raise awareness in your community, and beyond. We need every Rotarian, in every Rotary club, to be talking about polio: making sure that media outlets report on our progress and our elected officials see polio eradication as a global priority. Your grassroots work helps drive the increased media coverage we have seen in the past year, which in turn drives global backing of our work to eradicate polio. Together, we will keep polio front and center in our communities and on our national agendas, keeping up the energy and the momentum that will push us through to the finish.
The battle in Africa has, for the moment, been won, but we need the strength of every Rotarian to help us win the war. Together, we will End Polio Now and truly Be a Gift to the World.
Warm regards,
K.R. Ravindran President, Rotary International News media prominently featured Rotary and its 30 years of work to protect children from the crippling effects of polio when Nigeria marked its one-year milestone in July, including:
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Aug. 3 President's Message
Morning Star Fellowship - BBQ and Pool Party!
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Bring your favorite Appetizer, Side Dish, or Dessert to share.
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Meat and veggie burgers , wine, beer, & soda will be provided by Morning Star Rotary Club.
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Bring your bathing suits & towels.
July 28 President's Message
July 14 President's Message
The Healthy Rotarian #29: Save those Teeth!
President's Message July 6
Be a Gift to the World
President's Message June 30
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Charlie Incalcaterra our first and “forever young”
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Barb Seifert-Sigmon
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Past District Governor Tore Hartmann-Hansen – Our Favorite Viking!
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Butch Macri
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Diane Donaher who is also Past President of the Bethlehem Rotary (aka “Downtown”)
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Gary Hartney
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Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
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Ron Helmuth
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Dave Cincera
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Susan Burnett
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Jean Searfoss
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Tom Kolepp
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Past President Jean Searfoss
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Directors Robin Metzler, Jeff Kicska, Ellen Roberts and Barb Seifert-Sigmon
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President Ron Searfoss
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President Elect Sharon Fontana
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Vice President Kristian Schafer*
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Secretary Val Walk
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Treasurer Sue Reeps*
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Sergeant at Arms Russell Pacala
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Continuing Directors Wayne Achey, Cheryl Baker, Jan Chicka and Jess Elliott
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New Directors Dave Cincera, Jeff Kicska (recycled!), Alex Shnaydruk and Geoff Wright
President’s Message for June 25, 2015 Meeting
- MOM-n-PA Dental Project
- 5K / 10K Run
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Dictionaries for Third Graders in Bethlehem – joint project with Bethlehem Rotary
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Salute the Troops Concert
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Spaghetti Dinner
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Golf Tournament
The Kolepp Family's South Africa "Rotary Connections"
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While in Johannesburg, Retief Van Der Lingen and his Dad Daniel “fetched us” from our hotel to their house in Randburg. Retief was an inbound Rotary exchange student two years ago hosted by Morning Star, specifically Kate and Larry Eighmy and the Kolepps. His mother Marguerite cooked a wonderful dinner for us. We caught up with Retief and learned more about his family, including younger brother Ruan.
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While in Swaziland, our tour visited a pre-school for orphaned or disadvantaged toddlers with families impacted by HIV / AIDS. Advance knowledge of this stop enabled many tour members to bring school supplies . . . we brought Crayola crayons. Before arriving at the school, tour members shopped at a local market for staple foods to stock their lunch room. After we learned that the local Rotary Club is funding goats and an enclosure to improve project sustainability, our tour participants gathered a cash contribution to help finish the fence and buy more livestock.
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At the end of our formal tour, the family staked their lives on my “left side of the road” driving skills. Luckily, we made the two hour drive from Johannesburg to Klerksdorp with no incidents!
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In Klerksdorp, we were hosted to a grand dinner at the home of Anne and Hermann Botha. The Rotary Club of Orkney’s weekly meeting was cancelled due to their changeover dinner planned for the weekend, so the word went out that Carl was in town and many who knew Carl gathered at the Botha’s. The “braii-master” (American for “grille dude”) was Wally Jakobs. The Rotary hosts were Colin Hyman, President, and Dr. Tebogo Senyatsi, PE. The Bothas, Colin and wife Sharon, and Wally and wife Arlene had all been host parents to Carl. (Unfortunately, the Ackermans, his fourth host family, were away on vacation.) There was more meat than you can eat, plus “pop” – a maize dish – one of Carl’s favorite treats. Hermann shared South African wine from his extensive selection and Anne arranged for very tasty desserts. I exchanged our new Morning Star Rotary banner with Colin and received one of their last “50th Anniversary” editions. It was sweet sorrow to have to leave these Rotary friends, but we hope to cross paths with them again someday.
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We took a side trip to Jaap and Kim Steyn’s farm in Viljoenskroon, a maize and cattle farming town located in the Free State province. Some of you may recall Jaap as the leader of the Group Study Exchange Team that MSR hosted in 2007. (Jaap was DG of District 9370 during Carl’s exchange year and he is currently President of the Rotary Club of Viljoenstroon.) Jaap prepared steaks over a fire made from dried corn cobs and they were fantastic. Jaap also made pop with tomato sauce and we better understand why Carl enjoys this traditional South African dish so much. Kim joined us for lunch from her retail manager job in town. After lunch, Jaap took us on a tour of his 600 hectare (~1,500 acre) farm operation. His staff was harvesting corn and his cattle were feeding in the newly harvested fields. We saw the newborn calves, the harvested sunflower and soy bean fields and his ostrich. Jaap then took us to the town’s grain mill and the peanut processing mill to see how the raw farm output is processed. We also drove through the local township, saw projects supported by Rotary, and said goodbye to Kim in town. We concluded back in Jaap’s garage where he showed us a dozen or so shipping boxes filled with Tom’s Shoes that the Rotary Club of Viljoenstroon will soon be distributing to school children in the township. Overall, a truly amazing day!
President Elect’s Message for June 18 Meeting
The Healthy Rotarian #28: The Numbers That Count
- 2 ... Hours of TV you can safely watch per day. Too much tube time increases the concentration of triglycerides in your blood and lowers HDL "good" cholesterol which can harm your heart.
- 7+ ... Ideal daily servings of fruits and veggies. That's more than the five a day you're used to, but extra can reduce your risk of early death by 42%.
- 60-100 ... Heartbeats per minute at rest. A gain of just 10 beats per minute over normal increases your risk of dying from heart disease by 10 to 18 %.
- 7 ... Hours of sleep per night you need to control weight. In a study of over 21,000 healthy adults, those who slept five or fewer hours per night were 50% more likely to become obese, compared with those who recorded a full night's rest.
- 20: The most miles you should commute each day. Longer commutes are associated with higher blood pressure, more worrying and chronic stress.
- 1500: Maximum amount of sodium, in milligrams an average adult should consume daily. Three-quarters of the salt in your diet comes from processed foods, substitute fresh whole foods to lower blood pressure.
- 1:2 ... healthiest ratio, waist to height. A larger waist increases your risk of developing metabolic syndrome which in turn raises the chance of heart disease and stroke.
- 2.7 ... days you should stay home with the flu. Anything less and you risk infecting coworkers. Sixty % of workers go to the office when they are sick.
President Elect’s Message for June 11 Meeting
- Motivate – recognize and encourage the ethic of volunteerism;
- Coordinate – match volunteer resources with needs in our community; and
- Educate – train volunteers to be leaders.
Kick Out Party June 20!!!
June 25 Meeting is Changeover Celebration!
President Elect’s Message for June 4 Meeting
- Healthcare education, distance education, digital libraries …
- Support a network of healthcare professionals
- Improve community health center infrastructure at pilot Healthcare Centers (to provide an example that can be replicated at other locations later – sustainable after Rotary leaves)
- Exchange healthcare professionals
GOLF TOURNAMENT POSTPONED TO JUNE 22
President’s Message for May 28, 2015 Meeting
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Jan Schwartz– guest of Shawn Deiter
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Vicki Hicks – guest of Sharon Fontana
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Sharon Brown – guest of Janet Sipple
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Carl Kolepp – guest of Janet & Tom Kolepp
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Golf Tournament: This Monday on June 1, 2015 to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
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Board Meeting Reminder: Our joint board meeting with both current and new Board Members will be held June 17 at Rosanna’s Restaurant at corner of Broad and New Streets at 6:00 PM.
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Kickout Party: Join the club Saturday evening June 20 at Tom and Landa Mohr’s to give President Tom (me) the boot. Food and fun for all. Bring friends and potential members along.
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Club Changeover Meeting & Celebration: At our club meeting on June 25, President Elect Ron Searfoss and all incoming officers will be inducted.
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Celtic Classic 5K / 10K Race: Saturday September 26, 2015.
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Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22. For tickets, please go to CampNeidig.com.
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District Turnover Meeting and Dinner: June 29 at William Penn Inn in Gwynedd (Ambler), PA.
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Rotary Leadership Institute: Saturday November 7, 2015 at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. (Other dates are available at different locations.) MSR reimburses attendees and all Morning Star Rotarians are encouraged to attend.
New Club Banner!
Thank You Cards from Cancer Support Community
The Healthy Rotarians #27: DRY MOUTH . . . drink more water!
Annika went to the Prom!
Rotary Foundation at Work: Vocational Training Team To Uganda
District 7430’s Patti Smith awarded Rotary International’s “Service Above Self” Award
Happy Birthday Dear Rotarians
MAY 7 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
- Annika’s exchange student brother (and former MSR exchange student) Carl Kolepp attended to support her.
- Dee Elliott completed her “Prospective Member Challenge” by bringing Matt Berry.
- Karen Haddigan, guest of Eileen Dunn, announced at Happy Dollar time that she is a prospective member. Yeah!
- Bernie Gardener, guest of Ellen Roberts, attended for the second time this month; Ellen announced that Bernie is a prospective member. Yeah squared!
- Golf Tournament: This is only one month away on June 1, 2015 to benefit the Bridges Foundation. We need gift certificates, hole sponsors, foursomes of golfers, raffle board donations and volunteers.
- Celtic Classic 5K / 10K Race: Saturday September 26, 2015.
- District 7430 Training Assembly: REGISTER NOW Mail Registration by May 7. Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. This is only two weeks away. All MSR’ians are encouraged to attend. Registration fees will be reimbursed by MSR after attending. Contact President Tom or PE Ron for ride signups.
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
- District Turnover Meeting and Dinner: June 29 at William Penn Inn in Gwynedd (Ambler), PA.
- Rotary Leadership Institute: Saturday November 7, 2015 at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. (Other dates are available at different locations.) MSR reimburses attendees and all MSR’ians are encouraged to attend.
Logging In
If you haven't logged in recently (or maybe ever?), here are step-by-step instructions ...
1. Go to www.morningstarrotary.org
2. Click Member Login (at top right)
3. If you don't know your Login Name or Password, click "New and existing users - Retrieve your password"
4. Fill in your last name and email address. ClubRunner will immediately email your Login Name and Password.
5. Note: the email address must match what ClubRunner has on file for you. If you can no longer access that email address, contact Jean Searfoss, Jeff Kicska or Ron Searfoss with your new address, and we will update it in ClubRunner for you.
After logging in, click on "Member Area" at the top right. Then look under "My ClubRunner" on the left side for a wide variety of club documents and information. Several Directory formats are available to print and/or download. To download member info in Word or pdf, the recommended line to click is eDirectory Report 2.0.
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY MAY 16, 2015 MAY 7 SIGN-UP
DTA Registration 1.docx
If you cannot open the above link, copy and paste the following address into your browser:
http://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/50086/Eml/66a78ef6-e200-4744-aa55-f2ec39bd9561.docx
DISTRICT CONFERENCE GETTYSBURG
#26 SINUSITIS
Sinusitis means congestion, excess mucus, and uncomfortable pressure caused by swelling of the sinus cavities. You are also familiar with stuffiness and throbbing pain in the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes; exhaustion, and headaches. Dental problems in the teeth or jaw can also be an issue. Sinusitis affects more than 37 million Americans!
APR 30 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
- Golf Tournament: This is only one month away on June 1, 2015 to benefit the Bridges Foundation. We need hole sponsors, foursomes of golfers, raffle donations and volunteers.
- Celtic Classic 5K / 10K Race: Saturday September 26, 2015.
- District Training Assembly: REGISTER NOW ON THE 7430 DISTRICT WEBSITE for Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. This is only two weeks away. All MSR’ians are encouraged to attend. Registration fees will be reimbursed after attending. Ride signups will be circulated.
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
- District Turnover Meeting and Dinner: June 29 at William Penn Inn in Gwynedd (Ambler), PA.
- Rotary Leadership Institute: Saturday November 7, 2015 at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. (Other dates are available at different locations.) MSR reimburses attendees and all MSR’ians are encouraged to attend.
APR 23 DUTIES
APR 16 DUTIES
MORNING STAR 25TH CELEBRATION
MORNING STAR 25TH CELEBRATION......A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!
The venue was great! The food was great! But it was all about the people and fellowship!
APR 9 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for April 9, 2015
Last week’s “Life and Times of Kristian Schafer: A Morning Star Rotary Classification Extravaganza” certainly lived up to its billing because Kristian floored us with his eight minute video life story presentation. Kristian wowed us with his folksy / techie / storyteller side. The video is not on YouTube yet, but when it is we will let everyone know so those who missed it can get up to speed on Kristian.
Kristian is such a popular guy that the audience was filled with visiting Rotarians and guests. Past Rotary Presidents George Mowrer of the Bethlehem Club and Ricky Gower of the Saucon / Center Valley Club, respectively, were there to cheer on Kristian. And our Vice President, Sharon Fontana is serious about “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member” by hosting Mary Gonzalez and Mary Rooney.
This week’s presentation is by Ham Malek who will speak to us about the District 7430 Million Dollar Challenge. Come out and hear more about it.
The Four Way Speech Contest Regional Competition is this Saturday April 11 from 10 – 11:45 AM at SH 143 Fowler Hall, Lehigh Carbon Community College, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville PA. Please come out to support Abby Burnett (Freedom HS) and Blake McGill (Bethlehem Catholic HS) our local winner and runner up. It would be outstanding if MSR had a huge turnout. Contact Ben Tenaglia with any questions.
Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets coming soon.
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation. Brochures available for distribution to sponsors and golfers!
- Celtic Classic 5K / 10K Race: Saturday September 26, 2015.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg. Contact Marianne Aronson if you forgot to register and still want to attend.
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. MSR reimburses attendees and all MSR’ians are encouraged to attend. Signups will be circulated after District Conference.
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
- District Turnover Meeting and Dinner: June 29 at William Penn Inn in Gwynedd (Ambler), PA.
- Rotary Leadership Institute: Saturday November 7, 2015 at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. (Other dates are available at different locations.) MSR reimburses attendees and all MSR’ians are encouraged to attend.
With only April, May and June left in this Rotary year, please do your part to meet our 2014-2015 initiatives – “Every Member Bring a Prospective Member” and our “Every Member Every Year” Rotary Foundation contribution. Our Elliott ladies – Dee and Jess – are taking the “Prospective Member Challenge” by committing to each bringing a prospective member in May.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
APR 9 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities April 9
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Ron Searfoss
Greeter - Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Volunteer Needed
50/50 - Frank Lulewitz
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - Tom Mohr
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
ROTARY FOUNDATION - EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR EREY
Economic & Community Development – This is the last of six areas of focus supported by contributions to Rotary Foundation. Through the Foundation, people are provided with access to microfinance loans and financial services. Vocational training teams are funded to teach business leaders in developing communities how to create a business plan and maintain accurate financial records. Equipment and supplies are provided to assist enterpreneurs in increasing production and sales. The capacity of local organizations and community networks can be increased to support economic development.
The six areas of focus highlighted over the past two months include Peace & Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water & Sanitation, Maternal & Child Health, Education & Literacy, and Economic & Community Development.
The goal of President Tom and the Board is to achieve Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY). To date, approximately 20 members have not yet made a contribution this year. Contributions can be made by check (payable to Rotary Foundation), $2/week at the sign-in table at weekly meetings, or by automatic withdrawals from a bank account. To receive credit for the current Rotary year, all contributions should be received by June 1.
Why should you make a contribution to Rotary Foundation? Because you are a Rotarian!
Thanks to everyone in Bethlehem Morning Star for their continued support of Rotary Foundation.
CANCER and POLIO
CANCER and POLIO
The following is an excerpt from an email received from one of my wonderful inlaws, Eileen Gavin McKenna. (The outlaws are pretty great too!) Given the Rotary focus on Polio eradication, it is quite amazing to find such encouraging results from a different perspective in the battle to cure cancer.
For those of you who may not have seen 60 Minutes this past Sunday, there were two segments about a groundbreaking Phase I (human safety) study using a modified polio virus injection into a particularly aggressive (and heretofore incurable) brain tumor called glioblastoma in a number of patients. Amazing results in some patients, and early lab research is providing great hope for many other types of cancers as well (including lung, pancreatic, prostate and breast tumors). You can watch the segments online, if interested (two parts):
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/polio-cancer-treatment-duke-university-60-minutes-scott-pelley/ .
...particularly like the way the researchers are harnessing the body’s own immune system in eradicating the cancer, and using a method that targets the cancer cells without harming the healthy ones. Far preferable to the present-day radiation and chemo. Much more research still to be (and being) done, but always good to have hope. Very exciting!
Those who might want more background info and a critique of the program may check out:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/BrainCancer/50728 .
Wishing all of you good health.
Thank you Eileen!
MAY 1 SPAGHETTI DINNER
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary
Taste of Tuscany Pasta Dinner
Friday, May 9, 2014
Dine In or Take Out!
PLACE: East Hills Moravian Church
1830 Butztown Road, Bethlehem, PA
TIME: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
COST: Adults: $8.00
Children (under 10): $4.00
Tickets Available at Door
MENU: Pasta (with or without meatballs)
Fresh Garden Salad
Buttered Garlic Bread
Dessert
Soft Drinks/Tea and Coffee
Proceeds to Benefit Morning Star Rotary Grant Recipients
For More Information Contact:
Valerie: 610-759-6745(h) / 610-691-0041(w) Email: val@btcu.org
ROTARY FOUNDATION - EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR EREY
The 5th subject of Rotary Foundation’s Areas of Focus is Basic Education and Literacy. Previous articles have appeared highlighting Peace & Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water & Sanitation, and Maternal & Child Health. If you have not made your contribution to Rotary Foundation as yet for the 2014-15 Rotary year, why not make a gift of $25 in celebration and recognition of Bethlehem Morning Star’s 25th anniversary? Our club goal is for every club member to make a contribution this year.
Basic Education & Literacy – 75 million children worldwide have no access to education. 677 million people over the age of 15 are considered illiterate. 31% of secondary school teachers in low-income countries are not professional trained. These numbers are staggering. Contributions to Rotary Foundation are used to provide teacher training, curriculum, and school supplies. Adult literacy programs are sponsored. Student enrollment is promoted by preventing health-related absences through the sponsoring of school feeding programs and providing of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
APR 2 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities April 2
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Frank Lulewitz
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Sharon Fontana
50/50 - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
APR 2 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for April 2, 2015
Mary Ann Prezekurat, Executive Director of the Literacy Center, began her speech by reminding us that her first introduction to Rotary was as a resident of Ghana when she helped administer polio vaccine. She told us this same story during her 2014 visit and the reminder created an instant connection between Mary Ann and her audience. She gave an inspiring talk concerning the challenges of illiteracy and how The Literacy Center is equipping dedicated individuals to acquire English language skills. Her presentation included many pictures: successful graduates of Literacy Center classes; graduates working as class teachers; Storybook Theatre; and, various programs designed to promote literacy. Even immediate past Literacy Center Board President, Jim Santanasto scored a mug shot. Reminder: Morning Star supported their StoryBook Theater 2015 program with our Community Development Grant. If you would like to learn more about the Literacy Center, please visit their website at http://www.theliteracycenter-lv.org/.
Last week we not only welcomed our speaker, but also Carrie Oesmann and John Oesmann (guests of Janet Kolepp) and our Exchange Student Annika.
Please join us to support Kristian Schafer when he’ll be “classification talking” at our April 2 meeting. We’re billing his presentation as “The Life and Times of Kristian Schafer: A Morning Star Rotary Classification Extravaganza” because Kristian didn’t give us a better title. See you there!
The Morning Star Rotary 25th Anniversary Celebration was a blast last Saturday night! About seventy Rotarians and guests enjoyed a great party. Many thanks to all who helped plan and host the event, especially our Celebration Chair Jan Chicka. Many others played key roles especially Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen for lending her photo albums and Ron and Jean Searfoss for turning Charlotte’s pictures into a wonderful slide show and Jeff Kicska for the wonderful signs. The food was good. The DJ was rockin’. The dance floor was shakin’ and special guests got a total immersion in our Morning Star culture, including:
- District Governor Gary Fedorcha and his wife Lynne
- District Governor Elect Doug Cook and his wife Mary
- District Governor Nominee Linda Young
- Louise Tusak – Friend of Rotary representing Bethlehem Special Olympics
- Past Presidents and Bethlehem Rotarians Diane Donaher and Gordon Sommers
Cheryl Baker delivered an inspiring invocation. DG Gary presented a letter from Rotary International President Gary C. K. Huang congratulating Morning Star on our quarter century as a Rotary Club. And, we almost had a speech free night until the incorrigible Tom Mohr crossed the line by talking more than two minutes. All in, it was just the kind of evening we wanted. Jan, her committee and volunteers truly delivered.
Four Way Speech Contest Update: We will have two local contestants at the Regional Speech competition on Saturday April 11 at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
- Abby Burnett (Freedom HS), daughter of our own Susan and husband Ron, will represent Morning Star.
- Due to the virtual tie between the competitors, our second place winner, Blake McGill (Bethlehem Catholic HS), will be competing as representative of Bethlehem Rotary. Blake is the daughter of Jean and Kerry McGill.
It would be outstanding if MSR had a huge turnout to support them. If you are interested in attending, details are on the District 7430 website or see Ben Tenaglia or me.
Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets distributed. See Val Walk for more!
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation. Brochures available for distribution to sponsors and golfers!
- Celtic Classic 5K / 10K Race: Saturday September 26, 2015.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. MSR reimburses attendees and all MSR’ians are encouraged to attend.
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
- District Turnover Meeting and Dinner: June 29 at William Penn Inn in Gwynedd (Ambler), PA.
- Rotary Leadership Institute: Saturday November 7, 2015 at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia. (Other dates are available at different locations.) MSR reimburses attendees and all MSR’ians are encouraged to attend.
Only April, May and June are left in this Rotary year, so please remember to do your part to meet our 2014-2015 initiatives – “Every Member Bring a Prospective Member” and our “Every Member Every Year” Rotary Foundation contribution.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
MAR 26 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities March 26
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Tom Mohr
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jan Chicka
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
50/50 - Wayne Achey
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Marianne Aronson
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
MAR 26 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for March 26, 2015
Our March 19 meeting was a combination of music education updates and improv comedy from Dr. Nora Suggs. Nora is well known to many of our members and serves as the Artistic Director of Satori, the classical and contemporary chamber music group based here in the Lehigh Valley. I can’t remember the last time we had a speaker who holds degrees in biology, medicine, surgery, English lit and who is an accomplished flute player. (Maybe it was the last time Nora spoke to us!). Nora provided an update on how the Morning Star Rotary Community Development Grant is being used to support the “Chamber Music in Your School” outreach program, including pictures and thank you notes from the students. During question time, our newest member Bill Hunter asked Nora for advice on how to inspire his daughter to continue her piano lessons. Nora inquired about his daughter’s age, to which Bill replied that she was a teenager. Nora’s advice was succinct: “You’re so screwed” and the house rocked with laughter. You will have the opportunity to hear music by Satori at our Spaghetti Dinner on May 1. If you would like more information about Satori, visit their website at www.satori-chambermusic.org.
Our annual Four Way Speech Contest took place Wednesday, March 18th. We had two outstanding contestants - Abby Burnett who is a junior at Freedom HS (and daughter of MSRian Susan) and Blake McGill who is a sophomore at Bethlehem Catholic HS (and daughter of past AG Jean McGill and Past President of Lehigh Valley East Kerry McGill). It was a very close contest with Abby taking first place (by four points out of 300). Abby will go on to represent the two Bethlehem clubs in the regional competition at LCCC on April 11. Six MSRians had dinner at The Brick afterwards. Our thanks to Ben Tenaglia for organizing the contest and to our colleague club for sponsoring with us. Also, a special thanks to Ed Ortelli and Cheryl Baker for promoting the contest at local high schools.
At our March 26 meeting, Mary Ann Przekurat, Executive Director of the Literacy Center, will speak to us about the challenges of illiteracy and what her organization is doing about it.
We hope to see everyone at the Morning Star Rotary 25th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, March 28 at 6PM at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. A wonderful program has been planned – with “no speeches” – but lots of toasts, dining, dancing and memories. We have confirmation that current DG Gary Fedorcha and incoming DG Doug Cook will attend along with their wives. You have heard all the hype. Now come, bring your cameras, make some new memories and have a great time.
Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: see announcement above.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets distributed. See Val Walk for more!
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
Remember to do your part to meet our 2014-2015 initiatives – “Every Member Bring a Prospective Member” and our “Every Member Every Year” Rotary Foundation contribution.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
ROTARY FOUNDATION - EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR EREY
This is the fourth in a series of short descriptions of Rotary Foundation’s Areas of Focus for the weekly newsletter. The six areas of focus are Peace & Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water & Sanitation, Maternal & Child Health, Education & Literacy, and Economic & Community Development. If you have not made your contribution to Rotary Foundation as yet for the 2014-15 Rotary year, please try to make your contribution during the month of March. Our club goal is for every club member to make a contribution this year.
Maternal & Child Health – 9 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. Almost 5% of African women will die during child birth. 80% of these maternal deaths can be prevented with access to reproductive health services and trained health care workers. Your gift to Rotary Foundation can assist in providing immunizations and antibiotics to prevent or treat illness in small children. Gifts to the Foundation are also used to provide birthing kits to health professionals in Africa, and provide access to family planning information and resources. Your small gift can mean a lifetime to a child.
MAR 19 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities March 19
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Volunteer Needed
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week - Marianne Aronson
50/50 - Janet Westlund
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - Kristian Schafer
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
MAR 19 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for March 19, 2015
Our March 12 meeting was eventful in so many ways. Initially, we missed President Elect Ron’s masterful technology setup. (Ron was attending to a family medical emergency – and we wish him the best.) After the rolling announcements were rollin’, we realized the speaker’s USB drive did not work on President Tom’s laptop. Arghhh! Thankfully, we have resourceful Rotarians like Ron Helmuth. He retrieved his laptop from his car, worked his wizardry and voila . . . Jamie Popp, Director of Education & Curriculum for the Lehigh Valley Children Centers, could make her presentation. It included a nice video on the enrichment activities provided to the children. To learn more about LVCC, reference the website at: http://www.lvchildcare.org/.
On Thursday, we also inducted Bill Hunter to full “blue badge” membership. Bill went through his “red badge” period during his previous membership tenure. Bill is already a Paul Harris Fellow and he committed to making his annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation to help Morning Star qualify as an “Every Rotarian Every Year” club for the first time.
We also welcomed Anatoliy Levytskyy who is the brother and guest of our own Iryna Levytska. Anatoliy is originally from the Ukraine and he currently works in Angola, Africa. Iryna contributed a “happy / sad” dollar because she loves having her brother, sister-in-law and two nieces visiting, but she will miss them when they leave. Those who attended our Bowling Night had the opportunity to spend some time with Anatoliy and his family. We wish them safe travels as they return to Africa.
The project of the week is the Four Way Rotary Speech Contest on Wednesday March 18 at 6PM in the Rotunda of the Bethlehem City Hall (across from the Bethlehem Area Public Library). We are still seeking contestants. Complete contest information is found on the District 7430 website at http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/SitePages/SitePage.aspx?did=7430&pid=55330. If you have any additional contestants, please contact Ben Tenaglia to register their intent.
We encourage every Morning Star Rotarian to attend the Speech Contest – to support the committee and the contestants. After the contest, we will adjourn to The Brick Restaurant for dinner and socializing with Rotarians and guests from both MSR and the Bethlehem Rotary Club.
After the Wednesday night speech contest and dinner, be sure you are up early to attend our March 19 meeting. Nora Suggs, the Artistic Director of Satori, will present Satori’s BRAVO Music Education Program which MSR supported with a Community Development Grant.
Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:
- Four Way Speech Contest: see details above
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday evening March 28 at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. Jan Chicka needs your check so that she can confirm the count. $45 per person for food, dancing and memories. Please give Jean Searfoss your pictures and memorabilia.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets coming soon.
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
Remember to do your part to meet our 2014-2015 initiatives – “Every Member Bring a Prospective Member” and our “Every Member Every Year” Rotary Foundation contribution.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
RSVP ASAP: 25th ANNIVERSARY INVITATION
MORNING STAR ROTARY
25th ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
MARCH 28, 2015
RSVP ASAP TO JAN CHICKA
SEE YOU THERE!!!
PARTY PARTY PARTY
See Downloads on Home Page for Registration Form!
MAR 27 UKRAINE UN AMBASSADOR
The Rotary Club of Allentown West in partnership with the Allentown Rotary Club is proud to present a special afternoon presentation by Yuriy Sergeyev, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Nations (UN) on Friday, March 27 at noon at the Renaissance Allentown adjacent to the PPL Arena (directions here).
MAR 12 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for March 12, 2015
Unfortunately we had to cancel last week’s meeting due to the weather, so we will be rescheduling Paula Ream, Executive Director of the Cancer Support Community, for another date. Please join us this Thursday March 12 for Jamie Popp, Director of Education & Curriculum for the Lehigh Valley Children Center's.
The weather was clear on Saturday night though and MSR turned out in force for the Bowling Soiree organized by Kristian Schafer and Tom Mohr. We had club members, family members, our exchange student, visiting Rotarians, international guests and lots of kids including Andrew Kicska and Victoria Schnadruk. Iryna’s brother, wife and two daughters from the Ukraine attended. Check out the fun photo here and see our MSR Facebook page for more pix. While you are on Facebook, don’t forget to “like”, “friend” and “follow” MSR.
Membership Reminder: Time is running short to meet our membership goals. Please invite someone who would be a great Rotarian to a March meeting or event.
Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:
Board Meeting: Wednesday March 11 at 6PM in Moravian Village Board Room.
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. We are one away and still need speakers – contact Ben Tenaglia with leads. Plus, there will be a social event at the Brick at the conclusion of the contest for both MSR and Bethlehem Rotarians and guests. Stay tuned for details.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday evening March 28 at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. Jan Chicka needs your check so that she can confirm the count. $45 per person for food, dancing and memories. Please give Jean Searfoss your pictures and memorabilia.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets coming soon.
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
“Every Member Every Year”: The Board requests 100% Rotarian participation with donations of any amount to the Foundation. Please contribute soon or talk to Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell with any questions.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
MAR 12 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities March 12
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Volunteer Needed
Greeter - Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Sharon Fontana
50/50 - Todd Heft
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - EllenRoberts
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
ROTARY FOUNDATION - EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR EREY
This is the third in a series of short descriptions of Rotary Foundation’s Areas of Focus for the weekly newsletter. The six areas of focus are Peace & Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water & Sanitation, Maternal & Child Health, Education & Literacy, and Economic & Community Development. If you have not made your contribution to Rotary Foundation as yet for the 2014-15 Rotary year, please try to make your contribution during the month of March. Our club goal is for every club member to make a contribution this year.
Water and Sanitation – For those of us complaining that winter will never end, here are a few facts concerning people of the world facing serious problems that won’t end without Rotarian support. 884 million people lack clean drinking water, 2.6 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities, and 6000 children die daily from medical conditions caused by lack of sanitation and clean water. Your contributions to Rotary Foundation can assist in the establishment of improved sanitation facilities and water wells. Educational materials are provided to promote good hygiene habits. In addition, Bethlehem Morning Star has contributed to a project in Peru for which home water filters are provided to residents of a small community to make drinking water safe.
MAR 5 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities March 5
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Dieter Bender
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Wayne Achey
50/50 - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - Kristian Schafer
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
MAR 5 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for March 5, 2015
“Accessible Art” was the topic of the day at our February 26 meeting. Delia Chatlani of the Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) introduced us to the LUAG programs and then focused on the process of making art accessible –generally to people with any type of disability and specifically to the visually impaired or blind. Morning Star Rotary supported the LUAG blind-accessibility project with a Community Development Grant. Delia played an audio description of Picasso’s “Girl With A Mandolin” to demonstrate one aspect of improved accessibility. To see similar descriptions, please visit: http://www.artbeyondsight.org/mei/verbal-description-training/samples-of-verbal-description/.
Delia was accompanied by Denise Stangl, Operations Administrator Zoellner Arts Center. Denise thanked us for the grant support and invited us to visit, especially their Zoellner location. Our Fellowship Committee will be in discussion with Denise about a possible future social event. More LUAG information can be found at www.luag.org.
Please attend our March 5 meeting when Paula Ream, Executive Director of the Cancer Support Community, presents another in our series of programs from our Community Development Grant recipients.
Membership Reminder: We need everyone’s help to recruit new members. Invite someone who would be a great Rotarian to a March meeting or event. Good news – frequent recent guest Bill Hunter will be rejoining this month after his triumphal return from his speech at the United Nations. Plus Ellen Roberts brought Patricia McAndrew as her guest. Patricia helped us pack dictionaries for delivery and is also a supporter of the LUAG programs.
“Every Member Every Year”: The Board requests 100% Rotarian participation with donations of any amount to the Foundation. Please contribute soon or talk to Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell with any questions.
Here are upcoming club events for your calendar. See the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Bowling Night: The Fellowship Committee invites you and guests to MSR Bowling Night on this Saturday March 8 from 6 – 8 PM at Revolutions on Route 378. $18 for bowlers (incudes shoes) and $14 for groupies – food and fun for all.
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. We are two weeks away and still need speakers – contact Ben Tenaglia with leads. Plus, there will be a social event at the Brick at the conclusion of the contest for both MSR and Bethlehem Rotarians and guests. Stay tuned for details.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday evening March 28 at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. $45 per person for food, dancing and memories. Give your check to Jan Chicka and give Jean Searfoss you pictures and memorabilia.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets coming soon.
- Golf Tournament: June, 2015 to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
#25 - The SMART TOOL
The Healthy Rotarian - The SMART Tool (A strategy for changing behavior)
The SMART Tool can be helpful in self directing behavior toward positive lifestyle changes. The SMART Tooll guides an individual in setting goals for change and stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time.
When setting a goal it is best to be specific about the objective. For example, to consume 8+ fresh/frozen fruits/vegetable servings per day to reduce blood pressure. This goal is specific and measurable. A food log can be kept to track the number of servings and plot progress.
The goal should be attainable which incorporates the idea of self-efficacy. For example if you are consuming 1 vegetable serving a day it would be better to set a goal to consume 3 servings to begin with which is probably more realistic. Small successes build confidence and encourages the desired behavior.
Relevance of the goal means you understand the scientific evidence of dietary nutrients and lowering blood pressure.
Setting goals in a progressive time scheme is better than a large block of time. For example, to consistently consume 3 servings by the end of 1 month, then to consistently consume 6 servings by the end of 6 months, and to consistently consume 8 servings by the end of 12 months.
Now be SMART and get busy on making positive changes for better health!!!
Nurse Sipple
MAR 1 NAZARETH ROTARY CONCERT
Great Concert , and a fundraiser in Nazareth next Sunday. Music of the 60's. Takes us back to the good old days with flower power and peace signs.
Please share this and come out for a blast from the past. Dancing. Singing. Fun, Fun, Fun for a great cause.
ROTARY FOUNDATION - EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR EREY
ROTARY FOUNDATION – EREY
Members of Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary have contributed over $6,000 to the Foundation to date this Rotary year, exceeding $100 per capita with 25 members not yet making a contribution of record. This should be one of the best years in our club history for Foundation giving, but we still need your help. Whether your contribution be made by contributing $2/week, issuing a check payable to the Foundation, or signing up for automatic payment withdrawal, we need every Rotarian’s support.
In the coming weeks, we will continue to share a short description of one of Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus in the weekly newsletter. The six areas of focus are Peace & Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention & Traetment, Water & Sanitation, Maternal & Child Health, Education & Literacy, and Economic & Community Development.
Disease Prevention and Treatment – Did you know that 1 billion people worldwide suffer from neglected tropical diseases? Did you know that 4.3 million doctors, nurses, and other skilled caregivers are still needed worldwide? Through gifts to Rotary Foundation, immunizations against these infectious diseases can be carried out. Education and training for health workers including scholarships are sponsored. Health programs are supported to educate people on how diseases are spread, and to promote ways to reduce the risk of transmission. Bethlehem Morning Star worked jointly with two other clubs to receive a grant in support of the Mom n PA Dental program this year, because Rotarians contributed to Rotary Foundation.
FEB 26 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities February 26
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Volunteer Needed
Greeter - Frank
Sergeant-at-Arms - Tom Hartzell
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
50/50 - Robin Metzler
Invocation - Dave Cincera
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
FEB 24 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for February 26, 2015
At our February 19 meeting, Dara Rees and Dr. Jeffrey Zlotnick from Patient First compared and contrasted the treatments and expected service levels at primary care doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, and neighborhood medical / urgent care centers. Dara works on the Patient First regional marketing team and is responsible for educating the marketplace on the advantages of neighborhood medical centers which include: no appointments needed; physician always on duty; lower costs; and generally shorter wait times than the emergency room. Dr. Z is the Medical Director of the newest Patient First in the Lehigh Valley – located at the corner of Schoenersville Road and Jacksonville Road in Hanover Township. He is responsible for the actual medical treatment delivery. Dr. Z shared some good stories and reminded us of the emergency room rule - “the sickest is the quickest” – which created the market niche his clinic is appealing to.
An unscheduled meeting highlight was Barbara Seifert-Sigmon’s surprise reunion with District 7470 Assistant Governor Rodney Seifert from Rockaway, New Jersey. Barb and Rod were high school classmates and bandmates in the woodwinds section. Rodney is also a golfing friend of Gary Hartney’s and was his meeting guest.
Please attend our February 26 meeting when Delia Chatlani of LUAG Lehigh University Art Galleries presents a program on “Accessible Art”. This is another in our program series from our Community Development Grant recipients.
Membership Reminder: We need everyone’s help to recruit new members. Invite someone who you feel would be a great Rotarian to a February meeting. Good news – frequent recent guest Bill Hunter will be rejoining in March.
“Every Member Every Year”: The Board requests 100% Rotarian participation in donations of any amount to the Foundation. Please contribute soon or talk to Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell with any questions.
Here are the upcoming club events on your calendar and see the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Bowling Night: The Fellowship Committee invites you and guests to MSR Bowling Night on Saturday March 8 from 6 – 8 PM at Revolutions on Route 378. (See story below.)
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. If you have leads, contact Ben Tenaglia. This is only four weeks away. Plus, there will be a social event at the Brick at the conclusion of the contest for both MSR and Bethlehem Rotarians and guests. Stay tuned for details.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening. $45 per person at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. Food. Dancing. Memories. Sign up with Jan Chicka.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets coming soon.
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
MAR 13 5th Annual State of the Lehigh Valley
State of the Lehigh Valley 2014-2015: Community Trends at a Glance
Gather with Lehigh Valley community leaders and key stakeholders.
Learn about community trends and significant regional issues.
Discuss opportunities for collaborative action in areas of concern.
OF PARTICULAR VALUE TO NON-PROFITS AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS!
Friday, March 13, 2015
DeSales University Center Gerald White Pavilion
7:30 am: Registration/Breakfast
8:30 Presentation & Distribution of Report
10:15 Discussion of Trends (breakout by interest)
Cost: $35 To register go to: State of the Lehigh Valley Community Trends at a Glance: https://www.lvaic.org/default.aspx?pageid=777
If you are having trouble click here or contact below.
Dana Yurgosky
Office Coordinator
Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges
FEB 18 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for February 19, 2015
At last week’s meeting (February 12), Dale Kochard gave an informative talk about the Bridges Foundation the goal of which is to provide deserving students of Bethlehem Area Vocational -Technical School the ability and financial support to fulfill career aspirations. The initial inspiration was to keep young people pursuing vocational careers in the Lehigh Valley. It has grown into a program that provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors to trade schools and both community and four year colleges. For more information on the Bridges Foundation and a listing of the many specific scholarships they provide, please visit their website at http://bethlehemavts.org/organizations/bridges-foundation/.
The 2015 edition of the Annual Rotary Golf Tournament, co-sponsored by the Morning Star Rotary and the Bethlehem Rotary, will benefit the Bridges Foundation. Our support for this will recharge MSR’s support for Rotary’s “Vocational Avenue of Service” which your Board of Directors has been trying to address for several years.
Please attend our February 19 meeting when Dr. Jeffrey Zlotnick & Dara Rees present on Patient First of Bethlehem. Dr. Zlotnick will talk about urgent care, how and when to use it, and when you should go to urgent care vs the ER. Their newly built facility is on the corner of Schoenersville and Jacksonville Roads.
Here are the upcoming club events on your calendar and see the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Bowling Night: The Fellowship Committee invites you and guests to MSR Bowling Night on Saturday March 8 from 6 – 8 PM at Revolutions on Route 378. (See story below.)
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. If you have leads, contact Ben Tenaglia. This is only four weeks away. Plus, there will be a social event at the Brick at the conclusion of the contest for both MSR and Bethlehem Rotarians and guests. Stay tuned for details.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening. $45 per person at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. Food. Dancing. Memories. Sign up with Jan Chicka.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church. Tickets coming soon.
- Golf Tournament: June 1, 2015 at Silver Creek Country Club to benefit the Bridges Foundation.
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
Foundation Reminder: To meet our Rotary Foundation “Every Member Every Year” goal, we need 100% Rotarian participation in donations of any amount to the Foundation. Please contribute soon so that the Foundation Committee knows we will achieve our goal or talk to Tom Hartzell (our Foundation Chairperson) with any questions.
Just a reminder on the membership front: We need everyone’s help to recruit new members. Invite someone who you feel would be a great Rotarian to a February meeting.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
MSR BOWLING SOIREE
MORNING STAR BOWLING SOIREE
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday March 7th 6 – 8 pm @ Revolution
6 people per lane: 2 hours of bowling
Bowlers $17.99 Non-Bowlers $13.99
Includes: shoes, food (Wings & Quesadas, etc.) and soda.
Cheering section pricing TBD. Must bring pom-poms for cheering section admission.
Sign-up sheet will be available on Thursday, February 19th. Call Tom Mohr to register, too!
Final head count needs to be given NLT Thursday March 5th.
Final head count will determine number of bowlers that we are billed for the evening.
Let the Soiree begin!
ROTARY FOUNDATION - EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR EREY
ROTARY FOUNDATION – EREY
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary has established a goal of attaining EREY status for the 2014-15 Rotary year. To date, 34 member Rotarians have made a contribution to Rotary Foundation. This also means that 24 club members have made no contribution to date. Rotary International encourages its members to make a minimum $100 contribution each year to the Foundation, but Bethlehem Morning Star is asking its members to make a contribution as little as $10 to $25 to help reach their goal. Members can (1) issue a check payable to Rotary Foundation, (2) participate in $2 /week at sign-in table, or (3) enroll in a direct recurring giving plan.
Tom Hartzell, Foundation Chair, presents Paul Harris Fellow to Dave Cincera. Congratulations Dave!
In the coming weeks, a short description of one of Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus will appear in the weekly newsletter. The six areas of focus are Peace & Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water & Sanitation, Maternal & Child Health, Education & Literacy, and Economic & Community Development.
Peace & Conflict Resolution - 42 million people are currently displaced by armed conflict or persecutions. 90% of these casualties are civilians, at least half are children. Through Rotary grants made possible by contributions to the Foundation, Rotarians work to strengthen local peace efforts, train local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and assist vulnerable populations affected by conflict, particularly children and youth. Up to 100 peace fellowships are offered annually on a world-competitive basis for study at Rotary Peace Centers.
#24 - NEW YEAR'S HEALTHY RESOLUTIONS CONTINUED
The Healthy Rotarian - "Changing Unhealthy Behaviors" (continued from previous column)
The most acceptable model used in health promotion is the "stages of change model".
In adopting healthy behavior, e.g. regular physical activity or eliminating an unhealthy one, e.g. watching television, people progress through five (5) levels related to their readiness to change:
precontemplation, comtemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.
At each stage, different intervention strategies will help people progress to the next stage.
In stage 1, precontemplation, the individual sees no problem and has no intention of changing.
In stage 2, comtemplation, an individual is aware and thinking about change but has no plans to change.
In stage 3, preparation, an individual has intention, plans, and may have taken initial steps to change but is unstable.
In stage 4, action, the individual is actively engaged in changing but vulnerable to relapse.
Stage 5, maintenance, the individual has learned the skills and uses them regularly to maintain health behavior patterns.
Nurse Sipple
FEB 19 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities February 19
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Alex Shnaydruk
Greeter - Todd Heft
Sergeant-at-Arms - Tom Hartzell
$2 Per Week - Janet Kolepp
50/50 - Kristian Schafer
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
FEB 12 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities February 12
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Jeff Kicska
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Janet Westlund
50/50 - Tom Mohr
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
FEB 11 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for February 12, 2015
At last week’s meeting (February 5), Ron Demkee of the Allentown Band and long-time MSR friend presented the Band’s Education Outreach program that MSR supported with a 2014-2015 Community Development Grant. There are two components of this outreach:
- Annual Youth Concerts, designed especially for elementary and middle school students, which are offered to schools throughout the Lehigh Valley at no cost.
- Side-by-Side Concerts where advanced high school students from seven counties participate in a public concert playing alongside members of the Allentown Band, performing a program of professional level music presented at Allentown's premier concert venue - Miller Symphony Hall. (Your President was glad to hear Ron speak with such enthusiasm about the Side-By-Sides, because our daughter Katie and other BASD students have participated in these concerts over the years. Below is a photo from Katie’s senior year in 2010. She’s the blonde LHS player by the tympani – as if a non-parent who was not at the concert could figure that out!)
We are so thankful for Maestro Demkee’s support which has enabled us to build our Salute the Troops Concert into a successful annual fund raiser. We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship. We also thank Susan Hartney for leading the support for Salute the Troops from within the ranks of the band members.
Foundation Reminder: To meet our Rotary Foundation EREY goal, i.e. “Every Member Every Year” we need to ramp up our participation rate to 100%. This literally means any amount qualifies you as a donor – it does not need to be $100 or more. Besides giving “Two Dollars Per Week” at the sign in table, you can contribute cash or securities. Talk to Tom Hartzell (our Foundation Chairperson) with any questions.
Membership - Just a reminder: We need everyone’s help to recruit new members. Invite someone who you feel would be a great Rotarian to a February meeting. At the February 12 meeting we will hear from Dale Kochard, CEO of the Bridges Foundation. Come and hear about the work they do to support vocational service.
Make sure you put these club events on your calendar and see the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Bowling Night: schedule TBD in February or March by the Fellowship Committee
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. If you have leads, contact Ben Tenaglia. This is only five weeks away.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening. $45 per person at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. Food. Dancing. Memories.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church
- Golf Tournament: June 1 at Silver Creek Country club
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
JAN 15 'NEWEST' ROTARIAN
On January 15, Victoria Shnaydruk, a future Rotarian, was welcomed into the MSR family!
Of course RIGHT ON the due date – January 15! Well done Alex and Iryna!!!
FEB 4 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for February 5, 2015
At our January 29th meeting, Rachael Scheffler from the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network outlined the “Community Canvas” program which we helped fund through a Morning Star Community Grant. We learned that “Community Canvas” is part of the Lehigh Valley Children's Hospital outreach to specific elementary school communities – students, parents and faculty. In collaboration with local, childhood education providers, LVHN presents four-week programs centered on health and wellness and/or healthy habits in nutrition, physical activity and behavioral health to five Lehigh Valley elementary / middle schools. Specifically, the Community Canvas portion is an innovative arts competition based on health-conscious themes. For more information, see http://www.lvhn.org/wellness_resources/classes_support_groups_and_events/community_programs/community_canvas.
At our February 5 meeting, we’ll hear from Ron Demkee of the Allentown Band. Ron is a long-time MSR friend. His support has enabled us to build our Salute the Troops Concert into a successful annual fund raiser. Morning Star has supported Allentown Band with a Community Grant this year and Ron will tell more about how the Band uses those funds to promote music education.
MSR Leadership Update: President Elect Ron Searfoss braved the ice to attend the second of President Elect Training Sessions (PETS 2) on Monday night February 2 in Quakertown. District leaders, including AG Janet Kolepp, were there to help prepare our District’s 2015-2016 President class. Talk to PE Ron about the upcoming training opportunities for all club members.
Foundation Update: At their January 29 meeting, the MSR Foundation Committee reported on our progress towards becoming an Every Member Every Year (EREY) club. Half of MSR’s members have made contributions to the Rotary Foundation for the 2014-2015 year! And with ~ $6,000 collected to date, MSR will meet the average $100 per member qualification!! Now, we need to ramp up participation so that every Morning Star Rotarian donates something to the Foundation. The easiest way is to start contributing to the “Two Dollars Per Week” fund at our meeting sign in desk. Your weekly donation will be recorded and our Treasurer, Sue Reeps, ensures proper credit when MSR sends in the contributions. If you want to learn more about the Foundation and EREY, talk to me, Tom Hartzell (our Foundation Chairperson) or any member of the Foundation Committee.
Membership: Our other big goal this year is to bring in five new members. We have only inducted one (Lynn Milet) with one (Bill Hunter) on the induction docket. Our upcoming programs highlighting our Community Grant recipients are an ideal opportunity for guests to hear about MSR’s support for our communities. It’s a rare visitor who just shows up at a Rotary meeting - they need an invitation from a Rotarian – and that’s you.
Please be sure you put these club events on your calendar and see the MSR website for additional information:
- MSR Bowling Night: schedule TBD in February by the Fellowship Committee
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. If you have leads, contact Ben Tenaglia.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening. $45 per person at the Goosey Gander on 4th Street in South Bethlehem. Food. Dancing. Memories.
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church
- Golf Tournament: June 1 at Silver Creek Country Club
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
25th ANNIVERSARY MEMORABILIA
25th ANNIVERSARY MEMORABILIA
Our 25th Anniversary Celebration is fast approaching on March 28th.
The Anniversary Committee requests people provide pictures, banners,
Flyers, T-Shirts, and any other memorabilia for display to really help make this a memorable occasion.
These items can be given to any of the Committee Members.
Thank YOU in advance for helping to CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF MORNING STAR SERVICE ABOVE SELF!
FEB 5 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities February 5
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Ed Ortelli
Sergeant-at-Arms - Lynn Milet
$2 Per Week - Dee Elliott
50/50 - Robin Metzler
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - Kristian Schafer
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
JAN 29 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities January 29
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Ron Searfoss
Greeter - Ed Ortelli
Sergeant-at-Arms - Volunteer Needed
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
50/50 -Sharon Fontana
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - Tom Hartzell
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
JAN 28 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for January 29, 2015
Our January 22 meeting was a real celebration as we acknowledged our 5K / 10K Race sponsors and awarded an $8,000 donation to Bethlehem Special Olympics (BSO). We were fortunate to have Louise Tusak and Steven Cousey attending from BSO to express their thanks and accept the donation. Louise informed us that MSR’s donation makes up about 15% of BSO’s budget.
Many thanks to Jeff Kiscka and Wayne Achey, the 2014 Race Director and Assistant Race Director, for putting on an exceptionally good race and leading us into the world of chip timing. Wayne will be the Race Director going forward and Jeff will continue to support the committee as Race Director Emeritus. Thanks also to all the 5K /10K Race committee members for all their work getting us organized for the race each year. Special thanks to Cheryl Baker and Jean Searfoss for assembling sponsor awards and inviting sponsors to our recognition meeting. Wayne has big plans for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the race in September, 2015 which might include a world record attempt – stayed tuned!
At this week’s meeting on January 29th, we will hear from Rachael Scheffler of the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network. She will tell us about the “Community Canvas” which we helped fund through a Morning Star Community Grant. Come and learn more about how our philanthropic work in the Lehigh Valley makes a difference. Over the next two months, many of our Community Development Grant recipients will be presenting their stories and these are great opportunities to invite prospective members to hear about MSR’s support for our communities.
Please put these club and District events on your calendar. Additional details are on the MSR website:
- MSR Bowling Night: schedule TBD in February by the Fellowship Committee
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall. Speech contestants needed. If you have leads, contact Ben Tenaglia.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening – details on the way
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church
- Golf Tournament: June 1 at Silver Creek Country Club
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- Friendship Exchange from Wales: April 21-April 30. Seeking Host clubs 3 day rotations. If we hosted on the front end of their trip, then we would have instant new friends to enjoy at the District Conference. Contact President Tom if interested.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
#23 - NEW YEAR'S HEALTHY RESOLUTIONS
The Healthy Rotarian – “New Year’s Healthy Resolutions”
Making healthy lifestyle changes affects not only our risk for disease and the way we feel today but also our health and ability to function independently in later life. What we do for ourselves is often more important than what medicine can offer us. Yet making healthy changes is easier said than done. Even when we’re strongly motivated, adopting a new, healthy habit — or breaking an old, bad one — can be terribly difficult.
Experts who study behavior change agree that long-lasting change is most likely when it’s self-motivated and rooted in positive thinking. Studies have also shown that goals are easier to reach if they’re specific (“I’ll walk 20 minutes a day,” rather than “I’ll get more exercise”). It is not wise to set numerous goals at one time as having too many goals limits the amount of attention and willpower you can devote to reaching any single goal. Another recurring theme is that it’s not enough to have a goal: You also need practical ways to reach it. For example, if your goal is to stick to a low-calorie diet (1200 - 1600 calories), have a plan in place for quelling hunger pangs such as keeping a bottle of water or cup of tea nearby, or chewing sugarless gum.
Research has also produced models that help account for success and failure, and explain why making healthy changes can take so long. The expert conclusion is that any effort you make in the right direction is worthwhile, even if you encounter setbacks or find yourself backsliding from time to time.
I invite each of you to set one specific goal for a behavior change that will improve your health status, Here are some examples:
- I will walk 20 continuous minutes at least 3 X a week.
- I will drink 4, 6, or 8 (depending on where you are now with water intake) – 8 oz. glasses of water a day.
- I will eat a small apple every day.
- I will reduce my sugar intake by half of my current intake. Figure out your current sugar intake so you can be specific with your goal setting. Remember that any sugar substitute turns your liver-pancreas “machine” on and increases blood glucose levels.
Stay tuned for more on this topic next week.
Nurse Sipple
JAN 14 ELECTION UPDATE/CLARIFICATION
ELECTION UPDATE/CLARIFICATION
By Board Action and Club Vote:
Sharon Fontana is Vice President immediately, to become President-Elect July 1.
Jeff Kicska to fill current Director vacancy through June 30, 2015.
Jeff Kicska elected Director for the term July 2015 - June 2017.
The search continues for Vice President July 1. Contact President Tom or PE Ron if interested.
JAN 22 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities January 22
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Ron Searfoss
Greeter - Frank Lulewitz
Sergeant-at-Arms - Sue Reeps
$2 Per Week - Wayne Achey
50/50 - Lynn Milet
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Susan Burnett
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
JAN 19 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for January 22, 2015
Most times, being a Rotarian is a great experience, but sometimes Rotary feels like riding a sine wave – up and down and back up again. This month has been a bit like that. On January 8, we had an outstanding speaker who engaged the entire club and got into our “bell ringing” spirit – a definite “up”. On the 14th, we had an excellent Board meeting. Later that night, Ron Searfoss texts me some untimely bad news: “tomorrow’s speaker has cancelled.” Definitely a low point!
Luckily, our club is very resilient and creative, so a fine program materialized to accompany our great fellowship on January 15.
- Tom Mohr hosted our monthly birthday celebration and even called his name this time around. (Fossil of the month! Ed.)
- Then, Ron Searfoss provided a tutorial on the Morning Star Rotary website and District 7430 website. They are both based on the Rotary International endorsed “Club Runner” format and contain a pile of good Rotary info.
- To get at the public information on both sites, you just surf over to www.morningstarrotary.org or to www.rotarydistrict7430.org. No log in required. We encourage every MSR’ian to visit the MSR website at least once per week for all the Club news.
- If you want to change your profile or use any of the administrative functions, you need your Morning Star login – which you all have memorized. But, if you forgot, go to the bottom of home page 'Logging In'. If further questions, then contact Ron S. for a refresher.
By the time I left last week’s meeting, I felt good about our Rotary time together. On my drive to work, I was already looking forward to this week’s Race Sponsor Recognition program and awarding of our charitable contribution to Bethlehem Special Olympics. Come join us to celebrate our successful race and to say thanks to those who gave sponsorship help to our 5K / 10K event.
NEWS BULLETIN: This just in from San Diego where our District Governor Elect Doug Cook and his wife Mary are participating in District Governor’s training . . . Rotary International President Elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran announced the 2015-2016 Presidential Theme of “Be a Gift to the World.”
There are a lot of club and District events coming up, so put them on your calendar and find additional details on the MSR website:
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening – details coming soon
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church
- Golf Tournament: It’s coming in June 1 at Silver Creek Country Club
Here are District events of interest. More details are found on the District website.
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- Friendship Exchange from Wales: April 21-April 30. Seeking Host clubs 3 day rotations. If we hosted on the front end of their trip, then we would have instant new friends to enjoy at the District Conference. Contact President Tom if interested.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
Club Service Opportunity: The Fellowship Committee is seeking a leader for the MSR Annual Bowling Night Out. Please contact Tom Mohr with your interest in helping out with this fun social event.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
DEC 18 ELECTION RESULTS
ELECTION RESULTS AT ANNUAL MEETING DEC 18
We are pleased to report that the following Officers and Directors were elected.
Congratulations to one and all.
President: Ron Searfoss (2015-2016)
President Elect: Sharon Fontana (President 2016-17)
Vice President: Vacant* (P Elect in 2016-17, President in 2017-18)
Secretary: Val Walk
Treasurer: Sue Reeps
Directors thru June 2016:
Wayne Achey, Cheryl Baker, Jan Chicka and Jessica Elliott
Directors* July 2015 - June 2017:
Dave Cincera, Alex Shnaydruk and Geoff Wright
*We will hold a special election when the candidates are identified.
JAN 15 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities January 15
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Robin Metzler
50/50 - Frank Lulewitz
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Tom Mohr
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
JAN 09 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for January 15, 2015
Those “hearty” Rotarians who braved the sub-freezing weather on Thursday January 8 were treated to a primer on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy by Dr. Deborah W. Sundlof. Takotsubo is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) featuring a sudden temporary weakening of heart muscles and a dysfunctional change in the shape of the ventricles. Since it can be triggered by emotional stress, such as the death of a loved one, a break-up, or constant anxiety, it is also known as stress CM or “broken-heart syndrome.” As an expert in non-invasive cardiology with a passion for female cardiology and heart health, her engaging presentation with well-designed slides was exemplary. How many speakers would inspire Ron Helmuth to ask how to read an electrocardiogram? Her enthusiasm was infectious and the good doctor was the first guest during my Presidency to want to ring our Rotary bell – and so she did to end our meeting.
Thanks to Charlotte and Tore Hartmann-Hansen for introducing Dr. Deb Sundlof and to our Program Committee for making all the arrangements. We were also happy to host Anne Marie Crown and Michael Cirroco who comprise part of Dr. Sundlof’s LVH support team.
We welcomed four other guests to our meeting. Visiting Rotarians were MSR Past Treasurer Michael Joyce who currently lives in Richmond, VA and MSR Past President Diane Donaher from our colleague club in Bethlehem. Diane brought Guy A. Catalino as a visitor and Annika, our own Miss Finland, successfully made it back from her trip to South Carolina with the Mohrs.
There are a lot of club and District events coming up, so put them on your calendar and find additional details on the MSR website or District 7430 website:
- MSR Board Meeting: Meets this Wednesday January 14 in the Moravian Village Board Room.
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening – details coming soon
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church
- Golf Tournament: It’s coming in June, 2015
Here are District events of interest:
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- Friendship Exchange from Wales: April 21-April 30. Seeking Host clubs 3 day rotations. If we hosted on the front end of their trip, then we would have instant new friends to enjoy at the District Conference. Contact President Tom if interested.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 starting 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
I love it that our friend Diane Donaher brought a guest to visit Morning Star. Please follow her lead and invite a friend to an upcoming meeting. Start with our January 15th meeting when we will hear from Rachael Scheffler of the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network. She will tell us about the “Community Canvas” which we helped fund through a Morning Star Community Grant. Come and learn more about how our philanthropic work in the Lehigh Valley makes a difference.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
JAN 6 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for January 8, 2015
“Ya'll come back now! Ya hear?”
So, why quote the tag line of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” (the “Beverly Hillbillies” theme song) in a Rotary message? Because my eight year old self’s first crush - Elly Mae Clampett played by Donna Douglas - passed away at 81 years of age on New Years Day? Nah. Because in January 1963 “Ballad” was Flatt & Scruggs only number one country hit? Nope. Because I can still sing the whole “Ballad” by heart? No! Come on Rotarians – it’s because it’s what I want you to do.
“Ya’ll come on back to Rotary on January 8! Ya Hear?”
So, what’ll we all be doin’ at Thursday’s meetin’? Well, we’ll be getting serious listening to Dr. Deborah W. Sundlof talk to us about stress and heart disease. The first meeting of 2015 is the perfect time to reinforce all our “healthy resolutions” and hear the advice of a well-known cardiologist at LVH Network .
We want to send a special Morning Star thank you to Terri and Mike Long for hosting our Annual Holiday Party on January 3 at their home. A great time was had by all except the few Rotarians who missed the party because of the bad weather or the flu. All of the food offerings were stupendous. If you left the party hungry, it was your own fault. Thanks again to Mike and Terri and the Fellowship Committee for another great event.
Please put the following MSR and District 7430 events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website or the District website:
- Board Member Reminder: The next meeting on Wednesday January 14 in the Moravian Village Board Room.
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall
- District Foundation Recognition Dinner: March 23 at the William Penn Inn
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening – details coming soon
- Friendship Exchange from Wales: April 21-April 30. Seeking Host clubs 3 day rotations. Contact President Tom if interested.
- District 7430 Conference: April 24 – 26 in Gettysburg
- MSR Spaghetti Dinner: Friday May 1 at East Hills Moravian Church
- District Training Assembly: Saturday May 16 7:30 AM at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell
- Camp Neidig (RYLA) 2015: June 19 – 22 with closing ceremony & dinner on June 22
Please bring a friend to an upcoming meeting to do your part in our “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member” initiative.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
BTW: What’s a Rotarian say to tell you to come back to where you are when you are leaving, and then asking if you heard her? “Ya'll come back now! Ya hear?” See you Thursday morning.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
#22 - HOW SAFE IS MY HOSPITAL
The Healthy Rotarian – How Safe is my Hospital?
The Leapfrog Group is an independent, national not-for-profit organization founded more than a decade ago by the nation’s leading employers and private healthcare experts. This organization seeks to make giant “leaps” forward in the safety, quality and affordability of healthcare in the U.S. by promoting transparency and value-based hospital incentives.
The Hospital Safety Score was created and is administered by The Leapfrog Group, a national leader and advocate in hospital transparency. The goal of saving lives by reducing errors, injuries, accidents, and infections, The Leapfrog Group focuses on measuring and publicly reporting hospital performance through the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey. The survey is a trusted, transparent and evidence-based national tool in which more than 1,400 hospitals voluntarily participate free of charge.
The Leapfrog Group advocates for public access to quality and safety data from all U.S. hospitals, and we welcome you to contact your legislators to demand more information to keep your families safe. Check out your hospital by going to http://www.hospitalsafetyscore.org/about-us/about-the-leapfrog-group
Nurse Sipple
PAUL HARRIS RECOGNITION
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 5 Morning Star Rotarians!
On November 20, Past District Governor Mike McCarthy and our club Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell presented recognition for third Paul Harris Fellow status to Mike Long, plus second Paul Harris Fellow status to Tom Bailey, Ron Helmuth, Dieter Bender and Chuck Uhl. Our heartfelt thanks to these members, and to all who contribute to the Foundation!
“Paul Harris Fellow” status is recognized for each cumulative $1,000 donated to The Rotary Foundation for the Annual Fund or for PolioPlus. November was Rotary’s Foundation month, and our meeting programs during the month explained how the Foundation works and described the many ways those funds are used to help people throughout the world. Global and District Grants are awarded in six areas of focus: Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers & Children, Supporting Education and Growing Local Economies. In recent years, Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary programs have received district grants for the Hogar Crea Garden and the MOM-n-PA Dental Initiative, and we were part of the Global Grant providing Water Filters in Lima, Peru.
With Rotarians “on the ground” where funds or goods are sent, we know they get to the intended recipients. Admin costs are funded by 3 years of investment earnings, then the full donation amount is dedicated to doing good in the world.
If you have not given to the Foundation this Rotary year, we ask you to please consider giving $100 by the end of June (for Paul Harris “Sustaining” status), or any amount you can afford to help the club achieve “Every Rotarian Every Year”. Please contact Tom Hartzell with any questions. Thank you!!!
JAN 8 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities January 8
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Ron Searfoss
Greeter - Tom Hartzell
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Sharon Fontana
50/50 - Kristian Schafer
Invocation - Volunteer Needed
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
DEC 24 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President's Message for December 31, 2014
Dear Rotarians,
Many thanks to Rick Santee for creating a marvelous musical program at last week's meeting on December 18. The Liberty High School A Cappella Singers were excellent - as usual - and the updated "Twelve Days Of Rotary" song was a fitting finale to our 2014 Rotary year.
With no meetings on December 25 and January 1, we all have plenty of time to charge our Rotary batteries for 2015.
Consider this message as "Dateline Atlanta" where Janet and I will be watching TCU 'humble' Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!
Travel safely and many blessings.
President Tom
DEC 16 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message for December 18, 2014
During his year as 7430 Immediate Past District Governor, Frank Romano chose to chair the District 7430 Membership Committee. Frank feels “membership” is the greatest challenge to perpetuate Rotary’s “Service Above Self” organization. Naturally, Rotary membership growth was Frank’s main topic in his presentation to Morning Star on December 11. Frank shared membership plans that changed the trajectory of declining clubs. He also shared a couple of plans that flopped – not for lack of effort - they did not resonate with the members and prospects. To create dynamic membership growth, Frank believes Rotarians must understand the communities we serve and actually ask our friends, family and associates to join our Rotary club. Many thanks to Frank for his wisdom and encouragement.
Speaking of Past District Governors, our own Tore Hartmann-Hansen was recognized for his service to the District and long-term support of the Rotary Foundation at last week’s meeting. Morning Star’s 2014 contribution to Shelter Box was given in honor of Tore. It was appropriate that PDG Frank present the award to Tore. Tore and Charlotte are unwavering Rotary supporters and we all admire them for that.
There was lots of big news from the December Board Meeting:
- MSR contributed $10,000 to Victory House from our Salute the Troops Concert proceeds. This is our biggest contribution ever. The real check was delivered after Thursday’s meeting and we will have the ceremonial presentation at a 2015 meeting.
- We formally approved Community Bike Works (CBW) as the recipient of the 2015 Golf Tournament proceeds.
- We also approved MSR’s contribution of $1,500 to the pending District Grant to purchase a van for CBW. The District Grant will be led by Bethlehem Rotary Club and MSR will be a participating donor.
- The official report on the Dictionary Project is that MSR distributed 792 dictionaries to 13 third grades; twenty-two Morning Starians took part in some phase of the project.
- Community Development Grants totaling $7,000 were approved. Thanks to Jean Searfoss and the Community Development Grant Committee for evaluating the applications and recommending the awards.
On Saturday December 13, many Mornng Star Rotarians rang the bell for Salvation Army in front of Christkindlmarkt. I learned at the noon shift changeover that a bell ringer in a kilt is no match for Santa Claus and a dog the size of a small reindeer. Mike Long will give us a report on our red bucket results when the numbers are all in.
Attendance Alert -- don’t miss the last meeting before our Christmas – New Year’s break. On this Thursday, December 18 our Annual Holiday Meeting will feature music by the Liberty High School A Capella Singers and Maestro Rick Santee on accordion.
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- December 25: Christmas Day – no meeting
- January 1, 2015: New Year’s Day – no meeting
- MSR Holiday Party hosted by the Long’s: Saturday January 3 at 5:30 PM
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 28 in the evening.
Please bring a friend to an upcoming meeting to do your part in our “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member” initiative. Janet Sipple did so on December 11, but I forgot the guest’s name, so I cannot recognize her here; Janet will just have to bring her back so I can learn her name!
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
#21 - BEATING THE HOLIDAY BLUES
The Healthy Rotarian – “Beating the Holiday Blues”
For many, the holiday season brings happiness, but for others, it can lead to depression. In fact, a lot of people suffer from the holiday blues. “People have so much on their agendas, so many feel overwhelmed, sad, and disappointed,” says Dr. Harold Koenigsberg of Hope For Depression Research Foundation. Aside from the stress of schedules, families and expectations, it could also be an expectation for themselves.
There is a tremendous amount of pressure and people often feel changes related to the time of the year. As the days get shorter and as the beginning of the day gets later in the day, that changes people’s biological rhythms and biological clocks and can make people feel more blue. People feel in a less positive mood as the days get shorter.
What can we do to help ease the blues? Get outside exposed to more bright light. Even an extra hour of exposure to bright light 3 to 4 days a week, early in the morning, can raise your mood. Exercising will also raise your spirits. Getting a workout or walking 3 to 4 times a week can make a tremendous difference. If you have a pet, just spending time with that animal can help.
And try to surround yourself with positive people; maybe even volunteer which helps you connect with others in a meaningful way. And set realistic expectations. People expect everything at the holidays to be perfect, and relationships and plans rarely are, so do not be so hard on yourself.
Now if the depression continues or if you think it may be more than just a seasonal issue, you should contact a professional for help. It’s more than winter blues when you are depressed pretty much all day long, almost every day for two weeks in a row or longer and you just can’t experience pleasure from anything. Your sleep and your appetite are all messed up too. For more Information about depression or the seasonal blues, you can go to http://hopefordepression.org.
Nurse Sipple
DEC 18 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities December 18
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Alex Shnaydruk
Greeter - Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
50/50 - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - DavveCincera
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
Community Development Grants Approved - This Year's Theme: Arts & Culture
Community Development Grants Approved - This Year's Theme: Arts & Culture
The Morning Star Rotary Board has approved the following beneficiaries for our 2014-15 Community Development Grants, totaling the $7,000 budgeted:
1. Allentown Band $1,500 - Youth Educational Outreach - Sharing a Rich Heritage of Music Making. Young People's and Side-by-Side Concerts.
2. Cancer Support Community $1,000 - "Kids Support" including art therapy for kids diagnosed with cancer, and kids with close family members diagnosed.
3. Lehigh University Art Galleries $1,000 - Phase I of "Accessible Art", making teaching collection accessible to all, starting with blind/low vision patrons.
4. Lehigh Valley Children's Centers $500 - Bus transportation for 85 preschoolers to attend a PA Shakespeare festival production.
5. Lehigh Valley Health Network $1,500 - "Community Canvas" program - Interactive wellness education - 4 week program culminating in art competitions.
6. Satori $1,000 - Support of BRAVO! - a multifaceted outreach approach for music education incl instruments for needy students - see application. (Note: They played at our Spaghetti Dinner a few years ago.)
7. The Literacy Center $500 - Story Book Theater - educational and entertaining community program for young children/families. "Reading is Magical". Expect 450 attendees.
The recipient organizations will be asked to present at a future meeting and describe the particular projects benefiting from our support. My thanks to the committee for their work, and to the Board for their guidance. Next year's theme will be "Youth".
Jean Searfoss, Committee Chair
HOLIDAY PARTY JAN 3, 2015
Our warm friendly HOLIDAY PARTY tradition continues, again graciously hosted by Mike & Terri Long!
Little twist this time - it is NEXT YEAR - Saturday, Jan 3 from 5:30 to 9 PM (replaces our 1/1 morning meeting)
This will allow greater Morning Star attendance as it is just after the Holiday Scene!
4201 Anthony Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18020 (Near Northampton Community College and Moravian Academy's north campus)
Morning Star is providing a ham, plus beer, wine and soft drinks.
Attendees are requested to bring some food to share - an appetizer, main dish, side dish, dessert or special beverage to share.
If you'd like a different beverage, please BYO.
A sign-up is being routed at meetings by Tom Mohr, or you can email Tom with the number of people and category of food you will share.
RSVP to Mike mike@longfuneralhome.com (but please come even if you didn't sign up or RSVP.) Note: Age 21 plus, please.
Take a break from the frantic holiday rush and enjoy a casual, relaxed evening in Rotary fellowship with friends!
Morning Star's Weather Policy
MORNING STAR'S WEATHER POLICY
IF the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) CLOSES schools, then the Morning Star Rotary meeting is CANCELLED.
If BASD just DELAYS school opening, our meeting will be HELD AS USUAL.
#20 - SAVE YOUR LIVER
The Healthy Rotarian – Save Your Liver!
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body located on the right side of the body under the rib cage. It weighs approximately 3 lbs. and is the size of a football. The gallbladder is under the liver with part of the pancreas and the intestines.
These organs work together to digest, absorb, and process food. The main function of the liver is to filter blood from the digestive tract before passing it on to the rest of the body. It also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. The liver secretes bile into the intestines to facilitate further processing of food. The liver makes specific proteins essential to blood clotting and other functions. The health of the liver is determined by a blood liver profile.
Alcohol is broken down by the liver in order to rid the body of this non-essential chemical. Consuming more alcohol than the liver can process will cause it damage. A fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis/cirrhosis may result from obesity and high consumption of fats/sugars and alcohol. The liver can be silent even when it is in the early stages of damage.
WARNING: Taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage. Acetaminophen is found in over 600 medications, prescriptions, and over the counter pain, cold, and cough remedies. Adult daily limit is 6 extra-strength Tylenol taken from all sources. Drink your water to support the function of the liver and “wash your sins” (alcohol-sugar-fat) away!
Nurse Sipple
DEC 11 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities December 11
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Eileen Dunn
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
50/50 - Janet Westlund
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Kristian Schafer
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
DEC 08 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message December 11, 2014
One big holiday is behind us and I hope that you had fantastic Thanksgiving celebrations with your families and friends. Kolepp’s journeyed to Florida for a friend’s wedding and then to Texas for an all family reunion and constant feasting. Annika also went with us to Texas and rode a bull, saw a cattle drive, watched innumerable football games, toured AT&T Stadium, ate lunch at the top of the Reunion Tower in Dallas and got her first mani-pedi.
Improv teacher and practitioner Dan Maher’s December 4 presentation on the history and development of improvisational theater and comedy was the prologue to Morning Star Rotary’s “Improv for Breakfast Club” starring Janet Sipple and Susan Burnett. Janet was a TV-heisting Cat-In-The-Hat burglar making off with the neighbor’s husband. Susan volunteered to help her hubby restore an antique bi-plane with pink paint. What a stitch with two good sports!
Other meeting highlights included Ellen Roberts’ report that the Dictionary Project is officially completed and Steve Bajan’s happy dollar endorsement of the Rotary Foundation as his personal charity. Remember that Annika is now living with the Mohr’s – so talk to Mr. Mohr if you would like to Include Annika in your holiday family fun.
Reminder to all Board Members: Our December Board Meeting is this Wednesday December 10 at 6 PM. All members are invited to any Board meetings, or to contact any Board member with any question, concern or comment.
Attendance Alert -- don’t miss the last two meetings before our Christmas – New Year’s break:
- December 11: Frank Romano, Immediate Past District 7430 Governor on “Membership Ideas to Attract and Retain Vibrant New Members”
- December 18: Morning Star’s Annual Holiday Meeting with music by the Liberty High School A Capella Singers and Maestro Rick Santee on accordion
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Saturday December 13 at Christkindlmarkt. Talk to Mike Long of you still would like to volunteer.
- December 25: Christmas Day – no meeting
- January 1, 2015: New Year’s Day – no meeting
- MSR Holiday Party hosted by the Long’s: Saturday January 3 at 5:30 PM (see below)
- Four Way Speech Contest: Wednesday March 18 6PM at Bethlehem Town Hall
Please bring a friend to an upcoming meeting to do your part in our “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member” initiative.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
DEC 18 MUSICAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
DEC 18 Program - MUSICAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Features the Liberty HS Acapella Singers and Rick Santee!!!
Would you please consider sponsoring a singers breakfast? Sign-ups at meetings
Please join us for a favorite MSR meeting! Feel free to invite family, friends and former Morning Star Rotarians!
Our annual club election will also be held. More information will be forthcoming.
DEC 13 RING THE BELL!
RING THE BELL for Salvation Army
DEC 13 at Christkindlmarkt
Please contact Mike Long at this week’s meeting or at mike@longfuneralhome.com to sign up. There are a few time slots open, and extra help is welcome at any time if you'd like to participate!
DEC 06 ROTAPLAST ON AIR AUCTION
Please plan to participate in the Annual WFMZ Rotaplast On Air Auction
WFMZ TV 7pm December 6!
Help bring real smiles to children!
#19 - GRACIOUS ROTARIANS & SEASONAL GIFTING
The Healthy Rotarian – Gracious Rotarians & Seasonal Gifting
Most of us have too much “stuff”. The first half of our lives we accumulate the “stuff” and the second half of our lives we spend getting rid of the same “stuff”. So, as we go into the holiday season of gift giving consider these consumerable ideas:
diabetic, weight reducing or balanced meals delivered to the home (e.g. Blue Apron*, stack of specialty, good quality frozen dinners);
health promoting gift certificates for special personal services (e.g. day spa massage/ facial/manicure/hot shave services, yoga class, Weight Watcher*r fees);
gift certificate for services at clinical lab for bloodwork or health care services; e.g. St. Luke’s University Hospital & Health Care Network* or Lehigh Valley Health Care Network*);
healthy living magazine subscription (e.g. Clean Eating*);
fitness center membership; taxi or bus coupon books;
gift certificate for house cleaning services (e.g. Merry Maids*);
grocery bag of non-perishable items delivered by you particularly heavy items (e.g. cases of bottled water), etc.,
And don’t forget the big red or blue bow on top. The gift is truly in the thoughtful personalization of the item selected for the recipient. Happy Holidays!
Nurse Sipple
*Where trade names are used they are merely suggestions not recommendations.
DEC 04 SPEAKER DAN MAHER
"IMPROV - HISTORY, NY SCENE AND HOW TO"
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Dan Maher is part of an improv group called ManDudeBro that performs every Friday night at ArtsQuest.
He will speak on the history of improv,
the improv scene here and in New York, and
how to do improv (it's actually very complex).
Come join us for a much welcomed total change of pace!
The Rotary Foundation and Polio Eradication
The Rotary Foundation and Polio Eradication
Many thanks to our own Sue Burnett and to Past District Governor Mike McCarthy! Their presentations the past two weeks on “The Rotary Foundation (TRF) 101” and “Rotary and Polio Eradication” were educational for newer members and an excellent reminder to “veterans”. Paul Harris Fellow status may recognize an individual’s contributions to TRF of $1,000 and multiples, but the true value of our donations is found in the people helped through clean water, medical services, education, peace initiatives and more.
Morning Star Rotary has a goal to become an “Every Rotarian Every Year” (EREY) club for 2014-15. EREY clubs average donations to TRF’s Annual fund of at least $100 per member, with every active member giving some amount. Remember, this year’s Annual Fund donations will become District and Global Grants in 2017-18. In recent years, our projects for the Hogar Crea Garden and the MOM-n-PA Dental Initiative received District Grants, and a Global grant greatly increased the impact of the Peru Water Filter Project in which we were a partner.
The number of new polio cases worldwide has decreased by over 99% since Rotary initiated “Polio Plus” in the late 1980’s! A final push is needed to achieve full eradication, or these precious gains may be reversed.
How to donate? It’s easy …
- Give a check to Tom Hartzell (our club Foundation chair), payable to The Rotary Foundation. (It will go to the Annual Fund unless you note that it is for Polio.) For a 2014 tax deduction, please get your check to Tom by December 11 for processing.
- “$2 a Week” (more or less) – At club meetings, you can put in money at your convenience - $2 a week, $10 a month, or whatever works for you. The club accumulates the money, then submits it all to The Rotary Foundation in December and June. (You can start anytime.) Again, it will go to the Annual Fund unless you note otherwise.
- Online/Direct contributions can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually at https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give - sign in for individual and club credit. (Contact me for help signing in.) If you prefer, you may return the completed Rotary Direct enrollment form available at https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give/ways-give or enroll by phone at 866-976-8279.
We hope you will consider helping The Rotary Foundation in its mission:
“To enable Rotarians
to advance world understanding,
goodwill, and peace through
the improvement of health,
the support of education, and
the alleviation of poverty.”
Please contact Tom Hartzell or any member of the club’s Foundation Committee if you have any questions. Thanks!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
NOV 23 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE THANKSGIVING 2014
President's Message THANKSGIVING 2014
HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2014 to all Morning Star Rotarians, their families and friends.
We are all very blessed in so many ways – not least of which is our membership in the worldwide fellowship of Rotary International. Enjoy your celebrations and travel safely . . . and remember our next meeting is December 4 because we do not meet on Thanksgiving Day.
At our November 20 meeting, PDG Mike McCarthy’s presentation on the Rotary Foundation and “End Polio Now” was both informational and inspiring. Key highlights included:
- Worldwide, there were 416 cases of polio in 2013 with 291 cases reported YTD 2014. In 2013, Somalia accounted for most cases; this year, Pakistan.
- Countries like Nigeria have made huge improvements going from 51 cases in 2013 to only 6 YTD 2014.
- Check our progress against polio by visiting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative website at www.polioeradication.org.
- Rotary’s efforts have been multiplied by others who believe in polio eradication, including the Gates Foundation’s commitment to match all Rotary Polio Plus contributions on a “two for one” basis up to $35 million per year for five years. So, if Rotary raises $35 million per year, then the Gates Foundation will match $70 million for a total of $105 million. Talk about leveraging Rotary’s efforts!
- The infrastructure built to eradicate polio is being used to fight other diseases. This is of particular interest to the Gates Foundation. In the long run, polio’s eradication and this infrastructure may be the lasting legacies of Rotary’s “Service Above Self” dedication to this humanitarian effort.
- Closer to home, Mike reported that Morning Star’s Foundation contributions have been $153,000 over our 25 year life as a Rotary Club. He also acknowledged how well we have used Rotary District Grants, including the Mom-N-PA Dental Clinic in September, 2014.
- Mike provided an update on progress toward MSR’s $6,000 2014-2015 Foundation goal – we have already contributed ~$2,300 – so we are about 40% of the way. Thanks everyone for keeping us on track to reach the goal.
- Mike also encouraged us towards our goal of becoming an EREY Club - “Every Rotarian Every Year” by having all members contribute some amount to the Foundation with our combined contributions averaging $100 or more per member.
We completed our Rotary Foundation Month celebration with our Foundation Chairman Tom Hartzell and Mike McCarthy awarding pins to the following Rotarians for achieving multiple Paul Harris Fellowship contribution levels: Tom Bailey, Ron Helmuth, Deiter Bender, Chuck Uhl and Mike Long. Congratulations and many thanks!
Our Thursday meeting was great, but the twenty Morning Star Rotarians who attended the Joint Thanksgiving Meeting on Wednesday November 19 had a good time too. When all the Rotary Clubs were introduced, the uproar from our assembled multitude was typically Morning Starish! It was great to see MSR’s outstanding support for our colleague club.
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- Thanksgiving Day: No Morning Star Rotary meeting!! Enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Travel safely to your destinations and back.
- Rotaplast On Air Auction: December 6 starting 7PM at the WFMZ Studio and over the air waves. The auction really needs donated items – so please consider contributing.
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Saturday December 13 at Christkindlmarkt. Signup times available through Mike Long.
- MSR Holiday Party: Saturday evening January 3 for our holiday gathering / pot luck hosted by the Fellowship Committee at the Long’s house.
- MSR 25th Anniversary Celebration: The committee has set the date for Saturday March 28. Details will follow over the next few weeks.
For upcoming meetings after Thanksgiving, we have quite a lineup:
- December 4: Dan Maher on Improvisation, the New York Scene and “how to”. Dan is Susan Burnett’s improv coach.
- December 11: Frank Romano, Immediate Past District 7430 Governor on “Membership Ideas to Attract and Retain Vibrant New Members”
- December 18: Morning Star’s Annual Holiday Meeting with music by the Liberty High School A Capella Singers and Maestro Rick Santee on accordion
- December 25: Christmas Day – no meeting.
The Dictionary Project is winding down, but check with Ellen Roberts if you would like to help finish it up.
Invite a friend to an upcoming meeting to do your part in our “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member” initiative.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
#18 - COOL DOWN DIET (continued)
The Healthy Rotarian – "Cool Down Foods"
[Continued from last column] Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response; without it, we can't heal. But when it's out of control—as in rheumatoid arthritis—it can damage the body. Plus, it's thought to play a role in obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can spur inflammation. They cause over activity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels. 'Antiinflamitory foods' include extra virgin olive oil, red wine/limit 2 oz., tea/white, oolong, green, grass fed beef, oily fish/salmon, sardines, tuna, cocoa, cranberries/red, dark skin grapes, walnuts, and broccoli.
Nurse Sipple
NOV 25 NAZARETH CITRUS SALE
Contact Sheryl Gerkovich shegerkfit@gmail.com to participate!
DEC 04 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities December 04
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Todd Heft
Sergeant-at-Arms - Susan Burnett
$2 Per Week - Lynn Milet
50/50 - Tom Mohr
Invocation - Janet Sipple
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
NOV 19 ROTAPLAST APPEAL
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Today, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving, together with members of other nearby Rotary clubs. We will enjoy a great meal and hear an inspirational speaker. My hope and prayer is that you join me in taking the time to reflect on our many blessings...
It may feel unseasonably cold around here, but there will be more than 90 inches of snow falling in Buffalo NY...
It may appear like a hectic work day for some of us, but for the unemployed or bedridden, it will be utterly hopeless and uncomfortable...
Some of us may not find a reason to smile as we struggle with poor health or loss of a loved one, but for the young children with clef lips and cleft palates, their facial muscles have never known the experience of a smile...
Yes, our Rotaplast TV Auction to fund such surgical missions is only a few days away, and it has critically fewer donated items than last year.
Some of us are so tapped out, that we could only ask a friend or a vendor for an auction item. Many others like me, have unwanted gifts or purchases that remain unused since entering our homes. Can you think of an unused unwanted item at your home?
Before we look for an unused gift in our homes to donate, let's look in our hearts and get rid of any unwanted attitude of ingratitude.
May your Holidays overflow with Blessings that emanate from a grateful heart.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Ham Malek
District Rotaplast Committee
PS
If you cannot bring your donation to the meeting, please text or call me at 610-346-6200, or email me to arrange a pick up at your convenience. Thank you.
Ham.Malek@YourAccessAbility.com
NOV 19 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Due to technical difficulties, the Message is not available at this time.
Note: this is not a wardrobe malfunction!
Even though the Thanksgiving Joint Meeting was today, Wednesday, Morning Star will still have our normal meeting on Thursday November 20.
Speaker is PDG Mike McCarthy on Rotary and Polio Plus.
#17 - COOL DOWN DIET
The Healthy Rotarian - “Cool Down Diet”
Chronic systemic inflammation is the root cause of many serious autoimmune illnesses - including heart disease, many cancers, diabetes type I & II, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's disease.
We all know inflammation on the surface of the body as local redness, heat, swelling and pain. It is the cornerstone of the body's healing response, bringing more nourishment and more immune activity to a site of injury or infection. But when inflammation persists or serves no purpose, it damages the body and causes illness.
Stress, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and exposure to toxins can all contribute to such chronic inflammation, but dietary choices play a significant role as well. Learning how specific foods influence the inflammatory process is the best strategy for containing it and reducing long-term disease risks.
The anti-inflammatory diet is designed primarily to reduce the risks of age-related disease and optimize health, and is not a diet specifically for weight loss. Many people will lose weight on it. Stabilizing blood sugar by eating low-glycemic-load meals, eating lean protein with healthy fats, drinking plenty of water, and having high quantities of fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables all contribute to increased metabolism, which helps the body burn fat rather than store it. Next week the anti-inflammatory food choices will be highlighted. Stay tuned…..
Nurse Sipple
Nov 13 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities November 13
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Cheryl Baker
Greeter - Lynn Milet
Sergeant-at-Arms - Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week - Ginny Wolkoff
50/50 - Dee Elliott
Invocation - Dave Cincera
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
NOV 11 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message November 13
The Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday November 9 was awesome. That’s all there is to it. Best ever! Case closed.
Thanks to Chairperson Gary Hartney for marshalling our collective effort. The Allentown Band performed at their expected professional level under the direction of Ron Demkee. The Northeast Middle School music students were a tremendous addition to the program, especially the chorus singing the words to the service anthem medley and the WWI songs. The newest twist was Gary Hartney as guest conductor on the “Rotary March”. Thanks to Cheryl Baker for the presentation on our club and Rotary International – look for it soon on our website. Thanks to Jean Searfoss for the program book design and production. Thanks to all Rotarians for their sponsorships, ticket sales, attendance and volunteer contributions! We look forward to presenting the proceeds to Victory House after all the accounting is finalized.
The Dictionary Project proceeds apace with Rotarians distributing more dictionaries to third graders. Morning Star is supporting the Rotary Foundation’s emphasis on “Education and Basic Literacy”. It’s not too late to help out – contact Ellen Roberts.
Dave Cincera gave an outstanding re-classification talk at our November 6 meeting. We learned about his engineering background, his expertise in Myers-Briggs type analysis and car repair, his love of photography and his grandchildren, and his penchant for wit. Some members especially enjoyed Dave’s pithy remarks on life including offerings such as: “You’re only young once, but may be immature forever”.
On Saturday, seven of us attended Rotary Leadership Institute in Wilkes-Barre. Morning Star had the largest group from any one Rotary Club and the following earned RLI certification:
- RLI Graduate Level: Janet Kolepp
- RLI III: Jean Searfoss, Ron Searfoss and Tom Kolepp
- RLI II: Iryna Levytska
- RLI I: Cheryl Baker; Alex Shnaydruk
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- MSR Board Meeting: Our regularly scheduled monthly Board Meeting is 6PM on Wednesday November 12.
- Thanksgiving Joint Meeting at noon on Wednesday November 19 with the Bethlehem Rotary Club at Moravian Village. Have lunch with our fellow Rotarians and hear an inspirational talk. This Thursday will be the last chance to sign up. Lunch is $20 with $5 going to the Rotary Foundation. (FYI: We will still have our normal MSR meeting on Thursday November 20.)
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Stay tuned for announcement from Mike Long on exact timing and signups.
- MSR Holiday Party: Reserve Saturday evening January 3 for our holiday gathering / pot luck hosted by the Fellowship Committee at the Long’s house.
Our Thursday November 13 meeting will feature Susan Burnett and Tom Hartzell presenting on The Rotary Foundation. They will be explaining how our contributions are leveraged for the benefit of both local and international communities.
I don’t want to lose faith that Morning Star will meet our 2014-2015 objective of increasing net membership by five. If “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member”, we’ll exceed the target. Please do your part.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
Joint Thanksgiving Lunch - Nov. 19
Lehigh Valley Rotary Clubs
Joint Thanksgiving Luncheon
Hosted by Rotary Club of Bethlehem
Rotary Club of Bethlehem President Rob Littner is pleased to invite all Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary members to their annual joint Thanksgiving Luncheon.
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2014
11:30 am Sign In, Networking/Fellowship
12:00 pm Thanksgiving Fare Buffet
12:30 pm Program – see below
Where: Moravian Village of Bethlehem
(Same location as Morning Star Rotary meetings)
Cost: $20 (includes $5 for Polio Plus)
Cash, or check payable to Rotary Club of Bethlehem
Program: Thanksgiving Inspirational Talk
Speaker: Shane Burcaw
Founder and President, Laughing at My Nightmare, Inc.
All of us have so many blessings we take for granted. Listening To Shane Burcaw tell his story will put life in perspective, and show how humor can help us cope with adversity. Learn how Shane has overcome spinal muscular atrophy to establish a blog, write a book, create a non-profit organization, and earn a degree from Moravian College … all by the age of 21!
If possible, please sign up at a Morning Star meeting, or notify Pres. Tom Kolepp you plan to attend so Bethlehem Rotary can give Moravian Village an estimated headcount. Thanks!
Note: Morning Star Rotary still has a regular club meeting on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 20.
LV ROTARY CLUBS THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
#16 - HOLY MOLELY
The Healthy Rotarian - “Holy Molely”
Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 30 years of a person's life. It is normal to have between 10-40 moles by adulthood. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing color. Often, hairs develop on the mole. Some moles may not change at all, while others may slowly disappear over time.
Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy.
How Do I Know if a Mole Is Cancer? The vast majority of moles are not dangerous. The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 30. If you notice changes in a mole's color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, or become tender or painful.
Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face, and ears. If a mole does not change over time, there is little reason for concern. If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.
Nurse Sipple
ROTARY HELPS KIDS in BETHLEHEM...and AROUND the WORLD
ROTARY HELPS KIDS in BETHLEHEM...and AROUND the WORLD!
A wonderful time was shared by third grade students and a hearty contingent of Rotarians at William Penn Elementary on Oct. 30! Gerry & Jill Long, Gordon & Susan Sommers and I were given an opportunity to speak about Rotary before handing out the dictionaries to two classes. After showing pictures and information explaining polio and how Rotary is helping to eradicate it, Jill described her Rotaplast mission to Colombia, and we handed out our custom-made Rotary coloring sheets in addition to the dictionaries. Gordon led the children in looking up both "polio" and the longest word in the English language - which none of us could pronounce!
Photo courtesy of Jill Long, Bethlehem Rotarian!
I encourage you to experience the fantastic feeling of helping by handing out dictionaries at one or more of the remaining schools - please contact Ellen Roberts for info wherebooksbegin@gmail.com.
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Nov 6 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities November 6
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Ed Ortelli
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Janet Westlund
50/50 - Wayne Achey
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
NOV 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message November 6
It’s another service oriented week for Morning Star – highlighted by our annual Salute the Troops Concert this Sunday, November 9. Chairperson Gary Hartney encourages all of us to sell our tickets to maximize event revenue and fill the auditorium. Tickets will also be available at the door. Gary and Jean Searfoss finished the program book – thanks to all who signed up sponsors and sponsored ads or other recognitions. Gary will be lining up a few more volunteers to arrive early on Sunday. But, other than that, we are ready to have a fantastic concert / fund raiser on behalf of Victory House!
The Dictionary Project is continuing with Rotarians distributing the dictionaries to the third graders. (See story below.) If you are involved in the distribution part of the project, take some pictures to document how Morning Star is supporting the Rotary Foundation’s emphasis on “Education and Basic Literacy”.
Our Thursday October 30 program about “Information Literacy Outreach” was presented by Terese Heidenwolf of Lafayette College. As the Associate Director for Research and Instructional Services, Terese assists students, faculty and public users of Lafayette’s Skillman library to find the information they seek. Terese informed us of the emerging trend in colleges to start freshman off with a seminar class that includes instruction on how to do college level research. If interested in learning more about information literacy, Terese recommends visiting www.projectinfolit.org.
Last week, we were visited by Eileen Dunn’s daughter-in-law Nancy Li. Nancy told us she likes America so much that she is sending Eileen’s son back to Beijing and staying here herself!
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- Rotary Leadership Institute this Saturday November 8 in Wilkes-Barre. So far, Searfosses, Kolepps, Cheryl Baker, Iryna Levytska and Alex Shnaydruk are registered. All Rotarians are encouraged to further their Rotary training.
- Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday November 9. Be there! Bring your friends and ticket money / unsold tickets.
- Thanksgiving Joint Meeting at noon on Wednesday November 19 with the Bethlehem Rotary Club at Moravian Village. Have lunch with our fellow Rotarians from the Lehigh Valley and hear an inspirational talk. (See story below.) Signup this Thursday to provide RSVP’s to the organizers. (FYI: We will still have our normal MSR meeting on Thursday November 20.)
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Stay tuned for announcement from Mike Long on exact timing and signups.
- MSR Holiday Party: Reserve Saturday evening January 3 for our holiday gathering / pot luck hosted by the Fellowship Committee at the Long’s house.
Our upcoming Thursday meeting will feature Dave Cincera with his ‘reclassification talk’. Dave is a Past President of Morning Star Rotary and will regale us with tales from “back in the day” and "the wonders of joint replacements". We look forward to hearing from Dave.
Don’t forget to invite prospective members to help meet our 2014-2015 objective of increasing net membership by five. If “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member”, we’ll exceed the target.
If you are visiting Bethlehem or our website or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary" this week at our Salute the Troops concert! Regards. President Tom
OCT 23 JANET WESTLUND GOES BLUE
President Tom presents her Blue Badge to Janet Westlund!!!
Oct 22 NCC PRESIDENT'S AWARD - RUSS PACALA
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Russel P. Pacala, Jr. ‘77
This award is presented to an individual who reflects to the community the unique character, personality and level of excellence typified by a Northampton education.
Russel Pacala is a Principal at Spillman Farmer Architects in Bethlehem. Russ holds an Associate’s degree in architectural Technology from NCC. Following his graduation in 1977, he went on to earn a Bachelor of architecture from Kansas State University. Russ began his career in 1981, gaining significant experience in design and construction through successive positions of leadership including 10 years as a partner with Dresden architects.
Russ joined Spillman Farmer in 1999 and over the past 15 years, he has been recognized for his ability to design, coordinate, and manage large new construction projects as well as complex renovations. Among his experience is the expansive addition to Easton Middle School, library and classroom additions to Abington Friends School, and the renovation of Parkhouse Hall at Montgomery County Community College. Russ is one of the firm’s lead master planners and is a LEED Accredited Professional for Building Design and Construction, a designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council for proficiency in sustainable design.
Russ currently resides in Bethlehem with his wife, Beverly (Orlando) Pacala ’77, and their dog Chester. They have two children, Ryan ’13, employed at the Technology Services Department of Lehigh University, and Rachel, a senior studying nutrition at Penn State University’s main campus. In their free time, they enjoy traveling and recently traveled California’s Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego in search of the best fish tacos.
Congratulations Russ! From all your fellow Rotarians!!!
NOV 1 BASD SPIRIT DAY
SPIRIT DAY BASD
FREEDOM LIBERTY LIBERTY FREEDOM
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1 2014
Come to Historic Downtown Bethlehem to celebrate the historic rivalry between
Liberty and Freedom High Schools and to donate to a worthy cause
BENEFITS BAEF
Bethlehem Area Education Foundation
Specials …all day in Historic Downtown Bethlehem!
Restaurants Stores Restaurants Stores Restaurants Stores
Apollo - The Tap Room - Twisted Olive - Rosanna’s - Edge –
Stations Café - Brew Works - Molto Pazzo - McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub
Chocolate Lab – Ruby’s Floral – American Hairlines – Musselman’s – Krissann Albanese LMT-
The Shoppe @ Hotel B – Hand Cut Crystal – Pop Mart – Donegal Square
PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY
Hotel Bethlehem 7 – 11 PM ($10 cover, must be over 21)
Welcomes ALL alumni, parents and faculty members of BASD!!
Live music! Libations! Desserts! Over $800 worth of raffle prizes!
#15 SPIRITUAL HEALTH - continued
The Healthy Rotarian – Spiritual Health (continued)
One specific definition does not completely summarize spiritual health. While organized religion and prayer - two concepts familiar to most in Western societies - can certainly be part of spiritual health, they are not all that should be considered. Spiritual health can also consist of more broad concepts such as hope, purpose and peace. Overall health can be positively impacted by high levels of spiritual health. For example, someone experiencing a life-changing event may deal with their situation in a more positive manner if their levels of spiritual health are high. In other words, someone can become more resilient by properly addressing their spiritual health.
Common criteria that fall within the category of spiritual health include:
- Belief in a supreme being
- Unity with a greater force
- A guiding sense of meaning and value
- An organized religion
- Balance, introspection and meaning
While all aspects of the above list are not necessary to be spiritually healthy, addressing the main concepts can provide a foundational understanding to this way of approaching one's health.
Nurse Sipple
Oct 28 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message October 28
Morning Star just concluded a max action Rotary week: Dictionary Project prep; a Morning Star sponsored lecture and follow-on fellowship event; a great weekly meeting; Rotary training; and throw in an exchange student gathering for good measure.
The Dictionary Project committee and volunteers packed and delivered the books to our target schools. Meetings are scheduled for Rotarians to distribute dictionaries. Under Ellen Roberts’ leadership, we will soon complete this project that supports our Rotary Foundation focus on “Maternal & Child Health”.
Wednesday night October 22 brought fifteen Rotarians and guests to the 2014 Sipple Lecture at Moravian College’s Foy Hall to hear Dr. Donna Sabella deliver her talk on “Human Trafficking: Global and Local Perspectives”. Dr. Sabella’s talk was supplemented by other speakers including an American woman who escaped from forced prostitution and trafficking. The flowers MSR sponsored looked beautiful. Morning Star attendees included: Janet Sipple (of course); Joan Paul; Ginny Wolkoff; Cheryl Baker; Tom Bailey; Ed & Bella Ortelli; Jean & Ron Searfoss; Terri & Mike Long; Tom & Yolanda Mohr; exchange student Annika H; and Tom Kolepp. Afterwards, most attendees plus Gary Hartney and Carl Kolepp met at The Brick Restaurant for dinner and fellowship. Thanks to Tom Mohr for making the arrangements.
Our Thursday October 23 meeting’s speaker was Kim Schaffer, Executive Director of Community Bike Works. Kim spoke on “Learning Life Lessons through Bicycle Mechanics” and the positive impact their flagship “Earn A Bike” program has on youth. Stay tuned to hear more about a bicycle collection day to benefit Community Bike Works.
On Saturday October 25, four Morning Star colleagues arose early and drove to the Rotary Foundation Seminar in King of Prussia. Tom Hartzell, Ron Searfoss and Tom and Janet Kolepp attended this informative training session - GLOBAL GRANTS & DISTRICT GRANTS: OUR FOUNDATION DOING GOOD RIGHT HERE AND IN THE WORLD!
Later on Saturday afternoon, ten inbound Rotary exchange students invaded the Kolepp house as Annika hosted a party for her buddies. They watched movies and spent the night – amazingly all asleep by midnight. Tom and Janet chaperoned, made walking tacos for dinner, supplied pizza for late night snack, and made pancake and sausage breakfast before host parents picked them up.
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- Rotary Leadership Institute on Saturday November 8 in Wilkes-Barre. Registration will be refunded by the club upon course completion and car pools will be available. So far, Searfosses, Kolepps and Cheryl Baker are registered. All are welcome. See www.RLInea.org for details and registration for RLI I, II, III or Graduate.
- Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday November 9. Chairperson Gary Hartney has distributed tickets and encourages members to recruit sponsors, get in your ads or recognition listings, and line up family and friends to attend.
Our upcoming Thursday meeting will feature Terese Heidenwolf of Lafayette College. Terese is the Director, Research and Instructional Services. She will be speaking about “Information Literacy Outreach” in support of our Dictionary Project.
Don’t forget to invite prospective members to help meet our 2014-2015 objective of increasing net membership by five. If “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member”, we’ll exceed the target.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary" together. Regards. President Tom
DICTIONARY Project - Meeting Program Oct. 30, then distribute in Nov.
DICTIONARY Project - Meeting Program Oct. 30, then distribute in Nov.
In support of the Dictionary Project, on October 30 our speaker will be Therese Heidenwolf from Lafayette College. She will address Information Literacy Outreach.
Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and efficiently. It includes an understanding of the ways in which information is created, disseminated, and organized in our society.
In today’s information-rich society, all of us at times feel at sea when we’re trying to find information we need. Today’s talk will describe how college students are taught to do library research and why these skills are crucial to their success both in college and beyond.
MS Rotarians Packing up Dictionaries for delivery to schools!
Distribution dates will be in November. Everyone who has participated in the past describes the distribution experience as wonderful. When the information comes around, we hope you'll find a spot to volunteer!
Oct 30 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities October 30
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Cheryl Baker
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jan Chicka
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
50/50 - Sharon Fontana
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Kristian Schafer
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
World Polio Day and 100th Anniversary of Dr. Jonas Salk’s Birth
World Polio Day and 100th Anniversary of Dr. Jonas Salk’s Birth
In October 1914, Jonas Salk was born – a man who would change world history by inventing the first effective vaccine against polio. When the vaccine was introduced in the United States in the 1950s, polls indicated that polio was one of the nation's two greatest fears, second only to the fear of atomic war. And with good reason: In the 1952 U.S. polio epidemic, 58,000 cases were reported, with 3,145 deaths and 21,269 instances of permanent, disabling paralysis. Globally, polio paralyzed or killed up to half a million people every year.
Soon after the Salk vaccine was created, Albert Sabin developed an oral version, allowing tremendous numbers of children to be immunized quickly, safely, and inexpensively. In 1985, Rotary's PolioPlus program was born, with a simple goal: to immunize every child under age five against this crippling disease. Thanks in large part to the initial success of PolioPlus, in 1988 the 166 member states of the World Health Assembly unanimously set the goal of global polio eradication.
At the time, the idea was breathtakingly ambitious, and many called it impossible. Today, we are closer to this goal than ever before, with only a few hundred cases of polio reported per year, and just three remaining endemic countries. We are on track to achieve full eradication by 2018 – if we can keep up the momentum that has brought us this far.
And this month, we will mark World Polio Day on 24 October, and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Salk's birth.
I ask you all to Light Up Rotary this month by doing whatever you can to shine a spotlight on our efforts to eradicate polio. Call your government officials and let them know that polio eradication matters to you. Go to endpolionow.org for inspiring stories about Rotary's work, and share them on social media. And make the best investment you'll ever make, by donating to polio eradication right on the endpolionow.org website and earning a two-to-one match on your contribution from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
When we eradicate polio – and we will – we'll have brought the world into a better future, and Rotary into a better future as well. We will have proved ourselves, as an organization, capable of great things. And we will have given our children and grandchildren a gift that will endure forever: a polio-free world.
GARY C.K. HUANG
Rotary International President 2014-15
From RGHF’s Our Foundation Newsletter, Nov. 2014
Our Garden at the Canal
Our Garden at the Canal
Oct 21 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message October 21:
Last Thursday at our October 16 meeting, our very own Dr. Janet Sipple provided a thought provoking update on “Human Trafficking and Rotary’s Response”. Janet educated us on the very dark side of this form of slavery that still exists today and mainly impacts the young and poor among us.
Janet’s presentation previewed this Wednesday (10/22) night’s Sipple Lecture when Dr. Donna Sabella delivers her talk on “Human Trafficking: Global and Local Perspectives” at Moravian College’s Foy Hall at 5:30 PM. Janet encouraged us to arrive in advance of up to 1,200 people eager to hear Dr. Sabella’s remarks. Lots of parking is available under the Main Street overpass and it’s an easy walk to Foy Hall from there.
After Dr. Sabella’s talk, there will be a reception in the Foy Hall Gallery, and then Morning Star Rotarians will adjourn for dinner at The Brick Restaurant on the corner of Broad and New Streets. Join us for dinner whether or not you attended the lecture. If not signed up for dinner, then contact Tom Mohr now so he can modify our reservation with The Brick.
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- Rotary Foundation Seminar on Saturday October 25 at the Double Tree Hotel in King of Prussia. The topic is: GLOBAL GRANTS & DISTRICT GRANTS: OUR FOUNDATION DOING GOOD RIGHT HERE AND IN THE WORLD. So far, Tom Hartzell, Ron Searfoss and Tom and Janet Kolepp will be attending. There is room for more registrants, but you must register now on the District 7430 website. Morning Star will refund the registration upon completion.
- Rotary Leadership Institute on Saturday November 8 in Wilkes-Barre. Registration will be refunded by the club upon course completion and car pools will be available. So far, Searfosses, Kolepps and Cheryl Baker are registered. All are welcome. See www.RLInea.org for details and registration for RLI I, II, III or Graduate.
- Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday November 9. Chairperson Gary Hartney has distributed tickets and encourages members to recruit sponsors, get in your ads or recognition listings, and line up family and friends to attend.
Join us this Thursday October 23 to hear Kim Schaffer, Executive Director of Community Bike Works speak on “Learning Life Lessons through Bicycle Mechanics”. Kim became Executive Director in 2013 with 20 years of experience in nonprofit and local government management, including nearly 10 years as a senior staff member at the National Low Income Housing Coalition in Washington, DC. Kim graduated from Lycoming College and received her master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Check out http://www.communitybikeworks.org/ if you would like to learn more about this innovative program in advance of Kim’s presentation.
Membership Objective Reminder: All Morning Star Rotarians play a part in meeting our 2014-2015 objective of increasing net membership by five. If “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member”, we’ll exceed the target.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary" together. Regards. President Tom
#14 SPIRITUAL HEALTH as PART of POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH
The Healthy Rotarian – Spiritual Health as Part of Positive Mental Health
As spiritual human beings, we’re all on our own life journeys to discover and actualize our purpose, potential and passion (the three Ps of successful living). This applies to our family life, community and work environment.
- Purpose. Finding what gives your life meaning and purpose
- Potential. Actualizing your gifts, talents and abilities to the fullest
- Passion. Experiencing excitement and reward in what you do and having a sense of fulfillment
Possibly the most abstract of the various human dimensions, spiritual health is challenging to define, develop and maintain. But this aspect of wellness should not be underestimated. An individual with high levels of spiritual wellness will experience increased physical, social and emotional health. (To be continued)
Nurse Sipple
Oct 23 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities October 23
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Kristian Schafer
Sergeant-at-Arms - Sue Burnett
$2 Per Week - Janet Westlund
50/50 - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
#13 - Physical Health as Part of Positive Mental Health
The Healthy Rotarian - #13 – Physical Health as Part of Positive Mental Health (continued)
Focusing on our physical health, and the nutrients our bodies need to maintain that health, can get us through a crisis. Good nutrition and health are important for the foundation of resiliency.
Learn what your triggers are for emotional and comfort eating. Knowing what leads you to emotional eating will help you stop the vicious cycle of overeating because you feel bad and then feeling bad because you overate.
While comfort food may make you feel better temporarily, it won’t solve your problems. A body that receives the right nutrition and exercise can sustain the mind through times of extreme stress. Healthy eating habits such as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and adding more whole grains into our diets strengthen us. (To be continued)
Nurse Sipple
Oct 16 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities October 16
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Ron Searfoss
Greeter - Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Alex Shnaydruk
$2 Per Week - Iryna Levytska
50/50 - Robin Metzler
Invocation - Janet Sipple
Introductions - Wayne Achey
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
ROTARY ALPHABET SOUP
ROTARY ALPHABET SOUP - ACRONYM OF THE WEEK
As we converse or communicate in other ways in the world of Rotary, we hear and see many abbreviations (official and unofficial). Feel free to submit inquiries.
AG = Assistant Governor
COG = Council of Governors (PDGs - Past District Governors)
CC = County Contact (Youth Exchange)
DG = The sitting District Governor, the current year.
DGE = District Governor Elect, to be DG the next year
DGN = District Governor Nominee, to be DG the second year
DGND = District Governor Nominee Designate, to be DG the third year
DG Track = Three year preparation time period for DGs
DS = District Secretary
DT = District Trainer
GETS = Governor-Elect Training Seminar - conducted at the Zone level
GSE = Group Study Exchange
IPDG = Immediate Past District Governor
IPP = Immediate Past President (club)
MOP = RI Manual of Procedure, revised every three years
NewGen = New Generations (Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, RLYA)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS - Applications due Nov. 14
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS - Applications due Nov. 14
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary has now opened the process for organizations to apply for a Community Development Grant for the 2014-15 Rotary year (7/1/14 – 6/30/15). This year's theme is "Arts & Culture". (The PROJECT, not the organization, needs to focus on Arts & Culture.)
The Request for Proposal “RFP” document outlines the requirements. The RFP has been emailed to past and identified potential grant recipients as well as Morning Star Rotary members, and is available under Downloads at www.morningstarrotary.org .
We invite organizations to submit a proposal by November 14, 2014.
Would you please forward this information to any organization you feel might qualify? Please contact me with any questions.
Yours in Rotary,
Jean Searfoss, Community Development Committee Chair
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Oct 15 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message October 15:
Last Thursday at our October 9 meeting, Hev Siang delivered a thought provoking speech about how "Your Differences Are the Key to Your Success". Born and educated in Cambodia earning a degree in Architecture, he came to the United States 10 years ago and earned his master's degree in Project Management from Boston University. Hev now has the distinction of being the only male member of the North Philadelphia Madrugadores Rotary Club - so he certainly qualifies as the "most different person” in his club. Hev is an inspirational young fellow – a published author and aspiring public speaker – both in a second language.
Please put the following MSR events on your calendars and find more details on our MSR website:
- The Dictionary Project labeling and packing on October 14 and 20 at BAPL .
- The Sipple Lecture on Human Trafficking on October 22 followed by Fellowship Event at the Brick Restaurant in Bethlehem.
- Rotary Foundation Seminar on Saturday October 25 at the DoubleTree Hotel in King of Prussia. The topic is: GLOBAL GRANTS & DISTRICT GRANTS: OUR FOUNDATION DOING GOOD RIGHT HERE AND IN THE WORLD. Morning Star will refund the registration upon completion and Kolepps are organizing carpools.
- Rotary Leadership Institute on Saturday November 8 in Wilkes-Barre. Registration will be refunded by the club upon course completion and car pools will be available. So far, Searfosses, Kolepps and Cheryl Baker are registering. All are welcome. See www.RLInea.org for details and registration for RLI I, II, III or Graduate.
- Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday November 9. Chairperson Gary Hartney encourages members to recruit sponsors, get in your ads or recognition listings, and line up family and friends for ticket sales.
Your Morning Star Rotary Board held our monthly meeting on October 8. The club is in good shape financially. We made our final donation to the Steven Godbolt Scholarship Fund which was the beneficiary of the 2013 and 2014 golf tournaments. We will contribute to the 2015 Rose Parade Rotary Float. The Community Development Grant process is underway and proposals are due soon. Membership is officially down one, but we anticipate the Isaacs transfer to a club in Columbus, Ohio. Our goal is to increase net membership by five, so we need to recharge our “Every Member Brings a Prospective Member” initiative. The Board decided to conduct a strategic planning process.
Join us this Thursday, October 16 for our own Dr. Janet Sipple’s presentation on “Human Trafficking and Rotary’s Response.”
This will be an informative introduction to The Eighth Annual Janet A. Sipple Lectureship entitled “Human Trafficking: Global and Local Perspectives” to be delivered by Dr. Donna Sabella of Drexel University.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
ISO FUTURE BOARD MEMBERS
In Search Of FUTURE BOARD MEMBERS
Election December 18, 2014 for the Rotary year starting July 1, 2015!
Wonderful opportunity for you to Light Up Rotary!
Your Club needs 4 Directors, and a Vice President.
If interested, please contact the Nominating Committee - Chair Ron Searfoss, Rick Santee, Jeff Kicska and Tom Kolepp.
Address questions to the Committee.
Responsibilities:
Directors (serve 2 Rotary years July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016)
1. Regular attendance at meetings, and involvement in club events
2. Regular attendance at Board meetings monthly on 2nd Wednesday evening starting 6 pm; typically run 1-2 hours at Moravian Village
3. Act as liaison between the Board and 1 or more committees
President Elect - Jeff Kicska
See 1 & 2 under Directors
Serve on the Board for 3 years: PE 2015-16, President 2016-17 and Past President 2017-18
Program Chair for 2015-16 (with a committee to help)
Attend PETS (President Elect Training Seminar, full day Friday & Saturday in early March 2016)
Represent the club at various club & district events during year as President
Vice President
See 1 & 2 under Directors
Serve on the Board for 4 years: VP 2015-16, PE 2016-17, President 2017-18 and Past President 2018-19
VP year is learning, and coordinating long range plans with President and PE
Program chair for 2016-17 (with a committee to help)
Attend PETS (President Elect Training Seminar, full day Friday & Saturday in early March 2017)
Represent the club at various club & district events during year as President
DICTIONARY PROJECT - Pack Oct. 20, Distribute at Schools
DICTIONARY Project - Pack Oct. 20, Distribute at Schools
Please save the date of October 20!
We will be stamping and packing the Dictionaries 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Laros Room at the Bethlehem Public Library.
Co-chairs Ellen Roberts and Marianne Aronson will be needing helpers to stamp and pack the books.
Distribution dates will be in November. Everyone who has participated in the past describes the distribution experience as wonderful. When the information comes around, we hope you'll find a spot to volunteer!
And on October 30 our speaker will be Therese Heidenwolf from Lafayette College. She will address Information Literacy Outreach.
Information literacy is the ability to find, evaulate, and use information effectively and efficiently. It includes an understanding of the ways in which information is created, disseminated, and organized in our society.
In today’s information-rich society, all of us at times feel at sea when we’re trying to find information we need. Today’s talk will describe how college students are taught to do library research and why these skills are crucial to their success both in college and beyond.
Oct 9 Program Hev Saing
Oct 9 Hev Saing
Speaker and Author of “Cash In On Your Differences: How To Turn Your Differences Into Your Most Valuable Assets”
Please join us this Thursday for a very thought provoking presentation. “Now Is the Time to Profit from Your Differences! You are different, and you don’t have to choose to be like someone else while pursuing your dream. Although your similarities with others create your comfort, it is your differences that produce your rewards. Your similarities with others encourage their acceptance of you, but it is your differences that set you apart in many beneficial ways….”
#12– Flu Season is Coming! Get Ready!
The Healthy Rotarian - #12 – Flu Season is Coming! Get Ready!
It’s not possible to predict what the 2014-15 flu season will be like. Flu seasons are unpredictable. While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season usually varies from one season to another. Flu viruses are constantly changing so it's not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season. People should begin getting vaccinated soon after flu vaccine becomes available, ideally by October, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. In addition to getting vaccinated, you can take everyday preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. It’s possible to get sick with the flu even if you have been vaccinated (although you won’t know for sure unless you get a flu test). For more details go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2014-2015.htm
Nurse Sipple
TOUCH OF IRISH HUMOR 4
What it means to be Irish
You swear very well.
You have no idea how to make a long story short.
You are genetically unable to keep a secret.
You have Irish Alzheimer’s – you only remember the grudges.
Oct 9 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities October 9
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Jess Elliott
50/50 - Kristian Schafer
Invocation - Ginny Wolkoff
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
Oct 7 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message October 7:
Having caught our breath from the extraordinary MOM-n-PA Project and a successful 5K / 10K Race, we turn our attention to our fall schedule which includes:
- This Thursday’s District 7430 Golf Tournament - Do we have any golfers attending?
- The Dictionary Project starting with Dictionary labeling and packing on October 14 and 20.
- The Sipple Lecture on Human Trafficking on October 22 followed by Fellowship Event at the Brick Restaurant in Bethlehem.
- A great opportunity to learn about the Rotary Foundation on October 25 at the Rotary Foundation Seminar. (Kolepps plan to go; offering car pool to King of Prussia.)
- Preparation and Ticket sales for our Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday November 9.
Last Thursday, we had an informative talk by Melinda Stumpf about PPL and how our electric utility is improving its service record through better right of way maintenance and investment in advanced switching technologies. Melinda also encouraged us to “shop for our power” and told us more about this money saving opportunity.
Over the weekend, Ron and Jean Searfoss attended RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute Level II) in Harrisburg – check in with them about their experience and what they learned – then sign up for RLI on November 8 in Wilkes-Barre.
Also, on Sunday afternoon, Rick and Molly Santee, John St. Clair and Janet and Tom Kolepp attended the “Tastes and Tunes” fundraising event sponsored by Bethlehem Rotary Club at Hotel Bethlehem. Bethlehem Rotary hopes to top the $30,000 they raised last year through this ticket sale and auction event which benefits Lehigh Valley veterans. Rick not only attended the event, but was an integral part of the “tunes” as the strolling accordion player.
Join us this Thursday October 9 for Hev Siang speaking to us about how "Your Differences Are the Key to Your Success". Hev is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and Rotarian – a member of the North Philadelphia Madrugadores Rotary Club which is a Latina y Latino breakfast club. Since Morning Star is a very “different” Rotary Club filled with some very “different” members, Hev will help us discern how our differences can lead us to great success as we “Light Up Rotary” in 2014 – 2015.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
p.s. Reminder to Board Members of Board Meeting on Wednesday evening October 8 at 6:00 PM in the Board Room at Moravian Village.
Oct 22 FELLOWSHIP AT AND FOLLOWING THE SIPPLE LECTURE
FELLOWSHIP AT AND FOLLOWING THE SIPPLE LECTURE
Our own Dr. Janet Sipple is hosting the 8th Sipple Lecture on Wednesday October 22 at 5:30 PM.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING GLOBAL AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVES
FOY HALL, MAIN STREET CAMPUS, MORAVIAN COLLEGE
What an opportunity for Morning Star Rotary to support our member, learn more about this international problem, identify for future endeavors if this is also a local challenge in our community as well as educating ourselves so that we can Light Up Rotary.
We will be listed as a sponsor of this event with special seating at the lecture and we are also invited to meet and greet at the reception immediately following the Lecture. The Lectures are open to all students and members of the Lehigh Valley Community. Contributions to the endowment fund may be sent to the Office of Development, Moravian College, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 or made online at www.moravian.edu/giving if you choose to do so.
Following the reception we can all continue our fellowship at the Brick on the first floor of the Bank of America building at the corner of N. New and E. Broad Street’s.
To set the stage and wet our appetite the guest speaker at our Club meeting on Thursday, October 16 will introduce us to Human Trafficking.
Please let us know if you will attend the Lecture and avail yourselves of the fellowship that will follow.
Sign-up sheets will be available at the Club meetings preceding the Lecture.
Yours truly,
Tom Mohr
Fellowship Chair
UPDATE ON OUR PERU WATER FILTER PROJECT
Update on our Peru Water Filter Project
Juan Proaño advises that the $18,500 contributed by 5 clubs in District 7430 (including $2,000 by Bethlehem Morning Star), resulted in a 2013-14 Rotary Foundation Global Grant of $39,450. Three water filtration distributions have been made so far, and several Rotarians from our District are going to Peru to participate in the next one on November 8. (If you are interested in joining them, please email me for Juan’s contact info.) It is heartwarming that our efforts will help provide access to clean water for drinking and cooking to more than 5,000 people living within the poverty belt that surrounds Lima, Peru for the next 3 years!
Thanks so much for your support!
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
TOUCH OF IRISH HUMOR 3
What it means to be Irish
At least one of your cousins is a cop, firefighter, bar owner, funeral home owner, or is a politician.
You will have sisters or cousins named Mary, Eileen, Catherine or Colleen.
Probably one of them is named Mary Eileen Catherine Colleen.
#11 - How to Achieve Positive Mental Health
The Healthy Rotarian – #11 How to Achieve Positive Mental Health
Strong family relationships are vital to overall health. However, there is no perfect family or perfect relationship. The key to wellness is how you handle problems and support one another. There will inevitably be times when stress, adversity or trauma negatively affect your sense of well-being. During these difficult times, it is healthy, and advisable, to seek support and guidance. Sharing your challenges and problems with someone can lead to greater insight. You may think “how can a therapist understand my spouse and our relationship?” Actually, an outside person can often offer a valuable perspective that can only be gained through objectivity. Families may also benefit from educational materials that aid in improving overall health and well-being. Maintaining physical health means employing preventive practices including good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and regular medical and dental check-ups. Each area is important on its own, but positive improvements are even more powerful when they are combined. Like the attentive gardener, you must know the correct ways to feed and maintain your body so that it can thrive. (To be continued)
Nurse Sipple
Oct 2 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities October 2
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Alex Shnaydruk
Greeter - Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Iryna Levytska
50/50 - Tom Mohr
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable to serve, we will appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Thank you!
Oct 1 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
President’s Message October 1:
Could we be any busier here in Morning Star Rotary during September? Three days of the MOM-n-PA Dental Clinic on the heels of official approval of our District Grant . . . 5K / 10 K Race readiness including race bag stuffing, sponsor recruiting, t-shirt design contest, food preparation, course layout, chip timing setup . . . Red Badge to Blue Badge ceremony . . . member sponsor awards . . . race bag pickup . . . and finally . . . RACE DAY . . . including setup, successful event and cleanup. Just writing that run on sentence tired me out!!
At our September 25 meeting, Dr. Charlie Incalcaterra provided a rundown on the results of the MOM-n-PA Clinic which he described as “exhausting, but exhilarating”. Most impressively, the two day clinic served 2,047 patients and provided dental services in excess of $1 million in value. The 2015 clinic has already been scheduled for next May. Charlie reported that MSR was well represented by our volunteers, including Charlie, yours truly and the following folks:
- Ginny Wolkoff
- Dee Elliott
- Barb Seifert-Sigmon
- Rafael de la Hoz
- Lynn Milet
- Jean Searfoss
- Ron Searfoss
- Val Walk
- Janet Sipple
- Ron Helmuth
- Charlotte Hartmann- Hansen
- Cheryl Baker
- Susan Burnett
- Janet Kolepp
- (If I missed anyone, let me know)
Last Thursday, we officially “Blue Badged” six of our members - Shawn Deiter, Jan Chicka, Janet Westlund, Alex Shnaydruk, Iryna Levytska and Steve Bajan. Membership Chairs Jessica Elliott and Rick Santee splurged on a bit of the bubbly for all the new Blues in recognition of Steve Bajan’s almost eternal Red Badge status. Congratulations to our new Blue Badges – we look forward to “lighting Up Rotary” with all of you!
The Membership Committee also honored those MSR members who have sponsored members over the last year with new pins with colored backers signifying the number of members sponsored. Honorees and number of members sponsored included: Jean Searfoss (4); Ginny Wolkoff (2); Tom Kolepp (2); Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen (1); Ellen Roberts (1); and Tom Mohr (1).
On Friday and Saturday, the plethora of activities being coordinated by Race Director Jeff Kicska, Assistant Race Director Wayne Achey and the various committee members was mind boggling. Friday morning the tents went up next to Old York Road and in the afternoon race packets were being picked up by the Illichs Mill pool. By 3AM, Rotarians were making coffee and assembling the “stuff” needed to host 600 runners. By 5 AM, the race site was filled with Rotarians engaged in setup activities. By 6:30 AM, race participants began to arrive. At 8 AM, the starting pistol sounded and the chip timing team was on-line. By 11AM, we were done – awards given, site cleaned up, trash in the bins and tables and chairs going back to Leisers.
Whew !! What a whirlwind. The list of contributors to making this race a success is too long to include in the bulletin. You all know who you are. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the outstanding Service Above Self required to successfully complete this great annual event.
While we catch our breath before plunging headlong into our Dictionary Project and into ticket sales and sponsorship acquisition for the Salute the Troops Concert on November 9, please join the club for our October Fellowship Event on October 22. It’s the Annual Sipple lecture at Moravian College and this year’s topic of “Human Trafficking” should be of interest to every Rotarian as we strive for peace. Please see the Fellowship Committee announcement on the website for all the details.
Please join us for our October 2 meeting to hear Melinda Stumpf, Regional Affairs Director at PPL, tell us about “Improvements to the PPL System.” It should be a great opportunity to reflect on how essential reliable electrical service is to our modern lives. (The 5K / 10K Race “Coffee Team” and “Chip Timing Team” both know that their job is impossible without circuit breakers that stay on!)
Looking forward to this weekend, those of you attending RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) in Harrisburg should have your registrations in by now. We will huddle on Thursday morning to arrange ride sharing.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's continue to "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
Sep 25 PROGRAM
Please join us for these celebrations, breakfast cheer and warm MSR fellowship!
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS - RED TO BLUE BADGES
SPONSOR RECOGNITION
MOM-n-PA Update – Dr. Incalcaterra will provide an update on the success of the dental clinic.
Over 2,000 people serviced over 2 days!
MORNING STAR ROTARY CELTIC CLASSIC
RUNNERS TAKE YOUR MARKS!
After many months of preparation Race Director, Jeff Kicska and the MSR race committee are ready to hit the trails. The race this year will feature professional timing and scoring facilities. As President Kolepp raises the cry "All Hands On Deck" it is time for ALL of us to Light Up Rotary (we start setup at 5AM) and make this event a resounding success. With registrations approaching record levels, an outstanding course and the state of the art timing and scoring equipment, we really need course marshals and supporting personnel! We ask you to help and to bring family, friends and students (community service credit!) if possible on Saturday.
SATURDAY SEPT. 27 - RACE DAY!!!
Where: Start/Finish and Registration is on Old York Road - enter from Union Boulevard behind the Senior Centers.
When: 5:00 AM Setup Begins
6:30 AM Registrations and Race Packet Pickup Open
8:00 AM Race Begins
9:30 AM Awards and Raffle Prize Giveaway
Followed by clean-up!
All Volunteers - Come early and ask at Registration where you can assist. Thank you!
RACE QUESTIONS?
Please check the race website thoroughly first http://www.morningstarrotary.org/events/5k/ .
If that doesn't provide the answers you need, then please call Race Director Jeff Kicska at 484-542-2204. With about 500+ registrants to date, he is VERY busy - so we ask that you contact him only if really necessary.
BAG STUFFING
Special thanks to all Rotarians participating last Thursday. Circled the tables, stuffed the bags and MSR fellowship!
Thanks, and hope to see you Saturday!
TOUCH OF IRISH HUMOR 2
Two fellows from Dublin were chatting in the bar.
"If you had your choice to talk to anyone, living or dead, who would you pick?" said the one.
"Oh, I'd take the living for sure."
#10 - THE FUNGUS AMONG US
The Healthy Rotarian: #10 The Fungus Among Us
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. The nail often becomes darker in color and smells foul. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. Bed and bathroom partners may spread the fungi between direct contact. Unless treated, the infection can spread and possibly impair your ability to work or even walk. The resulting thicker nails are difficult to trim and make walking painful when wearing shoes. Onychomycosis can also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or about the nail plate. The fungus grows best in moist, damp, dark places such as feet in closed shoes with sweaty feet, dirty socks worn over and over without washing, failure to bathe and dry feet/shoes. Those with chronic illnesses like diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency are especially prone to fungal nails. Toenail fungus is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain. The disease is characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's quality and color, which is often ugly and embarrassing.
A daily routine of cleansing over a period of months may temporarily suppress mild infections. White markings that appear on the surface of the nail can be filed off, followed by the application of an over-the-counter antifungal agent. Even the best over-the-counter treatments may not prevent a fungal infection from coming back. You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any discoloration, thickening, or deformity of your toenails. The earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your nails to clear. Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, culture the nail, determine the cause, and form a treatment plan, which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and debridement of an infected nail. Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal nails. Clean and dry feet resist disease. Laser treatment of the fungal nail has become popular and successful. Most mild cases can be effective with one laser treatment costing approximately $100. Have a question? Go to http://toenail-fungus.org
Nurse Sipple
Sep 25 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities September 25
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Janet Sipple
Greeter - Ellen Roberts
Sergeant-at-Arms - Wayne Achey
$2 Per Week - Sharon Fontana
50/50 - Ed Ortelli
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Butch Macri
Sep 15 President's Message
President's Message September 15:
Our September 11 club meeting was a lively visit by our current District 7430 Governor Gary Fedorcha. Gary's theme is "Light Up Rotary Through Education" and he did a fine job of educating us - especially about our own organization. He made three main points about Rotary. First, Rotarians must identify ourselves by wearing our Rotary pins everywhere we go, announcing our projects with bigger signs, and getting the Rotary word out in our community. Second, Rotary has changed meeting attendance requirements to fifty percent of meetings and Rotarians can use their Rotary service hours as credit towards meeting attendance. Third, Rotary is encouraging clubs to find alternative ways to attract members, including satellite clubs. Gary wrapped up his presentation by lighting a candle and asking all of us to pledge to wear our pins and let people know we are proud to be Rotarians. (FYI: the attendance and the satellite club provisions are included in the revised Rotary constitution which Morning Star adopted in May, 2014.)
Governor Gary's official visit concluded with our annual Governor's visit to our Board meeting with Officers and Directors in attendance. Gary gave Morning Star a good review indicating that we have met all our reporting requirements, are properly organized and are giving great service to our community.
Our next meeting on September 18 will be "Race Bag Stuffing Day" and Jeff Kicska will have things organized for a day of bag stuffing, fellowship and breakfast cheer.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
p.s. The MOM-n-PA Project was absolutely outstanding. Please refer to pictures elsewhere in the bulletin.
ROTARY EDUCATION - RLI OCTOBER 4, 2014
THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT ROTARY!!!
THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP / LEARNING INSTITUTE
Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2014
hosted by D7390 is being held on
Saturday, October 4th , 2014.
at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East
For registrations and other scheduled RLI sessions offered in the Fall of 2014 go to www.rlinea.com.
Please register early. The important thing is to REGISTER! You won't be disappointed.
If you need additional information please feel free to call or email
Ron Searfoss
610-504-1460
rsearfos@ptd.net
MOM-n-PA DENTAL PROJECT
MOM-n-PA DENTAL PROJECT - THINK MASH for Teeth!
Morning Star and Rotary were well represented. MSR Rotarians included Cheryl Baker, Raphael DeLaHoz, Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, Ron Helmuth, Charlie Incalcaterra, Tom & Janet Kolepp, Janet Sipple, Barb Seifert-Simon and Ron & Jean Searfoss. (Apologies if anyone missed....this was a 3-day project from the weee hours of the morning and all day!)
What an incredible example of Service Above Self!!!
TOUCH OF IRISH HUMOR 1
O’Malley and McGuire watch a lorry go by loaded with rolls of turf.
Says O’Malley: When I’m rich, I’m gonna do that…send me lawn out to be cut.
Sep 15 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities September 18
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Ron Searfoss
Greeter - Janet Sipple
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Todd Heft
50/50 - Jess Elliott
Invocation - Tore Hartmann-Hansen
Introductions - Tom Hartzell
Sep 9 President's Message
President's Message September 9:
Our September 4 meeting was an apiarian delight with that "bee geek" ("beek" for short) Sharon Jones Zondag, Executive Director of the Laros Foundation, bee-guiling us on the topic of "Why Bees Matter and Why They Matter Now More than Ever." Sharon is a third generation bee keeper and a real honey with a serious bee in her bonnet about all things connected with hives, queens and drones. She educated us on the ecological and economic importance of bees, especially in pollination of food bearing plants. Sharon provided information about the classes she teaches at NCC, encouraged us to learn more about this important niche in our ecosystem and even brought sample honey from the NCC hives.
The MOM-n-PA Dental Clinic is here - this Thursday, Friday and Saturday September 11-13 at AgHall in Allentown. Volunteer registration is officially closed, but the website indicates volunteers can still register on-site on the day of the event. Registered volunteers can visit the website for frequently asked questions and answers at http://www.mom-n-pa.com/volunteer-faqs/. Volunteers for Thursday set up are still needed - just show up and register. Feel free to address any questions to Charlie Incalcaterra. All volunteers are requested to wear Morning Star or other Rotary logo wear and your Rotary pin.
This week's meeting on September 11 will be District Governor Gary Fedorcha's official visit. Gary will be presenting the program, connecting us to the "big picture" of Rotary International and District 7430. Our formal meeting will be followed by a short Board Meeting chaired by Gary and Tom K. All Officers and Directors are urged to attend.
REMINDER TO BOARD MEMBERS: We have a regularly scheduled MSR Board meeting on Wednesday evening at 6PM, then as per above, we meet again with Governor Gary after Thursday morning's regular meeting.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
Notes from DG GARY
I remind you all to wear your Rotary pin every day as a way to
create awareness of our organization. In District 7430 during the
governorship of PDG Frank, we began looking at establishing a
Public Relations Committee, and we are continuing to work
toward that goal. We recognize the need to communicate more
with each other - sharing what we do, inviting each other to
attend our functions, and even partnering to accomplish more.
We need to provide more awareness about what Rotary is and
does, not only around the world, but right here in our
communities. We need more and bigger signs on our projects. We
need to share all we do with local news media, Facebook, Twitter,
and websites. We need to constantly educate ourselves and our
members to look at alternative ways to meet the needs of our
membership and our future members.
Education is the Key to Rotary’s future.
LIGHT UP ROTARY THROUGH EDUCATION!
District Governor Gary
Sep 8 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities September 11
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jan Chicka
$2 Per Week - Jean Searfoss
50/50 - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Todd Heft
Why Bees Matter
Sharon Jones Zondag, the Northampton Community College beekeeper is a 4th generation "Beek". Growing up with bees, (her father is in his fifth decade of beekeeping and at 85 continues to be her #1 mentor. Every beekeeper needs one!) Join us for this very interesting presentation and learn "Why Bees Matter Now MORE than Ever!"
Sep 2 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities September 4
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Kristian Schafer
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Todd Heft
50/50 - Kristian Schafer
Invocation - Janet Sipple
Introductions - Tom Mohr
Sep 2 President's Message
President's Message September 2:
On August 28, David Roth, Executive Director of Moravian Village, presented a very informative program about BAM (Bethlehem Area Moravians) with special focus on the healthcare facilities owned and managed by the regional Moravian Church. We had a great turnout to hear David and we took the opportunity to thank him for the great service provided by the Moravian Village staff at our weekly meetings.
One of our guests was young Isabel Burnett; she has participated in several Rotary service projects with her Mom Susan, Dad Ron and her sisters. We were also joined by Lynn Milet who submitted her new member application listing Ginny Wolkoff as her sponsor.
Volunteer registration is officially closed for the MOM-n-PA clinic on September 12th & 13th. Registered volunteers can visit the website for frequently asked questions and answers at http://www.mom-n-pa.com/volunteer-faqs/. The MOM-n-PA website indicates that it is still possible for volunteers to register on-site on the day of the event. Feel free to address any questions to Charlie Incalcaterra.
A rundown on last week's meeting would be incomplete without a quick admission of a few extraordinary glitches that we overcame just in time for David Roth's presentation. For the life of me, I could not connect my laptop to the projector - so no rolling announcements. Connectivity also eluded the crack technology team of Robin Metzler, Jeff Kicska and Ron Helmuth. Ron played presentation messiah by obtaining his laptop from his car - and voila - instant connectivity. All would have proceeded perfectly from there had I not flubbed David's introduction by calling him "Michael" due to some inexplicable synaptic asynchronicity. Oh well, please forgive the imperfect parliamentary prowess of your present President! (Ed. probably means future vacations may be in jeopardy!)
Our September 4 meeting will feature Sharon Jones Zondag, Executive Directror of the Laros Foundation, informing Morning Star Rotary about "Why Bees Matter and Why They Matter Now More than Ever." (See story below). Reminder: on September 11, District Governor Gary Fedorcha will make his official visit so mark your calendar so that you do not forget this special event. (Officers and Directors should plan to attend the Governor's meeting with the Board immediately following the close of our 9/11/14 meeting.)
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
Aug 28 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities August 28
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Alex Shnaydruk
Greeter - Jan Chicka
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ityna Levytska
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
50/50 - Todd Heft
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Cheryl Baker
Aug 25 President's Message
President's Message August 25:
It was another fun and inspiring Morning Star Rotary Thursday morning meeting on August 21.
We celebrated August birthdays with Tom Mohr as the 'birthday meister'. Most notably, a "Fossil of the Month" opted for a chocolate Rotary wheel over a dinosaur.
Ms. Cathy Heimsoth, the Executive Director of Traditions of Hanover, presented an inspirational program on "Living a Vibrant Life." Cathy talked about the benefits of living in community and she was very complimentary of our MSR culture of supportive fun and living by the Four Way Test. Cathy also shared her personal story of surviving cancer as a mother of five children and how her choices and motivation carried her through this difficult time. We look forward to seeing Cathy again in the spring when we do our once per year meeting at Traditions.
Charlie Incalcaterra wants everyone to know that registration for volunteers for MOM-n-PA project closes on August 31. Help is needed on Thursday September 11 for set up. Translators, Patient Ambassadors, and Parking Attendants & Security Monitors are needed for both Friday and Saturday. Patient Ambassadors and Translators continue to be the biggest need. Visit the MOM-n-PA website or our MSR website for registration details.
Please attend our next meeting on August 28 when David Roth, Executive Director of Moravian Village, presents a program on Healthcare Facilities Managed by the Regional Moravian Church. David is also our "host" for our weekly meetings, so let's turn out to support him.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
LIKE MSR ON FACEBOOK
Like us on facebook official address -- www.facebook.com/morningstarrotary.
Just click on the link. We can add the link to our brochures, mailings, eBulletin, etc.
#9 - ADULT IMMUNIZATION MATTERS!!!
The Healthy Rotarian – # 9 Adult Immunization
Adult Immunization. Most of us think that once we have come through adolescents that we no longer need vaccines to protect us from communicable diseases. Below is a link to the recommended schedule of vaccines for adults. Please check your status and talk with your primary provider about updating your immunizations. For further information go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html
Nurse Sipple
Aug 21 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities August 21
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Shawn Deiter
Greeter - Melinda Hoffnerr
Sergeant-at-Arms - Sue Reeps
$2 Per Week - Sharon Fontana
50/50 - Frank Lulewitz
Invocation - Ginny Wolkoff
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
Aug 18 President's Message
President's Message August 18:
What a busy week: Libations at the Library, regular monthly Board Meeting, Annual Meeting of the Morning Star Charitable Organization, Club Assembly with a Twist during regular meeting time and Saturday's first production use of Morning Star Rotary's (MSR) new chip timing system.
Our "Libations at the Library Fellowship Event" held Tuesday August 12 was a wine tasting led by Tom Bailey followed by a program about the multiplicity of library programs available to all with a library card. Mr. Bailey's vintages included: Peccorino (Italy), Petite Sirah (Lodi), Albarino (Rias Baixas, Spain) and a very nice Pinot Noir. The library's on-line demonstration showed the breadth of the resources available remotely including: downloadable music, foreign language learning, investor research, and easy e-books for beginning readers. Development Director Lisa Holzinger, Outreach Librarian Regina Kochmaruk and Library Director Josh Berk led us through a Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) knowledge game with winners taking home prizes, including Rick and Molly Santee and Annika, our exchange student.
On Wednesday August 13, we held the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of our Board of Directors. Official business included filing the MSR Semi-Annual Report with RI for 60 members and the approval of our secretary and treasurer reports. Once a year, we hold a meeting of the club's charitable organization 501c3 to conduct official business. We use the 501c3 for all of our charitable fund raising and disbursement. Administratively, our club is on track to give our report to Governor Gary Fedorcha during his September 11 Official Visit.
At our Thursday August 14 meeting, Cheryl Baker led the invocation and celebrated the fellowship of Rotary while weaving in her news that Radio Disney is closing their stations and she is losing her job. (Let's rally around Cheryl through her job search.) The "Club Assembly with a Twist" was a fun way to jump start committees for the program year. There was a lot of energy in the room and everyone was charged up for Rotary service.
On Saturday August 15, the MSR 5K / 10K "Chip Timing Crew" volunteered to time the Palmer Community Days 5K with all proceeds benefiting the Miracle League of Northampton County. Under the leadership of our Race Director Jeff Kicska, Morning Star Rotarians Dee Elliott, Alex Schnadruk, Iryna Levytska, Robin Metzler and Tom Kolepp were joined by a young techie named Chris (who works with Robin) to successfully time the race. The new chip timing system performed like a charm. Thanks to Jeff and Robin for all their work ordering, assembling and tuning up the chip timing system. We are looking forward to the first MSR Celtic Classic 5K / 10K with chip timing run by our own club members!! (I think Jeff deserves a service champion award. He has a new baby and is race director of two races within six weeks of each other - wow! His wife Mary was also in charge of the food for the race. Let’s hear it for the Kicskas.)
If you have not already done so, please sign-up for the MOM-n-PA Mission on September 11, 12 or 13 and reserve the morning of Saturday September 27 to volunteer at the 5K / 10 K Race. These events need the active support of all members - there is a role for everyone to play. Bring your family and friends to the Race to help - it's a great way to introduce prospective new members to Morning Star.
Please attend our next meeting on August 21 when Ms. Cathy Heimsoth - the Executive Director of Traditions of Hanover - tells us about "Living A Vibrant Life." The program will be preceded by Tom Mohr acknowledging birthdays through August with the customary frivolity and chocolate.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
Aug 14 Club Assembly with a Committee Twist!
Aug 14 – Working Committees Meeting – Club Assembly with a Committee Twist!
Committee chairs are asked to contact their members, and have a bullet list of items to discuss.
Committee Members, Committee Assignments and Committee Descriptions are available under the Download section on the first page of the Bulletin and MSR Website.
#8 - SLEEP MATTERS TO IMMUNE FUNCTION
The Healthy Rotarian # 8 – Zzzzzzz’s Matter
Sleep matters to immune function, metabolism, memory, learning and other vital functions. While there are still mysteries about “why” we sleep, it is clear to sleep scientists that sleep’s potential role in memory and health is particularly relevant to life in the 21st century. Tips for healthy sleep
- Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Chemicals (pain relievers) that Interfere with Sleep
- Turn Your Bedroom into a Sleep-Inducing Environment (quiet, dark, cool)
- Establish a Soothing Pre-Sleep Routine
- Go to Sleep When You’re Truly Tired
- Don’t Be a Nighttime Clock-Watcher
- Use Light to Your Advantage
- Keep Your Internal Clock Set with a Consistent Sleep Schedule
- Nap Early—Or Not at All
- Lighten Up on Evening Meals
- Balance Fluid Intake
- Exercise Early not late in the day
If your sleep difficulties don’t improve through good sleep hygiene, you may want to consult your care provider or a sleep specialist. For more information go to http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
Nurse Sipple
Aug 14 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities August 14
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Tom Mohr
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Jess Elliott
50/50 - Melinda Hoffner
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Joan Paul
Aug 11 President's Message
President's Message August 11:
Our August 7, 2014 meeting was filled with "shades of things to come" - and exciting things they are.
Our speaker, Dr. Charlie Incalcaterra, gave us the full introduction to the Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania (MOM-n-PA) organization and the MOM-n-PA Mission scheduled for Friday September 12 and Saturday September 13, 2014. Charlie reminded us that last year's Philadelphia mission served 1,820 patients and provided about $850,000 in donated dental services. This free, no questions asked clinic is sponsored by several Rotary clubs including MSR, Downtown Bethlehem and Warrington. MSR is donating $1,500 and Warrington is the sponsor of the multi-club District Grant.
Charlie reminded us that there are many unfilled volunteer positions and demonstrated how easy it is to register at http://www.mom-n-pa.com/volunteer-information/. (or click on download on the right). "Patient Ambassadors" and "Spanish Speakers" are especially needed. Charlie also indicated that help is needed on Thursday September 11 for set-up.
Another exciting event was the introduction of Annika, our Rotary exchange student from Helsinki Finland. Annika is seventeen years old, speaks excellent English and will be attending Liberty High School. The Kolepp's are Annika's first host parents and Carl Kolepp visited our meeting to welcome her.
Remember that Tuesday August 12 is our "Libations at the Library" fellowship and prospective member event. See the event section for more information and see you there starting at 5:30 PM. I bet Ginny Wolkoff will bring Lyn Milet who was Ginny's guest at our August 7 meeting.
MSR All Hands on Deck Notice: Please reserve Saturday September 27 on your calendar - meet us at sunup to prepare for the Morning Star Rotary Celtic Classic 5K /10 K race.
Notice to Board Members: Remember our regularly scheduled Board Meeting is this Wednesday August 13 at 6PM at Moravian Village.
If you are visiting or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Now that an amazing "rain free" Musikfest is over, let's "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
Libations and Fellowship at the Library August 12!
Libations and Fellowship at the Library August 12!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) to Host Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary
11 West Church Street
Laros Room (Second Floor)
Please join Morning Star Rotary and BAPL for an evening at the Library, capped off by wine tasting and hors d’houvres in the Laros Room! This will be a fine opportunity to observe first-hand the results of the support funding from our joint Rotary Golf Tournaments of 2011 & 2012. There will be a presentation by Liza Holzinger, Public Relations Manager & Director of Development, sometime between 6:30-7 PM. She will address what is new at the library, the Room To Grow project and how Morning Star interacts with the Library with the Dictionary Project.
Following Q&A interested parties may wish to head downtown for dinner and fellowship.
Cost is $5 per person for Rotarians & spouses. Please consider inviting prospective members to join us to experience this wonderful facility and for fellowship. (Bonus - No cost for prospective members!) Parking available in the city underground lot with easy access to Library lower entrance.
STRIKE OUT HUNGER - MEET RI PRESIDENT GARY HUANG!
You and your Club are Invited to meet the new Rotary International President Gary C.K Huang 2014-15 at Strike-Out Hunger Night, Wednesday, August 6th and Dinner, Thursday, August 7th. To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below:
StrikeOut Hunger 2014 Dinner D7430 Rev2.pdf
GREAT NEWS!
In appreciation for our 30th Annual Strike-Out Hunger the Phillies will now be giving back to the Rotary Foundation “$9.00 on EVERY ticket” sold. Each participating Club/District will receive RI Credits that can be applied to PolioPlus or Annual Giving and be used for Paul Harris Fellow Awards. And to make it even better, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching 2 for 1 each dollar raised for PolioPlus. That’s $9+$18= $27 for the Rotary Foundation on every ticket. This is an easy way to get credits and raise money for the Rotary Foundation.
The 30th Annual Strike-Out Hunger:
Strike-Out Hunger is a regional event involving over 200 Rotary Clubs in seven Districts in PA, NJ, DE and MD. Thanks to the Phillies organization, the Rotary Foundation has benefited by over $855,000 to help eradicate Polio, plus TONS of food have been contributed to local Food banks.
Good Seats are Still Available!
There are still good seats available in the 100, 200, 300 and 400 Levels; from $17 to $33 each. Let’s make this 30th Anniversary the year we break the $1 Million raised mark and show The Foundation what Delaware Valley Rotarians can do. Remember, even the $17 ticket raises $27 for PolioPlus and the Rotary Foundation.
Meet the Rotary International President at Dinner:
Welcome the RI President at the Strike-Out Hunger Dinner. Join District Governors, Club Presidents, Rotarians and the Phillies own Scott Palmer for a casual “Baseball” dinner. This is an opportunity to get a photo with the RI President or present any Paul Harris Fellowship Awards. There will be lots of prizes and surprises. The Dinner will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill, and is Only $35/person. There will also, be a “Strike-Out Hunger Special” rate for overnight guests.
I Need Your Help.
I need your help and support in getting your Club involved to sell Phillies tickets. I also need your support by attending the Strike-Out Hunger Dinner. This is a rare opportunity to meet the new RI President and other Rotarians from the tri-state area. I GUARANTEE it will be FUN.
We are taking TICKET ORDERS, RESERVATIONS and PAYMENT only until July 10th. Seats are limited, so please review the attached flyer and call or email me all your requests. I am always available to answer any questions.
Thanks
Gerry Long
(610) 625-5105 longgolf@ptd.net
Jul 31 Special Surprise Appearance
July 31 Special Surprise Appearance
We were very happy to welcome a special visiting rotarian from the past - Jim Vitale!
Hopefully this may portend more to come. Great to see you Jim!
Aug 7 Downtown Club at Musikfest
Aug 7 Downtown Club at Musikfest
For anyone planning a make-up at Downtown this week PLEASE NOTE
The Meeting on August 6th promises to be exciting, as it will be at Musikfest!
Location: Backstage Lounge (same location as last year, behind the Sands Steel Stage)
Time and Cost: Same as our usual meeting; checks payable to Bethlehem Rotary
Parking: ArtsQuest Member Parking (Steel, ArtsQuest Circle lot). Enter from the 2nd Street entrance, and attendant will give you a parking pass. (same lot as last year)
#7 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS - The Healthy Rotarian
The Healthy Rotarian – Series #7 Know Your Numbers?
The American Heart Association initiated the Know Your Numbers campaign to help you understand the importance of knowing and monitoring your most significant health indicators, such as
Indicator Target Number*
•blood pressure < 130/80 mm Hg
•cholesterol Total: < 180 mg/dL; HDL (good): < 60 mg/dL LDL (bad): <70 mg/dL
•blood glucose HbA1c: fasting < 6%
Pre meal 70-130 mg/dl
Post meal peak < 180 mg/dl
•body mass index 18.6-24.9
Waistline/women < 35”
Waistline/men < 40”
*Target numbers differ among authorities, check with your health care provider for their recommended targets for you.
Most of us struggle to reach and maintain these targets, but keep in mind the objective is to strive for wellness rather than wait till disease strikes and then engage in treatment. It is never too early or too late to begin your effort to capture wellness…Never, never give up! There are many tools to assist your personal tracking of numbers by going to http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ Have a question? Send it along and I will research it. All information is document by scientific research if you wish those references just let me know.
Nurse Sipple
August 7 Duties
Rotary Responsibilities August 7
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Kristian Schafer
Sergeant-at-Arms - Sue Reeps
$2 Per Week - Tom Bailey
50/50 - Wayne Achey
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Stan Vasiliadis
Aug 7 Program - Dr. Incalcaterra - MOM-n-PA Dental Initiative Update
Aug 7 MOM-n-PA Dental Project Update - All Hands on Deck!
This Thursday our own Dr. Charlie Incalcaterra will present an update of “MOM-n-PA,” or Mission of Mercy in PA.
Morning Star is one of the lead Rotary clubs supporting this effort through a 2014-15 District Grant for a select portion of the project.
Members have enthusiastically embraced Morning Star support for this effort – both financially and with ‘sweat equity.’
As President Tom stated This is an "all hands on deck" event!
This annual two-day free dental clinic will take place on September 12-13, 2014 at the Agri-Plex at the Fairgrounds in Allentown, serving “Dentistry with a Heart” to people from all around the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Registration is open at the MOM-n-PA website. Please sign up for a volunteer role.
Think of this as a mini Rotaplast project for teeth!
Aug 4 President's Message
President's Message August 4:
The July 31 meeting of Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary celebrated our Community Grants program. Peter Brown, Executive Director from the American Red Cross, provided us with an overview of Red Cross programs, particularly the "Free Night Out to Reconnect" program which MSR helped fund through our 2013-2014 Community Grants.
"Free Night Out to Reconnect" provides service members returning from deployment a getaway evening. It is typically a gift certificate funding a dinner at a local restaurant with their spouse or significant other. To entertain other family members, the Red Cross provides baby sitting and other kids’ related activities. Peter also described other programs for both deployed and returning veterans. These struck a chord with some of MSR's vets who shared the good work Red Cross did for them during their military service.
Peter was introduced by Desty Bonstein. Peter and Desty were formerly banking industry colleagues and they served together on the Red Cross board.
Please attend the August 7 meeting when our own Dr. Charles Incalcaterra gives an inspiring presentation on our Club's District Grant project for 2014-15 the MOM-n-PA Dental Mission of Mercy. Morning Star Rotary is one of the lead Rotary clubs supporting this effort.
The MOM-n-PA Dental Mission will be held on September 12 and 13 at the Allentown Fairgrounds Ag Hall. Registration is open at the MOM-n-PA website. Please sign up for a volunteer role.
Our next social event is the "Wine Tasting at the Library" from 5:30 - 8:00 PM on August 12. Prospective members are free and MSR members are only $5.00.This is the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to Rotary, especially during August which is "Rotary Membership Month" across all of Rotary International.
The current plan is that, Annika, our Rotary Exchange Student from Finland, will arrive in Bethlehem this week. The Kolepps will be her first host family and we encourage all Rotarians to welcome her and take part in making her year a positive and memorable experience.
If you are visiting town, visiting our website, or want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Wishing you all the best during Bethlehem's Musikfest week. Enjoy the music and "Light Up Rotary". Regards. President Tom
#6 MUSCLE STRENGTHENING The Healthy Rotarian
The Healthy Rotarian – Series # 6 Muscle Strengthening
In addition to the 30 minutes of daily exercise, national guidelines recommend strengthening exercises for all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, chest abdomen, shoulders and arms) at least twice a week. One set including 8-12 repetitions of the same movement per session is effective. Muscles need at least 48 hours to recover between strength training sessions. A few tips
- Warm up and cool down for 5-10 minutes
- Focus on form and smooth movement, beginning with light or no weight, then work up with the amount of weight
- Work at the right tempo which helps you stay in control, count to 3 while lowering a weight, hold, then count to 3 while raising it to the starting position.
- Pay attention to your breathing during these exercises. Exhale as you work against resistance by lifting, pushing, or pulling; inhale as you release.
- Keep challenging muscles by slowly increasing weight or resistance.
- Stick with your routine.
- Give muscles time off.
Obtain Harvard’s Guide for all Ages at http://www.health.harvard.edu/special_health_reports/strength-and-power-training-a-guide-for-adults-of-all-ages
Nurse Sipple
July 31 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities July 31
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Frank Lulewitz
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
50/50 - Todd Heft
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Joan Paul
July 31 Program - American Red Cross
Peter Brown, Executive Director of the American Red Cross will speak on the program our Morning Star grant is supporting: "Free Night Out to Reconnect".
Please join us this Thursday morning, July 31.
Jul 28 President's Message
President’s Message July 28
Our July 24 meeting of Morning Star Rotary was an ode to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) or as we call them in District 7430 “Camp Neidig”. RYLA District Committee Co-Chair Charlie Incalcaterra introduced the history of RYLA and how he got involved. (Someone extended a personal invitation to participate – hint, hint – invite your first prospective member of the year to our next meeting or to the “Libations at the Library” fellowship event on August 12.) Charlie also talked about the planning the District Committee does to hold a successful camp each year and encouraged all MSR members to learn more at www.campneidig.com.
MSR Camp Neidig members Rick Morrissey and John St. Clair spoke about their involvement with the Committee and the increase in MSR support for RYLA by sending four – not the traditional three – rising seniors to Camp Neidig this year.
Matthew Connor, one of our Camp Neidig participants, told us about his experiences at camp. Matt was accompanied to the meeting by his parents. (The other three participants were at other camps or on trips; we hope to hear from them sometime in the fall.)
Betty and McGehee Isaacs attended their last MSR meeting before the movers came to pack up and move them to Columbus, Ohio. We all wish them our best and they are welcome back anytime – as guests and as members if they ever move back to the Lehigh Valley.
The club is still in need of a host family for Annika, our Finnish exchange student. Annika will be arriving in NYC on August 4 with all the other Finnish exchange students. On August 7, a representative from MSR will bring her back to Bethlehem. Please contact your friends with high school students at Liberty about this great opportunity to share your home and life with an exchange student. Also, we need a volunteer to pick up Annika. Please call Janet Kolepp or me with hosting leads or to volunteer to pick up Annika.
Don’t hesitate to contact Tom Bailey or Tom Mohr to sign up for “Libations at the Library” on August 12. It’s only $5 per Rotarian and prospective members are free.
By the time our next meeting rolls around, it’s less than two months to both the MOM-n-PA Dental Clinic on September 12-13 and the MSR Celtic Classic 5K / 10K Run on September 27. These are “all hands on deck” events – please mark your calendars and identify friends and prospective members as volunteers for these worthwhile events.
If anyone has questions about Rotary International or our Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club, please contact me at tkolepp@gmail.com or at 484-241-1251.
Have a great week as you “Light Up Rotary”. TK
July 24 Program - Camp Neidig Students
Please join us this Thursday, July 24 for a presentation by Camp Neidig Students
on their experiences at Rotary Youth Leadership Camp.
#5 TLC DIET The Healthy Rotarian
The Healthy Rotarian – TLC Diet
The National Institutes of Health recommend the TLC (Therapeutic Life Change ) dietary program as a basis for healthy eating. The principles of the daily TLC program include the following:
- Total calories: adjusted with exercise to attain/maintain healthy body weight
- Saturated Fats: < 7 % of total calories, e.g. animal food sources
- Total fats: 25-35% of total calories
- Polyunsaturated fats – up to 10% of daily total fat limit, e.g. plant based foods
- Monounsaturated fats – up to 20% of daily total fat limit, e.g. legumes, nuts (lowest)
- Cholesterol intake below 200 milligrams, e.g. mac & cheese, hamburgers, ice cream
- Sodium: limited to 2400 milligram, e.g. choose fresh/frozen not canned, read labels on products
- Follow dietary plan daily + minimum of 30 minutes exercise
For more information go to http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/chol_tlc.pdf
Nurse Sipple
July 24 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities July 24
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Marianne Aronson
Greeter - Betty Isaacs
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Melinds Hoffner
50/50 - Jess Elliott
Invocation - Janet Sipple
Introductions - Butch Macri
Jul 21 President's Message
President's Message July 21
Our July 17 meeting was filled with fun and fellowship - celebrations of all sorts in mid-July.
Celebrating the newest in our midst - Jeff Kicska and wife Mary Postma formally introduced us to the youngest member of our Morning Star Rotary (MSR) family - Master Andrew Kicska! The Kicskas are just one month into Project Andrew, but already both Mother Mary and Daddy Jeff are in the parenting groove. We look forward to watching Andrew grow up with MSR - like so many of our sons and daughters have done before.
Celebrating a "Rotary retirement", Assistant Governor (AG) Janet Kolepp presented Outgoing AG Marianne Aronson with a gift in commemoration of Marianne's several years of AG service to the District. Marianne's service was unique because she served as AG in two different Areas within District 7430. We look forward to having all of Marianne's experience right here in Morning Star. It was also fitting that Marianne received her recognition while her sister, Terry Pucciarelli was visiting for the second week in a row from Arizona.
Celebrating Morning Star birthdays, the loquacious Mr. Tom Mohr led the recognition of June and July birthdays, awarding a "Fossil of the Month" to John St. Clair and a "Young Pup of the Month" to Jan Chicka.
Celebrating a long awaited "Red Badge, Blue Badge, Avoid Dead Badge” classification talk, Steve Bajan gave a very informative presentation - a perfect combination of family history and his personal story. And what a story from the Nazareth-centric guy with a super work ethic who has traveled to five continents. Football star. His great migration to Muhlenberg College. Bank CFO. Telecom servicer. Happily married to Janis for 30 years (and celebrating on island of St. John's). Father of two grown college grads. We are glad that he wanders south every day to work at Saucon Mutual and that he is a member here at MSR.
Three Morning Star footnotes to Steve's presentation:
- Steve is possibly the longest tenured red badge holder in MSR history - almost two years from induction on August 23, 2012 to classification talk. This is a record that should never be broken!
- Steve was introduced by one of Thursday's birthday laureates - Dee Elliott. Dee assisted Steve in assembling his multi-media presentation and served as his official "Vana White-style slide advancer." This is an MSR first and may have established a new standard in classification presentation protocol.
- Steve "built goodwill and better friendships" by including a newspaper clipping with an image of both him and Barbara Seifert-Sigmon before Barb had a hyphen in her last name.
Looking forward to another celebration, please note on your calendar the August 12 "Libations at the Library" Wine Tasting Social and Prospective Member event at the BAPL. This is being hosted by the Fellowship Committee and is the perfect opportunity for "every member to bring a prospective member". (See details below.)
If you want to learn more about Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Tom Kolepp via email at tkolepp@gmail.com or via mobile phone at 484-241-1251.
Enjoy your week as you live out the Four Way Test and "Light up Rotary". Cheers and blessings. President Tom
Morning Star Committees
RSVP 7/22: How will you “Light Up Rotary” this year?
A tremendous amount of the work we accomplish at Morning Star is through every member participating in one or more committees. In the Download section of our Home Page please see the COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS – 2014-15 for information on our committees and how they relate to the Rotary International 5 Avenues of Service.
Would you please review the various opportunities there are for service? You may notice there are significant differences in the activities of the various committees. Club Service is deeply involved in the on-going weekly and monthly operations of the club, including Communications, Programs, Membership and Fellowship. Community Service is more project oriented, e.g., 5K/10K Race, Dictionaries, Salute the Troops, Golf Tournament and Spaghetti Dinner. These events are focused at specific times during our Rotary year and have their own timeframes of intensity.
President Tom requests that you consider which committees interest you most for your service this year, and forward your selections as soon as possible, but not later than July 22, 2014. Please submit in order of your personal preference and identify multiple committees for service. Every effort will be made to populate the committees based upon preferences, but please bear in mind the needs of the club may be matched up with your areas of expertise and experience.
Please email your choices of committees to President Kolepp at tkolepp@gmail.com and President-Elect Searfoss at rsearfos@ptd.net.
Thank you for helping Morning Star “Light Up Rotary”!
#2 FEET The Healthy Rotarian
The Healthy Rotarian - #2 FEET (This is a catch-up and given the subject, quite appropriate!)
FEET - the most neglected part of the body. Unless you are a diabetic no one dies of “sick feet”. A person who began walking at one year old, lives to be 80 years old, engages in moderate physical activity over a life time will take 211,262,500 steps in their life. Usually we ignore basic care of feet unless they hurt. Right? So, scrub your feet daily with a soft-medium firm brush (stimulates circulation and reduces bacteria from sweaty feet). Towel and air dry feet and use a hair dryer to dry toenails (to prevent fungus growth in toenails. Take your shoes off soon as you can to air feet from a sweaty shoe work day. Change shoes daily as it takes 48+ hours for a sweaty shoe to dry out (this is where bacteria growth thrives). Proper shoe fit throughout a lifetime is critical to “happy feet”! More on this topic later. http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Feet-and-Toenails
Nurse Sipple
Jul 14 President's Message
President's Message July 14
At our July 10 meeting, our speaker Sue Durdock presented "Reverse Mortgage 101" and educated us about how reverse mortgages help seniors keep their homes in these challenging times. Sue is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist and she demonstrated her passion and knowledge, especially during the Q&A session.
Special thanks to our Program Co-Chairs Eileen Dunn and Ron Searfoss for arranging Sue as a substitute when we found out on Tuesday morning that our scheduled speaker had had to cancel and ask for a new date. By the time I listened to Ron's voice mail about the cancellation, Sue had been scheduled and the communication was ready for club members. What a team we have at Morning Star!!
Generally, we look forward to the news presented during Happy Dollars time. This week, we were all glad to hear that McGehee Isaacs had been promoted at Grange Mutual Insurance, but then Betty put in a sad dollar because they are relocating to Columbus, Ohio at the end of July. They have already investigated some Rotary options in Columbus, because they want to continue their "Rotary stories" in their new town. Please wish the Isaacs all the best as they go off on a new adventure.
We welcomed a couple of visiting Rotary big wigs: District Governor Elect Doug Cook (Collegeville) and Past DG Bill Jahn (Skidaway Isle, S.C.). Bill thanked Morning Star for the great hospitality shown to him and Karen on their recent trip; they hope to be back for the holidays.
In addition to Sue Durdock, our speaker, we welcomed Terry Pucciarelli as an honored guest. Terry is Marianne Aronson's sister and shares the same upbeat, fun attitude as Marianne. Plus, long-time MSR member Desty Bonstein was here for the first time in several months and she hopes to be a more regular attendee.
Just a quick note on the July 9 Board Meeting. This was our first BOD meeting with our four newest Directors: Wayne Achey, Cheryl Baker, Jan Chicka and Jessica Elliott. BOD supported the "every member brings at least one guest" initiative and the "Every Member Every Year" Club goal. We passed the new Operating and Charitable Account budgets and worked on committee assignments; everyone will be asked to confirm their committee interests (see story below).
Don't be surprised -- we have added the Four Way Test to our Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance during our meeting opening. It's a great way to reinforce our primary Rotary values. (Ed note: notice the Fifth Test on the Rolling Announcements! This is Morning Star!)
Please be sure to attend our July 17 meeting when Steve Bajan will speak on "How Not to Manage Your Career." It promises to be an entertaining time.
Enjoy your week as you live out the Four Way Test and "Light up Rotary". Cheers and blessings. President Tom
July 17 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities July 17
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Jean Searfoss
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Janet Westlund
50/50 - Tom Mohr
Invocation - Janet Sipple
Introductions - Cheryl Baker
#4 LOVE MATTERS The Healthy Rotarian
The Healthy Rotarian – #4 LOVE MATTERS
Heart intelligence influences our choices. Life is more about win-win and less about competition. The interconnectedness of life is a natural understanding and experience now referred to as “heart intelligence” also known as the universal web of life (Davis, 2014). One heart touches all and all hearts touch one another. Heart intelligence opens this awareness, inspiring one’s mind in service. Heart intelligence gives a deep sense of confidence in life's journey. Home is more than something one constructs in the world but what one finds welcoming us inside. The future gyms will not only build physical strength, but will offer exercises in generosity, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others. Heart science will acknowledge the results from compassion practices and simple peace. Skills in listening, understanding, forgiveness, patience, community service, and personal development will be the norm in a future world that acknowledges heart intelligence. It appears to me that Rotarians have a head start on heart intelligence. …what do you think? See the new Johnson-Johnson campaign on Love Matters at http://seehowloveworks.com/
Nurse Sipple
Jul 3 President Kolepp's Vision for 2014-15
President’s Vision for 2014-15
We had a nice crowd for the July 3 meeting, including Visiting Rotarians Bill and Karen Jahn and Tom Santee, guest of his dad Rick. Tom is on his way to Penn State to study rocket science (aeronautical engineering) – pretty impressive.
Since it was the first week of the new Rotary year, we retired the “Engage Rotary, Change Lives” banner and replaced it with the “Light Up Rotary” banner representing RI President Gary Huang’s theme. I presented the “Engage Rotary, Change Lives” banner to Immediate Past President Jean Searfoss. Jean truly lived into last year’s theme and inspired Morning Star Rotary to do so.
During program time, I spoke about Morning Star Rotary’s goals for 2014-2015 as we “Light Up Rotary” . Here are the summary points:
- The Four Way Test will be our guide to all our actions as a club.
- Continue the positive momentum established over the last few years – keep all the great stuff happening.
- Reviewed the five awards Morning Star Rotary won under Immediate Past President Jean’s leadership including the RI President’s Award with Distinction.
- Membership: We just finished a great year where nine new Rotarians joined us and four other prior Rotarians rejoined or joined from other clubs, while losing the Jahn’s and Gretchen Vaikener. By meaningfully incorporating them, Morning Star Rotary will build on the base established by our founders and early leaders and demonstrate “Service Above Self” through our projects and programs. Our quantitative membership goals assumed a net retention of 92% of current members, loss of 5 and gain of 7 for net growth of 2 to 63 members for the year.
- New Member Recruiting: Don’t hesitate to tell your “Rotary Story” to all potential new members, including younger, more diverse contacts, and then personally invite them to attend. Morning Star Rotary’s recruiting challenge for 2014-2015 will be for every Rotarian to bring at least one potential member to the club. With 61 potential new members visiting us our “Welcoming Club” culture will certainly allow us to meet or exceed our new member goals.
- Service: The five Avenues of Service (Club,Community, International,Vocational and Youth) represent the core of our Morning Star Rotary activities. All of the projects reviewed are on our website. Our District Grant project will be the MOM-n-PA Dental Clinic led by Dr. Charlie Incalcaterra. All Rotarians should be serving on committees that interest and inspire them. Fellowship events present an opportunity to engage and incorporate new members and better connect with current members. And, “just say yes” to the Nominating Committee as we continue to develop future club leaders. Remember that there are many opportunities for District and RI service. Hosting Anikka, our Finnish exchange student, presents a great service opportunity – and we urgently need a host family in the Liberty HS area.
- Rotary Foundation: We have established club goals of $6,000 to the Annual Fund and $2,000 to Polio Plus. Please consider becoming at least a Foundation Sustaining Member with a contribution of $100 per year. If all members do that, then we would be an “Every Member Every Year” club which will ensure all members are engaged in the work of the Foundation.
- Last Page: I wanted to let everyone know that “I work for a living”, that my day job is running Operations and I will be doing my Morning Star Rotary work at night and on weekends. I concluded by thanking the club for their trust and that as a team we will continue to do great things.
Please be at our July 10 meeting to hear Peter Brown of the American Red Cross tell us about the “Free Night Out to Reconnect”. This is a program about service to American GI’s and veterans.
Don’t forget to read Nurse Sipple’s column of “Healthy Rotarian”.
All the best for a great week and “Light Up Rotary”. – President Tom
July 3 DUTIES
Rotary Responsibilities July 3
Meeting Set-up & Breakdown - Alex Shnaydruk
Greeter - Jan Chicka
Sergeant-at-Arms - Susan Burnett
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
50/50 - Frank Lulewitz
Invocation - Cheryl Baker
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
Congratulations to Spillman Farmer Architects
As alumni success stories go, this is certainly one for the books. Spillman Farmer Architects (SFA) of Bethlehem is the first firm ever to receive the Architectural Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Pennsylvania Chapter. It is also a story of networking: No less than 12 Northampton Community College (NCC) graduates and former students - almost half of SFA's total architectural staff - are employed by the firm. Of significance to MSR is our own Russ Pacala who is a partner in the highly successful local firm. Special thanks to Ben Tenaglia for the input.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AT SFA!!!!
#3 SKIN CARE The Healthy Rotarian
The Healthy Rotarian - # 3 SKIN Care
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Imagine what a spandex fabric would look like after 80 years? Compare that to your skin that over a lifetime will be washed, sunned, and stretched by fat or pregnancy, constantly worn, exposed to sun rays and environmental elements and on and on. Think about it. Tips: control stress , eat healthy (vitamin C essential for healthy skin), no smoking, be consistent with sun protection (seek shade, avoid 10 am -4 pm rays, apply sunscreen/SPF 15+ every two hours, and wear protective clothing) and engage in gentle bathing (limit bath time, avoid hot water and strong soaps, shave carefully, pat dry, and MOISTURIZE-MOISTURIZE-MOISTURIZE men and women! Be happy in your skin, you’re going to be wearing it a long time. For more information go to
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237?p=1
Nurse Sipple
Jun 26 Changeover Celebration
Changeover Celebration:
At our regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday June 26, Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary celebrated the achievements of our club during the administration of President Jean Searfoss and then conducted the annual changeover ceremony with Jean happily becoming immediate Past President and Tom Kolepp becoming President for the 2014-2015 term.
President Jean Searfoss began the program with a special award to Ronald Burnett for his dedicated service to our garden projects over the last two years. She presented Susan Burnett with a handmade “Rotary Andy” doll replete with plastic gardening tools. Susan gladly accepted the responsibility of conveying said doll to her husband Ron.
The highlight of the meeting was the “passing of the gavel” through 21 of our 25 Past Presidents:
- Charlie Incalcaterra could not attend but was capably represented by John St. Clair
- Geoff Wright
- Barb Siefert-Sigmon
- Past District Governor Tore Hartmann-Hansen
- Claire Rij was one of our distinguished visitors
- Mike Long
- Butch Macri
- Stan Vasiliadis
- Diane Donaher is now a member of the Downtown Bethlehem Club
- Tom Hartzell
- Gary Hartney
- Past District Governor Bill Jahn now belongs to the Rotary Club of Skidaway Isle, GA
- Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
- Gordon Sommers has been full circle from Downtown Bethlehem, to Charter Member MSR and Saucon and back to Downtown
- Dee Elliott
- Tom Mohr
- Ron Helmuth
- Dave Cincera
- Jim Santanasto
- Eileen Dunn
- Susan Burnett
- Jean Searfoss
We were only missing four past Presidents: Charlie (as noted above); Gary Langensiepen; Dick Roberts; and Don Scanlon (resides in Portland, OR). Thanks to Past President Jean for starting this tradition and recruiting all the past Presidents to attend.
As her last “official act” as President, Jean installed Tom. Tom then thanked those members rotating off the board for their service, including:
- Past President Susan Burnett
- Director Marianne Aronson
- Director Jeff Kiscka
- Director Gary Hartney
- Director Ben Tenaglia
Tom then installed the new and continuing board members:
- Immediate Past President Jean Searfoss
- President Elect Ron Searfoss
- Vice president Jeff Kicska
- Secretary Val Walk
- Treasurer Sue Reeps
- Sergeant at Arms Russell Pacala
- Continuing Director Rafael de la Hoz
- Continuing Director Robin Metzler
- Continuing Director Ellen Roberts
- Continuing Director Barb Siefert-Sigmon
- New Director Jan Chicka
- New Director Wayne Achey
- New Director Cheryl Baker
- New Director Jess Elliott
As part of the celebration, we welcomed many visiting Rotarians and guests, including those not mentioned in the parade of past Presidents above:
- Karen Jahn, Skidaway Isle Rotary
- Lyndsey Frigm, Nazareth Rotary
- Diane Moody (guest of Todd Heft)
- Lawson Sipple (guest of Janet Sipple)
- Susan Sommers (guest of guess who)
- The Reverend Tony Pompa (guest of Tom Kolepp)
- Tim Fehr (guest of Tom Kolepp)
- Carl Kolepp
Please come to our July 3 meeting where new President Tom will tell us about how he will fill the large shoes of past President Jean and continue the great momentum Morning Star has established during 2013-2014.
Light Up Rotary, Tom
Send Info for Bulletin, Programs and Rolling Announcements to Ron Searfoss
Send Info for Bulletin, Programs and Rolling Announcements.
We welcome digital photos, articles, any relevant information for the membership.
Questions, etc., feel free to contact me. Ron Searfoss 610-504-1460
Please send to rsearfos@ptd.net by midnight Saturday for Bulletin and midnight Tuesday for Rolling Announcements.
Light Up Rotary!
Thank you, Ron.
Morning Star Recognized by Rotary International, Zone 32 and District 7430!
Morning Star Recognized by Rotary International, Zone 32 and District 7430!
The hard work of Morning Star members this year has been recognized by Rotary International, Zone 32 and District 7430!!!
- 2013-14 Presidential Citation with Distinction. RI President Ron Burton set criteria in areas of promoting membership growth, enhancing humanitarian service through Rotary Foundation, and strengthening our network through the Family of Rotary. By accomplishing four criteria in each of those three areas, only 6 of 44 clubs in District 7430 earned this year’s Presidential Citation “with Distinction” – and Morning Star is one!
- Zones 24-32 Vibrant Club Award. To qualify, a club must implement at least 7 of the 10 defined “Best Practices” and document 3 individual unique events/programs/projects that keep the club vibrant. Criteria included planning, membership growth, communicating, establishing continuity, updating bylaws, fellowship events, training, involving club members and assigning committees. The Morning Star events described on the application were our 5K/10K Run/Walk, Salute the Troops Concert and Spaghetti Dinner, with added mention of the joint Golf Tournament and joint Dictionary Project.
- Zone 32 Membership Award. Requirements include implementing at least 12 of 17 protocols related to membership, plus achieve 5%-9% net growth for Honorable Mention, or 10% growth or more for Distinguished Merit. Morning Star's Membership Committee has done terrific work over the past several years, and we grew from 51 to 61 active members this year, an increase of 20%!
- District 7430 Governor Award. Similar to the Presidential Citation, with fewer items required per category, and without the requirement to increase net membership.
- District 7430 Public Relations / Communications Award. Requires an active website and two of six additional listed items. We completed five of those six, including a weekly bulletin, club brochure (“Be Our Guest”), a Facebook page, involving the community in a fundraiser, and joining with other organizations in a community event!
Yes, all your hard work has been noticed and recognized. But even more importantly, we have Engaged Rotary and Changed Lives! Just ask local athletes who last week competed in Special Olympics USA (and their families). Talk to veterans at Victory House who are working to rebuild their lives, and the elderly or disabled folks whose quality of life is improved by ShareCare. See the smiles of 3rd graders receiving a personal Dictionary, and young students who can now see the front of the classroom with glasses provided by Vision Vouchers.
From Youth Exchange to the Four Way Test Speech Contest, Camp Neidig, and establishing the Steve Godbolt Scholarship Fund we are changing the lives of so many young people! Both adults and youth benefit from enhancements we helped provide to New Bethany Ministries and The Literacy Center. In the past 14 months we have built two raised bed gardens – one to feed Hogar Crea residents, the other to teach students local history at the Freemansburg Canal Lock.
Internationally we are providing clean water to Peruvians, fixing cleft lips/palates with Rotaplast, helping disaster victims with ShelterBox, and immunizing children in the last push for Polio Eradication. Through Rotary Foundation we support international friendship, vocational exchange and peace and conflict resolution studies.
Together, we have done so much more than any one individual could possibly hope to accomplish. THANK YOU!!!
June 23 – Congratulations, Gratitude Part III, and come to the Changeover Celebration!!!
June 23 – Congratulations, Gratitude Part III, and come to the Changeover Celebration!!!
Congratulations to Jeff Kicska & wife Mary on the birth of their son Andrew!!!
Tremendous thanks to Tom & Janet Kolepp for once again graciously hosting our “Kickout Party” last Thursday!!!
It was a wonderful evening of food, fellowship and fun – even the weather cooperated!
Thanks to Iryna Levytska for the photos!
Camp Neidig night last Monday was inspirational – we’ll hear from some of our sponsored students in a July meeting program.
Today my appreciation goes out to EACH and EVERY Morning Star Rotarian for sharing your time, talents and treasure this year to help people locally and around the world!!! We accomplished so much, especially for a club of our size – please see the “Awards” article below for some details. Our Dues, 50/50, Happy Dollars and fundraisers netted more than budget, and we granted out more money than initially planned. Our few cost overages were for investments in the future – extra members attending district training, and a chip timing system for the 5K / 10K. Our club is in excellent financial shape – we’ll provide more info after the June 30 year-end numbers are in.
Please come this Thursday for our Changeover Celebration!
We will “pass the gavel” through at least 21 of our 25 Past Presidents (including 4 no longer in Morning Star!) to incoming President Tom Kolepp, and a special recognition will be presented.
Note: With many guests and much revelry, this meeting may run past 8:30 am. Please stay if you can, but we certainly understand if you need to leave on time.
June 26 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Melinda Hoffner
50/50 – Tom Mohr
Invocation – Dee Elliott
Introductions – Todd Heft
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star will be well represented at both the District Changeover Dinner and PDG Roger Whitcomb’s talk about “Seeing Ukrainian Crisis from Putin’s Perspective” on Thursday evening.
Reminder: Dues are Due – please get your check to Sue Reeps at the meeting this week, mail your check to the address on the notice, or pay via credit/debit card by clicking the link on our home page (after logging in).
Please see the story below for news about Strike Out Hunger!
Final QUOTE of the Week
There seems no better quote to conclude this feature than the one we opened up with a year ago …
“Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” – Anonymous
Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful year - I have been honored and privileged to serve as Morning Star Rotary President! You truly “Engaged Rotary and Changed Lives!”
I hope to see you this Thursday at our Changeover Celebration!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
#1--Summertime & Water Hydration The Healthy Rotarian
Welcome to The Healthy Rotarian series which will appear in the Club’s eBulletin providing information when utilized by you could make a positive contribution to your overall health status. So here goes…..
#1--Summertime & Water Hydration Water is an essential element of any adequate adult dietary plan. For example, the water intake for a 160 pound adult with no limiting factors would be 80 oz. evenly spread across the day. Water intake needs are altered by extreme hot/cold climates, high altitudes, when exercising, when pregnant or breastfeeding, alcohol consumption, episodes of diarrhea /fever, and chronic disease. Never allow yourself to experience thirst. For more specific water calculation go to
http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm
Drink your water all day long!!!!!
Nurse Sipple
NO MORNING MEETING ON JUNE 19!!!
NO MORNING MEETING ON JUNE 19!!!
Please see below for info on that evening's Kickout Party
June 16 – Gratitude Part II, and Sleep In this Thursday!
June 16 – Gratitude Part II, and Sleep In this Thursday!
Thanks to last week’s presenter, Josh Berk, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library, and author of books for boys and young adult males. His life journey held our interest, and he has offered to hold a future Morning Star event at the library! We also inducted our final new member of the year, Sharon Fontana!
Today I’d like to express my appreciation to all our board members and committee chairs/co-chairs. Planning and organizing the logistics of our club functions, community projects and fundraisers, and support of international and youth programs required the hard work, dedication and cooperation of so many members. My heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you!
Sleep in this Thursday – NO MORNING MEETING
Tom & Janet Kolepp will once again graciously host our “Kickout Party” on June 19 from 6 to 9 PM at their home - 4575 Dolores Lane, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Brats and hot dogs, beer/wine/soda and dessert will be provided by the club. Please bring a side dish or appetizer, and drop in for any or all of the three hours to help “kick me out”!
Events wrapping up the year …
- “Camp Neidig Night” is tonight, with several Morning Star members attending. Our own Charlie Incalcaterra is a driving force behind this annual Rotary youth leadership camp.
- Our Club Changeover Celebration the morning of June 26 will feature many Past Presidents, and promises to be great fun!
- The District Changeover Dinner will be held the evening of June 26 at Brookside Country Club in Macungie. For more info, please contact Tom Kolepp or me, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org. (Our club changeover will be that morning.)
- That same evening, PDG Roger Whitcomb will speak about “Seeing Ukrainian Crisis from Putin’s Perspective” in Newtown. For more information, please contact me or call Jerry Taylor (215) 493-6625.
- As previously publicized, on June 27 Allentown Rotary will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with a dinner at Lehigh Country Club. If you are interested in attending, please contact me.
- And starting into the next Rotary year, Strike Out Hunger at the Philadelphia Phillies will be held August 6. If interested, please contact Tom Kolepp before July 2.
Morning Star Final “FUN FACT”
Don Scanlon suffered very serious health problems while serving as president, and greatly appreciated the outpouring of Morning star support – especially by Jim Santanasto who stepped up to handle all the presidential responsibilities long before his term was scheduled to begin. (2009-10)
We hope you have enjoyed these snippets of Morning Star history. All Fun Facts from the year may be seen at www.morningstarrotary.org – click “Fun Facts” on the left side of our home page.
QUOTE of the Week
“I believe that if we can get prospective members to help us with a project … the rest will take care of itself. They will realize that they made a difference in someone’s life.”
– Rotary International President Ron Burton in the June 2014 issue of The Rotarian
Happy Father’s Day to all our Dads, Grandpas, StepDads, Foster Dads, Host Dads and those who have been like a Dad!
I hope to see you this Thursday at the Kickout Party!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Golf Tournament 2014 Photos!
Golf Tournament photos courtesy of Gary Hartney.
See our Facebook page, too!
June 9 – So much gratitude!
June 9 – So much gratitude!
Thanks to Butch Macri, all participants, sponsors and donors for the Joint Golf Tournament! Please see photos in the separate article below. We appreciate the great job done by Barb Seifert-Sigmon and the Membership Committee for conducting another warm and wonderful New Member Soiree.
Thanks to last week’s presenter, Julie Sherk of St. Luke’s University Health Network. One of our Community Development Grants will provide Vision Vouchers to 15 students in need, enabling them to get an eye exam and a pair of glasses. In addition, two representatives of Traditions of Hanover visited us in order to deliver their donation of both food and money collected from their residents and staff to benefit New Bethany Ministries. We very much enjoyed visiting with “alumni” Past DG Bill and Karen Jahn, and inducted our newest member, Kristian Schafer!
Starting to say “Thank You” for a wonderful year …
I feel so much gratitude, it can’t possibly all fit in one message! My heartfelt appreciation goes out to several special people who keep Morning Star Rotary running week after week, month after month, and even year after year! Secretary Val Walk does an exceptional job handling minutes, attendance, tracking membership, official reports/communications and more. Treasurer Sue Reeps revamped our financial reporting for the club’s operating account and charitable foundation account – both the monthly summary and the comparison to budget – greatly improving understanding by the board and club members. Sergeant-at-Arms Russ Pacala, with Tom Bailey and Robin Metzler, handle our weekly meeting logistics and finances. No matter what else is going on in their lives, these members consistently go above and beyond to make sure that Morning Star’s needs are met. THANK YOU!!!
June 12 PROGRAM
This Thursday Josh Berk, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library will speak to us about Bethlehem Books and Baseball for Beginners.
We will also be inducting another new member - Sharon Fontana!
Please plan to join us, and consider inviting a guest.
June 12 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Tom Kolepp
Greeter – Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms – Jan Chicka
$2 Per Week – Jim Santanasto
50/50 – Marianne Aronson
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Todd Heft
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Events wrapping up this Rotary year are …
- “Neidig Night” on June 16 is the closing ceremony of District 7430’s 4-day Rotary Youth Leadership Award, called Camp Neidig in honor of its founder. To see these amazing young people, please join us at Camp Manatawny for the traditional chicken dinner and an evening of celebration and recognition. Tickets cost $15, and are available or online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-neidig-2014-neidig-night-chicken-bbq-registration-10689102393.
- On June 19, our annual evening “Kickout Party” at Tom & Janet Kolepp’s will replace our morning meeting! Please see the sign-up sheet or contact Tom or Janet. Brats & hot dogs, rolls, beer & soda and desserts are provided. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish – like a summer salad or other complement to the meal.
- Our Club Changeover Celebration the morning of June 26 will feature many Past Presidents, and promises to be great fun!
- The District Changeover Dinner will be held the evening of June 26 at Brookside Country club in Macungie. (Our club changeover will be that morning.) For more info, please contact Tom Kolepp or me, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org.
- That same evening, June 26 at 7:00 PM, Roger Whitcomb, Past District Governor of Rotary District 7430 will speak about “Seeing Ukrainian Crisis from Putin’s Perspective” in Newtown. For more information, please contact me or call Jerry Taylor (215) 493-6625.
- As previously publicized, on June 27 Allentown Rotary will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with a dinner at Lehigh Country Club. If you are interested in attending, please contact me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Enjoyed the news and pictures sent from South Africa by Carl Kolepp, our sponsored exchange student. (2008-09)
QUOTE of the Week
“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”
– Henry David Thoreau
REMINDERS
- Board Meeting is this Wednesday, June 11 at Rosanna’s Restaurant (NOT Moravian Village).
- Attendance Credit – Val has a list of the New Member Soiree attendees. If you’d like attendance credit for the Golf Tournament or another make-up, please email Val Walk val@btcu.org .
- MOM-n-PA – Registration for volunteers is now open, and non-dental people are needed! Please see the flyer in Downloads on our home page, or go to www.mom-n-pa.com for more info. We have joined with other local Rotary Clubs in applying for a District Grant to help fund this project.
I hope to see you this Thursday!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
June 2 – A Great Week - Joint Golf Tournament and the New Member Soiree!
June 2 – A Great Week - Joint Golf Tournament and the New Member Soiree!
Butch Macri asked, and Mother Nature listened - the weather forecast for today’s Joint Golf Tournament is perfect!!! We’ll share more about this event, which benefits the Steve Godbolt Scholarship Fund, next week.
Barb Seifert-Sigmon and the Membership Committee are conducting another warm and wonderful New Member Soiree this Wednesday evening at The Hanoverville Roadhouse, with over 20 members and guests signed up!
Thanks to last week’s presenter Kevin Moyzan of ShareCare. He explained how a Morning Star grant will help recruit and train more volunteers to provide caregiving assistance to the elderly or disabled in the Lehigh Valley. Assistance with transportation and a wide variety of household or personal tasks helps people maintain independence and dignity, improving their quality of life.
June 5 PROGRAM
This Thursday Julie Sherk of St. Luke’s University Health Network will speak to us.
Another of our Community Development Grants will help provide Vision Vouchers to local students in need, enabling them to get an exam and a pair of glasses.
June 5 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Marianne Aronson
Greeters – Iryna Levytska
Sergeant-at-Arms – Val Walk
$2 Per Week – Need a Volunteer
50/50 – Jess Elliott
Invocation – Janet Kolepp
Introductions – Dee Elliott
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Though the Rotary year may be winding down, our calendar is still quite busy the next few weeks …
- “Neidig Night” on June 16 is the closing ceremony of District 7430’s 4-day Rotary Youth Leadership Award, called Camp Neidig in honor of its founder. To see these amazing young people (including 4 sponsored by Morning Star), please join us at Camp Manatawny for the traditional chicken dinner and an evening of celebration and recognition. Tickets cost $15, and are available online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-neidig-2014-neidig-night-chicken-bbq-registration-10689102393 (insert link).
- On June 19, our annual evening “Kickout Party” at Tom & Janet Kolepp’s will replace our morning meeting! Please see the sign-up sheet or contact Tom or Janet.
- Our club Changeover Celebration the morning of June 26 will feature many Past Presidents, and promises to be great fun!
- The District Changeover Dinner will be held the evening of June 26 at Brookside Country Club in Macungie (Our club changeover will be that morning.) For more info, please contact Tom Kolepp or me, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org.
- That same evening, June 26 at 7:00 PM, Roger Whitcomb, Past District Governor of Rotary District 7430 will speak about “Seeing Ukrainian Crisis from Putin’s Perspective” in Newtown. For more information, please contact me or call Jerry Taylor (215) 493-6625.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Supported the successful election of Bill Jahn as District Governor Nominee, leading to his term as District Governor in 2011-12. (2008-09)
QUOTE of the Week
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Please join us this Thursday, and consider inviting a guest.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Spaghetti Dinner Pix and Thanks!
Thanks to Charlotte H-H for Spaghetti Dinner Pix!
And special thanks to our table sponsors:
Hartmannn-Hansen Financial Services - Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
Charles Incalcaterra, D.M.D.
Merchants Bank - Melinda Hoffner
Re/Max Central - Ginny Wolkoff
"Closely Knit" on May 29
"CLOSELY KNIT" ON MAY 29
Another gathering of the Morning Star Rotary knitters, quilters and crafters will be at Jan’s lovely home on Thursday May 29 from 7-9 pm.
Jan’s address is 224 Gallagher Road, Whitehall, PA. Directions: US 22 West to 15th Street. Go North on Mauch Chunk Road, (about a mile) turn right on Gallagher (one block after Presidential). House is at the crest of the hill on the right.
In case you have questions etc. feel free to call Jan's cell 215-720-4060.
All are welcome to join us! See you there!
May 26 – Happy Memorial Day!
May 26 – Happy Memorial Day!
Today we remember those who gave their all for our freedom.
Lest we take that freedom for granted, I recall the story told by a Youth Exchange host Mom. Soon after arrival from a South American country, her exchange son saw a TV show making fun of the president. He was worried that they would get in trouble for watching the show, and that those who aired it would be arrested. The USA is not perfect (no country is) – but it’s better than any other alternative of which I’m aware!
Thanks to last week’s presenter MaryAnn Przekurat of The Literacy Center. She explained how a Morning Star grant will provide books and curriculum materials for their GED and English as a Second Language programs – and how important those programs are. In addition, she is a member of the Allentown Rotary Club, and was first introduced to Rotary many years ago when she helped give polio vaccines while teaching at an international school overseas!
May 29 PROGRAM
This Thursday Kevin Moyzan of ShareCare will speak to us. Another of our Community Development Grants will help ShareCare volunteers provide caregiving assistance to the elderly or disabled at no cost in the Lehigh Valley.
In addition, we will vote on the “Final” revised club Constitution and Bylaws which were emailed last week.
May 29 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Marianne Aronson
Greeter – Tom Mohr
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Susan Burnett
50/50 – Janet Kolepp
Invocation – Gary Hartney
Introductions – Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Let’s Enjoy June! As we wind down the Rotary year, we still have one major fundraiser and several social events!
- Please check out the stories below on our joint Golf Tournament (Monday, June 2) and New Member Soiree (Wednesday, June 4).
- “Neidig Night” on June 16 is the closing ceremony of District 7430’s 4-day Rotary Youth Leadership Award, called Camp Neidig in honor of its founder. To see these amazing young people, please join us at Camp Manatawny for the traditional chicken dinner and an evening of celebration and recognition. Tickets cost $15, and are available online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-neidig-2014-neidig-night-chicken-bbq-registration-10689102393 .
- On June 19, our annual evening “Kickout Party” at Tom & Janet Kolepp’s will replace our morning meeting! Please see the sign-up sheet or contact Tom or Janet.
- Our club Changeover Celebration the morning of June 26 will feature many Past Presidents, and promises to be great fun!
- The District Changeover Dinner will be held the evening of June 26 at Brookside Country club in Macungie (Our club changeover will be that morning.) For more info, please contact Tom Kolepp or me, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org.
- That same evening, June 26 at 7:00 PM, Roger Whitcomb, Past District Governor of Rotary District 7430 will speak about “Seeing Ukrainian Crisis from Putin’s Perspective” in Newtown. The Program is sponsored by the United Nations Association and Rotary. For more information, please contact me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Tore Hartmann-Hansen’s time as District Governor with a photo slide show, funny stories and fond memories of his successful term. (2008-09)
QUOTE of the Week
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”
– Willie Nelson
Would you please join us this Thursday, and consider inviting a guest?
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
HOGAR CREA GARDEN PLANTING
HOGAR CREA GARDEN PLANTING
On behalf of Hogar Crea, I want to thank Morning Star Rotary for their gift of $89 to purchase plants for the garden we planted this year.
On Thursday evening, May 15, several of the companions from Hogar, plus several on the Steering Committee, plus our own Iryna Levytska and Russ Pacala, assembled to plant the garden. Within an hour, all 5 beds were planted with tomatoes, peppers, onions, watermelon, cilantro, basil, and radishes.
Several of those in attendance had never before in their lives planted anything in a garden. Andre, one of the Hogar companions, on the other hand, grew up on a 22-acre truck farm in New Jersey. He seized the opportunity. With him in charge, the garden is in good hands.
Ron Helmuth
May 19 – Happy and Proud to be a Morning Star Rotarian!
May 19 – Happy and Proud to be a Morning Star Rotarian!
I feel so happy and proud to be a Morning Star Rotarian! Eleven of our members participated in the District Training Assembly on Saturday – the most by any of the 44 clubs in the District! (In addition to those pictured below, Tom Hartzell was a presenter.)
We met the leaders for the coming year, heard about exciting plans and programs, and learned about resources available to help us do good locally and around the world. From district events, to hands-on projects, to fundraisers and social events, Morning Star members are truly “engaged”!
As heard at the District Training Assembly ....
"FIVE-WAY ROTARY TEST - The Fifth Question.....Is it FUN!!!!" Morning Star passes test #5 with flying colors :-)
Thanks to last week’s presenter Dee Elliott, Executive Director of New Bethany Ministries. She explained how a Morning Star grant will assist in the establishment of a Reading Room – a quiet place for clientele of several New Bethany programs.
May 22 PROGRAM
This Thursday MaryAnn Przekurat of The Literacy Center will speak to us. Another of our Community Development Grants will provide books and curriculum materials for their GED and English as a Second Language programs.
May 22 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Marianne Aronson
Greeter – Stan Vasiliadis
Sergeant-at-Arms – Shawn Deiter
$2 Per Week – Need a Volunteer
50/50 – Robin Metzler
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Assorted Updates …
- The revised club Constitution and Bylaws were emailed last week, and the final version will be voted upon at our May 29 meeting. (Thanks to Dee Elliott for her thorough review and suggestions.)
- Unfortunately, District Grant funding was denied for the Canal Lock Education Center project, because work had started before Rotary International approval of the revised project. Misunderstandings of the new grant process and miscommunications have been identified to prevent a future recurrence. The Board understood that denial was a possibility, and had previously authorized full club funding if needed.
- Seven Day Notices were issued for 3 proposed members, and we look forward to the continued growth of Morning Star! Watch for details in future issues. Thanks to our awesome Membership Committee!!!
- “Neidig Night” on June 16 is the closing ceremony of district 7430’s 4-day Rotary Youth Leadership Award, called Camp Neidig in honor of its founder. To see these amazing young people, please join us at Camp Manatawny for the traditional chicken dinner and an evening of celebration and recognition. Tickets cost $15, and are available from Rick Morrissey or online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-neidig-2014-neidig-night-chicken-bbq-registration-10689102393
- The District Changeover Dinner will be held the evening of June 26 at Brookside Country club in Macungie. (Our club changeover will be that morning.) For more info, please contact Tom Kolepp or me, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
We completely revised the Bylaws to reflect the Morning Star “of today” and the wishes of its members. A big job led by Don Scanlon. (2008-09)
Isn’t this one timely?!? – Ed.
QUOTE of the Week
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they become inevitable.”
– Christopher Reeve
Please join us this Thursday, and consider inviting a guest.
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Polio Plus Update - Foundation Donations by THIS THURSDAY please!
Polio Plus Update - Foundation Donations by THIS THURSDAY please!
The World Health Organization has declared the spread of polio as an International Health Emergency. The virus has spread from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Syria to Iraq, and Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea. This matter should be of concern to all Rotarians who have worked hard in trying to eliminate polio over the past 25 years, and represents a setback in the worldwide effort.
With this in mind, Bethlehem Morning Star would ask members to consider making a donation to Polio Plus as their gift to the Foundation. Any contribution received prior to June 30 will be credited to the current Rotary year, and help Bethlehem Morning Star meet its commitment to the District. Your check should be made payable to “Rotary Foundation”, and note if you would like the contribution to be acknowledged as Polio Plus or the Annual Fund. Anyone who has been contributing $2 per week can also request that their contributions made since January 2014 be credited to Polio Plus. (To be submitted after the June 12 meeting.)
Keep in mind that the club will offer matching points for any contribution of $100, enabling members to move closer to attaining their Paul Harris Fellow.
Checks can be given to Tom Hartzell by June 12, or mailed to Tom Hartzell, 1341 Biafore Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Thank you!
New Member Soiree June 4
NEW MEMBER SOIREE – JUNE 4
What is it? An informal evening of fellowship and Morning Star information.
Who should go? New and prospective members have been invited, with spouse/guest.
In addition, Sponsors of the new members, Board Members, Committee Chairs, and Membership Committee members are requested to attend. We'll advise if seats are available for additional attendees.
When will it be held? Wednesday, June 4, 2014
5:30 PM Cash Bar 6:00 PM Light Dinner
8:00 PM Adjourn (approximate)
Where? Hanoverville Roadhouse
5001 Hanoverville Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017
How much does it cost? $25 for "old members", i.e., those who are not “guests of honor” (plus cash bar).
Contact: Barb Seifert-Sigmon at barbara.seifert@npitc.com
This is a wonderful opportunity for Morning Star Rotary fellowship and to learn more about your club and its people!
Golf Tournament June 2 at Silver Creek Country Club
Golf Tournament June 2 at Silver Creek Country Club
Our Golf Tournament, run jointly with Bethlehem Rotary, will once again benefit the Steve Godbolt Scholarship Fund, to be awarded by the Boys & Girls Club and Northeast Ministry in alternating years.
This year’s brochure is now available in Downloads at www.morningstarrotary.org. If you can golf and have not yet registered, please contact Butch Macri macri1@verizon.net ASAP. Thanks!
Canal Project Complete!!!
CANAL PROJECT COMPLETE!!!
Maybe it should be called "Ron's Acre", in honor of "above and beyond" efforts by Ron Helmuth, Ron Burnett and Ron Searfoss!?!
Hogar Crea Planting Time!
HOGAR CREA PLANTING TIME!
Ron Helmuth is looking for a few gardener volunteers for next Thursday evening, May 15, at 6:00 PM for a 2 hour planting session at the Hogar Crea/Rotary garden, 1920 E. Market Street, Bethlehem, 18017.
The 5 beds are all prepared for planting, and we’ll have tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a few other vegetables on hand ready to plant. Bring hoes, rakes, trowels, gloves, and a sense of good humor!
Come ready to plant and to have some fun. We’ll be working side by side with a number of Hogar Crea companions, who will so appreciate your help and your company.
Spaghetti Thank You
Special Thank You to all for the wonderful effort to make our Spaghetti Dinner 'FunRaiser' a resounding success! Val Walk and Shawn Dieter, committee chairs extraordinaire, were outstanding in their work with the many committee members, sponsors and volunteers. Thanks to the diners who made it all worthwhile. A special thanks to Butch Macri, Tom Bailey and Jim Santanasto, the '3 Chefs of MSR' who lead the assault on the pasta, meatballs and the '40 year old Macri Sauce' recipe. So many people to thank. Everyone's efforts are truly appreciated.
"Your volunteer efforts, whether in the kitchen, waiting tables, bringing desserts, doing takeout, manning registration table, running for extra supplies, promoting and selling tickets, or selling basket tickets all contributed to making this a successful fundraiser. Special thanks to those who stayed to the end to help with clean-up." - Val Walk
All should be proud to be a Morning Star Rotarian. Thank you for your help!!!
May 12 – Mother’s Day and More!
May 12 – Wishing a belated Happy Mother’s Day to all our Moms, Step-Moms, Grandmas, Exchange Host Moms, and all who have been like a Mom to someone special!
I hope all our members enjoyed a wonderful day with those you love, electronically if not in person. Though my Mother passed away years ago, I am still blessed every day for having had her as my Mom.
What a great week we had! Painting at the Canal Lock project was completed on Tuesday by Ron Helmuth, Iryna Levytska and Ron Searfoss. On Thursday, Jan Chicka presented her very interesting Classification Talk, and we heard from the Boys & Girls Club – one of two beneficiaries of the Steve Godbolt Scholarship Fund being endowed with funds from this year’s joint Golf Tournament. Then on Friday a tremendous volunteer effort of members, family, friends and Victory House folks served about 250 spaghetti dinners! (Photos in coming weeks.)
May 15 PROGRAM
This week Dee Elliott, Executive Director, will describe how New Bethany Ministries will use a Morning Star Grant in establishing a Reading Room to benefit their clientele in several ways.
May 15 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Volunteer needed
Greeter – Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week – Melinda Hoffner
50/50 – Ron Searfoss
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star has 11 (yes 11!) members registered for District Assembly this coming Saturday at Bear Creek. I thank you for your giving precious weekend time to learn more about Rotary!
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
With the centennial of Rotary International, we linked up with Bethlehem Rotary for a Centennial Banquet at Moravian College, and completed the two-year $100,000 funding of the St. Luke’s Dental Clinic in the old Union Station Railroad Depot on the South Side of Bethlehem (2004-05)
QUOTE of the Week
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”
– Albert Einstein. (To that, let’s add women, please!)
I hope to see you this Thursday.
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
SIMPLY FABULOUS!
SIMPLY FABULOUS!
Sue & Ron Burnett really got into the spirit for the Fabulous Greaseband Concert – a fundraiser by the Emmaus Rotary in March!
District Conference Celebrated Rotary!
District Conference Celebrated Rotary!
Eight Morning Star members joined with 200+ other Rotarians at Bushkill Falls to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, learn more about many great programs, and meet new friends.
Friday featured a warm welcome and speakers on Rotaplast, Polio Eradication, Shelterbox and the Friendship Exchange from Turkey. As “International Night,” many wore ethnic attire, and DG Frank Romano and his wife Jean appeared in Roman togas! Our club table at the House of Friendship showcased many events and garnered considerable interest.
Saturday’s daytime speakers described a variety of local and global projects supported by clubs in the district, plus the extremely impressive Four Way Test Speech Contest Finals.
After there was some time to enjoy exploring the Bushkill Falls.
At the Saturday evening Kentucky Derby Party, our club’s hat (created by our own southern belle, Janet Sipple) was much admired….and was so big it was almost assigned its own zip code! Young people, the future of Rotary and our world, were the theme of the night – from Youth Exchange, Rotaract and Interact to Camp Neidig ... presented by our own Charlie Incalcaterra.
On Sunday morning, recognition, memories of this event and a preview of next year’s conference wrapped up the proceedings. Harleysville Rotary hosted a fun, informative and inspirational weekend. We not only heard about Rotary, we FELT IT! The eight of us thank Morning Star for subsidizing our attendance, and hope you may consider a trip to Gettysburg on April 24 – 26, 2015.
May 5 – Thanks to Shawn Deiter; can’t wait to hear Jan Chicka!
May 5 – Thanks to Shawn Deiter; can’t wait to hear Jan Chicka!
As we catch up on Classification Talks, it is so interesting to learn more about the personal and professional lives of our members! Last Thursday Shawn Deiter shared “The Wild and Wacky World of Communications” – the circuitous route that brought her to us – for which we are very appreciative!
May 8 PROGRAM
Now we look forward to hearing Jan Chicka,
who entitled her Classification Talk “It’s Easier to Ask Forgiveness than Ask Permission” – I can’t wait to hear this one!
May 8 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Marianne Aronson
Greeter – Iryna Levytska
Sergeant-at-Arms – Val Walk
$2 Per Week – Alex Shnaydruck
50/50 – Melinda Hoffner
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Todd Heft
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
This Friday it’s time for our Spaghetti Dinner “Fun” Raiser. Please see the story above, and help however you can – sell (or buy) your tickets, post a flyer (from Downloads) and help that day or evening.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Increased the amount of publicity provided to our club. (2000-01)
QUOTE of the Week
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve…You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reminder – Please Register by May 7 for District Assembly at Bear Creek on May 17. (The form is in Downloads on our Home Page.) Please see the story below.
I hope to see you this Thursday and Friday at the Spaghetti Dinner!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
May 8 - Food & Sponsorship Committee 5K/10K
May 8 - Food & Sponsorship Committee 5K/10K
The Food and Sponsorship Committee For the 5K/10K Race will be having a preliminary meeting May 8, at 7 am, before our regular weekly meeting.
We are looking for new committee members, especially for the Sponsorship/Marketing commitee. NO EXPERIENCE necessary!!!! We need fresh ideas to target coporations and Wellness teams at companies who might want to sponsor teams to run our race. Please join us at 7 am in the lobby.
New Member Applications - Please submit by May 12
NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS - Please submit by May 12
For consideration at the May 14 Board Meeting, prospective members are asked to please submit applications to Val Walk by Monday May 12.
The form is in Downloads on our home page.
Thank you.
District Assembly May 17 at Bear Creek - Register by May 7
District Assembly May 17 at Bear Creek - Register by May 7!
We invite current/prospective club leaders, as well as any new or "veteran" members interested in learning more about Rotary, to attend this informative event!
It is also a great way to be introduced to the District and to meet and talk with other Rotarians from other clubs. Sessions are planned to be helpful and hopefully make jobs easier. There will also be a session for Grant certification.
The registration form is in Downloads on our home page, and the $40 registration fee will be completely reimbursed by Morning Star Rotary after your attendance. Our goal is to have 10 club members attend this year - would you please be one of them?
Spaghetti Dinner "Taste of Tuscany" this Friday!!!
Spaghetti Dinner "Taste of Tuscany" this FRIDAY!!!
We will hold our annual all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser "Taste of Tuscany" this Friday, May 9th, from 5pm to 8pm at East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Road in Bethlehem.
The cost is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any Morning Star Rotarian or at the door. Take out is also available.
Tickets have been distributed to club members for sale (or purchase), and the volunteer sign-up sheet is being routed. Please help at this "FUN-raiser" - we need a few more helpers, please! Special custom Morning Star Aprons will be provided for volunteers' usage and purchase!! If you can help but have not signed the sheet, please email Val Walk val@btcu.org.
The flyer is available in Downloads on our home page - please print a few and post them at churches, schools, grocery stores and anywhere else you think might invite interest. Thank you!
Freemansburg Canal Lock Education Center Project - just add PAINT!
Freemansburg Canal Lock Education Center Project - just add PAINT!
With diligent efforts from a core group of volunteer members and their families, construction of the garden beds and picket fence is complete - whew!!! Special shout-outs to the "Picket Pair" Sue Reeps/Val Walk, TampMeister Todd Heft, Ron "The REAL Tool Man" Burnett, and Ron "The Director" Helmuth.
About 2/3 of the fence still needs to be painted. Chair Ron Helmuth is looking to use 2 paint sprayers and some brushes (for smoothing, and tough to reach places) to put "the icing on the cake". He'll let us know the date once decided, and it may be a weekday. We'll keep you posted.
April 28 – Thanks to Traditions of Hanover & Stan Vasiliadis; Looking forward to Shawn Deiter’s Talk
April 28 – Thanks to Traditions of Hanover & Stan Vasiliadis; Looking forward to Shawn Deiter’s Talk
Heartfelt gratitude to Traditions of Hanover for hosting our meeting last week! They did not charge us, so all meeting fees collected go to the club for good works. Former member, Gretchen Vakiener, initiated this annual event about 8 years ago with her Classification Talk, and has helped continue the “Tradition” despite having to leave the club due to work and family time commitments. Thank you, Gretchen! A strong turnout heard Jennifer Murphy, Marketing Director, describe the lifestyle and in home assistance that Traditions can provide. Then our own Stan Vasiliadis, Certified Elder Law Attorney, (only one in the Lehigh Valley! ed.) shared valuable insights about legal issues in retirement planning – essential legal tools, public benefits, and long-term care planning.
May 1 PROGRAM & COLLECTIONS
This Thursday, Shawn Deiter will give her classification talk – “The Wild and Wacky World of Communications.” Please join us, and consider inviting a guest.
We’ll also collect used cell phones/chargers to donate at District Conference, and Dee Elliott will gratefully accept food donations – unfortunately the pantry at New Bethany Ministries is bare.
May 1 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Marianne Aronson
50/50 – Jan Chicka
Invocation – Sue Reeps
Introductions – Ginny Wolkoff
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Provided $25,000 plus dollars to organizations that match our Rotary goals. (2000-01)
QUOTE of the Week
From the May 2014 issue of The Rotarian magazine, as we wrap up April, RI’s Magazine Month:
“Q: Is there a ‘silver bullet’ that will boost Rotary membership?
A: Engagement. I quit my Rotary club because I didn’t have anything to do. Then they asked me if I’d chair a committee…I stayed because I thought it was an important role. “The key is to give people the opportunity to contribute to their community.”
– RI President Ron Burton
The month of May offers many such opportunities to Morning Star Rotarians, including the District Conference, Spaghetti Dinner and District Assembly. Please also see the Canal Lock project update below.
I hope to see you this Thursday, back “home” at Moravian Village.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
JANET SIPPLE CREATES MAGNIFICENT “KENTUCKY DERBY HAT”!
JANET SIPPLE CREATES MAGNIFICENT “KENTUCKY DERBY HAT”!
When the District Conference folks requested that each club bring a “Kentucky Derby hat” as part of the weekend celebration, we immediately thought of Morning Star’s own southern belle, Janet Sipple. Janet agreed to design and create our hat, and what a magnificent job she did!!! See for yourself …
Heartfelt thanks to Janet for her time, creativity and generosity!
Special thanks to Charlottee for the photo!
April 21 – Spring Happenings at Morning Star Rotary!
April 21 – Spring Happenings at Morning Star Rotary!
I hope you have been enjoying this beautiful weather, celebrating Easter, Passover and/or spring with family and friends! (It was difficult to come inside to write this.)
Warm thanks to Cheryl Baker for sharing her life’s journey so far with us last week … including some unexpected detours!
This Thursday we will meet at Traditions of Hanover (see address and map above), which generously hosts us once a year.
April 24 PROGRAM –
JENNIFER MURPHY on Traditions of Hanover
and our own STAN VASILIADIS on Eldercare
We’ll also be collecting used cell phones/chargers to donate at District conference. (In return. Bushkill Inn is donating 30 tickets to Bushkill Falls for our Exchange Students. We understand the phones will be given to military service people/families.)
April 24 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Marianne Aronson
Greeter – Betty Isaacs
Sergeant-at-Arms – Jan Chicka
$2 Per Week – Melinda Hoffner
50/50 – Tom Mohr
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Provided increased recognition for our members who contribute “above and beyond the call of duty.” (2000-01)
QUOTE of the Week
In follow up to the recent quote about lighting one small candle rather than curse the darkness, and in recognition of April being Rotary International’s “Magazine Month”
“The Rotary way is to light a candle. I light one, you light one, 1.2 million Rotarians light one. Together, we light up the world.”
– RI President-Elect Gary C. K. Huang, in the April 2014 issue of The Rotarian
Morning Star work continues at the Freemansburg Canal Lock Education Center, with the push to completion this Saturday, April 26 – please see below and help if you can! Then May brings 3 Rotary weekends in a row – District conference may 2-4, Spaghetti Dinner May 9 and District Assembly May 17. These are closely followed by our joint Golf tournament on June 2 and the New member Soiree on June 4. So many ways to “Engage Rotary”!
Hope to see you this Thursday at Traditions of Hanover,
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
APRIL 24 MEETING AT TRADITIONS OF HANOVER!!!
APRIL 24 MEETING
AT TRADITIONS OF HANOVER!!!
5300 Northgate Drive · Bethlehem, PA 18017
(Off of Rte. 512 north of Rte. 22, behind Wegmans)
Allentown Rotary to Celebrate 100 Years of Service
Allentown Rotary to Celebrate 100 Years of Service!
The Allentown Rotary is celebrating 100 years of Service 1914 - 2014
Friday Evening June 27, 2014
Lehigh Country Club, Allentown PA 18103
Details and RSVP: www.allentownrotary.org/Gala2014
Freemansburg Canal Project - A Work-In-Process! Nears Completion!!!
Freemansburg Canal Lock Education Center Project – A Work-In-Process! Nears Completion!!!
Project Workday 2 met at the Ed Center last Saturday at 8:00 AM to continue the construction project.
Completion will require one more solid work morning on April 26 to finish. We really need a strong contingent of MSR Rotarians to achieve the final results. This is a wonderful community project that will be enjoyed by people for many years. Please plan to help out on Saturday morning.
Location: Lock 44 Education Center
Lock House Road
(The road/path is to the left of the Willow Grove Hotel as you look at it from the street. The hotel's address is 655 Main Street, Freemansburg, PA.)
Apr 14 StarWars has R2D2, but Morning Star has Ron3Sue2!!!
On a glorious spring morning this past Saturday, a hardy group of Morning Star Rotarians & family worked to build the raised garden beds and picket fence at the Freemansburg Canal Lock Education Center, including 3 Rons (Helmuth, Burnett & Searfoss) and 2 Sues (Burnett & Reeps)! Please see the story below, and watch future issues for action photos from Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, and the follow-up work date.
Thank you to Melinda Hoffner for her wonderful presentation last Thursday, which shared so much of her family and background – I want to meet “Gram”! Plus we inducted new member Todd Heft.
April 17 PROGRAM – CHERYL BAKER’S Classification Talk: “Life’s NEVER what you think it will be – so enjoy the ride!”
This week we’ll learn about another new (to Morning Star) member, Cheryl Baker. Cheryl transferred to us from Bethlehem Rotary; she has been a Youth Exchange host, and a member of Bethlehem Rotary’s singing group, the Morganaires. Please come this Thursday to hear Cheryl’s story, and to see the fantastic “Kentucky Derby hat” created by our own southern belle, Janet Sipple, as our club’s entry to the District Conference hat contest in early May. (And this North Jersey gal will be trying to pose as a southern belle to model the hat.)
April 17 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Jan Chicka
Sergeant-at-Arms – Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week – Tom Bailey
50/50 – Robin Metzler
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Morning Star charter member Gordon Sommers led the district’s Group Study Exchange team to India. (2000-01)
QUOTE of the Week
Since April is Rotary International’s “Magazine Month”, this’ week’s source is The Rotarian magazine!
“When you’re trying to rebuild a society, what’s the first thing you do? You have to build camaraderie. You have to build trust. Rotary clubs do that?” – Howard Buffet (Philanthropist, and son of Warren Buffet)
Please check out the District Assembly story below – I hope you can attend May 17 at Bear Creek!
Please consider inviting a guest to join us this week.
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455Regional Four Way Test Speech Contest on April 12
Regional Four Way Test Speech Contest on April 12
The winner of the contest held jointly by Bethlehem and Morning Star Rotary, Laura Fodale, will compete this Saturday, April 12, in the Regional contest in the Emmaus High School Auditorium at 10:00 AM sharp.
If you're not helping at the Canal Lock Education Center project that morning, you may wish to encourage and support these courageous talented students. You will be treated to an experience that you will not soon forget. The event lasts approximately one and a half hours start to finish. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the listed times. Doors may close once the contest has started.
Thanks to Ben Tenaglia for handling our club contest, and to Rafael de la Hoz for helping with the District efforts.
Thanks to Marie Unger and Dr. Jay Varrato for great programs!
Thanks to Marie Unger for her presentation on "Escape to Paradise". Marie presented statistics about how regularly abuse is passed from generation to generation. She also talked about how fortunate she is as a first time author to have the opportunity to have her work published.
Thanks to Dr. Jay Varrato for his excellent presentation on neurology. We learned a lot about neuralgia, migraines, neuropathy and other nerve related disorders. We also hear what an excellent patient Past DG Tore Hartmann-Hansen has been.
April 7 – Getting to Know Morning Star Members
April 7 – Getting to Know Morning Star Members
What a nice turnout last Thursday to hear Classification Talks from Alex Shnaydruk and Iryna Levytska of Ukraine (as I learned, NOT “the Ukraine”). In addition to their personal and professional backgrounds, they shared an interesting social studies lesson on their home country! I hope we have as strong a showing this week as we continue to learn about our Morning Star members …
April 10 PROGRAM – MELINDA HOFFNER’S Classification Talk
Melinda is VP of Commercial Lending at the Merchants Bank (of Bangor) office which opened last year in downtown Bethlehem. Melinda says, "My Grandmother would have been a Great Rotarian...That's why I'm here today!" Plus, we are very happy to be inducting Todd Heft of Heft Media.
April 10 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Marianne Aronson
Greeter – Melinda Hoffner
Sergeant-at-Arms – Val Walk
$2 Per Week – Need a Volunteer
50/50 – Janet Westlund
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Ron Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Changed the meeting location for the first time in club history, to Kirkland Village. (2000-01)
Soon we will be contacting Past Presidents from 2001-02 and later for a memory or two from their years.
QUOTE of the Week
“It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” – Chinese Proverb
This Saturday, April 12, features TWO Rotary events: the weather-delayed Freemansburg Canal Lock Education Center Project (manual labor), and the Regional Four Way Test Speech Contest (audience). All available members are asked to help! Please see the separate stories in this bulletin.
Hope to see you Thursday and Saturday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
POSTPONED!!! Canal Lock Ed Center Project will be Sat. April 12
POSTPONED!!!
Canal Lock Ed Center Project will be
Sat. April 12
The combination of very wet grounds and predictions of more rain and a raw windy Saturday morning have led me to postpone till next Saturday, 4/12 the Freemansburg Canal Ed Center work day.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Yours in Rotary, Ron
Ron Helmuth
ron.helmuth@rcn.com4 Way Test Speech Contest
4 Way Test Speech Contest a Success!
The joint 2014 Bethlehem & Morning Star Rotary clubs' Four Way Speech Contest was held on Wednesday, March 19th at the Bethlehem Town Hall, the Rotunda. This year we had 4 contestants; including our Sue Burnett's daughter, Abby. Laura Fodale will advance to the Regional competition to be held on April 12th.
Thanks to all the Rotarians who assisted in making this year's contest a success!
March 31 Message – 2 Classification Talks this Thursday, and Canal Lock Project this Saturday
March 31 Message – 2 Classification Talks this Thursday, and Canal Lock Project this Saturday
Past two weeks …
Wow, I missed a lot in two weeks! Two outstanding programs: Marie Unger on breaking the cycle of domestic abuse in families, and Dr. Jay Varrato on fixing up Tore Hartmann-Hansen in a flash. Plus our Four Way Test Speech Contest and the Fabulous Greaseband concert – fun for all! Sincere thanks to Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp while I was away. So special to attend Cameron’s graduation from Basic and Advanced Infantry Training, and then spend the weekend together – no idea when or where we’ll see him next.
And this week is just as busy …
April 3 PROGRAM – Iryna Levytska and Alex Shnaydruk will give their Classification Talks which will be extra interesting with the international flavor of their homeland, the Ukraine.
April 3 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Sue Reeps
50/50 – Dee Elliott
Invocation – Need a Volunteer
Introductions – Ginny Wolkoff
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
April 5 CANAL LOCK PROJECT
All available helpers are needed! Please bring family and friends if possible. See details above.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Set in motion several new policies – funding proposals and classification. (2000-01)
QUOTE of the Week
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This spring features many Morning Star Rotary happenings – the Canal Lock Project will be followed by the District Conference, Spaghetti Dinner, District Assembly and Joint Golf Tournament. Please check out our “Events” and mark your calendars.
Hope to see you Thursday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Apr 12 - Freemansburg Canal Education Center Lock Project
Postponed to Apr 12 - Freemansburg Canal Education Center Lock Project
The project plan includes installation of 6 raised garden beds and construction and installation of an authentic period wood fence with gates around the periphery of the beds (a 10 x 80 foot area) encompassing 6 separate beds. It will illustrate a typical 19th century garden that the lock tender's family would potentially have had. All of this will be done at the Freemansburg Canal Education Center.
Please come to the Lock 44 Education Center in Freemansburg.
It’s on Lock House Road, right beside the Willow Grove Hotel,
655 Main Street, Freemansburg, PA
Bring gloves, and old shoes for tromping in the dirt.
There is some painting involved, brushes provided. If you want to help with painting, bring paint clothes.
We will start at 8 AM, hoping to be finished by noon.
Please plan to participate --- bring shovels, rakes, hammers, wheelbarrows, sawhorses, energy and lots of Morning Star enthusiasm.
If possible, bring family/friends to help, too!
Thanks to Ron Helmuth and the committee!!!
March 17 – This Bulletin Covers 2 Weeks
March 17 – This Bulletin Covers 2 Weeks
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you if you’re Irish, part-Irish, or pretend-Irish today!!! I sincerely hope that March will “go out like a lamb” – Ron Helmuth said that even skiers are tired of snow! Sorry to miss 2 excellent speakers and several club events while away – I encourage you to attend all that your schedule can accommodate.
Last week …
Thanks to Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp for last week’s program, which reminded us to wear Rotary pins and attire often, and to have an engaging, quick “Elevator Speech” ready. You just never know when the opportunity may arise – and you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression!
March 20 Program – MARIE UNGER on “Escape to Paradise: Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse in Families”
Marie is a Registered Nurse, Rotarian and an author writing a trilogy about breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Some of her examples are close to home - from here in the Lehigh Valley. Marie is a fellow Rotarian and was formerly on the District 7430 Exchange Student Committee.
She will be telling us more about her book and inviting us to her book launch in Reading on April 4.
March 20 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer, please help Tom K!
Greeter – Tom Mohr
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week – Tom Bailey
50/50 – Betty Isaacs
Invocation – Janet Sipple
Introductions – Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Tom Bailey, Robin Metzler and Tom Kolepp.
March 27 Program – Neurologist DR. JAY D. VARRATO, D.O. will explain “How I Fixed Up Tore Hartmann-Hansen in a Flash!”
March 27 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Ron Searfoss
Greeter – Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Jan Chicka
$2 Per Week – McGehee Isaacs
50/50 – Melinda Hoffner
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
As noted above, if you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your recruiting a substitute, and notifying Tom Bailey, Robin Metzler and Tom Kolepp
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Our 10th Anniversary Charter Night was a wonderful evening attended by more than 100 people including 6 past/current/future District Governors, 3 presidents from other clubs, and 4 exchange students! (1999-2000)
QUOTE of the Week
“Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.” – Baltazar Gracian
I feel blessed to have so many good friends in Morning Star Rotary!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Community Development Grants Approved
Fourteen organizations applied to Morning Star Rotary for Community Development Grants, which we understand may be the most ever! This year’s rotating theme is “Health & Human Services”. Of the requested $18,000+ total requested, the committee reviewed and ranked the proposals to allocate the $8,000 budget. The board unanimously approved the committee’s six recommendations as follows:
1. American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. $2,000 to assist service members, veterans and their families by helping provide healthy snacks and dinner vouchers for “Free Night Out to Reconnect”.
2. New Bethany Ministries. $1,500 toward the establishment of a Reading Room to provide opportunities for educational advancement, intellectual growth, job skills enhancement and employment searches for clients of 3 of their programs.
3. ShareCare. $1,000 for the recruitment and management of 5 new volunteers. ShareCare provides compassionate and practical services to the elderly and those with special needs.
4. St Luke’s University Health Network. $1,500 to provide vision vouchers to 15 needy children in the Bethlehem Area School District. (Eye exam and pair of glasses at no cost to the family.)
5. The Literacy Center. $1,000 for GED and ESL (English as a second language) texts and curriculum materials for educational instruction.
6. Victory House of the Lehigh Valley. $1,000 toward the purchase of a portable AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to treat emergency cardiac arrest with a population whose lifestyles contribute to cardiac medical problems. This $1,000 supplements approximately $300 already collected for this purpose by member Janet Sipple to cover the entire cost of the unit.
The Allentown Band submitted an application requesting $1,200 to purchase new music to remain contemporary to its growing audience. This purpose does not fit the current theme, so the committee asked that a “Board discretionary” grant be considered. In thankful recognition of the Allentown Band’s contribution to 11 years of Morning Star Rotary’s “Salute the Troops” concerts, a $1,200 Board Discretionary Grant was unanimously approved.
Recipient organizations will be asked to present at future meetings to provide our members with a clear understanding of the projects being supported.
Understanding Young Professionals Webinar March 19
Understanding Young Professionals Webinar March 19
On Wednesday, March 19, Rotary will host a webinar to help members better understand the perceptions and needs of young professionals. Led by Rotary staff and a market research professional, this webinar will:
- Provide background on the Young Professionals Campaign, an organization wide initiative to attract and engage younger members
- Share research and findings from focus groups of prospective members in the 25-to-40 age range across U.S. markets, revealing what young professionals think about Rotary and how they fit volunteering into their busy lives
- Present strategies and best practices to help your club recruit younger members
Camp Neidig
Camp Neidig
Nearly 110 high school student leaders will descend upon Camp Manatawny near Boyertown from June 13 through June 16 for Rotary’s Youth Leadership Award, also known as Camp Neidig. Camp Neidig is a leadership training program for students who have just completed their junior year. Over 80 schools from Berks, Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties will be represented.
Campers are sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs, which coordinate camper selection with high schools in their districts. Campers are chosen for the leadership potential, academic success and desire to further their leadership skills. Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary plans to sponsor 4 students this year from Bethlehem Catholic, Moravian Academy, Freedom High School and the Bethlehem Vo-Tech.
This leadership program brings together incredibly talented high school students for a four-day weekend of fun, friendship, and team-building activities. Campers will interact with guest speakers from various professional backgrounds who will discuss what it means to be a good leader. They will also participate in various problem solving activities that can be both physically and mentally challenging. Every activity is designed to help campers develop their leadership and teamwork abilities.
During the weekend, students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Yearbook Committee, the Interfaith Service, the Chorus, and the Closing Ceremony which will be held on June 16 at 6:00 PM following a chicken dinner for parents, campers and Rotarians. The student chosen as the Camper-Of-The-Year will be honored at the closing ceremony which includes a talent show and speakers.
Camp Neidig was founded by Joseph S. Neidig, District Governor of Rotary District 265, in 1950. During his term, Neidig of Quakertown founded the "Leaders of Tomorrow," camp. The purpose of this camp was to further the leadership abilities of young boys. After District 265 split in 1961, the newly-formed District 7430 decided to rename the camp "Camp Neidig" in honor of the camp's founder. After Rotary accepted women members, female students were invited to camp for the first time in 1990 as Camp Neidig became a co-educational experience.
Camp Neidig proudly celebrates its 65th year of inspiring tomorrow's leaders in
2014. For more information log onto www.campneidig.com
Kudos to Iryna Levytska!
Kudos to Iryna Levytska!
In addition to keeping Morning Star’s FaceBook page current, Iryna recently submitted 3 photos to District 7430’s contest. Here are her pictures representing Youth Service (Dictionary Project at Calypso School), Community Service (Special Olympics at Race Recognition Meeting), and Club Service (2014 Bowling Party).
Thanks Iryna, and good luck!
Your profile and www.morningstarrotary.org
Your profile and www.morningstarrotary.org
All member photos are now in, and we’ll email your ClubRunner profile to you later this week. Please review it and update as needed – this is the contact info other members use to reach you. Login instructions are on the website. Several formats of Directories are available to print and/or download – click Admin at top right, then see “My ClubRunner” on the left side. “Club Documents” are there, too, including monthly board minutes and financials. You may also want to check out Rotary International’s revamped site at www.rotary.org .
March 10 – National Recognition for Lehigh Valley Economic Development! Your Rotary Elevator Speech on March 13.
March 10 – National Recognition for Lehigh Valley Economic Development! Your Rotary Elevator Speech on March 13.
Last week …
Don Cunningham, CEO of LVEDC, shared the great news that the Lehigh Valley was recently recognized as 2nd in the COUNTRY in development projects completed, for geographic areas with populations of 200,000 to 1,000,000! Development has been sustained – the Lehigh Valley was ranked in the Top Ten for the prior 5 years. Thanks, Don!
March 13 Program – “Rotarian Face-To-Face PR: Your Rotary Elevator Speech”
Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp will lead us in an audience participation discussion about wearing our Rotary pins (and logo’d apparel) to more than club meetings, plus ways to explain Rotary (especially Morning Star) when there’s only a minute or two available. Please join us to share your thoughts and pick up some new ideas.
The Spaghetti Dinner Committee will meet at 7:00 AM before our club meeting this Thursday, March 13, per chair Val Walk. New members who’d like to go beyond helping on the day of the event are welcome.
March 13 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week – Shawn Deiter
50/50 – Marianne Aronson
Invocation – Janet Kolepp
Introductions – Did someone sign up for this last week?
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
We fulfilled our pledge of $5,000 to the City of Bethlehem Fire Department’s Bomb Squad – receiving wonderful press coverage. (1999-2000)
QUOTE of the Week
“Learn all you can about people in other parts of the world. Understanding how people in other countries live and work and play teaches us to respect them and promote peace everywhere.” – Carol Bellamy
As the mountains of snow gradually recede, crocus and daffodil sprouts are pushing through to remind us that Spring is just around the corner. Yes, really!
Hope to see you Thursday,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
March 3 – MOM-n-PA Dental Mission! Don Cunningham to speak on March 6
March 3 – MOM-n-PA Dental Mission! Don Cunningham to speak on March 6
Last week …
Many thanks to our own Dr. Charlie Incalcaterra for sharing info on the Mission Of Mercy in PA, or MOM-n-PA. His moving presentation showed how a large team of volunteer dentists, technician, assistants, other health professionals and lay people will serve completely free “Dentistry with a Heart” to people from all around the Lehigh Valley and beyond on Sept. 12-13 in Allentown. The members in attendance at the meeting all raised their hands when asked if Morning Star should support this project. The Board subsequently voted (via email) to commit a $1,500 donation, volunteers, and to join with one or more other Rotary clubs to apply for a 2014-15 District Grant.
We re-inducted Past President Dave Cincera as an Active Member, and are so happy to welcome him back! (Great to see Robin Metzler, too, after his hospital stay for pneumonia.)
March 6 Program – Don Cunningham
Don’t miss our meeting this Thursday, when Don Cunningham, CEO of LVEDC, will update us on economic development in the Lehigh Valley.
March 6 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up and/or Breakdown – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Dieter Bender (yes, Dieter the Greeter!)
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Melinda Hoffner
50/50 – Wayne Achey
Invocation – Tom Kolepp
Introductions – Dave Cincera
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Presented Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech with a plaque of the Annual Vocational Award winners to display at the school. (1999-2000)
QUOTE of the Week
“If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give” – Rabbi Samuel Hirsch
Please mark your calendars for our many events coming up over the next few months.
This month I celebrate 20 years in Morning Star Rotary, with heartfelt thanks to my sponsor, Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, and to all of you for the the warm friendship shared as we help people nearby and around the world!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
YOUR ClubRunner Photo
YOUR ClubRunner Photo
If you never got around to uploading a photo into your ClubRunner profile, you may be surprised to find one there! For those missing, first we scoured the internet: work websites, Linked-In, and images found by Google. Then we searched the old grayscale photos previously used in our printed directories. The result? Now only 4 members are without a photo, helping newer members get acquainted with everyone more quickly. Charlotte H-H will hunt down those last 4 with a camera at meetings. If you don’t like the picture we selected, fell free to change it any time! Later this week, members will receive an email with the current directory attached, and a reminder on how to log in to update your listing if needed. Thanks!
Thanks to Cheryl Baker for her thought-provoking Feb. 27 Invocation
Thanks to Cheryl Baker for her thought-provoking Feb. 27 Invocation:
Life, and we, move on – forward, always forward.
Our past is not for what we should pine; it is the building block for today. All we have lived and done focuses us for our future; deliberately we move to enhance and grow beyond what we know today.
So what will we do with it…this New Year? Will we accept the challenge: To eradicate polio THIS year; to end world hunger THIS year; to provide shelter in the midst of natural disasters THIS year? To be a force for change in our local community; in our district - will we accomplish all of them; none? We may not finish any of these this year, but we owe it to ourselves, and the world, to try.
For it is only in trying that we succeed. Nothing is won by inaction. And so, we Rotarians pick up our wheel – symbolic in our logo, real in our journeys, and go. And as we go, we have the blessings of fellowship; of caring; of love for others, to make the crooked ways straight and the roads safe and smooth. Whatever it is that gives us life and breath, urges us: Onward!
Allentown Rotary Club Moves to America on Wheels Museum
Allentown Rotary Club Moves to America on Wheels Museum
The Rotary Club of Allentown changed venues for their Friday noon meeting to the America On Wheels museum, 5 N. Fourth Street, Allentown.
AOW is an interesting venue that offers plenty of free parking and has several possible meeting rooms, depending on program needs and projected size of the group; and included in the price of lunch is free admission to the AOW museum – a bargain! http://www.americaonwheels.org/
Bob Stevens, President
Rotary Club of Allentown
Mar. 19 - 4 Way Test Speech Contest
Come to the 4 Way Test Speech Contest on March 19
The Bethlehem and Morning Star Rotary Clubs are sponsoring a joint 4 Way Test Speech Contest at The Rotunda (on Church Street, between City Hall and the Library) on Wednesday evening March 19. Our winner will move on to the area contest, and the area winners will compete for the District prize. All 3 levels award cash prizes.
The contest is open to all area high school students: public school, charter school, private school, parochial school and home-schooled students. (They do NOT need to be on the debate team!) The maturity and insights demonstrated by contestants in prior years were amazing. If you are aware of any potential participants, or know someone who may have appropriate contacts, please put them in contact with Ben Tenaglia.
We are looking for audience members for Wednesday evening, March 19. Ben Tenaglia is chairing this effort for Morning Star – he may be reached at btenagliaiii@gmail.com . And Rafael de la Hoz is helping at the District Level.
Feb. 24 Thanks to the Isaacs; MOM-n-PA Dental Project
Feb. 24 – Thanks to the Isaacs!
Last week Betty and McGehee Isaacs shared information about their professional careers and their family … and the photos were enjoyed by all!
Feb. 27 Program: MOM-n-PA Dental Project
This Thursday our own Dr. Charlie Incalcaterra will present an overview of “MOM-n-PA,” or Mission of Mercy in PA. This annual two-day free dental clinic will take place on September 12-13, 2014 in Allentown, serving “Dentistry with a Heart” to people from all around the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
The Morning Star Board is considering applying for a 2014-15 District Grant for a select portion of the project. This week’s meeting will help us determine whether members would enthusiastically embrace Morning Star support for this effort – both financially and with ‘sweat equity.’ District Grant applications are due by March 15. Think of this as a mini Rotaplast project for teeth!
We will also re-induct Dave Cincera this Thursday. (He is kindly postponing his Reclassification Talk so we can hear from Charlie.)
Feb. 27 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Ron Searfoss
Greeter – Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week – Marianne Aronson
50/50 – Tom Bailey
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Started the Morning Star Rotary Foundation temporary fund, to provide tax-deductibility for donations to MS Projects. (1999-2000)
QUOTE of the Week
“Six essential qualities that are the key to success: sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, charity.” – William Menninger
Ed. note: No wonder Rotarians are successful!
Please mark your calendars for our many events coming up over the next few months.
I hope to see you Thursday as we learn about Mom-n-PA, re-induct Dave Cincera; Desty Bonstein will be accepting reservations for the Greaseband Concert, too! (Please see story below.)
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Learning How to “Read” People - Free Program Feb. 27
This Free Program being is offered on Thursday, February 27 at the Radisson Hotel in Valley Forge at 5:15 pm. It is open to all Rotarians.
Learning How to “Read” People
to Grow your Business, Enhance your Leadership Skills
and Improve Interpersonal Relationships
Presented by
Dave Conord
Regional Director, Keller Williams Realty
Register at: www.midatlanticpets.org
Thanks,
Gary Fedorcha DGE
Ed: For details, please see Downloads on Morning Star Rotary's home page (no sign-in required)
Global Grant Apporved for Peru Water Filter Project
Global Grant Apporved for Peru Water Filter Project
I am very pleased to announce that on February 04, 2014, The Rotary Foundation informed us that our application for a Global Grant Application was approved. As you recall, the funds contributed by the Ambler, Morrisville-Yardley Area, Newtown, Bethlehem Morning Star and Doylestown Rotary Clubs, were matched by funds from District 7430, adding to $37,000. The total award approved by The Rotary Foundation is for $42,442. The difference is made up by contributions from the Lima Sunrise Club in Lima, Peru and by District 4450, also in Peru. This Global Grant is recorded by The Rotary Foundation as GG 1414616.
In order to comply with The Rotary Foundation sustainability requirements, the Lima Sunrise Rotary Club has had to contract the services of a NGO, (Non Governmental Organization), which for a period of 3 years will carry out the work of interviewing and training the families receiving the filters on aspects of hygiene, and will keep records of the effectiveness of the disease prevention in these families. The cost of this service, is in the order of $9,500 over the 3-year period.
At the present time, the Lima Sunrise Rotary Club is proceeding with the steps indicated by The Rotary Foundation to proceed with the disbursement of funds.
I take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in contributing with this project with which we will be benefiting a minimum of 1,200 families.
Yours in Rotary,
Juan Proano
President, Morrisville-Yardley Rotary Club
Feb. 17 – What a Wild Winter! Betty & McGehee Isaacs this Thursday
Feb. 17 – What a Wild Winter! Betty & McGehee Isaacs this Thursday
Wow, will this winter ever end?!? Last Wed. evening we squeezed in the Board Meeting before the flakes flew. Then the storm caused cancellation of Thursday’s regular club meeting. Hope all of you weathered the storm safely, and enjoyed Valentines Day!
Feb. 20 Program: “DoubleTalk” – Classification Talks by Betty & McGehee Isaacs
Fortunately, both Betty and McGehee are available, so their Classification Talks will be given this week. Please come and hear from two of our newer members!
Feb. 20 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Ed Ortelli
Sergeant-at-Arms – Sue Burnett
$2 Per Week – Tom Bailey
50/50 – Tom Mohr
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Members supported “Coats for Kids” through the purchase of Bethlehem Christmas CDs and direct donations.
QUOTE of the Week
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” – Joseph Caldwell
Please mark your calendars for our many events coming up over the next few months. Also, visit Morning Star's Facebook page - Iryna Levytska has been doing a terrific job posting photos and more!
With a warming trend in the forecast, I hope to see you this Thursday as we learn more about McGehee & Betty Isaacs!
Happy Presidents Day!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Mar. 21 Fabulous Greaseband
Mar. 21 The Fabulous Greaseband
Come Dance........
The Fabulous Greaseband is a seven member "Best of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's Rock 'n' Roll Party Band." Their highly entertaining and energetic delivery of the greatest dance songs ever written has kept the group on top for the last thirty five years!
Friday March 21, 2014 at Ag Hall Allentown Fairgrounds sponsored by the Emmaus Rotary. Admission $25 pp. BYO Food and Snacks for a fun evening of great music and dancing.
Morning Star contact is Desty Bonstein, dbonstein@embassybank.com, 484-358-5350. She will forward to the Emmaus Rotary. Desty will coordinate tables placing Morning Star folks at tables close together.
Feb. 10 – Let the Good Times “Roll”, and “DoubleTalk”!
Feb. 10 – Let the Good Times “Roll”, and “DoubleTalk”!
Thirty or so Morning Star Rotarians, family and friends enjoyed an evening of BOWLING, fellowship and food on Saturday! Thanks to Iryna Levytska for these great photos:
Strikes and spares were applauded, and all had fun whatever their score. Many thanks to Sue Burnett for arranging this event again!
City Center Lehigh Valley
Jim Harbaugh’s presentation last Thursday gave us insight into the transformation underway in downtown Allentown – so much more than just the hockey arena.
Feb. 13 PROGRAM: “DoubleTalk” – Classification Talks by Betty & McGehee Isaacs
Please come and learn more about two of our newer members.
Feb. 13 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Need a Volunteer
Greeter – Jan Chicka
Sergeant-at-Arms – Sue Reeps
$2 Per Week – Jim Santanasto
50/50 – Melinda Hoffner
Invocation – Janet Kolepp
Introductions – Tom Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
We had a bowling tournament for kids with ALERT Partnership. (1998-99)
(Just seems like the right week for this memory …)
QUOTE of the Week
“Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.” – Henry Ford
Please check out the story below on another Morning Star fellowship event – The Fabulous Greaseband Concert on Mach 21! Weather permitting (this winter has lasted about 10 years), I hope to see you this Thursday as we hear from McGehee & Betty Isaacs!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
JFK Assassination Theory to be Examined
JFK Assassination Theory to be Examined
Contact: Rick Spector
215-364-3802
krypton1992@gmail.com
Arlen Specter’s “ single bullet theory” was the keystone of the 1964 Warren Commission Report that blamed a lone assassin for President Kennedy’s murder. Evan Laine and David Kratzer will speak about Philadelphia University’s “Single Bullet” exhibit at the Wednesday February 5 meeting of the Huntingdon Valley Churchville Rotary.
The 6:30 dinner meeting is open to the public and takes place at Lamberti’s Feasterville, 1045 Bustleton Pike. Dinner cost is $20 per person.
Rotary Friendship Exchange with Canada
Rotary Friendship Exchange with Canada
Do you like to Travel? Do you like to meet new and interesting people/making life long friends?
Then the rotary Friendship Exchange is just for you.
Applications being accepted.
Travel to Vancouver, Canada Area
June 12 - 24, 2014
Both Rotarians and spouse are eligible.
Please contact Cindy Hornaman, RFE Chair at: HORNAMCA@PTD.NET or call at (610) 360-4875.
To download and view the attachment, please click the link below:
http://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/50086/Eml/a0dae6eb-35a9-4f85-bd70-1669f0365949.docx
Rotary Leadership Meeting Featured Gov. Tom Corbett
Leadership Meeting featured Gov. Tom Corbett
Tom & Janet Kolepp represented Morning Star at the Jan. 29 Leadership Dinner in Montgomery County. Per District Governor (DG) Frank Romano, PA Governor Tom Corbett mentioned both the government and Rotary helping those who truly can’t help themselves. DG Frank suggests finding these people through a community assessment process and various organizations that have contact with people in need, such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Abused Women and Children Agencies, Schools and churches, plus Police and Fire Departments. “So dig deep into your communities and with dignity, compassion and service reach out to do-good-in-the-world right here in your community.” – DG Frank Romano
Feb 3 It's "Super" to be back home!
Feb. 3 – It’s “Super” to be back home!
Our time in California was wonderful, though the travel each way turned into adventures. Many thanks to Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp (TK) for covering everything!
Anne Kitch
TK reports: At our January 30th meeting, the Reverend Canon Anne Kitch gave a wonderful presentation about the work that has been going on in Kajo Keji, Sudan funded by the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem's "New Hope" campaign. Anne presented pictures from her trip to Sudan and showed the progress being made in rebuilding the educational infrastructure and establishing the tailoring trade school for women. She also showed lots of pictures about everyday life in Kajo Keji.
Feb. 6 Program: Jim Harbaugh, Exec VP and COO of “City Center Lehigh Valley”
City Center Lehigh Valley is a dynamic new development that is transforming downtown Allentown into one of America’s most vibrant urban communities and the region’s hub for culture, business and metropolitan living. Please come and hear about this exciting and visionary project!
Feb. 3 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Ron Searfoss
Greeter – Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Betty Isaacs
50/50 – Janet Westlund
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Met and interacted with Group Study Exchange Teams from other countries. (Many years)
QUOTE of the Week
“Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place.” – Rosalynn Carter
Please check out the “events” column and mark your calendars, and join us this Thursday to hear from Jim Harbaugh about City Center Lehigh Valley. I also hope to see you at Hampton Lanes on Saturday!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455RSVP NOW for Rotary Bowling this Saturday!!!
RSVP NOW for Rotary Bowling this Saturday!!!
If you didn't sign up for BOWLING yet and still want to go, contact Sue Burnett NOW!
burnetts@rcn.com, 484.226.5254
We are bowling at Hampton Lanes on Saturday, Feb 8th from 7-9. Its is a LOT of fun for all ages - Friends, and family are ALL welcome, It is only $20 a person, $11.50 if you are only cheering your loved one on and not bowling. The food is great and its all you can eat.
We have at least 33 people already signed up - a new record!
Its NOT Super Bowl Saturday and its not the Figure Skating finals of the Olympics so no excuses and it can't possibly snow because it only snows on school days....
Cheers,
Susan
Jan. 27 – Concert Recognition and Anne Kitch
Jan. 27 – Concert Recognition and Anne Kitch
Gary Hartney can now mark off his last “To Do” for our 2013 Salute the Troops Concert – recognizing the sponsors and all who contributed their time, talent and/or treasure to this great event. Terrific job Gary – thank you!!! And thanks to Tom Kolepp for running the meeting last Thursday.
Jan. 30 Program –
This week we will welcome Anne Kitch, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, who will speak on "Sacred Dust: Sharing New Hope with Bethlehem, PA and Kajo-Keji, South Sudan".
Jan. 30 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Ron Searfoss
Greeter – Alex Shnaydruk
Sergeant-at-Arms – Iryna Levytska
$2 Per Week – Tom Bailey
50/50 – Stan Vasiliadis
Invocation – Cheryl Baker
Introductions – Tom Mohr
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
The Morning Star “FUN FACT” and QUOTE of the Week are on vacation, too, and will return with the next bulletin.
Please check out the “events” column and mark your calendars, and join us this Thursday to hear from Anne Kitch!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
From the Jahns
From the Jahns
Our dear Morning Star family,
As you know, we have requested a transfer to The Skidaway Rotary Club in Savannah GA. This was very difficult for us because our lives for the past 20 years in Bethlehem have revolved around our club's activities and our fellow members who remain in our hearts. It is with joy that we recall our early days at the Holiday Inn, the inaugural 5-K Run with "Stan the Greek God", "Desty - The Flying Nun", and our most favorite the "Flapping Chicken". Tom and Jeff are to be congratulated for making this a true Bethlehem event.
The thing that stands out above all is the caring that each club member has for each other. Our Happy Dollars began supporting Jean and the others who suffered with cancer. This developed into today's "Proud of, Grumpy with, Supportive of and just plain old "HAPPY because..." dollars. We have also watch our club's "children" Charlie, Ron, Geoff, Jean/Ron, and Chris's sons, Dee and Ginny's daughters and many, many grandchildren have grown, gone to college and now are soon to be Rotarians.
Personally we want to thank you for the honor of representing the Club as District Governor and First Lady and for the wonderful Conference that the Club provided to the District. We have had two DGs now and both conferences were trend setters.
Once again, our hearts remain with you.
Karen and Bill Jahn
2 Henry Clay Ct, Savannah, GA 31411
Jan. 20 – Impromptu Club Assembly, and Concert Recognition!
Jan. 20 – Impromptu Club Assembly, and Concert Recognition!
Last week’s fill-in program was an impromptu Club Assembly. Membership continues to grow, our community and fellowship events so far have been terrific, grants awarded to date have met or exceeded budgeted amounts, and our club’s financial condition is strong. Plans for second-half Morning Star events and activities are well underway – please check out the “events” column and mark your calendars!
Jan. 23 Program – “Salute the Troops” Concert Recognition, and Victory House!
I’m very sad to be missing this week’s program. Would you please attend and show appreciation to our major sponsors: Sands Casino Resort – Bethlehem, Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley, and Susquehanna Bank?
From the very beginning, the Allentown Band has made all this possible, and this year Northeast Middle School provided a wonderful venue … and musicians! Victory House is a terrific partner (signing up sponsors and patrons, plus selling tickets), and a most appropriate beneficiary. Executive Director Pat DiLuzio will explain how they help get veterans and others back on their feet. And please give yourselves a hand, too! Members sold (or bought) tickets, sponsor ads and Patron or In Honor Of listings – all essential to the concert’s netting the funds to benefit Victory House and others. Thank you!
Jan. 23 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Volunteer Needed
Greeter – Iryna Levytska and Ron Helmuth
Sergeant-at-Arms – Tom Hartzell
$2 Per Week – Sue Reeps
50/50 – Jan Chicka
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Tom Hartzell
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Morning Star planned and ran the District Conference. Thanks to Bill Jahn and Diane Donaher! (1998-99)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Nothing is more important for the public welfare than to form and train our youth in wisdom and virtue.” – Benjamin Franklin
Please join Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp this Thursday and show appreciation to those who made our “Salute the Troops” Concert such a resounding success!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Jan 23 - MSR FELLOWSHIP THROUGH KNITTING!!!
Jan. 23 - MSR FELLOWSHIP THROUGH KNITTING!!!
Many of you have seen Jan Chicka’s beautiful knitting and crocheting. Several members are also knitters and decided that it would be nice to get together with fellow Rotarians who share similar interests.
So, the first gathering of the Morning Star Rotary Knitters will be at Jan’s lovely home on Thursday January 23 from 7-9 pm. We hope to make this a monthly get together.
Jan’s address is 224 Gallagher Road, Whitehall, PA. Directions: 22 West to 15th Street. Go North on Mauch Chunk Road, (about a mile) turn right on Gallagher (one block after Presidential). House is at the crest of the hill on the right.
In case you have questions etc. feel free to call Jan's cell 215-720-4060.
All are welcome to join us!
See you there!
Jan. 29 - Rotary Leadership Dinner
Rotary Leadership Dinner Meeting
Wednesday January 29, 2014 @ 5:30 PM
Speaker: Governor Tom CorbettManor House at Prophecy Creek
205 W. Skippack PikeAmbler PA 19002
http://www.prophecycreekmanor.com/
Ticket Price: $50 per person.
BYOB; beer is included in the ticket price.
The Board has authorized half reimbursement ($25) for any Morning Star members who attend. If you would like more info, please contact Tom Kolepp tkolepp@gmail.com .
Jan 9 - Election Update
Election Update
We are pleased to announce that Ron Searfoss was elected current club Vice President by acclamation on 1/9/14.
He will serve as President Elect during the 2014-15 Rotary year, and President in 2015-16. All Board positions are now filled.
Jan 13 - Welcome Back Dave Cincera!!!
Jan. 13 – Welcome Back Dave Cincera!!!
After the induction of Betty Isaacs last week, this Thursday we welcome back Morning Star Past President (2008-09) Dave Cincera!
Dave is our 10th – (yes 10th) new or reactivated member this Rotary year. Thanks to Rick Santee, Jess Elliott, the Membership Committee, and the sponsors…but most of all, warm thanks to the wonderful people who have joined our efforts to Engage Rotary and Change Lives: Cheryl Baker, Dave Cincera, Jan Chicka, Melinda Hoffner, Betty Isaacs, McGehee Isaacs, Tom Mohr, Ron Searfoss, Janet Sipple and Janet Westlund.
Gretchen Vakiener’s resignation, due to work and family commitments, was regretfully accepted by the Board, and Bill and Karen Jahn are officially transferring to the club near their new home in Georgia. Even so, over seven months Morning Star has a net increase of 7 members, or +14%.
Last Thursday Jeff Kicska led a great program recognizing our 2013 race sponsors – thanks, Jeff! Louise Tusak of Special Olympics was visibly moved by our $7,500 donation.
Jan. 16 Program – Dave Cincera's Classification Talk! (Steve Donches needed to reschedule his presentation on the National Museum of Industrial History – new date will be published when finalized.)
Jan. 16 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Volunteer Needed
Greeter – Melinda Hoffner
Sergeant-at-Arms – Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week – Jim Santanasto
50/50 – Frank Lulewitz
Invocation – Sue Reeps
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Dues Reminder: Second half dues are due now. (You can now pay via Pay Pal – see below)
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Morning Star member Tore Hartmann-Hansen was District 7430 governor (1998-99)
QUOTE of the Week:
“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” – Ben Sweetland
Please join us on Thursday to help welcome back Dave Cincera!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Dec. 19 - CELEBRATIONS OF THE SEASON!!!
Rotarians and Guests were joined by the Liberty Singers, led by Gayle Justice, and our own Maestro, Rick Santee, in a wonderful holiday celebration capped by the Morning Star Rotary Twelve Days of Christmas. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen.
Jan 6 - Race Recognition this Thursday!!!
Thanks to Tom Kolepp for his interesting program on PechaKucha last Thursday. In the audience, only Russ Pacala knew that this is a special PowerPoint presentation format of exactly 20 slides for 20 seconds each. After describing its origin and usage, Tom gave the PechaKucha he developed about Rotary, focusing on PolioPlus, RotaPlast and ShelterBox. When he first gave it (to a non-Rotarian group), one of the listeners gave him a donation check for ShelterBox!
And thanks to all of you for all your help during the first half of my term – hard to believe it’s half over already! And I hope that all of you are keeping healthy – tough to do these past few weeks!
Jan. 9 Program – RACE RECOGNITION! Please come to help us show appreciation to the sponsors who helped make the 2013 Morning Star Classic 10K Run / 5K Run/Walk such a great success!
NOTE: Please notify any Sponsors and appropriate personnel of our new meeting location:
Moravian Village 562 Wood Street Bethlehem (Across from the Post Office)
Jan. 9 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Jeff Kicska
Greeter – Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ed Ortelli
$2 Per Week – Janet Westlund
50/50 – Tom Bailey
Invocation – Gary Hartney
Introductions – Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Dues Reminder: Second half dues are due now. (You can now pay via Pay Pal – see below)
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Morning Star Rotarians helped students at Donegan Elementary School with a tutoring program. (1997-98)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Please join us on Thursday to show appreciation to our race sponsors!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455Jan 2 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
12-31-13 HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!!!
Thanks to Mike & Terri Long for once again graciously hosting our Holiday Party on Dec. 28!
Everyone enjoyed great food, and even better fellowship! Thanks also to Tom Mohr for making arrangements and getting the ham etc., and to all who brought food or beverages to share. (Tom has already signed up Mike & Terri to host next year, too!)
About 10 members attended the Dec. 26 “non-meeting” at The Palace Restaurant. (Unfortunately, illness prevented me from going.)
I hope that each one of you celebrated this season with family and friends from near and far.
Jan. 2 Program – TK Special Surprise! Plans to recognize concert sponsors this week did not work out, and Tom Kolepp promises us something special.
Jan. 2 DUTIES
Meeting Set-up – Need a volunteer to help with set-up and/or take-down – (banners, podium, bell, sneaker, badges, etc.)
Greeter – Shawn Deiter
Sergeant-at-Arms – Sue Reeps
$2 Per Week – Need a Volunteer
50/50 – Melinda Hoffner
Invocation – Tom Kolepp
Introductions – Geoff Wright
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Dues Reminder: Second half dues are due now. (You can now pay via Pay Pal – see below)
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
We held quarterly evening meetings to socialize and for committees to meet, plus we enjoyed two visits from Miss Pennsylvania. (1997-98)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of Love!” – Hamilton Wright Mabie
Hope to see you Thursday for TK’s surprise.
Happy New Year’s Eve,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Dec. 24 - PAYPAL FOR MORNING STAR!
PAYPAL FOR MORNING STAR!
For your convenience, dues may now be paid via PayPal! After logging in, click “Pay Dues” on the left side (alphabetical under Site Pages).
Not sure of your ID and password? After clicking Login, click “New and existing users: retrieve login and/or reset password”, and ClubRunner will send you a message with the info. (The email address must match what ClubRunner has for you – if problems please contact Jean Searfoss or Val Walk.)
Going forward, members and others will be able to pay for certain Morning Star tickets and events with PayPal, in addition to Dues. Huge thanks to Jeff Kicska and Sue Reeps for navigating through the extensive bureaucracy to set this up!
Dec. 24 . . . AND THE CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE!!!
12-24-13 . . . AND THE CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE!!!
Thanks to Liberty High School Acapella Singers, Gayle Justice and Rick Santee!!
What a wonderful time we had last Thursday! Gayle led 24 talented singers in a delightful assortment of songs, and Drew Donaher (Diane & Dean’s son) stole the show with his solo! Then all 83 of us sang along with Rick Santee on his accordion, culminating in Morning Star’s traditional “Twelve Days of Rotary”. The warmth and camaraderie were a true joy to behold!
No official meeting this week, but we invite you to breakfast at The Palace Restaurant (3250 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020) on Thursday Dec. 26 starting about 7:15-7:30, our usual time. No announcements, no program, no asking you for money (except to pay for your own food, from the regular menu). Just fellowship!
We’ll wrap up the holiday celebrations on Saturday with our club party, graciously hosted once again by Mike & Terri Long (see story below).
Whatever holidays you may celebrate, I wish you love and joy, sweet memories from the past, and special times this year to remember in the future!
Love and hugs to my Rotary family,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
They Shot For Zero, But Couldn't Squash Polio In 2013
They Shot For Zero, But Couldn't Squash Polio In 2013
An interesting update on the continuing battle to eradicate polio. As football fans know, it gets harder when you are in the red zone and closer to the goal line.
Dec. 19 Club Election Results
Club Election results Dec. 19 for 2014-15 Rotary Year
Morning Star Rotary’s annual club election was held at the regular meeting on Dec. 19.
The Nomination Committee proposed slate was approved as follows:
President: Tom Kolepp (Previously selected)
President Elect: Vacant (To serve as President 2015-16; we will hold a special election when the candidate is identified)
Vice President: Jeff Kicska (To serve as President Elect in 2015-16, then as President in 2016-17)
Secretary: Val Walk
Treasurer: Sue Reeps
Directors thru June 2015: (Previously selected)
Rafael De La Hoz, Robin Metzler, Ellen Roberts and Barb Seifert-Sigmon
Directors July 2014 - June 2016:
Wayne Achey, Cheryl Baker, Jan Chicka and Jessica Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms : Russ Pacala
Congratulations and Thank You each for your service to Morning Star!!!Dec. 12 Program: ALLAN SYPHERS on SHELTERBOX!
On Dec. 12, Allan Syphers of Blue Bell Rotary gave us a moving presentation on the amazing work done by ShelterBox. For individual donations, he requests that checks be made payable to ShelterBox USA and mailed to him at PO Box 535, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437. He keeps district records (please note Morning Star), and will forward the checks on to ShelterBox USA. For additional info, please use the form in Downloads, see www.shelterboxusa.org or email Allan at architect@aol.com.
Dec. 16 - CELEBRATIONS OF THE SEASON!!!
12-16-13 CELEBRATIONS OF THE SEASON!!!
Thanks to Morning Star BELL RINGERS
On Dec. 7 we raised $1,001 for Salvation Army at Christkindlmarkt!
While the snowstorm kept some shoppers home this past Saturday, we added a nice sum at the Moravian Bookshop. Many thanks to our volunteers!
Dec 12 Program – Musical Holiday Celebration
with Liberty H.S Acapella Singers and Rick Santee!!!
Please join us for my very favorite meeting of the year – feel free to invite family, friends and former Morning Star Rotarians! Our annual club election will also be held – see below.
Dec. 19 DUTIES
Greeter – Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms – Val Walk
$2 Per Week – Chuck Uhl
50/50 – Tom Bailey
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Ellen Roberts
Meeting Set-up – Need a volunteer to help with set-up and take-down – (banners, podium, bell, sneaker, badges, etc.)
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
And the fun continues …
Thursday, Dec. 26 with a “non-meeting” breakfast at The Palace Restaurant (3250 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020) starting at 7:15-7:30, our usual time. No announcements, no program, no asking you for money (except to pay for your own food, from the regular menu). Just fellowship!
Then we wrap up the season on Dec. 28 as Mike & Terri Long host our casual evening Holiday Party – please see below.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE DISCOUNT EXPIRES DEC. 31
Please remember that Dec. 31 is the district’s cutoff registration date for the $50 discounted price to the District Conference on May 2-4, 2014 at Bushkill Falls. Please click District Conference on the left side of www.rotarydistrict7430.org . (This discount is in addition to Morning Star’s $100 per member rebate, to which the cutoff date does NOT apply.)
BOARD “SoundBytes”
On Dec. 11, Rotary Board approved the major grants related to two very successful fundraisers. From the Morning Star Classic 5K / 10K, $7,500 will be given to Bethlehem Special Olympics. And Victory House of Lehigh Valley will receive $9,000 from our Salute the Troops concert. Heartfelt thanks to chairs Jeff Kicska and Gary Hartney, and to all our members and sponsors who helped and supported these events!
In addition, Seven Day Notices have now been issued for Dave Cincera (Past Pres.) and Betty Isaacs (McGehee’s wife), our 9th and 10th new members this year!
Reminders: Second half dues are due by Dec. 31; Rotary Foundation/Polio Plus donations to Tom Hartzell now for 2013 tax deduction.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Our turnover breakfast featured mimosas – thanks, President Diane! (1997)
QUOTE of the Week:
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” – Arthur Ashe
Hope to see you Thursday for our wonderful, musical celebration!
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455The DICTIONARY Project
DICTIONARY PROJECT
Ellen Roberts, Ron Helmuth and Irnya Levytska handed out books ( and handshakes) to over 100 students at Spring Garden School. And in their 18 MINUTES even covered ShelterBox, PolioPlus and Rotaplast!
Dec. 9 - Getting into the Spirit!
GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT!
Thanks to Morning Star bell-ringers at Christkindlmarkt on Saturday, the Salvation Army can help more families this holiday season! Fortunately Friday’s rainstorm had moved on and a sprinkling of snow added to the festive atmosphere. Next Saturday, (Dec 14), we’ll be ringing in front of the Moravian Bookshop on Main Street – so if you’re downtown please stop by!
The Membership Committee’s first quarterly “Welcome Meeting” last Wednesday was a rousing success at The Mint. (Best use of a bank building I’ve seen in a long time! Ed.) So many new, prospective and veteran members came that we had to move to a bigger table. Thanks to Rick Santee, Jessica Elliott and the committee for providing a nice casual, unhurried opportunity for fellowship and sharing Rotary information!
NEWEST MEMBER - Please join me in giving our newest member, Melinda Hoffner, a warm Morning Star welcome. Tom Mohr (her sponsor) had the honor of inducting her. Melinda is a Vice President of Commercial Lending at Merchants Bank of Bangor in their new Bethlehem office. She resides in Nazareth with her husband, Chris.
Dec 12 PROGRAM – please see ShelterBox Story below.
Dec. 12 DUTIES
Greeter – Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Susan Burnett
50/50 – Jan Chicka
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
Meeting Set-up – Need a volunteer to set-up and take-down (banners, podium, bell, sneaker, badges, etc.)
If you signed up but are now unable, we’ll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE DISCOUNT EXPIRES DEC. 31
Please remember that Dec. 31 is the district’s cutoff registration date for the $50 discounted price to the District Conference on May 2-4, 2014 at Bushkill Falls. Please click District Conference on the left side of www.rotarydistrict7430.org . (This discount is in addition to Morning Star’s $100 per member rebate, to which the cutoff date does NOT apply.)
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
We accumulated contributions for Rotary foundation in “Paul Harris buckets” and funded over 3 homes in Curitiba, Brazil (1997-98)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together”
- President Woodrow Wilson
Hope to see you Thursday for a ShelterBox update and Morning Star fellowship!
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455Dec. 2 - Welcome to December!
Dec. 2 Message – Welcome to December!
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! It is already December now, a very busy time for Morning Star. We start with the Membership Committee’s new “Welcome Meeting” this Wednesday, continuing with bell-ringing for Salvation Army on 12/7 & 12/14, and our wonderful musical holiday program on 12/19, then finishing up with our terrific party hosted by Mike and Terri Long on 12/28 – Tis the Season!!!
DEC. 5 PROGRAM
We’ll hear more details about the May 2-4 District Conference at Bushkill Falls from Co-Chair LaVerne Scheetz of Harleysville Rotary.
Plus, we’ll recognize members who have achieved Paul Harris Fellow status for cumulative donations of $1,000 (or multiples of $1,000) to Rotary Foundation and/or PolioPlus.
DEC. 5 DUTIES
Greeter – Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms – Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week – Rafael de la Hoz
50/50 – Ron Searfoss
Invocation – Sue Reeps
Introductions – Tom Kolepp
Meeting Set-up - Need a volunteer to set-up and take-down - (banners, podium, sneaker, badges, etc.)
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
DICTIONARY PROJECT
We are handing them out at additional schools! Please see Ellen Roberts, or email her editor@wherebooksbegin.com .
RING THE BELL for Salvation Army
Dec. 7 at Christkindlmarkt and Dec. 14 at Moravian Bookshop
Please contact Mike Long at this week’s meeting or at mike@longfuneralhome.com to sign up. There are a few time slots open, and extra help is welcome at any time if you'd like to participate!
DISTRICT CONFERENCE DISCOUNT EXPIRES DEC. 31
Please remember that Dec. 31 is the district’s cutoff registration date for the $50 discounted price to the District Conference on May 2-4, 2014 at Bushkill Falls. Please click District Conference on the left side of www.rotarydistrict7430.org . (This discount is in addition to Morning Star’s $100 per member rebate, to which the cutoff date does NOT apply.)
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Morning Star was one of the youngest clubs to successfully nominate a member for District Governor – Tore Hartmann-Hansen. (1996-97)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
– Marcel Proust
I hope to see you Wednesday at the Membership Committee’s “Welcome Meeting”, and on Thursday at our regular meeting to hear about the District Conference, and recognition of new and multiple Paul Harris Fellows!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Morning Star Meeting Set-up
Morning Star Meeting Set-up Volunteers Needed!
The volunteer will
Set-up and take down the banners and stands,
Place and return the Rotary Bell and Gavel along with smaller banners on podium,
Place and collect the 'Sneaker' and 50/50 basket and
Place and return the Badges box,
Put all of above, except banners and stands, in the storage box in the dining room closet to the left of the entrance as you come into the dining room.
Approximate time required - 5 - 10 minutes.
Thank you.
Dec. 12 Program: ALLAN SYPHERS on SHELTERBOX!
Dec. 12 Program: ALLAN SYPHERS on SHELTERBOX!
On December 12, please join Morning Star Rotarians in welcoming Allan Syphers for an update on "ShelterBox".
Allan is a fellow Rotarian, a member of the Blue Bell Club and our Rotary District 7430 ShelterBox Ambassador. Allan will tell us about the recent campaign to get more Shelter Boxes into Syria, and the overall ShelterBox mission to "provide shelter, warmth and dignity to disaster survivors worldwide.
Please join us thisThursday morning December 12!
Ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro encounters turbulence!
In the midst of George Mowrer's very interesting presentation on a special event with daughter, Katie, the altitude proved to be too high! We experienced a power outage and the AV, etc. was MIA. George soldiered on as this then allowed time for an excellent Q & A from the Rotarians present.
Please click George & Katie's Excellent Adventure for the full story.
Thank you George for sharing this adventure and especially the wisdom of understanding 'when your daughter becomes a teen, don't say No.....!
Happy Thanksgiving and Chanukah!
Happy Thanksgiving and Chanukah!
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." - WT Purkiser
At Thanksgiving and throughout the year, I feel grateful for so many blessings in my life - most of all for my wonderful family and friends, including each one of you!
Working with you as we share our "time, talent and treasure" to help others for almost 20 years in Morning Star Rotary has enriched my life beyond measure!
Wishing you love, health, happiness, a warm home and good food this Thanksgiving and Chanukah,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com
Cell 610-504-1455
MORNING STAR BOARD APPROVES 3 CLUB INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
MORNING STAR BOARD APPROVES 3 CLUB INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
At the Nov. 13 Board Meeting, three club donations were approved, each for $1,000 as budgeted. These contributions are meant to supplement (not replace) contributions by individual Morning Star members to these incredibly worthwhile causes!
POLIO PLUS
Rotary Foundation’s polio eradication fund. The number of annual polio cases worldwide has decreased over 99% since Rotary’s efforts began in the mid 1980’s. Joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we are “THIS CLOSE”!!! For more info, or to contribute personally, please see http://sites.rotary.org/en/contribute/funds/polioplusfund/Pages/ridefault.aspx
ROTAPLAST
We heard two very moving presentations from Jean McGill on cleft lip and cleft palate surgery in the Philippines. District 7430’s Dec. 7 On-Air Auction will fund the next Rotaplast mission, and is still in dire need of donated auction items. If you can provide an auction item, would you please bring it to the Joint Thanksgiving Luncheon this Wednesday? Please use the form provided at meetings, or get it from Downloads on our home page.
SHELTERBOX
“Providing shelter, warmth and dignity to disaster survivors worldwide.”
The need for help in the Philippines is immense. District 7430’s ShelterBox Ambassador Allan Syphers has been rescheduled to present at our Dec. 12 meeting. For individual donations, he requests that checks be made payable to ShelterBox USA and mailed to him at PO Box 535, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437. He keeps district records, and will forward the checks on to ShelterBox USA. For additional info, please use the form in Downloads or see www.shelterboxusa.org or email Allan at architect@aol.com.
Thank you!!!
JOINT THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON this Wed. Nov. 20 at 12 Noon
JOINT THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
Wed. Nov. 20 at 12 Noon
Hosted by Bethlehem Rotary Club
Location: Right here at Morning Star’s usual meeting place
Cost: $20 (includes $5 for Polio Plus)
Program: Current Issues in Higher Education
Speaker: Byron L. Grigsby - President of Moravian College and Theological Seminary
The cost and the value of higher education is being discussed in all circles as we strive to define and measure the desired outcomes of pursuing advanced degrees and knowledge. Join us to hear Byron Grigsby speak about these relevant issues. Byron is a 1990 graduate of Moravian College and began his tenure as President July 1, 2013.
Nov. 18 – This week: George Mowrer's Ascent of Mount Kilamanjaro, and more!
Nov. 18 – This week: George Mowrer's Ascent of Mount Kilamanjaro, and more!
Thanks to Dennis Scholl for his informative program last Thursday on the Freemansburg Canal Education Center! Ron Helmuth and a few club members will be meeting with Dennis to determine projects that Morning Star Rotary could do in the course of a work day next spring, helped by $3,100 funding (including a District Grant). If you’d like to help identify and evaluate potential projects, please contact Ron at ron.helmuth@rcn.com .
We also inducted our newest member, Cheryl Baker, a transfer from Bethlehem Rotary who is Account Executive with Radio Disney near Philadelphia. Cheryl is an avid fan of Rotary’s Student Exchange program, has already helped our 5K/10K, supported and attended our Salute the Troops concert, and has a beautiful voice. Please be sure to introduce yourself to her. Welcome, Cheryl!!!
NOV. 21 PROGRAM
On November 21, 2013, Morning Star Rotary will welcome fellow Rotarian George Mowrer for an inspirational presentation about his recent ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro with his daughter, Katie.
George will present a 12 minute video of the trip highlights and share observations about taking on this challenge with his daughter. George is a long-time friend of Morning Star. He is the Immediate Past President of the Bethlehem Rotary Club. He grew up in a "Rotary family" (grandfather, father and uncle all Past District Governors or PDGs), with PDG Gordon Mowrer as his dad and they hosted many exchange students. George works with Tom Hartzell and the team at Hampson Mowrer Kreitz Insurance. He is married to Betsy and they have three children.
Please join us this Thursday for a unique look at an African adventure with George!
NOV. 21 DUTIES
Greeter – Dieter Bender
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week – Jan Chicka and Chuck Uhl
50/50 – Robin Metzler
Invocation – Janet Kolepp
Introductions – Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
Roadie – ???
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
DICTIONARY PROJECT
We are packing up the additional dictionaries Monday afternoon, and look forward to handing them out! Ellen Roberts is routing a sign-up sheet at meetings, or email her editor@wherebooksbegin.com .
JOINT THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON – Nov. 20
Please see separate story below.
RING THE BELL for Salvation Army – Dec. 7 and 14
Please see Mike Long to sign up. There are a few time slots open, and extra help is welcome at any time if you'd like to participate!
Reminders
November and December quite busy! Please see “Upcoming Events” on the side of this bulletin so you don’t miss anything! And please remember that Dec. 31 is the district’s cutoff registration date for the $50 discounted price to the District Conference on May 2-4, 2014 at Bushkill Falls. Please click District Conference on the left side of www.rotarydistrict7430.org . (This discount is in addition to Morning Star’s $100 per member rebate, to which the cutoff date does NOT apply.)
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Outgoing President Stan Vasiliadis almost literally “missed the boat” for his Kickout Party on the canal boat. (1996-97)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Life is an echo – what you send out comes back.”
– Anonymous
I hope to see you Wednesday at the Joint Thanksgiving Lunch or Thursday at our regular meeting to hear George Mowrer’s amazing story … or hopefully at BOTH!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
ROTARY DAY AT UNITED NATIONS November 3, 2013
Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary General of United Nations, presented three major challenges for organization and human society in this century: eradicating the poverty, focusing on sustainable development, and developing free society.
Rotary International is a great partner organization for United Nations. The strategy and philosophy of both organization correlate together. There were prominent speakers who showed how to be both dedicated Rotarians and true global citizens. We have heard stories about projects for improving humiliating conditions of women in India, supporting maternal and child health in Central America, building Rotary organizations in Russia, tackling into the problem of shrinking reserves of drinkable water supply, and developing the strategy for sustainable energy and waste management. Certain focus was given on how to make the impact with international projects, while creating the sustainable ecosystem to carry over all the developments into the future.
Several partnering organizations were presented: PACE Universal, UN Global Compact LEAD, Gift of Life International, Center for Citizen Initiatives, World Bank, WASH at Unicef. There were also great initiative organizations built by Rotarians: Wasrag (Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group) and Shelterbox (responding instantly following disasters by delivering special boxes of aid with all needed appliances to provide a temporary shelter). For instance, Shelterbox has over 50,000 boxes distributed in several logistics center and ready to be delivered to the next disaster. Each box costs approximately 200 USD and can provide emergency shelter for a family, taking into consideration various climate zones.
Contributed by Alex Shnaydruk and Iryna Levytska who attended this event.
November is Rotary Foundation Month!
The Rotary Foundation is the engine that drives Rotary’s international humanitarian service. Without the Foundation, Rotary would be a very different and less powerful force for good in the world. (Former RI President, Wilf Wilkinson).
November is Rotary Foundation month, and Rotarians are asked to contribute a minimum amount of $100 to the Foundation as part of the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” campaign. This includes newer club members as well as club members who have previously achieved Paul Harris status ($1,000 lifetime gift). Morning Star Rotary has 64 Paul Harris Fellows, 43 of whom are current club members.
Through gifts to Rotary Foundation, monies are made available to clubs and districts to fund grants for local projects (Hogar Crea, Freemansburg Canal Education Center) in addition to international projects (polio eradication and disaster relief to the Phillippines).
Morning Star Rotary members are asked to consider making a minimum $100 contribution to Rotary Foundation for 2013 by December 12. There are three ways to make a contribution:
· Check payable to “Rotary Foundation”
· Make $2/week contributions. There is a Rotarian on duty at the registration table that will assist you when you sign in and pay for breakfast each week. There are about 15 Rotarians that make their contribution in this manner.
· Rotary Direct – Contributions are deducted regularly from your credit card – monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Checks can be given to Tom Hartzell at any of the upcoming Rotary meetings. Tom can also answer questions about the $2/week program or provide a form to sign up for automatic withdrawal.
Our club Foundation goal for 2013-14 is $5,000. We need the help and support of all club members to meet our goal.
Additional Info on Matching Points:
At the Nov. 13 Board Meeting, the Foundation Committee's recommendation to approve matching "points" was approved. For members who have not yet achieved Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) status for $1,000 cumulative donation, the club will match their donations of up to $100 with an equal number of "points" towards PHF recognition, allowing them to reach it sooner. (Depending on the number of points available, the match may also be offered to PHF members who donate also.)
Nov. 11 - SUCCESSFUL “SALUTE THE TROOPS”, and much more!
Nov. 11 - SUCCESSFUL “SALUTE THE TROOPS”, and much more!
Many thanks to our sponsors, ticket-buyers, attendees, helpers and the Allentown Band! Our 11th concert featured special appearances by “Chesty” (the US Marine Corps bulldog in full uniform who salutes), a moving rendition of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, soprano Katherine Christopher, clarinet soloist Steve Reisteter, a few words from US Congressman Charlie Dent, and members of the Northeast Middle School Band joining the Allentown Band. Homefront (Musical Memories of WW II) and the Armed Forces Salute (recognition of those in audience who served or have family who served) brought a tear to many an eye. Gary Hartney (concert Chair) and Pat DiLuzio (Executive Director of Victory House of the Lehigh Valley, our primary beneficiary) did the lion’s share of work – their efforts paid off and are very much appreciated! Please check out the article in today’s print edition Morning Call, and the photo gallery available online at http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-pictures-allentown-band-salute-the-troops-20131110,0,7434127.photogallery
Would you please get any outstanding money for tickets, sponsors, patrons and “In Honor Of” listings to Gary Hartney promptly, so we can determine the net proceeds and get a check to Victory House sooner? Checks may be given to Gary at a meeting, or mailed to him at 1757 Greenleaf Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Thank you!
NOV. 14 PROGRAM
Dennis Scholl will tell us about the Freemansburg Canal Education Center, and what it will mean to the community. We also hope to hear about some possible projects at the Center for a club like ours that could be done in the course of a work day, helped by $3,100 funding.
NOV. 14 DUTIES
Greeter – Iryna Levytska
Sergeant-at-Arms – Alex Shnaydruk
$2 Per Week – Ed Ortelli
50/50 – Tom Bailey
Invocation – Ron Helmuth
Introductions – Dee Elliott
Roadie – ???
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
NOVEMBER IS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH
Please see the story below from club Foundation Chair Tom Hartzell, and help Morning Star achieve our annual Foundation goals to help projects locally and around the world. The Rotarian Magazine and www.rotary.org also have great info on Rotary Foundation.
DICTIONARY PROJECT
Chair Ellen Roberts will firm up stamp/pack and delivery dates after the additional shipment is received – hopefully early this week. Student response has been heartwarming!
JOINT THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON – Nov. 20
Bethlehem Rotary will host its annual Joint Thanksgiving Meeting right here at Moravian Village on Wed. Nov. 20. This great event includes your favorite Thanksgiving foods plus salads, wine and a sundae bar. Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian College, will be the speaker. We hope to have strong Morning Star representation as we meet with Rotarians from around the Lehigh Valley. Please let me know if you won’t be at our meeting this Thursday and plan to attend the Joint Luncheon – we need to give an estimated count of attendees from our club. Cost is $20 per person at the door, with $5 of that going to Polio Eradication.
Reminders
November and December quite busy! Please see “Upcoming Events” on the side of this bulletin so you don’t miss anything!
Board Members – if not already done, please notify Val Walk whether you will attend the meeting this Wednesday 11/13 at 6 PM. Thank you.
And this Friday, Nov. 15 is the due date to apply for Community Development Grants.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Morning Star was district leader (among 50+ clubs) in contribution to Rotary Foundation. (1996-97)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Freedom isn’t free. Thank you to all who paid that price.”
– Unknown
Please come this Thursday to hear from Dennis Scholl about the Freemansburg Canal Education Center, and for the (delayed) induction of Cheryl Baker, our newest Morning Star member!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Nov. 4 Message – In Bethlehem, Rotary is on a Roll!
Nov. 4 Message – In Bethlehem, Rotary is on a Roll!
The Morning Star and Bethlehem Rotary clubs have been very busy lately … and very successful!
SALUTE THE TROOPS IS ALMOST HERE – NOV 10!
Chair Gary Hartney needs 8-10 volunteers to help with parking, ticket sales and handing out programs. Please email glhartney@aol.com or sign up at this week’s meeting. (Plus a few people afterwards to help straighten up. Note: All volunteers will be able to enjoy the concert in its entirety.) I hope Ron Demkee’s terrific presentation on the Allentown Band last Thursday encourages even more of you to sell (or buy) tickets, and to attend!
Our primary beneficiary is Victory House of Lehigh Valley, specifically its veterans’ programs. Victory House is an excellent partner with marketing, selling tickets and sponsorships, as well as supplying volunteers for the concert and our Spaghetti Dinner.
DICTIONARY PROJECT & NOV. 7 SPEAKER JACK SILVA
Phase one of our Dictionary Project with Bethlehem Rotary is going beautifully, and chair Ellen Roberts will let us know the stamping, packing and handing out dates for additional schools when the next book shipment is received. Don’t miss our Nov. 7 program! Jack Silva, Assistant Superintendent BASD, will give a curriculum guru’s views on Bethlehem’s 3rd graders, dictionaries and reading! Because Jack needs to get to work, his presentation will start about 7:35 AM – please arrive early. (We’ll have club announcements afterwards.)
NOV. 7 DUTIES
Greeter – Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms – Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week – Wayne Achey
50/50 – Sue Burnett
Invocation – Tom Kolepp
Introductions – Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
5K / 10K
Two matching grants of $1,000 each have been approved by Thrivent Financial for Lutheran chapters! We’ll have a good estimate of net proceeds after this month’s board meeting.
Joint Thanksgiving Meeting Nov. 20
Bethlehem Rotary will host its annual Joint Thanksgiving Meeting right here at Moravian Village on Wed. Nov. 20. This great event includes your favorite Thanksgiving foods plus salads, wine and a sundae bar. Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian College, will be the speaker. We hope to have strong Morning Star representation as we meet with Rotarians from around the Lehigh Valley. Please let me know if you plan to attend – we need to give an estimated count of attendees from our club. Cost is $20 per person at the door, with $5 of that going to Polio Eradication.
Congratulations for Bethlehem Rotary’s “Tastes & Tunes”
Sunday’s Morning Call featured a very nice article on Bethlehem Rotary’s first (but not last!) “Tastes & Tunes” fundraiser, which netted over $30,000 to benefit the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley. Congratulations to our “parent” club on a great new event!
Reminders
November is quite busy! Please see “Upcoming Events” on the side of this bulletin so you don’t miss anything!
Nov. 15 is the due date to apply for Community Development Grants (see story on website).
And please contact Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp tkolepp@gmail.com if you might be interested in serving on the board next year.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Initiated the now-annual joint Golf Tournament with Bethlehem Rotary. (1995-96)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Tell me and I’ll forget.
Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I’ll understand.”
– Native American Proverb
Please come this Thursday to hear about Bethlehem’s 3rd graders, dictionaries and reading; and the induction of Cheryl Baker, our newest Morning Star member … and remember to vote tomorrow!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Oct. 30 DOWNTOWN MEETING AT SANDS HOTEL!
The Sands Hotel has its own separate entrance. There is free parking in parking lots adjacent to the hotel. Enter the hotel and proceed to the elevators. The Foundry Room is on the second floor of the hotel.
Bob DeSalvio, President of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, will be the speaker. Topic - Bob’s plans for the Sands Resort. NOTE: Lunch will still be $12.00.
Oct. 28 Message – More on ROTAPLAST, and we prepare to “SALUTE THE TROOPS”!
Oct. 28 Message – More on ROTAPLAST, and we prepare to “SALUTE THE TROOPS”!
Last Thursday when our scheduled speaker fell ill at the last minute, Past Assistant Governor Jean McGill graciously agreed to return and share some Rotaplast info we missed when her original presentation was cut short. Her videos demonstrated so vividly how Rotaplast changes lives! Thank you, Jean.
ROTAPLAST ON-AIR AUCTION
ITEMS SOUGHT – Please see the sheets emailed last week. If you have any items to donate, such as event tickets, restaurant or other gift cards, collectibles, household goods in excellent condition, etc. please let me know. Linda Young can collect items from our club when she visits the Board Meeting next month.
No items? No problem! Monetary donations or your purchase of auction items on Dec. 7 also help tremendously!
For more info, please see www.district7430.org.
OCT. 31 MEETING
This week our meeting falls on Halloween! Let’s have some fun and wear spooky ties, earrings, accessories or clothing! We’ll hear from Ron Demkee, Conductor about the Allentown Band (America’s Oldest) and our concert.
Victory House Director Pat DiLuzio plans to attend, too. Please see the separate story on “Salute the Troops”.
OCT. 31 DUTIES
Greeter – Jan Chicka
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week – Chuck Uhl
50/50 – Tom Mohr
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Marianne Aronson
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
MEMBER HANDBOOK
The Morning Star “Member Handbook” was emailed last Thursday, and is also available in “Club Documents” under Admin on the website (after sign-in). Rick Santee, Jess Elliott and the Membership Committee have done a terrific job – please check it out!
REMINDERS
November will be quite busy! Please see “Upcoming Events” on the side of this bulletin so you don’t miss anything!
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
For the president’s turnover, we held a Road Rally and picnic. (1995-96)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Look up and not down.
Look forward and not back.
Look out and not in, and lend a hand.”
– Edward Everett Hale
Please come this Thursday to hear some great music and have some spooky fun!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
The DICTIONARY Project
DICTIONARY Project Update
Starting this week and continuing into November, we will handing out dictionaries jointly with Bethlehem Rotarians to 3rd graders, and explaining a little bit about Rotary to them!
Once our additional books arrive, chair Ellen Roberts will be looking for more helpers to stamp/pack and hand them out at the additional schools. Everyone who has participated in the past describes the experience as wonderful. When Ellen sends around the info, we hope you'll find a spot to volunteer!
And on Nov. 7, our speaker will be Jack Silva, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum in the Bethlehem Area School District. The program is titled: "A Curriculum Guru Talks About Bethlehem's Third Graders, Dictionaries And Reading."
“Salute the Troops” Concert - Patrons and IHO by Oct. 31
“Salute the Troops” Concert - Patrons and "In Honor Of" listings by Oct. 31
If buying tickets you are unable to use, please notify Gary Hartney - we'll fill seats by inviting Victory House residents and others.
Who? The Allentown Band will entertain Rotarians, friends, family, veterans, students and the general public
What? An excellent concert by the oldest municipal band in the country, featuring patriotic and related songs.
When? Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3:00 pm
Where? Northeast Middle School’s new Auditorium
1170 Fernwood St., Bethlehem
(Parking very close, and easy access)
Why? To benefit Victory House of the Lehigh Valley and other Morning Star Rotary charities. Many of those served by Victory House are Veterans.
How can you help?
- Buy (or sell) the 6 tickets (or more!) given to each member by chair Gary Hartney. Adult ticket price remains $10, and this year a special Student rate of $5 is offered to encourage attendance.
- Become a Patron (listing in the concert program book) or recognize an active or veteran member of the Armed Services with an “In Honor Of” listing. (Get the form at meetings, or from Downloads on the club home page.)
- Post concert flyers in grocery stores and anywhere else potential concert-goers might see them!
- Help the day of the concert with taking tickets, ushering, etc.
- Enjoy the concert with family and friends!
Questions? Contact Gary Hartney glhartney@aol.com
Thank you!
PURPLE PINKIE 5K RUN DESALES UNIVERSITY NOV. 3
Oct. 21 Message – MORNING STAR IS ENGAGING ROTARY!
Oct. 21 Message – MORNING STAR IS ENGAGING ROTARY!
Last Thursday we talked about how well our club is progressing towards annual goals, and heard updates from each committee. Morning Star Rotary is growing, and almost half of our 57 members serve on the Board and/or as a committee chair or co-chair. Plus, over 80% helped with the 5K / 10K by planning, volunteering on race day, stuffing bags or donating to the event!
Four members have sponsored new members so far, and six attended Rotary Leadership Institute. November is Rotary Foundation Month, so we’ll hold off on review of those goals until afterwards.
Morning Star’s finances are strong, and reports are available in “Club Documents” on the website (after you log in). The Board has reallocated $700 originally budgeted for Youth Exchange to the Dictionary Project (see separate story), since Retief had to leave early and we did not receive a student in September.
Secretary Val Walk asks that your meeting make-ups be emailed to val@btcu.org – she’s not always aware when committees have met or who was there.
Thanks to all the committee leaders who brought us up to speed on activities to date and future plans. Monthly Board Minutes contain much info, and are posted in Club documents after approval. If you have any corrections/changes to the committee members “snapshot” distributed last week, would you please email me?
ROTAPLAST ON-AIR AUCTION ITEMS SOUGHT
If you have any items to donate (such as electronics, home goods, jewelry, toys, gift baskets, tickets, or sports memorabilia) please let me know. Linda Young can collect items from our club when she visits the Board Meeting next month. For more info, please see www.district7430.org .
OCT. 24 DUTIES
Greeter – Eileen Dunn
Sergeant-at-Arms – Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week – Tom Bailey
50/50 – Janet Kolepp
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
We celebrated the Fifth Anniversary of our Charter Night at the Hotel Bethlehem. (1995)
QUOTE of the Week: The Serenity Prayer
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.”
– Reinhold Niebuhr
Please come this Thursday as Allan Syphers updates us on ShelterBox! (See story above)
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Oct. 24 is World Polio Day!
Oct. 24 is World Polio Day! ... an occasion to recommit ourselves towards eradication of polio.
Dear Rotarians:
World Polio Day Is October 24th. There is a Streamed live event at 5:30 pm CDT at www.endpolionow,org.
At this event we will hear from world renowned speakers such as Dr. Bruce Aylward (Director, Global Polio Eradication Initiative) and the Northwestern University Center for Global Health will deliver a global status update on the fight to end Polio.
Remember the Gates Partnership of two-to-one, up to US $35 million per year. For example every $100 dollars Rotary commits to End polio, the Gates Foundation will provide $200, making it $300 to be used for the End Polio Now Initiative.
DG Frank
Francis P. Romano
Community Development Grant Applications Due Nov. 15
Community Development Grant Applications Due Nov. 15
Desty Bonstein and the Community Development Grants Committee now invite applications for our 2013-14 grants. While this year’s theme is Health and Human Services, we ask that you think “outside the box” for potential applicants. The PROJECT (not the organization) must fit the theme. So a human services project by a youth group or arts organization would qualify. Grants generally range from $500 to $1,500 each, with a total of $3,000 budgeted.At least one application has been received so far.
If you volunteer with or are otherwise aware of any potential applicants, would you please forward the Request for Proposal (RFP) to the appropriate people there? The “Request for Proposal” document was emailed to members last week, and is also in Downloads on www.morningstarrotary.org for easy access - no log-in required.
Alternatively, email that organization's info to Desty: dbonstein@embassybank.com . Super if you can provide a contact person with email address or phone number.
Applications must be postmarked no later than November 15, 2013 for consideration.
Thank You!
The Community Development Grants Committee
Oct. 17 Message MARVELOUS MARIANNE!
Oct. 14 Message – MARVELOUS MARIANNE!
All who attended last Thursday’s meeting now understand how diverse and interesting our member and Assistant Governor (AG) Marianne Aronson is! I felt tired just hearing about all the places she has lived and worked, and all her activities … sure leaves VERY little time for TV. I am so happy that she fits Morning Star Rotary into her retirement schedule! Marianne is Past President of her former club in NJ, and she is in her 3rd year as AG in District 7430. For the first 2 years she covered 5 clubs in Berks County, often traveling busy, narrow Rte. 222 and back roads in the dark before breakfast meetings and after dinner meetings. Fortunately for us, she now works with Bethlehem, Morning Star, Nazareth and Easton. Marianne, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photos and stories, and even more for your dedication to Rotary!
DICTIONARY PROJECT
On Tuesday we will help Bethlehem Rotary stamp and box the books for delivery to the schools. Then later in October and into November we’ll do the same for some additional locations, as well as participate in handing both sets out to the 3rd graders in many schools. If you’d like to help but haven’t yet signed up at a meeting, please contact chair Ellen Roberts editor@wherebooksbegin.com . Our thanks to Deb Storm, Bethlehem Rotary and Ellen as we initiate Morning Star’s participation in this very meaningful project. On Nov. 7 our speaker will address the value of dictionaries in this digital age, and we plan to share the project experience with the club at another meeting after all has been completed.
ROTAPLAST ON-AIR AUCTION ITEMS SOUGHT
If you have any items to donate, such as event tickets, restaurant or other gift cards, collectibles, household goods in excellent condition, etc. please let me know. Linda Young can collect items from our club when she visits the Board Meeting next month. For more info, please see www.district7430.org .
SAUCON ROTARY ROAD RALLY THIS SUNDAY OCT. 20
A fun drive through scenic countryside with stops including local wineries. This fundraiser costs $35 per person for driver and co-pilot, $10 for passengers. Please contact me for the event flyer.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST …
Past President Dave Cincera had so much fun at our changeover meeting that he plans to visit soon, and even contemplates rejoining. Tim Brion continues to be very busy, and hopes to visit us in the spring or summer.
OCT. 17 PROGRAM – CLUB ASSEMBLY
Progress towards our goals for the year, and committee updates
OCT. 17 DUTIES
Greeter – Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Janet Westlund
50/50 – Sue Reeps
Invocation – Janet Sipple
Introductions – Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
With a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant, we helped establish a Village Bank in Peru. This project involved micro-loans, enabling women to support their families with home-based businesses. (1994-95)
QUOTE of the Week:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
– Walt Disney
Please come this Thursday for our Club Assembly.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
"Ask Me About Rotary" buttons
Please return "Ask Me About Rotary" buttons to President Jean. There are still a number outstanding from the Race. Thank you.
More on the Race!
More on the Race!
A few more tidbits about the race …
10K Run
228 runners posted finishing times. Congratulations to overall winner Craig Neiman at 36:31.3, and to Dan Sobinski who finished hot on his heels at 36:31.9. Carolyn Dunham was the fastest female with a time of 40:06.5.
5K Run & Walk
390 participated, with Michael Lehtonen smoking the field at 16:14.3. Kami Reinhard was the first female across the finish line, in 18:54.1.
Kilts and more
Celtic spirit infused the event, with kilt-wearers receiving food and beverage tickets donated by Celtic Classic. (Though the dog in a kilt wasn’t old enough to drink a beer.) And the “Muskets of the Crown” group took this spirit to a whole new level!
Many thanks for sharing their photos – see lots more at http://musketsofthecrown.homestead.com/2013celticfest.html !
All our participants and helpers had a great time, with the biggest winner being Special Olympics PA - Bethlehem!
Their programs change lives – not only those of the Special Olympians themselves, but also of the athletes’ families. Thanks so much for your help!
Oct. 7 Message – Rotary Leadership Institute
Oct. 7 Message – Rotary Leadership Institute
On Saturday Oct. 5, six Morning Star Rotarians experienced Rotary Leadership Institute, or RLI, in King of Prussia, PA. The annual turnover of leadership positions in Rotary requires constant effort to prepare more Rotarians for those responsibilities. The leadership course is offered in three full-day parts. Iryna Levytska, Ron Searfoss and I attended Part I, with sessions on leadership, how Rotary is organized, engaging members, the Rotary Foundation, ethics and vocational service, and service projects. Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp and Asst. Gov. Marianne Aronson attended Part II, which covered strategic planning & analysis, targeted service, club communication, team building and attracting members. Past. Pres. Sue Burnett, having already completed Part III, took part in the in-depth seminar of the Graduate Program. (This after she attended new grants training last Saturday after all her help before and during the race - thanks Sue!)
Sharing the experiences and ideas of people from so many different clubs is terrific, and we made new friends, too. RLI’s sessions on leadership help the personal development of participants in all areas of their lives, not just for Rotary. Morning Star reimburses 100% of the cost, and we encourage ALL interested members to attend. (There is no commitment to be a club leader afterwards; we simply think that learning more will motivate members to volunteer.)
RLI of Northeast America holds classes throughout the northeast (naturally). While King of Prussia was the closest location, several others may be within commuting distance. Please see www.rlinea.com for future dates and cities. And please talk to any of us who just attended if you may be interested!
Reminder: Board Meeting this Wed., Oct. 9 at 6 pm, Moravian Village
OCT. 10 PROGRAM
“Everything you always wanted to know about MARIANNE ARONSON … but were afraid to ask!” (Also known as her Classification Talk.)
OCT. 10 DUTIES
Greeter – Ron Searfoss
Sergeant-at-Arms – Iryna Levytska
$2 Per Week – Alex Shnaydruk
50/50 – Shawn Deiter
Invocation – Gary Hartney
Introductions – Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
(Memories from each Past Presidents related to the year he or she served.)
Each year, raised and donated more funds than the prior year. (1994-95)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Every day when I got off the bus to walk to the build site, I had this movie quote in my head … that said “do good things today”. I guess that’s enough to ask, and the very minimum that I should expect of myself. And last week, I made it.”
– K. Catherine (Casey) Roney
On the Habitat for Humanity “Mekong Big Build”, where she volunteered with her Dad, Tom Roney, who presented to Morning Star Rotary last week.
Please come this Thursday to hear our own Marianne Aronson!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
"Mekong Big Build" Blog and Video
"Mekong Big Build" Blog and Video
Last Thursday we heard Tom Roney's inspiring program on the "Mekong Big Build".
Tom and his daughter went to Vietnam to participate in an international Habit for Humanity build of multiple houses in the Mekong Delta region. Tom told us about the trip, the work and the country. Tom shared his unique perspective as both a Habitat volunteer and a Vietnam era veteran. (This week's quote is from Casey Roney - please see above.)
For more info, please visit Tom & Casey's blog http:/roneyhabitatadventure.blogspot.com or click Habitat for Humanity's Mekong Big Build Video
Congrats & Thanks for Fantastic Morning Star Celtic Classic 5K / 10K!!!
Sep. 30 Message – Congrats & Thanks for Fantastic Morning Star Celtic Classic 5K / 10K!!!
Our 23rd Race was a resounding success. Funds raised from this event have cumulatively benefited Special Olympics over $100,000 as well as other Morning Star Charities.
Wow!!! While race stats may have to wait a week or two, congratulations and thanks abound now! Race director Jeff Kicska describes the event as “stunning”! Our 600+ runners and walkers on Sept. 28 included about 150 from Essroc alone (see photo)!
With help from our members (current, plus past and future), family and friends, we registered, fed and timed so many participants! The location, route and even the weather were perfect! (Using so many exclamation points, I feel like Sue Burnett.)
Our heartfelt thanks to Jeff and the entire race committee for their meticulous planning and preparations, which resulted in such a smooth operation on Saturday morning. And a special shout-out to those who arrived in the dark and/or stayed all the way thru garbage drop-off.
If you helped but were not on the sign-up sheet, please email Val val@btcu.org for attendance credit. And please return the “Ask Me About Rotary” buttons to me for use at future events. We’ll update you on race results in the coming weeks.
Guess what … after a brief rest, we have more important happenings this fall!
Community Development Grants
Distribution of the Request for Proposal details is expected in the next week or two.
Dictionary Project
We will help Bethlehem Rotary with the 9 schools they serve, and we hope to serve additional third graders, too. The anticipated timing is late Oct./early Nov., and specific dates will be shared as soon as known.
“Salute the Troops” on Nov. 10, 3:00 pm
Our concert by The Allentown Band will benefit Victory House and other Morning Star charities. We are now seeking sponsors, patrons and “In Honor Of” listings for the program book. Chair Gary Hartney will be distributing tickets which we ask you to sell (or buy). New location this year: Northeast Middle School’s great new auditorium.
Upcoming Programs
Please check out the interesting speakers scheduled in October, and consider bringing a visitor to one of our meetings.
Joint Thanksgiving Meeting on Nov. 20 with Bethlehem Rotary
The speaker will be Bryon L. Grigsby, President of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary. Please see the flyer in Downloads on our home page.
OCT. 3 DUTIES
Greeter – Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ed Ortelli
$2 Per Week – Sue Reeps
50/50 – Wayne Achey
Invocation – Ron Helmuth
Introductions – Need a Volunteer
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Our Theatre Night at Touchstone Theatre in southside Bethlehem. (1995)
QUOTE of the Week:
“To help yourself, help others. Whatever good you do travels a circle and returns to you many times over – but remember, life isn’t about what you get, it’s about what you become.” – Dennis Gaskill
Please come this Thursday to hear Tom Roney’s presentation on the “Mekong Big Build” (see story above)!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Race Questions?
Race Questions?
Please check the race website thoroughly first http://www.morningstarrotary.org/events/5k/ .
If that doesn't provide the answers you need, then please call race director Jeff Kicska at 484-542-2204. With about 600 registrants to date, he is VERY busy - so we ask that you contact him only if really necessary.
Thanks, and hope to see you Saturday!
Official Facebook Page for Morning Star Rotary
Special thanks to Iryna Levytska!
Through her efforts our Official Facebook Page for Morning Star Rotary is easy to find -- www.facebook.com/morningstarrotary.
Please make an effort to check it out!
Sep. 23 Message – Three … two … one … AND WE’RE OFF!
Sep. 23 Message – Three … two … one … AND WE’RE OFF!
After many months of hard work by Jeff Kicska and the entire race committee, it’s now time for ALL of us to make this year’s race a success! With registrations approaching record levels and a new course requiring more marshals, we ask you to help and to bring family, friends and students (community service credit) if possible on Saturday.
BAG STUFFING
At Thursday’s meeting we will stuff the race bags. Many hands make for light work, and we have fun doing it!
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 – RACE DAY!!!
Where: The Start/Finish Line is on Old York Road – enter from Union Blvd. behind the Senior Centers.
When: 5:00 AM Setup Begins
6:30 AM Registrations and Race Packet Pickup Open
8:00 AM Race Begins
9:30 AM Awards and Raffle Prize Giveaway
Followed by clean-up
Even if you are not on the sign-up sheet, please come early and ask where you can assist. Thanks!
SEP. 26 DUTIES
Greeter – Ellen Roberts
Sergeant-at-Arms – Val Walk
$2 Per Week – Chuck Uhl
50/50 – Tom Bailey
Invocation – Tom Kolepp
Introductions – Frank Lulewitz
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Thanks
My thanks to Tom Kolepp for covering again last week. I missed an amazing program, “Two Blind To Ride” – see below.
Bethlehem Rotary’s Tastes & Tunes
The deadline to register for Tastes & Tunes has been extended to Friday, September 27. The event will be held on Sunday, October 6, at the Hotel Bethlehem from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservation forms can be found in Downloads on their homepage at www.bethlehemparotary.org.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Another from 1994: Birthday recognitions started – including “Fossil & Fossilette of the Month”. (So popular it has been brought back by popular demand.) Thanks, Tom Mohr!
QUOTE of the Week:
“We aren’t limited if we can’t see. We’re only limited if we don’t look.” – Two Blind To Ride
Please come this Thursday for bag stuffing, and on Saturday to help with the 5K/10K!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
“Two Blind To Ride”
Morning Star Rotary Hosted Special Presentation of “Two Blind To Ride”
On Thursday September 19 we welcomed two bicycle enthusiasts who rode their tandem bike 16,000 miles from Ushuaia, Argentina through 14 countries to Deadhorse, Alaska. Traversing the entire span of two continents is no easy feat on a bike – especially when both riders are legally blind. These two great adventurers - Christiana “Christi” Bruchok and Tauru Chaw – will be our program for the day.
Both Christi and Tauru have severe visual impairments, but this has never stopped them from chasing their dreams. After riding across America in 2009, they set their sights on a new goal – to ride from the tip of South America to the top of North America - while simultaneously raising awareness globally about the abilities of the sight-impaired and inspiring people everywhere to chase after their own dreams.
Christi and Tauru earned their bachelors and masters degrees in their chosen fields and they both work for Intel Corporation. Christi is from right here in the Lehigh Valley. They were visiting Christi’s parents – Gary and Tina Bruchok – so this was a rare opportunity to hear how two people are changing their world and the world around them. If you want to learn more about them visit their website at www.twoblindtoride.org.
Sep. 16 Message – My apologies; Rotaplast!
Sep. 16 Message – My apologies; Rotaplast!
I apologize to all of you, and especially to last week’s speaker, Jean McGill. Due to announcements etc. running long, the time for her moving presentation on Rotaplast was cut short. We are trying to get a copy of her file to post online for those who’d like to see the videos for which we didn’t have time.
The before and after photos are amazing, only to be outdone by the 1 year later pictures. And to see prior recipients of this life-changing (and sometimes life-saving) surgery grow up to come back and help with the missions is incredibly heartwarming.
District 7430’s On-Air Auction to fund the next Rotaplast mission will be held Dec. 7. Donations are already being sought. We’ll provide you with more info for the types of items needed as the auction approaches. Your help will be tremendously appreciated!!!
SEP. 19 PROGRAM
My thanks again to Tom Kolepp for filling in while I’m out of town!
SEP. 19 DUTIES
Greeter – Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Tom Bailey
50/50 – Ron Searfoss
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and, for this week, Tom Kolepp.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
This week it comes from 1994: The meeting between Christmas and New Year’s had no place to meet – the Holiday Inn didn’t expect us that week!
QUOTE of the Week:
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you” – Princess Diana
Please come this Thursday, and sign up to help with the 5K/10K!.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Local Make-Up Spots
Local Make-Up Spots
Allentown – Fri. 12:00 Noon
Holiday Inn, 904 W. Hamilton St.
Bethlehem – Wed. 12:00 Noon
Moravian Village, Right here!
Easton – Thur. 12:00 Noon
Pomfret Club, 33 S. 4th Street
Nazareth – Tues. 7:30 AM Moravian Hall Square
175 W. North St.
Saucon / Center Valley
Tues. 7:30 AM
DeSales Univ. 2755 Station Ave (University Center)
For all in our district, see
www.rotarydistrict7430.org
Sep. 9 Message – 5K/10K… and Rotaplast!
Sep. 9 Message – 5K/10K… and Rotaplast!
Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Jeff Kicska and wife Mary for designing a new 5K/10K course that keeps us very near Celtic classic without interfering, and provides much scenic, off-street mileage for the runners/walkers! It is now up to all of us to help make this revamped 5K/10K a resounding success. The new location and route require more volunteers for setup, course marshals and tear-down. Would you please sign up at this week’s meeting, or email Jeff@kicska.com? Family, friends, students, groups (scouts, teams, etc.) and past grant recipients are all very welcome!
Our 5K/10K epitomizes the Morning Star tradition of having lots of fun as we help people. Unless you are out of town, are incapacitated or have an urgent conflicting event, I hope we can count on your support. Thanks!
SEP. 12 MEETING
JEAN McGILL, Orthodontist, Rotaplast Mission Participant and our Past AG
“Rotaplast Mission Through an Orthodontist’s Worldview”
Last year’s moving presentation on Rotaplast motivated generous member contributions. This week we will hear from Dr. Jean McGill and learn even more about the program, this time from a mission participant who is also a health care professional!
SEP. 12 DUTIES
Greeter – Tom Hartzell
Sergeant-at-Arms – Jess Elliott
$2 Per Week – Jim Santanasto
50/50 – Dee Elliott
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
Donations included child seats to Bethlehem police for emergency transport, a wheelchair for racing, blankets and coats/packets for Bosnia/Croatia. (1992-93)
QUOTE of the Week:
“This is a changing world: we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.”
Paul Harris
Please come this Thursday to hear more about Rotaplast, and sign up to help with the 5K/10K!.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
ISO ALL THIRD GRADERS FOR DICTIONARY PROJECT
ISO ALL THIRD GRADERS FOR DICTIONARY PROJECT
We are excited to join with Bethlehem Rotary to provide an excellent dictionary to third graders. With the addition of Morning Star funding and manpower, chair Ellen Roberts reports that the goal has been expanded to provide them to every third grader in the Bethlehem area. The experience of many US Rotary clubs is that even in this digital age, personal possession of this special book means so much to so many students. Too often, this is the only book in the house!
The dictionaries will be stamped with Rotary info, personalized with each child’s name, and handed out by one Rotarian while another tells the class about Rotary. Bethlehem and Morning Star Rotarians will help stamp the books, pack them up, and deliver them to the third grade classes.
Schools already covered are (alphabetically, of course!): Calypso, Donegan, Dual language Charter School, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, Holy Infancy, Lincoln, Marvine, and William Penn.
In hope that Morning Star can supply resources to cover additional schools, we are researching Asa Packer, Buchanan, Clearview, Farmersville, Governor Wolf, Mill Heights, Notre Dame, Spring Garden, and Thomas Jefferson.
Not all students at schools in affluent areas are affluent, and we do not wish to stigmatize anyone by trying to give only to those “in need”. Would you please help Ellen identify any additional third graders not yet being considered? Please email info to her: editor@wherebooksbegin.com . Thank you!
THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT ROTARY!!!
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Sep. 2 Message - NEW GENERATIONS!
Sep. 2 Message – NEW GENERATIONS!
Aug. 29 – Special thanks to Pres. Elect Tom Kolepp for a great meeting! Larry Eighmy, the founder and leader of Stone House Group, and Retief’s host dad, spoke on energy efficient buildings and LEED certification.
Please join me in giving our newest member, McGehee Isaacs, a warm Morning Star welcome. Tom Kolepp (his sponsor!) had the honor of inducting him.
September means that vacation is over (it was great!), and it’s back to school and work. September is also Rotary International’s “New Generations Month”. As the current issue of The Rotarian states, “When you invest in young people, you invest in Rotary’s future.” Morning Star has a long tradition of support in this area, from Youth Exchange (inbound and outbound), to Camp Neidig (District 7430’s RLYA or Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), to the Four Way Test Speech Contest and including young helpers in our service projects.
Additional Rotary initiatives for “New Generations”, or youth service, include:
Interact – ages 12-18, usually in high schools
Rotaract – ages 18-30, both in colleges and community based
Rotary Community Corps – groups of non-Rotarians who work with Rotary on service projects
Rotary Peace Fellowships – academic opportunities related to conflict resolution
DG Frank Romano suggests that clubs partner with scouting organizations – we share many of the same values. Young scouts learning about Rotary may encourage them to participate, and eventually perhaps become Rotarians themselves.
SEP. 5 MEETING – Maestro Kicska and the Race Committee
The Committee will address the significant logistical challenges with the race at the excellent new venue. Detailed maps of the event and the Race Committee needs from the club will be the focus.
SEP. 5 DUTIES:
Greeter – Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Russ Pacala
$2 Per Week – Marianne Aronson
50/50 – Frank Lulewitz or Tom Mohr
Apparently we had 2 sheets out there, and both signed up
Invocation – Ron Helmuth
Introductions – Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
Fun meetings and activities included fellowship, music, club talents, picnics, a “Fancy Tie Contest”, 5:44 Gatherings, the Hay ride that wasn’t, ditto for the Christmas Party, and the Valentine’s Party that almost wasn’t.
(1992-93, when Tore Hartmann-Hansen was club President)
QUOTE of the Week:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
Please come Thursday and sign up to help with the race!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Race Sponsorships STILL AVAILABLE!
Happy Holiday Weekend MSR,
Many of you have approached me in a dead panic, terrified that it is too late to sponsor the 23rd Annual MSR 5K/10 Race!
I am here to put your fears at ease. It is in fact, NOT TOO LATE. But time is fleeting!
We are still accepting sponsorships for the RACE. But they are due soon. Sponsorships are due to me by September 13th. I don't need the money by then, I just need to know that you will be sponsoring and how much. Money is due by the end of September. $500 gets your company logo on the back of the T-shirt AND 3 free Race Registration for anyone in your organization to run in the race. Below $500 and your NAME gets on the shirt.
We really need all the sponsors we can get this year. We have additional expenses this year since we are not part of Celtic and we lost a couple of our older sponsors. So any sponsorship amount is greatly appreciated.
We also are still in need of Raffle Prizes. All runners are entered in a raffle. Please bring all raffle prizes to the September 12th meeting. Or let me know by email what they are. They need to be organized and Jeff makes a really nice Prize board.
Also do not forget to tell all your friends who love to run or walk about the race!
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Susan Burnett
Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star
Highly coveted Race Sponsorships are NOW available but they will not last long and they are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!!! AND, space is LIMITED on the T-shirt!!!! Just like last year, a $250 sponsorship will get your name on the shirt, a $500 sponsorship will get your LOGO on the shirt and $10,000 sponsorship will get YOUR FACE on the shirt AND I might name my last born grandchild after you! All sponsors get to put your marketing material in the Runner's race day bags. That is great publicity!
Here is a link to the forms (sorry, we can't attach documents to the bulletin; if any trouble copy below and paste into your web browser) ...
http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/7430/6556/HTML/205893//20135K10kSponsorshipForm22213.pdf
But they are merely a formality, I will accept your money without them filled out. Actually, Sue Reeps will take your money. Just make sure she knows what it's for. I need your logo in some type of electronic format for the shirt. And Jeff needs to know that you were a sponsor so he can get your logo up on the website.
Not up for a sponsorship but still want to support the race? You can also donate a prize for the raffle. All the runners are entered in our raffle and they LOVE the raffle!!! Especially last year when that guy won the free tanning session and body waxing session. He was SOOO EXCITED. He ran right up to the stage, positively giddy.
Sponsorships need to be in by September 13th!
Thanks for your support!
Susan and Stan
burnetts@rcn.com svasiliadis@elderlaw-penn.com
Aug. 23 Message – Breaking News, Terry Reed on membership … and LARRY EIGHMY!
Aug. 23 Message – Breaking News, Terry Reed on membership … and LARRY EIGHMY!
Breaking News – Rafael and Paula de la Hoz’s baby was born on Aug. 16! We don’t yet have details yet, but Rafael plans to be there next week to give a couple of very happy dollars!
On Aug. 22, Terry Reed, District Membership Chair, shared some great ideas with us. Under the leadership of Rick Santee and Jess Elliott, our club Membership Committee is already doing many of Terry’s suggested actions – good job! We also learned some potential new ways to attract and retain members.
Next Thursday, Larry Eighmy will speak on energy efficient buildings and LEED certification. Larry is the founder and leader of Stone House Group, and was Retief’s host dad. Please give him a warm welcome. And if McGehee Isaacs is available, Tom Kolepp (his sponsor!) will induct him – Tom is kindly filling while I’m away.
AUG. 29 DUTIES:
Greeter – Desty Bonstein
Sergeant-at-Arms – Tom Hartzell
$2 Per Week – Bill Jahn
50/50 – Jan Chicka
Invocation – Need a Volunteer
If you can help, please email Tom Kolepp tkolepp@gmail.com
Introductions – Charlie Incalcaterrai
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Tom Kolepp (this week).
The “FUN FACT” and QUOTE of the Week are going on vacation this week with me.
Bethlehem Rotary offers to add you to their weekly bulletin distribution – please send your name and email address to Al Philpotts aphilpotts@gmail.com .
Have a great week!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Bethlehem Rotary Weekly Bulletin
BAG STUFFING FOR RACE
September 26 meeting will see us all come together to 'stuff the bags' for the 5K/10K Race on September 28.
Additional volunteers are needed for the 'stuffing' and especially the Race/Walk on Saturday at the new fantastic race course.
Aug. 19 Message – Retief’s Farewell … and Membership Month!
Aug. 19 Message – Retief’s Farewell … and Membership Month!
RETIEF’S FAREWELL
A nice turnout (including most of the Eighmy family) bade Retief a fond farewell last week, after seeing his excellent photo presentation.
What an experience! In thirty-one days he visited so many places across the US that some of us have never seen, and made friendships with students from around the world. Although his time here was cut short, it will impact Retief’s entire outlook on life. (We’re asking Retief for permission to post his presentation on our website, accessible by members only.)
AUGUST 22 MEETING
August is Rotary International’s “Membership and Extension Month”, and Tom Kolepp has arranged for an inspiring presentation this week from Terry Reed, Membership Chair for District 7430.
Terry’s ideas will complement the already wonderful job being done by Morning Star’s Membership Committee: “Be Our Guest” brochures, plus New Member packets / handbooks and mentoring. After inducting McGehee Isaacs (his 7 Day Notice is out), we will already have SIX new or reactivated members since June 30! Please be sure to welcome and get to know Janet Westlund, Tom Mohr, Janet Sipple, Jan Chicka and Ron Searfoss as well as McGehee … and Bill Hunter plans to rejoin in the fall.
From RI Pres. Ron Burton’s letter in the August issue of The Rotarian:
“We have to make sure that every Rotarian, in every club, has a meaningful job – one that makes a real difference to the cub and the community. Because when you’re doing something meaningful in Rotary, Rotary is meaningful to you.”
AUG. 22 DUTIES:
Greeter – Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms – Val Walk
$2 Per Week – Ed Ortelli
50/50 – Ron Searfoss
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss.
THANK YOU!
My personal thanks to each one of you for getting this year off to such a strong start. As of August 15, all dues were paid, freeing up board time for more productive club business. And the August 14 board meeting included reports from every committee that’s active at this time of year. All the positive energy and attitudes are a joy to behold. Morning Star will be very well represented at RLI on October 5 (Rotary Leadership Institute – see separate story), and at the District Conference the first weekend in May. Janet Sipple has agreed to create our club’s “Kentucky Derby Hat” for the conference – a perfect fit!
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
1992 marked the inaugural singing of the Morning Star version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Written and periodically updated by Rick Santee, it has become an annual club holiday tradition!
QUOTE of the Week:
“‘The only true gift is a portion of yourself.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
The next bulletin will be both early (Friday) and quite brief – it’s vacation time!
Please come Thursday to hear some inspiring membership ideas from Terry Reed, District Membership Chair.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
And the Sign Says...
Rotarian Jeff Kicska went above and beyond helping Ron Helmuth and Hogar Crea at Musikfest!
Polio Immunization and West Africa Project Fair Trip for Rotarians - October 2013
Polio Immunization and West Africa Project Fair Trip for Rotarians - October 2013
Announcing an upcoming trip to Togo, West Africa in October 2013 to participate in a polio immunization exercise, attend the 9th Annual West Africa Project Fair, and engage in a hands-on work project. For detailed trip information contact Jean Searfoss.
Trip Dates: October 15 – 24, 2013
Travel to: Lomé, Togo, West Africa
Per Person Price: $1,689, double occupancy
Program includes: Hotel accommodations, transfers, most meals, polio immunization exercise, hands-on community service field work, West Africa Project Fair registration, special Rotary and fellowship events, sightseeing, etc.
In October 2013, North American Rotarians will travel to Lomé, Togo, for a life changing experience. Have you ever heard a Rotarian speak about their personal experience participating in a polio eradication exercise, a cleft lip/cleft palate mission, or work on a humanitarian grant? These trips have a profound effect upon the individual. For those of you who have gone on one of these trips you know, and for those of you who have yet to enjoy this experience, you should.
The experiences you have stay with you forever. You get up early in the morning, travel with local Rotarians to a village, health clinic or impoverished neighborhood, and for the next few hours, you change. Small children come up to you to say thank you. Mothers and fathers smile at you knowing that you are giving their child a chance for a better life. You meet with the leaders in the village to learn of their needs and their hopes. It is hot; it is dusty; it makes you uncomfortable; it is exquisite.
The West Africa Project Fair is endorsed by Rotary’s Reach Out to Africa Committee (ROTA), who is trying to generate greater connectivity between the African and North American Rotarians to generate greater support of the projects of Africa. Your involvement, or your club’s involvement, in this Fair would not only provide an opportunity for project support, it would also help your members to grow and to understand the benefits of being a Rotarian. Involvement in Rotary gives the ordinary Rotarian extraordinary opportunities to do things that they could never do anywhere else. This trip is just such an experience.
Bradford R. Howard, PDG
North American Coordinator West Africa Project Fair Committee
516 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: (510) 834-2260
E-mail: Rotary@HowardTours.netAug. 12 Message – Club Plans, plus Retief’s Adventure and Farewell
Aug. 12 Message – Club Plans, plus Retief’s Adventure and Farewell
Club Plans
Last week our program opened with the demographics of our 51 members at 6/30/13 – broken down by gender, age and years in Rotary. We then reviewed club goals for membership/participation and Rotary Foundation as well as planned service projects and activities. A few brief comments on committees (please email me your updates!) were followed by a summary of our annual budgets for both the Operating Account and the Charitable Account*. (* Donations by individuals are tax-deductible as contributions, and beneficiaries must be qualified charitable organizations.) When looking at the budget, please remember that the Golf Tournament funds run through Bethlehem Rotary’s bank account and do not appear here.
The presentation is available on www.morningstarrotary.org as a pdf in case you missed it, or might like to review any of the slides. (After signing in click Admin, then under “My ClubRunner” on the left side click “View Club Documents”.) The detailed budget is also posted there.
AUGUST 15 MEETING
This week Retief will show and tell us about his 31 Days Across America with Students from Around the World … aka “10,000 Miles on a Bus!”
Please plan to attend, as it is also our farewell to Retief, who is returning home to South Africa early to improve his academics for university qualification. We are so sorry to see him leave so soon, but understand he had to make a very tough decision that will impact the rest of his life.
AUG. 15 DUTIES:
Greeter – Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week – Alex Shnaydruk
50/50 – Ginny Wolkoff
Invocation – Janet Kolepp
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Ron Searfoss.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
First, an addendum to last week’s Fun Fact on the history of Morning Star’s 5K …
After Bill McCoach moved away, John Gisolfi chaired the event for 2 years before Tom Kolepp took over.
And for this week …
In 1991 we designed and constructed a float for the city of Bethlehem’s 250th Anniversary Parade!
QUOTE of the Week:
Concerning all the wonderful ways Rotarians serve …
“‘Why?’, they ask. Because we can … and we care!”
– Frank Romano, District 7430 Governor 2013-14
Please come this Thursday to hear about Retief’s once in a lifetime trip, and help us bid him a fond farewell!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
Cell 610-504-1455
Aug. 5 Message – DG Frank and Club Plans for 2013-14
Aug. 5 Message – DG Frank and Club Plans for 2013-14
Our thanks to District Governor Frank Romano and his wife Jean for visiting us last week.
Frank’s inspiring talk was one of the best I’ve ever heard from the DG. He highlighted how mayor international projects like polio eradication and shelter boxes grow from the idea and passion of a single person to an initiative at a club or local level and expand to encompass a nation and then the world through Rotary International. Thanks also to our own Marianne Aronson, who as Assistant Governor serves as Frank’s liaison to clubs in Bethlehem, Nazareth and Easton. (Previously she covered clubs in Berks County.)
After the club meeting, Morning Star’s board met with DG Frank to review our goals and preparations for the coming year. He praised the club’s diversity of projects, and the service of Morning Star members at the District Level (more on this in future issues).
We were delighted to induct two new members on August 1 – a great start to Rotary International’s “Membership and Extension Month”. Please extend a warm welcome to Jan Chicka and my husband Ron Searfoss. Jan has already been recruited to help with food for the 5K/10K, and Ron is the new weekly bulletin editor and handling A/V at meetings!
AUGUST 8 MEETING
This week we’ll talk about our Club Plans for 2013-14. Starting with a snapshot of the club at July 1, we’ll then present goals for the year including membership, service and Rotary Foundation. After a brief overview of our committees, we’ll share a summary of the club budget so you can see where our money comes from … and where it goes. Would you please join us?
AUG. 8 DUTIES:
Greeter – Ed Ortelli
Sergeant-at-Arms – Jess Elliott
$2 Per Week – Dee Elliott
50/50 – Marianne Aronson
Invocation – Tom Kolepp
Introductions – Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
In 1990 we started the “5K Run With Rotary” to benefit Bethlehem Special Olympics, a brainstorm of then member Bill McCoach who served as Race Director for many years. While this event has changed names, locations and even distance (adding the 10K option), it continues to help Special Olympics and other Morning Star beneficiaries every year. When Bill moved out of state, Tom Kolepp stepped in, moving the venue and growing the number of participants. For the past several years, Jeff Kicska and the race committee have done a terrific job, and the event is now ...
QUOTE of the Week:
“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”
– Chinese Proverb
I hope to see you this Thursday!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Sad News – Mary Matz Passed Away
Sad News – Mary Matz Passed Away
For those of you who may not have heard yet, Morning Star Rotary lost a wonderful long-time member on July 31 when Rev. Dr. Mary Matz passed away. Her obituary describes Mary as “a theological pioneer and the first woman to become an ordained minister within the Moravian Church in America.” In addition to extensive pastoral and other religious responsibilities, Mary served the United Way, YWCA, Rotary International and new Bethany Ministries. Morning Star was blessed to have Mary as a member from 1991 until a few years ago when medical issues prevented her continued participation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her husband Bill Sr. (of the Bethlehem Rotary Club), and sons Bill Jr. (former Morning Star Rotary member) and Randall. When I saw Bill Sr. last Thursday he said that Mary missed Morning Star … we will certainly miss Mary.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, at East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Rd., Bethlehem PA 18017. Online condolences may be placed at www.longfuneralhome.com.
Lehigh University story on Alex Shnaydruk!
Jim Santanasto emailed this link to a great story published recently by Lehigh University about our own Alex Shnaydruk:
"A worldly traveler sharpens his global edge"
Please check it out at ...
(If you have any trouble with the link, please copy it and paste it into your web browser.)
July 29 Message – Important Speaker, plus 2 New Members to be Inducted!
July 29 Message – Important Speaker, plus 2 New Members to be Inducted!
Our first “official” meeting at Moravian Village on July 25 was a resounding success – several members even gave happy dollars for the great breakfast! While there may be a few kinks to work out getting used to our new home, all went rather smoothly and we think this move will be very beneficial to Morning Star Rotary.
Camp Neidig was the program topic – many thanks to Rick Morrissey for making all the arrangements. John St. Clair (club committee chair) introduced Charlie Incalcaterra, District chair or co-chair of the camp for about 25 years! Charlie described his recent trip to Ireland, and tied in how leadership characteristics demonstrated at the camp can make such a difference in the real world. But the real star of the show was Greg Wright - Geoff & BethAnn’s son and Don Smith’s grandson. Greg’s overview included specifics on one of the speakers (a Holocaust survivor) and a mock-up of one of their problem-solving exercises. He is already using some of what he learned in leading his group within the band, and looks forward to practicing more of the skills taught.
AUGUST 1 MEETING
This Thursday is our official visit from District 7430 Governor Frank Romano.
I have had the pleasure of talking with DG Frank at Pre-PETS, PETS (Pres. Elect Training Seminar), and the District Assembly. Please come to show your support and respect for DG Frank’s hard work, and to hear his great ideas! After the club meeting, the board will meet with DG Frank for about an hour, and committee chairs are invited to join us.
In addition, we will be inducting two new members: Jan Chicka and my husband, Ron Searfoss. Let’s give them a warm Morning Star welcome!
AUG. 1 DUTIES:
Greeter – Stan Vasiliadis
Sergeant-at-Arms – Rafael de la Hoz
$2 Per Week – Jim Santanasto
50/50 – Sue Reeps
Invocation – Gary Hartney
Introductions – Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
YOUR CLUBRUNNER PROFILE
Our lives are so busy, it can be easy to overlook updating your Rotary profile. An email was sent earlier this week asking that you check your listing, make any necessary changes, and add a photo if not already there. We’d like to get all the info current so members can contact each other easily. (If you’d like any help with ClubRunner, please see the story on our club home page or contact me.) And if there's no photo of you in there yet, we may take one at a meeting and upload it so it's easier for members to get to know each other.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
From its inception in 1990 (just a few years after Rotary went “co-ed”), Morning Star has been unselfconsciously and deliberately inclusive of women. In the early years we were about 25% female; that proportion has grown to 40-45% and has been equitably reflected in club leadership. Barb Seifert-Sigmon was our first female president in 1991-92, and the first one in the district! Since then, Claire Rij, Diane Donaher, Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen, Dee Elliott, Eileen Dunn and Susan Burnett have all served as Morning Star presidents.
QUOTE of the Week:
“Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid."
– Albert Schweitzer
I hope to see you this Thursday as we host our District 7430 Governor, Frank Romano!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
INVENTORY - Do you have Rotary "stuff"?
INVENTORY - Do you have Rotary "stuff"?
Various club members have assorted supplies at their homes and offices ... and maybe even their cars? Val Walk (secretary), Russ Pacala (Sgt-at-Arms and Historian) and Rick Santee (Membership Chair) come to mind immediately. We'd like to create a club "Inventory" list indicating who has what, so it will be easier for club members to find what they need. (I'll cover items at Moravian Village, plus some extras from Kirkland currently at my house.)
If you are holding Morning Star "stuff", would you please email the details to me at jsearfoss@cementemployers.com ? Thanks!
Meet Your 2013-14 Board – Recap from July 18 Meeting
Meet Your 2013-14 Board – Recap from July 18 Meeting
Since more of you appear to glance through the bulletin than visit our club website www.morningstarrotary.org, we’d like to introduce your 2013-14 Morning Star Rotary
Board members:
OFFICERS:
President.... Jean Searfoss
President Elect.... Tom Kolepp
Vice President.... Need a Volunteer!
.... (Contact Tom Kolepp for info)
Secretary.... Val Walk
Treasurer.... Sue Reeps
DIRECTORS thru
June 2014.... Marianne Aronson (Asst. Governor)
.... Gary Hartney
.... Jeff Kicska (staying an extra year!)
.... Ben Tenaglia
June 2015.... Rafael de la Hoz
.... Robin Metzler (started early!)
.... Ellen Roberts
.... Barb Seifert-Sigmon
In addition, Russ Pacala does an excellent job as Sergeant-at-Arms, a non-voting position.
Thanks to all for serving!
July 22 Message – Our New Home, and Camp Neidig Presentation
July 22 Message – Our New Home, and Camp Neidig Presentation
Thanks to Bishop Rev. Kingsley Lewis from the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown for his interesting and informative presentation last week. For a 10-year-young club with 28 members, they do so much! He will advise us of any potential international collaboration projects, in case we might like to partner with them.
July 25: This week is Morning Star’s first “official” meeting at our new home, Moravian Village, and our program is CAMP NEIDIG! We’ll hear from John “Forever Young” St. Clair (club Chair), Charlie Incalcaterra (Chair or Co-Chair of the District Camp Neidig Event for many years), and some or all of our students.
This year Morning Star sponsored three students to Camp Neidig for 4 days over Father’s Day weekend: Taylor Treadwell from Bethlehem Catholic, Gregory Wright from Freedom (Geoff & BethAnn's son) and Kyle Whang from Moravian Academy. (Next year we will invite a student from Bethlehem Area Vo Tech also.)
What is Camp Neidig, you ask? The website explains ...
WHO: High school juniors living within Rotary District 7430, which covers much of southeastern Pennsylvania.
WHAT: A leadership camp that brings together talented high school students for a four-day weekend of fun, friendship, and team-building activities. Campers interact with guest speakers from various professional backgrounds who discuss what it means to be a good leader. They also participate in various problem solving activities that can be both physically and mentally challenging. Every activity throughout the weekend is designed to help campers develop their leadership and teamwork abilities. Many campers feel that: "We come as strangers but leave as friends."
I had the pleasure of attending the closing ceremonies this year, and was very impressed. The counselors enjoy Camp Neidig so much they return year after year, some traveling from very far away. Monday evening’s presentation highlighted 8 leadership characteristics: focus, passion, temperance, respect, self-discipline, consistency, order and cooperation. It was a delight to see so many terrific young people working together!
Please come to Moravian Village this Thursday to hear for yourself what a difference Camp Neidig makes in the lives of our young men and women!
Duties:
Greet – Tom Kolepp
Sgt-at-Arms – Janet Kolepp
$2/Week – Chuck Uhl
50/50 (yes, it’s back!) – Robin Metzler
Invocation – Mike Long
Introductions – Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
Then Aug. 1 will be our visit from Rotary District 7430 Governor Frank Romano. Board members are requested to stay afterward for about an hour to meet with him, and other Committee Chairs are invited to join us.
Committee Assignments RSVP:
If you have not yet responded to the email about your committee assignments, would you please do so by this Friday, July 26? We’d like to firm it all up for distribution and posting on the website. Thanks!
Morning Star “Fun Fact”:
After 23.5 years, 11 of Morning Star’s original charter Members are till active in the club! How many can you guess before peeking at this list? Dieter Bender, Charlotte & Tore Hartmann-Hansen, Charlie Incalcaterra, Mike Long, butch Mari, Dick Roberts, Rick Santee, Barb Seifert-Sigmon, John St. Clair and Geoff Wright. (Plus Mary Meilinger and Don Smith are Honorary members.) Thanks to each of them for their dedication to Morning Star Rotary!
Quote of the Week
“The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”
– Sir Robert Baden-Powell
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
Cell 610-504-1455CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION effective JULY 25
CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION
effective JULY 25!
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary now meets at:
MORAVIAN VILLAGE
526 Wood Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
(Across from the Post Office)
You may park anywhere in their lot, except spots marked handicapped or reserved. Parking is also available on both sides of Wood Street and sections of Market Street. (Please do not park in the Post Office Lot.)
Fellowship begins at 7:00 AM. Help yourself to beverages and fruit/cereal/pastry/yogurt anytime. The meeting "officially" starts at 7:30, and the hot entrée is served then.
Please join us in our new home!
July 15 Message – CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
July 15 Message – CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
What a wonderful way to start our new Rotary year! My thanks to each and every one of you – the warmth and support last Thursday took my breath away. The forty members plus twelve visitors in attendance included 20 of our 24 Past Presidents, with Dave Cincera, Diane Donaher and Gary (& Betty) Langensiepen visiting to join the festivities.
We recognized each Past President with much revelry! Other meeting highlights were inducting Janet Westlund, and reactivating both Tom Mohr and Janet Sipple! We announced that Seven Day Notices will go out shortly for Jan Chicka and my husband, Ron Searfoss. And if you’d like icing on the cake? Desty Bonstein and Dick Roberts will be much more actively involved this year. Wow!
While our veteran members are the “roots” of Morning Star Rotary, ALL members are the “wings” that can help us soar to new heights.
On the heels of that amazing meeting came a birthday celebration for my oldest sister – a simple party that had morphed into a 3-day family reunion in New Jersey. I awoke at 3 AM on Friday morning and was as excited as a young child at Christmas – couldn’t get back to sleep for hours. Forty-three family members came from ten states (including Hawaii and California) with less than one-month’s notice! Although one of my sisters was unable to attend, getting even 8 out of 9 siblings together had not happened in many years. Yes, the guest of honor was VERY surprised - it was better than Christmas!
It is NOT a surprise that Morning Star Rotary feels like “home” to me. My parents were loving, giving, helpful and inclusive. Family trumped differences in politics, professions, culture, and even religion. We continue to share joys and sorrows, and are there to help each other whenever and however possible. We are quite irreverent and joke in non-hurtful ways. Sound familiar?
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Tomorrow we plan to email preliminary committee assignments. After reviewing the descriptions, where you are currently listed and where we have needs, I’ll ask that you advise me of any additional ways you’d like to be involved or other changes.
JULY 18 MEETING
Before the program this week we will thank outgoing Board members introduce your new Board and committee chairs – we ran out of time last week! Then former member Bill Hunter (who hopes to return in the fall) will introduce our speaker, Bishop Rev. Kingsley Lewis, Past President of the Antigua Sundown Rotary Club.
Bishop Lewis would be happy to stay afterwards to talk with any Board or Foundation/Grant Committee member who might be interested in possible international collaboration.
As RI President Ron Burton says in the July issue of The Rotarian magazine, "We change the lives of the people who need us … And along the way, our lives are changed as well."
July 18 DUTIES:
Greeter – Alex Shnaydruk
Sergeant-at-Arms – Ellen Roberts
$2 Per Week – Iryna Levytska
Invocation – Butch Macri
Introductions – Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
MISSING IN ACTION!
We have been looking for the large Morning Star club banner which we used to hang up front at meetings. (The Four Way Test banner and two large ones with many small banners from various clubs sewn on are in the storage area at Kirkland, but not the main club banner.) Maybe it was taken for a club event and accidentally left at a member's home or business, or perhaps in a vehicle? If you have any idea where it might be, please contact me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
This one is out of chronological order to make up for my oversight when introducing Past President Dick Roberts last Thursday. During Dick’s year we reached our 2-year $50,000 goal for St. Luke’s Union Station Dental Clinic!!! Together with Bethlehem Rotary’s contribution of the same amount, we provided $100,000 for significant equipment and fixtures to help the brand new clinic become functional.
Note: All Past Presidents as well as other members are invited to provide memories for our weekly “Fun Facts”. We hope these tidbits may help newer members feel connected to Morning Star more quickly.
QUOTE of the Week:
“Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living." – Albert Einstein
Note: Fun Facts and Quotes from prior weeks may be found on the website – click the links at the left side of our home page.
Please see the separate story below about our impending move to Moravian Village – we’ll start there on July 25.
I hope to see you this Thursday for our last meeting at Kirkland Village, so we can Engage Rotary and Change Lives!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
July 8 - Celebrate Our Past, Embrace the Future!
July 8 Message: “Celebrate Our Past, Embrace the Future”
Our July 11 changeover meeting will celebrate Morning Star’s Past and Embrace its Future – with some special surprise guests you just won’t want to miss! (So unless you’re out of town or really tied up, I hope you’ll set your alarm clock.)
Please join us as we “pass the gavel” and thank Past Pres. Sue plus the outgoing board members. Then Janet Westlund will be inducted, and Tom Mohr will return to Active status (from Honorary) – OORAH!
Morning Star Rotary has 24 Past Presidents - we will recognize every one with some bits of history, and introduce all those in attendance.
We'll also introduce this year’s board members and committee chairs. Next week you will receive a list of preliminary committee assignments and we'll ask you to help "fill in the blanks" - there aren't too many!
Your new Board will meet “officially” for the first time this Wednesday evening, and on Thursday morning we’ll update you on the meeting location issue and survey results.
At our August 8 meeting we will share the full plans for 2013-14 with you, including the club's Budget. As RI President Ron Burton says in the July issue of The Rotarian magazine, "... the more we challenge ourselves, the more we can achieve."
July 10 DUTIES:
Greeter - Butch Macri
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Tom Hartzell
Invocation - Special Guest
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon (hopefully)Note: Barb may be unable to attend; if that happens, we'll ask someone to fill in.
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and me.
Morning Star “FUN FACT”
On January 13, 1990 District Governor Ronald A. Williams officially presented the club charter to President Charlie Incalcaterra at the Holiday Inn East (now Best Western). At the time of Charter, Geoff Wright was President Elect, Dick Roberts was Secretary, John St. Clair was Treasurer, Don Smith was Assistant Sec'y/Treas., and Tony Ortwein was Sergeant-at-Arms. Gordon Sommers, Fran Chizeck and John Watts Barrett were club Directors.
QUOTE of the Week:
“We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give" - Winston Churchill
I hope to see you this Thursday at Kirkland Village so we can Engage Rotary and Change Lives!
Yours in Rotary,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
July 1 - Thanks, plus "Engage Rotary, Change Lives!"
Thanks, plus “Engage Rotary, Change Lives!”
I feel honored, humbled and excited to serve as your Morning Star president this year!
Heartfelt thanks to Janet & Tom Kolepp for hosting a fabulous Kickout Party last Thursday! Neither rain, nor thunder & lightning, nor heat without central A/C were enough to keep a great group of Rotarians, members-in-process, assorted spouses and our Exchange Student away – we’re more intrepid than the post office! A soggy yet smiling Tom K served up delicious burgers and brats off the grill. Ice-cold beverages and a window A/C held off the heat generated by so many warm bodies … and all the hot air generated by us gabbing away. The “salad” table had about 6 items while the dessert table had more like 20 – sounds like the right balance, don’t you think?
Sue Burnett looked delighted to now be “Past” President, and she received thanks for her boundless energy, enthusiasm, commitment to Rotary and inclusion of her family to help us … as well as for her sense of humor and introducing “Grumpy Dollars”! While it is a tribute to hard work by all club members that we earned RI’s Presidential Citation and two district awards, it simply would not have happened without Sue trudging through all the paperwork and creating the promotional video. Thank you, Sue!
Starting today, our Rotary International President is now Ron Burton of Oklahoma, joined by wife Jetta. Is this kismet? My husband of 31+ years is also named Ron, and all of my 3 cars since the mid 1980s have been VW Jettas. The theme this year is also perfect: “Engage Rotary, Change Lives”. Building on the 23-year legacy of Morning Star Rotarians, we are reaching out to re-engage former and Honorary members as well as drawing new members into club activities quickly.
Morning Star “Fun Fact”
During Rotary year 1988-89, the Bethlehem Rotary Club undertook a feasibility study for a second club in Bethlehem, with recommendations for a breakfast meeting. Several Bethlehem Rotary Club members were “released” to start the new club – including 2 members who continue to be very active in Morning Star: Charlie Incalcaterra and John St. Clair!
Quote of the Week:
“I slept and dreamt that life was joy.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.” - Tagore
No Meeting on July 4th!
Hope you enjoy family, friends, fun and fireworks over the Fourth of July – Happy Birthday, America!
Our “official” changeover meeting is July 11 at Kirkland Village – more on that next week!
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Unpaid Dues to be Discussed at July 10 Board Meeting
Unpaid Dues to be Discussed at July 10 Board Meeting
Dues were Due June 30
As explained in the letter accompanying your Dues Notice, payment is needed earlier, and the amount is now $200 per year or $100 per half year. Please make your check out to Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary, and give it to Treasurer Sue Reeps or mail it to her at 45 Connard Dr., Easton, PA 18042. (Please be sure your name is shown on the check.)
If you have not yet paid and wish to remain in the club, please contact Sue Reeps, Val Walk (Secretary) or myself ASAP, and definitely before the July 10 board meeting.
Too often in the past, Morning Star has paid dues to Rotary International and District 7430 for people who subsequently resigned without paying the club. As a result, the Board passed a motion several months ago reserving the right to terminate the membership of those who do not pay dues and/or fail to meet the 50% attendance requirement. This is NOT automatic, and each person will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Thanks for your cooperation in remitting your dues promptly!
Meeting Location Survey
MEETING LOCATION SURVEY
On July 10, the Morning Star board will be making a decision about our meeting location. This will impact our club for years to come, and your opinion is very important!
Many thanks to the 25 members who have already taken the survey! About half the club is a great response in less than a day!
If you haven't yet done so, please see the June 24 email for background info, then go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PVSZTBV to take the 9 question survey.
We'll appreciate your participation by July 3, so there's time to get the results out to the board in advance.
Many thanks.
No Meeting July 4
NO MEETING ON JULY 4th
Happy Independence Day!
See you July 11 at Kirkland Village
Pres. Sue's Very Last Message!
My very last email!
THE “MEETING” THIS WEEK
IS A PARTY
at JANET AND TOM KOLEPP’s HOUSE!!!!
STARTING AT 6 PM!!!!! (Not 7:00 AM)
They live at 4575 Dolores Lane in Bethlehem
(that is sort of behind Weis Market off of Rt 512)
NEXT WEEK:
There is no meeting because it is the 4th of July!!!!
So, I have pretty much run out of things to say. So I started thinking about all the things I would miss when I am not President.
I am not usually a sentimental person but here goes nothing:
All the things I am going to miss when I am not President…
I am really going to miss saying “There are no hats in Rotary” to my cubicle mate every Wed night. Every Wed evening as I leave work for the last two years I remind him that I will be in late the next day, and I ask him if he would like to come and he always says “No thanks, I don’t really look go in hats”. And we share a little chuckle (partially because of course, Rotary is not Kiwanis, or the Lions, or whatever club actually does wear hats and partially because he doesn’t really look that good in anything he wears).
.
.
.
Well, that’s all I can think of.
See everybody at Tom & Janet’s!
Cheers,
SueKICKOUT PARTY replaces JUNE 27 Meeting
KICKOUT PARTY replaces JUNE 27 Meeting!!!
Please join us starting at 6:00 PM
At the home of Tom & Janet Kolepp
4575 Dolores Lane, Bethlehem, PA 18017
(Less than 2 miles from the intersection of US 22 and Rte 513/Center Street)
If you haven't already signed up, RSVP to tkolepp@gmail.com,
advising number of people and whether you will bring a salad or dessert.
(But if you don't RSVP and find you can attend, please come anyway!)
Those already signed up were alerted yesterday that the Kolepp's AIR CONDITIONER IS BROKEN. Now, this was planned as an outdoor event, and the Kolepps will create as much shade in the back yard as possible with their big tent and a couple of umbrellas. Plus, after 7 pm the entire back yard gets shady. There will be plenty of ice cold beverages - leaded and unleaded - to keep people cool!!! And Tom & Janet are working on getting a window A/C so the kitchen can be cool.
Only one person cancelled after yesterday's notice went out, so
THE PARTY IS ON!!!
Assorted Photos ...
Here are some great photos received recently - please keep them coming!!!
After all his hard work on the Golf Tournament, Butch got to relax with the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders!
Hogar Crea, Hogar Crea, how does your garden grow?
They harvested and ate the first radishes ... taste-tested by our own Ron Helmuth along with the Hogar Crea folks.
Pres. Sue's June 18 Message
Our meeting this week is at
MORAVIAN VILLAGE
which is located at 526 WOOD ST in BETHLEHEM!!!!!
Ok, see you there, same time,
7:00 am fellowship, 7:30 am breakfast
And our speaker is Natalie Bock of the Hotel Bethlehem. I hope she has some ghost stories
Greetings Rotarians,
Last Friday night I met Jean and Marianne down south near Philly for the District Changeover dinner. For you newbies, this is similar to what OUR changeover event will be NEXT week, only much more formal and with not nearly as good food because Tom was not there to grill it.
Again, mostly for the newbies, this is when the outgoing DG, Tony says his goodbyes and we welcome in the new incoming DG (District Governor) which in this case, is Frank Romano. I am a little embarrassed to say that this was my FIRST Changeover dinner. And I have to say, it was really terrific (ok, maybe not the food part but the important parts).
Again for the newbies, The District runs a lot like a mini-club. Or maybe it’s a mega-club. There is a Head person – the District Governor – who comes and goes with the new Rotary year, and DGE (District Governor Elect), like our Jean, the President Elect, who is learning the ropes, and a PDG, Past District Governor – who hangs around for a year to help train the new person and then there are a bunch of committees that oversee the all the operations of the District, like the Foundation, Youth things, 4 Way Test Speech, Finances, Secretary etc… JUST LIKE WE have in our club.
And so at the end of the year, the whole district comes together to kick out the old, ring in the new and thank those that have worked hard all year long to make the district a success.
So I would just like to take a moment and thank everyone in the club because we have all worked really hard this year and it has been a truly terrific year. We have raised a lot of money and had (mostly) fun doing it. We have overcome a lot of challenges. We have welcomed some terrific and interesting new members. We are enjoying a wonderful exchange student. We have had some vibrant speakers, including many of our own. This will go down as the year of the re-classification talk for sure. But …
A year in a club does not stand on its own.
Our club had a great year because it has had many great years before it. And it will go on having great years because no matter how tough thing get, Rotarians always come through.
I would like to thank Bill and Karen Jahn, and Dee and Ron and Tony for their mentorship this year.
A huge thank you to Jean for many, many things. First for all her hard work as Communications Lead and getting these newsletters out. I just write them. She fact checks them; spell checks them and adds all the other stuff. But mostly, we all need to thank her for jumping into the abyss last fall and accepting the role of President Elect (which carries the added burden of Speaker Coordinator). Jean and I have worked through a number of club issues over the year and I cannot tell you how helpful it has been to have someone there to bounce ideas off and opinions off of. Of course, we didn’t always agree but at least that kept things interesting.
Finally, I would like to thank my Family for their support over the past 2 years as I fulfilled my role here. It was a learning experience for all of us. I could not have done it without their patience and understanding. And I would like to thank my Dad for introducing me to Rotary and encouraging me to get involved. It has given us a lot to talk about and wonderful stories to share as he has visited clubs all over the world, as I hope to do with my children.
Sincerely,
Susan
June 20 Meeting
JUNE 20 MEETING
Speaker: Natalie Koch, Historian
Topic: Historic Hotel Bethlehem
DUTIES:
Greeter - Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Ginny Wolkoff
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Morning Star on Facebook!!!!
Morning Star on Facebook!!!!
Jeff Kicska set up Morning Star on Facebook a while back, and Iryna Levytska has “picked up the ball” and is running with it! Shawn Deiter will help with content and Alex Shnaydruk plans to assist with privacy settings and some of the technical aspects.
Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Star-Rotary-of-Bethlehem/191122330925518
Everybody who is registered on Facebook can search Morning Star Rotary of Bethlehem and will find it easily.
Iryna has already updated the information about our club on the Facebook page. She would like to develop a step-by-step promotion for it:
First thing is to fill it up with content: events, photos, projects, information, etc.
Next stage is to get everyone from our club to "like" the page. Our goal is 30 "likes" very soon, and to reach 100 by the end of this year. Only those people who “like” our Facebook page can receive information from our it directly.
Iryna asks, “If you are already on Facebook, would you please "like" our page? The more "likes" we have and the more people are "tagged" in photos and stories, the more publicity we get! Then everybody can ask their relatives and friends to "like" our page, and we will have an active page!”
We will be coordinating our communications to utilize the website/bulletin, emails, and Facebook, as well as pursuing traditional avenues of publicity for our club events.
Please send your Morning Star info and photos to levytska.iryna@gmail.comorsdeiter@lvcconline.orgso they can be shared with the club!
New Member Soiree was warm, fun and funny!
New Member Soiree was informative, warm, fun and funny!
Many thanks to Barb Seifert-Sigmon and the Membership Committee for our New Member Soiree on June 4 at the Hanoverville Roadhouse! Attendance was strong at 24 - almost evenly split between new members/spouses and "veteran" members. In a relaxed, informal manner, we went around the room and shared Rotary and Morning Star facts and stories, plus why we joined and have stayed in Morning Star Rotary.
Next year's theme is "Engage Rotary, Change Lives". With the terrific New Member packet, the soiree, and pointers for sponsors and mentors, our Membership Committee is doing a wonderful job helping new members to become fully involved in the club. We are very grateful to chair Rick Santee and all the committee members for their hard work over the past couple of years.
Every current member can play a part in engaging new members. Please reach out, sit with and talk with our newer members at the meetings. Thanks!
June 13 Meeting
JUNE 13 MEETING
Speaker: Bill Andress and Tom Kocsis
Topic: Nancy Run Fire Company
DUTIES:
Greeter - Iryna Levytska
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Marianne Aronson
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Camp Neidig and Monday Night's Dinner
Camp Neidig and Monday Night's Dinner
Morning Star is sponsoring three students to Camp Neidig this year - Taylor Treadwell from Bethlehem Catholic, Gregory Wright from Freedom (Geoff's son) and Kyle Whang from Moravian Academy. What is Camp Neidig, you ask? The website explains ...
WHO:
High school juniors living within Rotary District 7430, which covers much of southeastern Pennsylvania.
WHAT:
A leadership camp that brings together talented high school students for a four-day weekend of fun, friendship, and team-building activities. Campers will interact with guest speakers from various professional backgrounds who will discuss what it means to be a good leader. They will also participate in various problem solving activities that can be both physically and mentally challenging. very activity we do throughout the weekend is designed to help campers develop their leadership and teamwork abilities. It is true what someone once said: "We come as strangers but leave as friends."
WHEN:
Friday June 14, 2013 through Monday June 17, 2013
WHY:
To bring together students from various schools who have exhibited above average leadership abilities in various scholastic and/or community activities.
HOW:
Campers are sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs, which coordinate camper selection with high schools in their districts.
WHERE:
Camp Manatawny, a beautiful campgrounds and recreational facility in southeastern Berks County.
Join us for MONDAY NIGHT'S BBQ DINNER on June 17
We understand that Rick Morrissey may have some extra tickets. If you'd like to go and don't have your ticket yet, please contact him at rickm@moravian.com .
The students completely develop, plan and conduct an amazing program/celebration held on Monday evening, and you are invited for only $15!!! Tickets may be purchased online with a credit card at http://neidigbbq.eventbrite.com/# . Alternatively, the form can be downloaded and mailed in - but act quickly since the dinner is on June 17. For more info please see Rick Morrissey, John St. Clair or www.campneidig.com . While some tickets are available that day, they prefer advance sales since the food order has to be put in ahead of time. This counts as a Rotary Make-Up meeting.
We hope to schedule the kids as a meeting program before school starts this September!
June 6 Meeting
JUNE 6 MEETING
Speaker: Lynn Cunningham and Kasara McLaughlin
Topic: “Downtown Bethlehem Association”
DUTIES:
Greeter - Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Alex Shnaydruk
Invocation - Ron Helmuth
Introductions - Tom Kolepp (yes, he's doing this, too!)
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Pres. Sue's June 4 Message
Greetings Rotarians!
I held my breath all morning yesterday until the sun broke through just before noon. I don’t have all the details but I heard the Golf Tournament went off with aplomb and I am sure Butch will catch us upon Thursday and regale us with stories. Maybe we will have some photos for NEXT week’s newsletter.
TONIGHT is the New Member Soiree at the Hanoverville Road House, another great annual Morning Star event. I know that when I was a new Rotarian, this was the moment when I really got to know some Rotarians really well and started to make some friends and feel like knew some folks, and they got to know me and my husband.
The Kilt!
Now has a permanent home on our website. There is a link on the web that takes you to the District website to whatever issue is most current. They just published the newest edition and there is a really cool story in there about a certain club. I just hope that our new and illustrious (I am really wearing out Dictionary.com this morning) governor, Frank Romano, keeps the District newsletter going, otherwise, this will be a short link.
Better late than never…
Ok, I owe Bill Jahn an apology. I was supposed to write about this a few weeks ago and I kept forgetting and now the deadline may be past or they may already have a candidate but you never know so here goes nothing. The Rotary Foundation sponsors scholarship program called UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education. The scholarship is paid for from the Foundation. Three programs are available: Water and Sanitation, Water Management and Water Science and Engineering. The District can send a student from Lehigh University, thru the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering but the deadline to apply is July 15th (0h, I thought it was June 15th, I am not so late).
Here is the best part – our club can sponsor a student AT NO COST TO US!!!!! It is covered thru the Packaged Grant program.
So if you know of any college students that might be interested, please contact me, I have a little more info but probably I will refer you to Bill Jahn or the District.
Reminders
District Changeover Dinner – June 14th
Meeting moved to Moravian Village – June 20th
Kickout Dinner – June – 27th
No meeting – July 5th
We are still looking for folks to champion the Raffle and food for the 5K/10K race. If you are interested, please speak to Susan and Jeff respectfully.
This week’s speakers:
Lynn Cunningham and Kasara McLaughlin from the Downtown Bethlehem Association
Next week’s speakers:
Bill Andress and Tom Kocsis from the Nancy Run Fire Company
And last, but not least, you should have, by now, received your dues notice from Val. Please get them in to Sue Reeps as soon as possible as our fees are due to the District and RI and the majority of your dues go to cover those fees.
See you Thursday!
BTW, Attendance has been AWESOME!!!!!!!
Cheers,
Susan
Storms Subsided for Golf Tournament!
STORMS SUBSIDED FOR GOLF TOURNAMENT!
After some Monday morning deluges, the skies cleared and our Golf Tournament was held as planned yesterday at Silver Creek Country Club in Hellertown ... much to Butch Macri's relief!
At our April 18 meeting, we heard about the establishment of a scholarship fund in memory of Steve Godbolt, to forever benefit the kids at Northeast Ministry and the Boys and Girls Club about whom he cared so much. This year and next year, proceeds from our Golf Tournament, run jointly with "Downtown" Bethlehem Rotary, will get this scholarship started.
Butch thanks all the golfers, sponsors (especially event sponsor Embassy Bank!), patrons and members who provided gift certificates and purchased squares on the raffle board. Raffle prizes won by Morning Star members not at the tournament will be brought to the meeting this Thursday - please check and see if any are yours!
And WE THANK BUTCH - without all his hard work this annual event simply couldn't happen!
Pres. Sue's May 28 Message
Howdy,
A Rotary Parable
(Full disclosure: I stole this story from Marianne. So when she finally decides to become President and finds herself stuck for a weekly email topic, I totally owe her one).
True story (according to Marianne). At one of the recent winter Olympics, the bobsled finals came down to 2 teams: the British and Italians. It was a fierce rivalry. The British were to race first. Just before they were to launch, they realized that their sled was missing a critical bolt. They did not have an extra and would not be allowed to race. The Italians waiting to race, heard about the reason for the delay, and, finding out the reason, offered their extra bolt. The British were able to complete the run. As it turned out, the British had the faster time and won the Gold while the Italians came in second for the Silver. The British thanked the Italians profusely. Back at home the British were heralded as heroes while the Italians were ridiculed as traitors. They could have brought home the Gold if they had not rescued the British.
And that is how it is with Rotary. We don’t do the things we do in our community and around the world for personal glory. We don’t expect honors and awards and accolades. We do the work we do, simply because it’s the right the thing to do. It’s as simple as that.
Coming Up
Even though it’s the end of the Rotary year, it’s a really busy time of year for Rotary. As I wrap up my year, Jean is just gearing up for hers so please think of how you would like to serve Rotary in the coming year and what you would like to learn about in Rotary or in your community, and pick a committee that best suits your goals. And let Jean know.
There are lots of events coming up. I don’t want to sound like a broken record here so please check our calendar and the District Calendar. There are no shortage of ways to get your Rotary fix in June and July.
Except for Golf! I will remind you that next Monday is the Golf tournament and I sure it’s not too late to register to golf. Or find a sponsor.
Speakers
A special “Thank You!” to Diane Donaher and Molly Santee for an interesting presentation last week.
This week we welcome Laura Savenelli of Family Answers who will be speaking on the topic of “The Re-Entry of Prisoners into the Community”.
And I think it’s Birthdays this week! So if May is your birthday, be sure and come to the meeting!
I hope that you all had a special and memorable weekend,
Sincerely,
Susan
Bethlehem Area Education Foundation (BAEF)
Bethlehem Area Education Foundation (BAEF)
Diane Donaher, BAEF Executive Consultant, gave us a wonderful presentation on this foundation at last week’s meeting – with heartfelt comments added by Mollie Santee (President) and our own Rick Santee. (Morning Star member Ben Tenaglia is also on their Board.)
BAEF GOALS:
· Mobilize the community to recognize the important role of public education in Bethlehem.
· Promote teacher innovation to advance curriculum and dynamic learning environments.
· Support Bethlehem Area School District programs that emphasize Core Learning, Stretch Learning, Student Engagement and Personal Skill Development.
· Encourage family and community partnerships for student success.
· Raise money to support the mission of the foundation.
· Provide stewardship for designated scholarships.
Budget cutbacks year after year have reduced or eliminated many important student services, and the BAEF fills in some of those gaps. Please see www.beth.k12.pa.us/BAEF for more info.
Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to show any of BAEF’s 3 promotional videos on Elementary, Middle School and High School in the Bethlehem Area School District. Please go to http://www.youtube.com/user/basdpa and see how public education is working in Bethlehem!
CANCELLATION NOTICE: In case any of you were planning to go to the BAEF event at Lincoln Elementary School tomorrow which Diane Donaher announced, unfortunately it has been cancelled.
New Foundation Grants
NEW ROTARY FOUNDATION GRANTS
Rotary International has made some significant changes to its Foundation Grants effective for 2013-14. Our Foundation Committee is on top of it – our Global Grant application with lead partner Morrisville-Yardley Rotary Club for the Water Filter project in Peru was approved! We have also been approved for a 2013-14 District Grant to help fund a local project – improving the towpath, which is part of our 5K /10K route.
The New Foundation Grants can be quite confusing, however, and Marianne Aronson pointed out a great explanatory article from the November 2012 issue of The Rotarian magazine. In case you’re interested and don’t have a copy handy, here’s a link to the article:
http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/global_outlook_1211_en.pdf
GETTYSBURG DAY TRIP with Bethlehem Rotary on July 6
GETTYSBURG DAY TRIP with Bethlehem Rotary on JULY 6
Pres.-Elect Kerry Wrobel has invited Morning Star members/family/friends to join Bethlehem Rotary on this trip. Here is the description, an excerpt from their bulletin:
In the category of "developing some deeper relationships with each other" here is one where that will happen, and you'll have some opportunities for some education as well. As President Elect Kerry mentioned last Wednesday, 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Bethlehem Rotary would like to charter a bus on July 6 to take Rotarians, family, and friends to experience a day of Civil War history including the battle reenactment of Cemetery Hill. The day will be packed with oral history provided by Confederate and Union generals discussing battle plans, the use of Civil War Spies and the challenges created for local civilians. In July 2013, Gettysburg will be the epicenter for historians and civil war buffs. You can be there as well for this historic occasion.
RESERVATIONS would be made with the Bethlehem Rotary folks: Don Hunter donaldhunter@allstate.com or Buck Jones buck.jones@edwardjones.com .
They are trying to figure out what size bus/van is needed, and would appreciate hearing how many tickets you might want.
ShelterBox Update
SHELTERBOX UPDATE
ShelterBox’s latest deployments are helping people affected by natural disasters or conflict both in the US and around the world:
Oklahoma, US – Tornados
Uganda – Flooding
Pakistan – Earthquake
Lebanon and Syria – Conflicts
For more details, please see www.shelterbox.org
ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
What is Friendship Exchange?
Friendship Exchange is when two Rotary Districts pair up and decide that they would like to get to know each other, their culture and become friends.
Rotarians ( and their spouses) travel to that country and stay with Rotarians, tour and get to know each other. The Rotarians from that country then come to visit our district. Costs are paid for by the individuals for the travel. There is typically a team of 4-12 people on each exchange. It is a great opportunity for your club to host and learn about other cultures.
Our district has participated in successful Exchanges in New Zealand and Australia and we are about to offer some more opportunities.
District 7430 Friendship Exchange with Western Canada
A Group of Canadians will visit our district from Western Canada on September 18-30, 2013. They are from the Vancouver area. HOST CLUBS ARE NEEDED - Clubs would host the team in their homes for about 3 days. An itinerary will be developed and we will have a van for transporting the team. If there are enough Morning Star members interested, we can contact the district about being one of the host clubs. (We would need a volunteer to coordinate the Morning Star effort.)
Canadian Return Trip – June 12- 24, 2014
Up to 10 Rotarians and their spouses. Tour will include the beautiful area of Vancouver, Victoria Island and the world renowned Butchart Gardens, Whistler and much more!
For more details, please see www.rotarydistrict7430.org .
The District’s Friendship Exchange Chair is Cindy Hornaman:
hornamca@ptd.net , (610) 965 4151, Cell (610) 360-4875
May 30 Meeting; Claire Howard
MAY 30 MEETING
Speaker: Laura Savenelli of Family Answers
Topic: “The Re-Entry of Prisoners into the Community”
DUTIES:
Greeter - Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms - Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Tom Hartzell
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
Have you been in touch with CLAIRE HOWARD?
Since Claire is "R85" status and exempt from our attendance requirement, her absence from meetings did not raise any red flags. However, recent attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and we hope she is okay. If you know how she's doing or have a personal email address for her, would you please let me know? Thanks.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
HOGAR CREA GARDEN – A 7 Year Dream Realized in 4 Hours!
HOGAR CREA GARDEN – A 7 Year Dream Realized in 4 Hours!
An extraordinary thing happened on May 18 at Hogar Crea in Freemansburg – Ron Helmuth’s 7-year dream of fresh fruits and vegetables for Hogar Crea residents became reality!
Hogar Crea was started in Puerto Rico in 1968 and provides Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation. Despite a crisis about 10 years ago which led to the loss of PA state certification and funding, Hogar Crea is still here for those who need its services so desperately. While missing more highly educated counselors and having constant financial struggles, there is a “silver lining” to the decertification … all the PA residents WANT to be there. (When the government is involved, a program is required to accept participants whose only other choice is prison.) After 30 days of detox, Hogar Crea residents are asked if they want to stay clean, and those who agree undergo up to 27 months (yes, MONTHS) of many types of therapy – which now number 18 with the addition of “Garden Therapy”. The process is really “re-education” – to restore the foundation of the residents’ lives. Privileges are added as responsibility is demonstrated, and they are given as much responsibility as they can handle.
Morning Star member Ron Helmuth started serving on Hogar Crea’s board 7 years ago, and became president of the board 4 years ago. NOT an honorary, cushy position – this board works very hard! “The inmates run the asylum” is Ron’s description, because former residents often graduate to running the facilities. (As the only Anglo, Ron is amazed they do not consider him an outsider.) The board usually meets weekly to be sure money is being handled wisely. In weeks they can’t meet, at least one board member goes in to review the finances. Funding is primarily from the sale of baked goods and the earnings of “work brigades” (more on this later).
When every dollar counts, grocery shopping tends to focus on calories per dollar rather than nutrition per dollar. Ron lamented the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, and dreamed of a garden on a vacant portion of the property. When Morning Star Pres. Sue Burnett suggested that Ron lead a club “sweat equity” project, he saw an opportunity. Gretchen Vakiener and Tom Hartzell submitted a District Matching Grant application … and it was approved! With $1,000 from the club and the $1,000 District Matching Grant (from our Rotary Foundation donations 3 years ago), the planning could begin!
The first area considered had many boulders, and protecting it from deer would have been a big problem. The second area was too shaded but otherwise looked good. Pres. Sue’s family came to the rescue with chain saws! Ron and Abby Burnett removed the 2 offending trees before our official “project day”. Ron Helmuth had ideas on how to design the garden, but decided to consult his friend Urbane Byler, who owns the “green”, organic Byler’s Farm near Blue Mountain. Those discussions completely changed Ron’s plans. Beds would be raised and 5 feet wide to allow tending the garden without trampling the soil. The result? Our two Rons plus Jess Elliott designed five 20’ x 5’ beds, which minimized lumber loss.
Volunteers were scheduled for May 18. (Missing from the photo below are Abby Burnett, who had to leave for work, and Gary Hartney, who took the picture.)
To be sure the manpower wasn’t wasted, all details were planned and meticulous preparations made:
· Lumber, fencing material, irrigation hoses, and lots of tools.
· Twenty cubic yards of fabulous topsoil delivered by Ron’s friend Tim Walters (610-737-4837), who has a landscaping business.
· Cardboard from Tom Kolepp for the bottom of the beds to deter weeds.
· A wonderful variety of veggie plants.
Ron Burnett led construction of the bed frames, and Abby demonstrated great skill with power tools! Rafael De La Hoz and Ramon Valentin (Treasurer of Hogar Crea's board) led the fence building group, while Jess Elliott led the dirt-moving brigade – 540 cubic feet fills many, many wheelbarrows! Morning Star Rotarians/family/friends toiled side-by-side with several Hogar Crea compañeros, and helpers from Byler’s Farm. Fueled by donuts, water, coffee, diet coke and orange juice, we worked through the morning.
The newly completed and filled beds were then planted with tomatoes, peppers, basil, cilantro, eggplant, onions, squash, beans … and watermelon for dessert! The final touch was covering with a gauzy material to protect the young plants from aphids and other pests. Everyone on hand could hardly believe the transformation accomplished in only 4 hours!
The thanks expressed by one compañero made it crystal-clear just how much our support meant to him – people in the community actually care! Hogar Crea then treated us to a lunch of chicken, beans, rice and salad - it surely felt good to sit down!
The Morning Star board will be asked to fund a permanent sign or plaque showing that Morning Star Rotary created this garden with some funding assistance from Rotary International/District 7430. (Then we can get some more “results” photos for Sue’s video.) If the club is interested, maybe we could plan a planting day next year (no building required!). Ron would suggest a Sunday afternoon when the residents are on site instead of out working and selling the baked goods.
More about Hogar Crea …
In Puerto Rico where the program is an alternative to prison for many and Hogar Crea has thousands of compañeros, the program graduated 12 residents last year. In contrast, of the 120 Pennsylvania compañeros an amazing 60 (or 50%) graduated in 2012!!! They would love to improve their services by having Treatment Research Center review their tactics and provide feedback as well as information on best practices in the rehab field … but the cost is prohibitive.
If you are interested in helping Hogar Crea, Ron’s number one suggestion is this:
Hire a Hogar Crea “work brigade” (2 or more residents, male or female) for a donation to Hogar Crea of $10 per hour. They can help you with painting, yardwork, cleanouts or any household project. Contact Raymond at 610-694-0700. Please consider asking them to sit down and share a meal with you, and ask their stories. (Again, knowing that people in the community care is so important.)
Warm thanks to everyone who helped in any way – the Hogar Crea Garden is one of the best Morning Star projects ever! It began with one member’s passion for a cause and a dream of how to help. With funding, planning and volunteers added, that dream is now a reality!
May 23 Meeting ... and more!
MAY 23 MEETING
Speaker: Diane Donaher, Executive Consultant
Bethlehem Area Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is "to enrich the educational experience of students in the Bethlehem Area School District".
DUTIES:
Greeter - Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Need a Volunteer
$2 Per Week - Rafael De La Hoz
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Karen Jahn
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
BETHLEHEM ROTARY INVITATION:
TRIP TO GETTYSBURG ON JULY 6
2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Bethlehem Rotary would like to charter a bus on July 6 to take Rotarians, family, and friends to experience a day of Civil War history including the battle reenactment of Cemetery Hill. The day will be packed with oral history provided by Confederate and Union generals discussing battle plans, the use of Civil War Spies and the challenges created for local civilians. In July 2013, Gettysburg will be the epicenter for historians and civil war buffs. You can be there as well for this historic occasion.
President Elect Kerry Wrobel invites Morning Star Rotarians (and family/friends) to join Bethlehem Rotarians on this trip. If you are interested, please let me know and we'll get info on costs, timing, etc. from Kerry.
Have you been in touch with CLAIRE HOWARD?
Since Claire is "R85" status and exempt from our attendance requirement, her absence from meetings did not raise any red flags. However, recent attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and we hope she is okay. If you know how she's doing or have a personal email address for her, would you please let me know? Thanks.
JUNE 20 Meeting will be at MORAVIAN VILLAGE; Speaker?
We are trying another potential meeting location on June 20 - Moravian Village (on Wood Street, across from the Post Office.) The presentation slot is open for that day. While I have several ideas and expect no problem in finding a speaker, I welcome your suggestions for a particular person or topic to finish out our Rotary year.
On June 27 KICKOUT PARTY will replace our morning meeting.
Tom & Janet Kolepp are graciously hosting our Kickout Party this year, starting at 6:00 PM. Details will be provided - for now, please mark your calendar!
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Pres. Sue’s May 21 Message
At the beginning of the year, I was thinking, “What am I going to write about for 52 weeks???!!!” How am I going to be funny, and Rotaryish 52 times??? How long of a story is too long? Too short? How many times can I repeat a reminder before people stop reading? Should I have monthly themes? Or seasonal themes? Or what??? And many weeks I just couldn’t think of much to say at all, as I am sure you could tell.
But now that I only have 6 more to write I suddenly find myself thinking: “OH NO!!! I only have 6 more of these to write! I only have 6 more chances to impose my will on you! And try to make you come over to the dark side! It’s not enough time…….”
I just wish all weeks were as easy to write as this one! (I am really going to miss these exclamation points!)
Hogar Crea
About this time last year, as I was putting my committees together, I thought I would try to get a new committee and I asked Ron Helmuth to Chair it. I asked him to put together a Community Service Committee. My goal was to have a committee that would look for small, sweat equity projects that the club project could participate in the community, that would be fun fellowship events for us, increase our visibility in the community, not cost us anything because it would just be volunteer time and not take much time, because they would all be small short projects. I was thinking, for example, of helping the Downtown Associations on their festival days or Via on Race days, etc….
Somehow, some way, Ron heard translated that into “go get a fabulous District Grant and build something AWESOME!” and so that is what he did instead. And on Saturday, we got to experience the result of that.
At 8 am, a whole bunch of us, and some of our friends and families, and some folks from Byler’s farms along with the good men of Hogar Crea built a fence (yes, a whole 3 sides of a fence!), some giant planter boxes, filled them with a lot of dirt (A LOT OF DIRT!, we are talking, 1,000's of wheel barrows full, in fact, we murdered 2 wheel barrows in the process, it was that much dirt) and then planted them with, well, a whole bunch of different plants which required a bunch of standing around going "How far apart do you plant tomoatos?" "I don't know, how far apart do you plant watermelons?". All that in only FOUR HOURS!!!! And it was a ton of fun. And I am pretty sure that any minute now my back is going to stop hurting, I am sure. That was really a lot of dirt to shovel.
Through it all the one thing I learned is that I NEVER want to meet Val in a dark alley because she will/can TAKE YOU DOWN! That woman has some muscles! Watching Rafael with that post hole digger, I was pretty worried he was going to lose a leg there for a few minutes but it all came out fine in the end. Even John St. Clair proved useful, stomping down the dirt. We were saving that job for Isabelle, the 7 year old but she proved she could handle a rake so she got promoted.
All in all, I think a good time was had by all and I was thrilled that so many of you were able to come out.
A huge thank you to Ron and Jess and Ron for planning the garden so carefully. And also to the Foundation Committee, Dee, Tom and Gretchen for writing the grant and sheparding it through the process.
Just a Couple of Reminders
Don’t forget about the Golf Tournament – June 3 – We still need sponsors and golfers
District Change Over Dinner – June 14th – Please see the District website for details. Anyone is welcome but you do need to RSVP
New Member Mixer – June 4th – Please RSVP to Barbara if you are going – Please consider going if you are on the Incoming Board or Committee Chair, or most importantly a new Member (new being in the last year or so)
There is a special Edition of the Kilt all about the recent past District Conference: http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/7430//HTML/198286//ConferenceEditionNewsletter.pdf
If that Link does not work, please go to the District website to check it out.
Please welcome Iryna – as our NEW Social Media Guru – she will be working on our Facebook image so send her all your Rotary Photos! I also plan to ask her to help with the Website stories/content and photo albums but she doesn’t know this yet. Shhhhhh…. Don’t tell her, it’s a secret!
Speaker
Our speaker this week is our great friend Diane Donaher, Executive Consultant
Bethlehem Area Education Foundation
Pres. Sue's 5/14 Message
5.15.13 Weekly Meeting
I am really excited about the meeting this week! First, it’s at the Palace Restaurant. Second, our speaker is Jack Helfrich of the Lehigh Wheelman Association. When I first saw that, I thought he was going to talk to us about wheel barrows and I was planning on skipping out but then I found out he was going to talk about BIKING which I LOVE so I will definitely be there. Plus, the food will be terrific AND there will be a 50/50
Did you know if you bike for an hour, you earn an extra 9 points in Weight Watchers? I hate Weight Watchers.
Moving on…..
AWARDS!!!
You know how I was so excited because we qualified for the Presidential Citation Award this year because we are such an AWESOME CLUB???
So there I was, reading the new KILT, which you can now read on the web (right Jeff?) and they published all the awards and there was the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary listed under 2 MORE AWARDS!!!:
District Peace Through Service
AND
District 7430 Governors Award
Now, I don’t know about you, but I have no idea what those are. I googled them and nothing came up, so I am hoping that Bill Jahn is at the meeting this week and maybe he can enlighten us and explain to us in what other ways we are such a SUPER INCREDIBLE AWESOME CLUB!!!!!!
Hogar Crea- Finally!
Is this weekend and the forecast is for SUNSHINE and perfect TEMPS! I will bring the donuts and the diet coke! ‘Cause, they both start with “D” I don’t drink coffee or own a coffee pot (and it starts with a “C”). The fun starts at 8 am.
District Assembly
There were 8 Morning Star Rotarians (including 2 new members!) at the District Assembly this weekend. That is, like 14% or so of the club. That is incredible! Frank Romano gave an excellent kick off speech and because there were so many of us, we were able to cover all the break out talks. I learned that they cannot possibly make the grant process any more complicated. But they do keep trying. If you want to find out what else happened talk to Jean, Tom, Marianne, Bill (who waved a lot of fish), Alex, Iryna, or Ben.
Oh, and totally check out this video on Youtube about a club in La Jolla CA. It’s about a club that does things a little bit differently – but very well, and they are a bit younger than us:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG8MaIz5q6M
Speaking of Grants…
If you missed the meeting last week, you missed the great news that the Yardley Peruvian Water project was accepted. We are partnering with them to the tune of $2,000. There are a total of 5 clubs participating in this project and this is a DDF which will be matched 100%. The total somehow comes out to $39,550 (see my note above), which is a lot of water purification systems. I think DDF stands for District Designated Funds.
One thing I learned at the DA is that our chance of getting our grants accepted, increase significantly with full club participation in EREY. That is Clubs that support the Foundation, get support back from the Foundation – which makes sense. So make sure you get your donations in by the end of the Rotary year.
Don’t Forget!
Golf! We still need golfers, sponsors, raffle prizes
5K/10K! Jeff is still looking for someone to take over the food and I think Stan, who has very kindly agreed to take over as Sponsorship Coordinator, needs help with the raffle. It’s not that hard. You just have to walk up and down Main and Broad and ask the shop keepers, the raffle prizes practically fall in your lap. You walk in the door with your Rotary hat and they just throw the prizes at you.
OK, I think that is enough for one week. This blog isn’t as long as it looks; I just decided to use a bigger font because last week’s looked hard to read.
See you Thursday, AT THE PALACE!
Cheers,
SusanMAY 16 MEETING at PALACE RESTAURANT
MAY 16 MEETING at PALACE RESTAURANT!!!
Please see address and map below
Speaker: Jack Helfrich, Lehigh Wheelmen Association
DUTIES:
Greeter - Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jess Elliott
$2 Per Week - Jim Santanasto
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
Palace Restaurant
3250 Easton Ave Bethlehem, PA 18020 (Near Wright Veterinary)
Note: it may be difficult to turn left from Butztown Road onto Easton Ave.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Hogar Crea Garden Planting this Saturday!!
HOGAR CREA GARDEN PLANTING THIS SATURDAY!!!
RSVP: If you're planning to help, please email ron.helmuth@verizon.net so he knows whom to expect.
Date: Saturday, May 18 (Rain date TBA ... NOT May 19)
Time: 8:00 AM to 12 Noon
Location: 1920 E Market St., Bethlehem
Who: Able bodied Rotarians, family & friends ... PLUS A PHOTOGRAPHER!
If you can, please bring any or all of the following:
Gloves, hoes, shovels & trowels.
Please mark them with your name so all go home with the same person they came with!
(We no longer need wheelbarrows or cardboard boxes)
This is the “sweat equity” portion of this project, for which Morning Star has has been approved to receive a District Matching Grant!
Please help, and have a great time in the process!
Pres. Elect Jean's May 6 Message
What a fantastic meeting on May 2!
I felt very honored to run last week’s meeting while Pres. Sue was on vacation … we had nearly a “standing room only” crowd on hand to enjoy Retief’s great presentation! It’s hard to believe that English is not his native tongue. After giving background on South Africa, Retief shared information about his life and exchange experience. He also graciously handled a wide diversity of questions from the audience. Thanks, Retief!
Heartfelt appreciation also to Tom & Janet Kolepp for keeping Morning Star in the Youth Exchange Program this year, and to the Eighmy family for hosting. Host Mom Kate and host brothers Tucker and Stowe joined us to hear Retief, and Carl Kolepp was there, too. Carl is joining a Rotary e-club!
Geoff Wright brought wife BethAnn, father in law Don Smith (an Honorary Morning Star member), and Minori Kawai – a Youth Exchange Student who stayed with the Wrights many years ago! We heard a hearty OORAH after the pledge from Honorary member Tom Mohr, and former member Judi Dexter visited. (I’m delighted to tell you that Tom will be rejoining our “Active” ranks for the new Rotary year starting in July.) Happy dollars were in abundance and spirits ran high.
From a show of hands, it appears that Morning Star will be well represented at the District Assembly this Saturday at DeSales. We’ll let you know what we learn.
The Spaghetti Dinner last Friday was an awesome “FUN-raiser” as well as fundraiser! Details to come after chair Val Walk recovers from the weekend – she helped at another major charitable event early Saturday morning. We had much more help this year including our new members, many with their families – thank you!
Note: Val is automatically giving attendance make-up credit to any Spaghetti Dinner helpers who need it – you don’t have to send a request.
Jeff Kicska is asking for a volunteer to be “Food Czar” for this year’s 5K/10K Race. Barb Garrison isn’t able to do it this year, but will share her copious notes to help the new person.
See the separate stories about our Hogar Crea Garden Planting, Golf Tournament, and New Member Soiree.
To repeat a line quoted last Thursday … “Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” – Anonymous
Thanks for all you do for Rotary! Jean
Pres. Sue's May 6 Message
Greetings Rotarians,
Never thought I would be so happy to spend 10 hours sitting in a quiet office chair as I am this Monday. I am sure the thrill will have worn off by Friday.
Apparently I missed A LOT while I was away.
A GIANT THANK YOU to Val and her team for what I hear was a fantastic Spaghetti Dinner. It sounds like a wonderful time was had by all and there was a huge crowd. Even George, from the Downtown Club mentioned how much he enjoyed it. I am sure that Val will tell us all about it at the meeting.
I heard from Bill Jahn that the District Conference was a great success with over 240 attendees (including exchange students et. al.) and that the Speech Contest was the highlight. If you are planning on attending the DISTRICT ASSEMBLY this weekend, at DeSales, you will get to hear the winning talk.
Another huge thank you to Retief for a wonderful talk last week. I heard that it was very well attended.
A few dates to remember:
- Saturday, May 18th: Hogar Crea Planting – please see the story below
- Golf Outing: Monday June 3rd – See Butch or our website "Downloads" for the brochure – we need golfers, sponsors and raffle prizes
- New Member Soiree: Tuesday June 4th: Hanoverville Road House – if you are a new Member (in the past 18 months) or a Committee head or a Board Member, please consider coming!
- Board meeting – Tomorrow – May 8th – 6 pm
Did you know about Rotary Fellowships?
Rotary Fellowships are global social groups of Rotarians who share various hobbies. Here is the RI link:
There are some hobbies on here that I have no idea what they are! Like GO Playing and Esperanto and Geocaching? And there are some regular ones like Fishing and Golfing and Quilting and License Plate Collecting. It’s a great way to meet Rotarians from around the world who share your interests and hobbies, however unique they may be.
Speaker this week
Our speaker this week is a guest of Charlotte and Tore’s:
Hearing Loss Awareness and New Technology Solutions for Hearing Loss
NEXT WEEK!! - Listen UP!!
We are meeting at the Palace Restaurant on Easton Ave (AKA William Penn) – right across the street from Wright’s Vet, (AKA, the Keystone PUB!) – This is a potential alternative meeting place and we are meeting there to check out FOOD!!
Have a Magical Week!
Sue
May 9 Meeting
MAY 9 MEETING
Speaker: DR. JANET WESTLUND, Audiologist
Topic: Hearing Loss Awareness and New Technology Solutions for Hearing Loss
Janet is a prospective member, so let's give her an extra special Morning Star welcome!
DUTIES:
Greeter - Frank Lulewitz
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Bill Jahn
Introductions - Tom Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Pres. Sue.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
New Member Soiree - June 4
NEW MEMBER SOIREE – JUNE 4
What is it?
An informal evening of fellowship and Morning Star information.
Who should go?
New members have been invited, with spouse/guest.
In addition, Sponsors of the new members, Board Members,
Committee Chairs, and Membership Committee members
are requested to attend.
When will it be held?
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
5:30 PM Cash Bar
6:00 PM Light Dinner
8:00 PM Adjourn (approximate)
Where?
Hanoverville Roadhouse
5001 Hanoverville Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18017
How much does it cost?
$17 for those who are not “guests of honor” (plus cash bar).
RSVP by Wednesday May 29th
to Barb Seifert-Sigmon at barbara.seifert@npitc.com
Last year's New Member Soiree was warm, friendly and informative ... and this one promises to be just as good, if not even better!
Pres. Sue's May 1 Message
Week of May 2nd and May 8th
Greetings Rotarians!
You might not like the methods, but you gotta love the results! I think I counted 35 Rotarians at the meeting last week!
This week’s email is going to count for 2 weeks since I am on hiatus this week and will be buried in dirty laundry and over-due school work at the beginning of following week.
I am very sorry to be missing Retief, our Exchange Student. He has been very busy since his arrival and has an exciting summer planned. We were hoping to take him camping over the 4th of July weekend but he is off on a big adventure which I am sure he will tell you all about.
May 9th we will hear from Dr. Janet Westlund who is expert on new hearing loss technologies. I think there is a pun in there some place.
The FOLLOWING week we are going on Field Trip! So stay tuned for more info on that – or check out the calendar on the website.
There are lots of exciting things going on in our club over the next couple of months.
Please consider coming out to help on planting day at Hogar Crea on May 18th. Consider it a warm up/practice/gardener in training session for when we get our NEXT District Grant which is to help refurbish part of the Bike Path along the river!
And there is still time to sign up for the District Assembly which is May 11th at DeSales. Application is on the District 7430 website.
RI dues are going up!
$1/year/member starting in 2014/2015. Apparently they have been increasing $1/year/person for the past year. We now pay $53/person to RI. This was just voted on last week.
Here is the link to the RI website: http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/PoliciesAndProcedures/Announcements/Pages/130423_annc_COL.aspx
At the next Board meeting we will try to figure out if we can absorb these costs.
Have a good one.
Sincerely,
Susan
Note: This message was sent as a separate email on May 1 - not received in time for the April 30 bulletin. In addition, it will be in the May 7 bulletin.
Retief to present at May 2 Meeting! District Assembly
MAY 2 MEETING
RETIEF V., Our Exchange Student from South Africa!!!
Please come on Thursday to welcome Retief and the Eighmys (his host family), and to hear about this interesting young man, his home country, and his exchange experiences!
(Note: We have been asked to not publicize the last name of Exchange Students to protect their privacy.)
DUTIES:
Greeter - Shawn Dieter
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Need a Volunteer!!! *
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Susan Burnett
* Please email jsearfoss@cementemployers.com , rpacala@spillmanfarmer.com and rmetzler50@yahoo.com if you can help
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Jean Searfoss. (Pres. Sue is on vacation this week.)
REGISTER NOW FOR DISTRICT ASSEMBLY on Sat., May 11
Board members and committee chairs are strongly encouraged to attend! In addition the District Assembly is a great way for all members (both new and "veteran") to learn more about Rotary. The club will reimburse your $30 registration fee after you attend.
It would be great to have someone from Morning Star at each of the breakouts. Would you please let me know which ones you prefer for both the first and second breakouts so we can try to coordinate that?
Note: For the registration form, see my 4/19 email attachment, or download it from http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/story/StoryDetail.aspx?accountid=50086&sid=19448&stid=District , save and fill it in on your computer, then mail it in with a check.
MISSING PRES. SUE'S WEEKLY MESSAGE
Pres. Sue is on vacation and planned to email her message. It has not been received yet, and will be sent separately when available.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
April 25 Meeting; District Assembly on May 11; Events and Programs
APRIL 25 MEETING
SAMANTHA ROOS-MEISER, Executive Director of Kirkland Village
Topic: Trends Of The Future And Serving Seniors
DUTIES:
Greeter - Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms - Need a Volunteer!!!
$2 Per Week - Need a Volunteer!!! *
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Susan Burnett
* Please email burnetts@rcn.com and rmetzler50@yahoo.com if you can help
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala, Robin Metzler and Susan Burnett.
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY on Sat., May 11
Board members and committee chairs are strongly encouraged to attend! In addition the District Assembly is a great way for all members (both new and "veteran") to learn more about Rotary. The club will reimburse your $30 registration fee after you attend.
It would be great to have someone from Morning Star at each of the breakouts. Would you please let me know which ones you prefer for both the first and second breakouts so we can try to coordinate that?
Note: For the registration form, see my 4/19 email attachment, or download it from http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/story/StoryDetail.aspx?accountid=50086&sid=19448&stid=District , save and fill it in on your computer, then mail it in with a check.
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Please check out our Events and upcoming Programs, which are listed down the side of each bulletin.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
April 18 Meeting
APRIL 18 MEETING
TWO Programs:
KIM RESH, Mikayla's Voice (triathlon for all kids)
ANN GIBSON, Northeast Ministry and BERNIE STORY, L.V. Community Foundation and Boys & Girls Club
Topic: STEVE GODBOLT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (our golf beneficiary)
DUTIES:
Greeter - Sue Reeps
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Janet Kolepp
Invocation - Need a Volunteer!!! Please email Pres. Sue burnetts@rcn.com if you can help
Introductions - Susan Burnett
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Pres. Sue's 4/16 Message
Greetings Rotarians,
Please join me in congratulating Laura Fodale who placed a very respectable 3rd in the Regional 4 Way Test Speech Contest last Saturday at DeSales University. Perhaps we can convince her to try again next year.
We have a very busy meeting this week so feel free to get your breakfast early. Before our regularly scheduled speakers, Ann Gibson of Northeast Ministry and Bernie Story of LV Community Foundation and Boys & Girls Club on our golf beneficiary (Steve Godbolt Memorial Scholarship), we are first going to hear from Kim Resh. Kim is the Executive Director of Mikayla's Voice. Mikayla's Voice is a triathalon for special needs children. It is being organized here in the Lehigh Valley this spring and they are looking for volunteers. What a great coincidence because we just happen to be looking for some sweat equity projects! Do you know who else is involved with this project? Our very good friend Diane Donaher!
Also at the meeting you are going to hear about the club’s first ever FELLOWSHIP CHALLENGE!!!! You don’t want to miss THAT!
And finally, I will tell you about Hilary Koprowski. I was going to tell you all about him here, in my newsletter but after I spent about an hour reading about him at work (don’t worry, my boss is gone for the day), I decided it wasn’t something I should really write down, which is why this newsletter is so short. So I will just tell you about him at the meeting!
Please do not forget to respond to Jean's breakfast survey.
See you Thursday. It’s going to be ACTION PACKED!
Susan
Spaghetti Dinner Friday, May 3
Please donate 1 or 2 small items for themed baskets for Chinese Auction!
Part of the Spaghetti Dinner fundraising efforts will be a Chinese Auction (is that politically correct to say?). Rather than ask members to contribute an entire basket, Val would like to ask all club members to donate 1 or 2 items for our themed baskets which she will then assemble.
The baskets will include:
· “Good to the Last Drop”- coffee/tea related
· “Tour of Italy”- Italian/pasta/sauce/etc.
· “For Your Viewing Pleasure”- Movie/popcorn/candy/etc.
Remember, the Spaghetti Dinner will be Friday, May 3rd.
More hands make for lighter work - please help so this fundraiser will also be a "FUN-raiser"! We did not have enough members helping last year. If that occurs again this year, this event will be in danger of being discontinued. Please mark your calendar! Thanks.
April 11 Meeting
APRIL 11 MEETING
Program:
JOHN MORGANELLI, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DUTIES:
Greeter - Dieter Bender
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Jess Elliott
Invocation - John St. Clair
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
SPAGHETTI DINNER FLYER and GOLF BROCHURE are available in "Downloads" on the club website home page.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
Yvette Palmer Purple Pinkie 5K on April 21
The 3rd Annual Yvette M. Palmer Purple Pinkie 5K Run/Walk will be on Sunday, April 21st, 2013 at DeSales University. Proceeds will go to PolioPlus to eradicate polio world wide, which is one of Rotary's main missions. The race is sponsored by the DeSales University Rotaract Club and Rotary District 7430.
99% of the world is currently Polio free. Polio cases have declined rapidly since 1985, but the fight isn't over. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, and for as little as US$0.60, a child can be protected against the virus for life. If we don't finish the fight right now, more than 10 million children under the age of five could be paralyzed by polio in the next 40 years.
We hope you're able to take some time on Sunday morning to either run or walk the race around DeSales's scenic campus! Attached is the flier and registration form. You can also register at the race site and on the web site at yppp5k.blogspot.com.
Please feel free to forward this information along to friends, family members, colleagues, and fellow runners/walkers. We're hoping to get over 100 participants this year!
Thank you again for your support and forwarding this information along. I do appreciate it. Have a wonderful day and weekend!
Amanda
--
Amanda Fabrizio, Communications Specialist
Lehigh University, Industrial and Systems Engineering
Phone: 610-758-2986 Fax: 610-758-4886 Amanda.Fabrizio@lehigh.edu
http://rotaryclubofsaucon.blogspot.com/
Editor’s note: For your convenience, the flyer and registration form are available in Downloads on Morning Star Rotary’s home page.
Pres. Sue's April 9 Message and Regional Speech Contest on April 13
Greetings Rotarians.
Thanks again to Gretchen and Jean for arranging breakfast at Traditions last week. It was delightful as always and a nice change of pace.
This week we are back at Kirkland and welcoming John Morganelli, the District Attorney of Northampton County. Hopefully you don’t have any unpaid parking tickets.
This Saturday, April 13th is the Regional 4-Way Test Speech Contest at DeSales! There will be 5 students competing for a spot in the finals including the winner from our contest, Laura Fodale. Here are the important details:
Place: DeSales University, McShea Student Union, Kender Conference Room, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA
Time: 9:45a - 11:30a (doors close at 10:00 am) Saturday April 13
Admission: No charge - All are welcome
Contestants: Slatington, Bethlehem Morning Star & Downtown, Allentown-West, Quakertown, Souderton-Telford
I had an interesting experience at my first ever Zumba class this past weekend (i.e. it kicked my *$#) and I was going to challenge anyone else in the club to join me next weekend. Sadly it is at the same time as the Speech contest so maybe the following weekend! I thought it would make a nice Fellowship event J. It is almost bathing suit season after all.
Cheers,
Susan
APRIL 4 MEETING at TRADITIONS ... and more!
APRIL 4 MEETING - AT TRADITIONS OF HANOVER!!!
5300 Northgate Drive · Bethlehem, PA 18017
Program:
MIKE STERSHIC, President
DISCOVER LEHIGH VALLEY
DUTIES:
Greeter - Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ellen Roberts
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
SPAGHETTI DINNER FLYER and GOLF BROCHURE are available in "Downloads" on the club website home page.
Hope to see you Thursday! Jean
March 28 Meeting
MARCH 28 MEETING
Program:
Jim Palmquist, District Rotary Foundation Chair from Emmaus Rotary Club
Rotary Foundation Grants - Past Successes and New Process
Bonus: New Paul Harris Recognition
DUTIES:
Greeter - Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Tom Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
I'm out of town this week, and will see you on Apr. 4 when we meet at Traditions of Hanover, Jean
Four Way Test Speech Contestants Very Impressive!
Morning Star members who attended the Four Way Rotary Test Speech Contest last Wednesday evening were very impressed by the four contestants. Their topics were very relevant in today's world: Gun Control, Healthcare and how Social Media is Affecting the Ability to Relate in Person. The winner was Laura Fodale, a homeschooled student who spoke on Immigration with great poise.
Laura moves on to the regional contest on April 13 at DeSales University - time to be announced. The regional winner will compete at the District Conference for a significant cash prize.
Many thanks to Ben Tenaglia and Bethlehem Rotary's Charlie Walter for their persistence, the students for speaking, Sue Burnett for refreshments, and to all who helped!
Jahns cheer Carl Kolepp in Savannah!
Karen and Bill Jahn cheer on Carl Kolepp and the Lehigh Valley Rugby Team at the recent Savannah Rugby Tournament. Carl was their first non-family guest at their Savannah home!
Mar. 21 Meeting
MARCH 21 MEETING
Program:
Rebecca Walz of WDIY Radio, a Morning Star grant recipient
DUTIES:
Greeter - Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jess Elliott
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
March 14 Meeting
MARCH 14 MEETING
Program:
Brian Schlecker of HOGAR CREA
Note: With a District Grant, Morning Star Rotary will help establish a garden at Hogar Crea!
DUTIES:
Greeter - Frank Lulewitz
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Marianne Aronson
Invocation - John St. Clair
Introductions - Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
The Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner
The Rotary Foundation Recognition Dinner
Every year D-7430 strives to recognize the achievements of our Rotary Foundation and to also recognize those Rotarians who have put The Rotary Foundation high in their priorities. Please join us and be inspired by the accomplishments and commitments of District 7430 and its Rotarians. This year our Rotary Foundation
Recognition Dinner is scheduled for:
March 20, 20136:00 – 9:00 PM
William Penn Inn, North Wales, PA
Cost:$40 per person (checks Payable to Rotary District 7430)
Cocktail hour will start at 6:00 PM / Dinner will be at 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM Presentations & Recognitions
This year we celebrate closing in on the long-sought goal of POLIO ERADICATION.We ARE THISclose!!BUT there is till work to be done.We will remember those who have given there lives just recently to see that this does happen.
Also, our own Ron Smith will report on his recent trip to Uganda to plan a Vocational Training Team project focused on improving Child and Maternal Health.
How much good has your support for OUR Foundation done over the years?Come and find out!The statistics will surprise you, but the stories add the life to the impact these projects have had.
We will also be joined by a cadre of Rotary Foundation Alumni and DSG and Matching Grant Champions. A Major Donor, Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society Member reception will be held in conjunction with the Cocktail hour.
For Further information
Please refer to the D-7430 Website… www.rotarydistrict7430.organd to register for the event.(Under “District Events” on the left side of the Home page, the top item) OR
complete the attached form and send it to Mike using the information below.
Contacts
PDG Mike McCarthy (Foundation Chair)
866-416-4376 (w)
610-987-6286 (h)
PDG Roger Baumann(Permanent Fund Chair)
610-326-4228 (h)
610-779-3350 (w) 484-467-3950 (c)
March 7 Meeting
MARCH 7 MEETING
Program:
Lorna Clause, Director of Special Initiatives
TURNING POINT OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY (a Morning Star Rotary grant recipient)
DUTIES:
Greeter - Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Jim Santanasto
Invocation - Tom Kolepp
Introductions - Wayne Achey
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
Feb. 28 Meeting - TWO Programs
FEB. 28 MEETING - TWO PROGRAMS - starting early!
#1: Juan Proaño, President Elect, Morrisville-Yardley Rotary Club
WATER FILTER PROJECT IN PERU
#2: Rick Santee, Dee Elliott and the Membership Committee
NEW MEMBER PACKETS AND MORE
DUTIES
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jess Elliott
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Ron Helmuth
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
LAST WEEK'S SPEAKER
Thanks to Lisa Giovanni and Patti Gates Smith for an informative and moving presentation. Feedback from our members demonstrated just how important hospice services are to patients and their families.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
Pres. Sue's Feb. 26 Message
I just cannot believe it is the end of February already! The Rotary year AND the calendar year are flying by.
This is my last week of telling you all the things that I love about Rotary. Even though Rotary is a very serious, grown-up organization that set out to solve the world’s problems. And even though its full of a bunch of old men who are all CEO’s and other people who own their own companies and are terrifying to meet and approach and are all very intimidating…
NOT!
The thing I love most about Rotary is that is where I come every week to have FUN! And make FRIENDS! I lived and worked in the Lehigh Valley for 5 years and I did not have many friends to show for it until I came to Rotary. And the moment I joined Rotary, I suddenly had 1.2 million of them.
And I know that no matter what else is going wrong/crazy in my work or home life, when I come to Rotary on Thursday morning, or to bowling or to a 5K/10K meeting or to a Spaghetti Dinner or to a Conference Planning meeting or a to a Casino night or whatever it is, I know I am going to be surrounded by friends and I am going to laugh (hopefully a lot!) and I am going to have a great time. And that is always a great way to start the day, the night, the week, the month, the year,
Don’t get me wrong – there is going to be hard work involved, a little compromise, a few battle lost, and maybe a little hair pulling, and teeth gnashing and a few bad words spewed in frustration – but in the end, it will all be worth it and we will all be better for it. And we will look back on it fondly. Right Bill?
I joined Rotary for many reasons. To get closer to my dad, to get involved with my community, to Network. I have to tell you, I did not join Rotary because I thought it would be “Fun!” At no time did I ever think that walking into a large room full of strangers would be “fun”. That standing up and giving my classification talk would be “fun”. That asking people for money for a 5K/10 would be “Fun” – ok, that really isn’t “FUN” at all but its “REWARDING” and that is almost the same thing as “FUN” and I am out of weeks so close enough.
Anyways, the “FUN” part of Rotary turned out to be a total bonus to all the other reasons that I joined Rotary and it happened almost instantaneously the moment I was met by my first Morning Star person and that has made all difference.
This Week!
We have a very busy meeting this week so please be on time or even better- a few minutes early.
Please arrive promptly and get your food and get seated, by 7:30 if possible.
At 7:30 we will have the Invocation and Pledge and Introductions of guests and visitors.
We have TWO programs this week.
We have had a special request from the Yardley Rotary Club to present their Water Project to us. They are looking for financial partners for their Future Vision project. The deadline is the end of March. They are going to speak from 7:40-7:55, including questions.
We are asking the Membership to email Tom Hartzell any feedback about participation in the program- if you favor the club participating in the project or not. If you do not have Tom’s email, you can send it to me and I will forward it to him. Tom will summarize the feedback and present it to the Board meeting on March 13th
At 7:55 we will have our regular Business meeting followed by our regular program which is our Membership Committee. The Membership Committee has been hard at work creating some new material for new Members – just in time as we have 4 of them and a few more waiting in the wings!
Hope To See You There!
SusanDG Tony presents Eagle Scout certificate to Matt Kessler, grandson of Bill & Karen Jahn
DG Tony presents Eagle Scout certificate to Matt Kessler, grandson of Bill & Karen Jahn
Rotary Fellowship of International Scouting on behalf of Rotary International honored Matthew Kessler, Bethlehem PA with a certificate recognizing his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. DG Tony Jannetta presented this certificate on Sunday February 17th at Matthew’s Court of Honor. Matthew, 16, has been a scout since he was 10 years old. He is joining an elite group of Scouts (2-4%) that attain this highest level in Boy Scouting. Matt is a junior at Freedom HS, a black belt in Karate and active in his church. He is the son of Lindsay and Gary Kessler and the grandson of PDG Bill and Karen Jahn.
Rotary and Scouting: International Fellowship of Scouting (IFSR)
Rotary International has been a partner with the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in serving young people since their inception. As Rotary spread around the world, its support of Scouting and Girl Guiding also spread. In 1916, Rotarians in Edinburgh, Scotland, joined by 100 local Scouts, organized a special Christmas party for children whose fathers were serving in World War I. In 1922, the Rotary Club of Manila, Philippines, established a local Scout council. Rotary Clubs from Australia to Brunei built huts for Girl Guide groups.
IFSR has produced full color recognition certificates for your Rotary Club or District to present to U. S. and Canadian Scouts and Guides that achieve their association's highest award. What a great opportunity not only to recognize a young man or woman for his/her Outstanding Achievement, but to make these prospective future Rotarians aware of Rotary and its programs. Go to http://scouters.us/ifsr/ to learn how your club may recognize outstanding local scouts.
Urgent - Need District Grant Ideas for 2013-14
Urgent - Need District Grant Ideas for 2013-14
Applications for District grants for the 2013-14 Rotary year are now being accepted. The Club Foundation Committee is seeking ideas on projects for which we can apply for these funds. District Grants fund relatively short-term activities in amounts less than $3,000. Our club is waiting to receive funds for the current Rotary year to assist Hogar Crea in creating a garden area. Past projects have included acquisition of a bicycle rack for Victory House and purchasing books for Cops ’N Kids.
The grant project must be in one of the following areas of focus:
· Peace and conflict resolution
· Disease prevention and treatment
· Water and sanitation
· Maternal & child health
· Basic education & literacy
· Economic & community development
Due to changes in the grant process being implemented by Rotary International for the 2013-14 year, club applications are due to the District by the end of March. The Foundation Committee would like to make a recommendation to the Club Board by its March 13 meeting.
Please contact Dee Elliott delliott@newbethanyministries.org or Tom Hartzell thartzell@hmk-ins.com to discuss any project ideas you may have.
Pres. Sue's February 19th Message
Susan Burnett | ||
Happy 3rd Week Of Things I Love About Rotary, Rotarians! The 3rd thing I love about Rotary is that there is always something new to learn or discover about Rotary, somewhere. I have been a member for 8 years and I feel like I have just barely scratched the surface. When I mentioned this to my husband the first thing he said was “Maybe you are just a slow learner.” Let’s just assume for the rest of this weekly address that that is not the case. Rotary is so vast, and opportunities to get involved no numerous and the people who participate are so many (and so interesting and so kind) and the challenges around the world sometime so seemingly overwhelming, and so ever changing that if you were in Rotary your whole life you could not possibly learn everything there is to learn or meet everyone there is to meet or solve all the problems there are to solve. Rotary is not static. It is always changing because we are a service organization serving the needs of the communities that we live in and those needs are ever changing. As Rotarians we need to learn as much about Rotary as we can as fast as we can. It a large, fascinating, complex organization but it works and we all need to keep up. Aside: And it gets even better (it always does!) We don’t only learn about Rotary at Rotary. We have great speakers at Rotary who come and tell us about thing we never knew we never knew. I can’t tell you how many times I almost blew off a meeting because the speaker was going to be someone from a Park or National Preservation something or other. But I am always thrilled I came. I used to work for a company and at the beginning of every meeting one person had to give a 3-5 minute energizer – some story that was so inspiring, it energized the room and go the meeting off to a great start. I consider my weekly Rotary meeting to be my WEEKLY energizer. Speakers We look forward to our speakers this week:
Topic: St Luke’s Hospice Announcements District Conference The District Conference is April 26-April 28th at Skytop. On March 1st – the District has to release any un-booked rooms back to the hotel. You still may be able to get a room after that but it is not guaranteed. Please see the District website for further details. 4 Way Test Speech Contest We now have 5 contestants for our 4-Test Speech Contest which will be held on the evening of March 20th at Bethlehem City Hall. They came in just under the wire! Cheers, Susan |
Feb. 21 Meeting; Last Week's Speaker
FEB. 21 MEETING
SPEAKERS - Lisa Giovanni, Interim President, VNA of St. Luke's - and -
Patti Gates Smith, Dir. Professional Development, PA State Nurses Assoc.; Co-Chair, VNA Board of Directors; Hospice Advocate
TOPIC: St. Luke's Hospice
DUTIES
Greeter - Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Karen Jahn
Introductions - Bill Jahn
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
LAST WEEK'S SPEAKER
Thanks to Dr. Tudor Stanciu, Lehigh Scholar in Residence, Fulbright Scholar and Romania professor for an enlightening and inspiring presentation last week on his work with orphans in Romania!
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
Reminder: Weather Policy
Reminder: Morning Star's Weather Policy
If the Bethlehem Area School District is CLOSED, our meeting is CANCELLED.
If there is just a delay, our meeting is held as usual.
Feb. 14 Meeting
FEB. 14 MEETING
PROGRAM - Dr. Tudor Stanciu, Lehigh University "Scholar in Residence" and Romanian Professor
Please come and hear from this most interesting speaker, who will be introduced by former club member Bill Hunter.
DUTIES
Greeter - Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Jess Elliott
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Frank Lulewitz
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
Pres. Elect Jean Requests Your Ideas!
Pres. Elect Jean Requests Your Ideas!
I am looking forward to becoming president of Morning Star Rotary this July 1. My “canned” description of our club? “We have a lot of fun while helping people locally and throughout the world!”
To help with planning I’d like to talk with each of you individually for a few minutes, and will email you to find out whether before/during/after a meeting or by phone is better for you. If those aren’t workable, we can do it via email.
As a club member for almost 19 years (and board member for about half of that time), I value many Morning Star traditions. I hope we can rekindle our camaraderie, sense of “family”, and fun as we keep be the best of the old while embracing the new. New members, new technology, and possibly some new projects and events.
Over the past 5 years our membership has declined about 15-20%, with the severe economic recession adding to the usual factors of people moving and experiencing other life or career changes. To continue our many good works, I’m asking each and every Morning Star Rotarian to be a truly “Active” member. Now, Rotary is not a one-size-fits-all organization, and “Active” encompasses many ways of supporting the club, the Bethlehem area, the district, and Rotary International. Some functions require time throughout the year, while others are concentrated around the date of a particular event.
I will be asking how you would like to be active in Morning Star during the next Rotary year. How can your time, talent and experience help our club? If you have a passion for a particular cause, would you consider leading an effort to benefit it? Would you like to participate more with local projects, or help us learn ways to reach out more beyond our borders? I hope to explore opportunities to partner with other Rotary clubs in our area on projects of mutual interest.
Morning Star needs to increase Publicity, including traditional media, but in particular to establish a social media presence. Would you help us get started on FaceBook?
Vocational Service is a Rotary “Avenue of Service” which may warrant more attention – maybe brief intros of “veteran” members, a meeting devoted to exchanging business cards, resurrection of our VoTech awards, or holding an occasional meeting at a member’s place of business. If this is important to you, would you help?
What types of social events appeal to you? Family picnics, sporting events, or an evening gathering for cocktails or dinner? Going to a play, concert or comedy show? We’re open to your ideas, and are very interested in what would engage our newer and younger members.
Please keep an eye open for my email. I ask you to carve out a few minutes to share your views so we can make 2013-14 a terrific year!
Many thanks,
Jean
Jean Searfoss, President Elect 2012-13
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com Cell 610-504-1455
Emmaus Rotary presents the Fabulous Greaseband on Mar. 15
The Fabulous Greaseband
Friday March 15, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM
Allentown Fairgrounds
302 N. 17th Street
Allentown, PA 18104
General Admission $25.00
For tickets go to
Proceeds will support Emmaus Rotary’s local and international projects
BYOB and Snacks for a fun evning of good music and dancing!
Feb. 7 Meeting; Last week's speaker rescheduled
FEB. 7 MEETING will take place!
Kirkland Village advises that their virus outbreak has abated (but not disappeared yet), and we are good to go this week. Last week's speaker, Lorna Clause of Turning Point, has graciously rescheduled for March 7.
PROGRAM - STEPHANIE HNATIW of the YWCA, on their TechGyrls program.
Please come and hear about this organization and the program which a Morning Star grant is supporting.
DUTIES
Greeter - Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ellen Roberts
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's Feb. 5 Message
El amor está en el aire esta rotarios meses enteros!
Since February is the month of love, I have decided that each week I will highlight one aspect of Rotary that I love! This week it is the fight against polio. Did you know there is a whole new website dedicated to just THIS effort? – Here is the link – check it out:
There are many reasons that I love Rotary’s commitment to the fight against polio. One is because we are in it for the duration. We are very close to the end. We could back out now. We could say, “We have done enough, let someone else finish the job. We have given enough effort. It’s too hard. We have done all we can. It’s going to cost too much. It’s impossible.” But Rotary is not going to give up. We were there at the beginning and we are going to be there at the end. Sure, there are more popular diseases we could go after, maybe easier targets, maybe targets where we could see a faster “return on our money” but as our speaker at the District Conference said last spring: “If we are not there at the end, no one will remember that we were there at the beginning.”
Another reason I am so grateful for our fight against polio is because I know a small amount of help make a huge difference. And there are many ways to get involved. You can donate your time at a fundraiser. You can participate in an immunization day in India. There are always those infusions of cash and most importantly, you can always tell your friends about Rotary.
I am very proud to be a part of Rotary’s efforts in the fight against Polio. I think it was Napoleon who said, “The difficult we can do right away, the impossible just takes a little longer.”
This week we are delighted to welcome Stephanie Hnatiw as our speaker. She is with the YWCA Tech Gyrls Program and is one of our grant recipients. I am expecting lots of left over happy dollars from last week. I have a “Payback is a Bear” dollar.
Cheers,
Susan
Jan. 31 Meeting CANCELLED!!!
NO MEETING JAN. 31 !!!
Our Jan. 31 meeting has been cancelled by Kirkland Village due to a GI virus outbreak. See you next week ...
Welcome Exchange Student Retief from South Africa
Please welcome our new Exchange Student!!!
Retief is 17 years old and a junior in high school. He is taking a "gap" year while in the US and will return to complete his senior year in South Africa. He comes from Randburg, just outside Johannesburg, South Africa. He enjoys outdoors sports like mountain climbing & mountain biking. He is very close with his parents and has one younger brother. He hopes his year as a exchange student helps him to grow emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. Retief has already attended one of our morning meetings, and we hope to see him often!
To get Retief's email and phone number, you must first log in on ClubRunner. If not directed to the Admin page, click "Admin" near top right of our home page. Then on right side of the Admin page under Membership Manager, click "Other Users", then double click his name (under "V").
His first Host Family is Kate & Larry Eighmy and their 3 sons.
We ask that EVERY Morning Star Rotarian make an effort to include Retief in at least ONE activity this year. Sharing a meal or an outing with a variety of families will give him a more fully experience life here. If you are just spending several hours with him locally, no form is needed. If you're having trouble getting his contact info from the website, he can always be reached via the Kolepps.
However, for the safety of the students, the State Department requires anyone having more than “casual contact” to complete a release form authorizing a background check. Any overnight visit/travel would necessitate a form. Please download the form from the club’s home page, then complete and submit it to Tom or Janet Kolepp (not directly to the district). They will take care of getting forms to the district, and the fee is covered. If you’d like to take him on a trip out of state or have any other questions, please check with the Kolepps.
Jan. 31 Meeting
JAN. 31 MEETING
PROGRAM - LORNA CLAUSE of TURNING POINT
Please come and hear about this organization and the program which a Morning Star grant is supporting.
DUTIES
Greeter - Tom Hartzell
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Ron Helmuth
Introductions - Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue’s Jan. 29 Message
Last week’s meeting was a lot of fun! And I have noticed as the year goes on that more and more people through my day on Thursday ask “Hey how was Rotary today?” So I guess word must be getting out. And last week I got tell them how much fun it was, not just because we got to give out $6,000 and have a lot of laughs doing it, but that we had two potential member there who got swept up in the fun … one that was a really good sport about it, at least I hope he was. We will see if he comes back.
Then right on the heels of that we had our second annual Rotary BOWLARAMA this past Saturday night with 28 people coming out for a great night of fun. It’s a good thing Jeff was bowling with a broken leg because his score was off by at least 5 points from last year and it gave the rest of us a chance to try and keep up. None of us will ever bowl as well as Gary’s sons but we banished them to their own lanes. I collected a VERY happy dollar from Rafael but I will let him tell you all about it at the next meeting. Karen will always have the nicest bowling shoes. Many thanks to the Hampton Lanes. They did a terrific job hosting us again.
So this weekend I was thinking, this is a GREAT time to bring in potential members to the club. We have several fun events coming up over the next few months that can make new members feel very welcome, and very Rotary-educated, very fast.
¨ First up we have a couple more speakers who are grant recipients, Lorna Clause of Turning Point and Stephanie Hnatiw of the YWCA
¨ The Foundation Committee is preparing a presentation to update us on Future Visions. Our club is qualified to apply for these grants already – so if you have any ideas for grants, or want to know more, talk to Gretchen, Tom or Dee.
¨ We have the 4-Way Speech Contest in March and then the Regional contest which will be in early April
¨ Our Spaghetti dinner this spring is great fellowship event, if you love to cook, if you love to wash dishes or even if you just love to EAT – we will be looking for your help
¨ District Conference, a great weekend event up at Skytop – a great way to meet other District Rotarians and celebrate the year that was, and get in some golf
¨ District Assembly – a shorter version of the Conference, half a day, at DeSales – (far less expensive!) – sometime in May
o CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR ON CLUBRUNNER FOR ALL THE DATES!!!!
So if there is someone you think might make a great Rotarian, this is a great time to introduce them to the club because there is A LOT of interesting and fun stuff going on and many opportunities for folks to get involved and learn more about Rotary.
We are looking forward to hearing from Lorna Clause this week.
Be Well,
Susan
Pres. Sue's Jan. 22 Message
Wasn't it great to meet our new exchange student last week, Retief van der Lingen from South Africa? And Debra Lamb's presentation on Lehigh Valley Children's Centers showed that our club's grant is very well used indeed.
It is hard for me to sit still and write this – I am soooo excited about BOWLING this weekend!!!
We have 27 bowlers for this Saturday, 7-9 pm at Hampton Lanes in Northampton … I think that might be a record! (Never mind that it is only our second year, it’s still a record and I’ll take it.)
I am also really excited because this week is one of my FAVORITE meetings! This week we thank all the folks who SPONSORED the 5K/10K RACE and we give SPECIAL OLYMPICS their GREAT BIG CHECK!
AND … it gets even better! Thrivent is coming! Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been financially supporting our race for 7 years and they have never, ever let us thank them in person before. This week they are FINALLY coming, and I cannot wait to meet them. So I hope you will come too, and help show them what Rotary is all about.
Birthdays this week, too! If your birthday is in January, we will be celebrating you this week. So don't forget to come and collect your birthday treat! (I hear Marianne is handing out apples this month!)
It's already time to start thinking about the NEXT ROTARY YEAR!
On March 1-2, Jean Searfoss and Marianne Aronson will be heading off to PETS – that is President Elect Training Seminar. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is an action-packed, fun-filled two days of training for Assistant Governors and incoming Presidents. Jean will be asking about next year’s Committee Chairs before then. Yes, ALREADY! So if there is an area of the club that you would like to serve or have been dying to serve, now is the time to let her know before she calls you … because she will be calling you. Or at least, now is the time to start thinking about how you might serve the club and Rotary, and any ideas for projects or fellowship events you may have. Any why wait until next year – you can always practice on this year.
POLIO ERADICATION UPDATE
Time Magazine has been running an interesting series of articles on the fight against Polio. They are now available on our website on the News section.
4-Way Rotary Test SPEECH CONTEST
We are still looking for contestants for our Speech contest. If anyone knows the debate coach or drama teacher at any of the local high schools, (other than Freedom, we have that one covered), please let Ben Tenaglia know. If you know of other ways to get info out to high school students via school contacts, traditional media, or social media, that would also be very helpful.
See you Thursday!
Cheers, Susan
Jan. 24 Meeting
JAN. 24 MEETING
PROGRAM - RACE SPONSOR RECOGNITION!!!
Please come and help thank those who supported our 5K / 10K, and see Special Olympics receive the check!
DUTIES
Greeter - Steve Bajan
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Rafael De La Hoz
Invocation - Both Mike Long and Karen Jahn signed up (more than 1 sheet circulated)
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's Jan. 15 Message
Greetings Rotarians!
WELCOME RETIEF!
We are very excited that our new Exchange Student, Retief van der Lingen has arrived safely from South Africa, and we are looking forward to having him visit our club this week. Please come to the meeting and make him feel welcome. With any luck he will be at our….
BOWLING FELLOWSHIP EVENT!!!!!
Which is Saturday, Jan 26 from 7-9 pm at Hampton Lanes. Please see the info below, the flyer in Downloads, or me, Susan for more details. It is sure to be a lot of fun. I think we have at least 18 people signed up so far, and need a final count by Sunday.
4 WAY SPEECH CONTEST
Ben Tenaglia could use some help finding students to participate in the 4 Way Speech Contest. The schools are not being very cooperative. If you know a teacher with some pull or other means of getting word out to high school students, please help Ben. There is a lot of prize money available. The winning student stands to win $1,400 in total for winning all 3 levels: local, regional and district (I think?).
WEEKLY MEETING COST
Kirkland’s price to the club is officially going up from $8.50 to $10 per person this week. The club’s price to members will remain $10. (Historically, the $1.50 difference has been used to pay for speakers, plus prospective members with their 3 tickets.) The board decided that will use club funds to cover the cost of those guests for the time being. In addition, Kirkland now requires a minimum guarantee of 33 paid breakfasts every week, otherwise we have to pay $10 for each attendee under 33. So if we only have 30 people attend, we have to pay an additional $30. Please try to attend each meeting! Dee Elliott and Gary Hartney are looking at possible alternative meeting locations. If you would like to help them, please let them know. Their contact info is on our website.
Also, please plan for some change in the dues structure in the new Rotary year. We have also heard that the District may raise our District Dues this year. For those of you that missed my kick off meeting this year, the Morning Star Rotary Club has some of the lowest dues of any club in the District. We have not raised dues since I joined the club and that was 8 years ago. Of the dues that you pay, the club only retains about $35 or $45 for operating expenses. (The majority goes to Rotary International and the District.) Our only other sources of revenue for these expenses are now happy dollars and fines, since we are losing the $1.50 per member per meeting noted above. If you would ever like to take a closer look at our budgets, please see me, or our Treasurer Sue Reeps – that is Sue or Sue!
Which brings us to ... DUES!
Dues are due. If you only paid half your dues at the beginning of the year, the other half are now due. So please pay them promptly as the second half of our RI dues are due at the end of January.
Our speaker this week is Debra Lamb, Executive Director the Lehigh Valley Children's Centers – they were one of our grant recipients this year.
Sincerely, Susan
BOWLING - Sat. Jan. 26
Morning Star,
get ready to . . . BOWL!!!
Saturday, January 26th
7 - 9 pm
Hampton Lanes
326 Main St, Northampton
All Friends & Family welcome!
Pizza! Hot Wings! Soda! Dessert!
And for the diet conscious,
an all--you-can-eat Veggie Tray!
Cost: $20 per person for Bowlers
Includes bowling & shoes plus food
Non-Bowlers welcome - food only - $12.50
BUMPERS available for kids ... and anyone else!
RSVP to Susan Burnett by Sunday Jan. 20
Sign up at 1/17 meeting, or email burnetts@rcn.com.
The flyer is available in Downloads.
Jan. 17 Meeting
JAN. 17 MEETING
PROGRAM - LEHIGH VALLEY CHILDREN'S CENTERS
Speaker - Debra Lamb, Executive Director
DUTIES
Greeter - Ellen Roberts
Sergeant-at-Arms - Gretchen Vakiener
$2 Per Week - Need a Volunteer
Invocation - Sue Reeps
Introductions - Janet Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
ClubRunner
DO YOU MISS PRINTED DIRECTORIES?
A few people have commented that they were having trouble contacting other members since we no longer hand out a printed directory or phone list. All that info and much, much more is available on our club website 24 hours a day and is continuously updated!!!
Yes, you need to log on to access phone numbers and email addresses. If you haven't done that recently (or maybe at all), here are step-by-step instructions ...
- Go to www.morningstarrotary.org
- Click Log On (at top right)
- If you don't know your Login Name or Password, click "New and existing users - Retrieve your password"
- Fill in your last name and email address. ClubRunner will immediately email your Login Name and Password.
- Note: the email address must match what ClubRunner has on file for you. If you can no longer access that email address, contact Pres. Sue, Jeff Kicska or me with your new address, and we will update it in ClubRunner for you.
Then log in and explore!!! In addition to the stories you see in the bulletin, there is a Download section for public documents. Go to "Admin" for directory info and other items restricted to club members. Please update your profile so we have your current phone/email etc, and upload a photo if you don't have one in there yet.
It's really not too hard ... just ask Dieter Bender, who just did it!!!
Many thanks! Jean (and Sue and Jeff)
Jan. 10 Meeting
JAN. 10 MEETING
PROGRAM - BETHLEHEM AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY and it's "ROOM TO GROW" project
Speaker - Janet Fricker, Executive Director
DUTIES
Greeter - Dee Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jess Elliott
$2 Per Week - Tom Hartzell
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Tom Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
DUES ARE DUE
For those of us who did not pay for the full year, the second-half dues are due. Please see notice emailed by Val Walk, and give or mail your check to club Treasurer Sue Reeps. Thank you!
BOARD MEETING REMINDER - Tomorrow, Wed. 1/9/13 at 6:00 pm at Kirkland Village.
Yours in Rotary, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's Jan. 8 Message
Dear Rotarians,
Wasn’t that a great program last Thursday? Thanks to Dr. Joel Rosenfeld for bringing us up to speed on the Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine, the first one here in the Lehigh Valley. This week we are welcoming Janet Fricker and Liza Holzinger to give us an update on the Bethlehem Library’s “Room to Grow” project, which we have supported with our golf tournament proceeds the past two years.
BOWLING!
Please join us Sat. Jan 26th from 7-9 pm for Bowling at Hampton Lanes. Sign up sheets will be going around. I have to get a firm count to Hampton Lanes by Jan 20th so if you sign up, you are committed. Price TBD but I am trying to keep it to $20/person. And yes, we will have at least one lane with bumpers up!
POLIO ERADICATION UPDATE
Time Magazine has been running some interesting stories on the fight against polio. You can go to Time.com, or our club website, where we have created a page for the updates. The board has voted for Morning Star to contribute $1,000 to the PolioPlus campaign this year, using some of our funds from our fundraisers. Yes, we are THIS CLOSE!!! If you would like to help more, you can designate your EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) donation to Rotary Foundation for Polio Eradication.
The 3rd Annual Yvette M. Palmer Purple Pinkie 5K Run/Walk proceeds also will go towards PolioPlus. This event is organized by the DeSales University Rotaract Club and the district, and will be held Sunday, April 21, 2013 at DeSales University. There’s a website this year, yppp5k.blogspot.com.
CLEANING OUT AT KIRKLAND
I’m not able to clean out the back area at Kirkland this week so if you were hoping to get back there to save a memento, you have a reprieve. Please organize things you want kept, and mark them with your name and the date no later than Jan. 17th.
Cheers, Susan
Pres. Sue's New Year's Message
I hope everyone had a healthy and safe
and restful holiday. I cannot believe the Rotary year is half over! Still so
much to do.
I would like to thank Mike and Terri
Long for hosting a wonderful Holiday Party. We had a great turnout.
Very Important Breakfast Information
Kirkland has, unfortunately, made some drastic changes
to our breakfast situation. They have increased to the weekly cost of our
breakfast to $10/week. Some of you might not be aware but previously, Kirkland
has charged us $8.50 for breakfast. We have charged members $10. The additional
$1.50 covers the cost of guests – such as the speaker, exchange students etc…
The Board will decided at the next Board meeting how the club should address
this issue, either by raising the breakfast fee or by raising dues. You may
certainly offer your input. Please understand that it is a little bit difficult
to increase dues in the middle
of the year but we will try to figure out something “fair to all concerned”.
In addition, Kirkland has increased
our minimum attendance requirements to 35, from 33. So please do your best to
attend meetings as we have to pay for 35 members every
week.
ELECTION RESULTS
At
our Christmas meeting we voted in our new Board of Directors who will take
office on July 1st, 2013.
Please
join me in congratulating them:
President: Jean Searfoss (previously
selected)
President Elect: Tom Kolepp (previously
selected, to serve as president 2014-15)
Vice President: No Nominee
Secretary: Val Walk
Treasurer: Sue Reeps
Directors thru June 2014: (previously selected)
Marianne Aronson, Gary Hartney, Jeff Kicska and Ben Tenaglia
Directors July 2013 - June 2015:
Rafael De La Hoz, Robin Metzler, Ellen Roberts and Barb
Seifert-Sigmon
Sergeant-at-Arms: Russ Pacala
The position of VP is still open. If you got to thinking, over the
holidays that this is something you were really interested in, it’s almost
never too late to speak up!
Lots of Reminders:
January 24 is our Race Sponsorship Recognition breakfast – this is always a fun
meeting
If you move, get a new phone, a new
birthday (anything is possible) – don’t forget to update your profile in ClubRunner
– so you don’t miss any important communications from the club, or your
birthday chocolate bar!
The District Conference is coming up, the last weekend in April. More
info is available on the District website
The Rotary International Conference is also coming up; it’s in Lisbon, Portugal this year.
More info is available on the RI website and in your monthly Rotary magazine.
Our Exchange Student, Retief van der Lingen, is almost
here!!! Please plan to spend some time with him, even if it is just to invite
him over for dinner or a brunch.
If you only paid for half of your dues, the other half is now
due.
Our speaker this week is Dr. Joel Rosenfeld who is the Dean of the new St. Luke’s /Temple University School of Medicine.
See
you in the morning! - Sue
Jan. 3 Meeting ... and More!
JAN. 3 MEETING
PROGRAM - THE LEHIGH VALLEY'S FIRST SCHOOL OF MEDICINE!
Speaker:
Joel C. Rosenfeld, M.D., M.Ed., FACS
Chief Academic Officer
St. Luke’s University Health Network
Senior Associate Dean
Professor of Surgery
Temple University School of Medicine
With an introduction by Ken Smith, former Mayor of Bethlehem and current Board Member of St. Luke's.
DUTIES
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Jim Santanasto
Invocation - Need a Volunteer
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE
The download section of the website now has the "Committee Snapshot" as well as our "Twelve Days of Rotary" lyrics.
ROTARY "STUFF" STORED AT KIRKLAND - action by Jan. 17
If you have any Rotary related items stored on the 3rd floor at Kirkland, please go through it, remove anything not still needed or which can be stored elsewhere, and mark items to be retained with "Keep", the date, and your name. If we don't clean things up, Kirkland plans to dispose of them. Thanks!
DUES ARE DUE
For those of us who did not pay for the full year, the second-half dues are due. Please see notice emailed by Val Walk, and give or mail your check to club Treasurer Sue Reeps. Thank you!
SHELTERBOX UPDATE
ShelterBox has deployments in the Philippines and Fiji. They are also deployed to Haiti due to Hurricane Sandy, to three countries due to the Syrian crisis, to Nigeria, Uganda and Senegal due to flooding. That means ShelterBox is actively deployed to 9 countries now.
For news and updates, please see www.shelterboxusa.org.
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Please join us tomorrow morning!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
No Meeting Thu Dec 27 --- Party Fri evening!
No Meeting on Thu Dec 27
Holiday Party Fri evening - see story below
Dec. 20 Meeting - Special Holiday Program!
DEC. 20 MEETING
PROGRAM - RICK SANTEE and the LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL A CAPPELLA SINGERS!
Please join us for our annual magical, musical holiday program! (In the 2nd floor auditorium.)
DUTIES
Greeter - Deb Cummins
Sergeant-at-Arms - Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Wayne Achey
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Please bring a guest and join us Thursday morning!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's Dec. 18 Message
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
I hope that you can join us this week for a wonderful breakfast and lots of singing! It is our annual Holiday meeting!
We are on the 2nd floor this week - if you are not sure where to go, get off the elevator at the 2nd floor and follow the noise and the delicious smells!
The other important thing that happens this week is that we VOTE on next year’s Board of Directors.
An Update on our Friends, “FRIENDS FOREVER”
Those of you who attended the District Conference last year may remember a wonderful presentation about Friends Forever. FF started in 1986 and brings groups of Protestant and Catholic kids together for 6 weeks. It as expanded to Arab and Jewish youth as well. Rotary has been involved by providing programs and activities while the youth are in the US. Recently the founder, Bob Raiche was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize! That is the update. He did not win, he lost to the EU. (Yes, I am still scratching my head on that one too!).
Remember, there is NO MEETING NEXT WEEK, DEC. 27 – because we will all be partying at Mike and Terry Long’s house on Friday evening, Dec. 28.
Then we will return to our regularly scheduled programming on Jan. 3rd when our speaker will be Dr. Joel Rosenfeld, who is the Dean of St. Luke’s/Temple School of Medicine, which was the 1st in the Lehigh Valley.
Please be safe this Holiday Season,
Susan
Club Election Dec. 20 for 2013-14 Rotary Year
Club Election Dec. 20 for 2013-14 Rotary Year
Our annual club election will be held at the regular meeting this week. The Nomination Committee proposes the following slate:
President: Jean Searfoss (previously selected)
President Elect: Tom Kolepp (previously selected, to serve as president 2014-15)
Vice President: No Nominee
Secretary: Val Walk
Treasurer: Sue Reeps
Directors thru June 2014: (previously selected)
Marianne Aronson, Gary Hartney, Jeff Kicska and Ben Tenaglia
Directors July 2013 - June 2015:
Rafael De La Hoz, Robin Metzler, Ellen Roberts and Barb Seifert-Sigmon
Sergeant-at-Arms: Russ Pacala
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. (Be sure to have the nominee's okay first!)
Pres. Sue's Dec. 11 Message
Last week’s attendance was 33, right where we need it.
Happy Hanukkah Rotarians!
I have a confession to make … I was not ready to write this week’s message. I usually get some inspiration during the week. From the last meeting. From something someone said. Or something I read in the monthly magazine, or something that happened to me over the weekend. But this weekend was a bit of a blur. No, not because I was drinking heavily. (Although that would have been nice.) My parents arrive this weekend, and between the play and trying to remove 6 months of dog hair from house and finish Xmas shopping and get the cat to the vet … well, you know how life goes. So now it’s Monday morning and I am at work and I am supposed to be, well working … so I better think fast …
Where DO you go when you want to get inspired about Rotary? Well, duh, Rotary of course. I remembered I wanted to show this at our meeting but we never could get the internet to work
Have you seen this video? Its fantastic and even better, YOU CAN BE IN IT!!! Check it out! (Even if you have already see it, it’s worth a second look. It’s that good!)
We are just THIS CLOSE to ending Polio NOW! http://thisclose.endpolio.org/en
Russ, thank you very much for such a magnificent talk last week! When I got into work and my co-workers asked me how Rotary was, I said, “It was GREAT! This guy told the story of his life through the Christmas cards he designed! It was completely unique and so lovely. And they gave me these funny looks and so I just said “Hey, if you want to know how great Rotary is, you have to COME TO ROTARY! It’s as simple as that.”
This week we have our regular meeting but NEXT week we are downstairs for a wonderful buffet and great Liberty singers. Please sign up if you are able to sponsor one of them. The last week of December we do NOT have a meeting but we WILL have a great Holiday party at the Longs on Friday evening!
Cheers, Susan
burnetts@rcn.com Cell 484-226-5254
Dec. 13 Meeting; Committee Chairs; Camp Neidig Reunion
DEC. 13 MEETING
PROGRAM - Susan will share a family story about revenge and stolen children books - you know it's going to be a hoot! (The originally planned Turning Point program has been rescheduled for Jan. 31.)
DUTIES
Greeter - Dieter Bender
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler$2 Per Week - Need a Volunteer (let Russ Pacala & Susan Burnett know if you can help)
Invocation - Tom Kolepp
Introductions - Sue Reeps
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
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COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Please review the attachment to yesterday's email and get back to me with any changes to your committee for the "Snapshot". Thanks!
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CAMP NEIDIG REUNION OF ROTARIANS AND CAMPERS
The Camp Neidig Committee is proud to be partnering with the Reading Royals for our first ever Camp Neidig Group Outing & Reunion Night at the Reading Royals! All forner Camp Neidig campers, Rotary Clubs, and Rotarians are encouraged to join us on Sat. December 15th for a fun night of Royals hockey as they take on the Orlando Solar Bears. Game time is 7:05pm (gates open at 6:05). There will be a pre-game Camp Neidig reunion in the Coca-Cola VIP lounge at the Sovereign Center starting as soon as the gates open. Royals General Manager (and former Camp Neidig guest speaker) Mark Wallace will drop by with club mascot Slapshot and some other Royals special guests. Tickets are just $11!
Here is the the link to the site where tickets can be ordered! https://www.royalshockeyevents.com/campneidig
For questions, please contact Camp Director Shawn Hinkle at shinkle@psualum.com
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Please join us Thursday morning!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
ROTARY FOUNDATION - Every Member Every Year
ROTARY FOUNDATION
Every Member Every Year
Each Rotarian is asked to make a contribution of a minimum of $100 per year to Rotary Foundation. When members contribute a cumulative total of $1,000, they become Paul Harris Fellows. Our current membership includes over 35 Paul Harris Fellows.
One-half of your contributions are returned to the District for use after three years. Our club recently received a District Simplified Grant to support a project for Hogar Crea. This money is the result of District Rotarians making contributions to Rotary Foundation. The remaining one-half of your contribution is used by Rotary International to assist with projects for those in need throughout the world. NONE of the contributions are directly used to fund administrative costs.
In order to receive a tax deduction for 2012, please give your check payable to “Rotary Foundation” to Tom Hartzell at the club meeting on December 13 or 20. You may also mail your payment to Tom Hartzell, 1341 Biafore Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Many members also contribute to the Foundation by giving $2/week. More information will follow advising how you can have contributions deducted from your bank account on a regular basis, as another method of contributing to the Foundation.
Thanks to all members who have contributed to the Foundation this year, and for all Morning Star members for their continued support. Please contact me at thartzell@hmk-ins.com with any questions.
Tom Hartzell, Foundation Chair
Pres. Sue's Dec. 4 Message
Happy December Rotarians!
I will take 63 degrees in December any day!
So there I was on Saturday night, in the dressing room of Fruitcakes (at the unofficial grand opening night - stay-tuned for THAT GRUMPY DOLLAR!), trying to listen for my cues, frantically trying to follow my bids for the Rotoplast auction on my PHONE! Do you know how hard it is to watch an auction on a PHONE?! Very hard! The print is very tiny. I kept having to run on stage, then to the back of the house to watch my daughter in her scenes. She is very cute, by the way. Then rush back to the dressing room to help her change costume. At intermission I have to jump out of my costume and out of my wig to help the stage manager because there is a lot of props to change. Then I have to check my phone and change my bids and yell at my phone! Then more running back on stage, then more yelling at my phone and every time, I have to sign back in! Never mind I was almost out of battery!
Someone finally asked me what I was doing. I said “I am trying to win this awesome guided tour of the Capitol with Charlie Dent, even if he is with that OTHER party, and lunch at the Capitol building and it would make the PERFECT Xmas gift for family but someone keeps out bidding me. It’s for the Rotary Rotoplast Auction!” It went right down to the wire. Finally it was time for the curtain call, 5 minutes before 10! I asked the stage manager “Do you thing the Director would be mad if I took my phone out with me and was bidding during bows and while we were singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas?” She didn’t give me a very nice look.
Suffice it to say, I didn’t win the tour. BUT, the point of the story is … there is NEVER a dull moment in Rotary!!!
And there is NEVER a dull moment this month at Morning Star.
This week we welcome our own Russ Pacala to give his re-classification talk, preceded by Jenn Sinclair of the Cancer Support Community speaking briefly on the project that Morning Star supported with a Community Development Grant.
Next week we will hear from Lorna Clause who is from Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, and after that we have two weeks of parties! The first will be the musical holiday celebration during our regular meeting time on Dec. 20, and the other which will be our club’s Holiday Party on the evening of Friday Dec. 28 at Mike & Terri Long’s new home. Stay tuned for more details. One thing is for sure, the food will be delicious both times!!!!
Cheers, Susan
Dec. 6 Meeting, Camp Neidig Reunion, ClubRunner Usage
DEC. 6 MEETING
PROGRAM - Our own Russ Pacala's Classification Talk, preceded by a few words by Jenn Sinclair of the Cancer Support Community, one of our Community Development Grant recipients.
DUTIES
Greeter - Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Note: KIRKLAND'S "MAIN" DOORS
Last week we reported that they were closed for more door construction. We have contacted Kirkland Village for an update and will send a separate email if that entrance will be operational for this Thursday Dec. 6.
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CAMP NEIDIG REUNION OF ROTARIANS AND CAMPERS
The Camp Neidig Committee is proud to be partnering with the Reading Royals for our first ever Camp Neidig Group Outing & Reunion Night at the Reading Royals! All forner Camp Neidig campers, Rotary Clubs, and Rotarians are encouraged to join us on Sat. December 15th for a fun night of Royals hockey as they take on the Orlando Solar Bears. Game time is 7:05pm (gates open at 6:05). There will be a pre-game Camp Neidig reunion in the Coca-Cola VIP lounge at the Sovereign Center starting as soon as the gates open. Royals General Manager (and former Camp Neidig guest speaker) Mark Wallace will drop by with club mascot Slapshot and some other Royals special guests. Tickets are just $11!
Here is the the link to the site where tickets can be ordered! https://www.royalshockeyevents.com/campneidig
For questions, please contact Camp Director Shawn Hinkle at shinkle@psualum.com
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CLUBRUNNER USAGE
Gentle reminder ... please use ClubRunner only for Rotary related events and business. There appear to be some differing interpretations of the club's "Business Solicitation Policy", which the Board will try to iron out at its meeting next week.
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Please join us Thursday morning!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Morning Star Rotary awarded District Simplified Grant
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary was awarded a District Simplified Grant for $1,064 to partner with Hogar Crea in Bethlehem to convert a 40' x 30' plot of land into a vegetable garden.
The vision for the project came from Ron Helmuth. With Rotarian support (and sweat equity), the untended grass will be converted into a garden.
The short-term goal is to prepare the soil, build the fence, and plant the first vegetables. The long term goal is to create a place, a garden, where the men of Hogar Crea can enjoy the benefits of working the soil, watching their hard work turn into something tangible and edible, and enjoying the "fruits of their labor" ... which in this case will be vegetables!
(Thanks to Gretchen Vakiener for this story, and for submitting the grant request to the District!)
Ring the Bell for Salvation Army - Sat. Dec. 15
RING THE BELL for SALVATION ARMY!
Need 2 volunteers for 6-7 PM.
Once again Morning Star will "Ring the Bell" for Salvation Army, this year at The MORAVIAN BOOKSHOP at 428 Main Street, Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec. 15.
We have volunteers covering the time slots from 10 AM thru 6 PM, but need 2 more to cover just one hour, from 6 to 7 PM. Please sign-up at a meeting, or email Gretchen at g_vakiener@yahoo.com . If you're downtown on Dec. 15, stop by and say hi to the volunteers!
Holiday Party on Fri. Dec. 28 at Mike & Terri Long's!
Our warm friendly HOLIDAY PARTY tradition continues, this year generously hosted by Mike & Terri Long in their new home!
When? Friday, Dec. 28 from 6 to 9 PM (replaces our 12/27 morning meeting)
Where? 4201 Anthony Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18020 (Near Northampton Community College and Moravian Academy's north campus)
What to bring? An appetizer, main dish, side dish, dessert or special beverage to share
Beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided - if you'd like a different beverage, please BYO.
RSVP to Mike mike@longfuneralhome.com (but please come even if you didn't sign up or RSVP.) Note: Age 21 plus, please.
Bethlehem Rotary's Raffle
Last Week! Bethlehem Rotary's Annual Raffle
will benefit the Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley this year.
They are only selling 800 tickets, so the odds of winning are very reasonable.
Tickets cost $25 each, or 5 for $100.
There are 5 prizes, and the total Prize Amount will be half of the money collected.
1st Prize - $5,000 (or 50% of the Prize Amount)
2nd Prize - $2,000 (or 20% of the Prize Amount)
3rd Prize - $1,500 (or 15% of the Prize Amount)
4th Prize - $1,000 (or 10% of the Prize Amount)
5th Prize - $500 (or 5% of the Prize Amount).
The drawing will be held at the Rotary Holiday Party on December 13th. You do not need to be present to win.
To purchase tickets, contact Gayle McGeehan at 610.865.6714 or gaylem@mribeth.com, or mail your check to her at 375 13th Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Thanks!
ATTENDANCE
Attendance last week was 38!!!
We need to average 33 or additional Kirkland charges are incurred. Please come to meetings! Thank you!
Nov. 29 Meeting; Kirkland Construction; ShelterBox; Camp Neidig Reunion
NOV. 29 MEETING
PROGRAM - Megan Beste - blogger on the topic of Transplanting to the Lehigh Valley (Megan is Gary Hartney's daughter-in-law)
DUTIES
Greeter - Sue Reeps
Sergeant-at-Arms - Rafael de la Hoz
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Need a Volunteer
Introductions - Need a Volunteer
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Note: KIRKLAND'S "MAIN" DOORS CLOSED AGAIN TEMPORARILY
Sorry Tore! The wrong doors were delivered, so there will be more construction as they remove those and install the correct ones. We'll let you know when that entrance is operational agai
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SHELTERBOX HELPS ACROSS THE GLOBE
Where has ShelterBox helped people recently? Wherever disaster strikes - Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, Nigeria, Senegal, Ugana ... plus New York and New Jersey! Go to www.shelterboxusa.org for stories on a baby born in a ShelterBox tent and more. Holiday donations are being accepted.
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CAMP NEIDIG REUNION OF ROTARIANS AND CAMPERS
The Camp Neidig Committee is proud to be partnering with the Reading Royals for our first ever Camp Neidig Group Outing & Reunion Night at the Reading Royals! All forner Camp Neidig campers, Rotary Clubs, and Rotarians are encouraged to join us on Sat. December 15th for a fun night of Royals hockey as they take on the Orlando Solar Bears. Game time is 7:05pm (gates open at 6:05). There will be a pre-game Camp Neidig reunion in the Coca-Cola VIP lounge at the Sovereign Center starting as soon as the gates open. Royals General Manager (and former Camp Neidig guest speaker) Mark Wallace will drop by with club mascot Slapshot and some other Royals special guests. Tickets are just $11!
Here is the the link to the site where tickets can be ordered! https://www.royalshockeyevents.com/campneidig
For questions, please contact Camp Director Shawn Hinkle at shinkle@psualum.com.
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RING THE BELL for SALVATION ARMY!
Once again Morning Star will "Ring the Bell" for Salvation Army, this year at The MORAVIAN BOOKSHOP on Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 15. Please sign-up at a meeting, or email Gretchen at g_vakiener@yahoo.com . We're trying for 2-hour time slots, but even if you can just spare one hour, your help will be greatly appreciated. If you're downtown on Dec. 15, stop by and say hi to the volunteers!
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FOUR WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST - MARCH 20
Morning Star and Bethlehem Rotary are joining together for the Four Way Test Speech Contest. Chair Ben Tenaglia reports that it will be held the evening of Wed. March 20, from 6 to 8 PM in the Rotunda (by City Hall).
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Please join us Thursday morning!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 11/27 Message - "The Website: It's Up to You!!!
Happy Post Thanksgiving Craziness, Rotarians!
I have 52 chances in these weekly addresses to reach out and make a point. Sometimes I am so rushed with the craziness of life that I don’t have time to make much sense. Sometimes (a lot of times), there are so many things to remind you about and I worry how long this message should be.
THE WEBSITE: IT'S UP TO YOU!
This week I’d like to talk about the Website. Our website is an awesome marketing and communications tool for our club! While the technical aspects are handled by Jean, Jeff and myself, the actual CONTENT of the website, depends on input from EVERY MEMBER of the club. Any member can submit a story. For committee news, or if you have been to a seminar, read an interesting story in the Rotarian, been to a student exchange event, visited another club and came back with a great idea, enjoyed one of our club events, read about an RI event online – write a few lines about it or send us a photo and we’ll be delighted to put it on the website! And it only takes about 5 minutes! Even better, want to learn how to do it yourself? We can show you how – it’s REALLY easy!
There is an area in the top left section of the home page for committee descriptions. Unfortunately we had no response to last summer’s request for committee descriptions. We’d like to include what the committees do, when they meet, what its challenges are, and what it hopes to accomplish this year. Committee chairs, would you please help?
At the backend of the website (click “Admin” at top right) are your profile, all the club documents, etc. If your email address or phone number changes – PLEASE UPDATE your ClubRunner profile so that you continue to get club communications! If you want to see the club by-laws – they are there. If you want to send the club an email – you can do it – but remember – only Rotary related items please!
Not sure how to do these things, but want to learn? I’d be happy to show up at 7 am before a meeting and walk you through it. It’s that easy!
Just remember, it is up to ALL OF US to keep the website working and meaningful. Thanks!
Our meeting this week will feature Megan Beste, who writes a blog about transplanting to the Lehigh Valley; then next week we will have a reclassification talk from Russ Pacala.
Sincerely, Susan
Thanks for Salute the Troops Concert
Dec. 1 - Auction for Rotaplast and Hurricane Sandy Relief
Auction for Rotaplast and Hurricane Sandy Relief on Dec. 1!!!
The Auction is this Saturday from 7 to 10 PM on Channel 69!
Please see the emails sent out by Kathleen Greiss via ClubRunner, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org !
You can preview the items online starting Nov. 29th. Get a great deal and help these worthy causes at the same time!
Happy Thanksgiving! No Morning Star Meeting Nov. 22
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
No Morning Star meeting that day, of course. (Nov. 22)
This week's bulletin is an "abbreviated" version.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday and weekend with family and friends!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's Nov. 13 Message
Happy Thanksgiving!
There is a lot going on the next few weeks … hope I remember it all … can’t forget that November is Rotary Foundation month! But before I get to all that….
CONGRATULATIONS JEFF AND MARY!!!!!
We wish you all the happiness in the world on your new adventure and life together.
Joint Thanksgiving Lunch this Wed. 11/14
If you did not raise your hand that you plan to go to the joint Thanksgiving lunch but would still like to go, George Mower assures me that you are more than welcome to attend. The cost is $20 at the door, with $5 of that going to Polio Eradication. (See story below for details.)
This Week’s Morning Star Meeting
Our speaker this week is our own Janet Kolepp who will tell us all about Habitat for Humanity’s new ReStore and her wonderful life with Tom.
SALUTE THE TROOPS CONCERT THIS SUNDAY!!!
The Concert is this Sunday, Nov. 18! Please help spread the word. Gary needs about 6 volunteers to help usher and sell tickets at the door. Don’t forget to get your ticket money into Gary.
Last Week's Rotaplast Presentation
Last week’s meeting was FABULOUS! FANTASTIC!!! A great big thank you to presenter Alicia Ruiz Orbin, and especially to Gretchen for challenging the club, plus to everyone for coming together! We raised a lot of money for the Rotaplast mission (details next time), and a possible club donation will be discussed at this week’s board meeting.
Rotaplast / Hurricane Sandy Relief Auction
Dec. 1st, with Preview Night Nov. 29th
One thing I forgot to mention over and over was that the proceeds from the telethon on December 1st will be split 50/50 between Rotaplast and the Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts.
All the information you need to donate to the telethon or to bid can be found on the District website at:
www.rotarydistrict7430.org . Or by contacting:
Linda Young, Auction Chair at 610-392-6864 or lryoung2011@gmail.com - or -
DG Tony Jannetta at tonyjannetta@aol.com.
The donated items are needed by November 19th which is fast approaching.
"The Kilt" - District Newsletter
The new edition of The Kilt is up at www.rotarydistrict7430.org , and will be up on our website as soon as Jeff finishes goofing off on his honeymoon (just kidding!!!).
NO MEETING NEXT WEEK - Happy Thanksgiving!
After Nov. 14, our next meeting will be Nov. 29th when our speaker will be Megan Beste (Gary Hartney’s daughter-in-law) who will talk to us all about “Transplanting to the Lehigh Valley.”
Gobble, Gobble,
Susan
11/15 Morning Star Meeting; Club Member Directory/Lists etc.
NOV. 15 MEETING
PROGRAM - Janet Kolepp on Habitat for Humanity's ReStore and Classification Talk
DUTIES
Greeter - Tom Hartzell
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Need a Volunteer
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Jean Searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Rotary and Hurricane Sandy Relief
Please see the email sent out on Sunday by Kathleen Greiss via ClubRunner, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org and www.shelterboxusa.org ! Also see Allan's 10/26 email - it's very easy to vote for ShelterBox which is in contention for a $35,000 donation.
Do you miss the club directory and email/phone lists?
Well, they are still available, just in a different format and place. After logging in on the club home page, click "Admin" at the top right. then, under "My ClubRunner" on the left, click "View Club Directory" for the email/phone list. Or you can select a photo directory with full details.
Please join us on Thursday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
11/18 - Salute The Troops 2012 this Sunday!
The Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star presents the 10th annual SALUTE THE TROOPS concert, in recognition of our veterans and armed forces worldwide.
This year’s concert will be back at Freedom High School Auditorium, 3149 Chester Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020 on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 3:00 PM. This year’s concert will feature The Allentown Band (America’s Oldest Civilian Concert Band, since 1828) conducted by Dr. Ronald Demkee and Freedom High School’s Fife and Drum Corps conducted by Michael Moran.
The concert features many familiar patriotic songs in tribute to all the veterans and current members of the armed forces. They and their families have sacrificed much to uphold our cherished freedoms. We join together in this celebration of their magnificent contributions.
This year’s concert is dedicated to support Victory House of the Lehigh Valley and other Morning Star Rotary Charities. Tragically, one-third of our country’s homeless population is comprised of U.S. veterans. Victory House is an accredited Veteran Service Agency, providing a continuum of quality care to its constituency. These services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy and case management, substance abuse treatment, life skills education and counseling. The goal of Victory House is to help homeless men in transition become fully participating, productive members of our society. Your participation in this event will have a direct impact on the lives of veterans right here in the Lehigh Valley.
How can you help to make the 2012 Salute The Troops Concert a success?
1. Put up flyers (in downloads) at work, the grocery store, the community center, senior centers, veterans' organizations and anywhere else you think people might be interested.
2. Volunteer to collect tickets or hand out programs on Sunday. Let Gary know you can help, and just be there no later than 2:15.
3. Sell (or buy) tickets to the concert and bring your family and friends to the program. Let’s make this year’s concert our most successful yet.
In 2009, Morning Star Rotary formed a charitable organization under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, thereby assuring that all contributions are tax deductible.
Thanks in advance for all your help!
Gary L. Hartney
2012 Salute The Troops Committee Chair
GLHartney@aol.com
610.882.2466
11/14 - Bethlehem Rotary's Joint Thanksgiving Meeting - Tomorrow!
The Morning Star Board has decided to still hold a regular meeting on November 15th. The joint meeting qualifies as a make-up.
Where: At Bethlehem Rotary's regular location - the main dining room for Moravian Village in Bethlehem (634 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem).
Cost: $20, of which $5 will go to the Polio Plus campaign. (Pay at the door.)
Program: "Effective Cooperation in the Non-Profit Sector"
Speakers will be Frank Frey (Executive Director, Nazareth YMCA) and Carol Ritter (CarolTalks - Fundraising Consultant/Strategist). Learn how local non-profits agencies are cooperatively working together to effectively surmount the budget challenges they face.
Reminder: Weather Cancellation Policy for Morning Star Meetings
IF the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) CLOSES schools, then the Morning Star Rotary meeting is CANCELLED.
If BASD just DELAYS school opening, our meeting will be HELD AS USUAL.
Pres. Sue sent this info out recently due to the hurricane, and this reminder is intended to help avoid inconvenience of members.
11/8 Meeting and more
NOV. 8 MEETING
PROGRAM - Alicia Ruiz Orbin on Rotaplast Trips and this year's Auction
Fellow Rotarian Alicia Ruiz Orbin from the Allentown Rotary Club wll share with us her experiences with Rotaplast International, and how Rotaplast, our district's clubs, clubs in the USA and other countres are "Changing Lives and Bringing Smiles" to thousands of economically deprived children around the world.
DUTIES
Greeter - Steve Bajan / Jean Searfoss
Sergeant-at-Arms - Dee Elliott
$2 Per Week - Jessica Elliott
Invocation - Need a Volunteer
Introductions - Wayne Achey
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Rotary and Hurricane Sandy Relief
Please see the emails sent out earlier today by Kathleen Greiss and Allan Syphers via ClubRunner, or go to www.rotarydistrict7430.org and www.shelterboxusa.org ! Also see Allan's 10/26 email - it's very easy to vote for ShelterBox which is in contention for a $35,000 donation.
Please join us on Thursday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 11/6 Message
Greetings Rotarians,
A few years after my husband and I were married, and he was finishing up his post doc work, we were trying to figure out where our next move would be from AZ (we were really tired of fire ants and giant cockroaches and snakes). We got out a big map of the United States and studied it. If we could live anywhere, where would we want to live? We had a lot of criteria we were looking at and eliminated a lot of places. We had family on both coasts, in lovely places, it was tempting to be near family, especially since we hoped to be starting a family soon and knew we would appreciate “free help” but then we decided we wanted to avoid any place that had the high likelihood to be affected by natural disasters.
So we settled on the Lehigh Valley, and I think we made a wise choice.
This week our speaker is Alicia Ruiz Orbin. She was one of the participants on the recent Rotaplast trip. She will tell us all about it and about the upcoming Rotaplast Auction.
I am sure that many of you are wondering about Rotary’s reaction to the recent devastation from Hurricane Sandy, so close to home. Tony Janetta sent out a message and some in the District are considering mounting a fundraiser to help those clubs in NJ and NY. Tony reminds us that Rotary is not a “disaster response organization” and that is best left to the Red Cross but there may be some longer term efforts and some matching grant projects we can do, along with some clothing and food drive projects. I will keep you posted on those efforts as I get information, and the District website is a good source of info: www.rotarydistrict7430.org .
This is a busy time of year for our club and especially to new members it may seem that there is never a time when Rotary is NOT asking you for money. First there were dues, then there was the race, then the concert, and why does Susan keep asking me to bring in books?!? Then we have a speaker about Rotaplast, November is Foundation month. There is always a disaster some place that we are asked to help (Shelter Box). Soon after I joined Rotary, I almost quit because it seemed that all it ever did was asked me for money.
But here is what you have to remember about Rotary, and this is the really, truly awesome thing, things, really about Rotary. Rotary does not expect you to give to everything. Rotary allows you to follow your passion. It gives you the opportunity to give what you can and what you want to where you want, to follow your passion. And to find others who share that passion. If you are passionate about literacy, start a book drive. If you are passionate about clean water, or clothing, safety, or even better, if you don’t know what you are passionate about, but want to find out, you can do that here, at Rotary. Rotary builds leaders.
And because Rotary is built by volunteers, and because it is built by people you know, the time and treasure and talent that you do donate, will get to where it needs to go, swiftly, and securely and entirely.
Most Sincerely, Susan
Pres. Sue's 10/26 Message
My Fellow Rotarians,
Since the election is less than a week away, I figured this was my shot to use that greeting ...
Our speaker this week (Nov 1) is going to be Janet Fricker, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library. She will talk to us about the library's "Room to Grow" program as well as its diverse variety of services. I think I have single handedly been funding the library with my overdue fines. (Of course, that doesn't count the proceeds of two of our joint Golf Tournaments.)
There are so many things going on in Rotary I feel like a broken record. Most important is our Salute the Troops Concert on Sunday Nov 18th. Please get your ads and ticket sales in to Gary and Jean, and remember that tickets are also available at the door.
Before that is the Joint Thanksgiving Lunch on Wed Nov 14th. I need to get a count to the Downtown club by Nov 9th so please sign up at the meeting or email me if you think you are going. Remember the cost of that lunch is $20 (with $5 going to Polio Eradication) and you pay at the door. It looks like a great program.
Soon after that is the Rotoplast Auction on Dec 1st. You can submit donations by November 20. For more information, please contact Linda Young at the District or visit this website: http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/SitePages/SitePage.aspx?accountid=50086&pid=51199
And please tune into the Auction on December 1st and bid!
Thanks again to Barbara for our wonderful speaker on Oct. 25, Morris Metz (LV Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge). I love all the history I learn at Rotary!
Cheers, Susan
11/1 Meeting and More
This bulletin is going out early since I'll be out of town a few days ...
NOV. 1 MEETING
PROGRAM - Janet Fricker, Executive Director of the Bethehem Area Public Library
The Library's "Room To Grow" Program, and Diverse Library Services
DUTIES
Greeter - Geoff Wright
Sergeant-at-Arms - Carol Almond
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Mike Long
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Polio Eradication is "This Close" - World's Biggest Commercial
On October 24th Rotary is going to launch this campaign - see the inspiring video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trPE6N6VcQ4&feature=share&list=UU-0erRNbG4J7gCSg0XVHSSQ
An email was sent via ClubRunner from Kathy Greiss on Oct. 15.
Pres. Sue said she may want to take a club photo to send in, or just for our club's site!
Winter ShelterBoxes sent for Syrians in Iraq
For this great story, please go to http://www.shelterboxusa.org/news_global.php?id=1042
Please join us on Thursday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Attn: Committee Chairs & New Members
For Committee Chairs
Several of our new members have "jumped right in", and others have offered to help "wherever needed". If you need additional assistance on your committee, please reach out personally to some of our new members. (See the "New Member" story on our website home page.) Please notify Pres. Sue and myself of anyone you add - we're putting together a "snapshot" one page summary of committee members. Thanks!
For New Members
You may be contacted to help with a committee. For the full list with descriptions and members, please see the "Download" section at far right of home page on our club website. Summarized here for your convenience are the Committees for 2012-13 in alphabetical order, with chairs. To learn more or help with a committee, please contact the chair.
- 4-Way Test Speech Contest: Chair Ben Tenaglia
- Camp Neidig: Chair John St. Clair
- Club Communications: Co-Chairs Jeff Kicska and Jean Searfoss
- Community Development Grants - Chair Joan Paul
- Fellowship: Chair Susan Burnett
- Golf Tournament - Chair Butch Macri
- Habitat House (NEW): Chair Deb Cummins
- Membership: Chair Rick Santee
- Nominating: Co-Chairs Susan Burnett, Jean Searfoss, Tom Kolepp
- Programs: Chair Jean Searfoss
- Rotary Foundation: Chair Tom Hartzell
- Salute the Troops Concert: Chair Gary Hartney
- Sergeant-at-Arms: Co-Chairs Russ Pacala, Tom Bailey, Chuck Uhl and Ellen Roberts
- Service Projects (NEW): Chair Ron Helmuth
- Spaghetti Dinner: Co-Chairs Val Walk and Stephanie Vavro
- Youth Exchange: Chair Tom Kolepp
10/25 Meeting and More!
OCT. 25 MEETING
PROGRAM - Morris Metz: "Freedom Is Not Free"
DUTIES
Greeter - Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms - Gretchen Vakiener
$2 Per Week - Ed Ortelli
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Polio Eradication is "This Close" - World's Biggest Commercial
On October 24th Rotary is going to launch this campaign - see the inspiring video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trPE6N6VcQ4&feature=share&list=UU-0erRNbG4J7gCSg0XVHSSQ
An email was sent via ClubRunner from Kathy Greiss on Oct. 15.
Pres. Sue said she may want to take a club photo to send in, or just for our club's site!
Winter ShelterBoxes sent for Syrians in Iraq
For this great story, please go to http://www.shelterboxusa.org/news_global.php?id=1042
Please join us on Thursday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
11/20 for Rotaplast Donations; Auction on 12/1
We are Announcing our 6th Annual Rotary TV Auction for Rotaplast!
As you know, Rotarians in District 7430 support a Rotaplast Mission trip every 2 years to make dreams real for many poor children and their families. in many cases, we are the only hope they have to give them a chance at a normal life. All this is made possible by your support and the funds we raise each year from the TV Auction. In fact, as I write this, our Team is just returning from a successful mission trip to Cebu City in the Philippines, again, only made possible by your help and support. In true Rotary tradition, we start all our hard work again to raise funds for the next trip!
Not only do we raise funds but it is our district's biggest TV PR promotion for Rotary and the many great things we do, so it has a double benefit for us all. This year's event will be live on WFMZ Channel 69 on Dec 1st and we need to ask your help to both promote the event and solicit donations by our deadline of November 20th.
I am heavily involved in this event each year and its success comes down to all your hard work and support. (This cause made me the Rotarian I am today!) While it sometimes conflicts with your own club fundraiser, we know you understand our need to "Ask" for your help to make these life changing missions possible.
For more details of this year's event, please go to:
http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/SitePages/SitePage.aspx?accountid=50086&pid=51199
or contact Event Chair Linda Young..... lryoung2011@gmaol.com or myself.
As always, thank you for your help and understanding and let's not forget our saying,
"In "Service Above Self" we help people and we Inspire each other as we do!"
DG Tony
Kathy Greiss, Administrative Assistant, District 7430
Phone: 484-680-1517 Email: krgreiss@gmail.com
Pres. Sue's 10/23 Message
Happy Halloween!
Google doesn’t translate into Transylvanian, so that is the best I can do. I know Halloween is technically NEXT week, but in my Township, it’s this week.
I am really excited to hear this week’s speaker: Morris Metz who is the President of the LV Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of Bulge, and his topic is "Freedom Is Not Free". I am sure it is going to be a fascinating history lesson.
Even though October isn’t quite over, it is really in my rear view mirror. There are so many Rotary events going on, both within our club and the District. Please check out our website for a complete list.
Jean has written some important stories below so I am keeping my message here short.
Next year I really HOPE we have a Rotary float in the Bethlehem Halloween Parade!!!!!
Be well, Susan
IN SEARCH OF … 4 DIRECTORS & 1 VP
Morning Star elections will be held in December for 2013-14 Rotary year, which starts July 1.
The club needs 4 Directors to serve for 2 years (July 2013 – June 2015). Responsibilities include monthly board meetings, regular attendance at weekly club meetings, act as liaison for some committees, and involvement in committees, fundraisers and social events. Board meetings are typically held at Kirkland Village on the 2nd Wed. of each month starting at 6 PM, and generally run 1.5 to 2 hours.
The VP position actually involves a four-year board commitment: the 2013-14 VP becomes Pres. Elect (2014-15), President (2015-16) and finally Past President (2016-17). Candidates should be willing to attend appropriate Rotary training.
We’d like to include some “newer” members on the board for fresh ideas as well as some “veteran” members to help us keep perspective.
If you are interested in serving, please contact one of us. Depending on the response, we may be contacting you to “volunteer” (aka be drafted). Thank you!
Susan Burnett burnetts@rcn.com
Jean Searfoss jsearfoss@cementemployers.com
Tom Kolepp tkolepp@gmail.com
Introducing ... TEN New Members!
Would you believe that we have added 10 new members so far in calendar year 2012 !?! That’s amazing! While they were introduced when inducted, and some have already given their classification talks, the "content" section of this story provides a little background on each in case you missed out, plus photos where available.
What wonderful additions to Morning Star! If
you’re not well acquainted with these new members yet, we ask that you please
introduce yourself at meetings and help integrate them into the club. To phone
or email them (or any Morning Star member), please go to www.morningstarrotary.org, log on, click “Admin” at the top right, then “Active
Member List” under Membership Manager on the right. Double-click the name to
get the individual profile. Committee chairs – if you need more members, please
reach out to these new folks to see if they can help you. Thanks!
Pres. Sue's 10/16 Message
Howdy! That is Texan for “Hello!”
Now that the race is over, I feel like I almost have nothing to do. It's such a weird (and slightly fabulous) feeling.
So, do you remember from the 80’s, that great Weird Al Yankovic “I Lost On Jeopardy” parody song”? Well, at this week’s meeting, we are actually going to SING that song! It’s going to be AWESOME! I can’t wait! It’s going to be really unique. A Rotary FIRST.
… actually, I am kidding.
We are really going to PLAY ROTARY JEOPARDY!!!!!!!!
YOU could win INCREDIBLE PRIZES!!!!!! (as soon as figure out what those are going to be.) But you can’t play or win if you don’t show up.
Here is what you do. You come to the meeting. If you want to play, put you name on a piece of paper when you sign in and put the paper in the hat that will be at the Registration table. (You only get to put it in ONCE!) We will draw 3 names to be out contestants.
Then we will play the game (just like on TV) during the meeting program time. Sue Reeps will be Alex Trebec, with judge Butch Macri and scorer Jean Searfoss. The questions will all be Rotary trivia - about RI, District 7430 and our club. So study up! You know what is a good source of club information? OUR WEBSITE! Check it out! Its going to be a blast! (Yes, I really am trying to see how many of these "!!!!", I can legitimately fit in one weekly bulletin).
IN OTHER NEWS!!!!!!!!!!
We are thrilled to welcome 2 new board members – Sue Reeps, our new Treasurer and Jean Searfoss, our new President Elect. Both come with loads of experience, but we are still going to give them a little time to settle in and our full support and help.
The Salute the Troops Concert is just around the corner. If you have not received your tickets from Gary, please chase him down. I am sure he would like to give them to you. There is still time to get ads into the book. Gary has put together a remarkable marketing campaign this year, and we are once again partnering with Freedom High School and their terrific Fife & Drum Corps this year.So long 'til Thursday!
Sue
10/18 Meeting
OCT. 18 MEETING
PROGRAM - ROTARY JEOPARDY!
See Pres. Sue's message for details
DUTIES
Greeter - Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Carol Almond
Invocation - Tom Kolepp (yes, he signed up for TWO duties this week!)
Introductions - Janet Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Please join us on Thursday for Jeopardy!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
10/11 Meeting ... and more!
OCT. 11 MEETING
PROGRAM - Club Website Review, Race Wrap-Up and More!
Janet Kolepp will be out of town so we will hear from her at a later date.
DUTIES
Greeter - Marianne Aronson
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Ron Helmuth
Introductions - Ellen Roberts
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Downloads: Several documents have been added to our club's Downloads this week - take a peek!
Form for Salute the Troops Ad/Patron/In Honor Of Listing
Salute the Troops Flyer
Duties Sign-Ups as of 10/4
RI Director Nomination
Hope to see you Thursday!
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 10/9 Message
Glückliche Octoberfest! I think that one is pretty easy to
translate.
Thanks to Rick and the Membership Committee
for an interesting club assembly last week.
INFORMATION OVERLOAD!!!!!
The new edition of “The Kilt“ is available on our website and also on the
District website. As usual it's packed with interesting information and important
dates. Please consider making it a regular habit to check the District website www.rotarydistrict7430.org
and the RI website www.rotary.org almost as often as you peruse our website for exciting
updates to the world of Rotary. I get so much information from
RI, from the District, from other Rotary organizations such as Shelter Box and
sub Rotary subcommittees. It is all important and interesting. I just have not
figured out a way to share it all with you without bombarding you ... but if there
is information you are looking for that you cannot find, let me know and I will
try to help you find it.
Salute
the Troops is Right Around the Corner
Fall is a busy time for Morning Star. We have just finished our fabulous
race (Jeff should be reporting those final numbers soon!) and the Salute the
Troops Concert is just around the corner, only a few weeks away. Please reach out to any friends you have who might be interested in
putting an ad (or Patron or In
Honor Of listing) in the program or coming to see the show. If you have
any questions, please see Gary Hartney.
This week’s meeting topic is a surprise!
(Our scheduled speaker, Janet Kolepp, will be out of town so we will hear from her at a future date.)
Cheers, Susan
10K / 5K was a "Classic"!!!
Wow, what a race!!!
A world of thanks to chair Jeff Kicska and his hardworking committee, plus all the sponsors, volunteers, and runners/walkers, for making the 2012 Morning Star 5K /10K a resounding success. Setting up on CelticFest grounds worked out great, and we had about 585 registered participants, per Jeff. Congratulations to overall winners: Craig Neiman of Bethlehem in the 10K and Mark Zamek of Macungie in the 5K.
See below for some terrific photos provided by Russ Pacala,
Spillman Farmer Architects.
We had so much fun raising money to support Olympics and other Morning Star charities – see you there again next year!
District Golf Tournament Oct. 8 at Brookside CC in Pottstown
or see www.rotarydistrict7430.org and click on the "District Golf Tournanent" Event for details.
10/4 Meeting
OCT. 4 MEETING
PROGRAM - Club Assembly
DUTIES
Greeter - Jean Searfoss
Sergeant-at-Arms - Rafael De La Hoz
$2 Per Week - ______________ (Need Volunteer? My list is about a month old.)
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Dee Elliott
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Note: Several dates from the district have been added to our club's calendar this week - take a peek!
Hope to see you Thursday,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Rotary Leadership Institute
Here are "graduates" Janet Kolepp and Sue Reeps with DG Tony Jannetta.
Pres. Sue's 9/25 Message
Did you know that Google translate, does not have a Celtic language? Bummer.
The earlier you show up for bag stuffing, the more chaotic it will be and the less late for work I will be, so come early. And, there will be a buffet!
A wonderful thank you to Wayne for a terrific talk last week. 7 years in Rotary and I have to say that Classification talks are and will always be one of my favorite parts of the whole experience.
I can't believe the Race is finally here! And that next week is October! If you can't make the meeting this week, don't forget that race set up starts at 5:30 am at the NEW START/FINISH LOCATION: W. Lehigh Street between Main and Conestoga Streets.
NOMINATIONS - The Nominating Committee will be meeting to in October/November. We are looking for 4 new board members and a Vice President with terms to start 7/1/13. If you are interested in serving the club, please let us know as soon as possible. The Board position is a 2 year committment and the Vice President is a 4 year committment (Vice President, President Elect, President, Past President).
Cheers, Sue
9/27 Meeting
SEPT. 27 MEETING
PROGRAM - Race Bag Stuffing
In Auditorium on the 2nd Floor!
DUTIES
Greeter - Gary Hartney
Sergeant-at-Arms - Janet Kolepp
$2 Per Week - Gretchen Vakiener
Invocation - Tom Kolepp
Introductions - Jean searfoss
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Hope to see you Thursday,
Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
International Project Meeting 9/12
Please join us this Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in the lounge area outside of our regular meeting room at Kirkland to get involved with a brand new initiative...a global project focused on clean water and decent housing. This is a great way to get involved as a new member of our club or for all of our veterans looking for something new and exciting to get involved with. If you are interested in the project but can't attend the meeting, feel free to check in with Deb about ways to get involved!
Pres. Sue's 9/11 Message
9.13.12
Whoops!
There is no appropriate translation for THAT Word so I will just leave it in English.
At the last meeting I said that NEXT week was Peaceable Kingdom and after THAT was the bag stuffing but I SKIPPED a very important week in there, and that was Wayne Achey’s classification talk. The race stuffing is the week AFTER that which is a GIANT relief because there is still a ton of work left to do for the race and we could use the time!
So just to recap our fabulous upcoming talks:
9/13 – Peaceable Kingdom
9/20 - Wayne Achey Classification talk
9/27 - Race bag stuffing
The lastest edition of “The Kilt” should be up on the web by the time you get this. There are ton of District events coming up. I will bring a few hard copies to the next meeting if you would like one. There are golf tournaments, the Rotoplast auction, other club’s events. If you need a Rotary fix, there is no shortage of opportunities.
I would like to thank Sue for a fascinating talk last week. I have a whole new appreciation of what a home-economics class can evolve into.
I am looking forward to our visitors from Peaceable Kingdom this week. One of our family members is from them, our cat, Macy. She is meaner than a wet hen but we don’t think its PK’s fault. We would gladly get another pet from them. They went down and rescued many animals after Katrina and Macy was one of them.
I would like to thank everyone for their comments about the Breakfast issues. It is great to have input from the club and the board appreciates the time the people take to come up with a solution
See you Thursday,
Cheers,
Susan
9/13 Meeting and More ...
SEPT. 13 MEETING
PROGRAM - Paula De La Hoz and a Board Member - Peaceable Kingdom
Peaceable Kingdom is a no-kill shelter. They do not euthanize animals except in cases of unacceptable aggression or incurable illness. Their mission is:
To provide care, protection, and assistance to animals who are mistreated, injured, abandoned, or otherwise in need.To minimize animal overpopulation through low-cost spay/neuter clinics.To create community awareness and gain support of animal needs through educational efforts.
DUTIES
Greeter - Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Carol Almond
Invocation - John St. Clair
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
5K/10K VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Please see the sign-up sheet at meetings, or contact Jeff Kicska. With both a 5K and 10K race, we need all the helpers we can get! Please recruit family, friends, and students who need community service hours.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 9/4 Message
Hyvää syyskuu rotarit!
A great big thank you to Tom Kolepp for a wonderful reclassification talk last week! It was delightful, amusing and explains so much!
This week we are looking forward to a Classification Talk by new member Sue Reeps. If you were at the District Conference, you know what an AWESOME job she did with the House of Friendship! Past RI President Carl Wilhelm Stenhammer said it was the best he had ever seen, and was like a mini-version of the one at RI’s international convention.
It is September and it is a busy month! We will have a presentation by Paula De La Hoz (Rafael’s wife) on Peaceable Kingdom, plus one more classification talk - from Wayne Achey. Rotary Leadership Institute is just around the corner and it is STILL not too late to register. The district Foundation training seminar is coming up at the end of the month as is our 5K/10K RACE! We still need runners, sponsors and gift certificates and/or raffle prizes.
I hope to see you at the meeting,
Sincerely,
Susan
9/6 Meeting and More ...
SEPT. 6 MEETING
PROGRAM - Sue Reeps - Classification Talk
DUTIES
Greeter - Ed Ortelli
Sergeant-at-Arms - Russ Pacala
$2 Per Week - Karen Jahn
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Carol Almond
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
5K/10K SPONSORS NEEDED!
Please contact Susan Burnett. The sponsorship form is available in Downloads on the club home page, and the race website is up and running - click the link in the detail of the race listing in club Events.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Blue Bell Rotary 9/17 Golf to Benefit Habitat for Humanity
Greetings friends of Rotary,
Once again, the Blue Bell Rotary Club will be co-sponsoring a great day of golf at the Blue Bell Country Club on September 17 with the good folks at the Habitat for Humanity.
Grab some friends and let's raise some money to help those in need of shelter right here in our own community
Thanks in advance - and for more information, just send me an email at angelodevita@me.com and I will get you connected!!
Regards, Angelo
Angelo J Devita
President
Rotary Club of Blue Bell www.blubellrotary.org
(Editor's Note: the registration form attached to Angelo's email was not legible. For further details, please go to the Blue Bell Rotary website.)
Pres. Sue's 8/28 Message
No puedo creer Es casi Navidad ya!
Guess what came in my mail today? The Rotarian! If you got yours too, and have read it and were about to throw it away, DON’T! Please bring it in and give it to the Membership committee or to me. We would like to give them to prospective members or prospective Interact members. That is another word I sure wish I knew how to spell, prospective. From now on, I will just use "potential".
September is right around the corner. The Rotary year is whizzing by. We are looking forward to several classification talks in September, the RACE, RLI, Foundation training and more!
Please don’t forget to get me your committee blurbs. Hopefully by the time you read this, I will have put one up for the Fellowship Committee so if you would like to see an example of one…
If you had not had at least one meeting of your committee, please try to schedule one for September.
If you are like me and trying to get kids back to school, college, married, moved out, I know it’s a crazy time of year. I just found out that there are 8 telephone numbers I need for Freedom, depending on who I need to talk to … and that is just one of 3 schools – and that isn’t even the school with the daycare!!! Sheesh! So I really appreciate all the hard work everyone is putting in at Rotary.
Sincerely, Susan
8/30 Meeting & More
AUGUST 30 MEETING
PROGRAM - Tom Kolepp's "Reclassification" Talk
DUTIES
Greeter - Jessica Elliott
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Karen Jahn
Introductions - Butch Macri
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
LAST WEEK FOR FOOD DRIVE - Please remember your donations for New Bethany Ministries. See story below.
5K/10K SPONSORS NEEDED!
Please contact Susan Burnett. The sponsorship form is available in Downloads on the club home page, and the race website is up and running - click the link in the detail of the race listing in club Events.
CLUBRUNNER CHALLENGES
For those of you inputting events or other info, please note that items input under "Version 2" may not appear on our home page or E-Bulletin!!! For now, please use the "old" version. Thanks!
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
International Service Project - Water & Housing - 9/12 Meeting
8/23 Meeting and more
AUGUST 23 MEETING
PROGRAM - Jeannette Eichenwald, Schools Program Coordinator
Muhlenberg College Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding
Muhlenberg College has establihed the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding as an expression of its commitment to interfaith relations. The IJCU uses the resources of the academic community to foster such research and dialogue and to build bridges of understanidng between the faith traditions.
DUTIES
Greeter - Janet Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Carol Almond
Invocation - Tom Kolepp
Introductions - Joan Paul
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
FOOD DRIVE - Please remember your donations for New Bethany Ministries. See story below.
5K/10K SPONSORS NEEDED!
Please contact Susan Burnett. The sponsorship form is available in Downloads on the club home page, and the race website is up and running - click the link in the detail of the race listing in club Events.
CLUBRUNNER CHALLENGES
For those of you inputting events or other info, please note that items input under "Version 2" may not appear on our home page or E-Bulletin!!! For now, please use the "old" version. Thanks!
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 8/21 Message
Lieto fine di villeggiatura estiva!
I would like to thank Dee for a wonderful re-classification talk last week. There is much more to New Bethany Ministries than I ever realized. We would love to hear more re-classification talks so if you are interested in participating, let Deb know.
If you were not here a couple of weeks ago, we officially welcomed 4 new members to the club, Karen Jahn, Sue Reeps, Janet Kolepp and Ed Ortelli. We just welcomed Wayne Achey a couple of weeks ago and in a few weeks, we will hopefully welcome one more new member. That is a lot of new faces to say “Good Morning” to so don’t be shy. I hope that the Membership Committee is planning on one of those chair raffles again. That is a great way to meet new people.
Interact
As you may have heard at the last meeting, my daughter Abby is starting 9th grade at Freedom in a couple of weeks and she is very excited to start an Interact Club. As it turns out, Bill Jahn’s grandson, Matthew, also attends Freedom and while he many not know it yet, he too is very excited about this prospect. At this point, we are on a fact finding mission, to determine the feasibility of starting a club. We need to find out how to do it and what resources the club would need to provide and if we are able to provide them. At the same time, we need to find a teacher at Freedom who is willing to champion the cause. If anyone else in the club is interested in helping us investigate this opportunity, please let me know. I am sure we can use all the help we can get.
Homework
I have a great favor to ask all of the Committee Chairs. On our website, in the top left margin, we have a section that describes our Club. There are several pages that were set up last winter. I would love to have a page that describes the Committees. This is the area of the website that potential members will look at to learn more about our club and what makes us unique and special.
I am asking that each Committee Chair write one or two paragraphs about their committee, that describes what your committee does. You do not have to give all the nuts and bolts but you can if you wish. Maybe a little history, maybe a statement of what you hope to accomplish this year, maybe what you have done in the past. Maybe include some of the challenges you hope to overcome so someone looking to join the club can see how their expertise can fit in with the needs of the club.
The purpose of this page is to let folks know a little bit about how everyone in our club works together to accomplish our goals and have fun at the same time.
If you could get these to me by the end of the first week of September, I would be very grateful. I will make sure they get posted. If every committee head does just the one for their committee, it will take each person maybe 10-15 mintues max but if one person has to write them all, it would take a really long time (and they might miss some really important information!)
Thanks so much for your help with this!
Have a great week,
Sincerely, Susan
8/16 Meeting and more
AUGUST 16 MEETING
PROGRAM - Our own Dee Elliott
Executive Director of
New Bethany Ministries
The Mission of New Bethany Ministries is to provide care, services and facilities to the homeless, the hungry, the mentally ill and the poor with a level of quality that exceeds that of secular agencies. One building houses the Family Shelter, Mollard Hospitality Center, Food Pantry, Single Rooms and Administrative Offices. Our very own Dee Elliott will share this important story with our club.
DUTIES
Greeter - Ellen Roberts
Sergeant-at-Arms - Rafael De La Hoz
$2 Per Week - Sue Reeps
Invocation - Butch Macri
Introductions - Tom Kolepp
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
FOOD DRIVE - Please remember your donations for New Bethany Ministries. See story below.
5K/10K SPONSORS NEEDED! - Please contact Susan Burnett. The sponsorship form is available in Downloads on the club home page, and the race website is up and running - click the link in the detail of the race listing in club Events.
PROGRAMS and EVENTS - Programs are now listed thru September, and Events have been updated to include the "Salute the Troops" concert in November.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS - PLEASE SEND INFO
This weekly E-Bulletin is our club's way of communicating with the membership. We ask committee chairs to send in info about their meetings and any developments to me for by end of day Monday for inclusion in that week's bulletin.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 8/14 Message
Salamu na salamu Fellow Rotarians
(Swahili, in honor of our impending South African Exchange Student)
I am looking forward to Dee Elliott as our speaker this week, to give us an update on the efforts of New Bethany. My daughter has been volunteering there this summer and it has been a very rewarding and educational experience for her. Remember that we are holding a food drive all of August to support the facility.
Here is your dues poem for today. It’s a little long, but pretty funny:
The Haunted Hunter by Charles Fotheringham
A Mason one day set out hunting,
Alone, and feeling so fine,
Out through the forest and muskeg,
Right into the timberline.
It started to rain, the elements
In pandemonium roared,
The lightning flashed and thundered,
The rain, it poured and poured.
He got soaked to the skin, and sheltered
Inside an old hollow tree,
He squeezed and squeezed inside it,
It was tight for a man such as he.
But he found 'twas better inside it
Than out in the rain as it poured,
For the rain came down in torrents,
He'd found the best place to be stored.
And now he started a-thinking
Of things he'd done amiss,
The times he could have done better,
My, how oft he had been remiss.
By this time the storm had abated,
The sun came out shining bright.
It started to dry out the tree trunk
In which he was wedged so tight.
He found he was stuck there and couldn't
Move any which way in that trunk.
For it seemed as the tree got drier,
It got tighter, he really felt "punk".
Well, again he started a-thinking
Of what his life might have been,
And there in that desperate position
His life passed by like a dream.
And then came the thought: he'd not paid
His dues to the Lodge, how he shrunk,
He began feeling smaller and smaller,
And climbed easily out of the trunk.
So, fellows, when comes time for paying
Your dues to the Lodge, do not flunk,
Just pay up and then you won't feel like
The guy who climbed out of the trunk.
8/9 Meeting and more
AUGUST 9 MEETING
PROGRAM - District 7430 Governor Tony Jannetta
This is the "official" visit by DG Tony Jannetta, who will be accompanied by Asst. DG Jean McGill.
The 2012-13 RI Theme is "Peace Through Service"
DUTIES
Greeter - Tom Kolepp
Sergeant-at-Arms - Jim Vitale
$2 Per Week - Jean Searfoss
Invocation - John St. Clair
Introductions - Dee Elliott
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
FOOD DRIVE - Please remember your donations for New Bethany Ministries. See story below.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS - PLEASE SEND INFO
This weekly E-Bulletin is our club's way of communicating with the membership. We ask committee chairs to send in info about their meetings and any developments to me for by end of day Monday for inclusion in that week's bulletin.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 8/7 Message
Forget
Forget the hasty, unkind word:
Forget the slander you have heard;
Forget the quarrel and the cause;
Forget the whole affair, because,
Forgetting is the only way.
Forget the storm of yesterday;
Forget the knocker, and the squeak;
Forget the bad day of the week.
Forget you're not a millionaire;
Forget the gray streaks in your hair;
Forget to even get the blues -
But don't forget
To Pay Your Dues!
Feliz Dias Rotarianos,
I have been studing the pharmaceutical market in Brazil and so have been learning Portuguese on the fly. The above greeting hails from there.
I was going to write something witty about dues being due but then I thought “Why reinvent the wheel?” I simply googled “Poems about Dues” and it turns out there are many!
District Governor Tony Jannetta and Asst. DG Jean McGill will be visiting us this week. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if we all showed up in kilts? I will just throw that out there.
I know that August is a busy time for many of us as we start to get our kids ready to go back to school or off to college. Sometimes I just need to remind myself to stop and take a deep breath and look around. I think I will try to do that before September comes crashing in. I hope by now that all of the committees have had a chance to meet, or at least schedule a meeting. There is a lot going on this fall, with the Race and the Concert and District Grants due, RLI, Foundation Training, more Fellowship events.
Thanks to everyone who did get their dues in. That is a big help to Jim and our book keeping process.
Cheers, Sue
Two Great Opportunities for Rotary Service
There are two great opportunities for Clubs to provide much needed, immediate service. DG Tony has already informed you of the need:
- For Warm Clothing in Colorado as a result of the wildfires. There is an organization Operation Warm that is collecting money and clothing to send to Colorado for the children and others in need.
- To fund Shelter Boxes for the disaster in Russia.
What makes these two needs great service opportunities for Clubs is that each club can determine how much it can provide and how it wishes to collect the funds. There is no challenge from RI or the District. Each club can set its own challenge within the Club. For instance, a Small Club can choose to provide $250 from the Club budget and ask the members to match that from other donations, to send a total of $500 to Operation Warm or help with the Shelter Boxes. A large Club and aim for a larger amount to match.
Neither project needs to drain the budget, but the collective contributions can go a long way in helping our neighbors in Russia or Colorado. Of course, with all Club projects, there are opportunities to turn the fundraising into a fellowship event or public event. Public events lead to public awareness of “What is Rotary”. Public awareness can lead to support or increased membership for your Club. Joint Club involvement is also a possibility for any of these projects. Remember, even a small amount can go a long way.
You are already familiar with donating to Shelter Box, and if you want to support Operation Warm, go to: http://www.operationwarm.org
Have fun serving beyond self,
7430 DGE Frank
Francis P. Romano
2012-13 Community Development Grants
Thanks to Joan Paul and the Community Development Committee. After reviewing the proposals received, they recommended and the Board approved Morning Star 2012-13 grants to the following organizations:
LEHIGH VALLEY CHILDREN'S CENTER (Pre-K) ~ $1,300 funding for scholarship support (infants through school age) available to low-income families without the ability to pay for high quality care.
TURNING POINT OF LEHIGH VALLEY (At-Risk Children) ~ $1,000 for books to be used and given to children (infant to 13) living in their Safe House.
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY (Cancer Youth) ~ $1,000 for 4-weekly sessions of horse-assisted therapy for 8 local children.
YWCA OF BETHLEHEM (Technology) ~ $1,000 for TechGYRLS, an after-school technology program for low-to-moderate income elementary and middle school girls to learn web design, animation, video game and robot design.
WDIY 88.1 LEHIGH VALLEY COMMUNITY PUBLIC RADIO (All Ages) ~ $850 for the Annual Poetry Project in April 2013.
The successful recipients will be contacted regarding the award and our expectations to work together in the coming year. My letter will outline (1) the approved award amount, the Morning Star contact person for the coming year, the need to schedule a Morning Star Rotary program, and the volunteer participation opportunities (5-10K, Salute to the Troops, Spaghetti Dinner, other?) to work with us this coming year.
And in early September, we'll plan how we're going to tackle the greater question of what role MSR really wants to play in providing financial support to worthy charitable organizations.
8/2 Meeting and More
AUGUST 2 MEETING
PROGRAM - BERNIE STORY of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
Philanthropy is not simply the transference of money; it is the transformation of life. Few human activities are as exciting, as challenging, or as gratifying as philanthropy. Community foundations and their donors stand at an epicenter - where the need for help, the desire to help, and the means tohelp converge. Learn more about our won local Community Foundation.
DUTIES
Greeter - Wayne Achey
Sergeant-at-Arms - Ginny Wolkoff
$2 Per Week - Jim Santanasto
Invocation - Janet Kolepp
Introductions - Charlotte Hartmann-Hansen
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
CLUBRUNNER
ClubRunner is making programming changes, and bulletins may not look quite the same 'til I figure things out - having trouble getting stories in the intended order.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 7/31 Message
Its only week 4 of the year and I am wondering if I can come up with 52 unique ways of saying "Hello". I think that next week I may have to try some new languages. This is Rotary after all, and we are nothing if not international.
I spend the week doing new exercises with my fingers and having my co-workers give me funny looks. (It’s not the first time for that though so it did not bother me.)
Our speaker this week is Bernie Story from the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. I am really looking forward to finding out what that is. Almost everything I know about the Lehigh Valley, I have learned from Rotary (you thought I was going to say Kindergarten didn't you?).
Things you should not forget:
· Food Drive for New Bethany Ministries (see separate story)
· Tony Janetta, District Governor will be visiting next week
· Board Meeting is also next week
· Dues are now officially really, seriously, due
· RLI (Rotary Leadership Inst.) is less than 2 months away - have you registered? I still have 4 seats left in my van!
A very special THANKS to Jim Vitale (and Lisa!) for hosting the first ever BMSR Pool Party! It was fantastic! Great food, great friends, lots of desserts! More details about that to come.
Cheers, Susan
Food Drive for New Bethany Ministries
This Thursday is the final collection day!
As noted in Pres. Sue's 7/24 message, Morning Star has decided to help New Bethany Ministries with food donations since they are especially needful at this time of year. Please bring your food donation to our regular weekly meetings through August.
Dee Elliott writes:
I am very thankful that the club has chosen to do this for New Bethany. I have been told by the people in charge of the hospitality center that at this time that the greatest needs are peanut butter, soup, juice and water in bottles.
7/26 Meeting, ClubRunner, Dues are Due
JULY 26 MEETING
PROGRAM - SUPARNA DAMANY, Physical Therapist
DUTIES
Greeter - Deb Cummins
Sergeant-at-Arms - Val Walk
$2 Per Week - Chuck Uhl
Invocation - Tom Kolepp
Introductions - Barb Seifert-Sigmon
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
CLUBRUNNER
More thanks to Jeff Kicska - he has loaded the district directory onto our website. After you log in, go to Admin (top right on home page), then look under My ClubRunner for "View Club Documents". Other useful documents are filed there also. While you're in the Admin section, check out the other available info - including club member lists and directory. Check your own profile, and update if needed. Thanks!
Reminder: DUES ARE DUE
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 7/24 Message
Can you believe it?! It’s the week of the First Ever Morning Star PotLuck Bar-B-Q (aka Pool Party)! This Sunday at Jim’s house. I cannot wait. I have my camera, and extra batteries ready and my phone set to Facebook. Party starts mid afternoon and goes until whenever (it’s a school night for some of us). But don’t drink and drive. There are several Rotarians that live in the neighborhood who can put you up I am sure if you over indulge.
Don’t forget about our Food Drive for New Bethany. Bring in any non-perishables and then help Dee carry it all to her car.
August is just around the corner. Tony Janetta, our District Governor will be visiting August 9th
And last but not least, please, please, please, please, Pretty Please, get your dues in.
Yours in Rotary, Susan
7/19 Meeting, Dues are Due, 5K/10K Sponsorship Form, Golf Thanks, Spag. Dinner Photos
JULY 19 MEETING
PROGRAM - LINDSEY BROWN FRIGM,
Former Nazareth Rotary Club President
Jacobsburg Historical Society
DUTIES
Greeter - Eileen Dunn
Sergeant-at-Arms - Robin Metzler
$2 Per Week - Jean Searfoss
Invocation - NEED A VOLUNTEER
Introductions - Tim Brion
If you signed up but are now unable, we'll appreciate your arranging for someone else to fill in, and notifying Russ Pacala and Susan Burnett.
Reminder: DUES are DUE
5K/10K SPONSORSHIP FORM
is available in the Download section on the right side of the home page. - Thanks, Jeff Kicska!
GOLF THANKS
Butch thanks all those who sponsored, golfed, bought raffle squares and donated gift certificates! Together with the Downtown Club, we will be making a generous donation to the Bethlehem Area Public Library's "Room to Grow" program!
SPAGHETTI DINNER PHOTOS
Thanks to Jeff Kicska (web wizard) and Charlotte H-H (our photo bug), there are photos from the Spaghetti Dinner available on the website. On our home page, click "Our Events" (under the banner), then "Spaghetti Dinner", then under Photo Albums click "Spaghetti Dinner" again.
Hope to see you Thursday, Jean
jsearfoss@cementemployers.com work
610-504-1455 cell
Pres. Sue's 7/17 Message
Greetings Morning Star Rotarians,
Thanks again to Rick, John and Charlie for a terrific program on Camp Neidig last week. Every year we see a terrific group of teens and it is a wonderful reminder of the power of Rotary outside of the clubs.
I have to apologize to Wayne Achey. We were supposed to induct him as a new member last week and in my excitement of getting Rick’s complex seating chart just right, I completely forgot, even though it was written on my sheet. So we will definitely do that this week.
One of my daughters, Abby, enjoys volunteering at New Bethany with Dee so I was asking Dee if she gets inundated with fresh produce during the summer. I was surprised to learn that the summer months are some of the most difficult for food banks. So I thought well, let’s have a food drive at Rotary! From July 19th through August 2nd, please bring in some non-perishable food to the meetings and help out New Bethany Ministries.
I already have two folks coming to Rotary Leadership Institute, Saturday September 15th. I have 3 more open seats in my van. Registration is www.rlinea.com and the club will reimburse you as soon as you have completed the day. It is a dynamic day. You will learn a lot and meet lots of folks from around the district. You do not have to be on the board, to come. You just have to want to learn more about Rotary.
The Potluck Bar-b-q (aka Pool Party) at Jim Vitale’s house has been postponed a whole day, to June 29th. Thanks to all those who responded to the survey. A new sign up will be going around at the next couple of meetings – please come even if you don’t plan to swim!
Cheers, Susan
Pres. Sue's 7/9 Message
Greetings Morning Star Rotarians,
I cannot believe the year is finally here! I am so relieved I am no longer in charge of scheduling speakers! I will never lay awake at night again wondering “Will they or won’t they show up? Will they go upstairs without waiting for me or calling my cell and leave me standing in the freezing rain even though I asked them in 3 emails to call if they go upstairs on their own???” Good Luck, Deb. I am sure that you will do a fabulous job!
So our July Pool Party is officially scheduled for Saturday July 28th. Start time, 3-4 pmish at Jim Vitale's home - 4434 Kathi Drive, Bethlehem . I cannot wait to see everyone in their bathing suits. Bring the kids, grandkids, grandparents, aunts, uncles ... Pot luck - will send a sign up sheet around.
But before that, we have to say good-bye to Doriane this Wednesday from 7 to 9 pm at 3181 Rambeau Road, Bethlehem. (See details below.) If you plan on going, please let Judi Dexter know so she can get a head count.
Check out the new link on our homepage. It’s called “Things You Have Always Wanted to Know About Rotary” – It has a gazillion links and documents about everything Rotary – how to run a club, Future Visions, Friendships Exchanges, How to be Club Secretary – you name it, is there. The Ultimate resource, even if you have never figured out how to log on – you can still access it! I asked my daughter Lydia how long it took her to put all that up there and she said “About 5 seconds Mom.” And I said “Wow, that is too bad because if it was something really hard, I would have paid you a lot more.” She is available for IT consultations.
This week's program will be the kids from Camp Neidig. It is always an impressive and entertaining breakfast. I hope you can join us.
Cheers, Susan
(Someone once asked me why I always use the salutation “Cheers” – it’s because I can hardly ever remember how to spell “Sincerely”.)
Morning Star Rotary's 2012-13 Board
President: Susan Burnett
President Elect: Deb Cummins (to serve as president 7/1/13-6/30/14)
Vice President: Tom Kolepp (to serve as president 7/1/14 - 6/30-15)
Past President: Eileen Dunn
Secretary: Val Walk
Treasurer: Jim Vitale
Directors 7/1/11 - 6/30/13:
Jeff Kicska
Stephanie Vavro
Mary Diggs
Dee Elliott
Directors 7/1/12 - 6/30/14
Marianne Aronson
Tim Brion
Gary Hartney
Ben Tenaglia
From President Susan Burnett 7/3
Greetings Morning Star Rotarians!
I am so excited for the year ahead! I hope you will join me this Thursday as we welcome in the year ahead, the new board and thank all those that worked so hard this past year, which, when you think about it, is all of you.
At the meeting we will look ahead at what we hope to accomplish this year and even beyond. We will also glance back at all the amazing things we accomplished over the past year and how they have help lay the foundation for what we hope to do in the future.
We have two great fellowship event planned for July and will announce those at the meeting (and they are both FREE!!!!)
Finally, a big thank you to Jim for hosting the Kick Out Party last Thursday night. It was a lot of fun.
Eileen, you were a wonderful President. It was a pleasure collaborating with you!
Cheers, Susan
Doriane's Last Hurrah - July 11 Party 7:00-8:30 pm
Doriane Manet, our exchange student from Belgium, is leaving us!
Peter and Cherie Young are Doriane’s current host parents. They would like to invite our Rotary Club to their home during Doriane’s last week for a send-off party! The Youngs live at 3181 Rambeau Rd. Bethlehem. This street is easy to find…if one turns onto Oakland Rd. from Linden St., Rambeau Rd. is the second left off of Oakland Rd.
The gathering is planned to be a casual dessert party on Wed. July 11th from 7 to 8:30 pm. Rotarians are invited to bring a dessert to share, if they like. However, Rotary will provide the refreshments (wine/beer/coffee/other desserts).
Doriane will be departing on July 13th. She is going on the Rotary-arranged “western trip” and will tour some fabulous sites in the western part of our country from June 25 to July 8th.
We hope that many Rotarians will find their way to the Young home to send off Doriane, and to thank the Youngs and the Wrights for their gracious hospitality.
RSVP to Judi Dexter at ja.dexter@verizon.net by 7/10/12. But if you do not reply you are still welcome as it is a casual gathering and there should be plenty.
Dues are Due NOW
Welcome to Our Newest Future Rotarian - Zavaya!
Thanks to Joan Paul for these photos!
Would YOU like a say in who receives Morning Star grants?
Each year our club makes 3-5 grants of $500 - $1,500 each to local organizations, with a rotating theme.
This year's theme is YOUTH.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Programs will be considered in 2013-2014, and
ARTS & CULTURE Programs in 2014-2015.
The RFP form is available in the Download section of our website home page.
We ask your help in getting this RFP information to organizations near and dear to your heart - our best parnerships happen when a Morning Star member "champions" a particular cause.
Please contact Joan Paul with any questions.
Follow the GSE Team in Japan
Rotarians,
We would like to share this link with you. We think you will enjoy seeing our District's GSE Team visit to Japan, lead by Team Leader Bruce Dearnley, as it happens! http://rotary7430gse.blogspot.com/. Copy/paste this link to view.
Kathy Greiss
Administrative Assistant, District 7430
Phone: 484-680-1517 Email: krgreiss@gmail.com
Camp Neidig is this weekend
This year Morning Star Rotary is sponsoring three students to attend Camp Neidig, District 7430’s Youth Leadership Camp: Devon Wasson of Moravian Academy, Lauren Wells of Bethlehem Catholic, and Thomas Goller from Freedom.
As anyone who has previously attended will enthusiastically tell you, the Closing Ceremonies are something special to behold. On Monday, June 18th, they will be from 7:00 - 8:15 pm, with Rotarians welcome to attend a barbeque chicken dinner as well starting at 6:00 pm.
The price of the dinner is $15. Orders need to be placed no later than June 8. If you are interested, please contact John St. Clair at johnb.stclair@gmail.com , 610-866-0846 (home) or 610-533-9694 (cell).
Rick Morrissey will be driving and leaving at approximately 4:30 pm. Anyone interested in attending the Camp Neidig closing ceremonies is welcome to come along (he can take 2 folks in addition to John St. Clair) or you drive down yourself (and follow Rick if you like). Contact Rick at rickm@moravian.com or 610- 746-1338.
Please visit www.campneidig.com for more details on this extraordinary program!
New Member Soiree was informative, funny and friendly!
ShelterBox brings shelter to Italy's quake survivors
Golf - Butch requests 1 more Foursome for July 9th
Our annual Golf Tournament was rained out on Monday, June 4th, and will be held on July 9th. It is run jointly with the Bethlehem Rotary Club, and will benefit the Bethlehem Public Library's "Room to Grow" project. Please get gift certificates from restaurants that you patronize for use as raffle prizes. Golfers, one more foursome! The brochure is available on the home page in the downloads section, or by clicking the link below. Heartfelt thanks to Butch for all his work!!!
Dorianne Meets Ferrous!
The Kolepps and Helmuths recently took Doriane Manet (our Exchange Student) to and IronPigs game - her first baseball game ever! They think she is really a fun young lady. Doriane had a great time – she caught a shirt, received a baseball from someone nearby who caught it, and had her photo taken with the team mascot, Ferrous!
THANKS! "Taste of Tuscany Pasta Dinner"
The Spaghetti Dinner Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the Taste of Tuscany Pasta Dinner. Special thanks go out to those who spent many hours to make the dinner a success, as well as those who sold tickets, donated desserts, and sponsored the table tents. Please remember to turn your ticket money in to Val or Jim as soon as possible. Thanks!
Co-Chairs Val Walk & Stephanie Vavro
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to our co-chairs, the committee itself, and the “marathon” members who worked the kitchen over 12 hours on Friday! If you didn’t volunteer this year, we ask that you make time next year – it’s great fun, and the extra helping hands would be much appreciated.
District Conference a Huge Success!
The Conference Committee would like to thank all the Morning Star Rotarians who volunteered, came out and enjoyed the District Conference this past weekend. It was a huge success and would not have been so without the tremendous effort from everyone in the club - we are so grateful for such a terrific club. Congratulations to Bill on his vision for a unique and inspiring weekend!
Sincerely, The Conference Committee
Eliminating Polio
Morning Star Rotary supports Special Olympics
It was all smiles as Alice Moat, Bethlehem Special Olympics manager, and Louise Tusak, Bethlehem Special Olympics special events coordinator, accepted a $5,000 check from Morning Star Rotary member Jeff Kicska, race director for the Morning Star 5/10K run.
It marked the 21st year that proceeds from the fundraiser have benefited the Bethlehem Special Olympics
Polio
Polio And Politics
Read more: http://search.time.com/results.html?Ntt=polio&N=0&Nty=1&p=0&cmd=tags#ixzz2HDYDDuVw
Endgame for an Enduring Disease? Pakistan’s Fight Against Polio
Twenty-three years after it was eradicated in the United States, polio still stalks Pakistan, one of three countries left in the world where the devastating disease is still endemic. Photographer Diego Ibarra Sánchez documented Pakistan's struggle to get a handle on the disease.
How India Fought Polio — and Won
Read more: http://search.time.com/results.html?Ntt=polio&N=0&Nty=1&p=0&cmd=tags#ixzz2IYxSo4g1
Rotary Grant News
NO MEETING on NOV. 1
No Meeting on Nov. 1
due to power outage at Kirkland.
Hope you are safe, and see you next week.
Polio's Last 1%!
In case you have not been to the District website lately, there is an AWESOME video about Polio Plus
Check it out here:
NEWS FROM INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY!!!
Rotarians met the Gates Foundation Challenge to raise a $200 million match for their $355 million contribution to PolioPlus!! The total stood at $202.7 million on January 17th. Of course, the real goal is Polio Eradication. The recent announcement that India has gone a full year without a case of polio brings the world closer. The disease still remains endemic in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afgha
In recognition that there is work still to do, the Gates Foundation has provided an additional $50 million to the Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus effort. This is NOT a challenge grant, but it should inspire all Rotarians to continue to support this effort until the goal is realized.
Top 10 Things I Learned at Rotary Laser Bowling Night!
10. Laser bowling starts at 8:55
9. There are some spectacularly bad bowlers in Rotary
8. Rotarians are related to/dating, some AMAZING bowlers
7. Jeff owns more bowling equipment than you ever knew existed
6. Gretchen is raising future Olympic bowlers
5. Those little slope thingies and bumpers... are for grown-ups too
4. There are not nearly enough size 8-10 sized bowling shoes in the world
3. Karen owns the MOST STYLISH bowling shoes. You never even knew bowling shoes could be stylish did you?
2. Marianne (and yes, I am pretty sure I am spelling your name incorrectly and I am sorry), bowls with her own cheering section/groupy
And the number #1 I learn at Morning Star Laser Bowling...
What happens at bowling.... STAYS at bowling, so join us next time and find out how much fun it is!
I wish I had this poster to put up at Work!
Security and Integrity of Your Data
Data on the server is protected by TCP/IP filtering, firewall and anti-virus software that protect against any unauthorized intrusion. Backups of data are made daily and stored off-site.
Welcome to our new website!
Welcome to our Rotary Club!