In 2016, the Whitehall-Coplay community regained a Rotary Club after a 15-year absence.

And in 2017, the provisionary organization is on its way to becoming a fully chartered Rotary Club.

Back in the summer of 2016, the team of Herb Klotz, Laura Long and Sharon Geroulo picked up the torch that was left by the previous club and began the rebuilding process. Their original goal was to gain 25 members before becoming a charter, and they were happy to announce recently they have reached that goal.

“To become a chartered Rotary (Club) takes time, and we want to make sure we are all committed to making the Whitehall Rotary (Club) thrive and succeed for many years to come,” said Rotary Club leadership team member Laura Long.

The clubs of Rotary Club International are community-based service organizations whose sole purpose is to provide humanitarian services across the globe. Today, there are 34,000-plus member clubs worldwide with more than 1.2 million members.

“Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self,’” Long said. “I am personally committed to seeing Whitehall and our surrounding communities thrive. I have seen what great leadership we have in Whitehall, starting with Mayor (Edward D.) Hozza (Jr.). There are so many volunteers who commit their time and talents to various projects in our community. Shari Noctor, who heads the (Whitehall-Coplay) Hunger Initiative, has worked tirelessly to try to end hunger in our community.

“If in some way, the Whitehall Area Rotary (Club) can assist the many projects underway, we would like to help,” Long said.

The Whitehall Area Rotary Club is currently being sponsored by Allentown West Rotary Club, which means the clubs will be working together in an effort to help Whitehall become fully chartered. Whitehall will be working with Allentown West on several service projects - the first of which will be assisting with the Snack Pack program at Parkland High School and the Meals on Wheels program.

If you are interested in joining the Rotary Club or finding out more information, the club will be having a meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Kornfeind’s Market, 2228 Old Post Road, Coplay. The club currently runs two meetings a month - the first Tuesday of the month, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at Fellowship Community, while the second meeting is to be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Kornfeind’s.

“I am extremely impressed with the men and women who are a part of making the Whitehall Area Rotary (Club) successful,” Long said. “We have all ages and business backgrounds working together, and that is exciting to see. If you are a Rotarian who is not a member of a club, please consider joining us.”

If you have any questions about the club, contact Long at llong@fellowshipcommunity.com.