Home Page | Whitehall Area Rotary Club

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

Join us! Paws in the Parkway is a resurrection of a well-supported community event called Doggy Days that ended with Covid. It is a day of celebration of all things dogs and community. There will be vendors, demonstrations, food & refreshments, rescues, a dog parade and family fun for all. The event is being held on May 9th from 10 am-3 pm in the Whitehall Parkway. Proceeds will benefit local animal shelters.

Our 2026 4-Way Test Speech Contest winner - congratulations!

Local Students Shine in Speech Contest

On February 25^th, seven Whitehall High School students participated in our annual 4-Way Test speech contest with topics including textile waste, consumerism, inequality of the wealth gap, political polarization, the value of appreciation, and the harm of screentime for children.

All high school students, grades 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in the contest. Each contestant chooses the topic of his/her speech. The purpose of the speech is to persuade others while applying the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test. The 4-Way Test asks the following four questions of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

This year’s stellar entries made it difficult, but ultimately the volunteer judges selected Zay R. as the winner. This moving and persuasive speech, titled "Division Problems are Tough," focused on divisive practices occurring in all levels of society around the world. Club President Laura Long and Club Member/Contest Moderator Mary Kay McMahon presented a check from Whitehall Area Rotary as first prize.

Zay will represent Whitehall High School and our Club at the Regional Contest on March 7^th.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk 2025

WHITEHALL ROTARY TO HOST 9TH ANNUAL JINGLE BELL 8K RUN/5K WALK
Online registration now open for the December 6th event!

Get your jingle on! Registration is now open for Whitehall Area Rotary’s 9th Annual Jingle Bell 8K Run/5K Walk. The Club welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate in this fun annual event, which will be held this year on Saturday, December 6th.

On race day, check-in will be available from 7:00-8:45 am at the American Club of Coplay, 300 Cherry St, Coplay, PA. Race packets, bibs and shirts can be picked up there.

The Run will have a rolling start beginning at 9:00 am, and participants will be chip timed for the duration of the race. The race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co. Walkers are NOT timed, and will start after the last runners have cleared the starting area.

The 8K course is flat and fast, and starts right below the embankment on the Ironton Rail Trail at the Coplay Pavilion. 5K Course is flat and dog-friendly.

Post-race festivities will be held at the finish line at the Coplay Pavilion, Coplay. Highlights include food (hot dogs, soup bar, hot chocolate bar), kids’ activities, pet and child photos with Santa, and a basket raffle.

Cash awards will be presented to the first- through third-place overall male and female runners. Awards will also be presented to the top two male and female finishers in 6 age categories ranging from 19 and under to 60 and over.

Runners and walkers can register online at: runsignup.com/Race/PA/Coplay/JINGLEBELL8KRUN5KWALK

Cost for runners is $35 until November 19, and $40 thereafter. Walkers will pay $25 until November 19, and $30 thereafter. A student discount is also available. The entry fee includes a race shirt (for those registering prior to November 15), chip timing, bibs, and food.

Proceeds benefit Whitehall Area Rotary Foundation and the ongoing community programs/projects of the Club, including support of local veterans’ organizations, food banks and youth initiatives.

More information: Tracy Bozik, 610-769-9198 or tbozik@FellowshipCommunity.com.

Ironton Rail Trail Bike Repair Station

The Club received a District 7430 Grant for a bike repair station to be placed at the Whitehall Trailhead of the Ironton Rail Trail, as an enhancement for the many cyclists who utilize the trail. The station includes all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs.

Previous District Grants allowed the Club to gift raised bed planters to Fellowship Community, equipment for the Whitehall Middle School Life Skills Cafe and a freezer for St. Stephen’s food pantry.