-These powerful words—soon to be inscribed on our Rotary Peace Pole—serve as both a wish and a call to action.
Dear Rotary Friends,
Welcome to our final newsletter of the year. As 2024 ends, during this season of hope and celebration, Rotary’s mission to foster peace and create change is alive, both abroad and in our community. Amid global challenges, Rotary is stepping up—advancing peace through action, one project, one relationship, and one community at a time. Through impactful programs like the Rotary Peace Centers and partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations, we are equipping peacebuilders and addressing the root causes of conflict, including displacement, inequality, and climate-driven challenges.
Here in Newtown, we’re preparing to install a Rotary Peace Pole, bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. This visible symbol will reflect our commitment to creating a better world. If you’d like to help lead or participate in this meaningful initiative, I’d love to hear from you!
While Rotary’s global initiatives inspire us, our recent local service projects have brought hope and connection right here at home. From honoring veterans with wreath placements led by Donna McCormick-Miller, to delivering holiday gifts with Paul Salvatore and 14 dedicated volunteers, to Donna McCormick-Miller, Susan Schino, and Charlie Quattrone delivering Kristen Smedley’s impactful book to elementary school children through our Grant and Literacy Committee's, to serving ice cream and kindness to the homeless with Shari and Tom Donahue of Zebra Striped Whale and her team of 14 volunteers—our club's efforts truly made a difference.
We also celebrated the season at our holiday party, where over 60 Goodnoe Elementary "Select Choir" school children filled the room with songs about peace, and Joe Garvey and his team treated us to an incredible meal. Special thanks to Stephanie Eubanks for her cookies for the kids and for arranging the performance, to Deborah Salvatore for preparing thoughtful gifts for the children, and to Rich Fekete for bringing Santa to life. Thank you also to everyone that attended our final Camaraderie for a Cause of the year at the Temperance House, raising money for Zeke and the special Bucks County Sheriff's team of awesome canines.
Do take a moment to explore Jenn’s wonderful collection of photos and details below. Please join me in thanking to our committee leaders and all the volunteers who made these efforts extraordinary!!!
Looking Ahead:
Tuesday, December 24: Join us at 9 AM at the American Legion to pack meals for the homeless.
Wednesday, December 25: Help serve meals to the homeless.
Tuesday, December 31: Is the final date to submit grant requests this year!!! Please send all grant requests to Charlie ASAP.
Friday, April 11: Hope on the Vine! Please gather auction items and sponsorships for our biggest fundraiser! If you receive holiday gift baskets and/or gift cards you don’t need this year, please bring them to our meeting on January 8th.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, January 8 | 12:15 PM | American Legion
Celebrate with us as we honor our Students of the Month, an initiative led by Rotarian Rob Brown, and enjoy a Mediterranean buffet courtesy of Joe Garvey—please RSVP below!
As 2024 draws to a close, I thank each of you for the generosity and dedication that make our Rotary Club of Newtown truly exceptional. Together, we’ve nurtured hope and created a lasting impact in our community and beyond. A special thank you to our club sponsors, board members, NextGen Team, and committee and project leaders whose support makes our work possible. Please take a moment to show our appreciation by reaching out and recognizing the difference they make!
Wishing you all safe travels, joyful moments with loved ones, and a bright, impactful year ahead. A very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, with peace and happiness for all.
Warm regards,
Debra Porter President and proud member of the Newtown Rotary Club, District 7430
More than 1200 angels will be taking flight throughout the Council Rock School District over the next few weeks, making the holiday season a little brighter for the area’s less fortunate children and their families. Please stop by the Newtown Post Office or the Free Library of Northampton Township in Richboro and pick up your angel today! Each of the Angels adorning the trees has gift ideas that range from toys to art supplies for anyone from infant to young adults.
For those who can’t make it to the post office or library, the Newtown Rotary Club will be accepting online donations, which will be used to purchase gifts and gift cards for students and to support a holiday luncheon at the homeless shelter. All online donations are being matched dollar for dollar up to $5000 by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Foundation. Please scan the QR code to make a donation today and please make sure to direct your donation to the angel tree project. Checks are also accepted and can be mailed to the Newtown Rotary club, PO Box 123, Penn Park PA 18943. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Holiday Giving Match Program!
The Gene and Marlene Epstein Foundation is generously partnering with the Newtown Rotary Club again this holiday season. This year they are offering up to a $5,000 match on all donations collected by the Newtown Rotary. The funds collected go towards our robust holiday lineup:
-Our annual Santa Breakfast at the Washington Crossing Inn feeds over 180 children and their families and each child receives a wrapped present.
-The Angel Tree, each angel represents the wish of someone in our local community that could not otherwise afford gifts. Examples of the most requested gifts include sweatshirts, jackets, warm hats and gloves, and bath products. Funds are often used to help supplement the gifts, or purchase gifts that weren’t adopted. Angels are available to adopt at the Newtown Post Office and the Northampton Public Library on 11/22/2024.
-The Holiday Party at the homeless shelter, providing an evening of joy, warmth, and a visit from Santa. Family photos are taken and later presented to all the attending guests. The Zebra Striped Whale provides an ice cream sundae bar, making it a memorable occasion.
-On Christmas Eve we make and provide Packaged Meals to those in need in the Council Rock School District and those living in motels. These meals are either heat and serve or sandwiches and wraps, depending on the ability to reheat.
-On Christmas Day we go to the local shelter and provide a wonderful Christmas Meal with the help of our great friend, Chef Joseph Garvey. On this special day, we strive to make it a memorable experience by serving prime rib and seafood, as these are luxuries not normally afforded to our special guests. Last year we also served crowd favorites: chicken francese and pasta with meatballs.
Please scan the QR below to donate, or mail a check to: Newtown Rotary Club, P.O. Box 123, Penns Park, PA 18943. All money raised will help support these endeavors and allow us to continue supporting those in need in our community throughout the year- because the need isn’t only limited to the holiday season.
Lunch Meetings will be held the first three Wednesdays of each month from 12:15-1:30PM at the American Legion building. A Lunch Buffet catered by Joe Garvey will be served at a cost of $16 per person.
Camaraderie for a Cause events will be held the fourth Thursday of each month from 5:00-7:00PM. Locations and causes will vary but the donation of $10 remains the same
Our January schedule is as follows:
1/8: Lunch Meeting @ American Legion - Healthy Fare - Mediterranean
1/15: Lunch Meeting @ American Legion - Healthy Fare - Italian Coast
1/22: Lunch Meeting @ American Legion - Healthy Fare - Spanish Coast
1/30: Camaraderie for a Cause @ Ardana - Main Street
We appreciate the feedback that helped inform this change and look forward to getting into a rhythm! Thank you.
Help Us Decorate Our Parade Float!
Please join us on Saturday, 12/7 from 10:00-11:30am in the American Legion Parking lot to help us decorate our parade float! We need you!
Please join us as we participate in the Newtown Annual Holiday Parade! Newtown Rotarians will proudly accompany our amazingly decorated parade float through the cheering crowd on Sunday, 12/8 from 2:00-4:00pm. We will meet in the Stocking Yards parking lot with all the other parade goers at 1:00pm sharp! See you there!
Please join us at the American Legion building at 12:15pm on Wednesday, 12/11 for our Weekly Lunch Meeting. We will hear Classification Speeches from George Duthie and Evan Connolly while we enjoy a "New York Deli" themed lunch. See you there!
Please consider showing up at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery at 8:00am on Friday, December 13th to help unload wreaths from the many trucks that will be delivering them prior to the wreath laying event. Please contact Donna Miller for details at dmmbmw@aol.com.
Please join at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery on Saturday, December 14th as we lay wreaths on the gravestones of our veterans to honor their service to our country this holiday season. This is a very moving and wonderful service project and we hope you will sign up. The wreath laying begins at 8:00am with a ceremony at 11:45am. Please contact Donna Miller for details at dmmbmw@aol.com.
Please join us at the Newtown Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 15th at 12:00 noon to sort the many Angel Tree gifts as we prepare to deliver them to our community families in need! The more the merrier! Please contact Paul Salvatore for details at salvatorepaul@hotmail.com. Thank you!
Celebrate Outstanding High School Students in Our Community
The Rotary Club of Newtown's Students of the Month program celebrates outstanding high school students for their achievements, leadership, and embodiment of Rotary’s ideal of "Service Above Self." This initiative supports students in their journey toward higher education while recognizing their exceptional contributions to their schools and communities. Each year, the Rotary Club honors students, including members of Interact Clubs, from local high schools. Awards are presented twice annually to students who exemplify excellence in a number of important areas. From September through May, students are carefully selected by their school administrators for this distinguished recognition. It’s our privilege to celebrate their accomplishments and support their bright futures. During this meeting, we’ll hear from the award recipients, and their parents and other family members are invited to attend.
Ginny Kownurko took the Newtown Rotary Club to new places by staking our flag at Damoy Point, Antarctica! She was recruiting some penguins to join our amazing club, way to go Ginny! We appreciate the global representation! Safe travels home.
Rotarians At Work Again!!!
Weekly Lunch Meeting - 12/4
Our weekly lunch meeting was chock full of excitement beginning with Ryan Krocker's induction into the Newtown Rotary Club as a new member! Ryan, we are thrilled that you are "officially" a member of our club and we welcome you with open arms - Congrats!
Cindy Hornaman was our keynote speaker and she provided us with a financial overview of our grants and gave us an update on how to nominate a cause and what's available for nonprofits in our community. We had over 30 people at this week's lunch meeting to enjoy both of these main events. See you next week!
The Newtown Rotary Club is proud to give back to our community, country and world to help make a difference in people's lives as we put "Service Above Self".
Volunteer / Community Impact Opportunities
Army-Navy Game Fundraiser for American Legion
Gear up for one of the biggest rivalries in college football! Join us at the American Legion for an epic tailgate party and viewing of the Army-Navy Game. Enjoy game-day eats, drinks, and camaraderie with fellow fans—all while supporting a great cause. Whether you’re rooting for Army or Navy, this is your chance to join Newtown Rotarians as you cheer on your team, soak in the spirited atmosphere, and make a difference in our community. Don't miss this exciting event—come for the game and tailgate food, stay for the impact! American Legion Post 440 Fundraiser. Tickets are $50. Includes all food and beverages throughout the event.
Tailgating starts at 1pm. Kickoff and viewing on big screen 3pm til the game is over.
Our Newtown Rotary Club!!!
Who wouldn't want to join a Club full of this fun loving group!!??
Photo by Rotarian Brandon Valeri-Bruchini, Mediaology
Community & Volunteer Opportunities
In this section, you will find opportunities to volunteer outside of our own Rotary events.
In doing so, we expand our "Rotary Reach" into our community! Please sign up or even just attend these events if you can.
Order Rotary Apparel
Click Here to add to your "Rotary Wardrobe" and show your Rotary pride!
. 
.png)
