Happy Friday, dear Rotary Friends!
Welcome to our first bi-monthly newsletter! Jenn and I hope you’ve missed us. In this edition, we’re excited to bring you updates, fun photos, and a look ahead as we continue our journey of service and camaraderie together.
Last weekend, I had the privilege of walking the Freedom Trail in Boston. I can't quite explain the feeling of Rotarian pride when I came across this sign at the end of a long day. To me, it symbolizes a spirit of welcoming friendship—a reminder that as Rotarians, we have friends around the world.
As we move past the presidential election, I’ve been reflecting on how Rotary mirrors that same sense of unity. In times of division, Rotary continues to bring us together, focused on our shared purpose: creating lasting change in our communities and fostering peace and understanding. This commitment feels especially powerful today.
To our members who serve as elected officials, including Kyle Davis and Mick Petrucci, and to each of you who dedicate yourselves to building a better, more peaceful world, thank you for your commitment.
This spirit of leadership was echoed during our Rotary meeting this week, where we welcomed Herb Klotz, the Rotary Action Plan Champion and Regional Plan Leader. Per Herb, while most Rotary clubs in North America have seen a slow and steady decline, Newtown Rotary stands out as one of the fastest-growing clubs in the U.S. Herb reminded us that as Rotarian leaders, it’s critical that we continue to increase our impact, expand our reach, engage with the community, and adapt to the challenges ahead. This is the Newtown way—uniting in purpose and service to make a real difference.
Speaking of making a difference, a ginormous thank you to everyone who helped with the annual Pedals for Progress collection drive this year! The Interact kids coordinated by Rick Rogers were fantastic helpers, and the coffee and donuts delivered by Bill and Maria Wise and SERVPRO were appreciated by donors and volunteers. Thanks to the leadership of Jerry Agasar, and to all our Rotarian volunteers and even several spouses and children, the project was a tremendous success. Each bike and sewing machine that we collected will help brighten someone’s future. Unfortunately, most bikes arrived without the $20 donation required to offset the shipping costs, so if you are able to assist Jerry in funding some of the overseas transportation, please reach out. Meanwhile, scroll down for the photos and results recap.
Our NextGen team is also making waves! The Fleetwood Rotary Club reached out to learn more about our work, and Kira Altomari did a fantastic job representing us. Word is spreading about our club’s growth and impact, and it’s all thanks to members like you who are spreading the word!
In other news, we're excited about our new meeting space at the American Legion. With Veterans Day around the corner, it feels especially meaningful to meet there. The location provides a great opportunity to honor and connect with local veterans, and we’re hopeful that they’ll join our meetings, bringing fresh perspectives and adding even more purpose to our gatherings. We've extended an open invitation to all Legion members, and we are so hoping to receive them.
Next Wednesday, November 13th, please join us again at 12:15 PM for lunch at the American Legion! If you missed last week's Thanksgiving-themed buffet, you missed something truly memorable. Joe Garvey delivered a delectable meal, and he's cooking up something special for us again next week. Don’t miss out on the delicious Italian themed buffet, great company, and an update from Paul Salvatore on our upcoming holiday service projects. We’re also thrilled to welcome a special guest, Gene Epstein, a renowned Newtown philanthropist. Please reserve your attendance now by registering below! (Having a headcount helps Joe determine the appropriate food quantity and plan the table setup.)
Consider inviting a friend or colleague to the lunch—especially someone who might appreciate a little extra connection this holiday season. There’s no better way to lift spirits than finding friendship and purpose together!
And don’t forget about our monthly Camaraderie for a Cause on the fourth Thursday! Our next happy hour gathering will be at Newtown Brewery, on November 21 at 5 PM with proceeds supporting hurricane relief. It’s a chance to unwind, connect, and make an impact—all while enjoying a fun evening with friends. Check out the details below and register to join us! Please bring friends, colleagues and family! It’s great fun when we all come together.
Finally, thank you to Matt McCullough for volunteering to chair our holiday parade float this year! Can't wait to see what Matt has up his sleeve. Thank you also to Dena Arrison and Rick's Tree Service for arranging the flatbed and driver for our float, and to Donna McCormick-Miller for getting the theme started with a snow machine. As we enter the holiday season, we’re also excited to spotlight our incredible corporate sponsors. Their support is essential to our work, and we couldn’t make the impact we do without them. Look for their stories in each newsletter, and whenever you can, please show them your appreciation. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way—please let them know you noticed their sponsorship and the difference they help us make!
Thank you all for bringing your passion, heart, and friendship to our Rotary family. Here’s to a bright future filled with service, connection, and shared purpose. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!
And now…
Please Meet Another of Your Board Members!
I've been sharing the personal stories of our dedicated board members—individuals whose leadership and passion fuel the heart of our club.
Meet Paul Salvatore, member of the Board of the Newtown Rotary Club, an Inspiring Journey to the Newtown Rotary Club –
1. Personal Journey and Role:
When I first joined Rotary, in 1985, I was the owner of the Penns Park Pub in Wrightstown PA which I bought in 1983. I wanted to give back to my community and I knew several people who were Rotarians and had attended a meeting as their guest. One of my boyhood friends, Tony Petsis, proposed me as a member I was accepted. My first year with the club I started the Christmas Day dinner at my restaurant for the boys and girls of Bethanna located on 2nd St., Pike. With the help and support of my fellow Rotarians we were able to provide a meal to every child and a gift that Christmas, we have been doing it every year since and this year will mark our 40th.
Over the years I have served as president four times, assistant district Gov. and as a board member for at least half of my 39 years in the club. Presently I am the chair of all the events, my job is to make sure that each event has a chairman and that they have a committee and they fill their obligation.
2. Impact and Achievements:
I have been able to watch our club grow and expand our commitment to our community, whether it's doing a food drive, pedals for progress, Santa breakfast, road cleanup or one of the other many things we do to make our community a better place. I have found each one of these events that I participate in to be rewarding, but I do believe the Angel Tree project at Christmas is the one I enjoy the best.
3. Challenges and Future Goals:
I've watched the Newtown Rotary club go from 70+ members down to 35 and now back over 100, I want to see the club continue to grow, but we need to make sure the new members understand the true meaning of Rotary and our motto "Service above Self." To me this is a major challenge and one of the reasons why I serve on the membership committee.
4. Hobbies and Personal Interests:
My hobbies include but are not limited to: playing golf, playing golf, and playing golf. I spend a lot of time working with my church, Newtown Presbyterian church. I presently serve as a Trustee and serve on the Outreach Committee, where I'm able to help more people in need. This has become my new full-time hobby.
5. Wildcard:
My one claim to fame is I was part of the first group of boys to go out for a girl’s sports team, in 1975 I along with four of my other football buddies went out from the Neshaminy Girls Softball Team. We did it to prove a point that for every girl that could make a boy’s team, five boys could make the girls team. But we understood that there was a need for girls to have the same opportunities for scholarships is boys.
Thank you, Paul, for your service to our community. Cheers, everyone!
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