Newtown Rotary Spotlight
July 5, 2024
"Service Above Self" since 1953

Presidents Message

member photo
 
                 
“10% of high school students attempted suicide in the past year.” CDC- Data Summary Trends Report- 2021
 
 

Dear Friends,

Good morning! I hope you are well.
 
Although the above statistic is from 2021, it comes from a comprehensive research project. The information is jarring. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that the numbers have improved. According to the American Psychological Association, more than 20% of teens "seriously considered suicide" in 2023. How can we help?
 
There are two outstanding learning experiences available to you during our next two meetings. First, on Monday, August 5th, for our catered breakfast meeting at the American Legion, the presenter will be Amanda Soler, founder of The Liv Project. Amanda leads a non-profit organization determined to take the conversation about youth mental health out of the shadows. They collaborate with youth and mental health professionals to share thoughtful experiences, and they design creative tools aimed at sparking the kind of fearless conversations that could save young lives and turn the tide of youth suicide. Related statistics, such as the one above, are both shocking and heartbreaking. 
 
Amanda envisions a global shift where fear of judgment does not hold anyone back from speaking openly about their mental health. A world where we all have the skills to compassionately listen, support and safely guide those in crisis so that youth suicide is no longer an option.
 
Following this impactful presentation, expect a very special Newtown Rotary Club dinner at Relic on Tuesday, August 13th. The topic will be: Hidden Hardships: Unveiling Our Community's Silent Struggles. Please join us for an eye-opening presentation about Bucks County’s hidden hardships. You will learn about poverty in our county, and why our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors struggle to access services, as well as some of the innovative programs that are helping to fill gaps. This will be an opportunity to gain valuable insights to help us take actionable steps towards creating a stronger, healthier community for all. We are limited to only 50 seats for this dinner, so do sign up now via the below link if you are interested in attending.
 
Marissa Christie, our speaker for the evening, is passionate about creating real, lasting change for people and communities. She is currently President & CEO at United Way of Bucks County, a nonprofit focused on access to quality education, financial stability, and good health.
 
And now…
 
Please Meet Another of Your Board Members!
 
As promised last week, in this and the coming issues, I’m excited to feature personal stories and insights from our dedicated board members. Each of them brings unique experiences, talents, and passions to our club. Their contributions help drive our mission and make a positive impact in our community. We hope these profiles give you a deeper understanding of the individuals who guide our club’s efforts and inspire you to engage with our initiatives.
 
Meet Steve Sabel, our President-Elect: An Inspiring Journey to the Newtown Rotary Club and Our Board of Directors
 
 
1. Personal Journey and Role:
 
I have been a part of Rotary for over 28 years and started with the Levittown
Fairless Hills Club as a guest of the late Clark Shuster who was at the time the
Executive Director of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce. I transferred my
membership to Newtown in April 2021. My favorite quote of Rotary has been
“ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
 
A resident of Newtown Township for over 35 years. Happily married for over 25
years to Iris and we have a wonderful son Jordan who just graduated from Purdue
and just started his IT career at The First National Bank of Newtown.
Currently I am the President Elect of the Rotary Club of Newtown. My role is to
work with President Debra and the board along with serving on the Finance,
Governance and Grants Committee.
 
2. Impacts and Achievements:
 
I am currently a Paul Harris Fellow 2 member and give every month through
Rotary Direct to the RI Foundation. As a member of the Levittown Fairless Hills
Club I served two terms as President and also other board positions such as
Sargent at Arms and Treasurer. In 2023-2024 I took all 3 components of Rotary
Leadership Institute.
 
The Rotary Club of Newtown is THE service club in the Newtown footprint. Our
club has made tremendous contributions and commitments in the area.
 
3. Challenges and Future Goals:
 
Our continues to raise the bar and is a model for other clubs in our district. One
goal and project that is near and dear to me is helping those in need of hearing
instruments. I have been wearing hearing instruments for over 20 years and
hearing loss is a disability that many individuals young and old are suffering with.
 
4. Community Engagement and Reflections:
 
I make sure to talk up our club and have invited individuals among my
connections to be a guest at our meetings and Camaraderie for a Cause. One of
the best “out of the box” ideas the club put together was to have in a month a
breakfast, dinner, lunch and Happy Hour.
 
5. Hobbies and Personal Interests:
 
Iris and I love to travel and in a few weeks will be in the Seattle area with stops at
Olympic National Park and Mt Rainier. We are baseball fans and a goal is to visit
at least one new ballpark every year. I am loyal to my alma mater Rutgers and
hold season tickets in football and basketball.
 
6. Wildcard:
 
I was a DJ at the Rutgers radio station with a show called Beautiful Noise named
after the Neil Diamond song.
 
Thank you for your dedication to our community and to our amazing organization, the Newtown Rotary Club!
 

Warm regards,

Debra Porter
President and proud member of the Newtown Rotary Club, District 7430

2024/25 Board & Committees
2024/25 Board & Committee Info
Announcements & News
July 9th Meeting Highlights!
Hear from NextGen leaders Kira Altomari and Joe Adelmann—a great opportunity to introduce young professionals to Rotary. 
 
July 17th Meeting Highlights!
We welcome members of the Yardley-Morrisville club to our Newtown family!  In addition, we'll celebrate our new President-Elect, Steve Sabel and July Birthdays!  Lastly, Mick, Debra and Jenn will present our New Board and Committees - everyone is encouraged to join one!
 
"The Magic of Rotary" Pins
Please see Debra to pick up your pin! 
Second Tuesday Dinner
July 9th @ 6:00pm
Upcoming Speakers
Aug 13, 2024 6:00 PM
United Way - "State of the County"

Please join us at our Monthly Tuesday Dinner at Relic as Marissa Christie from the United Way will engage us in an eye-opening discussion about Bucks County’s hidden hardships – and how our involvement and advocacy can help. You will learn why ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors struggle to access services, as well as some of the innovative programs that help fill gaps. This is more than just a discussion. It's an opportunity to gain valuable insights and take actionable steps towards creating a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous community for all.  Please join us and bring $25 to cover the cost of dinner.

Aug 21, 2024 12:30 PM
Adopt a South Africa Preschool
Sep 10, 2024 6:00 PM
Pedals For Progress
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Tuesday Dinner Meeting
Relic
Aug. 13, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
 
Monthly Lunch Meeting
The Temperance House
Aug. 21, 2024
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
Camaraderie with a Cause - "Stuff the Bus"
Clubhouse Bar & Grill
Aug. 29, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 
Newtown Rotary Friday - Wear Your Gear!
Aug. 30, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
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Jim Corts
August 1
 
Beth Anne Dobosh
August 3
 
Mick Petrucci
August 30
 
Join Date
Kristine Quinby
August 22, 2022
2 years
 
Chris Mahoney
August 30, 2017
7 years
 
Jarrad Roeder
August 30, 2023
1 year
 
Mick Petrucci
August 30, 2017
7 years
 
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