"The sting of a baseball loss fades, but the bonds forged through community involvement last a lifetime." – Jackie Robinson
Dear Friends,
Greetings and Happy Friday!
I hope you've had a wonderful week. As our community welcomed back the remarkable Council Rock Newtown Little League 12U team, we celebrated their journey to the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Though they fell just two runs short in a hard-fought elimination game, their effort and spirit have left an indelible mark on our Newtown community. These young athletes embody the Rotary spirit—dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. Their journey shows that success is about more than winning—it's about building community and character, too.
A heartfelt thank you to the 34 members and guests who joined us for our Rotary Lunch meeting this Wednesday. We were especially delighted to welcome back Steve, Grace and George from Yardley, along with so many of our new friends from the former Yardley-Morrisville club. It's great to see our Rotary family growing! Welcome to Mark as well! We also extend a warm welcome to Jason Shapiro of DKC Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance, who joined us for his first Rotary meeting. We’re grateful for his sponsorship and that of others for the upcoming NextGen State Street Fundraiser.
It was a true pleasure to reconnect with our friend Nancy Schongalla, the founder of Adopt a South African Preschool, during Wednesday’s meeting. We were inspired to hear how their programs have flourished with the support of the $5,000 donation from our Newtown Rotary Club in 2023. Please see pictures of the meeting below.
Looking ahead, we're super excited to host the Stuff the Bus: Camaraderie for a Cause event at the Clubhouse Bar and Grill next Thursday, August 29th, supporting children in need within our community. Please see all the details below. Please join us for this fun event benefiting the critical United Way program, and see details below!
We encourage you to support our NextGen team by contacting Kira Altomari, our team President, to help secure table sales for the Rotary State Street Fair on September 22nd. Your help in selling tables to local businesses and organizations would be greatly appreciated. Proceeds from table sales will benefit Alpha Bravo K9. As of Tuesday, 30 tables are still available. Reach out to Kira at kabowler512@gmail.com to get involved.
Also, don’t forget to register for the Vibrant Club Summit—our club will cover the registration cost for members (just bring your paid receipt to a meeting). The registration link is below, and we’ll arrange carpools for the 40-minute drive to the college campus from Newtown. Let’s show up en-mass!
As you gear up for your Labor Day weekend adventures next Friday, August 30th, don’t forget to rock your Rotary gear! Snap a fun photo of yourself in your Newtown Rotary Club clothing—whether you’re relaxing or on the move—and send it to newtownrotarypr@gmail.com for our new “Rotary Friday” feature. We can’t wait to share some awesome and creative shots on our social media, so be sure to check them out.
Finally, please join us in celebrating the life of Bette Smith, beloved wife of Pastor Tim Smith, tomorrow, Saturday, August 24th, at Crossing Community Church, 80 Lower Silver Lake Rd., Newtown. The memorial service will begin at 11 AM. Tim, a cherished member of the Newtown Rotary Club, has our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Smith family.
And now…
Please Meet Another of Your Board Members!
As promised, in this and the coming issues, I’m sharing 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 Mick Petrucci, our Chairman of the Board, An Inspiring Journey to the Newtown Rotary Club
Personal Journey and Role:
I’ve been a Bucks County resident for almost my entire life and have called Newtown home for over 35 years. My commitment to community service started early, inspired by my family’s values. I joined the Newtown Rotary Club because I wanted to make a tangible difference locally and globally. The camaraderie and shared sense of purpose among members have kept me motivated.
My family has always been supportive of my involvement in the Rotary Club. They share my passion for service and are often involved in our community efforts. Wife Karen of 27.8 years and our children, Anthony 25 and Angela 23
I am currently the chairman of the board of directors. My key responsibilities include overseeing club initiatives, supporting our president, and ensuring that our projects align with Rotary's mission of "Service Above Self."
My personal interests have taught me the importance of balance and perseverance, which I apply in my Rotary work, particularly when managing multiple projects or facing challenges.
Impact and Achievements:
The Rotary Club has made a significant impact in Newtown and beyond. Locally, we've supported numerous community projects, and internationally, we've contributed to vital humanitarian efforts, helping to improve lives worldwide.
One of the most rewarding moments was speaking at our district conference about our club’s phenomenal growth. With the help of our dedicated members, we've received multiple citations of excellence from Rotary International.
Challenges and Future Goals:
One challenge I foresee is maintaining engagement as we grow. It’s essential to keep our members inspired and involved, ensuring that our projects remain relevant and impactful.
My vision for the Newtown Rotary Club is to continue our growth while expanding our impact both locally and internationally. I hope we can focus on sustainable projects that address critical issues like education and health.
Community Engagement and Reflections:
I encourage others to get involved by highlighting the tangible difference we make and the personal growth that comes from service. Our members find fulfillment in knowing their efforts have real-world impacts.
The most fulfilling aspect of being a club member is seeing the positive changes we create. My involvement has deepened my sense of purpose and significantly influenced both my personal and professional life, reinforcing my commitment to service. I’m particularly excited about our upcoming community outreach programs, which aim to engage more local youth in service projects.
Hobbies and Personal Interests:
Outside of Rotary, I enjoy my Jeep, spending time with family, traveling, Real Estate and Beach Life. These interests have helped me maintain a balanced life and have often provided fresh perspectives on my Rotary responsibilities.
Wildcard:
Something most people don’t know about me is… I’m an Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner, I sit on 3 state judicial committees, co-founder of the Bucks County Warrant Unit and our local Shop with a Cop. This aspect of my life reflects my dedication to setting and achieving goals, a trait that also drives my work with Rotary.
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