“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles
Dear Rotary Friends,
Good morning!
Many members of our club took time this Memorial Day to honor the brave heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. Our district also paused to remember a different kind of hero: fellow Rotarian Lynn Ratzell, President of the Nazareth Rotary Club, who recently passed away. Many of us had the privilege of knowing Lynn through district conferences and Rotary events, where he and his wife, Katherine Heller, were a constant presence. Their shared dedication to service—and to each other—was inspiring. In fact, they first met while serving their community through Rotary. Our hearts are with Katherine, the Ratzell family, and our friends at the Nazareth Rotary Club during this time.
Our club served this Memorial Day by proudly participating in the Newtown community parade. Many thanks to Parade Chair Matt McCullough for organizing this year’s float and to all the Rotarians who pitched in to help. Be sure to check out Jenn’s recap below for highlights and photos. After the parade, Joe Garvey and his team capped off the day with a spectacular BBQ for participants and veterans—graciously funded by our club.
The week didn’t end there. Last night we gathered for a lively Camaraderie for a Cause trivia night at Piccolos Trattoria, hosted by Ehab Abousabe and his wife, Jodi Landis. Thanks for the super fun gathering, E and Jodi!
Over the last two weeks, we also celebrated five exceptional Students of the Month, joined by their proud families. Rob Brown did a fantastic job leading the recognition ceremony—what an inspiring group of young leaders.
Many thanks to Jenn Ceslak for packing this issue (as she always does for us) with fantastic photos and highlights from all our recent activities. Keep scrolling for all the fun recaps—and don’t miss the exciting ways to get involved in the weeks ahead...
Thanks alsotoour Corporate Sponsors! Your support powers our work and deepens our impact. We’re grateful to have you alongside us- and our club wouldn’t be the same without you.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce that new Rotarian Tom Minutella will lead our Next Gen team for the 2025-2026 year, supported by President Kira Altomari and her board. Thank you, Tom, for stepping into this meaningful role—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
A few dates to remember:
• The Pickering Manor Golf Outing is this Monday—100 golfers strong!
• The Changeover Dinner is almost here: June 18. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate a great Rotary year and kick off a new one together. Please sign up below.
During our lunch meeting next week, we'll learn how to publish a book. Can't wait. Thank you all for your continued service and dedication. You bring Rotary to life in the most meaningful ways.
With gratitude,
Debra Porter
President and proud member, Rotary Club of Newtown, District 7430
Golf Outing Volunteers Needed - 6/2
The Newtown Rotary Club is ready to swing into action for a great cause during our annual Golf Outing at Trenton Country Club on Monday, June 2! Every swing and sponsorship supports Pickering Manor and the success of this event relies on the many volunteers needed to run a successful event! Please consider signing up for one or several shifts by clicking the link below. Thank you!
Please join us at the American Legion at 12:15pm as fellow Rotarian, Charlotte Camino, will join us to discuss her book "Everyone Has a Book In Them" focused meeting. Charlotte is a retired HR executive and at 81 years old, she is an author, 30 year member Rotarian and has self published three books, including a children's book will present during this meeting. This book was featured at a recent Book Club event and we'll take the opportunity to discuss our ongoing Book Club to showcase all the fellowship we have when we read and discuss a good book!
Please volunteer to represent Rotary at "Newtown Welcome Day" on Sunday June 8th, from 11am to 4pm.
This is a great opportunity to raise awareness for our Newtown Rotary Club by volunteering at our table. It promises to be a day of fun, food, and fantastic entertainment while supporting local businesses as well. Please consider signing up below for a shift or two!
Please join us at the American Legion from 12:15-1:30pm for our weekly lunch meeting. This week, we will hear Classification Speeches from some of our newer members.
During this very special lunch meeting, the Newtown Rotary Club had the great pleasure of recognizing five amazing students about to graduate from Council Rock North HD as our "Students of the Month". 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. Please join us in congratulating Ruby Lazaro, Grace Seamans, Peter Williams, Jr., Marianne Moise and Maddie Katona (pictured below with Rob Brown, President Debra Porter and COB Mick Petrucci). They all have exciting futures planned as they head off to college and we have great confidence that they are going to do great things! Congratulations to you all and special thanks to Rotarian Rob Brown who runs point on this program, it is a cherished initiative for our Club.
Students of the Month with Rob Brown, Debra Porter and Mick Petrucci
Grace Seamans
Ruby Lazaro
Marianne Moise
Maddie Katona
Peter Williams Jr.
Rotarians Honoring our Veterans!!!
Memorial Day Parade - 5/26
On Memorial Day 2025 in Newtown, PA, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The Rotary Club of Newtown, PA proudly participated in the annual Newtown Memorial Day Parade, standing in remembrance. Huge thanks to our dedicated members Matt McCullough, Bill Wise, Mark Blatstein, George Duthie, “E” Abousabe, Chrissy Stanojev, and Chris Potter for their volunteerism today. A thank you recognition goes to President Debra Porter and Karen Platts for their efforts in preparing our float and putting up the bunting yesterday. At the Rotary Club, we embody a spirit of action and service above self and were very proud to recognize our Veterans..
Rotarians Enjoying Trivia Night!!!
Camaraderie for a Cause - 5/29
What an amazing turnout for the Newtown Rotary Club's "Trivia Night" themed Camaraderie for a Cause at Piccolo Trattoria on Thursday, May 29th! Special thanks to Ehab Abousabe and his wife, Jodi Landis who worked very hard and successfully to put together a very fun Trivia Night! It was a night of special guests including Ed Erickson and his family and District Judge Stacy Wertman, the president of the Warrington Rotary Club, who brought her court staff with her. Many of our members brought special guests as well including Aldo Sosnoski and Mick Petrucci who brought over 20 people between them! Congratulations to the winning team, "Gooch Petrooch" which consisted of Mick and Karen Petrucci, Paul Salvatore, Maureen Salvucci, Tammy Haynes and the Newtown District Court staff, Allison and Brad Campbell, Cassandra Bartle, Shayna Beltz and Bucks County Deputy Sheriff, Bridget Brenner. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended (over 60 people!), we were able to raise some meaningful dollars to invest back into our wonderful community. Service Above Self!!!
Charlotte Camino is a retired HR executive and at 81 years old, she is an author, 30 year member Rotarian and has self published three books, including a children's book will present during this meeting. We'll also reinvigorate our Book Club led by Laurel Collins.
This section provides our members an opportunity to volunteer in activities outside of Club activities to expand our reach and impact!
Chandler Hall Ice Cream & Serenade Party!
Please join Shari Donahue as Zebra Striped Whale proudly hosts an ice cream party at Chandler Hall on Sunday, June 8th from 2:00-3:00pm. Shari will be joined by Shikha Prashar who will share her lovely voice with the residents while they enjoy their ice cream. Everyone is welcome!!!
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
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