"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead
Dear Rotary Friends,
Good morning!
Margaret Mead’s words remind me that true change comes from passionate individuals, like our Rotary Club Sponsors. I'm immensely grateful for our corporate and event sponsors who fund vital programs and support local initiatives, making a real difference in the lives we serve. Please join me in thanking them for their generous support! A special thanks to Nathan Breece and Paul Salvatore as well for leading our sponsorship appreciation lunch meeting this week (more details below).
As we navigate the continually changing needs in our community, I’m reminded of something Yaacov Agam, an artist who pioneered a new form of art that stresses change and movement, once told me: “The only constant in life is change.” Just like Agam’s art, our daily lives testify to the inevitability of change.
Surely Rotary’s mission has never been more relevant than it is today. In light of the shifting landscape in our country and world, our ability to bring hope, service, and action is even more critical. We must continue to ask ourselves how we can step up to meet the needs of our community. If not us, who will? As Rotarians, we’re also called to assist those around the globe, understanding that we’re all part of humanity. Though we may be a club of just 100, as Mead reminds us, small groups can change the world. Let’s continue to prove her right.
This week, our president-elect, Steve Sabel, is stepping into change too, by attending PETS to prepare for his leadership year. Steve’s dedication, creativity, and deep commitment to our club will undoubtedly strengthen our impact. His support has been invaluable to me this year, and I know he'll bring fresh ideas and energy to the role. Thank you, Steve, for being our friend and comrade in service; you're such an inspiration!
Don’t miss Jenn’s meeting and event recaps below—great photos, exciting updates, and ways to get involved. Be sure to register for upcoming meetings and events; your presence and participation matter!
Thank you for all you do to serve our community and the world. See you next Thursday at El Barrio at 5 PM!
Warm regards,
Debra Porter
President and proud member of the Newtown Rotary Club, District 7430
*For those unfamiliar with Agam’s work, here’s a picture of him with one of his movable sculptures in his backyard.
Our club sponsors play a vital role in making our work possible. In this new section, we're highlighting the businesses and individuals who support our mission, giving you a chance to learn more about them on a personal level. We're grateful for their generosity and commitment to our community! In this first edition, please meet Rotarian Mark Byelich, Financial Advisor at Attleboro Wealth Management.
What inspired you to partner with the Newtown Rotary Club, and how has this partnership helped your business connect with local customers in innovative ways?
I’ve been a Rotarian for many years and am proud of the work we do in our local community and around the world. I find great reward in supporting my community, and Rotary as a whole. Corporate sponsorship gives me a simple and effective way to accomplish this. Local residents, clients, friends, and family have recognized and offered words of appreciation for the support we give our community, I feel that people want to work with an organization that cares about their community and supports organizations like Rotary.
If your company could create a “superpower” to benefit the community directly, what would it be, and how does your support of Rotary help bring this vision to life?
If we could create a superpower to benefit the community, it would be to bring financial education to everyone. Basic money management skills, including debt management, saving, investing, future planning, and financial decision-making, have been neglected across all age groups - children, teens, adults, and seniors.
What is one area where you’d like to collaborate with Rotary members to improve our community?
Financial education for our local community
Looking ahead to 2025, what exciting new products, services, or promotions do you have planned for the community?
We are supporters of the Newtown Theatre and have several events we are sponsoring for and with the theater. Including the Cult Classic Series throughout the year, Holiday movies, The Newtown Theatre Wine Walk, and a showing of a movie geared toward Retirement Education. We plan to continue to support Rotary in your events like Hope On The Vine, your golf outing, etc. We are also the largest corporate supporter of our local team for the Ben to Shore bike ride, where we raise money each year to support families of fallen first responders.
What’s one surprising fact about your business?
We are very unique in our approach to financial planning and investment management. We focus on tax-efficient planning, and strategic placement and distribution of retirement assets to help maximize cash flow and asset retention in retirement. Compared to traditional financial planning and investing techniques, this approach can help save our clients hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars over their lifetime. This money can be used for a better retirement experience, to help pay for medical expenses in their older ages, or to pass on to the next generation.
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 February / March schedule is as follows:
2/27: Camaraderie for a Cause @ El Barrio - "Peace Pole Project"
3/5: Weekly Lunch Meeting featuring Dan Angove, CEO, Newtown Artesian Water
3/12: Weekly Lunch Meeting featuring Kyle Davis and our Technology Committee
3/27: Camaraderie for a Cause @ Temperance House - "Trivia Night"
Thank you!
Weekly Lunch Meeting - 2/12
Please join us for lunch at the American Legion Building at 12:15pm on Wednesday, February 12th as we welcome
Colleen Campbell and Kim Everett of Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership, BCHIP who speak to us about "Improving Health in Bucks County". Join us for a great discussion and lunch menu that consists of "Winter Comfort Foods" and a "Chocolate Lovers' Feast" since National Chocolate Day is February 9!
Please join at our Weekly Lunch Meeting at the American Legion Building on Wednesday, February 19th @ 12:15pm for our "Cheers to Our Champions: Sponsor Appreciation Lunch", a special event to celebrate and honor our incredible sponsors. This luncheon is an opportunity for our sponsors to meet and mingle with the nonprofit organizations we support, fostering meaningful connections and recognizing the collective efforts that drive our community forward.
Please join us on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00-7:00pm at El Barrio for our Camaraderie for a Cause event! During this event, we'll raise funds for a PEACE POLE that will be placed in our community to inspire the feeling of "May Peace Prevail on Earth." Please bring $10 and a bunch of your friends and let's make a difference!
Join our first book club meeting! We’re reading "New Beginnings, Annabelle’s Story" by Charlotte Parker Caminos who will actually join the discussion! Charlotte, a fellow Rotarian, will also be our guest speaker at the June 4th lunch meeting on the topic: “Everyone Has a Book in Them.” We are pleased to share that Laurel Collins will chair our Book Club initiative and Debra Porter has graciously offered to host our first one! Location details to follow once you register. Please join us!
We are looking for a few additional members to attend this Multi-District event in Hershey, PA. This event will include District 7390, 7410,7430,and 7490, providing a wonderful opportunity for celebration, inspiration and fellowship. Not only will you enjoy the Conference but you will have access to a large range of family-friendly activities while here. You can register for the full conference Friday-Sunday. You can also register for Saturday only. The Newtown Rotary Club will cover the cost of attending the conference. Hotel and travel costs will be covered by each individual. Mark Craig and Paul Salvatore will be attending and they would love some company! Full details on the "Register Here" link below.
If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in planning our Signature Fundraising Event,"Hope on the Vine", look no further! We have several committees who are in need of volunteers. Below is a list of the Committees and the corresponding chair people. Please reach out directly to them and let them know you want to help. You will be welcomed with open arms - THANK YOU!!!
Dan Angove, CEO, Newtown Artesian Water, will join us and deliver a water related presentation. This subject aligns with Rotary International's focus on Clean Water Projects around the world.
Approximately 8 out of 1000 live births are born in India with congenital heart disease and malnutrition during pregnancy is the most common reason. Through an MOU arrangement with the hospital in Mumbai, the surgeries are completed at a reduced rate ($2,000 to 3,000 is a typical cost as opposed to $10,000 in open market) and there is no charge to the patient. The Rotary Club Deonar Mumbai, India D 3141...completed a global grant in Spring of 2024 (Total grant was $100k) and our Newtown Rotary Club contributed $1,000 thru a fundraiser in Jan of 2024. Lakshan (seen in the picture) is a sprightly young boy of 5 years whose surgery was completed on Jan 18 2025 (the operation took 12 hours). He was discharged two weeks later which brought a smile to the parents and all the Rotarians who contributed to this project. That is the beauty of Rotary because it's always service above self ". Special thanks to SA Vaneswaran for his leadership and advocacy for this initiative! What a difference we make!
Rotarians At Work!!!
Camaraderie for a Cause - Main Street - 1/30
What a night we had last night on Thursday, January 30th at Ardana!!! The Newtown Rotary Club held a fundraising event to benefit our friends at Main St. whose mission it is to raise awareness and funds that STAY LOCAL and benefit our breast cancer community, specifically those in active treatment and recovery. Under the Fenimore family's leadership, Main St. has helped more than 3,000 breast cancer patients, donated over $700,000 and helped create and fund; out-of-pocket patient relief, home food delivery, treatment transportation, integrative services, cold capping, comfort bags, and the purchase of new infusion chairs. We were so honored to have members of the Main St. team with us last night! Special thanks Gina Maria Santoro, owner of Giovanni's Fine Fashions, for her leadership in helping raise $100,000 this past year in big part from the "Mr. Bucks County" contest. We were pleased to have Gina and several past and present Mr. Bucks County contestants with us! In addition, special thanks to Mike Christou who provided such amazing hospitality and delicious food at Ardana (it was amazing!). We were pleased to have over 50 attendees at our event and raised $800 for Main St. #serviceaboveself
Rotarians Continue to Work!!!
Weekly Lunch Meeting - 2/5
During this week's lunch meeting, we had the pleasure of welcoming Daniel J. Schaffer, President & CEO, First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown. He shared some very insightful perspective on the "State of the Banking Industry". It was highly informative and very interesting and he gave us a lot to think about! We very much appreciate Dan and the gift of his time and wisdom, and the sponsorship of First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown!
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".
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!
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