"No algorithm can ever replace a hug." Pope Leo XIV
"Though we cannot change the past, by remembering the past, we can change the future."
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (also was Lord Sacks and served in the British House of Lords)
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The club members responded and we heard and listened to you. Through the survey generated a few months ago, on Wednesday evening (the first Wednesday of the month and going forward), the Rotary Club of Newtown held a well attended and festive dinner meeting. What a night for our club. Our past President Debra Porter was honored for two citations by Past District Governor Katie Farrell, one from the District and one from Past Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick (a Club Excellence Award) for exceeding the goals set in the 2024-2025 Rotary year and for reflecting the values of Rotary. Our club is a model club for our District and Rotary International. Debra has been a shining force for that growth in our club.
Our club welcomed the members of the Levittown Fairless Hills Rotary Club now known as the Lower Bucks Action Committee. Chris Potter who is the chair of the committee spoke to the club about the history of the Levittown-Fairless club, its beginnings, famous members and speakers. We are excited to have them as part of our club and look forward to working with them on their goals and projects.
Lastly, we heard a classification talk from Val Davis who spoke about her life and family. As Kyle's soulmate, welcome to our club!
This Wednesday's lunch meeting on August 13th will be our "speed dating" event run by Shari Donahue. Here is a great opportunity to talk to members about themselves as well as Rotary in a quick 3 minutes before moving to the next chair and meet another Rotarian. On our August 20th lunch meeting will be committee chair reports along with new member classification talks.
We finish up the month on Thursday August 28th with our Camaraderie for a Cause highlighting our Next Gen group and their clothing project.
Set the date and put this in your calendars. Our next dinner meeting on Wednesday September 3rd, 2025 is a special night as our District Governor Mary Cook comes and visits our dynamic club. Let's make it a great turnout for Mary. Along with Mary visiting, we will honor a Bucks County hero in Jim McCaffrey (McCaffrey Markets) who has contributed to our events in the past and will receive a Paul Harris fellow.
Our club doesn't rest on its laurels and as Frank Sinatra once sang..."You ain't seen nothing yet!" Service above self.
8/28: Camaraderie for a Cause @ Triple Sun - "NextGen Clothing Drive"
9/3: Dinner Meeting @ American Legion - "Welcome our new DG"
9/10: Lunch Meeting @ American Legion - "Employment Law"
9/17: Lunch Meeting @ American Legion - "Bowman's Wildflower Preserve"
9/25: Camaraderie for a Cause @ Isaac Newton's - "Newtown Library"
Please see below for the new schedule!
Lunch Meeting - 8/13
Join us for a dynamic and engaging Lunch Meeting on Wednesday, August 13th at 12:15pm at the American Legion. This highly interactive “Speed Dating” meeting is certain to provide fellow Rotarians the opportunity to learn more about one another in a series of rotational dialogues that are fun, fast-paced, and exciting! Whether you're a seasoned Rotarian or a new member, this memorable event is the ideal way to build relationships, spark new collaborations, and discover shared passions or talents. Let’s strengthen our fellowship and have lots of fun doing it! Lunch will be provided by Joe Garvey for a cost of $16.
Please join us for our Lunch Meeting on Wednesday, August 20th from 12:15-1:30pm. During this meeting, we will hear our Committee Chairs will provide updates on some of our upcoming events and service projects. In addition, we will induct some of our Newer Members into our wonderful club! Joe Garvey will provide a buffet lunch for $16 so see you there!
Please join us at our Camaraderie for a Cause on event on Thursday, August 28th! We are having a special fundraiser for our Next GenClub as they prepare for their annual Good Thrift drive. This event will he held at The Temperance House from 5:30-7:00pm. Stay tuned for a list of items the team wants to collect and bring them, $10, and a friend or two and be prepared to have a great time. See you there!
Please join us for our next Book Club where we will read "The View From Lake Como" from the beloved New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani, a “dazzling” storyteller and a “comedy writer with a heart of gold”. This is a novel about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late. The group will meet on Sunday, September 7th from 4:00-6:00pm at Shikha Prashar's home. Please join us for some fellowship and fun, even if you don't have a chance to read the book! The more, the merrier.
The Newtown Rotary Club is collecting new and used books for the Levittown Homeless Shelter and we are looking for Elementary School level books, either old or new, and culture / diversity books are especially valued. The book drive will run for the month of August and members can bring the books to each of our four meetings for drop off. Please contact Susan Schino (stschino@yahoo.com) or Donna Miller (dmmbmw@aol.com) with any questions!
Pedals for Progress 2025
Let's Start the Momentum Early!
Social Event Survey
The Newtown Rotary Club Board would like to know if you are interested in participating in social events outside of our usual Rotary Club events and service projects. Please click on the link below to take a very short survey and share your thoughts on whether or not you're interested. We'd love to have your responses back by Friday, August 22nd.
ALL members of the club are welcome - particularly if you can't make a scheduled lunch or dinner meeting and a breakfast meeting or meeting on Zoom works better. Any member who has interest in service projects in Bristol, Bensalem, Middletown, or Falls Townships would also want to check us out. For more information, please contact Kim Praria kdboice@hotmail.com
Rotarians Donating Backpacks!!
Camaraderie for a Cause - 7/31
On Thursday, July 31st, the Newtown Rotary Club held a special Camaraderie for a Cause at the Green Parrot where we welcomed members of the Bucks County United Way "Tools for School" program. The Tools for School program donates school supplies and backpacks for students whose families would appreciate help with their back-to-school shopping. United Way’s Tools for School initiative ensures these children in our community have the tools they need, while easing financial strain on their families. Members and guests donated backpacks filled with school supplies and had a great time for a great cause. Special thanks to Rotarian Donna Miller for organizing the event and also special thanks toMarissa Christie, Katie Matarazzo and Blair Goffwho joined us from the Bucks County United Way. We appreciate all you do!
Rotarians First Dinner Meeting!!!
Dinner Meeting - 8/6
The Newtown Rotary Club has our first "Monthly Dinner Meeting" as part of our updated schedule and it was a great one! During this meeting, we welcomed the members of the Levittown Rotary Club as Chris Potter provided a brief history of the Club. In addition, we heard Val Davis deliver her Classification Speech which was fantastic! Nice job, Val! Lastly, the highlight of the night was a visit from outgoing District Governor, Katie Farrell as she bid farewell to our Club. Katie awarded the "Club Excellence Award" to past President, Debra Porter. This award recognizes the hard work clubs do throughout the year. It is the most important award for Rotary Clubs because it acknowledges that we achieved our goals, helped members engage, stayed relevant in our community and ran more efficiently. Our Club also received the "District Governor Citation" because our Club is in first place out of 43 in our District in terms of overall achievement. Congratulations Debra and the entire Newtown Rotary Club! How lucky are we to be part of such an amazing group. Service Above Self!
Where in the World is Ginny?!
This time, Ginny's worldwide travels took her to Peru! She took our Rotary Club Flag to the top of Machu Picchu and she reached the top! For those of us unfamiliar with Machu Picchu, it is a 15th century Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, about 7,790 feet above sea level! It is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. And Ginny and our flag were there! Way to go, Ginny! Where will Ginny go next? Stay tuned for the next edition of "Where in the World is Ginny?!"
Please join us as we welcome our District Governor, Mary Cook! Mary was a three term President for the Collegeville Rotary Club and is now our new District Governor. She is excited to meet our club, share the goals and aspirations for not only our District but RI as well.
Mark your calendars! Pickering Manor's "Sips n’ Suds" returns on Thursday, November 13, 2026 — an evening of good cheer, great community, and meaningful celebration. This year, Pickering Manor will be honoring the Newtown Rotary Clubwith the "Sidney T. Yates Award" for our dedication to making a difference in our community and surrounding communities! We simply must have a strong presence at this event to enjoy this well deserved recognition and become inspired to raise our game! Mark your calendars, ticket information forthcoming.
Community Volunteer Opportunities
This section provides our members an opportunity to volunteer in activities outside of Club activities to expand our reach and impact
Annual Strike Out Hunger Night - Phillies Game 8/18
Offer Code: D7430-5439
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
Order Rotary Apparel
Click Here to add to your "Rotary Wardrobe" and show your Rotary pride!
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