“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” – St. Francis of Assisi
Dear Rotary Friends,
Good morning!
What a difference a year makes—especially when it’s been spent alongside friends who believe in doing good, together. Your light has been a steady beam of encouragement, ideas, and support. Thank you. Every bit has mattered.
We’re a club unlike any other—a poster child of positivity, a collective of bright sparks, hearts on fire to help others, and hands always ready to serve. It’s been an honor to help guide our mission, and I’m so proud of all that we’ve accomplished together. I can’t wait to see where Steve Sabel, his board, our committee leaders, and each of you take things next. (No pressure, Steve!)
There are many moments I’ll carry with me. These come to mind today:
Losing our dear friend Jack Erickson, someone I never would have had the privilege of knowing if not for Rotary—and getting to know his wonderful family.
Hearing Evan Connolly share that, while many practice random acts of kindness, he appreciated that our Rotary Club practices intentional acts of kindness.
Watching Kira Altomari and our NextGen team shine—in their commitment to each other and to our community—was something special. Together, they pulled off the most incredible family-focused street fair State Street has ever seen, with proceeds benefiting Alpha Bravo Canine, a Newtown-based nonprofit that provides service dogs to U.S. Veterans. Definitely a proud mama moment.
Joining forces with the inspiring members of the Morrisville-Yardley Rotary Club, and getting to know our new friends from the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rotary Club as they prepare to become part of our Newtown family.
Listening to the classification talks of our newest members, wishing I’d been part of their journeys sooner—and feeling grateful that I’ll now be part of what’s to come.
Watching Paul Salvatore serenade a child living in a homeless shelter—only to be hugged with all the might that little heart could muster. Thankfully, the moment was captured in a beautiful video produced by Grace Wu Simco. Paul sang, the child listened, then wrapped him in the kind of hug that says, “Thank you for seeing me." Moments like that? Unforgettable.
Attending the Hope on the Vine planning meetings is surprisingly—no, delightfully—entertaining. Danielle Wittig and Stephanie Eubanks bring not just organization and vision, but a mighty special sense of humor. Honestly, business leaders could learn a thing or two from them. Still not entirely sure what “squirrel” means…They delivered one hell of a party, that also served as our core fundraiser!
After the last bite of Shari Donahue’s incredible home-cooked meal, I looked around the dining table during our book club and felt it—deep gratitude for the friendships that have taken root. The laughter, the shared stories, the spark of conversation… it all reminded me how rare and beautiful it is to find a circle that feels like home.
Countless other precious moments in time...
Thankfully, I'm just passing the gavel (and feeling relief that I won’t be writing weekly newsletters). Please save me a seat at the table! I’ll be the one soaking up the camaraderie, pitching in where possible, and asking if anyone’s located the Happy Dollar basket.
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. I'm so grateful to Jenn for her brilliant support over the past year. Thank you also to our outstanding Board of Directors and Committee Leaders. I'm indebted to each of you.
I'm also gratefultoour Corporate Sponsors! Your support powers our work and deepens our impact. I so appreciate your support on this journey- our club wouldn’t be the same without you.
Remember:
The Changeover Dinner is next Wednesday,June 18 at 6 PM at the American Legion. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate a great Rotary year and kick off a new one together. Please sign up below.
Cheers to you, Newtown Rotary!!! We’ve grown. We’ve served. We’ve laughed. We’ve made history—together. Thank you for entrusting me with this experience. I’ll carry it with me, always.
With love, gratitude, and a bit of sadness that I won’t be ringing the bell this year,
Debra Porter
Outgoing President and proud member, Rotary Club of Newtown, District 7430
Rotary Leadership Changeover Dinner - 6/18
Please join us at the American Legion for a very special "Rotary Changeover Dinner" on Wednesday, June 18th from 6:00-7:30pm. During this event, we will thank and recognize our outgoing Board Members while welcoming our new ones! The highlight of the night will be an awards ceremony to recognize the contributions of several of our members. The dinner will feature a buffet for $25 per person and alcohol will be provided. If you have a very special beverage, feel free to bring that and we can store it at the bar. What a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone for our club with wonderful people and food. See you there!!!
Please join us at the Blue Point Grill on Thursday, June 26th from 5:30-7:00pm for our monthly Camaraderie for a Cause fundraising event. This month, we are raising money for "PA Lyme Resource Network". Pennsylvania continues to be #1 in the U.S. in reported cases of Lyme disease, with cases increasing each year. The need for PA Lyme Resource Network’s mission of Lyme prevention, support, education, and patient advocacy has never been more important. In addition, fellow Rotarian, Rich Fekete, is hosting an information center, as well as two collaborative paintings for auction, created by the children ages 7 - 17 who take part in his Student Show as a way to fund raise as well. Please bring $10 and your friends to learn more, have some fun and raise funds for this important health related cause. See you there!
The Newtown Rotary Book Club is excited to announce the next book selection: "The Covenant of Water" written by Abraham Verghese. From the New York Times-bestselling author of Cutting for Stone comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret. Book Club will meet on Sunday, July 13th at Shikha Prashar's home from 4:00-6:00pm. The exact address will be shared to those planning to attend so please RSVP now and start reading this book!
On Sunday, June 1st, Shari Donahue hosted Book Club at her home along with husband Tom! The group very much enjoyed reading "The Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros and as you can see from the pictures, they enjoyed quite a feast too! Thank you to Shari and Tom for opening up your lovely home to our Book Club group! Please consider joining the Book Club as they will meet again at Shikha Prashar's home on Sunday, July 13th from 4-6pm to discuss "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese. You can RSVP on the link above! Should be so fun!
Rotarians Golfing for Pickering Manor!!!
Annual Golf Outing - 6/2
On Monday, June 2nd, approximately 100 golfers swung into action for a great cause at the Newtown Rotary Club's Annual Golf Outing at the Trenton Country Club! These golfers hit the links for 18 holes and many supported through sponsorship to raise funds for Pickering Manor. Participants enjoyed breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and had the chance to win big with our silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Special thanks to Co-Chairs Tony Petsis and Paul Salvatore along with Honorary Chair Chuck Charlton and the entire committee for your tireless work to create such a wonderful event. It was a pleasure partnering with Maureen Kuhar and Rachel Carver from Pickering Manor and we can't wait until next year! And lastly, thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored and volunteered at this fantastic event which was a culmination of fun, philanthropy and community spirit!
Rotarians Greeting the Public!!!
Newtown's Annual Welcome Day - 6/8
On Sunday, June 8, the Newtown Rotary Club had the pleasure of participating in our community’s annual “Welcome Day“ event! It was our privilege to showcase the great work that we do for the community from our very busy booth! Thank you to our wonderful volunteers featured here for providing your gift of time as we continue to drive our mission “Service Above Self“.
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 - Phillies Game 8/18
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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