The motivational sign in the locker room of the big Apple TV hit series Ted Lasso.
Dear Rotarians,
As I have always said, we are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in our community and around the world. Our mission is simple which is "service above self." We believe in this mission and use it not only as Rotarians but in our personal and professional lives. Ted Lasso instilled in his players both in the locker room and on the pitch (soccer field) to believe in themselves and for their teammates. With that, I am honored to be the President of the Rotary Club of Newtown, Pennsylvania for the 2025-2026 year.
I have big shoes to fill and we all should give our past President Debra Porter a tremendous shout out and thank you for the work put in during her term last fiscal year. Our club has grown tremendously during Debra's term. Her enthusiasm, commitment, positive energy and a smile that can light a room were second to none.
Please enjoy the July 4th holiday week. There is no meeting scheduled for Wednesday July 2nd. On July 9th, I look forward to seeing everyone and going over our Club Vision for 2025-2026 and what the international convention in Calgary was like.
On July 16th our guest speaker is Linda Reiter who is CEO of the Bucks SPCA in Lahaska/Quakertown. They live the service above self model daily saving animals for adoption. Her story will be riveting and inspiring. On July 23rd, we will feature a new agenda items with formal Committee Chairs Reports.
Then on July 31st, our Camaraderie for a Cause at Green Parrot will be focused on supporting the United Way's "Tools for School" school supply drive from 5:30-7pm. We ask members and guests for a minimum donation of $10 (you can always give more) when you register.
Lastly, enjoy the 249th birthday of our country on July 4th!
Steve Sabel
President, Rotary Club of Newtown, District 7430
Weekly Lunch Meeting - 7/9
Please join us for our lunch meeting at the American Legion on July 9th at 12:15pm. This will be Steve Sabel's first meeting as our new President! Steve will deliver a presentation entitled " A New Rotary Year: Charting Our Path Forward" which should be very interesting and enlightening. Steve will share his goals and aspirations for our Club and certainly answer any questions or entertain suggestions from our members. In addition, new members of the Board will be introduced. Joe Garvey will serve his usual fine far so see you there! The cost for lunch is $16.
Please Note: Beginning on July 9th, our meetings will begin at 12:30pm SHARP!
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!
Please join us for our weekly lunch meeting at the American Legion at 12:15pm. We will welcome Linda Reider, Executive Directer of the Bucks County SPCA. Linda will speak to us about the SPCA's vision to assist animals in need and prevent suffering through rescue, rehoming, cruelty investigation and prosecution, and community outreach. Joe Garvey will serve his usual and wonderful buffet at a cost of $16. See you there!
On Sunday, June 8th, fellow Rotarian Shari Donahue hosted an "Zebra Striped Whale" Ice Cream Party at Chandler Hall. Residents were treated to delicious ice cream while being serenaded by another fellow Rotarian, Shikha Prashar, and her wonderful partner Francis! It was such a wonderful experience for the residents and certainly brought joy to their day. Thanks to all the volunteers from Chandler Hall who served the ice cream as well as Shari, Winnie, Shikha and Francis who dedicated their time, talents and service to make a difference in lives. Service Above Self in its full glory!
Rotarians Entering a "New Year"!!!
Annual Changeover Dinner - 6/18
Wow what a night! On June 18th, the Newtown Rotary Club held its Annual Leadership Changeover Dinner where we thank the outgoing leadership and welcome the new. First, our most sincere thanks to outgoing President, Debra Porter, who has led our club with passion, empathy and caring for the past year. She has taken our Club to the next level and for that, we are so thankful! At the same time, we welcome Steve Sabel as our new President and we couldn't be more excited to see how our Club will continue to evolve under his leadership - congratulations, Steve! We also had the good fortune to induct Tom Minutella as Next Gen's new President and we thank Kira Altomari for her service and leadership as the outgoing President of this important group. Congrats to Tom and thank you, Kira! The fun didn't stop there! George Duthie was awarded the prestigious "Paul Harris Fellow" award and Jennifer Ceslak was awarded the "Unsung Hero Award". The highlight of the night was the "Rotarian of the Year Award" which went to Shari Donahue for her wonderful efforts to positively impact our community in so many ways! It's nights like this that give us pause to reflect what a wonderful Club we have with such amazing people all focused on "Service Above Self". Cheers to the year ahead, our work continues as does the fun!
Rotarians Raising Money!!!
Camaraderie for a Cause - 6/26
The Newtown Rotary Club hosted a Camaraderie for a Cause fundraising event at Blue Point Grill on Thursday, June 26th from 5:30-7:00pm. This month, we raised 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, hosted 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. Thank you to everyone who came out to support this very worthy cause! And a very special thanks to Blue Point Grill who always does an amazing job supporting our Club!
Morrisville-Yardley Area Rotary Club Legacy Display
This was the Morrisville-Yardley Area Rotary Club legacy display at Summerseat, the historic building in Morrisville where George Washington prepared for the Battle of Trenton. The display was in the main hall during Summerseat's Patriots Day celebration on June 7. While the legacy doesn't go back to the founding fathers, it does go back over 96 years ago when the club was formed. The original charter is in the frame on the wall. Among the long list of service projects is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt that began some 80 years ago. The club built the pavilion in the town park and was responsible for raising the money for the Robert Morris statue on Bridge Street. The club's bell is missing from the display because it was given to the Newtown club, which the Morrisville-Yardley Area club, along with the Washington Crossing club, sponsored. So this legacy also belongs to Newtown. Below is a photo of George Duthie and Ron Stockham. Ron is the grandson of Tom Stockham, who was the founder and first president (1926). Ron was President for the 50th Anniversary celebration. Then we have a picture of Hal and Joe Urbano and Hal Long. Thanks so much for sharing these photos, Hal!
Please join us for Steve Sabel's first meeting as our new President! Steve will deliver a presentation entitled " A New Rotary Year: Charting Our Path Forward" which should be very interesting and enlightening. Steve will share his goals and aspirations for our Club and certainly answer any questions or entertain suggestions from our members
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