“I don’t know” is not an admission of ignorance. It’s an expression of intellectual humility.
“I was wrong” is not a confession of failure. It’s a display of intellectual integrity.
“I don’t understand” is not a sign of stupidity. It’s a catalyst for intellectual curiosity.
- From the March 5, 2025 newsletter of Adam Grant
Dear Rotary Friends,
Good afternoon!
Adam Grant’s above insight aligns with values we treasure as Rotarians—intellectual humility, integrity, and curiosity. They fuel our pursuit of truth, fairness, goodwill, and friendship. As a Wharton professor and bestselling author, Grant studies motivation, generosity, and potential. His book Think Again sits on my desk as a reminder to challenge assumptions, embrace new perspectives, and never grow complacent. Here's one gem from the book: "If knowledge is power, knowing what we don't know is wisdom."
This mindset is crucial as we tackle pressing global challenges—like access to clean water. Dan Angove, CEO of Newtown Artesian Water Company, reminded us of a staggering reality during our lunch meeting this week: one in four people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, and 2.3 billion lack basic hand washing facilities. While Rotary International works globally to address these issues, our local community plays a role, too. We learned from Dan that Newtown residents can have their water pipes inspected for lead at no cost, with free replacements if needed—an essential step in ensuring safe drinking water for all.
Clean water isn’t just a health issue; it’s a peacebuilding issue. Last month, Rotary hosted a Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, at one of our new Peace Centers. The conference, Healing in a Divided World, reinforced that access to clean water improves health, reduces conflict, and fosters economic stability—all vital for lasting peace. Per Murat Celik, an Istanbul Rotary Club member and host of the conference, "Peace is not only the absence of hostility and violence or the lack of war, but it is the quality of life."
Closer to home, we're bringing a symbol of peace to Newtown via the installation of a Peace Pole. We welcome everyone to take part in the dedication ceremony. Have a suggestion for the perfect location? Members have proposed State Street and even the bypass—what do you think? Once placed, we’ll enhance the area with plantings to create a peaceful space for reflection. For landscaping inspiration, perhaps we can look to this year's Philadelphia Flower Show and its theme, Gardens of Tomorrow. In case you missed it this year, I’ve included a link to my photos below. Here’s one of my favorites—the natural beauty of this Japanese garden was breathtaking:
***Tickets are on sale to Hope on the Vine, our premier annual event. Chairwomen of the event, Stephanie Eubanks and Danielle Wittig, and our superb committee chairs, are planning an unforgettable evening. Secureyour tickets today via the below link and please do invite friends and family! Proceeds support more than 42 nonprofits in our community and our international grant projects.***
Finally, please scroll down for Jenn’s meeting and event recaps—photos, updates, and ways to get involved. Thinking about your next great read? Join the book club discussion at the Collins home on April 6th—details below. And don’t forget to register for upcoming meetings and events—your presence makes a difference!
Thank you for all you do to serve our community and the world. See you for lunch at the legion next Wednesday! We'll be celebrating St. Patty's day together. :)
Warm regards,
Debra Porter
President and proud member of the Newtown Rotary Club, District 7430
Philadelphia Flower Show pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MIiE3PVfAG-butcBrDX9EPDuZ3XkXkab?usp=drive_link
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 remaining March schedule is as follows:
3/12: Weekly Lunch Meeting featuring Kyle Davis and our Technology Committee
3/27: Camaraderie for a Cause @ Temperance House - "Trivia Night"
Thank you!
Camaraderie for a Cause! - Peace Pole - 2/27
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!
Please join us for lunch at the American Legion Building at 12:15pm on Wednesday, February 12thas we welcome
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.
Please join us for lunch at the American Legion Building at 12:15pm on Wednesday, March 12th as Kyle Davis and our Technology Committee help us learn about how technology to support your membership. In addition, we will discuss ways you can assist in creating awareness for our club and the good work we do for our community, country and world!
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.
"Hope On The Vine" is Newtown Rotary Club's biggest fundraiser of the year. This year, Hope on the Vine proudly partners with Newtown Fire Rescue, our community's dedicated fire department that has been protecting Newtown since 1889. Your support at this year's gala will help equip these local heroes who stand ready 24/7 to serve our community.
The event takes place at the Rafters in the Newtown Business Commons on April 11 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Tickets are available now at www.hopeonthevine.com with proceeds benefiting the community. Newtown Rotary allocates the money raised during this event to both local organizations and charities, as well as those abroad.
As always, your ticket includes:
*Delicious meal catered by Chef Joseph Garvey
*Dessert
*Open bar including beer, wine, and cocktails
*DJ
*Live and Silent Auctions
*Wine Pull
*Professional Photographer with backdrop
*Cigar and Bourbon outside starting at 10:00
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!!!
Join us as we learn about Rotary technology to support your membership and ways you can assist in creating awareness for our club and the good work we do for our community, country and world!
During our Lunch Meeting on February 12th, we had the pleasure of having Kim Everett of Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership, BCHIP speak to us on "Improving Health in Bucks County". BCHIP was established over 25 years ago and works with Bucks County Hospitals to coordinate efforts as they identify gaps in health care services and resources to address these gaps. In addition, a group of Rotarians stayed after the meeting to make Valentines Cards for Seniors at Chandler Hall in order to bring some love and light to them on Valentines Day! Lastly, thanks to Mick Petrucci, our historic banner was found in the rafter of the Temperance House! Welcome home to our banner!
Rotarians Appreciate Our Sponsors!!!
Weekly Lunch Meeting - 2/19
Our weekly lunch meeting on 2/19 turned into a tropical paradise as the we celebrated our sponsors during a “sponsor appreciation lunch“. We very much appreciate their support and helping us impact our community, country and world in a positive way. Our sponsors are: Johnson Kendall Johnson, Kenderdine’s, Holland Floor, First National Bank of Newtown, Attleboro Wealth Management, UBS Rogers Wealth Management, Oxford Valley Pain & Spine Management, and ALP Supply. Please support these generous sponsors! Special thanks to Joe Garvey who created an amazing tropical buffet for us!
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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