"Be Thankful for what you have: You'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you will never, ever have enough."
-Oprah Winfrey
The Rotary Club's December to Remember events and projects is in full force and what a week of activity for our club. It started with our well attended dinner meeting with guest speaker State Senator Steve Santarsiero addressing topics and services for us as constituents. Then last Saturday a number of Rotarians volunteered at the Breakfast with Santa at the Washington Crossing Inn. Over 170 meals were given out that morning. The following day a handful of Rotarians participated in the annual Newtown Holiday Parade. A huge shout out to Jim and Donna Miller and Dan and Joanne Peterson involved with the decoration of the float.
On Wednesday in our annual Holiday Luncheon the club was serenaded by the Goodnoe Elementary School choral group. They did an excellent rendition of the pledge of allegiance and national anthem. The club inducted our newest member in Jack Erickson who follows his grandfather's footsteps. It was a beautiful moment for his Mom Deborah and sponsor Aldo. Jack is already making an impact with our Next Gen group.
Our December to Remember continues with events planned through Christmas Day. You will notice them and can volunteer for them as you scroll down the newsletter. We as Rotarians can make a difference in the community to those less fortunate.
The final meeting of 2025 is scheduled for this Wednesday December 17th, 2025. As normal with our 3rd meeting of the month, we will have classification talks and Mick Petrucci the chair of our Board to facilitate committee reports and events.
This Sunday evening December 14th, 2025 our Jewish Brethren celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah. As fellow Rotarians who celebrate it, Happy Hanukkah!Merry Christmas as well since our last newsletter for the year is Friday December 26th, 2025.
We as a club have so much to be thankful for and the impact in our community. Count your blessings and not your troubles. Lastly, service above self.
Steve Sabel
President, Rotary Club of Newtown, District 7430
NEWTOWN ROTARY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS!!!
Schedule of Events
Wreaths Across America - 12/13
Please join us at the Washington Crossing Cemetery on Saturday, 12/13 @ 8:00am to lay wreaths on the gravestones of our veterans. This is a very moving and wonderful service project and we hope you will sign up. The wreath laying begins at 8:00am with a ceremony at 11:45am. We recommend arriving well before 8:00am to get parking and get settled before the crowds come. Thank you!
Please join us on Tuesday, December 16th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm for an Ice Cream Party at the Levittown Homeless Shelter. During this special holiday event, delicious ice cream sundaes will be served for dessert by Rotarians Shari Donahue, owner of the Zebra Striped Whale, and friends. The Newtown Rotary Club provides this treat after dinner. The Shelter is located at 7 Library Way in Levittown, PA. Consider signing up below!
Please join us for our Lunch Meeting at the American Legion on Wednesday, December 17th at 12:15pm and enjoy hearing from our Committee Chairs as they share all of the exciting happenings for our Club for the balance of the year. We will also hear two Classification Speeches from new members too which is always a Club favorite! Lunch will be provided by Joe Garvey so bring $16 and get ready to have a great time!
On Saturday, December 13th from 11:00am-1:00pm, we will collect gifts and will transport them from the Newtown Post Office and the Northampton Library to the Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 North Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940. Paul Salvatore will contact volunteers with details on where to meet to begin collection.
On Sunday, December 14th from 12:00pm-2:00pm, volunteers will meet at the Newtown Presbyterian Church to sort the many, many Angel Tree gifts to get ready for the exciting delivery of these gifts to families in our community!
On Monday, December 15th from 2:00pm-5:00pm, volunteers will meet at Newtown Presbyterian Church where we'll dispatch to delivery the Angel Tree gifts until every single one has been delivered!
Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need on Wednesday, December 24th from 9:00am - 11:00am at the American Legion. Together, we’ll pack ready-to-go meals for residents of the Levittown Homeless Shelter, ensuring they have food for the holiday during challenging times. Whether you’re assembling sandwiches, portioning snacks, packing lunch bags or adding a personal touch with notes of encouragement, your efforts will directly impact the community. This hands-on service opportunity is perfect for all ages and a great way to come together, give back, and spread hope this holiday.
Celebrate the holiday spirit by joining on Christmas morning from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Levittown Homeless Shelter to serve meals and joy to those in need on Christmas Day. At this special holiday party, we’ll dish out warm, festive meals while sharing smiles and meaningful connections with shelter residents. Beyond the food, it’s an opportunity to spread kindness, brighten someone’s day, and bring a sense of community to the holiday season. Together with Joe Garvey of Joey G's, we'll create a celebration that nourishes both the body and the soul—because everyone deserves a little holiday cheer. Please consider signing up to volunteer below.
Please join the Newtown Rotary Book Club as we read "My Friends" by the #1 New York Times bestselling author, Fredrdik Backman who also write "A Man Called Ove". This is an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later. Our Book Club is open to anyone who loves to read and would enjoy the opportunity for some fellowship with a great group of people! If you have any questions, please contact Laurel Collins at LAUREL8690@YAHOO.COM
We were so pleased to have a special evening with our very own Pennsylvania State Senator, Steve Santarsiero during our dinner meeting on December 3rd! Steve gave the club an update on the important happenings in his district and took questions from the group. This was a wonderful opportunity to interact with Steve and we really appreciated the gift of his time and dedication to our community.
Rotarians Spreading Holiday Cheer!!!
Breakfast with Santa - 12/6
Newtown Rotarians were proud to participate in the annual "Breakfast with Santa" event at the Washington Crossing Inn on December 6th. For more than 30 years, the greater Newtown community has launched the holiday season by making the season brighter for Council Rock families facing economic and personal hardships. The families are treated to breakfast, share their Christmas wishes with Santa and receive a special age appropriate gift from the man of the hour. Thank you to Paul Salvatore for leading this event for our Club all of our volunteers who participated and shared their holiday cheer!
Rotarians in a Parade!!!
Newtown Holiday Parade - 12/7
Members of the Newtown Rotary Club participated in the Annual Newtown Holiday Parade this past Sunday, December 7th! Our float was simply amazing and tied right into the magic of the rubber ducks we give away at every community event we participate in! Our float was not only simply gorgeous but between the rubber ducks and the snow making machine, it was the hit of the parade. We must bestow our heartfelt thanks to Joanne and Dan Peterson and Donna and Jim Miller for their leadership in securing the truck and float, decorating the float, driving the float and participating in the parade! Thank YOU and the volunteers who joined you as can be seen in the fun pictures below.
Rotarians Celebrating the Holidays!!!
Holiday Lunch Meeting - 12/10
On Wednesday, December 10th, the Newtown Rotary Club held a special Holiday Lunch meeting at the American Legion to celebrate the season. This special meeting began with a wonderful serenade of holiday songs presented by the Goodnoe Elementary School Choir. They were simply fantastic and we are so thankful for the gift of their talents at this special time of year. Another highlight of our meeting was the new member induction of Jack Erickson who was joined by his mother, Deborah. This was such a meaningful ceremony as Jack's grandfather, Jack Erickson, was a very beloved member of our Club so it's so wonderful that the legacy continues through his grandson. He was even sworn in twice so that Mick Petrucci could wear his robe!! Welcome, Jack! Our Club is just amazing!
Community Volunteer Opportunities!
This section provides Rotarians the opportunity to volunteer for community events outside of Rotary in the spirit of "Service Above Self"!
New Member Onboarding Sessions - 1/21 & 4/23
If you are new to Rotary, please consider attending one of these "New Member Onboarding" sessions to better acquaint yourself with Rotary, the wonderful things we do and how you can become a contributing member of our Club. Even long time members might enjoy a refresher! To register, please click on this link: https://bit.ly/NewMembersZones2832. Thank you and have fun!
Our Committee Chairs will get us all caught up with Club happenings via Committee Chair updates. We are heading into our "busy season" so it will be great to get up to speed! We are also excited hear Classification Speeches from some of our newer members as well!
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
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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