"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead
Dear Rotary Friends,
Good morning!
Margaret Mead’s words remind me that true change comes from passionate individuals, like our Rotary Club Sponsors. I'm immensely grateful for our corporate and event sponsors who fund vital programs and support local initiatives, making a real difference in the lives we serve. Please join me in thanking them for their generous support! A special thanks to Nathan Breece and Paul Salvatore as well for leading our sponsorship appreciation lunch meeting this week (more details below).
As we navigate the continually changing needs in our community, I’m reminded of something Yaacov Agam, an artist who pioneered a new form of art that stresses change and movement, once told me: “The only constant in life is change.” Just like Agam’s art, our daily lives testify to the inevitability of change.
Surely Rotary’s mission has never been more relevant than it is today. In light of the shifting landscape in our country and world, our ability to bring hope, service, and action is even more critical. We must continue to ask ourselves how we can step up to meet the needs of our community. If not us, who will? As Rotarians, we’re also called to assist those around the globe, understanding that we’re all part of humanity. Though we may be a club of just 100, as Mead reminds us, small groups can change the world. Let’s continue to prove her right.
This week, our president-elect, Steve Sabel, is stepping into change too, by attending PETS to prepare for his leadership year. Steve’s dedication, creativity, and deep commitment to our club will undoubtedly strengthen our impact. His support has been invaluable to me this year, and I know he'll bring fresh ideas and energy to the role. Thank you, Steve, for being our friend and comrade in service; you're such an inspiration!
Don’t miss Jenn’s meeting and event recaps below—great photos, exciting updates, and ways to get involved. Be sure to register for upcoming meetings and events; your presence and participation matter!
Thank you for all you do to serve our community and the world. See you next Thursday at El Barrio at 5 PM!
Warm regards,
Debra Porter
President and proud member of the Newtown Rotary Club, District 7430
*For those unfamiliar with Agam’s work, here’s a picture of him with one of his movable sculptures in his backyard.
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 February / March schedule is as follows:
2/27: Camaraderie for a Cause @ El Barrio - "Peace Pole Project"
3/5: Weekly Lunch Meeting featuring Dan Angove, CEO, Newtown Artesian Water
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! - Main Street - 1/30
Please join us on Thursday, January 30th from 5:00-7:00pm at Ardana Food & Drink for a special Camaraderie for a Cause which benefits "Main Street" featuring ALL of the 2024 Mr. Bucks County participants. Gina Maria Santoro, owner of Giovanni's fashions, will provide pink ties for the contestants and invite them to bring their friends and family. Our event will feature Signature Cocktails and Ardana will provide finger foods. Regular food is available for purchase. It should be such an amazing event, we look forward to seeing you there!
Please join us for lunch at the American Legion Building at 12:15pm on Wednesday, February 5th as we hear from Daniel J. Schaffer, President & CEO, First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown on the "State of the Banking Industry". Join us for a "Superbowl" themed lunch and prepare to be educated!
Join us for a private, docent-led tour of the renowned Barnes Foundation, home to one of the largest and most celebrated collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist art in the world. Tour begins at2:00pm. This fellowship event, sponsored by the Newtown Rotary Club, offers a unique opportunity to support the arts while connecting with the community. This outing also makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for sweethearts of all ages. The cost for this event is $40 per person.
If you would like to carpool to the Barnes Foundation from Newtown, please meet at the American Legion (41 Linden Ave, Newtown) at 1:00pm. We will collect the money at the event, no need to pay in advance.
Please join at our Weekly Lunch Meeting at the American Legion Building on Wednesday, February 12th @ 12:15pm to hear Rotarians Corky Swartz, Ryan Krocker, Andrew Neville, and Maureen Salvucci speak about: "Service Beyond Self: Compassionate Planning for Tomorrow". Learn how to prepare Your Legacy, for Their Peace.
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!
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.
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.
During this Lunch Meeting, we had a chance to hear an important message from D7430 Polio Plus Coordinator, Carol Ferguson, on Rotary's efforts to eradicate Polio. Newtown Rotary is committed to contribute to the efforts being made in our district to create awareness and vaccine compliance.
The highlight of the meeting was a special recognition for Chuck Charlton, who was given a special Paul Harris award with a pin that includes four sapphires, which in this case represents $5000 of giving. I heard Chuck say he "wants the Ruby" and boy, that would be something to celebrate! Chuck / Kenderdine's Heating Oil & HVAC is a gracious sponsor for Newtown Rotary Club as well and we are so grateful for his service above self. Congrats, Chuck!
Rotarians Still Working!!!
Wreath Retirement at Veterans Cemetery - 1/20
It was an honor to participate in the wreath retirement event at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery today. Snow and frigid temperatures couldn’t stop us from service above self. Thank you to our Rotary volunteers Donna Miller, Jim Miller, Mark Craig, Katherine Craig, Alex Szlanic, Brandon Valeri-Bruschini and Jennifer Ceslak. We were once again humbled by the sacrifice of our veterans.
Rotarians Continue to Work!!!
Classification Speeches Lunch Meeting - 1/22
At our weekly lunch meeting yesterday, we had the pleasure of learning more about two of our newest members, Alex Szlanic and Evan Connolly! They shared some great insights and stories about themselves that made us even more excited to have them as members of our Rotary family! Thank you, Alex and Evan, for sharing yourselves with us. We are so grateful!
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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