As we enter September, the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club has an exciting opportunity to connect our work with Rotary International’s focus for the month: Basic Education and Literacy.
Education has always been an important part of who we are as Rotarians. Through our scholarships, support of local schools, Interact Clubs, youth programs, and community partnerships, we have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people throughout our community.
Education is more than simply learning to read, write, or do mathematics. It is about giving young people the confidence, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed. When we invest in education, we are investing in the future of our community.
Jim Milham, President (left) and Sarah White, Service Chair (middle) presented our club’s school supply donation to Assistant Principal Elizabeth Miller picture right.
I am proud that our club collected school supplies for the Northwest Area Elementary School and our board committed another $250 toward additional supplies. We will continue to work with the school throughout the year.
September Is a Busy Month for Our Club
We have several opportunities this month to come together, serve our community, and promote the work of Rotary.
One of the things I value most about our club is that we don’t simply talk about Service Above Self — we put it into action.
Whether we are supporting a student with a scholarship, helping a local school, supporting an Interact project, serving a meal to someone in need, or bringing our community together through the Field of Heroes, every project represents an opportunity to make a difference.
As we celebrate Basic Education and Literacy Month, I challenge each of us to think about how we can personally support education in our community. Maybe it is volunteering with a youth program, mentoring a student, supporting one of our school partnerships, donating books or supplies, or simply encouraging a young person to pursue their education and dreams.
Small acts can have a tremendous impact.
Thank you to all of our members who continue to give their time, talents, and resources to make the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club a strong and vibrant service organization.
I am excited about what we will accomplish together during the coming year. Let’s continue to serve, connect, and create lasting change in our community.
Service Above Self,
Jim Milham
President West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Remain connected and actively participate in service projects,
learning and development opportunities, meetings, speakers,
DISTRICT GRANT PROJECT - READING HOSPITAL STREET MEDICINE
The West Reading–Wyomissing Rotary Club is supporting the Reading Hospital Street Medicine Program through a District Grant focused on meeting people’s most basic needs while strengthening access to compassionate, community‑based healthcare. This initiative, operated by Tower Health Medical Group, delivers primary and preventive care directly to individuals experiencing homelessness or at high risk of becoming homeless — meeting patients in encampments, parks, under bridges, and at partner sites.
As part of the grant, the Club will provide essential supplies including tents, sleeping bags, tarps, sleeping mats, and hygiene kits. When the hygiene‑kit materials arrive, Club members will assemble them as a hands‑on service project. These items help stabilize individuals’ living conditions, protect them from the elements, and support basic health and dignity — all of which aligns with Rotary’s area of focus ‘disease prevention and treatment’ by taking care to the streets and bridging the gap between medicine and those in need.
AUGUST CLUB MEETINGS
August 5, 2026
We were proud to welcome Avion Onyeka to the West Reading Wyomissing Rotary Club!
Speaker - Suzanne Cody, Help A Girl Out
Suzanne Cody joined us to share an update on Help A Girl Out.
Our People of Action 2025 honoree, her actions have helped increase donations by 56% in 2026!
August 19, 2026
New Member Talks!
Our club had the opportunity to hear from two of our new members – Loni Francis and Dave Myers – as they shared their personal and professional journey during their member introduction talks last month. It was a great opportunity for fellow Rotarians to learn more about their background, experiences, and what brought them to Rotary.Welcome Loni and Dave!
Exchange Student Update
Beatriz Sanches NORONHA (BIA)
Bia recently joined the Wilson Interact students in supporting Johanny Cepeda Freytis' Back-to-School event, where they helped distribute backpacks to local students. She also participated in Dream League activities and has enjoyed connecting with many members of our community.
Over the past few weeks, Bia has had the opportunity to experience a variety of local attractions and activities. She met Eva and visited the Mercer Museum and King of Prussia Mall with Linda and Norm Mackey. She enjoyed a walk at Gring's Mill with Doug Myers and Gail Landis, received a tour of the Pagoda, attended a social event at GoggleWorks, and went to the Muhlenberg Music Festival. She has also enjoyed some everyday American experiences, including visits to Target, Sam's Club, and Chick-fil-A (twice, which appears to be a favorite!).
One of Bia's biggest accomplishments so far has been making the tennis team. She recently attended a pool party with her teammates and has been enjoying the opportunity to build friendships through sports and school activities.
Bia continues to be a wonderful ambassador for the exchange program. She is responsible, enthusiastic, and eager to participate in any activities that help her experience our community and culture. She is also interested in earning some spending money through babysitting or other odd jobs. If anyone in the community has opportunities that might be a good fit, she would be grateful to be considered.
We are also still seeking two additional host families within the Wilson School District for Bia during the remainder of her exchange year. Host families play a vital role in creating a meaningful experience for our students, and we would greatly appreciate any referrals or connections you may be able to share. Families do not need to have children the same age as Bia; they simply need to be willing to open their home and provide support as she continues her cultural exchange journey.
The Wilson Interact Club continues to support service projects and community engagement, and Bia has embraced those opportunities wholeheartedly. We are excited to see her continue making connections and creating meaningful experiences throughout the year.
