president' corner - august 2026

     As we begin August, Rotary International invites us to focus on Membership and New Club Development. Membership is about much more than adding names to our roster—it’s about building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for service, and ensuring our club remains vibrant for years to come.

     Our club has a wonderful story to tell. The success of the 2026 Berks County Field of Heroes demonstrated an incredible impact we can make when we work together. Through projects like Field of Heroes, our environmental initiatives, youth programs, scholarships, and community partnerships, we continue to make a lasting difference throughout Berks County.

     Now is the perfect time to share that story. I encourage each Rotarian to invite a friend, colleague, neighbor, or family member to join us at a meeting or service project. The best way to grow Rotary is through a personal invitation from someone who has experienced the fellowship and purpose that comes with Service Above Self.

     As we move through August, we have several opportunities to reconnect, serve, and plan for an exciting year ahead. I encourage everyone to participate in our upcoming meetings and events – 

  • August 5 – Lunch Meeting at YR Club

  • August 13 – Coffee, Tea & Conversation at B2 Bistro

  • August 13 – Rotary Night at the Reading Fightin Phils

  • August 19 – Lunch Meeting at YR Club

  • August 20 – Happy Hour at Reading Roots Market

  • August 25 – Board Meeting at B2 Bistro

  • August 27 – Coffee, Tea & Conversation at B2 Bistro

     Thank you for your enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club. Together, we will continue to increase our membership, expand our service, and make our community an even better place to live and work.

Service Above Self,

Jim Milham

President
West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club

people of action - hope rescue mission 

On Thursday, July 30th, seventeen Rotarians and Guests jumped into action to prepare and serve meals to 160 men and women at Hope Rescue Mission and the LightHouse Women & Children's Center.

Thank You to All who Participated.

PEOPLE OF ACTION - PROBERCO 

Growing Together: Rotary's Garden Project Blossoms at ProBerco

The West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club is proud to see the positive impact of our partnership with ProBerco as their new therapeutic garden takes root. Thanks to our club's support of $1,000, ProBerco has created a meaningful, hands-on gardening experience for the men and women they serve.

Participants have enthusiastically embraced the project, planting vegetables, herbs, and flowers while learning valuable gardening skills. The garden is already providing educational opportunities and sensory experiences, and the excitement continues to grow as participants watch the fruits of their labor develop throughout the season.

In a letter of appreciation, ProBerco shared that this inaugural growing season is laying the foundation for future success and expressed heartfelt thanks to our club for helping bring this vision to life. They also recognized Rotarian Norm for generously donating his time and expertise to assemble the raised beds and equipment that made the project possible.

   

 

 

 
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
 
Remain connected and actively participate in service projects,
learning and development opportunities, meetings, speakers,
and events through the WRWR Website Calendar
 
 
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
Northwest Area Elementary School
 

Help Support Reading School District's Northwest Area Elementary School! As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we're collecting donations to help local students start the year with the supplies they need to succeed. Requested items include pencils, crayons, colored markers, colored pencils, headphones, refillable water bottles, glue sticks, tissues, hand sanitizer, and lunch boxes. Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference for students and teachers. Thank you for helping us support our community and ensure every child is ready to learn!

HOST FAMILY NEEDED

This year we are excited to host a female student from Brazil for the 2026-2027 school year. She will be attending Wilson High School and arrives August 15th! We have a first host family placement but are still in need of 2 more host families. We need to get the 2nd host family secured as soon as possible. If you or someone you know lives in the Wilson School District and is willing to open their home for a few months, please reach out to Caitlan Becker or Carolyne Jordan for more information. 

UPCOMING CLUB MEETINGS  

 August/September Club Meetings: 
  • August 5 - Suzanne Cody - Help a Girl Out

  • August 13 - Coffee, Tea, & Conversations, 7:30 am, B2 Cafe

  • August 19 - Meet Fellow Rotarians Talk

  • August 27 - Coffee, Tea, & Conversations, 7:30 am, B2 Cafe

  • September 2 - Rotary District 7430 District Governor Jeremiah Sensenig

  • September 10 - Coffee, Tea, & Conversations, 7:30 am, B2 Cafe

  • September 16 - Camp Neidig Kids

  • September 24 - Coffee, Tea, & Conversations, 7:30 am, B2 Cafe

Club Board Meeting: August 25 @ 7:30 am - B2 Cafe