On June 15th, The Rotary Club of Willow Grove will sponsor a presentation of "You Can't Take It With You", performed by the Village Players of Hatboro.
The Show will begin at 7 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. 
Welcome to our Club!
Service Above Self
We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:15 PM
Palz Tap House
1902 County Line Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19040
United States of America
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19040
United States of America
Our fall 2022 raffle fundraiser is here again. 500 tickets were available for sale at $20 each. We are awarding prizes of $500 each week.
We have begun our 3 day project of distributing school supplies to Upper Moreland students. We had help from Willow Charitable and the Equity Alliance of Upper Moreland. Funding assistance for the project was also provided by Willow Charitable Fund.
We have not been listing the winners of the Calendar raffles on the website, which we had promised to do. That was an oversight on our part. We have been posting them on Facebook, but that is not what we had said, so here are the winners so far. Sorry about that oversight. The remaining winners will be listed here as well when they are selected.
Date of Drawing Winners Name
11/4/2021 Larry Rubin
11/11/2021 Bruce Nicholson
11/18/2021 #1 Kim Clauser
11/18/2021 #2 Andrew Zimmaro
12/2/2021 David Stephens
12/9/2021 Raymond Nease
12/16/2021 Jack Durkin
12/23/2021 Emily Wackerman
Ryotaro Tashiro, Regional Economic Advisor at the Philadelphia Federal Reserve will be our speaker on February 27th at the Huntingdon Valley Country Club.
Ryotaro Tashiro is a regional economic advisor in the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He is responsible for conducting research on current regional economic issues in the Federal Reserve’s Third District and informing external audiences on national and regional economic conditions, monetary policy, and the role of the Federal Reserve in the economy.
Prior to joining the Bank in June 2016, Tashiro was a business analyst for Bloomberg, where he was responsible for conducting research on issues related to equity data quality. He also has substantial teaching experience, ranging from high school advanced placement economics to undergraduate intermediate Japanese and intermediate Spanish.
Tashiro has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kenyon College.
Lunch begins at 12, and Mr. Tashiro will follow with his discussion on the economic outlook. Our meetings is held at Huntingdon Valley Country Club.
WILLOW GROVE ROTARY
MAY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
The Upper Moreland High School May Student of the Month is Grace Farrell.
Grace is the Vice President of the Interact Club and serves as the Secretary on the Senior Class Council. She is an active member of Key Club, the UM Drama Company and the UMatter Initiative.
Outside of school Grace is involved in Youth Group with her church and volunteers at their annual Fall Festival. Grace also volunteers her time with Baby Bureau. Baby Bureau is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing “Baby Bundles” of clothing, and other items, to underserved babies in our community. The Baby Bundles are distributed by community social service providers that determine the need.
In the Fall Grace will be attending Arcadia University and would like to study Psychology
or Criminology.
EASTERN CENTER FOR ARTS & TECHNOLOGY
MAY 2019 STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Grace Alderman is the May 2019 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. She is in EASTERN’s Commercial Art program and a senior at Springfield Township High School.
Grace visited EASTERN twice through Springfield Township School District during 8th and 10th grade tours. By the time she entered high school, she already knew a few students who were enrolled in an EASTERN program. Already interested in art, she found that she could turn it into a lucrative career in graphic design. Grace is extremely active in SkillsUSA, EASTERN’s student leadership organization and is currently the SkillsUSA school wide Vice President.
Over her two years at EASTERN, she has proven to be a successful participant in many SkillsUSA competitions. In April of 2019, Grace received second place at the SkillsUSA State competition for Advertising Design.
At EASTERN, she volunteers her time to assist with EASTERN recruitment events such as Open House and as an assistant teacher for the Computer Art and Digital Photography Summer Fun camp for middle school students.
At Springfield Township High School, Grace is an honor roll student, serves as Layout Editor for the Yearbook Committee, and is Captain on the Varsity Cheerleading Team.
“Grace works hard and has an upbeat and positive attitude,” said Nicole Mohrey, EASTERN’s Commercial Art Instructor. “Grace takes on each project with enthusiasm. Her drive to succeed that will take her far in her career and life.”
After graduating from EASTERN and Springfield Township High School, Grace plans to attend Delaware College of Art and Design for the first two years of college, and matriculate to Pratt to complete her bachelor’s degree in graphic design.
WILLOW GROVE ROTARY
JUNE STUDENT OF THE MONTH
The Upper Moreland High School June Student of the Month is Trinity Maples.
Trinity is President of the Student Council and is a member of the Reading
Olympics.
Trinity consistently demonstrates honesty, compassion for others, and strives to
do the best she can academically. She is currently ranked in the top 25% of her class.
Outside of school Trinity has been involved for many years with Sea Scouts
Troop #155, and is currently the Vice-President of her Troop. Trinity also works part-time as an office assistant.
Trinity will be attending Del-Val University in the fall and plans to major
Environmental Science.
EASTERN CENTER FOR ARTS & TECHNOLOGY
JUNE 2019 STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Daniel Staley is the June 2019 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN’s Protective Services program and a senior at Abington Senior High School.
Daniel had a friend who previously attended Protective Services and encouraged him to tour the program. Daniel visited EASTERN through a tour with Abington Senior High School. Already a Volunteer Firefighter for Edge Hill Fire Company, Daniel saw the benefits of the Protective Services program decided to enroll. He knew that enrolling
in the program would bring him closer to achieving his career goal of becoming a police officer, while also learning more about the career fields available in the protective services industry.
At EASTERN, Daniel volunteers his time to assist with EASTERN recruitment events such as Open House and 10th Grade Career Expo, where he spoke to potential students about his program. He has also obtained many industry standard certifications in his program of study, such as Hazardous Material Awareness and National Incident
Management Systems (NIMS) 100, 200, 700 and 800. He also received preparation leading to his Fire Fighter I certification.
At Abington Senior High School, Daniel plays Varsity Ice Hockey and Freshman and Junior Varsity Baseball. He is involved with events such as Mini-THON, Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), and is a member of the Firefighting Club. EASTERN’s Awards Night on May 29, 2019, Daniel was awarded the Achievement Award – Police.
“Daniel works hard and demonstrates a high level of professionalism,” said Mark Zaslavsky, EASTERN’s Protective Services Instructor. “I am confident that he will achieve his career goals and will make an outstanding police officer.”
After graduating from EASTERN and Abington Senior High School, Daniel will attend Montgomery County Community College’s Municipal Police Academy for Act 120 Training - a 919-hour program that prepares students for certification to practice law enforcement within Pennsylvania.
Ultimately, Daniel would like to work for the Abington Police Department.
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The Upper Moreland High School April Student of the Month is Ethan Slear.
Ethan played on the Soccer Team all four years of High School. He is a four year member of the Jazz Band and currently holds the position of Co-Student Director.
Ethan was previously involved with the Anime Club in his freshman year. The Anime Club has since disbanded; however Ethan is currently working to get the club back up and running.
Outside of school, Ethan is very active in his Church; in particular he is involved with the Youth Group. He has participated in mission trips traveling to other countries helping those less fortunate and in need. The Youth Group also meets once a week to plan local events to help those in need. They organize a variety of events such as clothing drives and soup kitchens that take place throughout the year.
During the summer, Ethan volunteers his time at Vacation Bible School where he is a Crew Leader for the program as well.
Ethan plans to attend Penn State University in the fall and study aerospace engineering.
Keagan Kelso is the April 2019 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN’s Electrical Technology program and a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School.
Keagan already understood the value of career and technical education, as his father also attended the Electrical Technology program at EASTERN. Keagan initially thought of enrolling in the Allied Health program, but after visiting EASTERN during a tour, he decided to pursue a career in the electrical field. He learned more about the electrical unions and aspires to travel the United States with these in-demand skills.
The summer after his first year in Electrical Technology, Keagan was selected by his instructor as a paid intern for EASTERN. Keagan was excited about being chosen for this opportunity because he could refine his electrical skills while working in a field that he loves. He has been an involved member of SkillsUSA,
EASTERN’s student leadership organization over the past two years.
Outside of EASTERN, Keagan is very involved in sports, such as baseball, soccer, and football. “Keagan is a great student with drive and ambition,” said Gary Felmey, EASTERN’s Electrical Technology Instructor. “He believes in setting a good example in the classroom and strives to give his best every day. I am proud of all he has accomplished in my class, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for him.”
After graduating from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham High School, Keagan hopes to get into the electrical union, and after his apprenticeship, he plans to enjoy a successful career as an electrician. Electrical Technology at EASTERN provides the essential hands-on and safety skills that a student needs to
pursue a rewarding career in the electrical construction industry. This two-year multi-faceted career program
enables the student to learn the basics of electricity as well as residential and commercial wiring, data cabling,
and basic fiber optic installation
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The Upper Moreland High School March Student of the Month is Aandi Hunt.
Aandi is a member of the National Honor Society and the Academic Quiz Bowl Team. He is in the Marching Band, Jazz Band I, Concert Band and Indoor Percussion. During the summer, Aandi volunteers at Camp Charlie - Safe Harbor’s Bereavement Camp. This week-long day camp for bereaved children ages six through twelve is held at the College Settlement Campus in Horsham. The camp provides ongoing grief support in a caring environment where children come for support and understanding.
Aandi also volunteers his time at the Board Street Run distributing care packages at the finish line.
Aandi plans to major in Biology in the fall. He received a scholarship to Temple and is waiting to hear from University of Pennsylvania.
Joanne Scott is the March 2019 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. She is in EASTERN’s Commercial Art program and a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School.
The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.
Joanne’s mother is a 1985 EASTERN graduate, so Joanne grew up with an understanding of and appreciation for career and technical education. After visiting EASTERN during a tour, Joanne became interested in learning more about careers in art, such as graphic design and photography. She found that EASTERN’s Commercial Art program included career paths in various well-paying positions within the art field.
Joanne was selected by her Commercial Art Instructor to attend the Career and Technical Students Organization leadership conference in both 2017 and 2018. She is actively involved in EASTERN’s student leadership organization, SkillsUSA. She is currently the SkillsUSA School Wide President. As a junior, Joanne was part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Team that placed second in the SkillsUSA State Competition. Last summer, she worked as a student teacher in the Summer Fun Computer Art and Digital Photography program, EASTERN’s middle school summer enrichment program. Outside of school, she babysits for a local family and is a server at Friendly’s Restaurant.
“Joanne is talented and has an extremely positive attitude,” said Nicole Mohrey, EASTERN’s Commercial Art Instructor. “She works hard and always maintains her professionalism. She is a leader in the class and I am proud of her accomplishments.”
The Willow Grove Rotary proudly recognized the February 2019 Students Of The Month from Upper Moreland High School and The eastern Center for Arts and Technology on Thursday February 1st.
UMHS
The Upper Moreland High School February Student of the Month is Colin Casey.
Colin is a four year member of the Key Club and has participated in cross country, winter track and spring track since he was a Freshman. He is currently in the Allied Health Nursing program at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology.
Colin has always worked hard to achieve honor roll status throughout all of high school. He is involved with the Boy Scouts and has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
In addition to his academic and co-curricular success, Colin has maintained a part time job as well.
Colin has applied to Gwynedd Mercy and Holy Family College and plans on pursuing a career in medicine.
EASTERN
Matthew Binford is the February 2019 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN’s Computer Network Administration program and a senior at Upper Moreland High School. The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.
Matthew heard positive things from other students who attended EASTERN, so he decided to visit the school during its annual Open House. He was drawn to the Computer Network Administration program because of the dual enrollment partnership with Montgomery County Community College. Matthew was interested in getting ahead start on college in high school while learning more about the computer networking industry.
Matthew credits his Computer Network Administration program at EASTERN with improving his time management skills while preparing him for college and for a successful career. At EASTERN, he is a member of EASTERN’s students leadership organization, SkillsUSA. Outside of school, he has participated in Boy Scouts of America and the Adopt-A-Highway program. He is a CPR and First Aide Certified Child Care employee at the Hatboro Area YMCA.
“Matthew has great drive and ambition,” said Kevin Finegan, EASTERN’s Computer Network Administration Instructor. “He has an excellent work ethic and is always willing to assist his classmates when in need. I know he will be successful in college and in life and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes.”
After graduation from EASTERN and Upper Moreland High School, Matthew plans to continue his education at Montgomery County Community College and matriculate to Bloomsburg University to major in Programming. Ultimately, he would like to work as a programmer for a midsized business.
The Rotary Club of Willow Grove honored the January Students of the Month from Upper Moreland High School and The Eastern Center on January 3rd.
Andi La is the January Student of the Month from Upper Moreland High School, and Kiah Thorne is the Student of the Month from The Eastern Center.
Andi La receives her award from Willow Grove Rotary President Margie Peters.
Kiah Thorne receives her award from Willow Grove Rotary President Margie Peters.
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The Upper Moreland High School December Student of the Month is Conner Holm.
Conner is the Vice-President of the National Honor Society and is the student director for the UM Drama Company. Conner is a member of the Jazz Band and the UM Marching Unit where he currently serves as the Drum Major.
Outside of school, Conner helps his peers through tutoring in both academics and music whenever needed. He has been involved with East West Karate martial arts school for the past 12 years and has earned his black belt.
Conner has applied to Harvard University and plans to study Mathematics Engineering.
Connor receives his award from Club President Sam Valenza
Marcus Donaldson is the December 2018 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove. He is in EASTERN’s Business and Technology Professional program and a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School. The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.
Marcus first learned about the programs at EASTERN through a presentation at Hatboro-Horsham High School and then by participating in a tenth-grade visitation to EASTERN. After attending EASTERN’s Open House with his family, he decided to enroll in the Business and Technology Professional program to assist him in pursuing his business career aspirations.
At EASTERN, Marcus is involved with EASTERN’s student leadership organization, SkillsUSA and was his Business and Technology Professional class officer during the 2017 – 2018 school year. Through EASTERN’s dual enrollment partnership, Marcus is a Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) student earning transferable college credits while still in high school. He was recognized at EASTERN’s Annual Awards Night held in May 2018 with several awards, including Attendance, Achievement and Straight A. He is currently interning once a week at PA State Representative Tom Murt’s office in Hatboro and holds a part-time job at Chick-fil-A.
“Marcus works very hard and appreciates the value of a responsible work ethic,” said Marketa Crane, EASTERN’s Business and Technology Professional Instructor. “He is always willing to volunteer to greet outside visitors to the school and gives 100 percent effort to his internship employer.”
After graduation from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham High School, Marcus plans to continue pursuing his education at MCCC and then transfer his credits to Temple University where he plans to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in business. His goal is to become a sales representative for a major car company and hopes to get accepted into one of their internship programs.
Marcus receives his award from Club President Sam Valenza
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The Rotary Club of Willow Grove would like to thank Hatboro Federal Savings for their generosity in once again being the Corporate Sponsor of our Casino Night. Hatboro Federal Savings is the finest example of what a responsible local business is all about.
Rotary President Sam Valenza accepts the check from HFS President Linda Roehner.
Tickets are still available for Casino Night. $25 gets you a beef and beer dinner and chips to gamble. At the end of the night turn in your chips for tickets to win one of 12 fabulous prizes. Even if you don't win anything, it is a great night out.
The Willow Grove Rotary Club and its members have teamed up to purchase 6 new ShelterBoxes.
ShelterBoxes are an ingenious tool used to respond to natural disasters all over the world. Each box contains a 10 person tent, tools, water purification equipment, cooking utensils, rope, a light source and blankets. These boxes are assembled and prepositioned around the world, ready for the next disaster and are swiftly delivered and deployed mainly using the network of Rotary clubs that exist in every country in the World. Each box costs $1000 and have been deployed in Haiti, Nepal, India, Indonesia and even in Houston after last years flooding.
Our club is proud to support ShelterBox, and we invite all of our friends and supporters to do so as well. Please visit their website to see more about what they do and I am sure you will be moved to help them as we have been.
The Rotary Club of Willow Grove recognized the November 2018 Students of the Month from Upper Moreland High School and The Easter Center for Arts and Technology on Thursday, November 1st at 12:15 PM. The students received their awards at the weekly luncheon, at Huntingdon Valley Country Club.
Cole Moros accepts his award from President, Sam Valenza.
Elissa Johnson receives her award from President, Sam Valenza.
Philadelphia legend, and NFL Hall Of Fame Sportswriter Ray Didinger visited the Rotary Club of Willow Grove on Thursday 9/13/2018.
Ray spoke for a little over an hour and captivated the packed house with stories of the Eagles Championship season, and sprinkled in some stories of past teams and coaches as well. Ray has covered the Eagles for almost fifty years, and is a font of knowledge and stories. He recalled some poignant moments that he experienced during the Super Bowl and the parade. We heard stories about Ray's interactions and observations of players, coaches and fans. Ray has recently completed the next edition of his Eagles Encyclopedia - Championship Edition. The new book will be available in stores in about 2 weeks and is available for pre-order now.
We thank Ray for taking the time from his schedule to meet with us, and we hope to see him again very soon.
On September 20th, The Rotary Club of Willow Grove will honor the September Students of the Month from Upper Moreland High School and The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology. A new school year has begun, and this month we begin recognizing the best and brightest of these two local schools each month.
The Upper Moreland High School September Student of the Month is Tabitha Schmer.
Tabitha is the President of the Class of 2019, as well as the President of the National Honor Society. She is the Student Representative on our School Board, the President of the Debate Club, the Stage Crew Manager, a Student Council Representative and can be heard every morning as she hosts our morning announcements. Tabitha has consistently achieved distinguished honor roll every marking period and has twice been the recipient of the Home and School Association Citizenship Award. Tabitha is involved with Kisses for Kyle, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, Science in the Summer and has received the Baby Bureau Service Award. Tabitha plans to continue her education after graduation and study pre-medicine.
Tabitha, accompanied by her parents, accepts the award from club President Sam Valenza.
The September 2018 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology is Misha Davis, an Upper Moreland High School senior.
Misha is being recognized for his work in EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program during the 2017 – 2018 school year. This year he is enrolled in EASTERN’s Allied Health program. The Student of the Month Award is sponsored by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Committee and the Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student excellence, success and service. Ten students each year are selected for this honor.
After visiting EASTERN as a sophomore, Misha decided to enroll in EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program.He was a leader in the classroom and enjoyed working in a hands-on learning environment. He became a student ambassador for the Culinary Arts program and spoke to potential students at recruitment events at both Upper Moreland and Lower Moreland High Schools. Half way through his junior year, he found himself interested in learning more about careers in the medical field. This year, he is enrolled in the one year Allied Health program at EASTERN. He is looking forward to the partnership that the Allied Health program has with Abington-Jefferson Hospital. Starting in October, the Allied Health students will begin shadowing healthcare professionals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
As a junior in the Culinary Arts program, Misha received first place in the SkillsUSA Job Demonstration District competition. He volunteered his culinary expertise at EASTERN extracurricular events such as the annual Joint Operating Committee Dinner and the Advisory Appreciation Brunch. At Upper Moreland High School, Misha is a member of the Varsity Swim and Tennis teams, and a Sound Crew member for the Drama Company. He is also involved in the community as a Boy Scout, Cadet Sergeant in the Civil Air Force Auxiliary and a member of the Hope Community Missions Team.“It was a pleasure having Misha in my class,” said Hayley Granacher, EASTERN’s Culinary Arts Instructor. “Just as he succeeded in the Culinary Arts program, I am confident he will do just as well in the Allied Health program. He has an extremely positive attitude and works hard.”
After graduation from Upper Moreland High School and EASTERN’s Allied Health program, he plans to attend a postsecondary technical college for two years while working in the medical field. He hopes to work in the trauma or Emergency Room setting.
Misha receives his award from club President, Sam Valenza. Misha's parents were also in attendance.
Our Rotary Club was privileged at this past week's meeting to induct two new members, Bilal and Sarah Djos-Raph. A very warm welcome to Sarah and Bilal and their family!
Sarah participated in Rotary's International Exchange program a little over 10 years ago. Spending a year in France, she learned to love travel, meeting new people and adventures. After attending college in Canada, Sarah spent a year in the Peace Corps in Africa, where she met Bilal. Bilal is currently helping coach the Soccer team at UMHS.
If you would like to learn more about joining our Club and the good work Rotary does in our community and around the world, join us for lunch on Thursdays at 12:15 at HVCC.
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