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Congratulations! It is with great pleasure that we inform you that the Rotary Club of West Chester has qualified for and been awarded District 7450’s Literacy Award. We have been recognized with this award because of our outstanding Literacy projects completed during this 2019-2020 Rotary year. With completion of three (3) projects, we have demonstrated efforts to combat illiteracy in our community and our world.

District 7450 is extremely proud and hope that West Chester Rotary will continue with our efforts to strengthen and promote Literacy.

Celebrating 60 Years as a Rotarian

The Rotary International motto “Service Above Self” could describe the life motto of Dr. Robert Poole, who is being honored by the Rotary Club of West Chester on his 60^th year as a Rotarian. The coronavirus has negated a festive gathering in his honor, so members have been sending Poole messages of congratulations all month long. Poole, 92, who came to West Chester in 1955 to begin practicing family medicine, joined the West Chester Rotary in 1960. Active on several committees, club president, District Interact Chair, and District 7450 Governor, he was trained at Rotary Internationals Headquarters for the new PolioPlus initiative in the 1980’s. He served as PolioPlus USA Committee vice chairman for six years in the 90’s, in addition to providing USA Healthcare Reform Testimony at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, was the International President’s Representative to district conferences, and traveled worldwide to many Rotary International Conventions.

In the community, he has worked with the West Chester Area Day Care Center, West Goshen Cooperative Kindergarten, and Henderson High School. He has been a member of and held numerous positions from 1955 until the present in the American Medical Assn., Pennsylvania and Chester County Medical Societies, and served on the Chester County Hospital staff, board of directors and many hospital committees. He served in leadership positions with the United Fund of West Chester and Pennsylvania, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he has been a member since 1955, and was integral in establishing Brian’s Run, an annual race to financially support disabled young people.

We look forward to celebrating with Dr. Poole in person in the future, but for now, virtual accolades!!!

Club Meetings and Events Cancelled Until Further Notice

The Executive Committee of our club has voted unanimously to cancel all Rotary meetings and events for the next two weeks at a minimum, and we will reevaluate to see if that needs to be extended into April.

Between the West Chester Golf and Country Club deciding to close their doors for the next two weeks, and Governor Wolf issuing his order for Chester County this was not a difficult decision for us to make.

As not everyone reads their emails, and as we don’t have a way of contacting the guests you have been bringing to meetings lately, I would ask that you please reach out to those in the Club you are close with and your guests to inform them that we won’t be meeting for the rest of the month.

Rotarians are people of action, community leaders, and public servants. With that in mind, please find ways to look after folks in your life who may need help during this trying time. Do not risk your health or your families health if possible, but contact folks remotely and consider sharing what resources you can spare with those who are suffering without. If there is anything I can help you or someone you know with please don’t hesitate to call me on my cell at 610-883-7691.

I pray that we all remain careful, calm, and compassionate, and that this global health pandemic passes quickly. God bless you all.

Proud to be a Rotarian!

~Matt Holliday

President, West Chester Rotary

Now Accepting Grant Applications

Extended deadline for accepting applications up to May 15th, 2020

The Rotary Club of West Chester provides financial support for worthy, non-profit organizations in the Greater West Chester Community through their annual community grants program.
The Community Philanthropic Committee (CPC) evaluates applications for their ability to meet humanitarian needs in our community, the quality of the program to deliver the services, and the match to the overall strategy of the club to have a broad, but meaningful impact in the community.

Click here for Grant Application

Rotarian of the Year 2019

In equally generous words, "for her tireless work promoting the RCWC,"President Bill named Cathy Palmquist Rotarian of the Year. Our Rotary club is always in the local press and that is due to her efforts. Cathy is a silent Rotary champion always behind the scenes taking amazing photographs of every Rotary event. Even when she can't attend, Cathy always has a representative documenting our successes. Cathy, we LOVE you for everything you do and so deserving of this honor.

Honorary Rotarian

Outgoing President Bill Friedmann noted that to be a Rotarian is more than being actively involved in a club. Some individuals have the attributes of a good Rotarian "by making a difference in the world, being a leader in their community, and being a great friend." He then invited Tracy Sammarone to the podium, extolling her extensive support of Rotary, and named her an Honorary Rotarian.

Tracy, you are always serving in every Rotary event, we LOVE you as well! Thanks for everything you have done in your volunteer service with Rotary.

Presidential Gavel Exchange

It's hard to determine who is happiest - Incoming President Matt Holliday

(right) receiving the presidential gavel or Outgoing President Bill Friedmann! Topping off another gala presidential induction, orchestrated as usual with dignity and humor by PDG Dwight Leeper, Marjorie Wentz, president-elect of the passport club, gave a fitting invocation, before the program began. The festivities were held at the Chester County Bar Association, with Wendy Leeper and Sue Casso making arrangements for the delicious food and set up.

Honorary Rotarians

Ellen and Mark Morun (center) were named Honorary Rotarians by the Rotary Club of West Chester by Carol Hanson and President Bill Friedmann at a recent luncheon meeting, in recognition of the Moruns many years hosting Rotary Youth Exchange students. This year they are hosting Gaspar Vigneaux Poirot from Chile, sponsored by the Sunshine and Longwood Rotary Clubs. The Moruns have hosted 27 students over the years, 15 longtime (full year) students and 12 short term exchange students. Hanson, who has worked with the Rotary Student Exchange program for a number of years, cited the Moruns for taking on a lot of responsibility by hosting the students, and providing students a positive experience.

Non Profits Benefit from Chili Cook Off

Representatives from the 16 non-profits who received Community Philanthropic awards at a recent Rotary luncheon include (seated, from left) Jackie Crego, Kennett Youth Garage; Glenda Brion, Community Warehouse Project; Dolly Wideman-Scott, Domestic Violence Center; Captain Maria Corraliza, Salvation Army; Jeanne Meikranz, Arc of Chester County; Sue Flynn, Chester County Family Academy; Laura Simpson, Crime Victims Center; Michelle Maloney, Chester County Women's Services, and (standing from left) Catherine Friedman and John Lilley, Friends Assn.; Carol Baker, Read 2 Dream; Dr. Adam Chambers, Chester Co. Women's Services; Jen Hohenberger, Chester County's Children; Ebbie Alfree, The Hickman; Kathy Sullivan, West Chester Senior Center; Pam Leland, The Hickman; Ellen Donohoe, West Chester Senior Center; David James, Safe Harbor of Chester County; Carol Robinson, Volunteer English Program; and Joyce Lacy, North Star of Chester County.

John Schwab, Rotarian of the Year

John Schwab, pictured at the recent presidential festivities at Barnaby's, decked out in his special Rotary shirt designed by Debi Friedmann, was named Rotarian of the Year by outgoing President Mickey Hall. In honoring John, Mickey commented on John's quiet, behind-the-scenes presence on the governance committee, helping with strategic planning, and being her sounding board and advisor on so many occasions during her presidency. John has been a member of the club for over 24 years, has served as President, and in many leadership positions through the years. Congratulations, John! A well-deserved recognition.

Honorary Rotarian

During the Presidential Induction at Barnaby's last week, outgoing Club President Mickey Hall, performed one of her last acts as president by naming Debi Friedmann, wife of our incoming President Bill, as an Honorary Rotarian. President Mickey noted the many activities Debi is involved in throughout the county, such as Chambers of Commerce, and cited the many times she has stepped in to help our club with projects, resources and activities. Debi is also going to help significantly with the upcoming Chili Cook-Off this year. Being the wife of the new club president, just imagine the opportunities for her involvement in our Rotary Club! Congratulations and welcome, Debi!

Presidential Induction

The annual presidential induction is always a gala event, with tempting and interesting items offered at the silent auction, lots of action at the live auction, and of course, the installation of our incoming president. Dwight Leeper did an outstanding job of handling the induction, including the tradition of the passing of the gavel from the oldest to newest serving president. Mickey Hall, outgoing president, delivered the gavel to incoming president, Bill Friedmann, and he in turn, presented her with a presidential plaque to note her year of outstanding leadership. Dwight also inducted the new and returning board members, before Bob Frame launched into the always fun, live auction featuring dinners and vacation events, which make this a special, and profitable, event for club members, their spouses and significant others.

Making Music

Children from the Chester County Family Academy again visited the Rotary Club to share special holiday music with Rotarians and their guests. There were several musical offerings beginning with the violin performance. Later in the popular program, more children joined in to sing songs with bells, and with lighted little flashlights. At the conclusion of the program, the children sang "This Little Light of Mine," then walked among the Rotarians giving them their flashlights and wishing them Happy Holidays.

Chili Cook-off Nets $24,000 for Non-profits

Eleven Chester County agencies were awarded $24,000 in grants from the Rotary Club of West Chester, reflecting proceeds from Rotary's Annual Chili Cook-off held earlier this month. Representatives of agencies receiving grants at a recent Rotary luncheon meeting included (standing from left) Matt Holiday, standing in for Catherine Friedman, Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children., Hallie Romanowski, Act in Faith, Kathy Sullivan West Chester Senior Center, Dolly Wideman-Scott, Domestic Violence Center, Michelle Maloney, Chester County Women's Services, Nicholas Lohr, Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation, Mickey Hall, Rotary club president, Myriam Ruager, Chester County Women's Services, and (seated from
left) Carolyn McKenna, Home of the Sparrow, Denise Antonelli, Act in Faith, Terri Potrako, Volunteer English Program, Sue Flynn, Chester County Family Academy, and Nancy Zion, Chester County Children, Inc. Also awarded a grant was Young Men and Women in Charge. Holliday is chairman of the Community Philanthropic Committee of the Rotary club, which selects the awardees from
requests submitted.

Soup"ER Rotarians

Chris Feryo and Diane Lemonides show some of the homemade soups that were prepared by Rotarians this year to help with the club's annual Soup for Safe Harbor project. Chris joined Diane this year in collecting soup for three weeks in February, taking soup to the shelter on Thursdays after the club meetings. About 25 gallons of soup were collected and donated this year.

Rotary Salvation Army Bell Ringers

Among the many Rotarians who helped ring bells for The Salvation Army this year were Rachel Barakat and Phyllis Dunn (center and right) along with Rachel's friend, Mike. Over the years, despite snow and cold, Rotarians have helped raise thousands of dollars, urging shoppers at Acme and Kmart to fill the kettles for the Salvation Army's number one fundraiser each holiday season. Many Rotarians have helped for over a decade, including Jack Wintermute and Ken Hickman, who helped again this year.

Holiday Program Chester County Family Academy

Approximately 80 youngsters from the Chester County Family Academy filled our meeting room a few days before Christmas with their joyful holiday songs, as has been their custom for the past few years. The first group of youngsters played holiday songs with vigor on their violins. The second group of youngsters, many with their siblings in tow, lifted their little voices in heartwarming songs. The last group of older students sang the song they had composed just for Rotary - a wonderful tradition that we look forward to each year. One of the best parts of the performance is when they were through singing, they moved among the tables, distributing their handmade holiday cards to all of the Rotarians. Rotarian Bunny Welsh, a CCFA board member, commented on the wonderful program at the academy that benefits these precious children. The children's singing and presence reminds us of what the holidays are really about.

Philanthropic Grants Awarded

Representatives from local charities, who received grants totaling $33,400 from the Rotary Club of West Chester, were recognized and presented their checks at a recent luncheon meeting. Representatives included, (seated from left) Carol Baker, Read2Dream; Catherine Binz, Community Volunteers in Medicine; Gina Harrison, Safe Harbor; Lorri Sarosy, Friends Association; Sue Flynn, Chester County Family Academy; Hallie Romanowski, Act in Faith; and (standing from left) Shauna Yeldell and Matt Holliday, co-chairs of the Community Philanthropic Committee (CPC), Jeanne Meikrantz and Michael Donovan, ARC of Chester County; Jeanne Corman, Safe Harbor; Kenneth Klein, Chester County Children's Inc.; Victoria Dow, West Chester Public Library; Rich Roberts, Young Men & Women in Charge Foundation; Dolly Wideman-Scott, Domestic Violence Center of Chester County; Joyce Lacy, Interfaith Housing Assistance Corp.; Kathy Sullivan, West Chester Area Senior Center; Terri Potrako, Volunteer English Program; and Denise Antonelli, Act in Faith.
Funds for grants are generated by the annual Chili Cook-off. Thirty-one applicants for grants were screened by the CPC this year.

Rotarians Support CARS Project

Children from Rwanda and Ethiopia (seated) and their guardian (seated left), who are being fitted with prosthetic limbs or a bone transplant at Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia, had lunch with the Rotary Club of West Chester to meet and thank Rotarians for helping raise funds for them to participate in the CARS (Children with Amputations Rehabilitation Strategies) program.

Members of the Rotary CARS Committee, CARS, and Global Medical Relief Fund
(GMRF) staff, who joined in welcoming the youngsters and explaining the program, include (standing from left) Larry Miller, Lance Helms, Luis Velazquez, Dave Barkasy, Elissa Montanti, Ernest Zlotolow, Monica Watson, Rob Feenen and Glen Sweet. Helms is head of Shriner s Orthotics & Prosthetics, Velazquez is the master technician in charge of children's prosthetic legs, Montanti is the founder and CEO of GMRF, a strategic partner with CARS, Watson is GMRF Patient Coordinator, and Zlotolow is chair of the Rotary CARS Committee.

Thanks to All! Great 2016 Chili Cookoff

Mac Neilon, Rotarian and a bunch of his running club members are excellent chili cooks, as well as devoted runners. They were among the 67 teams of chili cooks who participated in the 14th Annual Chili Cook-off. Despite early morning rain, which discouraged some people, loyal followers of the cook-off were rewarded with sunshine and brisk winds by early afternoon that made the day and chili a perfect combination.

Rotarian Picnic

Occasional rain showers did not dampen the enthusiastic and festive club picnic on the ample, covered porch at Bill and Dorene Winters beautiful home on Sunday. Club President Bob Rogers manned the grill, with Sue by his side to handle all the details, along with Rob Malone and the Winters. Over 35 folks, Rotarians, spouses and prospective Rotarians, enjoyed beverages, traditional picnic fare with all the trimmings, delicious appetizers, scrumptious salads and amazing desserts, as well as good fellowship.

2016 Rotarian of the Year

Ernest Zlotolow was presented a large, framed citation from outgoing Rotary Club President, Katie Martin, when she named him Rotarian of the Year for 2015-16. Katie related Ernie's many activities and projects during the gala presidential induction celebration at the West Chester Golf and Country Club in June. She especially noted his diligence in regularly reporting his activities and projects around the world to her. Ernie received a standing ovation from members and guests at the gala. Congratulations, Ernie! A most deserving recognition!

Presidential Citation

Immediate Past Club President Katie Martin, accepts a Rotary International Presidential Citation from newly installed District 7450 District Governor David Haradon (left), while incoming President Bob Rogers looks on.
Presidential citations are presented to only a few clubs internationally, who achieve exceptional goals during the past year, as the West Chester club did under Martin's leadership. Katie has been appointed to the position of Youth Service Chair, overseeing all youth efforts in District 7450, including but not limited to, the student exchange program, Interact and Rotaract Clubs, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

Rotary Leadership Change

Outgoing President Katie Martin puts the president's pin on Incoming President Bob Rogers lapel, effectively turning over the club presidency at the recent gala induction, dinner and auction. In addition to the installation of President Bob and the board members by PDG Dwight Leeper, Rotarians and their spouses enjoyed a tasty buffet and special Rotary cake.
The silent and live auctions brought in over $6,000, according to Sue Casso Rogers, mistress of ceremonies for the evening. Bob Frame lead the brisk bidding on the five live auction items. A fun evening was had by all!

2016 Paul Harris Fellows

At a recent meeting, Rotary Foundation co-chairs, Phyllis Dunn and Steve Founds (from left) recognized members who have recently given to Rotary International and become Paul Harris Fellows or added to earlier donations.
They include (third from left) Winnie Stroup, John Olszewski (plus 8), Mac Neilon (plus 2), Jack Wiintermute (plus 6) and Katie Martin (plus 1). Others recognized (not pictured) include Sue Greenberg (plus 4), Sue Casso Rogers (plus 4), Paula Ott (plus 1), and Chuck Swope (plus 1).