Stories

MICHELE KRISTOFKO - SUPER KIDS

MICHELE KRISTOFKO from SUPER KIDS of MONTGOMERY COUNTY

At our Nov. 16 meeting, our guest speaker was MICHELE KRISTOFKO from SUPER KIDS of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, who spoke on the activities the the organization offers to area children who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused. They are basically kids without parents and the center case workers handle over 100 cases at a time, and last year gave support to 500 local kids in need. SUPER KIDS strives to give these neglected kids the chance to succeed and gain self confidence, self-esteem, and self awareness which has resulted in significant decreases in reports of neglect, increases in school grades, and many kids living a happier life.

SUPER KIDS works to bring services such as mentoring, tutoring, music, and sports involvement to the kids and is always in need of donations. They particularly need items like laptops and educational software, sports equipment, event tickets, musical instruments, art supplies, books, and financial donations.

ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN has awarded them one of our District Grants this year.

To learn more and donate, contact them at : www.superkidsofmontco.org. or call 610-930-6710

Thank- You, Michele for your talk.

NAHS STUDENTS HONORED

At our November 16 meeting, the Club honored six students from Norristown Area High School. These students, selected by teachers and school staff, were selected on the basis of their academic achievements, their participation in school activities, and their involvement in community service. All plane to continue their education next year, pursuing degrees in: Automation Engineering, Robotics, Psychology, Music, Med School, Communications, and other areas in science.

We congratulate each one and wish them continued success in their educational future.

Club President, MARY ONAMA welcomed the students to our meeting- (l to R) Mamadou Bah , Kayla Huynh,

Izabella Gurreonero, Xiomara Smith, Jack Rosen. In the back is school counselor Jeff MacNamara,

who introduced the students.

Izabella Gurreonero

Kayla Huynh

Jack Rosen

Xiomara Smith

Mamadou Bah

Christmas Parade Dec 2nd

Paul Harris Fellowship Awarded

Congratulations, Virginia Frantz on receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship award for your generosity, from Dr James Nutt, Foundation Chair.

Dictionary Project Delivery This Week

PAT HART NORRISTOWN STATE HOSPITAL

PAT HART - VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR NORRISTOWN STATE HOSPITAL

Last week the Club welcomed as speaker, PAT HART who is the Volunteer Resources Coordinator for the Norristown State Hospital. Pat related how the hospital is still functioning with an average daily census of 350 individuals. There is constant turnover in the population with around 10 admissions / releases each week. The hospital serves those with mental struggles, in finding a sense of autonomy by advancing the development of the patients, as they strive to live their motto "Don't overlook anybody"

Pat's volunteer department is tasked with monitoring the needs of the patients and supplying needed materials to them. Her team does fundraising, collections of clothes and other goods, presenting parties and other entertainment to them, generally taking care of their personal and social needs.

They are always in need of donated supplies such as art and writing materials, and clothing. If you would like to contribute money or supplies to the volunteer group, call them at 610-313-1228 or contact our JUDY BUCKO who is president of the VIA Board of Directors.

Thank You Pat for visiting us.

NEW MEMBERS- CLIFF HIRST AND JEANNE COVE

The Rotary Club of Norristown welcomed two new members at its Nov. 2 meeting, with David Shoemaker performing the induction. We are pleased to receive CLIFF HIRST and JEANNE COVE into our club.

New Members- CLIFF HIRST, JEANNE COVE, their sponsor KAREN DeANGELO, DAVID SHOEMAKER

Rotaract Team Project 11-5

Jane Pekol informs us that the community Rotaract team forming is planning a workday project and invites our members to volunteer for the clean-up/fix-up of the Tremont Cemetery.

Meet at the Tremont Cemetery in a continuing effort to re-claim gravestones from the encroaching growth. They will be assisting a volunteer professional stone mason in repairing a section of the damaged rock wall in the front of the cemetery. It's an opportunity to learn something new, and help keep this historic and beloved cemetery intact long into the future.

Bring work gloves, clippers/loppers, and shovels if you can! The cemetery is located near the intersection of Sandy Street and Tremont Ave in Norristown.

If you are interested and can attend contact Jane rotaractnorristown@gmail.com .

Date: Sunday 11/5

Location: Tremont Cemetery near the intersection of Sandy Street and Tremont Ave in Norristown.

Questions: rotaractnorristown@gmail.com

CAROL FERGUSON - POLIO PLUS

CAROL FERGUSON from the Pennsylvania Polio Survivors Network, returned to our club to bring us up to date on Rotary's commitment to the eradication of Polio around the world. She reminded us of the importance of continued support for assuring the availability of vaccines in the few remaining Polio hot spots and making sure that we remain vigilant here to keep it from returning here. There have been cases overseas and it has appeared here, entering the country with an immigrant.

Carol is a survivor of Polio and spoke of the dangers of Post Polio Syndrome where Polio returns to those who survived the initial attack. This little know after-affect, can be disabling and needs the continued attention from Rotary to those affected by it.

Polio remains a potential danger and needs the continued attention from the Rotary Foundation.

Thank-you Carol for this informative talk.

NICK GEERS HONORED FOR 60 YEARS PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Last week the Club took time to honor NICK GEERS for the remarkable achievement of maintaining perfect attendance for 60 years. This accomplishment was noted by District Governor Diane Donaher during her annual visit.

A brief history of Nick includes his joining the Club in 1963, serving as president 1981-82, assistant District Governor of Area 5, achieving Paul Harris Fellow status, along with his continual support for Club service and community projects.

Nick, we all appreciate and celebrate everything that you have done for Rotary and our Club.

NICK GEERS celebrates 60 years perfect attendance

NICK and Governor DIANE DONAHER

NICK with Club President MARY ONAMA and District Governor DIANE DONAHER

Judy and Sole Harvest 5K

Thanks to Judy Bucko for volunteering to help out with the Sole Harvest 5K race. The race event went on despite the weather as it helps the Norristown Hospitality Center caring for the homeless and needing.

Thanks Judy for volunteering.

DON BENN - PA CONSTABLE

DON BENN -- PENNSYLVANIA STATE CONSTABLE

Last week, the club was treated to a discussion from DON BENN, the Pennsylvania Constable for our area. Don pointed out that not many people are aware of the role constables play in law enforcement activities. The constable function in Pa. was created in 1664 and became an official part of the state government in 1787. Ho stated that Montgomery County is unique in the state due to its extremely large number of governing bodies in the county, which adds to the difficulty in setting up constables. The position, although elected, is not funded directly by the government. Fees and service charges fund their activities, but many of their expenses are on them.

The most important activity they participate in, is election night protection. It is their responsibility to protect voters and pole workers. These activities are covered by the Constable and the several deputies they appoint. Montco has only 35 constables.

Other activities that constables cover were revised in a video Don presented. They include serving arrest warrants, warnings, eviction notices, and livestock control, among others. The source of their assignments is the district courts.

We thank Don for his informative talk.

Harlem Wizards 11-17

CARL WEBSTER - EASTER SEALS

CARL WEBSTER- EXEC. DIR. EASTER SEALS OF SOUTHEAST PA.

Last Thursday, the Club welcomed CARL WEBSTER, Executive Director, Easter Seals of Southeast Pennsylvania. Carl gave a very entertaining and informative review of the history and goals of the Easter Seals organization. He told us of how it had started in the early 1900's when Edgar Allen got together with Paul Harris, founder of Rotary, and together they started the tradition of Rotary supporting the Cripple Children's Fund, which later became The Easter Seals Organization. This charity has been a main recipient of Rotary clubs support ever since.

Easter Seals has worked with kids, birth through 8 years old, who suffer from a wide range of disabilities, enabling them to become more complete members of society and giving them a chance to participate in everyday activities.

The Southeast Pa chapter currently assists over 8000 kids in 5 area counties, providing home services, transportation, pre school, personal evaluation for advanced help, and supplying technical aids. Carl gave several moving examples of successes the organization has had with disabled kids over the years, which provided a moving reference for us, into what they offer.

He spoke of two main elements of their day to day involvement with kids, reject the notion that "kids can't do that" and strive to make all learning fun .

Thank you Carl for bringing this message to us.

SAVING THE AIRY ST. PRISON

CAMP NEIDIG ATTENDEES 2023

Garden Planting Sept 23, 2023 9am

There is a garden planting planned for Sept 23rd at 9am at the Padden Park Community Butterfly Garden.

Come help us plant mums and clean up weeding. - Sign Up online in 'Upcoming Events'

See Mary

This Year's Purple Pinkie Event Held in Horsham

PURPLE PINKIE RACE for ZERO - NEW LOCATION

This year the Purple Pinkie - Race for Zero event will be held in Horsham Park

Oct 14, 2023 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

1020 Horsham Road
Deep Meadow Park
Horsham, PA 19044

Our Club receives a Citation

Congratulations to 2022-2023 President Sunanda Charles in leading our club through a banner year of achievement last year. Over 800 service hours all going back to the community. Achievement of nearly all our goals including establishing a Club foundation. Past District Governor Len Geisler and 2022-2023 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones have awarded the club this citation of achievement.

We are so proud.

President Mary received the following memo from Past DG Len Geisler

" Congratulations to you and your club for earning the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2022-23. During a year that was challenging for many Rotarians and clubs around the world, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve your goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.

Please share this certificate with your club. Thank you for your support and dedication last year. I truly appreciate it. "

Len Geisler

Thank you Sunanda, for leading our club in reaching this very high achievement last year. It was a good year.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2023

Last Thursday, the ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN honored three scholarship recipients from the Norristown Area School District. These students were selected by our Scholarship Committee, working with the school district, and were based on exhibited strengths in the areas of academic excellence and community involvement. Each student received $200 towards their education plans. We congratulate these students and wish them continued success in their future educational and occupational endeavors.

Winners:

Emma Josephine Carpenter - Plans to attend University of Delaware with courses leading to Veterinary School.

Dulce Maria Vargas Ochoa - is heading to Cabrini and is undecided at the moment, but is leaning toward majoring Education or Business

Christian David Carbone - Plans to attend Villanova with studies in business and finance

Logan Hendricks (not present) will attend Rochester Institute of Technology $2500

Our three scholarship winners in attendance are welcomed by Club President Mary Onama and Committee Chair Tim Meyer

Canine Partners for Life

We were visited today by Canine Partners for Life. This non-profit located in Concordville Pa trains service dogs. Dogs take minimally 2 years to train until they are old enough to adopt. And while most dogs learn basic skills like walking with you all the way to pushing an elevator button or opening a cabinet. They are taught not to automatically pickup something small so that they don't accidentally ingest someone's medication. Some dogs are capable and learn advanced skills. Depending on the alertness the dog demonstrates, they learn very advanced skills and can warn an owner if sugar levels are dangerous simply by taste, visually alert dogs can detect an epileptic seizure. Here Suzanne Geouque stands with her dog Morgan.

STEMYEA

This year for the first time, our Rotary club made an investment in the future (other than grants) in the area of STEM education. We sponsored middle school students attending the Rotary STEM Youth Explorer Academy host at Kutztown University in early July. This year Christopher Jordan from the Eisenhower Middle School joined 42 other students in the eastern PA area at the camp to broaden their horizons and advance scholastic opportunities in STEM. Here are a few pictures of the experiments, all students received a backpack and a white lab coat.

Bike Collection 2022-2023 Successful

It was a drizzly day last Saturday. Due to the planned fireworks, West Norriton decided to postpone 'West Norriton Day' celebrations until Sunday when the weather was better. But the 'Bike Collection' went on anyway since the event was pre-advertised and we had made truck arrangements with Pedals for Progress coming from New Jersey. Their schedule this time of year is pretty tight. And more often than not, our drives have occurred on rainy spring Saturdays.

It was a good collection. We picked up the bikes we had collected all year and loaded the truck and headed to the high school. We had numerous visitors dropping bikes at the high school including some looking for the fireworks. Pedals for Progress provided training on breaking down a bike to make it small for shipping.

We processed the new bikes coming in and with 15 minutes to go, we started to break down the tent, and another donor came with 5 bikes. But we have plenty of help from Dave Shoemaker, Judy Bucko, Jack Rule, and Alan Treisbach and made quick work of it.

This is our 15th year collecting bicycles. Rotarian Jim Jones began this project originally in 2008. Around 2012 we started collecting bikes year round. Collections were down during the pandemic and are only now starting to come back.

This year we collected 65 bikes and 2 sewing machines saved from the landfill. The bikes are headed to the country of Belize in June and will become family transportation where they have no cars nor public transportation.

These bikes and sewing machines mean remote jobs and education and help the environment by keeping clean energy bicycles out of our landfills.

Dictionary Project Comes to a Close

Chair Judy Bucko says, we are caught up from the pandemic. No third grade classes missed their dictionary in the chain. We completed the special Spring distribution of 550 dictionaries to 6 schools.

Chairperson Judy thanks all the Rotarians who can out to support and enlighten the students of Rotary's focus on Promoting Literacy.

The talks about Rotary changing the World were spirited and highly interactive. They enjoyed showing what they learned and they were eager to explore their new books and write their names in the cover.

We let them know we will be back in the Fall right back on schedule.

Gotwals

Hancock

Earth Day 2023

It was so much fun ! Noristown Area Girl Scout troops, community supporters and the Rotary Club of Norristown participated in Earth Day 2023 in Padden Park, West Norriton.

For Earth Day, we cleaned out the community garden, cleaned up debris, planted oxygenating trees, removed weeds, restored natural drainage, planted butterfly and insect pollinator friendly vegetation. Mulching is next. The scouts and their supporters donated 3 beautiful new trees and all planted many new annuals to bring color to the garden for our coming butterfly visitors. Come visit 2101 Oakland Drive behind the playground.

We are planning our June 15th Changeover picnic at the park.

The new brick planter fashions the familiar gear shape. Not intended to be official branding, the gear is convenient shape for a circular plater.

Scout, community and club supporters/member donated 3 trees for the garden park area. They are stunning trees elected properly for their location and use.

The girls had so much fun working together planting annuals.

Thanks to all our Rotarians who came out to help. Especially to Diane for all of her planning to make it a success.

Rain barrel to provide water for thirsty flowers and plants.

A Successful Day !!

Trunk or Treat

TRUNK or TREAT

We had a blast at the Norristown Rec Center on Monday night. The club set up an elaborate grave yard to celebrate Halloween. The community came in droves and the rain held out until the end of the night. Three or four hundred local youths visited the center. The club gave out 50-60 lbs of candy to worthy costumes of all kinds. This is our 4th appearance at this annual event and always a ton of fun.

Student Achievement- NAHS 1-27-22

NAHS students honored by Rotary Club of Norristown,

Nancy Tellez, Julian Copertino, Katie Griffin, Madeline Plummer, T J Picard -

not pictured Kayla Fonesco

At the Jan. 27 meeting of the Rotary Club of Norristown honored six students from the Norristown Area High School with their Student Achievement award ceremony. acknowledging the accomplishments of the students in the areas of excellence in academics, sports, community service, and participation in school leadership.

They were highly visible in honor roll lists and National Honor Society , advance placement courses, and preparation for meaningful futures in engineering, public health, psychology, nursing, community development , social studies, pharmacy technology, and math. Their current interests and leadership skills are in student government, tutoring, and sports including: football, volleyball, bowling, soccer, and karate, with several holding part-time jobs.

They have applied to colleges including: MIT, Bucknell, Gettysburg, West Chester, Duke, Cal Tech, Lehigh, Temple, Widener, and Gwynedd Mercy. The future looks bright of each.

They expressed the boost they got from their parents who have supported and encouraged them throughout their life.

We wish them the best in the future as they pursue their future plans.

100 Children's Books Donated to the Library

‘100 books for 100 years’

'”Greetings Rotarians and Librarians” was the opening rhyme from Louise Zawadzki, President of the Rotary Club of Norristown (left). Today the Rotary Club of Norristown visited the Montgomery County Public Library in Norristown to celebrate the Rotary Club’s 100th birthday by donating 100 children’s books. With Louise accepting the gift, (right), is Karen DeAngelo, Exec. Director of the Library. The Rotary Club has partnered with the Library on various local projecs. The Club also donated a Children's Learning Center Activity Room at the Library in the past.

Watch the presentation here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OP6aOmd5SxxJQbSC6ouxeWd0zHdlDC0s/view?usp=sharing

Rotary Plays Cupid

Rotary Plays Cupid

The Rotary Club of Norristown played cupid to residents of the Montgomery Park Senior Housing Facility. The 50 unit site is the new low income housing facility at 1301 Powell Street former site of Montgomery Hospital. On Thursday 12/13, the club was greeted by Christie Jones, a social worker at the facility, who subsequently reached out to us and mentioned how "very grateful and happy they are and they've been calling". She said, "my residents truly appreciate it and it really made their day". Residents were given 56 bags containing items to show someone cares, such as a reusable mask, puzzle book, pen, note pad, Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, body lotion, chapstick, chocolate Valentine heart, Rotary flyer and a valentine! Thanks to Denise Ashe and Judy Bucko for organizing this.

2020 Bell Ringers

Rotary Bell Ringers are out Helping the Salvation Army

Every year for the past nine or ten years The Norristown Rotary Club gives the Salvation Army seasonal bell ringers the day off and step in the weekend before Christmas. It is typically aa very large collection day and often the coldest day of the year also.

Normally the club collects at multiple doors at Walmart in Trooper. This year. Walmart was remodeling and had only one entrance.

So, Project Chair Judy Bucko arranged to collect at both Walmart in Trooper and Redner's in Audubon.

Also, retired Salvation Army Major Fred Hagglund and his wife Major Ruth Aston Hagglund brought their instruments and played during an extended shift and treated shoppers to Christmas Carols. Since we are experiencing a pandemic, the club was masked and observed social distancing guidelines. Also a gift containing hand sanitizer, gloves and a mask were distributed to the shoppers this year.

JUDY BUCKO- ROTAPLAST MISSION TO GUATEMALA

Judy Bucko without a hat

Last week our own JUDY BUCKO told us about her recent mission trip with ROTAPLAST team to Guatemala repairing cleft lips and cleft pallets. Judy has now participated in several of these missions and plans to continue in the future, citing the thrill she gets from seeing families reactions to viewing their child with a normal face for the first time. ROTAPLAST is a function of ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, and has done some 2000 trips since its inception in 1992, with 13 last year alone. Judy was one of 26 volunteers that formed this years team, performing 114 surgeries. The clinics are free to the families and include both physical and speech rehab as part of the total process. She shared many pictures from the trip as she told of excitement of the kids and their parents to the operations.

Judy is caring on a tradition started by LOUISE ZAWADSKI a few years ago.

Thank you, Judy for the presentation.

THANKSGIVING DINNERS FOR THE COMMUNITY

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN conducted its annual turkey- Thanksgiving dinner distribution to 65 families in the Norristown area. Members met at ShopRite in East Norriton and packed complete dinners that were delivered to: The OIC Center, Hospitality Center, Family Services of Montco, Methacton High School, and Audubon YMCA, for distribution to the families.

Thanks to all who pitched in to help and defray that cost.

ROTARY AT ADVOCATES AGAINST HUNGER

Six members of the ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN helped the ADVOCATES AGAINST HUNGER fresh produce distribution in Norristown last Saturday. They joined other volunteers in handing out food to about 200 local families in need.

Thanks to Jim, Judy, Louise,Dave S, Dave V, and Ron for their participation.

CAMP NEIDIG STUDENTS VISIT

WELCOME CAMP NEIDIG CAMPERS

Each year our club sends 6 students to the District sponsored Leadership Camp in Douglassville, Camp Neidig. The students often don't know the people they are going with or teaming with. The idea of the camp is to help them develop skills to lead and learn about themselves and where they may want to develop in order to be tomorrow's effective leaders. The club has been sending students for almost 70 years. The campers stay 4 days and form teams in order to compete and problem solve as a team. At the conclusion they are asked to present their results to parents and peers the final evening. Following the camp, we ask them to attend lunch and tell us what they've learned.

The campers are (l - r) Joanna Zeheng (Methacton HS), Adrianna Wright (Norristown HS), Max Whittenberg (Plymouth Whitemarsh HS), Arielle Greenberg (Plymouth Whitemarsh HS), Nick Oliveri (Methacton HS) and absent was Nicole Henry (Norristown HS)

The students gave a brief synopsis of what they learned in 4 days. There was a lot of learning around forming teams and working together. One student even learned to temper her fear of insects.

These ambiguously young adults (high school juniors) are thinking ahead toward careers ranging from political science and to entomology.

Adrianna Wright Max Whittenberg

Arielle Greenberg Nick Oliveri

Joanna Zeheng

Norristown Fun Day on the River

NORRISTOWN FUN DAY ON THE RIVER

Saturday was a warm day but that didn't stop the Norristown community from having a lot of fun on the River. Heather Gaines did a great job working with Robin and others to plan a successful event. There were lots of activities, live music by the Alan Reynolds band, a real dragon line, many demonstrations and vendors.

Our Rotary boat judges Jim Williams, Tom Bown, Judy Bucko, Paul Catrambone, Mark Call and also to Christine Sherbert & Robin Parker, Diane Helm for planning and representing Rotary / Norristown all worked hard to make it a success.

A BIG THANK You to these Rotarians who came out to help bring Rotary into the community.

Our Rotary Judges

The Dragonboat Event Planners

One favorite activity of the day was the Cardboard Boat Contest. The Water Rescue squad is on the water during the entire race.

The boats are created almost entirely out of corrugated cardboard and duct tape. A lot of creativity was demonstrated mostly by area youths.

Boats are judged based on Appearance (Creativity, Asthetic Beauty, and supporting the Dragon Boat theme), Design(Originality and Innovation, Simplicity, Compliance with material rules, Efficient use of materials), and of course Speed & Boating Skills ( 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners o the race. We had 9 boat entrants this year. They were all good and we recycled a lot of cardboard.

Some capsize at the race start. You can view the entire race by clicking on the large picture below:

VIDEO of the Race

(click on picture)

WINNERS

Appearance - NPD K9-2431

Design - Elley Elefant Cruise

Speed (Race)

1st place - #2 Witch Raft

2nd Place - #1

3rd Place - #9

ROTARY CLUB HELPS OUT ADVOCATES AGAINST HUNGER

Thanks to those members who helped with the fresh produce distribution last Saturday.

RARE CANADIAN GOOSE POTATO

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD- PATHWAY SCHOOL

The ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN recognized JOSHUA SHAW, of the Pathway School, with its Student Achievement Award. Joshua has excelled in academics, helping others , personal development, and leadership in school activities. Congratulations, JOSHUA.

Honoree JOSHUA SHAW is flanked by Pathway counselor JAN HARPER, and Club Student Achievement Director, LOUISE ZAWADZKI

JOSHUA SHAW speaks to the club

JOSHUA thanked his counselor and mentor JAN HARPER

BELL RINGERS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY

Thanks to all who came out last Saturday to ring the bells for The Salvation Army. Thanks also to JUDY BUCKO for organizing the collection again this year.

ROSIE- THE CHAMPION DONATION COLLECTOR

HOLIDAY DINNER AT MEADOWOOD

The Club held its annual Holiday Dinner at the Meadowood Retirement Community, hosted by our Paul Norderman. The food was great, and the room festive and welcoming. Thanks to Paul, his staff, and Bernie Reilly for putting this event together.

MC John Heyser lead the evening

And he lead the Norristown Rotary Chorus and Orchestra

TRUNK OR TREAT -2018

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN participated in the Norristoen Trunk or Treat gathering at Rosevelt Field on halloween.We gave out treats to many kids from the city.

PATHWAY STUDENT HONORED

As an extension of our Student Achievement Awards program, the club honored SHAWN LUTHER , from THE PATHWAY SCHOOL, for academic excellence and his contributions in setting a great example for other students to follow, mentoring, and demonstrating how dedication and desire can pay off by turning and apprentice opportunity into a steady job. The school offers training in computer coding, robotics, and other tech areas, and Shaun entered the program and immediately demonstrated aptitude and skills in the area, leading to internship position with a local firm, who realized his abilities , and eventually offered him a permanent position.

The PATHWAY SCHOOL founded in 1961 t,serves students with neurological impairment, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, psychological disorders, and serious emotional disturbance. The school has started the new program TEAM CHILDREN which focuses on preparing the students, with an individually prepared program, for the real world,giving them a chance to get beyond their impairments.

Congratulations SHAWN.

LILIAN NEARY from PATHWAY introduces SHAWN LUTHER

LILLIAN, SHAWN, AND incoming Student Achievement Chair LOUISE ZAWADZKI

The ROTARY CLUBS of NORRISTOWN and AMBLER TEAM UP

The ROTARY CLUBS of NORRISTOWN and AMBLER TEAM UP
to provide $12000 for new computer equipment for the Montgomery County OIC (a local not-for-profit) as part of a district matching grant with contributions from both clubs. The grant provided 16 workstations and networking equipment supporting Rotary's efforts in economic & community development to replace obsolete, failing equipment nearly 10 years old. These will be used for training and electronic testing for pre-apprentice job skill training (35 people per year), GED preparation (100 people / year), literacy training, life skills and interviewing skills, English as a 2nd language, after school mentoring (25 youths / year) and STEM education (50 youths per year) and the new Nursing Assistant program just started 2 months ago, training offered both day and night.

Pictured let to right are:
Ray Thomas Vice Chair OIC - Dr Michael Seidner Rotary Asst Gov D7430 - Leo Brady Chair OIC - Denise Ashe Exec Dir OIC - Cary Fleisher President Ambler Rotary - Aariann Vaughn OIC - Mark Call President Norristown Rotary

LIZZIE HESSEK - SCHULKILL RIVER TOWNS

LIZZIE HESSEK Program Manager in the Pa. Environmental Council, spoke to the club about river and trail developments in the Norristown area, specifically the Schulkill River Trail. The goals of her group are to preserve and protect the area landscape, improve access to river locations, and promote the towns along area rivers for tourism and path use. The Schulkill River Trail has been selected as The Best River Trail in the USA by USA TODAY and is the center point for their project of RIVERTOWN PROGRAMS. The program promotes the towns, details access points to the river and trail, works to connect trails and promote community engagement.One of their major accomplishments is getting the Sullivan Bridge completed over the Schulkill at Valley Forge.

LIZZIE HESSEK is welcomed by Program Chair, ROBIN PARKER