Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for Rotary International, one that underscores the core values that are a foundation for how members interact with each other and their communities. Over the last two years, the RI Board of Directors have taken steps to cement Rotary's commitment to being an organization that sets the standard for valuing and living the principals of DEI. In 2019 the Board adopted Rotary's DEI statement that affirms its commitment to DEI and recognizes that welcoming people with differing perspectives and ideas enhances Rotary's ability to create lasting change in communities worldwide. It's crucial that everyone who engages with Rotary -- no matter who they are in the world, or how long they have been connected with Rotary – to feel valued, respected, and welcomed. Rotary's capacity for doing good is amplified when we not only welcome, but actively invite, a variety of experiences, cultures, and perspective. (taken from RI website). What does that mean?

• cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. 
• value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs. 
• Recognize that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive. 
•  all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong. 
• In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years, and we’ve made incredible progress in the fight to rid the world of it forever. Rotary, as a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've helped to reduced polio cases by more than 99.9 percent. It’s crucial to eradicate polio from the last two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) where it remains endemic and to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year. Vaccines work! Look how far we have come since starting global vaccination programs.

Those who had polio may suffer from Post Polio Syndrome. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors many years (15-40)  after recovery from an initial attack of the poliomyelitis virus. PPS is characterized by a further weakening of muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection. PPS is not contagious. The most common symptoms include:

• slowly progressive muscle weakness
• fatigue (both general and muscular)
• decrease in muscle size (muscular atrophy)
• loss of muscle function
• pain from joint deterioration and increasing skeletal deformities such as curvature of the spine (scoliosis)

Some individuals experience only minor symptoms, while others develop more visible muscle weakness and atrophy.  PPS is rarely life-threatening but the symptoms can interfere significantly with the individual's capacity to function independently.  

We must continue the momentum to stop this disease. Rotary does an annual fundraiser call "the Purple Pinkie" run. This year the run will be held Oct

• Today was his last meeting before he and his wife move to Florida
• Long-time member of Rotary and founded Lewis Paints
• 1977 -opened Lewis Paints in Hatboro, which today has 4 locations. Business is now run by his children. 
• 1985-Hatboro Chamber of Commerce President
• Involved in Cub Scouts for 12 Years
• 1988 - Club's first Paul Harris fellow, and continues to donate $1,000/yr in monthly payments, currently Club's highest donor to Paul Harris, which uses a significant portion of donations for service and not overhead
• 1989-Hatboro Rotary President
• He's been a loyal, long-time member and has supported club's efforts over the years
• Later received the Service to Community Award at Hatboro Borough Ball for outstanding service to the community
• We wish him and his wife the best. 
• Celebrated with donuts and cupcakes. 

Maria’s philosophy is centered around her favorite quote, “the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.” Her vision is to motivate women of all ages, shapes, ethnicity and sizes to be their most confident selves.

Self confidence is the best outfit …rock it, wear it, own it!

Family has always been a source of inspiration and guidance for founder and owner, Maria - daughter of tailor, Angelo. Maria’s father immigrated to America from Greece in 1967 with his family. As a girl, Maria’s memories of her dad are the creative force that ignited her drive to launch Boutique 28.

Maria is celebrating her first year anniversary as a business owner in Hatboro. If you haven't been to her shop, stroll on in and say hello!

www.boutique28fashion.com She also has a facebook page.

Welcome to Hatboro Maria!