WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HATBORO

Hatboro Rotary Highlights
🌟 Welcome, Rob! 🌟

December 2025

Today we were thrilled to officially induct Rob as the newest member of Hatboro Rotary!

Rob may be “new” to the club, but as his sponsor Gary shared during the ceremony, Rob is certainly no stranger to service.  Rob has already jumped in to help at several of our events, and his background, skills and commitment to community make him a perfect fit for Rotary.

Please join us in giving Rob a warm Hatboro Rotary welcome—we’re so glad he’s here, and we look forward to serving alongside him.  đŸ’™đŸ’›

✨A Joyful Day at Hatboro’s Holiday Parade

November 2025

🎄✨ Hatboro Rotary had such a wonderful time participating in Hatboro’s annual holiday parade today!  We loved being part of this festive community tradition, sharing smiles, and spreading a little extra joy along the parade route.  Huge thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us—your energy made the day even brighter!  đŸŽ…đŸ¤śđŸ’Ť

🎁 Holiday Boodle Boxes Headed to Korea! 🇺🇸✨

November 2025

This week, the Hatboro Rotary teamed up with the Horsham Rotary to spread a little cheer across the globe.  Together, we packed 20 holiday care packages, our festive “Boodle Boxes”, for soldiers stationed in Korea. Our mission is to let those who serve our country know they’re not forgotten, especially when they’re far from families during the holiday season.  The boxes were filled with treats and special cards written by elementary students and the Interact students at Hatboro-Horsham High School.  

Thank you to everyone who helped make this project so meaningful.  It’s amazing what we can accomplish when our Rotary families work together.  

 

Hatboro Rotary Honors Our Veterans

November 2025

This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize and thank the members of the Rotary Club of Hatboro who have served our nation with dedication and courage.

Frank

Served in the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet from 1953 to 1956.

Tom F.

Served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 as a Sergeant (E-5) with the 1st Cavalry Division Air Mobile. Stationed at Phuoc Vinh Combat Base in Vietnam, he worked as a helicopter repair technician on Huey gunships.

Tom P.

Served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971 as a Hospital Corpsman and X-ray Technologist, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). He was stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital and aboard the USS Shenandoah, with deployments throughout the Mediterranean.

Barbara

Served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1994, completing a distinguished 27-year career in military nursing. She served as Director of Nursing at several bases worldwide and retired with the rank of Captain.

Mike

Served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, including reconnaissance missions in Vietnam, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He flew the F-4 Phantom across multiple international posts and retired as a Major in 1987.


We thank these members for their service to our country and for continuing to embody Rotary’s spirit of “Service Above Self” through their work in our community.


 

🌟Rotarian Spotlight- Meet Marty!

November 2025

When it comes to community spirit, Marty truly embodies what Rotary is all about.  He joined Hatboro Rotary in 2018 after completing a four-year term on Borough Council, ready to keep making a difference.  â€œI wanted to give back to the local community and finally had the time to do it,” he says—and he’s been doing just that ever since!

For Marty, the best part of Rotary is connecting with others who share his passion for service.  His favorite project, The Lobster Pot, perfectly captures that spirit.  â€œIt’s such a fun night that brings the whole community together—and nearly every Rotarian pitches in to make it happen!”

Marty also enjoys hearing about the incredible work Rotary does around the world.  â€œIt’s inspiring to see how much impact we have, both locally and globally.”

Outside of Rotary, Mary stays active and adventurous.  A lifelong sports fan turned dedicated runner, he’s tackled everything from 5Ks to marathons.  He’s also the proud owner of a classic car and loves spending time at cruise nights and car shows, swapping stories with fellow car enthusiasts.  When he’s looking to unwind, you’ll find him in the Poconos with his family—boating, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

💙Thank you, Marty, for your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to “Service Above Self.”  You make Hatboro Rotary proud!

Hatboro Rotary Honors Patsy Meck with Inaugural People of Action Award

October 2025

The Rotary Club of Hatboro proudly recognizes Patsy Meck as the recipient of its first-ever People of Action Award, honoring her outstanding service and lasting contributions to the Hatboro community.  She was also named an honorary Paul Harris Fellow, one of Rotary’s highest recognitions for those who exemplify the motto “Service Above Self.”

A lifelong Hatboro resident, Patsy co-founded H.A.T. Packs in 2018 to fight food insecurity among local students.  What began as a small initiative serving 16 children has grown into a nonprofit that now provides over 330 Hatboro-Horsham students and siblings with nutritious weekend meals each week.

“Patsy’s commitment to meeting the ongoing needs of our community makes her an obvious choice as our first ‘Person of Action’” said Rotarian Russ Fairlie.  â€œShe truly personifies Rotary’s spirit of service.”

In addition to her community work, Patsy is a retired autistic support paraprofessional and a lifelong performer who has appeared in several major films, including Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.

The Rotary Club of Hatboro congratulates Patsy for her inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to making Hatboro a stronger, more caring community.  

💕Honoring the Heart of Maternal Wellness 

October 2025

🌸 A heartfelt thank-you to Lindsay from Maternal Wellness Center in Hatboro for speaking to our club today and sharing the important work being done to support parents and families. 💕

Maternal Wellness Center goes beyond traditional perinatal care by focusing on both the emotional and physical needs of parents.  Their team knows that when moms feel supported and informed, birth and postpartum outcomes improve—and parents and children thrive.  đŸ’œ

Maternal wellness is an area of focus for Rotary International and our club is so grateful for the maternal care that Lindsay and the Center bring to our community every day. ✨🌼

🏁 Ready, Set, Race to Zero!

🏃‍♀️ Lace up! It’s almost time for the Race to Zero 5K and Fun Run!  đŸŽ‰

Join us as we move closer to ending polio once and for all.  Every step, every mile, every donation brings us closer to ZERO.  

👉October 18, 2025  9:00AM-10:30AM

👉411 Babylon Road, Simmons Elementary School, Horsham PA

👉Register today: https://runtheday.com/register/detail/race-to-zero-2025-uco/?source=upcomingraces

👉Can’t race?  You can still make an impact by donating to Polio Plus:  https://raise.rotary.org/Race-to-Zero/fundraiser755

Did you know?  Polio Plus not only funds vaccines to end polio, but the “Plus” also supports clean water, maternal health, and disease prevention efforts worldwide wide. 

Let’s spread the word—invite your family, friends & colleagues to be part of this incredible movement!  đŸ’™đŸ’›

🌿 Wellness Matters 🌿

September 2025

✨Big thanks to Margaret, Clinic Director at Willow Grove Physical Therapy in Hatboro for sharing her expertise with us today!  đŸ™Œ Her talk on pain and wellness was informative, eye-opening, and so helpful.  We’re grateful for her time and knowledge! 💙

🦞Lobster Pot Strong

September 2025

🦞✨A huge THANK YOU to the Hatboro community, our fellow Rotarians, friends, and family for making yesterday’s Lobster Pot another success! ⛈️Even with the weather and the pivot to take-out only, your hard work, support, and teamwork made it all possible. 💪❤️

We are so grateful for everyone who cooked, packed, served, and showed up to keep this tradition strong. Together, we made it happen! 👏👏

Sculpting Surprises 🗿✨

August 2025

We got to see a different side of our fellow member, Art!  

Art discovered a passion for sculpture and decided to take a class—and the results are truly impressive.  He shared his artistic journey with us today and gave us a glimpse of his remarkable creations.

We love celebrating the many talents and passions of our members—thank you, Art, for inspiring us with your creativity!  

Community Kindness in Action

August 2025

👏Thank you, Hatboro!👏 

Your donations at Hatboro Federal Savings are now at the Lehman Methodist Church Food Pantry—thanks to the Hatboro Rotary delivery crew. 🥫💛 

Together, we make a difference!

🦞🎉It’s Lobster Pot Season in Hatboro! 🎉🦞

Join the Rotary Club of Hatboro for our Annual Lobster Pot Fundraiser—a delicious tradition with a powerful purpose!

Proceeds from this event go right back into our community, supporting local programs like:

🧃 HatPacks

🍽️ Meals on Wheels

🛒 Local Food Pantries

🚒 Enterprise Fire Company

🚑 Second Alarmers Rescue 

Every ticket you buy helps us make a difference—one meal, one neighbor, one organization at a time.  

Want to join us?  Reach out to a Rotarian or use the CONTACT US link on our website for ticket information.  

Supporting Our Local Heroes!

July 2025

The Rotary Club of Hatboro proudly presented a check to Ken Davidson, Assistant Chief of the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad, to help purchase a new E-Bike for their growing fleet!  

These E-bikes are a game-changer—allowing EMS teams to respond faster and more efficiently to emergencies during crowded local events like the Hatboro Holiday Parade and the Car Show.

We’re honored to support the frontline responders who keep our community safe.  This is Service Above Self in action!  đŸ’™

Thank You, Hatboro!

July 2025

The Rotary Club of Hatboro is proud to share that we raised over $200 for the PolioPlus Foundation at the Hatboro Car Show— one soft pretzel at a time!  We’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by our tent, enjoyed a Philly soft pretzel, and donated to this vital cause.  Your kindness supports Rotary’s mission to end polio and protect children around the world from this preventable disease. 

What is PolioPlus?

It’s Rotary’s global initiative to eradicate polio through life-saving vaccines, community outreach, and emergency response to high-risk areas.  

Together, we continue to Unite for Good— one act of service, one donation, one pretzel at a time.  â¤ď¸

Fueling a Bright Future!  

July 2025

The Hatboro Rotary Club is proud to present this year’s Vo-Tech Scholarship Award to Brady Brzowski, a recent graduate of Hatboro-Horsham High School and the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, where he studied automotive technology. 

Brady stood out for his strong work ethic, technical skills and commitment to learning- qualities that will serve him well as he begins the next chapter of his journey at the University of Pittsburgh, where he plans to study Mechanical Engineering.

We’re excited to support Brady’s future and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make in the field of engineering.  

Spreading Sunshine, Sharing Hope

July 2025

The Rotary Club of Hatboro was deeply honored to meet Jen Reath, the inspiring founder of Hayley’s Sunshine Foundation, and to present a donation in support of her beautiful mission.


Hayley’s Sunshine brings light and hope to children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Through “Sunshine Boxes” filled with comforting resources and thoughtful gifts, the foundation helps lift heavy hearts and bring moments of joy during the darkest times.


We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to support this meaningful work—and to help spread a little sunshine in Hayley’s memory. https://hayleyssunshine.org/

Lace Up for a Cause

The Jack Duffy 5K Run/Walk is coming up—and the Rotary Club of Hatboro is proud to be a sponsor of this important event supporting youth mental health in our community.

Join us as we run (or walk!) in memory of Jack and help raise awareness and funds for programs that support the emotional well-being of our youth.


📅 Date: Saturday, August 9

📍 Location:  Hatboro-Horsham High School

🕗 Time:  8am

Whether you’re racing to beat your best time or just showing up in support—every step makes a difference.

Scholarship. Service. Success.

June 2025

Congratulations to this year’s Hatboro Rotary Scholarship winner, Amy Park!

Amy is not only a top academic student at Hatboro-Horsham High School, but also serves as the dedicated President of Interact. Her leadership, service, and commitment to making a difference truly reflect the values of Rotary.

This fall, Amy will attend Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College to study chemical engineering. She’s already looking ahead to staying involved through Penn State’s Rotaract Club and other service opportunities on campus.

We are so proud of you, Amy, and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish!

 

 
Rotary Minds Across the Globe!
A meeting of Rotary minds across the globe!
Hatboro Rotary President, Barb Rudakevych, had the honor of attending a meeting of the Rotorua North Rotary Club, in beautiful New Zealand. Together, they shared stories of service, friendship, and community impact — and marked the occasion with a time-honored tradition: the exchange of Rotary flags.

Here’s to strengthening international bonds and working together to make a difference, one community at a time.
Rotarian Spotlight- Darlene

Leading with Heart:  Darlene’s Rotary Journey

Driven by a deep passion for community and gymnastics, Darlene found her Rotary home with the Hatboro club after seeing firsthand the incredible support they gave her special needs gymnastics program at the Hatboro Y. Encouraged by her boss and Rotarian, Gary, she initially joined Willow Grove Rotary, but quickly realized Hatboro was where she truly belonged. One of her most meaningful experiences was partnering with Katrina and other Rotarians to raise over $20,000 for a special needs gymnastics program. Her favorite project remains creating a space and providing equipment tailored for YMCA and Special Olympics athletes — a project that created a welcoming space where every athlete could thrive. Darlene loves the spirit of service and teamwork that defines Hatboro Rotary, especially during her time as club president, when she directed club donations to causes close to her heart. After 27 years with the YMCA, she now leads gymnastics efforts across 17 branches as an Association Director. Outside of Rotary and work, Darlene cherishes her Fridays with grandkids Fitz, Fennie, and Fergie, celebrates 37 years of marriage to Dennis, and beams with pride watching her children build their own beautiful futures. Rotary isn’t just a club to her — it’s family, friendship, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.  

 
Hatboro Rotary Named ShelterBox HERO!

We are proud to announce that Hatboro Rotary has been recognized as a ShelterBox Bronze Level HERO for our continued support and contributions to ShelterBox!

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and vital supplies to families affected by disaster and conflict around the world. This recognition reflects our commitment to service above self and our shared belief that no family should be without shelter after a crisis.

Thank you to all our members and supporters who helped make this possible. Together, we are making a difference—one box, one family, one community at a time.

 
Big Wins & Bigger Hearts at Bingo 2025!

Thank you, Hatboro!

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support Rotary at Bingo in the Borough 2025! Your energy, generosity, and community spirit made the event a huge success. Every card played and every smile shared helps us continue our mission of service and support right here in Hatboro and beyond.

We couldn’t do it without you—thank you for being part of something special!  

 
Bingo in the Borough is Back!
Join us for a fun-filled night of Bingo with great prizes, laughter, and community spirit!  Enjoy an evening of friendly competition while supporting local causes! Grab your friends, mark your calendars, and get ready to yell Bingo!
The Art of Healing

4/16/25 At this week’s Rotary meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from fellow Rotarian Karen, who introduced us to the ancient healing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Through her engaging presentation, Karen shared how this gentle, hands-on practice helps restore balance and harmony within the body — using nothing more than our own hands and breath.

Thank you, Karen, for sharing your knowledge and passion with us!

 
Hatboro Rotarian Spotlight- Jonathan
Inspiration and Membership

With a passion for community service, Jonathan was inspired to join Rotary after witnessing the Horsham and Hatboro Rotary clubs’ involvement in constructing Everybody’s Playground on Dresher Road. His background in special education made this project particularly meaningful. A conversation with a local printer about supporting children in the community led to an invitation to join the Hatboro Rotary. Jonathan has been a dedicated member for nearly 21 years, with his 21st anniversary on May 26.

Memorable Experiences

Co-chairing an International Water project stands out as a significant experience, emphasizing the importance of addressing global needs. Additionally, chairing the scholarship committee has been profoundly rewarding, allowing Jonathan to engage with talented students and assist them and their families in achieving higher levels of academic and service excellence.

Favorite Service Project

The annual Lobster Pot event holds a special place in Jonathan’s heart. He believes this gathering exemplifies the unity and enthusiasm of Rotarians, as they collectively bring their skills and passion to create a successful event. Moreover, it serves as a conduit for strengthening community bonds and fostering friendships.

Valued Aspects of Rotary

Being part of a network of professionals committed to bettering both the local community and the broader world is what Jonathan cherishes most about Rotary. This collective dedication to service and improvement aligns seamlessly with his personal values.

Life Beyond Rotary

Outside of Rotary, Jonathan fulfills roles as a pastor, teacher, and professor. He leads a small country church in Upper Bucks County, north of Doylestown, and teaches Bible and History at Phil-Mont Christian Academy. Additionally, he instructs theology and spiritual formation at Ethnos College. Family is central to Jonathan’s life; he enjoys spending time with his wife, Beth, their grown children, Sam and Anna, daughter-in-law Rebecca, and their three dogs—two Australian Shepherds and a Pug. His interests also include traveling, camping, and supporting the Phillies and everything Penn State.

Through his enduring commitment and multifaceted involvement, Jonathan exemplifies the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self,” making a significant impact both locally and globally.

Bingo in the Borough is Back!
Join us for a fun-filled night of Bingo with great prizes, laughter, and community spirit!  Enjoy an evening of friendly competition while supporting local causes! Grab your friends, mark your calendars, and get ready to yell Bingo!
March Service Project- Hatboro HATPacks
Hatboro Rotarians came out to assemble weekend snack bags for local school children with the Hatboro HATPacks organization.  HATPacks does an amazing job organizing the collection of food items, assembling the food bags and delivering bags to the schools.  Hatboro is so fortunate to have this valuable organization and our club is honored to support them.  
Spreading Spring Time Cheer
3/19/2025.  Our club labeled hundreds of gummy snacks (Thanks to an awesome donation from Haribo!) with a cheerful Spring greeting from the Hatboro Rotary Club. The snacks will be given to Hatboro HATPacks organization.  HATpacks provides packs filled with non-perishable food items to local school children to help fill weekend hunger gaps.  
Bring on the Baseball Season!
3/12/2025. Our club was so engaged as we listened to baseball stories from Dave Brown, sports writer and co-author of the book, Shadows of Glory: Memorable and Offbeat World Series Stories. His presentation was a great way to get us excited for the upcoming baseball season.  Go Phils!  
4 Way Speech Contest Winners
3/8/25. Congratulations to this year’s 4-Way Speech Contest winners, Adrianna and Charlie!  We are so proud of these students!  They prepared and presented fantastic speeches on a topic they are passionate about and adopted a point of view to persuade others.  They needed to address each part of Rotary’s 4-Way Test in their speech. The 4-Way Test asks, 1. Is it the truth?  2. Is it fair to all concerned?  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendship?  4.  Will it be beneficial to all concerned.  Adrianna is moving on to the regional level of the speech contest to be held later this month.  We wish her all the best!
Rotarians at Play!
2/26/25- Hatboro Rotarians like to work on service projects but we like to have fun even more!  We had a great time at Los Sarapes last Wednesday night.  Food and drink were yummy but the company of fellow Rotarians, and friends, was the best part.  heart 
Rotary Food Collection

Wow! What a haul! Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Hatboro community, our club collected a full load of food for the local food pantry. A huge thank you to everyone who donated at the Hatboro Federal Bank location. Your support makes a real difference for those in need. Together, we are helping to fight hunger in our community.  

 
Hatboro Rotarian Spotlight- Barbara
 

A Legacy of Rotary

Inspired by her father’s dedication to Rotary, this longtime Rotarian joined the organization over 60 years ago. After retiring from the Navy, Barb returned to the Poconos to be near her parents and began helping with Rotary events, often filling in for her father at community fairs. Eventually, her father and another member invited her to join, and Barb was proudly pinned as a Rotarian by her own dad.

A Journey of Leadership and Impact

Just three years into her membership, Barb became club president, setting the stage for a lifetime of Rotary service. Eager to learn more, she attended district conferences, where she met fellow Rotarians and supported youth exchange programs. Over the years, Barb participated in numerous service projects, both locally and internationally. From building sleeping quarters at a scout camp to cleaning up highways, her contributions at home were significant. However, it was her overseas missions—helping children and those in need of medical care—that left a lasting impact.

Service Beyond Borders

One day, an article in Rotary Magazine about a medical mission to Peru caught her attention. Barb reached out and soon found herself traveling abroad to provide critical aid. These trips, which lasted several years, combined hard work with the adventure of exploring new cultures—one of the highlights being her climb to Machu Picchu after a mission.

Her commitment to service extended beyond Rotary. In the wake of 9/11, Barb was heavily involved in disaster relief efforts in New York City and later at the Pentagon. She also joined fellow Rotarians in Honduras to help build a protective wall for an orphanage.

The Heart of Rotary

For Barb, the most rewarding aspect of Rotary is the people—both lifelong friends and new connections. The opportunities within the organization are endless. She and her friend Tom attended a Rotary convention in Australia, where she connected with others involved in youth exchange programs. She was even invited to Poland to share insights on the American program.

Life Beyond Rotary

Although Barb no longer practices as a nurse, she remains active in her community. Genealogy is a passion, and she is currently organizing her belongings in preparation for a future move to a senior center. Barb also volunteers regularly, participating in Hat Packs to support those in need. This year, Barb looks forward to attending the district conference in Hershey, where she will reconnect with old friends and enjoy the camaraderie that has defined her Rotary experience.

For this dedicated Rotarian, service is not just a commitment—it’s a way of life.

 
Rotarians Support Shelterbox
2/19/2025. Our club was honored to welcome Bill Tuszynski, Rotary District 7430 Shelterbox Representative.  He shared updates on Shelterbox’s national and international work, from communities in LA ravaged by wild fires to villages in the Philippines devastated by typhoons.  Shelterbox’ mission is “to build awareness of global displacement and to facilitate providing families with life-saving shelter and essential tools and supplies that will enable them to rebuild their homes and transform their lives after disaster.” The Rotary Club of Hatboro is proud to make a donation to this vital organization. 
Rotarians At Work
Our club's February service project was in support of Bux-Mont Meals on Wheels, located in Hatboro.  Rotarians collected an assortment of individually wrapped, shelf stable foods and packed 50+ emergency snack bags.  Meals on Wheels deliver these essential bags ahead of long weekends or anticipated storms to ensure that their clients have access to food when regular deliveries may be disrupted.  
Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser
Select your squares, on our Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser and WIN!
 
$100 first quarter
$150 half time
$100 third quarter
$200 end of game
 
Here is how it works:
  • https://superbowlpoolsite.com/contest/566019 will send you to the site that has the rules of our pool and will allow you to select your squares. 
  • The DONATE button on this website will allow a donation by PayPal, or credit card of $25 a square.
 
 
Rotary Foundation
Hatboro Rotary's contributions to the Rotary Foundation make a huge impact in our community and around the world.  Our club is proud to have so many Paul Harris Fellows who contribute at varying levels.  Today, at our club meeting, Katrina, our Rotary Foundation Chairperson, is proud to present Tom with his Paul Harris Fellow x5 pin.  Congratulations to Tom!  
Rotary Giving Service Project
Santa's elves got a helping hand this year from the Hatboro Rotary Club. In our favorite, annual service project, Rotarians purchased and wrapped presents for Hatboro children.  Sacks of gifts will be distributed during the holidays.  Thanks to Hatboro Federal Savings for allowing us to use your space to store and wrap the presents. 
 
The Joy of Music
The Hatboro Horsham High School Madrigal Choir Ensemble performed a joyful selection of holiday songs at our club meeting this morning.  We are so grateful for Director Charles Masters and the musicians for sharing their hard work, talent and love of music with the Hatboro community.  
 
Upcoming Speakers and Events
Club Executives & Directors
President
Barbara Rudakevych
President Elect
Tom Bender
Immediate Past President
Lisa Grace
Treasurer
Linda Roehner
Secretary
Gary Chamberlain
Rotary Foundation
Katrina Sullivan
Interact
Kathy Salemno
Sergeant-at-Arms
Darlene Malone
Youth Services
Jonathan Riches
Public Image
Barbara Rudakevych

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