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Chestnut Hill Rotary celebrated 30 years of serving the Northwest Philadelphia and international communities Wednesday morning to a packed room that included current and past members, and organizations that have benefited from the club’s service over the years.
Held at Center on the Hill’s Widener Room at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Club President, Cathy Brzozowski opened the meeting recalling her father’s long involvement with Rotary. “I often think about my father, Ned, who served this Club faithfully for 24 years,” said Brzozowski.
Ned Mitinger, who was passionate about early childhood education, passed away in 2022. A selection of books of the new library at Jenks Academy for the Arts & Sciences was dedicated to Mitinger and his wife Rujean, who frequently volunteered to read to first grade students.
“Week after week, he walked from his home on Germantown Avenue to our Wednesday morning meetings, taking more than six million steps (as was calculated by Rev. Brian Russo) with purpose, conviction, and humility. His dedication reflects the heart of Rotary: Service Above Self. His steps remind me that every act of service, no matter how small, leads us further on the path toward change.”
The celebration included both poignant and funny moments recalled by founding members Rebecca Anwar, Maxine Dornemann, and Elliot Schwartz, who acted as emcee and story teller.
Member Maxine Dornemann shares poignant moments.
"I have friends, that I count as real friends, that my life would not have intersected with them, were it not for Rotary." said Dornemann. Through a video clip, She was joined by founding member, Bright Judson, who both shared a stories about the origin of the club.
Dornemann recalled a remarkable trip to Jerusalem organized by fellow member Elliot Schwartz in honor of his wife who died around the same time as Dorneman’s husband. “It was a transformative moment in my life. And, it wouldn’t have happened without Rotary,”
Watch the complete 30th Anniversary Celebration including preview images of service and events from previous years.
Schwartz recalled many of the fundraisers that the club organized including one called Ducky Derby suggested by founding member Alex Cook. “We’re going to get ducks, and we’re going to put them in the Schuylkill {River} and we’re going to raise a lot of money,” said Cook. The club did sell over 10,000 rubber ducks. But, when the ducks were dumped into the river, they became stuck against the rocks due to the wind. Schwartz highlighted other fundraisers such as the highly successful annual Lobster Fest and emphasized that one hundred percent of the money goes to charities.
At the beginning of the program, Face to Face Germantown, one of Chestnut Hill Rotary’s partners, received a check contribution for $1,000. “I want to say thank you to Chestnut Hill Rotary for years and years collaborations and support given to Face to Face, said Mary Kay Meeks, Executive Director.
Click on the image to download the 30th Anniversary Booklet
Rebecca Anwar spoke about the club’s international work to support an orphanage in Guyana, one of the poorest countries in South America. Anwar first visited Hope Children’s Home in 1998 and has returned frequently to help volunteer. Anwar recalled that over the years, many members volunteered to go and help and Rotary International and local clubs in the district helped to provide funding.
Corinne Scioli, member and Principal of Jenks Academy of the Arts & Sciences, spoke about the support the club has given her school. “Rotary helped support my first vision coming in as Principal right after the pandemic. I knew we needed a library,” said Scioli. “We need to get books in kids hands.” Rotary volunteers helped paint and organize the new library as well as providing funding for books and other materials.
The Principal of Eleanor C. the Emlen Elementary school, Tammy Thomas attended and delivered a letter of thanks to Chestnut Hill Rotary for support of their school for many years. “We are so grateful for the many ways you contribute to our success and well-being,” said the letter in part signed by Thomas. Like Jenks, Emlen is one of Chestnut Hill Rotary’s partner schools. Members volunteer to maintain the school’s ground, tutor students, and provide funding for school initiatives.
Scioli also recalled a “tremendous moment” when she had a family who just immigrated to Philadelphia who had nothing. Rotary. along with other organizations in the community donated items needed for the family including school uniforms, shoes, and other essentials.
Rotary District Governor 7450 Janice Biros spoke and gave an award to Chestnut Hill Rotary for “thirty years of outstanding dedication to the community” and a separate award to past President Jay Pennie for “…dedication to the Rotary District 7450 and the Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill.
