How Rotary will help protect our planet

"The Rotary Foundation will enable our members and their community allies
to take action in these ways:

• Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine, and freshwater resources
• Enhancing the capacity of communities to support natural resource management 
• and conservation
• Supporting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture practices
• Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
• Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
• Supporting education initiatives that promote behavior that protects the environment
• Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that uses resources 
• more efficiently
• Addressing environmental justice issues and public health concerns"

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Let's bring the MAGIC of Rotary to our neighbors in Stroudsburg!

 

 

My Story:

"In 2014 I was invited to attend a meeting and be a founding member of the newly forming Satellite club.   I was intrigued and reluctant.  I didn't feel the need to join a"club" to volunteer, much less have to pay dues to then volunteer my time to help non-profit organizations. However, the part that piqued my interest was the international affiliation and being part of an international organization giving back to the world. So I decided I to try it out and see how it goes.  

 

Well, it was a great decision when I said yes and I was accepted as a Rotarian.  Who knew how many friends I would make and how many mentors I would have to help in my growth as an individual and a leader.  My greatest memories are with our PDG Karen DeMatteo who built a wonderful friendship with me and many others in the group. We all had a strong connection and made sure we had fellowships to continue our friendships.  I learned so much about Rotary from Karen DeMatteo and Jim Becker, their passion was infectious.  They were 110% Rotarians and they included and encouraged me to get involved with the District, and attend District and International conferences.

 

Who expected to say yes to going to an International Conference in Singapore and extend the trip to Kuala Lumpur, and then to Bangkok. I said YES, and it was an incredible experience and fabulous meeting new people and Rotarians from all around the world. It was sad when they moved to South Carolina because I felt an emptiness, however more friendships were built with other Rotarians in our club, all helping me and wanting to see me succeed this year as Stroudsburgs President 2024-25.  

 

Being half way through my Presidency I have to thank the Board members that have stayed on, Marlo Mehrige, Amy Leiser, Ted Butz, Gene Prospero (& Dave Yarosh) and the new active members in line after me, Pres. Elect Ed Schaefer and VP Mike Raub, all with great ideas, the committee members that have stepped up and continue to step up, Don Hannig, TJ Price, Danica Hartenfels, Chiffon Bourjolly and Timaki Johnson, and some very special people that coach me and help me through on a daily or weekly basis, and that is Leslie Underhill, Frank Herting and Kirby Upright.  And not to forget the behind the scene members that set up the room on a weekly basis, John Dennis, Grant Terrill, Peter Andrews and on mic Dave Fox... our mix of Sgt-At-Arms, Tricia Wingerter, Danica Hartenfels and Eric Keber... a fairly new member opening her doors for our breakfast gathering Jen Schnaitman... and we cannot forget about all of the our Satellite members that consistently are in attendance and the lunch members that come just about every week.

We appreciate all of you!!!

 

So when you ask someone to come to lunch it is NOT to grow membership, but to grow friendship, to help our communities and the people struggling in other countries.  Members don't stay or see the importance, however a friendship does. So do yourself a favor and share your experience, and if you don't have one then let's make one together for you."

 

Yours always in Service,

Stacy Rodriguez

Stroudsburgs Rotary President 2024-25