Tracy Shantz, Program Director of the Phoenixville Health Care Access program addressed our weekly luncheon meeting at the Franklin Commons yesterday. Tracy described the formation of three critical networks that the program has developed for all ages who meet the financial assistance criteria and who do not have other coverage.

The Programs are the following:

• The Vision Program
• The Dental Program
• The Prescription Program

She told a number of heart warming stories that focused on how Health Care Access has helped local folks through tough times. Congratulations to you Tracy for your work.

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The February newsletter is out. You can download it to your desktop by clicking here. There are a number of good articles that give a real sense of the scope of what Rotary does. Enjoy Reading.

Reggie Wilkes and Lance Johnstone visit Phoenixville Rotary Club

Reggie Wilkes, and Lance Johnstone, NFL greats were the guests of Josh Klotzbach yesterday at our weekly luncheon. Besides telling us about their football careers, these are men with an important message. Retired football players turned businessmen, they told of how many ex-players get into financial trouble. One eye-opening statistic cited by Reggie Wilkes is that 75% of ex athletes are basically bankrupt within four years of leaving the field. Reggie, now a Vice President at Merrill Lynch and Co. in Philadelphia saw an opportunity to help his fellow players. He counsels them on how to make sound financial decisions as well as healthy life style choices that pay off over and over again though out a players life time. Lance Johnstone, a business partner of Reggie’s also works to both build the business while offering valuable coaching to fellow athletes. Together they reminded us all about the importance of putting family first, contributing to the community, and doing well by serving others.

Fellow Rotarians asked a number of questions about their work, providing an exciting interchange of ideas. Thank you Reggie and Lance for a most engaging and interesting session. And a big thanks to Josh for the inviting our new friends!

If you are interested in serving our community in special ways, and if making a difference means something to you, we’d love to have you consider joining our Phoenixville Rotary Club. Add a comment to any post, and we will have our membership committee contact you.

Mary Foote, The Executive Director of the Colonial Theater, Phoenixville gave a rousing talk at our weekly Rotarian Luncheon this week. She thanked the Rotary for our support for the Theater over the years, and gave a short and moving history of the restoration of the Theater and the place it has forged in our community.

We learned about the benefits of becoming a member of the Colonial Theater, and about a number of upcoming events. Some Rotarians fondly recalled personal stories of the role the Theater played in their youth.

The big announcement though was: The Wurlitzer Pipe Organ is definitely coming to the Colonial. Gifted by a California man, it performed for pizza customers at Pizza and Pipes! A beauty she is. Installed on a rising platform The Wurlitzer will ascend as needed for live performances, film festivals, and silent film revivals. I can’t wait to see and hear her. The Colonial and the Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley (TOSDV) are partnering in this effort,  displaying once again how collaborative efforts can bring about terrific wins for Phoenixville.

Mary emphasized the importance of people becoming supporting members of the theater. She outlined the advantages of membership and asked for our continued support. We look forward to continuing a most valued relationship with a great contributor to the life style of Phoenixville. Thank you, Mary.

The speaker was Carole Flounders.

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Below is Rotarian Dennis Wright’s Article from the Pottstown Mercury.

By Dennis J. Wright, dwright@pottsmerc.com

PHOENIXVILLE — The Phoenixville Police Association’s “Shop With The Cops” program recently received a $1,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Phoenixville.

The “Shop With The Cops” program helps selected children from Barkley Elementary School have a brighter holiday season by hosting a shopping spree at the Phoenixville Kmart. This year’s shopping spree is scheduled for Friday.

Cpl. Mike Barrett said the association works with the Phoenixville Area School District to get the names of the children.

“We allow the school to select the names of the children, and we take them to Kmart to let them shop for Christmas,” Barrett said. “We want them to buy things they can enjoy, but lately they’ve been buying necessities such as shoes, socks and clothing.”

The funds for “Shop With The Cops” comes from the Rotary Club, Barto Pool & Spa, and police officer contributions, Barrett said.

“We’ve been doing this for 12 years,” said Barrett. “It first started with seven children, and last year we were close to 40 kids.”

Children arrive at Kmart usually around 3 p.m. and refreshments are supplied.

Once they are finished with the refreshments, the children are assigned to shop with an officer, and have a certain amount of money to spend.

For those interested in making a monetary donation to “Shop With The Cops” Program, send a check to Phoenixville Police Association, 140 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460.

The Phoenixville Rotary Club hosted another successful Pancake Breakfast this year. We had a great turnout for freshly made pancakes, sizzling sausage, delicious scrambled eggs, and of course, freshly roasted coffee. Thanks especially to our organizers, Scott Cowan and Charles Henry who once again did a phenomenal job of managing the logistics and preparing the feast! The Phoenixville Senior Center provided the venue again. It was a relaxed, easy going breakfast with lots of folks reconnecting and enjoying each others’ company. Here are some pictures taken at the event. Click HERE for a slideshow.

Click Here to see a Slide Show