On Tuesday evening June 17, a dedicated group of community leaders was installed by the Jenkintown Rotary Club at the Manufacturers Country Club. 

Steve Fitzpatrick was installed as President. Incoming officers are  John Di Benedetto, vice-president; Jack Kessler, secretary; Craig Pollen, treasurer and Bob MacFarland, sergeant at arms. Incoming directors are Chris Heaven, Harry Hoffman, Chuck Huntoon, Beth Kenas, Jack Kessler, Dolly Kuykendall, Pat Stanton, Ted Walkenhorst, John Washington and Buzz Wilson. 

Firtzpatrick thanked Bob Firth, past President, for his service and all the members for the outstanding year the Club had noting that in 2013 Jenkintown Rotary Club helped people in need in our community as well as around the world.  The Club programs were very successful and included literacy programs, the Widener School Holiday Party, the annual Pancake Breakfast and, for the second year, Ride for a Reason which was co-sponsored with Abington YMCA.  

During the dinner the Club honored the memories of two Rotarians, Jay Ely and Bob Lloyd. The club paid tribute to both Rotarians for the tremendous contributions both men made to club while they were members. Sadly, the club suffered the loss of both men during 2013.  Bob Firth, outgoing Club President , and Pat Stanton, Rotary Board Member, made a special presentation to Bob Lloyds family.  Lloyd died suddenly in April and Stanton in his remarks noted Lloyd’s goodness, generosity and commitment to serving others.

Entertainment at the installation program was provided by Jenkintown Music Theatre cast members who performed excerpts from their recent performance of “Hello Dolly!”  The performance was narrated by Dolly Kuykendall, Jenkintown Music Theatre Director and Rotary member.  

Jenkintown Rotary Club meets for lunch on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. in Muyskens Hall at Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown.

Funds the Rotary Club of Jenkintown raise quite often support local needs.  When the club hosted its annual Pancake breakfast this month,  they decided to also commit significant funds to the purchase of Shelter Boxes for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.  One Shelter Box supplies an extended family with a tent and essential equipment to use for up to one year while they are displaced or homeless.

This year’s breakfast was a big success with close to 250 people attending which will allow the club to purchase a number of Shelter Boxes.  In addition to enjoying a great breakfast, people attending were entertained by the Jenkintown High School Jazz Ensemble and members of the Jenkintown Music Theatre cast of “Hello Dolly!.”

The breakfast is one of the Rotary Clubs fund raising events.  On June 1 Jenkintown Rotary Club will be joining the Abington YMCA to sponsor “Ride for a Reason”,  a 22 mile bike ride.   Jenkintown Rotary meets weekly at 12:15 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian church. The church is located at 444 Old York Rd. in Jenkintown.