Allentown West Rotary Club

Did you know there's more than one kind of Rotary Club? Our club has two kinds...so far. Why kind of club you have depends on what kind of members you are looking to attract and retain. Get creative! If your demographic can't afford dues plus meals, consider a Coffee Club! If you are looking at members who want to jump right into service, you may be looking at an Impact club! What other ideas can you come up with?

Being a Rotarian gives us an opportunity to touch lives. One way we do that is by starting with our Interact students. Every now and then, though, an Interact student rises to the top, and touches the life of everyone he or she comes in contact with. I am pleased to share a letter we received from once such student, who has risen to the top; Nick Millward, now retired Marine, a Rotary Peace Scholar and a full Rotary Member. Dear Allentown West Rotarians, ??????????????It is with great joy and humility that I have now officially joined the Rotary ranks. While I am far from the AWRC, I feel that I’ve finally become an official member of the family. From my introduction to Rotary, through Interact at Northwestern Lehigh High School, to connecting with Amir while I lived in Japan, to the Fellowship, and still now, the AWRC has been unbelievably supportive of my projects and professional development. ??????????????Many of you have spent countless hours mentoring and developing me into the young Rotarian I am now. It is with deep respect and admiration that I find myself lucky enough to share in your spirit. It is clear that Rotary and Rotarians (especially the AWRC) have had a tremendous and profound impact on my life and its trajectory. I cannot begin to thank you enough for all that you have done for me and hopefully the people I will serve. ??????????????It is unfortunate that I do not live closer to you all as I would like to participate and return the support that I have received, but for now, my calling is elsewhere. I am currently in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, finishing a degree in Central Asian Studies at the American University of Central Asia. After this, nothing is definitive, but I’d like to stabilize myself in Mongolia for a few years and participate in peacebuilding initiatives in Northeast Asia. Never in a million years would I, a farmer in New Tripoli, even dream of traveling to these regions. I know this is my calling, for now. But I am eager to keep you and the AWRC close to the chest. ??????????????The AWRC sets the gold bar standard for community service and support. Now, more than ever, our communities (including globally), need AWRC members to share their beacon of hope and support everywhere. This world is a dark place, but our club continues to root out problems, provide comfort and hope, and demonstrate The Four Way Test every day. Thank you for your steadfast example. ??????????????In other news, I did want to apologize for the private manner in which my induction was conducted. I was home for a very short time and unable to attend any of the Rotary meetings. Additionally, I was quite sick for about 2 weeks and had to fly out the night of my induction to Istanbul and then on to Bishkek. Please know that I would have loved to celebrate with each and every one of you, but it seemed unwise with my health. I hope you understand, and I look forward to connecting with the club at a later date! Semper Fi, Nick ?