Welcome to the on-line edition of the Rotary Club of Jim Thorpe. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem solvers who see the world where people unite to take action to create lasting change.  It is my hope that in 2022-2023 the Jim Thorpe Rotary will continue its rich history of serving the community by promoting this year's Rotary theme of "Imagine Rotary" both locally and globally.

The goals for the year will include: seeking new opportunities for service in the community, continue to increase membership with an emphasis on recruiting younger members, support the Rotary Foundation, and the Jim Thorpe Rotary Charitable Fund, increase recognition of our club locally and at the district level and develop a long range Succession Plan to insure the Jim Thorpe Rotary Club will continue to serve the community for future generations.

The Jim Thorpe Rotary Club has been serving Jim Thorpe and surrounding communities for nearly a century.  Over the past 7 years, the Jim Thorpe Rotary Club has donated nearly $192,600 locally, impacting over 4500 individuals and nearly $10,000 to Rotary International which serves our neighbors all over the world.  Every dollar raised by fund raising, grants or donations is designated for charitable purposes. This year’s donation also included a Shelter Box for Ukraine refugees. The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship with business, professional, and community leaders.

The strength of the Jim Thorpe Rotary has been its ability to build partnerships within the community.  Community partners include these:  Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Mauch Chunk Trust Company, Lehigh Carbon Community College SHINE Program, Jim Thorpe Area School District, Penn Forest Township, Borough of Jim Thorpe, Jim Thorpe Lions Club, local businesses, Rotary Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Carbon County United Way, Thrivent, anonymous donors, and Rotary members.

Rotary has helped over 2000 children and their families through the Holiday Giving Program and the 10-week summer recreation program at the Jim Thorpe Memorial Park.  Rotary members have also supported the local youth through the Rotary Student Exchange Program, the Essay Contest, Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, and the Jim Thorpe Youth Soccer League.  High school students have the opportunity to attend regular Rotary meetings.  Students at the Carbon Career and Technical Institute in partnership with the Jim Thorpe Rotary have chartered an Interact Club, a youth Rotary Club whose mission it is for young people to work together in a world fellowship dedicated to international understanding.

Educational projects have included college scholarships to high school students, grants to K-8th grade teachers, funding for the Dimmick Memorial Library, Elementary STEM Camp, and testing for GED through the Carbon Career and Technical Institute in partnership with Lehigh Carbon Community College Adult Education Program.

The Jim Thorpe Rotary Club continues to be an advocate for children and families in the County. Over the past year, the Club has worked with community members to look at the need for quality and affordable child care and early education programs in Jim Thorpe and the surrounding communities, a comprehensive survey on the need for child care and preschool programs was conducted. The results demonstrated not only the need for child care and early education programs but the lack of those services is a barrier to employment. The survey along with the results can be found on the Jim Thorpe Rotary website.

Jim Thorpe Rotary has supported over 70 charities and organizations. In August, we will kick off our “MAD Money” fund raiser and in September the the Rotary Ghost Walks which occur and run through December in downtown Jim Thorpe. The ghost walks have been attended by thousands of local citizens and visitors from Northeast PA.  They have been the main fund raiser for the Jim Thorpe Rotary. Creating the Jim Thorpe Rotary Club Charitable Fund, a 501c3, has provided another avenue to raise monies and obtain grants locally and nationally. The support of Rotary International has resulted in the near eradication of polio.

Community health challenges have really provided the opportunity to look at Rotary in a less traditional way to meet the needs of our members and serve the community.  Club members have developed a format that is more flexible, less expensive and will engage younger adults in the community. If you would like to inquire about becoming involved in the Jim Thorpe Rotary, call Jeanne Miller at 570 778-5275.

Jim Thorpe Rotary Moving Forward,

Jeanne Yoho Miller, President

Rotary Club of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania