The weekly newsletter of the
Rotary Club of Norristown,  
P.O. Box 119, Oaks, PA 19456(484) 994-2349
Meetings The first four Thursdays each month
September 7, 2025  - Issue No. 2833
 
September 11, 2025 
NOONTIME MEETING
NORRISTOWN LIBRARY
 
 MARY COOK
DISTRICT GOVERNOR
 
*******
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE JUST FOR THIS MEETING
  • 9/11 Meeting Location: 
  • Montgomery County - Norristown Library
  • 1700 Markley Street (Logan Square)

A SPECIAL BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 11:30
 
 
SEE "UPCOMING EVENTS" BELOW
FOR TWO SPECIAL CLUB SERVICE EVENTS THIS WEEK
 
 
 
 
Upcoming Programs
Sep 11, 2025
Rotary DG -- Meeting at MC-NPL

Reminder: Meeting at MC-Norristown Public Library instead of JGC

Sep 18, 2025
RAGAS - Rotary Action Group Against Hunger
Sep 25, 2025
Jeopardy!
Oct 02, 2025
Flourish Research
Oct 09, 2025
Titanic
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Family Fair at the Zoo - Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo
Sep 09, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Official DG Visit (Mary Cook) note new location
Norristown Public Library (temp loc)
Sep 11, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
 
Art in the Park Rotary Expo '25
Elmwood Park Zoo
Sep 13, 2025
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 
Board Mtg
Sep 18, 2025 10:45 AM
 
Rotary Pedals for Progress Bicycle Collection
West Norriton Township Building
Sep 27, 2025
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
 
Sole Harvest Walk/Run staffing (be there 8:30)
Norristown Farm Park Trail
Oct 04, 2025
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
 
View entire list
Click on the screen above to
join our pre-scheduled
virtual meetings via Zoom
* ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
 
Dr. Michael Jay Herman
 
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Michael Herman on August 26. Mike was president of the Rotary Club of Norristown for the 1999 -2000 season. We wish to express condolences to his family and friends.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday Sept. 13, at the Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, beginning at 10:30.
 
 
 

Dr. Michael Jay Herman Obituary

Dr. Michael Jay “Mike” Herman, age 69, of Greensboro, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Piedmont Athens Regional with his beloved wife by his side.

 

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on August 1, 1956, Mike was one of three children of the late Peggy Ann Casson Herman and Max Jackson Herman. He graduated from Methacton High School in 1974, Susquehanna University in 1978, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, where he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

 

On July 12, 1980, Mike married his favorite dance partner, Janice Gaschen, and together they built a marriage of love and partnership that spanned 45 years. They raised two children, Kristen and Jeff, in Worcester, PA. Mike owned and operated Trooper Veterinary Hospital from 1982 until his retirement in 2018. He liked to remind people that he was the only person at TVH who had worked every job in the hospital, from cleaning kennels and working the front desk to being his dad's assistant, veterinarian, and owner. Known not only for his skill as a veterinarian but also for his compassion, humor, and ability to make people feel cared for, Mike touched the lives of countless families during his decades-long career as a veterinarian.

 

Beyond his career, Mike was a man of service and community, as a longtime member of the Norristown Rotary Club, with 22 years of perfect attendance, he truly lived out Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” He also found joy in coaching his children’s sports teams, where his patience and encouragement left a lasting impact. Upon moving to Georgia, he found ways to help his local community through his support of Neighbors Helping Neighbors and other local charities.

 

Mike’s life was rich with passions and joy. He loved golf, basketball, running, and skiing, but perhaps even more than the sports themselves, he loved sharing them with others. He patiently taught his children how to golf, ski, play basketball, and play tennis, and treasured every opportunity to pass on his love of the outdoors. He also delighted in family traditions — building sandcastles on the beaches of Ocean City, NJ, dancing with his family to Earth, Wind & Fire’s September, and cheering on his kids and grandkids in every school concert, play, and game.

 

His greatest pride came in being “Pops” to his grandchildren, Adelyn and Samuel, who brought him immeasurable joy.

 

Those who knew Mike will remember his warmth, smile, generosity, and famously bad jokes that always brought a chuckle and sometimes an eye-roll. Even though health challenges in recent years kept him from some of the activities he loved, he never lost his spirit, his humor, or his presence.

 

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Janice Herman, of Greensboro, GA; daughter, Kristen Caroline Herman Dimm, and her children, Adelyn Grace and Samuel Charles, of Grovetown, GA; son, Jeffrey Michael Charles Herman, of Atlanta, GA; sister, Linda Jean Herman Robinson (Scott), of Ocean Pines, MD; brother, Timothy Joseph Herman (Jill), of Kentmore Park, MD; step-mother, Judith Bucko Herman, of Blue Bell, PA; step-sister Susan E. Miller (Thomas Dilsheimer), of Philadelphia, PA; step-brother Dr. Robert M. Miller (Mary Alice), of Newburyport, MA; and his loyal dog, Louie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peggy and Max Herman.

 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, at Lower Providence Presbyterian Church with visitation from 10:30-11:30 AM and a service to follow, 3050 Ridge Pike, Norristown, PA 19403, with Rev. Ted Mingle officiating. A private graveside service will be held prior to the funeral.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, 6350 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suite 110-148, Greensboro, GA 30642 or Lake Oconee Humane Society, 1020 Park Ave #101, Greensboro, GA 30642.

 

Mike’s legacy is one of love, service, and joy. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.RLWilliamsFuneralHome.com.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Michael, please visit our floral store.
 
 
 
ATTENTION -  YOUR ROTARY CLUB NEEDS YOU!!!
Or more specifically, we need a Program Chair for next year. Contact President Alan if you feel the call to help out in this area.
There are several people who will assist you with this task.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Author Rob Hamilton to speak on the Unsinkable Titanic
SPECIAL GUEST
Author Rob Hamilton
 
 
 
Rob Hamilton will visit the club on October 9th, 2025 at noon to talk about his family's personal experience in the 1912 sinking of the TITANIC.
Attendance is expected to be large, drop us a note if you are coming so we can plan lunch ($15.00).
 
 
Texas Flood Relief
 
 
TEXAS FLOOD RELIEF
 
How You Can Help Us Turn Compassion into Action:
  • Donate: Every dollar is a lifeline. Your gift brings food, shelter, and dignity to those rebuilding their world.
  • Share: Your voice matters. Spread this message on social media, through email, or in conversation. Be loud!  One share could spark a dozen acts of kindness.
  • Serve: Your time and skills will be needed soon. At the present time in our district, assistance is needed in the Burnet area and is being coordinated by the Ark of the Highland Lakes. Donations and manpower assistance info can be found at https://arkofhighlandlakes.org/flood-response-070525/ However for now, please stay tuned—we’re working closely with local authorities to ensure a safe, coordinated response.
 
 
 
________________
PAY YOUR CLUB DUES TODAY
 
 
 
Make Your Club Dues Payment by Major Credit Card
Below is the link for any Norristown Rotarian who wants to pay their dues with a credit card.  Follow these steps.
1.  Click the link below. A block will appear titled Biannual Dues, click on it
2.  Another block will appear. Leave the quantity as 1 and click on DONATE
3.  It will automatically show your dues plus a $4.75 service charge biannual dues which includes the credit card processing fee.
4.  click on the next to: help cover fundraising cost, and at the bottom of the explanation, click here
5.  A new window will open, and at the bottom you can click on I'd rather not contribute at this time.  This will change the donation amount too zero
Link to pay by credit card
 

 
* NEWS
LAST WEEK
 
 
TERRY REED - ROTARY DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY TEAM
 
 
TERRY REED- CHAIR DISTRICT 7430 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY TEAM
 
Last Thursday, our club was honored to have TERRY REED, Chair of District 7430 Environmental Sustainability Team , as our speaker. Terry, who first joined Rotary in the Springfield Club, then was a member in the West Redding Club, and an Area 4 Governor, became interested in environmental projects several years ago. He became a strong advocate for finding ways to encourage clubs to get involved in projects that would be most beneficial to environmental preservation. He became an integral part of the newly created Environmental Sustainability Team that was tasked with developing projects that individual clubs could easily do that would improve and sustain various aspects of their local environment. He noted that many clubs had already been doing small environmental projects, and his group wanted to publicize and expand on the list oof these activities that those clubs had been engaged in.  The District Sustainability Group , staffed with experts in many of the critical areas of environmental preservation , is able to give assistance, support, and help with grants from Rotary Districts and RI.
 
Terry cited several examples of projects that have been promoted by the Team ,including participation in the annual Rotary Day of Service. Projects include clean-up of streams, parks, paths, public areas, and highways to name a few. The Team can assist clubs in these small projects and provide expertise and funding for more sophisticated projects. He details projrects in Stream Riparian Buffers which restore the stream's ability to fight erosion; Planting Tree projects, where clubs partner with local communities to replant trees : Plastics recycling like the project we are engaged in TREX; Food waste composting; and Pollinating Gardens, also a project we are involved in with our Butterfly Garden.
 
We are very grateful for the message Terry brought to us. Those who would like to know more of support this effort, check out his contact info below.
 
District 7430 News
 
* DISTRICT 7430 NEWS
 
 
 

NEXTREX PROJECT
Our Club is participating in a plastic bag and film recycling program. For every 1000 lbs collected, our club is eligible for a Trex Park Bench.   **********CURRENTLY AT 570lbs of the 1000lb goal.
 
For questions see Project Chair Diane Helm.
 
 
PLUS
 
All plastic must be clean, dry and free of food residue.
 
  • Plastic films labeled with #2 or #4 recycling symbol (polyethylene films)
  • Ice bags
  • Wood pellet bags
  • Salt bags
  • Cereal box liners
 

 
DO NOT include the following items
 
 
NOR any of the following
  • Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
  • Pre-washed salad mix bags
  • Pet food bags
  • Hot dog or meat wrap packaging
  • Six-pack rings
  • PPE- Gloves, masks, or protective wear
  • Pool covers
  • Lamination film
  • Silage and hay bags
  • Backyard ice rinks
  • Vinyl shower curtains or tablecloths
  • Bedding or linen packaging
  • Shiny, crinkly films like floral wrap
 
All collected items can be brought to the meeting where Diane will bundle them and turn them in.
 
 

 
Local Volunteering Opportunities
 
Local Volunteer Opportunities 
 
Patrician Society https://www.patriciansociety.org/volunteer/ 610-272-6316 Norristown
Our volunteers assist us by packaging groceries, produce and meats to distribute, restock shelves to feed the hungry.
 
Expressive Path https://expressivepath.org/get-involved 631-331-3516 
Help teenage students discover and develop music and art skills. Organize and execute events, Have a music or artistic talent? Assist with tutoring.
 
Norristown Hospitality Center https://hospitalitycenter.org/volunteer/ 610-277-1322 
Help anyone hungry, weary or living in the streets. Help serve breakfast & coffee, organize meals, lead devotion, handle client check-ins, manage the food pantry. Day shelter services
 
Montco Victim Serv. Center https://www.victimservicescenter.org/volunteer-opportunities 610-277-0932
We are the only non-profit, comprehensive crime-victim agency serving Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Our confidential services are provided at no cost to survivors of crime and their loved ones. Need help with day to day services. Collect used cell phones.
 
Help battered partners. Shop, volunteer or donate to our thrift shops. Host a donation drive.
 
Our volunteers provide direct service delivery, special events, steering committees, outreach and administrative support – they do it all.
 
Mission Kids https://missionkidscac.org/become-a-volunteer/ 484-687-2990 x 1026
Supporting child advocacy From clerical duties to event planning and community outreach, there are various ways to get involved.
 
Martha’s Choice Market Place & Community Farm https://www.marthaschoicemarketplace.com/volunteer/ 610-279-7372
Volunteer at the Pantry or the Farm. Creating meal kits, distributing to guests. Plant pick and pack, help deliver and pick up from partners. Help feed the hungry.
 
Meals on Wheels (Ntn Sr. Adult Activity Center) https://www.montcosaac.org/meals-on-wheels 610-275-1960 
Preparing and delivering meals to the home bound in the area.
 
Montco Public Library http://mnl.mclinc.org/volunteer-opportunities/ 610-278-5100
volunteers can donate their time, extending the reach of the Library and getting the community involved in reaching library goals, expand literacy.
 
Literacy Council of Norristown https://www.lcnlit.org/opportunities/ 610-292-8515
Help students prepare for their GED, learn basic educational skills: reading, writing and math and learn English as another language
 
Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/volunteer/einstein 484-622-7074
Variety of volunteer Patient Support Services, hospitality, clerical, escort & messenger positions, patient advocate, surgical hospitality, Patient Feeding.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Our Sponsors (click for info)
Platinum Sponsors
 
 
 
 
Silver Sponsors
 
Norristown Auto Parts - Plymouth Meeting
 
 
 
Wynn Family Foundation
Norristown, PA
 
 
 
 
Bronze Sponsors
 
.
Gofus Memorials - Pottstown PA
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Rotary Foundation
 
Membership
 
Immediate Past President
 
Board Director 2023-26
 
Board Director 2023-26
 
Board Director 2024-27
 
Board Director 2024-27
 
Board Director 2025-28
 
Board Director 2025-28
 
Visit us on Social Media
Upcoming Programs
Sep 11, 2025
Rotary DG -- Meeting at MC-NPL

Reminder: Meeting at MC-Norristown Public Library instead of JGC

Sep 18, 2025
RAGAS - Rotary Action Group Against Hunger
Sep 25, 2025
Jeopardy!
Oct 02, 2025
Flourish Research
Oct 09, 2025
Titanic
View entire list
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Happy Birthday
Member Birthdays
Eileen Hallstrom
September 16
 
Judy Bucko
September 20
 
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Club Meeting Info
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Jeffersonville Golf Club
2400 W Main St
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
United States of America
Phone:
(484) 994-2349
First 4 Thursdays of the Month