Home Page | Rotary Club of Middletown

Welcome to Our Club!

We meet the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesday (when applicable) at 6:30 pm

at the

Wyndham Newport

240 Aquidneck Ave

Middletown, RI 02842

Help us make a difference!

https://tinyurl.com/MRCdonate

The Middletown Rotary Club works to improve lives, strengthen our community, and make a difference both locally and around the world.

Local Community Impact:

Bringing joy to families in need through our Annual Holiday Party at Lucy's Hearth.
Keeping our neighbors warm through our annual Coat Drive.
Supporting individuals and families facing hardship through the Martin Luther King Community Center.
Helping local seniors thrive by supporting the Senior Center Food Pantry and hosting our Annual Spaghetti Dinner for Seniors.
Encouraging literacy and compassion through our "Read & Feed" program benefiting local youth and the Potter League.
Providing opportunities for children through Summer Camp Scholarships.
Developing future leaders by encouraging youth service, recognizing student achievement, and supporting leadership opportunities.
Preserving and beautifying our community through clean-ups, daffodil plantings, and tree-planting projects.
Strengthening community connections by supporting local organizations and events, including the Newport Gulls.

Regional, National & Global Impact

Responding to disasters around the world through Rotary disaster relief efforts, including support for communities affected by the 2026 Venezuela earthquake through ShelterBox.
Working toward a polio-free world through Rotary's PolioPlus campaign, helping reduce polio cases by more than 99.9% worldwide.
Promoting peace, health, education, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity through support of The Rotary Foundation.
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education through the Water for Cambodia Project, founded by the Middletown Rotary Club in 2002.

Aquidneck Community Table - Coming Soon

Middletown Rotary Welcomes Aquidneck Community Table

The Middletown Rotary Club welcomed Lucien Rosenbloom, Market and Events Manager for Aquidneck Community Table (ACT) to our June 10th meeting. Lucien shared the organization's vision for building a healthier and more equitable food system across Aquidneck Island.

Founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food, ACT works to connect residents with local food sources while supporting farmers, gardeners, and community partners. Their programs include community gardens, farmers markets, youth education initiatives, and food-access programs that help make nutritious food more affordable and accessible.

Jack Doyle's insight into the Old Colony & Newport Railway

On May 27, 2026, the Middletown Rotary Club welcomed Jack Doyle, General Manager of the Old Colony & Newport Railway, for a fascinating presentation on the history and future of rail service on Aquidneck Island. Although a second scheduled speaker was unable to attend, Doyle’s engaging talk provided members with both a rich historical perspective and an inspiring look toward the future of local rail transportation.

Doyle shared that the railroad first came to Newport in 1864, when the Old Colony & Newport Railway connected Aquidneck Island with Fall River and Boston. In its early years, the line played an important role in regional travel, bringing passengers from Boston to Newport where they could then board steamships bound for New York City — at the time considered one of the fastest routes between the two major cities.

A 2026 Conversation with Senator Jack Reed

At the Middletown Rotary Club’s May 11th meeting, members and invited guests were pleased to welcome United States Senator Jack Reed for a morning discussion at the Wyndham Newport Hotel.

Senator Reed shared reflections on his long career in public service and spoke about issues important to the lives of Rhode Islanders and Americans, including healthcare, housing, education, and strengthening opportunities for working families. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized the importance of public service and remaining focused on improving the lives of others.

The gathering was also highly conversational, with Senator Reed thoughtfully listening to and responding to questions and concerns raised throughout the discussion. The exchange provided attendees with an opportunity for open dialogue and reflection on issues affecting both Rhode Islanders and the nation.

A lifelong Rhode Islander, Senator Reed reflected on his early inspiration to serve after seeing then-Senator John F. Kennedy and Claiborne Pell campaign in Rhode Island during his childhood — a moment that would eventually lead to his own distinguished career in the Rhode Island State Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the United States Senate.

The Middletown Rotary Club appreciates Senator Reed taking the time to visit and engage in thoughtful conversation with our members and guests.

James Haggerty, Author of Yours Truly

Last night, Febuary 11th, the Middletown Rotary Club was honored to welcome James Haggerty, author of Yours Truly, for a thought-provoking and deeply meaningful talk.

James spoke about the power of writing your own story — not as a résumé of achievements, but as a gift to those you love. Drawing from his work as an obituary writer and storyteller, he encouraged us to reflect on our lives, values, lessons learned, and the moments that truly define us, and to put those stories into words before they are left for others to interpret.

His message was simple yet profound: our stories matter, and writing them down is one of the most personal and lasting ways we can connect with future generations.

Thank you, James, for reminding us that legacy isn’t just what we do — it’s what we choose to share. 💙

Upcoming Speakers

Service Committee Meeting - location TBD

Sep 04, 2026 1:00 PM

Cornhole Tournament and Other Fall Activities

Meeting will focus on the cornhole tournament scheduled for October 9th, Fall coat drive, and Lucy's Hearth Holiday party

6:30 Club Meeting (Speaker - TBD)

Sep 09, 2026

Board at 5:30 & Meeting at 6:30 (Speaker - TBD)

Sep 23, 2026

6:30 Club Meeting (Potential Offsite Social - TBD)

Sep 30, 2026 6:30 PM

Service Committee Meeting

Oct 02, 2026 1:00 PM

Fall Activities - cornhole tournament, coat drive & Lucy's Hearth Holiday party

6:30 Club Meeting (Speaker - TBD)

Oct 14, 2026 6:30 PM

Board at 5:30 & Meeting at 6:30 (Speaker - TBD)

Oct 28, 2026 5:30 PM

Past Speakers

Board at 5:30 & Club Assembly 6:30

Aug 26, 2026

Wrap-up for Community Picnic

View entire list...

‘One simple word’

Leaders highlight the power of gratitude at The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit

Talking reading and Rotary with Dolly Parton

The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.

A safe transition beyond the wire

A Rotary club in Kansas helps women break the cycle of incarceration and elude dangers on the outside

Rotary projects around the globe – August 2026

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.

Are you someone who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.