Originally from Miami, Florida, Ramona MacIntyre has dedicated her career to serving nonprofit organizations and strengthening communities. She earned her Master of Nonprofit Management from Arizona State University and has spent more than a decade working in the nonprofit sector, with experience in economic development, anti-human trafficking efforts, and philanthropy.
Today, Ramona serves as the Director of Development at STAR, Inc., where she works to build community partnerships and secure the resources needed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, live full and meaningful lives. She joined STAR in 2025 and is honored to support an organization that has been serving Fairfield County families for more than 70 years.
The Club Calendar is at the end of this newsletter. Please refer to it to see the meeting schedule, social events and more. It will be updated when speakers and events are added.

The updated Greeters and Openers schedule is also near the end of the newsletter, so please check to see if you are on there!
Friday Meeting - July 17
Jeff Gell, Mozaic Senior Life
Jeff Gell shared full range of services by Mozaic Senior Life including skilled nursing and assisted living to home care, hospice, rehabilitation and adult day care programs
Tom (Thomas) Lowrie, born July 3, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 30, 2026. Tom was a Navy air navigator during the Korean conflict, monitoring the 7th Fleet from over the Pacific Ocean with no parachutes.
Tom completed his advanced degree in architecture from Columbia University while working as a draftsman for renowned firms like McKim Mead & White, and Johnson-Burgee. He became a staff architect to the Museum of Modern Art during their 1980s expansion.
Tom was an excellent athlete, playing golf, tennis, squash, badminton, pickleball, and in his last year, ping pong. His love of sports and architecture led him to design the Beck Lodge at Camp Mahackeno, and the conversion of the downtown firehouse to the YMCA's health center.
Tom was the last-living founding member of Westport Sunrise Rotary club. He traveled the world promoting projects that supported education and peace, while fighting disease and global inequities.
Tom leaves behind cherished memories for friends, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Thomas’s life was marked by connections and experiences that touched those around him. Though he is no longer with us, the moments shared, the laughter, and the support he offered will continue to resonate. All who knew Thomas will carry forward his memory in their hearts.
A memorial service followed by a celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 31st 2026 at 11:30 AM at the Greens Farms Congregational Church social hall (71 Hillandale Rd, Westport, CT 06880). In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established by the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club in Tom's name, visit Tom-Lowrie-memorial-fund
Mukesh Kumar opened the meeting sharing a poem on Rotary service.
Joe Renzulli won the attic prize
Jeff Gell (speaker) and Matthew Cummings (guest of speaker)
GILLESPIE CENTER COOKING / SERVING SCHEDULE
One of our club’s ongoing and rewarding commitments to community service is our commitment to serving dinner meals on the first Saturday of each month at the Gillespie Center here in Westport.
We are back to serving meals at the newly renovated Gillespie Center. We have the option to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM or to bring meals to serve in person at 4:40 PM (allow extra time if the meals need to be reheated). Meal service should include a main dish, side dish, vegetable, and dessert (no nuts or shellfish please). The number of meals to provide, currently 25, will be confirmed to you to in advance when it is your turn to serve.
If you choose to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM you have the option to prepare homemade meals, purchase prepared meals at the store/restaurant of your choice, or you can contact Fresh Market on the Post Road in Westport where you can purchase prepared meals (protein, two sides and cookies for $7 - $10 per meal). If you choose the Fresh Market option call Tory at 203 227-2910 on the Monday prior to your meal service to place your order. You can pay for the meals when you pick them up.
If you are unable to work on your assigned Saturday you will be responsible to call other Rotarians on the list to switch dates.
