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York Maine Rotary Club
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People of ACTION!

York

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Fridays at 7:30 a.m.
Masonic Lodge
101 Long Sands Road
P.O. Box 806 (mailing)
York, ME 03909
United States
Phone:
(207) 396-0871
Email:
yorkrotary@gmail.com
Meetings are held most Fridays. Arrive at 7:20 for fellowship. Check the calendar details for changes to the schedule for holidays. NOTE: NEW LOCATION STARTING NOVEMBER 1, 2024!
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January 2025
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Upcoming Events
Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting
Jan. 17, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
St. Aspinquid Lodge
Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting
Jan. 24, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
St. Aspinquid Lodge
Club Assembly
Club Assembly
Jan. 31, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
St. Aspinquid Lodge
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York Rotary News
Center for Grieving Children
The Center for Grieving Children

At yesterday's York Maine Rotary Club Meeting

We were honored to host Gretchen Johnson and Sandy McCormack from the Center for Grieving Children, who shared a heartfelt and inspiring presentation. Their work truly highlights the incredible opportunities we have in our community to support and uplift one another.

If you'd like to learn more about this remarkable organization and the impactful work they do every day in York County and beyond—or find ways to contribute—please visit their website: www.cgcmaine.org.

Together, we can make a difference!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR~ Welcome 2025!
MPAC Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition
 
The first meeting of January 2025 started the year off GREAT!  We welcomed new member Claire DeLorenzo.  We are THRILLED you have joined us!  Our speakers included  Janet Drew and Sarah Johnson of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition.  This talk was a true eye-opener!  Did you know that today, nobody incarcerated in Maine since 1976 is eligible for parole, no matter their rehabilitation status?  What is parole?  Parole is a rehabilitative transition to public life where a panel of experts determines whether and incarcerated person can finish their sentence under supervision from the Department of Corrections. If granted parole, the person will have rules to follow and a parole offer to check in with regularly.  BUT they can return to their homes, jobs and loved ones, while getting support to make their transition back into the community successful.  Parole saves money and boosts the economy.  It is estimated that it is 9 times more expensive to incarcerate someone than to supervise them on parole.  Experts estimate that there could be up to a $14.7 million dollar boost to Maine's economy for every 100 people granted parole.
How do we bring back parole?  Reach out to parole4maine.com to volunteer, share this information with your friends and family and contact your state representatives and senator and encourage them to vote for LD178, An  Act to Support Reentry and Reintegration into the Community.     To learn more about this important organization, please visit their website at http://www.maineprisoneradvocacy.org 
 
It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year!
YHS Chamber Singers York HS Chamber Singers York High School Chamber Singers
 
On December 13, 2024 the York Rotary Club was thrilled to welcome the York High School Chamber Singers. This annual event is a favorite of our members, and we look forward to their mini concert every year.  Lead by director Rob Westerberg, this year's event did not disappoint!
Want to know how to get in on the FUN!  Please click the blue "Membership Inquiry" tab above to learn more. 
MEEA and YMS  Interact
MEEA YNS Interact Club Yorkwise
 
 
The York Maine Rotary Club meeting on Friday, December 6, 2024, featured Jud's new microphone/speaker system.
Cindy McKenna presented our 2024 Giving Tree which had tags of different wish-list items for 2 local families.  Rotarians were encouraged to grab a tag or two. 
We were delighted to host the York Middle School Interact Club, who presented their project to support Yorkwise through the sale of 2025 Wildcat Cards.
Olivia Griset, Executive Director of MEEA, discussed the importance of outdoor learning experiences for children. To learn more about MEEA, please visit their website at https://www.meeassociation.org/
 
LOTS going on for a 1-hour meeting!
Doesn't this look like FUN?  
If you want to join us?  Please contact us through the button at the top of our home page.  
Humans for Abundance AND Student of the Month
Humans for Abundance
Friday, November 22, 2024 meeting was jam-packed with all kinds of wonderful things!  First we welcomed adorable Nora, who is a 6th grade student from York Middle School.  Nora was selected as the Student of the Month.  She is a member of the Jaguar Team, at York Middle School, and was described by her teacher as someone who lives the Jaguar Team's Habits of working and learning.  Nora selected Safe Haven Humane Society of Wells as her charity to donate her York Rotary award funds to.  Nora is shown here with school staff and York Rotary Club President Jud Knox.  Way to GO Nora! 
After the Student of the Month presentation, we welcomed our guest speaker, María José Iturralde, better known as Chochi, who is the Executive Director of Fundación Pachaysana.  In 2019, she founded Humans for Abundance, raising over $300,000 to carry out socio-environmental restoration with rural communities in the Amazon Rainforest and other areas of Ecuador. Her work has been featured by BBC News, BBC StoryWorks, and other international media outlets.
 
Special thanks to Larry & Ginny Richburg, who introduced us to Ms. Iturralde!
 
To learn more about this amazing organization, please visit their website at https://www.humansforabundance.com/

​

 
Share Forever 7780
Share Forever 7780
 
 
At today's York Maine Rotary Club meeting we had past District Governor Marion Cheney visit us to explain the Share Forever 7780 Endowment Fund. This endowment fund is well on it's way to raise 5,000,000 this year! To learn more about this amazing program, please watch this video
 
Sweetser's Jayne Van Bramer
Jayne Van Bramer Sweetser
 
At this morning's York Maine Rotary Club meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from Jayne Van Bramer who is the President & CEO of Sweetser. Sweetser offers support to children and families in Maine with behavioral health needs. Services are available in many communities, including through many primary care offices, in residential settings or in schools. To learn more about this important Maine non-profit organization, please visit their website at https://www.sweetser.org
 
 
District Governor, Bob MacKenzie
 
 
At today's York Rotary Club meeting, District Governor Bob MacKenzie presented President Jud Knox with a WONDERFUL banner!  This banner recognized York Rotarian's commitment to the Foundation's Every Rotarian Every Year with last years average giving of $100 per member, with 100% participation.
We LOVE doing great things in the world! 
 
And the winner IS......!
2024 CWAC BMW of Westbrook BMW of Westbrook ME CWAC
 
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024 we had the pleasure of handing over the keys to our 2024 Car with a Cause winners!
Congratulations to Roland and Susan, seen here with CWAC Chairman Brad Countryman and Salesperson Brittney Hale from BMW of Westbrook. 
Thanks to all who participated in this years raffle!
Thank you to all who help us do good in the world.
Stay tuned for 2025's car unveiling~ It's sure to be a BEAUTY!
Niki Curtis- Community Engagement Director Journey Magazine
Journey Magazine Niki Curtis
 
 
At Friday, October 18ths meeting we had the pleasure of meeting Niki Curtis, who is the Community Engagement Director for Journey Enterprises.  Journey Enterprises, publishes Journey Magazine.  Journey Magazine was launched in March 2019 by a team of people who saw an opportunity to use media, marketing and publishing to amplify a message of hope about addiction recovery.  Ms. Curtis and her assistant Brenda showed a presentation on recovery basics, "Educating our Community", which included a very interesting and informative video that explained that addiction is a brain disorder, NOT a moral failing.  The presentation continued to explain that recovery is possible.  To learn more about this amazing organization, please visit their website at
 
 
 
Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, The Ageless Call To Serve
Dr. Lanny Snodgrass The Ageless Call To Serve
 
On Friday, October 11, 2024 York Rotary had the pleasure of having Dr. Lanny Snodgrass as our speaker.
 
Dr. Lanny Snodgrass is an Assistant Clinical Adjunct Professor (Ret.) at UCLA and the University of Washington, and a forensic psychiatrist licensed to practice medicine in several states.  Among other awards, honours, and distinctions, Dr. Snodgrass has received the Army Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service medal, and the Superior Service Award Department of Defense, U.S. Army.  Dr. Snodgrass's areas of research include PTSD, military psychiatry, biofeedback, stress management, clinical applications of hypnosis, and the cross-cultural study of non-verbal communication.  He has been published in many prestigious medical journals, and has given more than 50 presentations at conferences and symposia around the world.  
 
In his book, "Ageless Call To Serve", psychiatrist Lanny Snodgrass challenges the paradoxical age restrictions in military service, invoking an urgent call to reform through his extraordinary journey. 
 
Vlad Levantovsky, U-Aid Direct
 

This morning, our speaker was Vlad Levantovsky, born and raised in Kharkiv, Ukraine.  After the invasion of his home country, Vlad has actively contributed to volunteer efforts providing relocation and evacuation for those directly affected by the war and lost their homes.  He is a Director of UAid Direct USA, an international team of volunteers. This emotional presentation was one we will never forget.  
 

To learn more about this amazing  organization, please visit their website at https://www.uaiddirect.org/

Computers4Vets
Computers4Vets
 
Today's speaker was Robert Satter, who made a presentation about Computers4Vets Organization.  Computers4Vets is a ten-year-old, 501(c) 3 organization based in Epping, NH that refurbishes laptop/notebook computers for local veterans who cannot afford to buy one.  The organization is operated by Mark Grimshaw, a career Army veteran, a graduate of Lowell Tech, and a post-army employee of Raytheon.  In the last 10 years Mark's organization has provided over 2,100 computer systems to area veterans. 
 
To learn more about this local organization making a difference in our community, please visit their website at http://www.computers4Vets.org
Nancy Stevens, S. ME Organization for Social Justice
Southern Maine Organization for Social Justice
MIRC Southern Maine Organization for Social Justice YCCAC
 
 
 
 
 
 
This morning's meeting was highly productive, thanks to Nancy Stevens' introductions to Ruben Luna Torres, Advocacy, Communications and Policy Manager at Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, and Mulenga Mutapa, Multicultural Outreach Worker at York County Community Action Corp. Both experts shared insightful perspectives on immigration issues, prompting meaningful reflection. The discussion was truly enlightening.
Kittery J-1 Support, Sam Lober & CWAC
CWAC Peggi Stalling Gregory Sam Lober
At Friday, September 6, 2024  meeting, we were pleased to have Peggi Stallings Gregory of the Kittery J-1 Support Group Program as our guest speaker. She discussed the joy she has found in supporting J-1 employees in our area and suggested re-establishing a similar support group in York, which was previously active before COVID. We also met Sam Lober, a fellow Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Mason and Deerfield, Ohio, and thanked him for bringing his club's flag. Furthermore, Sam helped draw the winner of the August $250 Car with a Cause Early Bird, ticket #383, E. York, from White River Junction!
 
August 9, 2024 regular meeting
Alzheimer's Association Maine
 
York Rotary's meeting on Friday, August 9, 2024 introduced us to Linda Bresnahan, who was from the Maine Alzheimer's Association.  Ms. Bresnahan told us about all the wonderful things that her organization does for both those suffering with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.  
 
Did you know that there is a local Alzheimer's Association Support Group that meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2-3 pm at the York Public Library? To learn more about caregiver programs and resources, visit their website at www.alz.org/maine
 
There is a walk planned for September 28, 2024, (registration @9 am, ceremony @ 10 am, walk @ 10:30 am) at Long Sands Beach:
 

This is why we walk.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, we’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments. We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. Join us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

To register for this event please visit

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/ME-Maine?fr_id=17680&pg=entry

 

 

August 2, 2024 meeting- Dempsey Center
Cara Valentino The Dempsey Center
 
August 2, 2024 York Rotary Meeting included inducting 2 new members.  Suyanti Gerry and Aaron Gilman shown here with Susan Gross, Membership Chair and Jud Knox current President.  Welcome aboard and thank you for helping us Create Hope in the World!
Next, we held our July Car with a Cause Early Bird Drawing, with the help of our guest speaker, Cara Valentino.  July's $250 winner is lucky ticket # 302, owned by R. DeFeo.  And as always, the ticket goes back in, and could potentially be the winner of the car!
Finally, our guest speaker was Cara Valentino, CEO & President of the Dempsey Cen.ter Organization.  What is The Dempsey Center Organization? 
 
After watching his mother’s journey with ovarian cancer, actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey wanted to make a space where those impacted by cancer could find relief, comfort, and resources. The Dempsey Center opened its doors in 2008 and today provides care and support to hundreds of individuals and their families.  The Dempsey Center provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost. 
 
To learn more about this unique local organization, visit their website at https://www.dempseycenter.org/
July 26, 2024 Scholarship Recipient Brianna Baker
 
 
Today's meeting included hearing from our friend Brianna Baker who was a York Rotary Scholarship recipient. Brianna recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburg, PA and told us what it was like to begin her college career during COVID. This remarkable young woman is going places! Thank you for sharing your journey and know that York Rotary is very proud of you!
 
 
July 19th meeting included Friends Forever!
Friends Forever Durham NH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Today’s meeting included a great presentation from Amelia and Ellen from Friends Forever International. York Rotary has been supporting Friends Forever for the past 29 years and loved to hear how this organization has grown and continues to bring youth together to build peace throughout the world. Like Ellen said we are much more alike than we are different! To learn more about this amazing organization please visit their website at https://www.ff.international/durham
York Robotics & New Member Alert! 7/15/24
Friday, July 12, 2024 meeting was the first regular meeting of the 2024-2025 Rotary Year. 
We welcomed new-to-us member Kerry Cronin, who is transferring from her previous Rotary Club to ours. 
Kerry is the new Assistant Director at the York Public Library, and decided to join our club.
Welcome Kerry!  Thank you for wanting to help us make change in the World!
Next Jud (this years Club President) introduced us to this his "Kindness Can". 
This Kindness Can will help us at meetings raise happy dollars to help support various projects and organizations. 
 
Today’s speaker(s) included a presentation by York Robotics. This amazing group told us their story, how they began and about their successes. The photo includes Gavin Tucker, Brody Waters, Jasper Witham, Tegan Witham, Gerald Mackaman, Linda Mackaman, JR Wentworth, Kristen Berube and Darryk Kelly. We are SO proud of this team of young people putting York Maine on the map!! Great job!!
 
To learn more about this team please visit their facebook page at:
 
 
This months Kindness Can dollars will be used to help support York Robotics.
 
July 3, 2024 Pre Race PARTY~
 
On July 3, 2024 we had a great time with our Pre-Race Party!
Over 400 racers picked up their race day bibs while the bouncy house was a big hit.
Thank you for all who participated in our hopefully newest York Rotary TRADITION!
June 21, 2024 Lead with Nature~ Dan Gardoqui
 
 
Today we met Dan Gardoqui from Lead with Nature in Cape Neddick ME. Not only did we learn some new things about local birds, small mammals and amphibians, Mr. Gardoqui has an amazing skill of bird calls! Want to learn more about his consulting services? Visit his website at www.leadwithnature.com.
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Jud Knox
President Elect
Darcy Bastarache
Treasurer
Darcy Bastarache
Secretary
Jackie Grant
Membership
Susan Gross
Immediate Past President
Ben Lovell
Rotary Foundation Chair
Larry Richburg
Community Service
Cindy McKenna
International Service
Tim Pearson
Youth Service
Robin Cogger
Sergeant-at-Arms
Jud Knox
Fund Raising Chair
Brad Countryman
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People of ACTION!

York

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Fridays at 7:30 a.m.
Masonic Lodge
101 Long Sands Road
P.O. Box 806 (mailing)
York, ME 03909
United States
Phone:
(207) 396-0871
Email:
yorkrotary@gmail.com
Meetings are held most Fridays. Arrive at 7:20 for fellowship. Check the calendar details for changes to the schedule for holidays. NOTE: NEW LOCATION STARTING NOVEMBER 1, 2024!
District Site
Venue Map
The 4/5-Way Test
The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

 

Of the things we think, say or do,

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? and York Rotary's own addition...
  5. Is it FUN!?!?!
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 100 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
 
York Rotary works in conjunction with the mission of rotary international to improve our local as well as our international communities. If you are passionate about service or just want to get involved, come join us. You will be glad you did.
Rotary's Vision Statement
"Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."
RSS
Jimmy Carter's vision for peace

This story appeared in the February 2018 issue of Rotary magazine.  It’s a crisp, sunny day in late October, and school groups are touring the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in

Espresso in a war zone

Adventure or misadventure, roving correspondent Scott Simon finds enlightenment in a life of travels

The liberation of Julie Mulligan

After being kidnapped abroad, Rotarian Julie Mulligan set out to live a more authentic life of Service Above Self

Unforgettable evenings in Calgary

Signature events at the 2025 Rotary convention include dinner at Rotarians’ homes, a country music jamboree, and boot-stompin’ celebrations of the Western culture in Calgary.

Art for advocacys sake

Student artists spread the word about cervical cancer with works they’ve created through the Rotary member-led program United to End Cervical Cancer in Egypt.