Rotary Recap – Feb. 20: Midwinter Momentum – Library Spotlight Edition
- Kindness message sets the tone
- Susan earns Paul Harris +4
- Library youth programs shine
Rotary Recap — February 20, 2026
President Darcy opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the 6-Way Test, setting a reflective tone for the morning. She welcomed Mike — a prospective future member — along with special guests from the York Public Library: Michelle, Danie, and Jo.
A Message on Kindness
Darcy shared a deeply moving Facebook post written by the daughter of Jerry and Kit Boucher, who tragically passed after falling through the ice in Eastham, Massachusetts on February 14, 2026.
The people who fell through the ice were my mom and dad.
The irony is, if this had happened to literally anyone else in their Cape Cod community, my mom would be the one glued to the news, leaving flowers at the beach, posting a photo dedication, and coordinating the gatherings around town. My dad would be telling her to take a breath- but he'd be dropping donuts to the first responders when she wasn't looking.
But it happened to my family. And other people are doing all of those things for them. And us.
I am heartbroken, I am changed. I am determined to carry on their work, and keep their light on in our world.
People are asking how they can help. Thank you. Make a donation to their foundation- It's what is bringing me a tiny bit of peace right now. Bring me a coffee in two weeks when the outpouring quiets down, and I'm trying to figure out how to go back to work like a regular person.
Or do something for others... Bake cookies from a mix and add almond extract and chocolate chips. Give them to the neighbor. Stand at a rally for anything you believe in with a goofy homemade sign. Quietly buy a hungry person a meal. Buy a new coat and bring it to the shelter.
A lot of people say a lot of nice things about most people when they die. Sometimes they feel a little generous- because who amongst us is actually that good? I promise you... Jerry and Kit Boucher were.
I will never not be sad.
xo
The irony is, if this had happened to literally anyone else in their Cape Cod community, my mom would be the one glued to the news, leaving flowers at the beach, posting a photo dedication, and coordinating the gatherings around town. My dad would be telling her to take a breath- but he'd be dropping donuts to the first responders when she wasn't looking.
But it happened to my family. And other people are doing all of those things for them. And us.
I am heartbroken, I am changed. I am determined to carry on their work, and keep their light on in our world.
People are asking how they can help. Thank you. Make a donation to their foundation- It's what is bringing me a tiny bit of peace right now. Bring me a coffee in two weeks when the outpouring quiets down, and I'm trying to figure out how to go back to work like a regular person.
Or do something for others... Bake cookies from a mix and add almond extract and chocolate chips. Give them to the neighbor. Stand at a rally for anything you believe in with a goofy homemade sign. Quietly buy a hungry person a meal. Buy a new coat and bring it to the shelter.
A lot of people say a lot of nice things about most people when they die. Sometimes they feel a little generous- because who amongst us is actually that good? I promise you... Jerry and Kit Boucher were.
I will never not be sad.
xo
This message is a powerful reminder that while communities often rally after loss, the greater challenge is supporting one another while we are still here.
Darcy encouraged members to continue leading with kindness and to care for one another every day — a message that clearly resonated around the room.
Darcy encouraged members to continue leading with kindness and to care for one another every day — a message that clearly resonated around the room.
Kindness Dollars
Members shared gratitude and good news:
- Jud — enjoying a wonderful winter weekend
- Brad — attended a show at the NY Social Club
- Mike — proud moment for Team USA and women’s skating gold
- Larry — survived a few days while his wife was in Vermont
- Diane — “just because”
- Claire — happy snow weekend
- John P. — appreciation for Darcy’s message
- Frank — excited for Spring Training
- Duncan — celebrating the hockey team win (and dealing with mice in the car!)
- Russ — enjoying lots of curling recently
- Tim Pearson (via Zoom) — Happy $ for Darcy’s heartfelt words
Susan asked where this week’s Kindness Dollars would go? — The decision is in Eric’s hands as our newest member....
Club Celebrations & Updates
- Special thanks to Susan for stepping in for Darcy last week.
- John is now serving as the club’s deposit taker.
- Claire continues to do extensive behind-the-scenes work with Youth Services.
- The club received a thank-you note from York Hospital for helping them reach their Cardiac Catheterization Center campaign goal.
- Brad and Cindy will meet next week regarding the new CWAC launch and other 2026 Fundraising initiatives.
- Jackie will attend PELS in 2- weeks to represent York Rotary and report back.
👏 Congratulations to Susan, who was recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow +4 — well deserved!
Youth Exchange Update
Darcy shared that the club has two short-term exchange students (twin sisters, age 16) preparing for summer placements in different locations. The club hopes to welcome them at an upcoming meeting.
Looking Ahead
- 📅 April 11 — first community event of the year
- 📚 April field trips planned, including Footprint Food Pantry and Shipyard visits
- 🎤 Tentative speaker next week: Stephen Carr
Program: York Public Library Youth Services
Michelle, approaching her 10-year anniversary at the library (and a former Rotarian), introduced her team and highlighted the library’s impact. The library is celebrating 25 years in its current building and welcomes 7,000–8,000 visitors each month.
Jo — Head of Youth Services
Jo described the vibrant downstairs youth space serving children through grade 6:
- Morning programs for young children and caregivers
- High-energy after-school environment
- Snacks provided daily
- Digital learning and robotics labs
- Structured and unstructured programming
The library has become a vital, free after-school destination for many families.
Danie — Teen Services
Working with grades 7 and up, Danie shared:
- Teen space recently updated with a YorkWise grant
- Mental Health Awareness Kits (250 distributed last year)
- Strong partnerships with the high school
- Safe, welcoming environment for teens
- Upcoming Candy Land themed vacation program
- Annual Halloween costume swap
- New formal wear swap initiative to help students access prom attire
She emphasized that teens have few free places to go after school, making the library an essential community hub.
Snack Program Needs
The team highlighted the high demand for after-school food. Many students arrive hungry, and while the library provides granola bars, cheese sticks, fruit, yogurt, and even grilled cheese on early-release days, funding is limited. Support for snack programming remains an ongoing need.
Closing Thought
The morning’s theme was clear: whether through Rotary service or library programs, small acts of care create powerful ripple effects in our community.