Holiday reflections, community impact, and a powerful program on justice, compassion, and second chances—
see what happened at our December 12 York Rotary meeting.
Rotary Recap – December 12, 2025
Jud graciously filled in for Darcy and opened our 7:30 a.m. meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Four-Way Test. He shared a timely reminder from Dr. Seuss:
“He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
A perfect sentiment as the holidays approach.
Our Kindness/Happy Dollars reflected both gratitude and joy. Heather shared appreciation for the care her mother has received at York Hospital. Eric celebrated having his youngest daughter home from school for the next six weeks, while Mike managed to smile through the cold business season. Duncan announced plans to buy his wife a new ring after Christmas, and several members shared holiday cheer as family visits and celebrations draw near.
John recognized the incredible work of WindowDressers. Larry added that volunteers are still needed to help finish the work, and all hands are welcome. Tim collected donations and reminded everyone that this week’s donations will go toward Hannaford gift cards for the Tuesday Community Supper, and Jud proudly acknowledged the club’s efforts in supporting a local family this Christmas.
Heather also shared an update on the Learning Lodge grant. Construction continues at Zach’s Farm, with the next build session scheduled for Friday at 9:30 a.m. Despite cold temperatures and uneven ground, help is greatly appreciated—and children will be present to experience the program firsthand.
John P. shared the Positive Word, "Advice from a Penguin". Appropriate with the outside temperature!
Program: Understanding the Justice System
Our speakers, Sarah Johnson and Janet Drew, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking presentation on Maine’s jail and prison systems and their impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Sarah explained that incarceration rarely affects just one person—it impacts entire families. Economic hardship, lack of health insurance, and limited education significantly increase the likelihood of involvement in the justice system. She also highlighted the severe challenges faced by correctional officers, whose profession carries one of the lowest life expectancies after retirement due to extreme stress.
Janet focused on mental health and the long-term effects of incarceration on families, particularly children. She shared that 80% of women in jail are mothers, and children who experience parental incarceration face dramatically higher risks of behavioral challenges, substance use, and future incarceration. These experiences—known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—can have lifelong consequences.
The speakers also discussed current and upcoming policy efforts, including:
- LD 1962, establishing a Corrections Ombudsman to provide independent oversight and accountability
- Clean Slate Maine, which would seal eligible criminal records over time, allowing people real opportunities for housing and employment
- Restoring parole in Maine, offering earned opportunities for individuals who have completed rehabilitation programs to safely transition back into the community
Members engaged in a thoughtful Q&A, learning about the differences between jail and prison, the high cost of incarceration (approximately $110,000 per person per year), and the financial burden placed on incarcerated individuals through expensive commissary systems.
Jud closed by thanking Sarah and Janet for their important work and reminded us that “a person is a person, no matter how small.” He wished everyone a wonderful weekend and a joyful holiday season.
Reminders:
- Annual Chamber Singers Concert is next week—please let Darcy know if you’re bringing guests
- No meetings the Friday after Christmas or New Year’s