York Rotary Celebrates the Season with Song, Service, and Gratitude
The York Rotary Club wrapped up the year on December 19 with a meeting full of music, reflection, and appreciation for our community.
We were delighted to welcome the York High School Chamber Singers, directed by Rob Westerberg and joined by Ryan Murray of the University of Southern Maine, for a beautiful and joyful holiday performance. The group opened with a moving rendition of Silent Night, followed by O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, a song dating back to the 1800s and written by a farmer. They continued with A Tiffany Carol by John Rutter, and a fun, energetic version of Go Tell It on the Mountain, led by Ryan Murray.
The program continued with a lively a cappella selection of White Winter Hymnal, originally by Fleet Foxes — a modern winter favorite known for its layered harmonies and memorable “ooooh” vocals. The group’s energetic performance added a fun and contemporary touch to the morning’s music.
Ryan concluded leading the group with the touching, last song called, There Has to Be a Song. The performance concluded right at 8:00 a.m., leaving everyone uplifted and firmly in the holiday spirit.
In appreciation, the club presented the Chamber Singers with a $500 check, along with gift certificates to Swell House for each student.
Following the music, the meeting continued with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Six-Way Test, and we welcomed guests to the meeting.
Several members shared updates and reflections:
- Heather thanked the many Rotarians who showed up to help to feed the 78 people at the Holiday Community Dinner on Tuesday evening. She also thanked those who volunteered yesterday helping to build the Learning Lodge at Zach’s Farm.
- Darcy noted that, in addition to helping with the dinner, York Rotary included a $20 Hannaford gift cards in the Holiday Cards signed by Rotarians. These cards were given to all who attended the Community Dinner. Extra cards were donated to YCSA.
- Members shared holiday wishes, travel plans, gratitude for service opportunities, and heartfelt moments — including support for a member who recently lost a beloved dog.
Darcy reminded members that the next Rotary meeting will be January 9, 2026. January programs will include speakers from Porcupine Hill, York Parks & Recreation, and a veterans group from the Bangor area (joining via Zoom). A highlight of the month will be the Winter Warm-Up event at Wiggly Bridge Distillery on January 18 from 4–6 p.m.
Darcy also shared preliminary results from a recent member survey regarding meeting structure. With 17 responses received, a majority expressed satisfaction with the current format, favoring four meetings in both winter and summer, with interest in adjusting food costs. The board will continue reviewing these results and share next steps soon.
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 a.m., closing out a meaningful year of service, fellowship, and goodwill. The York Rotary Club wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year — and looks forward to reconvening in January.