- A simple act of kindness made a big difference
- York Rotary is exploring bigger opportunities
- Several exciting service opportunities are ahead
York Rotary Recap – July 17, 2026
President Darcy Bastarache called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Rotary's Six-Way Test. She welcomed visiting Rotarian Bill Schroh from the San Jose Rotary Club and recognized Rob Horowitz, who will officially rejoin the York Rotary Club on July 31.
Kindness in Action
Susan shared a heartwarming story from this year's Four on the 4th race. A runner who faithfully shows up each year—but never officially registers—was able to participate thanks to Diane, who generously gave him her race bib. The runner went on to win his age group, reminding everyone that a small act of kindness can make a lasting impact. Inspired by the story, members discussed purchasing several extra race registrations next year to help others who may find themselves in similar circumstances.
Club Announcements
Darcy highlighted several upcoming opportunities for service and fellowship:
- July 22: York Rotary is partnering in a charity golf tournament at Pease benefiting the Jimmy Fund, featuring a premium Red Sox experience donated on behalf of the club at no cost to York Rotary.
- July 24: Next week's meeting will be a field trip to YCSA, beginning at 7:15 a.m. Members willing to donate bagels or coffee are encouraged to contact Susan or Darcy.
- July 31: A special meeting recognizing honorary members, presenting the Sharing & Caring Grant, awarding a Paul Harris Fellow, and officially welcoming Rob Horowitz back into the club.
- August 14: There will be no regular Friday meeting due to CAL's availability.
- August 18: Members are encouraged to volunteer at the York Community Dinner Lobster Bake, serving alongside community partners including local lobstermen, Zach's Farm, York Community Gardens, and YCSA. Volunteers are asked to arrive around 4:00 p.m. to help welcome guests before dinner is served at 5:00 p.m.
Darcy also noted that thank-you notes received by the club will periodically be displayed on meeting tables so members can share in the appreciation.
Happy & Kindness Dollars
Members celebrated family visits, improved health, baseball, business successes, volunteer efforts, and simply being together again. Pauline offered a touching remembrance of her brother, while several members expressed gratitude for recent opportunities to serve, reconnect with family, and support one another.
Exploring a New Vision for Fighting Food Insecurity
The featured discussion centered on an exciting idea introduced by Dinon: supporting the development of the York County Food Hub.
Drawing on his experience volunteering with Gather and other local organizations, Dinon described how some food pantries regularly receive more donated food than they can distribute while many others struggle to meet demand. The proposed Food Hub would create a central warehouse where surplus food could be collected and redistributed throughout York County, helping reduce waste while increasing access to nutritious food.
The organization is preparing to lease warehouse space in Biddeford beginning August 1. Dinon hopes to invite the Food Hub's founder to speak with the club and explore future partnership opportunities, including the possibility of a Rotary District Grant.
Looking Beyond Our Backyard
The conversation naturally expanded into Rotary's ability to leverage District and Global Grants to multiply the impact of the club's fundraising.
Darcy challenged members to think bigger, noting that while York Rotary continues to support outstanding local organizations, there is tremendous opportunity to pursue larger collaborative projects through Rotary's grant programs. She shared Rotary's 2026-27 theme, "Creating Lasting Impact," and encouraged members to consider future international partnerships.
Several members reflected on previous successful projects, including medical supply initiatives in Uganda through Partners for World Health and a Rotary-funded clean water project that transformed a community through matching grant funds. Steve emphasized that successful international grants begin with finding strong local partners who share Rotary's commitment to service.
Susan reminded members that grant-writing training is available and encouraged volunteers to become certified so York Rotary can take greater advantage of these opportunities in the future.
The club's International Committee also announced two initiatives that will be presented to the Board for consideration:
- Continued support of the Guatemala Literacy Project
- Sponsorship of a teacher through Life Hope Haiti
Members interested in Rotary's International Fair next February or participating in the monthly International Café Zoom meetings were encouraged to learn more.
Closing
Before adjourning, Darcy encouraged members to browse this month's issue of Rotary Magazine, featuring an inspiring photography centerfold highlighting Rotary's impact around the world.
Steve thanked everyone who volunteered for this weekend's Car with a Cause ticket sales at the beach.
The meeting concluded with a reminder that next Friday's meeting will be held at YCSA and that Zoom meetings will pause until the fall.
With a final reminder to "Be the Impact," President Darcy adjourned the meeting at 8:30 a.m.