Creating Lasting Impacts at York Rotary
🎶 Winter Warm-up Gathering brings music and meaning
🌟 Honoring Student of the Month Opal for leadership and heart
🏘️ Exploring Parks & Rec updates and the future of a York Community Center
Rotary Recap – January 23, 2026
Darcy opened the meeting with the Six-Way Test and the Pledge of Allegiance, setting the tone for a meaningful and community-centered gathering.
Darcy then thanked everyone who attended last Sunday’s Winter Warmth Party at Wiggly Bridge Distillery, on Sunday, January 18th. A special shout-out went to 3 Shades of Gray, the talented duo of Skip Smith (fellow Rotarian) and Mike Quigley, who generously donated their time and music for the event. Mike has a strong connection to Stay; For Life, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
January’s Kindness Dollars — will be donated to Stay; For Life to support their newest initiative: creating suicide prevention conversation packets for local schools. Each packet costs approximately $100 and is designed to help schools begin these critical conversations with students.
Kindness Dollars Highlights
This week’s Kindness Dollars reflected a wide range of joys and celebrations:
- Duncan shared excitement over his daughter returning home from Peru
- Eric apologized for missing the Winter Warmth Party due to illness
- John Paolini celebrated the Buffalo Bills
- Marilyn was grateful for time with her grandchildren, Miles and River
- Peter Murray (guest speaker) marked his 50th birthday and his daughter being named Spotlight Athlete for the week.
- Russ Peterson was happy to see so many young people in attendance
- Susie shared pride in being at the meeting with Opal and her family
- Frank offered Happy Dollars “in memory of a Montreal winter”
- Darcy gave Happy Dollars for the mid-year dinner held the night before and for the Student of the Month
Announcements
Darcy noted that next week’s speaker is expected to be Tim Doak from the York School Department, who will discuss the school budget and consolidation plan. Members of CAL will be invited to attend as well.
Darcy mentioned that last evening, she and Jackie attended District 7780’s Mid-Year Dinner, where Rotary’s new presidential message for 2026-2027, “Creating Lasting Impacts” was unveiled.
A video from the Mid-Year Dinner was also shared. This video is a fun Paul Harris "Rotary Rap" that creatively celebrates Rotary's legacy and spirit through music and rhythm, highlighting the energy and roots of the Rotary community. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf88ogBBeyA
This month’s Student of the Month was Opal, joined by her sister, parents, and teacher Susie Young, a 5th-grade social studies teacher at York Middle School.
Susie described Opal as a “bright light in every classroom she enters.” Opal is an active participant in class, a friend to all, an advocate for both her own learning and that of her peers, and a positive, resilient presence who rises to challenges with grace.
Opal shared that she will be donating her $100 award to the Danny Did Foundation, a non-profit, which supports children living with seizure disorders — a generous and thoughtful choice.
Program: Parks, Recreation & the Future of York’s Community Center
Peter Murray, celebrating his 50th birthday, presented an update on York’s Parks & Recreation Department. Now three years into his role with the Town, Peter thanked Rotary for its long-standing commitment to making York a better place.
Parks & Rec supports programs for children, seniors, beaches, Mount Agamenticus, and the lighthouse. Highlights from the 2025 Annual Report included:
- 88 programs offered
- Major community events, including the Four on the 4th Road Race with York Rotary
- 717 CAL members
- Strong support through donations, sponsorships, and grants
Upcoming projects include:
- Renovation of Mount Agamenticus trails
- Updates to the Sohier Park Master Plan
- New restroom facilities at the Bog Road Recreation Complex
Peter also discussed the Community Center Building Committee, now operating as the Friends of York Community Center (501c3). The proposed site is Village Elementary School, contingent on future school department decisions. Renderings and conceptual plans were shared, outlining a multi-generational facility that could include pools, a gymnasium, walking track, and more. Estimated costs range from $8 million for renovation to $40 million for a completely new construction vision.
A thoughtful Q&A followed, addressing sustainability, solar power considerations, environmental impact, funding options, and timeline realities. At best, the project could move forward around 2029, depending heavily on school decisions, fundraising, and town leadership priorities.
Darcy concluded the meeting by thanking our speaker, and reminding members to be good in the world at 8:30 am.