- 🐾 Rescue Dog Fostering
- 🛝 Sharing & Caring Grant
- 🤝 Welcome Back, Rob!
Rotary Recap
July 31, 2026
President Susan welcomed everyone to another packed Friday morning meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary's 6-Way Test. With Zoom temporarily on pause, it was wonderful to see the room filled with members, guests, and plenty of fellowship.
Welcoming Guests
We were pleased to welcome our featured speakers, Sue and Rich Swietek, along with Kayla Brewer, Mady Buckless, and Janie Sweeney representing Time of Wonder Early Learning Center and YCSA. We also welcomed back former York Rotarian Rob Horowitz, joined by his wife, Sue, and his mother, Linda.
Kindness Dollars
Members shared updates ranging from personal milestones to community moments. Gail celebrated positive MRI results, Brad shared the excitement of witnessing a baby osprey hatch in York Harbor, Mike V. enjoyed time with his daughter and first grandson, Dinon celebrated earning his master's degree and opening his new Portland office, and Cindy recapped a Jimmy Fund golf tournament and seeing the Tall Ships from the water. Several members simply expressed how happy they were to be back together on Friday mornings.
Club Updates
Susan officially welcomed Rob Horowitz back to York Rotary. Rob was previously instrumental in the club's technology, website management, and grant work before relocating to Idaho. We are thrilled to have his talents back in the club.
Members were reminded that there will be no meeting on Friday, August 14, as preparations will be underway for the Community Clambake Dinner on August 18. Volunteers are encouraged to lend a hand with food preparation, setup, and welcoming community guests.
Additional announcements included:
- York Parks & Recreation will attend a meeting later in August to receive scholarship funding generated through Four on the 4th.
- Volunteers are still needed for this weekends Car with a Cause ticket selling at the Goldenrod.
- Saturday, August 8th our own Rich DeSoto will be performing at the Short Sands Gazebo from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm!
- Planning has already begun for next year's Four on the 4th, with additional police and fire support being incorporated into the event.
Sharing & Caring Grant Spotlight
Larry introduced Kayla Brewer from Time of Wonder Early Learning Center, one of this year's Sharing & Caring Grant recipients.
Located in the lower level of St. George's Church, Time of Wonder is a nonprofit early learning center serving children from 8 weeks through age five. Their relationship-based, play-centered approach creates a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive while helping keep quality childcare affordable for local families.
York Rotary's $2,500 Sharing & Caring Grant will support exciting playground improvements, including a communication board, fresh sandbox sand, musical play equipment, and a new playhouse—enhancing outdoor learning for the 28 children currently enrolled.
Guest Speaker, Sue Swietek: Saving Lives Through Fostering
Sue and Rich Swietek delivered an inspiring presentation about the important role foster families play in animal rescue. Sue currently works with Caleb’s Opus Maine Animal Rescue.
Sue explained that while New England has successfully reduced pet overpopulation through decades of spay and neuter efforts, many areas of the South continue to face overcrowded shelters. As a result, rescue organizations transport healthy, vaccinated dogs north where loving homes—and foster families—are waiting.
Having fostered approximately 175 dogs over the past 10 years, Sue shared that she has experienced only one "foster fail"—a dog named Tarver, now lovingly known as Pippin, who became a permanent member of her family and now helps welcome each new foster dog.
She emphasized that fostering is far more flexible than many people realize. Volunteers can:
- Foster for a few days or several weeks.
- Provide short-term respite care while another foster family is away.
- Help transport dogs when rescue vehicles arrive.
- Assist with adoption screening and reference checks.
- Support rescue organizations through social media and outreach.
Rescue organizations provide veterinary care, food, leashes, toys, and other necessary supplies, making it easy for volunteers to focus on helping dogs transition to their forever homes.
When asked how she is able to say goodbye to so many dogs, Sue offered a simple but powerful perspective: fostering is about giving each dog a safe, loving place to stay until the right family comes along.
Closing
Susan closed the meeting by encouraging everyone to "Create Lasting Impact" over the weekend and, as always, reminding us to "Be The Good!"
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m.