A Small Club Making a Big Difference: January 16 York Rotary Recap
Celebrating new members and meaningful leadership reflections on belonging
Reviewing international service projects and approving new humanitarian support
Looking ahead to future programs that connect local impact with global service
The York Rotary Club met on January 16 with President Darcy opening the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Six-Way Test.
Darcy welcomed two members to the club:
Dianne Brindisi, who has transferred from the Portsmouth Rotary Club and now lives in Cape Neddick. She previously served as Committee Chair and as a member of their Board of Directors, and
Eric Walker, a new member sponsored by Dinon Hughes. Dinon shared that he and Eric have worked closely together through the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce, where they serve as fellow board members.
Darcy then shared a meaningful moment with the club by reading a letter she had written to herself during New England PELS, recently returned to her by the Bridgton Rotary Club. In the letter, Darcy reflected on her goals for her presidency—most notably fostering a sense of belonging for every member, organizing committees in alignment with the Rotary International Action Plan, and supporting future Rotary leadership. Members agreed she is doing an excellent job living out those goals.
The main program of the meeting was Darcy’s 2025–2026 International Philanthropy Presentation, prepared with the help of the International Committee. Darcy thanked committee members Tim Pearson, Jud Knox, Ben Lovell, Steve Jendzejec, Larry Richburg, John Poalini, Mike Estes, and Russ Peterson for their work on the presentation.
During the presentation, the club unanimously approved a motion to donate $1,000 from local funds (rather than using International Funds) to support World Central Kitchen’s relief efforts in Jamaica. Darcy also highlighted several international initiatives supported by York Rotary, including:
- The Kagunga Valley Community Water Project (sponsored by Biddeford-Saco Rotary), expected to benefit more than 4,000 villagers
- The Maher Project in India, supporting women, children, and families while advancing conflict resolution and peace
- Dr. Anshu Chandra’s Global Eye Project, which has provided over 120,000 eye exams and continues to expand services
- The Guatemala Literacy Project
- Nellie Young’s Culinary School in Peru, empowering students through education and workforce training
Following the presentation, members shared thoughtful ideas for future speakers and programs, including representatives from local businesses, healthcare organizations, tourism, the performing arts, and town leadership. Several members expressed pride in the wide-reaching impact of this “small but mighty” club and reflected on the importance of supporting both global initiatives and local arts and youth programs.
Darcy closed by encouraging members to keep sharing ideas and stories, noting how personal connections to causes—whether hunger relief, education, or the arts—help spark meaningful conversations and engagement within the club.