Rotary Club of York-East   

Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
York-East

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Currently meetings are held both in person and using Zoom (contact secretary for a Zoom invitation)
Heritage Hills Resort
2700 Mount Rose Ave
York, PA 17402-9207
United States of America
Interested in Rotary?
Are you a person who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
 

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York-East Rotary Club Meeting Programs

Worldwide Kindness

March 25, 2024 - Locally inspired in our York community by a random act of kindness on Good Friday morning between two strangers, one of whom was Kevin Smith, when his wallet was returned within moments after he discovered it was lost, the spirit of Kindness Week is to promote acts of kindness, encourage good deeds, and pay them forward to improve our communities and spread the joy of kindness to all. What began as a simple attempt to identify the young Good Samaritan woman and acknowledge her in a more meaningful way by “going the extra mile” for her as she did for him subsequently assumed a life of its own.  It became a fascinating adventure of a lifetime and the most meaningful pursuit of my life. The story was initially covered by WGAL 8 and quickly spread nationwide - even attracting attention from “Inside Edition,” television’s longest-running syndicated news program. During Kindness Week schools, service and faith-based organizations, businesses, families and all community constituents are encouraged to mobilize to express, display, and promote kindness in ways limited only by the bounds of imagination and creativity. One of the means all are encouraged to “go the extra mile” for kindness is to donate blood. It costs nothing other than our time, can literally save a life, and is a great example of “paying it forward.” When you show kindness, or are the beneficiary of an act of kindness, you are encouraged to share your kindness stories by reporting them on the website or social pages of the new nonprofit inspired by this random act of kindness, Kindness Worldwide, and use designated hashtags. The vision of Kindness Worldwide is to “create a culture of kindness” in our local communities and beyond through multiple initiatives, including the issuance of Kindness Citations by police departments, mass community distribution of “See the Good” and “Be the Good” cards to remind us of the importance of all the “little things” and make kindness intentional in our daily lives and routines, the development and implementation of kindness curriculums throughout our schools, and official recognition of humanity’s greatest asset, Kindness, by governing bodies. Proclamations and formal recognition of Kindness Week have already been made by the city of York, York and Adams counties, and the state of Pennsylvania thus far. That’s a good start, but not nearly enough!
 

March Student of the Month

Todd Kurl, Committee Chair and Eva Reever, Student of the Month
 
March 26, 2024 - Two exemplary students from York County School of Technology took the spotlight at the local York East Rotary Club breakfast meeting. The occasion marked the monthly recognition ceremony for Students of the Month, where these exceptional individuals were honored to be the students of the month. The Rotary Club, known for its commitment to community service and education, hosted the event to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. This month, senior Emma Amereihn and junior Eva Reever were chosen.  Eva delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of community engagement and volunteerism while enjoying reading, painting, crafting, journaling, playing the ukulele and listening to music. She has received distinguished Honor Roll every year and is working at the Keystone Early Learning academy.  Emma was unable to attend the meeting but is also on the distinguished honor roll plus an all-star athlete in field hockey, basketball and track and field.  Members of the Rotary Club commended the students for their exceptional dedication and encouraged them to continue their outstanding work. We have no doubt that they will continue to excel and contribute meaningfully to society. In recognizing and supporting these exceptional students, the Rotary Club reinforced its commitment to fostering education, leadership, and community engagement among the youth, ensuring that the future of the community remains in capable and compassionate hands.

Thirty Years of Cleanup

York-East members volunteer to pick up trash and litter along Edgewood Road between Prospect Street and Kingston Road twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall, generally to coincide with PennDOT's Road Cleanup Day.  The club has been doing it since 1994 and occasionally finds treasures and lots of trash (cans, cups, bags, and tires).  We even found a wallet this year and hope to return it to the owner!
 
The Club has been recognized for 30 years of participation in the road cleanup project.

From left to right:  Nate Tile, Kris Pollick, Greg Kern, Dan Hoff and Tim Koller
 
 
 

Rotary Members are Honored

           John Schmitt and Wife Donna
                        Bill Gierasch
                  Connie sparks
             Jim Walters and Wife Winnie
 

To view meeting:  https://youtu.be/kE94qM2pQhc

The York East Rotary Club gave out Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 4 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. The award is named after Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. It's a way for Rotary clubs to recognize individuals for their contributions to the club's goals of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more. Rotary clubs typically award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals who have made significant contributions, either through monetary donations or substantial volunteer efforts. These contributions might be directed towards local or global initiatives that align with Rotary's values and objectives.

The awards were given by Fred Gellert, Rotary District 7390 Governor, Elizabeth Wolf, Club President and Kris Pollick, Rotary Foundation Chair to John Schmitt, Jim Walters, Bill Gierasch and Connie Sparks. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a significant honor within the Rotary community and is accompanied by a certificate and a medallion. It signifies a person's commitment to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and their dedication to making positive changes in the world.

Augmented Reality

 
March 12, 2024 - In a presentation to the York East Rotary Club, Andy Lynch, the visionary leader of Vision Solutions based in York, Pennsylvania, showcased the transformative power of augmented reality (AR) and its practical applications in today's business landscape. Lynch's engaging talk not only shed light on the cutting-edge technology but also illustrated how his company has effectively utilized AR to enhance experiences and drive innovation, particularly in collaboration with Explore York. During the event, Lynch delved into the nuances of augmented reality, emphasizing its ability to overlay digital information onto the physical world, thereby revolutionizing various industries. As he guided the audience through the intricacies of AR technology, Lynch underscored its potential to bridge the gap between the virtual and physical realms, offering limitless possibilities for businesses and consumers alike. One of the highlights of Lynch's presentation was the insightful glimpse into Vision Solutions' collaboration with Explore York, the prominent tourism organization dedicated to promoting the city's rich history and attractions. Lynch elucidated how his company leveraged augmented reality to provide immersive experiences for tourists and locals alike, seamlessly blending technology with the city's vibrant culture. In partnership with Explore York, Vision Solutions developed an innovative AR application that offered interactive tours of York's landmarks and historical sites. By simply scanning QR codes placed strategically throughout the city, users could unlock a treasure trove of information, including historical facts, multimedia content, and 3D renderings, all superimposed onto the physical surroundings through their smartphone screens. Furthermore, Lynch elucidated how Vision Solutions' AR solutions extended beyond tourism, encompassing diverse sectors such as retail, education, and real estate. By seamlessly integrating AR technology into various facets of business operations, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation, driving tangible value for its clients and stakeholders. As Vision Solutions continues to spearhead innovation from its headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, one thing remains abundantly clear: the future is augmented, and the possibilities are limitless.
 
 
 

Locally Seasoned

Liza Naylor and Elizabeth Wolf, Club President
 
March 5, 2024 - Liza Naylor, the proud owner of "Locally Seasoned," a thriving culinary venture based in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, captivated members of the York East Rotary Club yesterday with her inspiring story of entrepreneurship. Naylor shared the origins of her business, which she attributed to her diverse international family. Liza's journey into the world of culinary entrepreneurship began with her upbringing in a family where various cultures and cuisines intersected. Growing up, she was exposed to a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking techniques from her relatives hailing from different parts of the world. This multicultural influence ignited her passion for food and inspired her to explore the culinary landscape further. During her address to the Rotary Club, Naylor recounted how her family gatherings often turned into elaborate feasts, with each member contributing dishes reflective of their heritage. These experiences not only deepened her appreciation for diverse cuisines but also planted the seeds of her future business venture. Driven by her love for cooking and her desire to share the flavors of her upbringing with others, Naylor embarked on a journey to establish her own business. In 2018, she launched "Locally Seasoned," a boutique culinary enterprise specializing in artisanal spice blends, sauces, and gourmet cooking ingredients sourced locally. At the heart of Naylor's business philosophy lies a commitment to quality, authenticity, and community. Each product offered by "Locally Seasoned" is crafted with care, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. By supporting local farmers and producers, Naylor not only ensures the freshness and superior quality of her products but also fosters a sense of community and sustainability. Liza's heartfelt message resonated deeply with the members of the Rotary Club, many of whom praised her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community engagement. As she continues to expand her business and reach new audiences, Naylor remains committed to her vision of promoting culinary diversity and fostering a sense of unity through food

York City Redevelopment Authority

Blanda Nace and Elizabeth Wolf, Club President
 
February 26, 2024 - Blanda Nace, representing the City of York Redevelopment Authority, recently addressed the Rotary Club to discuss the significant role of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York (RDA) in revitalizing the city. The RDA has been entrusted with the crucial mission of eliminating blighted properties within York, thus contributing to the overall enhancement of the community's aesthetic appeal and economic vitality.
Among the notable ongoing projects spearheaded by the RDA, Nace highlighted several key endeavors:
  1. Penn Market: The redevelopment efforts encompassing Penn Market signify a commitment to preserving and enhancing this historic marketplace, which serves as a cornerstone of the local community and economy. By revitalizing this area, the RDA aims to bolster economic activity and foster a vibrant communal space.
  2. Northwest Triangle: The RDA's involvement in the Northwest Triangle underscores its dedication to transforming underutilized spaces into thriving hubs of activity and commerce. This ambitious project seeks to redevelop a significant portion of land, potentially offering new opportunities for residential, commercial, and recreational purposes.
  3. Dentsply Property: The redevelopment of the Dentsply property represents a strategic initiative aimed at repurposing former industrial sites to meet the evolving needs of the city. By reimagining these spaces, the RDA endeavors to attract new businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth while preserving the city's rich industrial heritage.
  4. Lot Development: Additionally, the RDA is actively engaged in the development of vacant lots throughout York, recognizing them as valuable assets with untapped potential. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration with stakeholders, these lots can be transformed into vibrant spaces that contribute to the overall vitality and appeal of the city.
Nace emphasized the collaborative nature of these projects, underscoring the importance of partnerships between the RDA, local government, businesses, community organizations, and residents. By working together, they can leverage resources, expertise, and collective vision to realize the shared goal of revitalizing York and creating a more prosperous future for all its inhabitants.

Zambia Mission

Amadi Mphande and Elizabeth Wolf Club President
 
To view meeting:  https://youtu.be/ttE4Ktyfaf4
 
February 20, 2024 - As the world seems to be erupting in chaos, a bright light of international cooperation and peace came to the York East Rotary Club meeting. He is Amadi (Mohammed) Mphande from Mfuwe, Zambia.  Mfuwe’s rural village is located in the Southeastern area of Zambia, Africa near the South Luangwa National Park.  His first time on an airplane and his first snow fall, Mfuwe shared his village’s recent experience with a team of Medical, Eye-Care and Dental Care volunteers lead by local York-East Rotarian Connie Spark.  Two-thirds of Zambians live below the poverty line with a monthly income of $211.00 US. There is a great need for medical supplies and medical professionals.
 
Our York East Rotary Club and other Rotary Districts participated in the largest Rotary International Foundation Vocational Training Team Grant.  This type of grant requires that our team train doctors and nurses in the partner locations as well as give direct aid. These over $210K grants provided eye, dental, and medical treatment in November, 2023.  More than 20 Rotary Clubs and districts around the world helped make this project a success.  In 6 days our team of over 50 Rotarians and volunteers around the world helped over 3200 local people.
 
Amadi Mphamde is the Headmaster at Mfuwe Primary School in the Village of Mfuwe, Zambia which is one of the largest primary schools.  As one of the founding members in 2012 of the Mfuwe Rotary Club, he is currently Club President and has been very active in promoting Rotary through the community. Mohammed is very honored to be a part of this international mission and will present his experience at the Mid-Atlantic Rotary Presidential Training conference where he will be a featured speaker along with other mission participants Rotary International
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