Speaker: Tom Ryan, LancasterHistory
“Thaddeus Stevens House Museum
Located at the corner of Vine and South Queen Streets in Lancaster City, The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is currently under development by LancasterHistory. The site is currently not open to the public, but it can be viewed from outside on Vine and South Queen Streets or through glass while inside the Lancaster County Convention Center.
In 2010, LancasterHistory assumed responsibility for the site and its future development. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County restored the facades of the Thaddeus Stevens House, Kleiss Tavern, and Lydia Hamilton Smith Houses, as well as unearthed thousands of compelling pieces of archaeological evidence, many pointing to Underground Railroad activity. Its many dedicated volunteers enforced historic preservation easements, brought the site’s potential to the attention of the Lancaster community, and put in motion actions that saved the buildings.
Thomas R. Ryan is Executive Director of the Lancaster County Historical Society, Pennsylvania, where he has overseen the operations of the society since January 1997. During that timehe has spearheaded a major building project, assembled a distinguished professional staff, and helped renew and invigorate the well-respected 118-year-old organization.
Tom holds a B. A. in Modern Language and Literature from the College of the Holy Cross, an M. A. in Education from Boston College, and is a candidate for a Ph. D. in American Civilization at the University of Delaware. He resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Tracey M. Weis, and his sons, Michael and Tuck.
See a list of coming programs with brief descriptions (LINK)
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Notes from last week's meeting:
EDC Lancaster helps expand local economy and retain businesses
Speaking without notes but with a passion for our community, Ezra Rothman delivered an update on the latest endeavors of EDC Lancaster County, highlighting their ongoing commitment to bolstering our local economic landscape. His talk was another well-received RCL presentation, and prompted a number of questions.
As Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnership, Ezra shared how EDC, formerly the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, is working on a new strategic plan to support local businesses and enable them to thrive. The efforts encompass an expansion of financing tools through EDC Finance, along with the relaunch of EDC's Center for Regional Analysis, designed to offer invaluable insights for both business and community leaders.
EDC Finance has historically been very active in facilitating PA 504 financing and has done a lot of work with next-generation farmers preparing to take over their family farms.
He also addressed the ongoing challenge that local businesses face in their quest for industrial land or leasable space to foster growth. In Lancaster County there is a severe lack of industrial land, and businesses that look to expand are feeling the pinch because “we can’t find space to grow here”. EDC is working with municipalities to increase the available industrial land to bolster their local economies and grow the tax basis.
Ezra underscored EDC's role in the long-standing McGinnis Airfield project, which recently secured significant state funding.* Ezra also shed light on EDC's lending program, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which aims to empower local entrepreneurs. [see links *] Ezra pointed out that the economy is going through a tumultuous period where indicators are moving in counterintuitive directions. While inflation is on the rise, consumer spending remains high, which continues to bolster the economy. [see links *] He delved into the current economic conditions within Lancaster County, as detailed in the Center for Regional Analysis' latest Economic Intelligence Report. [see links *]
EDC remains deeply engaged in collaboration with the Lancaster County Planning Department, municipal leaders, and businesses to assess the current state of industrial land in Lancaster County and “explore opportunities to provide space for businesses to thrive while preserving our beautiful landscape”. It is a balancing act that EDC handles well.
With our extensive farming and the importance of our rural landscapes to tourism, EDC helps the county and its municipalities navigate between sustainable growth, our agricultural heritage, and conserving outdoor recreational spaces. Ezra’s presentation helped our members understand how EDC Lancaster works on a number of fronts to do that.
Looking for ways to connect with fellow RCL members and focus more on fun and fellowship than a structured
meeting? Drop by our popular Rotary Rendezvous! It’s not your standard Rotary meeting. Rotary Rendezvous is focused on camaraderie and has become a highlight of RCL business and social gatherings, and a fun event for current and potential new members. If you're looking for fellowship, or a night out, please drop by Rotary Rendezvous on Wednesday, October 11, at Southern Market in Lancaster. Parking is available at the Steinman garage or folks can find side street parking.
Rotary Rendezvous meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
Arrive anytime between 5-5:30pm for drinks and fellowship.
Details
Location: Southern Market Parking: Steinman Garage or on street Arrive: 5-5:30pm for drinks and fellowship Trivia: Begins at 7:00 PM
Thanks, we hope to see you there!
- Tom Baum and Rendezvous Committee
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“Lifetime” Member nominations open.
The Board is accepting nominations for the new Lifetime Membership category for members in good standing who are
unable to attend meetings and perhaps have stopped paying dues. The designation foregoes dues and entitles the holder to receive The Transmitter and other correspondence for life. Lifetime Members need to be nominated by active Club members and approved by the board
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Club goes cashless
Since our meals are now are included in our dues, there is only a need to pay for meals when we bring guests. Cash will not be accepted. Only credit cards will be accepted.
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Leave of Absence Dues Modification
The new dues structure remains in place. However, any member may request a 3-month leave of absence. Dues will be $122 for this three-month period.
Rotary Means Business on Oct. 5
at Lancaster Holiday Inn
This networking opportunity for Rotarians will take place on Thursday, October 5 at the Holiday Inn, 26 E Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event is FREE of cost to attendees thanks to venue sponsor Holiday Inn and to event sponsors Phil Saleet of Caretakers Electric and Glen Bootay of Waster Hauler Support Services, LLC. Light appetizers will be available. Street parking is available but limited. FREE parking will be available at the Duke Street Garage but all attendees who plan to park free there must provide their license plate number during the RSVP process. Holiday Inn does not validate parking. Please enter through the hotel lobby entrance and head to the Imperial Restaurant and the hostess will direct you.
The Rotary Clubs of Elizabethtown, Lancaster Hempfield and Lititz are arranging this, the first RMB in our area since before COVID.
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Great Speaker Programs coming!
Mark your calendars for some special upcoming programs that you will not want to miss!
Thaddeus Stevens House Museum
October 4th - Tom Ryan of LancasterHistory.org will share some exciting plans regarding the new Thaddeus Stevens House Museum. This $22 million + project is sure to become a major draw in downtown Lancaster and is already garnering national attention. Tom will share photos of the current site and plans for the new museum. This should be a really interesting presentation.
Commissioners Candidate Forums!
October 18th and 25th - This year, we will host the Democratic candidates for Commissioner on October 18th, and the Republican candidates on October 25th.
The Democratic candidates are Alice Yoder and Bob Hollister. Republican candidates are Josh Parsons and Ray D'Agostino, both current commissioners. There are 3 seats open.
Each candidate will have the opportunity to make their pitch, describe their qualifications, record, and share their plans and objectives should they be elected. They may also share thoughts about their opposition. Rotarians will have an opportunity at the end of the meeting to ask any questions, providing that such questions are respectful and honor the Rotary 4-way test. You may invite guests to this meeting as well, however at this time we request that any questions to the candidates come from Rotarians only. If we have extra time after Rotarians have asked questions, then we may open it up to guests.
Rotary has a great history of hosting these types of forums and engaging in civic discussions. Let's show our speakers that Rotary still has an important role to play as a hosting organization as well as an audience, by showing up for these programs. We hope you will mark your calendars and make sure to join your fellow members for these upcoming meetings.
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REMINDER: Share Your Program Ideas! We welcome interesting speakers, and engaging programs.
Our Club is always looking for ideas to add to the list of potential programs. If you have any ideas for programs, please contact Christine Sable (sableccim@gmail.com) or another member of the Meeting Planning Committee or any Board member, who will pass them along. Both live and virtual (Zoom) speakers are welcome.
Program Committee Resources to help you suggest speakers and programs::
Guidelines as to what is appropriate for a club program (download)
Form for outside speakers or organizations to propose a program (download)
Form to request information from an approved speaker (download)
The programs the Lancaster Rotary Club offers are important for our club and, with your help and participation, have often been truly phenomenal.
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Have Something to Share? To Add, Edit or Discontinue an Announcement or Photo:
Transmitter Editor, Steve Henning, will gladly add a new announcement, edit an existing announcement, or discontinue an announcement that is no longer relevant. Please contact Steve at: rotarians@earthlink.net. Photos of Rotarians in action are always welcome. Send photos to Steve at: rotarians@earthlink.net.
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Joys & Concerns
Joy: Bill Patrick is happy and joyful to be back in the U.S. and at Rotary and able to share that his wife Kimberley is doing well after she had emergency surgery in Wales, turning a 10-day vacation into a 20- day stay.
Joy: Larry Miller is joyful that his son got married the preceding Friday!
It is important and easy! Help Keep the Club Calendar Updated
All Rotarians – especially committee chairs – are encouraged to help keep our new Club Calendar full and updated with the great things that our Club is doing in the community. Please submit any items you would like added to RCOL7390@lancasterrotary.org. Examples include the schedule of McCaskey Mentoring Sessions, Committee Meetings, Power Packs or Salvation Army Bell Ringing. If it’s happening, let’s get it on the Calendar for all to see! Your help will keep us all updated with what’s going on within the Club AND will showcase our very active Club to the Lancaster Community and to prospective members. The Club Calendar is available atwww.LancasterRotary.org
Rotary Club of Lancaster
Located at the corner of Vine and South Queen Streets in Lancaster City, The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is currently under development by LancasterHistory. The site is currently not open to the public, but it can be viewed from outside on Vine and South Queen Streets or through glass while inside the Lancaster County Convention Center.
Speaking without notes but with a passion for our community, Ezra Rothman delivered an update on the latest endeavors of EDC Lancaster County, highlighting their ongoing commitment to bolstering our local economic landscape. His talk was another well-received RCL presentation, and prompted a number of questions.
Looking for ways to connect with fellow RCL members and focus more on fun and fellowship than a structured
October 4th - Tom Ryan of LancasterHistory.org will share some exciting plans regarding the new Thaddeus Stevens House Museum. This $22 million + project is sure to become a major draw in downtown Lancaster and is already garnering national attention. Tom will share photos of the current site and plans for the new museum. This should be a really interesting presentation.
October 18th and 25th - This year, we will host the Democratic candidates for Commissioner on October 18th, and the Republican candidates on October 25th..jpg)
Announcement or Photo:
