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Service Above Self

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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

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ACCOUNTABILITY FOR LIFE

Chris Izzo, Past Club President and Russell Stoner

to view meeting: https://youtu.be/LWWEzdQ1Z28

February 4, 2026 - Russell Stoner, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Accountability for Life (AFL), spoke recently to members of the York East Rotary Club about the organization’s mission, origins and plans for expansion. Stoner, a longtime football coach and former star athlete at West York High School, outlined how AFL began as an effort to support the football program at York High School — then struggling both on and off the field — and has grown into a year-round youth development initiative rooted in character, accountability and life skills.

When Stoner took over the Bearcats’ football program in 2016, the team was coming off a winless season with only 14 players enrolled. Alongside assistant coach Mike Teyral, he saw a need for broader mentorship and support for at-risk young people that went beyond athletics. This led to the creation of Accountability for Life, a nonprofit focused on helping youth build strong traditional core values, maintain academic standards and take personal responsibility for their actions.

“At its heart, AFL is about more than sports,” Stoner told the Rotary audience. “It’s about giving kids the tools they need to succeed in school, in their communities and in life.” Participants are required to maintain a minimum grade-point average and stay out of disciplinary trouble to remain in the program.

Stoner highlighted the success the program has seen: AFL student-athletes have achieved high graduation rates, pursued post-secondary education and earned collegiate athletic opportunities. “This isn’t just about football,” Stoner said. “It’s about helping young men and women become accountable, confident and ready for whatever comes next.” At the Rotary meeting, Stoner shared his vision for expanding AFL’s reach further into the community. With growing demand from families and schools, he hopes to broaden programming to include female athletes, additional educational support services and increased outreach partnerships with local youth organizations. Strengthening facilities and fundraising for scholarships and program access for all socioeconomic backgrounds also topped his agenda.

York Catholic Students of the Month

Todd Kurl, Committee Chair, Reagan Miller and Sean Melhorn

February 3, 2026 - York East Rotary was proud to welcome two outstanding students from York Catholic High School as Students of the Month at a recent weekly breakfast meeting — and what an inspiring morning it was. Each year, York East Rotary recognizes exemplary senior students with a scholarship and sponsors junior students to attend Messiah University’s Summer Leadership Camp. The program is designed to encourage academic excellence, leadership development, and service — values that both of this year’s honorees embody beautifully.

Reagan Miller, a senior, returned to Rotary as a shining example of the program’s impact. Reagan was selected last year as a junior to attend the Messiah University leadership program, and she shared how meaningful that experience was in shaping her confidence and leadership skills. She spoke warmly about the friendships she formed and the personal growth she experienced during the summer camp. Reagan’s list of accomplishments is impressive. She serves as captain of the varsity volleyball team, is a student ambassador, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout high school, she has earned numerous academic honors and recognitions. In the fall, Reagan plans to attend the University of North Carolina, where she will major in a pre-dental track with the goal of becoming a pediatric dentist. Her drive, compassion, and commitment to excellence will no doubt serve her well in that future career.

Joining her as this year’s junior honoree is Sean Melhorn, another student who exemplifies leadership both in and out of the classroom. Sean is captain of the football team, a member of the jazz band, and also serves as a student ambassador. Alongside his extracurricular involvement, he has achieved strong academic success. Sean plans to pursue a degree in nursing when he attends college, a path that reflects both his work ethic and his desire to care for others.

York East Rotary congratulates Reagan and Sean on their achievements and looks forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead. Through programs like Student of the Month and the Messiah leadership camp, the club remains committed to investing in the next generation of leaders — students who are already making a difference in their schools and communities.

York-East Rotarian Elizabeth Wolf Nominated as District 7390 Governor for 2028-29

The York East Rotary Club is proud to announce that Elizabeth Wolf, Club Member, has been nominated for District 7390 Governor, Elizabeth began her professional career in the financial services industry in 1985, starting at Merrill Lynch before building her own business at Legg Mason in 1995. While there, she earned her Certified Financial Planner® designation through an intensive program culminating in a comprehensive exam at Villanova University. Following Legg Mason’s acquisition by Smith Barney, she transitioned to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2009, where she continued to work with clients.

Elizabeth joined the Rotary Club of York-East in 2004 and quickly discovered that Rotary offered far more than professional networking—it offered meaningful service and global impact. Her Rotary journey has included two terms as President of the Rotary Club of York-East, multiple years as Club Rotary Foundation Chair, Annual Fund Chair for the District and service as Assistant Governor, and participation on district conference, foundation, and nominating committees. She is a Major Donor and member of the Paul Harris Society, and she remains deeply committed to advancing the mission of The Rotary Foundation.

One of the most rewarding Rotary initiatives she participated in was helping launch The County Cup, a collaborative fundraiser involving all nine York County Rotary clubs. Over four years, the event returned more than $223,000 to local nonprofits. She is also proud to have introduced the Safety Town program to the York-East Club, educating young children about safety and community awareness.

Today, Elizabeth continues to support Rotary at both the club and district levels, focusing on leadership development, sustainable fundraising, and consistent support of The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Left to Right: Bethany Richardson, United Way; TaTyana Abreu, United Way; Kris Pollick, Club President

to view meeting: https://youtu.be/WgjSjglNZpQ

Members of the York East Rotary Club got a helpful look at how small actions can make a big financial difference for local families when TaTyana Abreu from United Way of York County spoke at the club’s weekly breakfast meeting. TaTyana shared details about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free service designed to help eligible individuals and families prepare and file their tax returns. The program focuses on households with low to moderate incomes, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — people who may otherwise pay high fees for tax preparation or miss out on valuable credits.

She emphasized that many households qualify for important tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit, which can mean thousands of dollars back in refunds. For many working families, that refund helps cover essentials like rent, utilities, childcare, and car repairs. It can also provide a chance to start saving or pay down debt.

What makes VITA special, TaTyana said, is the power of volunteers. IRS-certified community volunteers are trained to prepare accurate returns at no cost. This ensures families receive safe, reliable assistance while avoiding predatory services and high fees.

Rotary members learned how they can help spread the word so eligible residents know this service exists. Community awareness is key, TaTyana noted, because millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed each year simply because people don’t realize they qualify.

TaTyana’s presentation served as a reminder that sometimes the most powerful way to help a neighbor is by making sure they get access to the resources they’ve already earned.

Top of Form

York Suburban Students

January 20, 2026 -York East Rotary recently had the pleasure of recognizing two outstanding young leaders from York Suburban High School as Students of the Month, highlighting both academic achievement and strong character. Each year, the Rotary Club invests in the future by awarding a scholarship to an exemplary senior student and sponsoring a junior to attend a summer leadership camp at Messiah College. This tradition reflects Rotary’s commitment to education, service, and developing the next generation of community leaders.

Senior honoree Emma Bates shared her passion for math and swimming, along with the hard work that has earned her multiple academic awards. As vice president of her school’s math honor society, Emma has distinguished herself as both a scholar and a leader among her peers. She spoke with gratitude about the support she has received from her family and school community. Looking ahead, Emma plans to attend a four-year college to major in chemical engineering, a field that perfectly blends her love of math and science.

Junior student Jonathan Stermer also impressed Rotarians with his drive and teamwork. A member of the varsity soccer team and the National Honor Society, Jonathan described the excitement and dedication involved in reaching the state finals with his team. He credited the experience with teaching him perseverance and the value of working toward a common goal. Like Emma, Jonathan is interested in pursuing chemical engineering, showing an early focus on a challenging and rewarding career path.

Rotary members praised both students for their eloquence, maturity, and clear sense of purpose. Club members expressed particular admiration for the way Emma and Jonathan articulated what motivates them to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in the world. By celebrating students like Emma and Jonathan, York East Rotary continues its mission of encouraging education, leadership, and service — investing not only in individual futures, but in the strength of the entire community.

Rotary Club Members Serving at The Daily Bread

Lou Lavetan, Don, Greg Kern, Grant Kern, Jim Norton, Tim Koller and Diana Papale

December 30, 2025 — Members of the York East Rotary Club chose to celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday season by volunteering to serve lunch at The Daily Bread, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding those in need. The volunteers arrived early on December 30 to prepare and serve meals, ensuring that guests of The Daily Bread received a hot, nutritious lunch in a welcoming environment. "We wanted to end the year on a note of service," said Tim Koller a Rotary Club member. The Daily Bread does such important work in our community, and we’re honored to be a small part of it. The Daily Bread, located in downtown York, serves free meals to individuals facing food insecurity. Its mission aligns with the Rotary Club’s dedication to supporting local communities through hands-on service and philanthropy. Volunteers described the experience as deeply meaningful, noting the gratitude expressed by those they served. "It’s a reminder of how impactful even a few hours of service can be," said Koller.

New Crispus Attucks Museum

To view meeting: https://youtu.be/Lhwi8lEcfFc

January 6, 2026 - Scott Deisley, interim director of the Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center, was the featured speaker at a recent weekly meeting of the East York Rotary, where he shared updates on the organization’s new museum, event, and meeting space located on Crispus Attucks’ Southside campus. Deisley spoke about the vision behind the new facility, which is designed to serve as both a cultural landmark and a gathering place for the community. The space will highlight the rich history, contributions, and stories of York’s African American community while also providing a modern venue for educational programs, meetings, and special events. The new museum will feature rotating and permanent exhibits that explore local Black history, civil rights, arts, and culture, with an emphasis on preserving stories that have often been overlooked. Deisley emphasized that the center’s mission goes beyond preservation, focusing on education, dialogue, and community engagement.

In addition to museum exhibits, the facility includes flexible meeting and event space that can be used by community groups, nonprofits, businesses, and educational organizations. Deisley noted that the goal is to make the campus a welcoming hub where people can come together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate York’s diverse heritage. Deisley also discussed upcoming events and programs planned for the space, inviting Rotarians and the broader community to visit the campus, attend programs, and explore partnership opportunities. He stressed the importance of community support and involvement in ensuring the long-term success of the center.

Martin Fedorko of White Rose Ventures

To view meeting: https://youtu.be/eQK_6BI6Nqc

December 9, 2025 - The York East Rotary Club recently welcomed Martin Fedorko, representing White Rose Ventures, to speak at its weekly breakfast meeting. Fedorko shared the story behind White Rose Ventures, its mission, and how the organization is helping support new business growth in York County. Fedorko explained that White Rose Ventures was created to provide early-stage funding and guidance to local entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their business ideas into reality. The venture capital initiative was established through a partnership between community leaders and economic development organizations who recognized the need for stronger support for start-ups in the region. During his presentation, Fedorko walked the club through the history of White Rose Ventures. The organization was founded with the goal of keeping talented entrepreneurs in York County by giving them access to capital, mentorship, and connections that are often difficult to secure for new businesses. By investing in promising local companies, White Rose Ventures helps strengthen the region’s economy and encourages job creation. Fedorko also highlighted several success stories and emphasized the group’s commitment to building a thriving business environment in York. He shared how White Rose Ventures evaluates potential investments and works closely with founders to help them grow responsibly and sustainably.

Club members appreciated learning about this important resource for York’s entrepreneurial community and thanked Fedorko for the vital work White Rose Ventures is doing to support innovation and economic opportunity in the area.

Spirit of the Holidays

The spirit of the holidays shone brightly this year as the York East Rotary Club once again rallied together to bring joy to local children. Under the steady guidance and heartfelt enthusiasm of club member Jim Norton, the club collected and donated more than 100 gifts for the children at York Day Nursery School. What began as a simple idea grew quickly into an annual project that energizes the entire club. Jim took the lead, coordinating lists, organizing volunteers, and encouraging members to take part in what has become one of the club’s most cherished seasonal traditions. His dedication set the tone, and soon the meeting room will be filled with brightly wrapped packages, toys, books and items chosen to make each child feel remembered and valued. Members commented on how meaningful it was to see the gifts piling up week after week. When the final tally came in, the club had exceeded expectations. Over 100 gifts were delivered to York Day Nursery School, where teachers and staff expressed heartfelt appreciation. For many of the children, these presents will become cherished treasures—tokens of kindness from a community that cares deeply about them.

As the holidays approach, the York East Rotary Club is reminded once again that service above self is more than a motto. Through Jim Norton’s leadership and the generosity of every participating member, the true meaning of the season came to life: compassion, connection, and the joy of giving.

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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