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

York County Early Intervention

to view meeting:  https://youtu.be/yHM7yiw3D2U
 
April 23, 2024 - Kelly Boley-Miller, the advocate for early childhood education, took the podium at the York East Rotary Club meeting, shedding light on the county's innovative Early Invention Program. With an aim to empower children from diverse backgrounds, Boley-Miller outlined the program's vision, eligibility criteria, and funding mechanisms. Boley-Miller, the driving force behind the initiative, began by emphasizing the critical importance of early childhood education in shaping the future of communities. "Investing in our youngest citizens is not just about preparing them for school; it's about laying the foundation for a lifetime of success," she remarked, drawing nods of agreement from the attentive audience. The Early Invention Program, spearheaded by Boley-Miller, offers comprehensive support to children aged 0-5 who show signs of developmental delays or disabilities. "Early intervention is key," Boley-Miller stressed, "as it can significantly enhance a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development, setting them on a trajectory for academic and personal achievement." Eligibility for the program is determined through developmental screenings conducted in partnership with local healthcare providers, childcare centers, and community organizations. Children identified with developmental concerns are referred to the program, where they receive personalized interventions tailored to their unique needs. During her presentation, Boley-Miller highlighted the program's inclusive approach, emphasizing that it serves children from all walks of life, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.  Addressing the funding aspect, Boley-Miller expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private donors. In closing, Boley-Miller reiterated the transformative impact of early intervention in unlocking the full potential of every child. "Together, we can build a brighter future for York County, one where every child has the opportunity to flourish," With dedicated leaders like Kelly Boley-Miller at the helm, York County's Early Invention Program continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
 
York CBD Entrepreneur Ron Haskell
 
April 20, 2022 - To spread awareness about the benefits of CBD and its evolving regulatory landscape in Pennsylvania, Ron Haskell, the owner of CBD American Shaman in York, spoke at the York East Rotary Club breakfast meeting. Haskell delivered an impassioned presentation, shedding light on the transformative potential of CBD products and the impending legislative changes set to impact the industry. Haskell's expertise in the CBD industry with CBD American Shaman, he has not only provided high-quality products but also actively engaged in community education regarding CBD's potential health benefits. During his address, Haskell delved into the myriad benefits of CBD, ranging from pain relief and anxiety reduction to its emerging role in skincare and wellness routines. Drawing from both scientific research and anecdotal evidence, he painted a comprehensive picture of CBD's versatility and its capacity to enhance quality of life for countless individuals. However, Haskell's presentation wasn't solely focused on extolling the virtues of CBD; he also tackled the pressing issue of upcoming legislative changes affecting the industry in Pennsylvania. With the state poised to enact new regulations governing the production, distribution, and sale of Marijuana products, Haskell emphasized the importance of staying informed and engaged. Armed with samples of CBD products, members expressed a collective interest in trying them!
 
 

Gold Star Garden Spring Clean Up

pictured: Victoria Dick, Jim Walters, Tim Koller, Chris Izzo, Karen Comery, Todd Kurl, Kevin Walker
 
April 20, 2024 - In a display of community spirit, members of the York East Rotary Club in York, Pennsylvania, came together to volunteer their time and effort in revitalizing the beloved Gold Star Garden. On Saturday morning, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work, weeding and cleaning the garden with enthusiasm and dedication. The Gold Star Garden, located in the heart of York, is a poignant symbol of remembrance, honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Recognizing the importance of maintaining this sacred space, the Rotary Club mobilized its members for a day of service. Armed with gardening gloves, trowels, and buckets, the volunteers set out to tackle the task at hand with vigor. Despite the chilly spring breeze, their spirits remained high as they worked diligently to remove weeds and debris, restoring the garden to its former glory.
 

Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphan's Court

April 9, 2024 - In a bid to shed light on the often overlooked yet crucial functions of the York County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court, Bryan Tate took center stage at the York East Rotary Club meeting. The event aimed to educate attendees on the office's pivotal role in managing estates and generating essential tax revenues for the community. With years of experience under his belt, Tate, the incumbent Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court, delved into the intricacies of the office's operations. He articulated the various responsibilities it shoulders, including the probate process, issuing marriage licenses, and overseeing adoptions." As custodians of vital records and guardianship proceedings, our office plays a pivotal role in ensuring the orderly transfer of assets and safeguarding the interests of minors and vulnerable individuals," Tate emphasized. One of the focal points of Tate's presentation was the significant contribution of the office to the State’s tax revenue. He elucidated how the efficient management of estates translates into tangible tax revenues that bolster essential public services and infrastructure development. During the interactive session, Tate fielded questions from Rotary Club members, addressing inquiries ranging from the probate process to the role of technology in modernizing the office's operations. He underscored the office's commitment to embracing innovation while upholding its mandate to serve the public with integrity and transparency. The office is continually evolving to meet the evolving needs of our constituents. Whether it's leveraging digital platforms for streamlined document management or enhancing accessibility for citizens. The Rotary Club meeting served as a poignant reminder of the indispensable role played by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court in the fabric of local governance and the broader socioeconomic landscape of York County. Through education and engagement, Bryan Tate continues to champion transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the administration of estates and guardianship proceedings.
 

Junior Achievement

To view meeting;  https://youtu.be/h5HzeIG5pgg
 
April 2, 2024 - In a recent presentation to the York East Rotary Club, Lisa Vaughn, a representative from Junior Achievement of Central PA, highlighted the organization's diverse array of educational programs aimed at empowering youth for success in the modern world. With an emphasis on initiatives such as BizTown, JA Our Region, STEM Summit, REAL Life, and JA Inspire, Vaughn showcased how Junior Achievement (JA) offers a multifaceted approach to preparing young minds for the challenges of tomorrow. At the core of Junior Achievement's mission is its commitment to volunteer-led education. Vaughn emphasized how volunteers from the community actively engage with students, bringing real-world experiences into the classroom to inspire and educate. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of crucial skills such as work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, which are the organization's three pillars. Unlike many educational programs, Junior Achievement's offerings are entirely free to schools, covering all grades from Pre-K to 12. This accessibility ensures that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to benefit from JA's programs, regardless of their socioeconomic status. "Junior Achievement is more than just a program; it's a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for the realities of the modern workforce," said Vaughn during her presentation. "Our programs go beyond traditional classroom learning, providing students with practical skills and experiences that will serve them throughout their lives." Junior Achievement is not just about teaching; it's about empowering the next generation to thrive in an ever-changing world. "By providing students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed, we're investing in the future prosperity of our communities." Vaughn concluded.
The Rotary Club members expressed appreciation for the comprehensive approach of Junior Achievement's programs and pledged continued support for the organization's efforts to empower youth through education. As Junior Achievement continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains dedicated to its mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.
 
 

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
   PDG Connie Spark
   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 PDG Connie Spark. 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.

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