September Club Assembly
~Board Meeting Highlights
~Committee & Project Updates
~Public Relations Discussion
York Rotary Recap – September 26, 2025
Inspirational Words of the Day
John Paolini dropped off some words of inspiration from Winston Churchill before the meeting started, read by Darcy: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
John Paolini dropped off some words of inspiration from Winston Churchill before the meeting started, read by Darcy: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Service Spotlight – Maine Needs
We’re collecting both new and gently used items including camping gear, sheets, comforters, and cleaning supplies. Donations can be dropped at Darcy’s office (4 Marketplace, Suite 203, York) or at Susan’s home (69 Darcy Road, York).
We’re collecting both new and gently used items including camping gear, sheets, comforters, and cleaning supplies. Donations can be dropped at Darcy’s office (4 Marketplace, Suite 203, York) or at Susan’s home (69 Darcy Road, York).
Board Meeting Highlights
- Busy October Ahead: Field trip to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on October 10—please submit your name and address as shown on your Real ID or passport to Jackie by Friday, October 4.
- October 24 Meeting Change: Due to CAL’s Halloween events, we’ll skip our regular meeting and instead join Kittery and Kittery After Hours Rotary for a “Pints for Polio” gathering at Tributary Brewing, 4–7 pm.
- Harvestfest Planning: Volunteers are needed; Darcy, Brad, and Cindy will meet Monday at 8:15 am to finalize details and postcard handouts.
- Membership: A member researched dues at nearby clubs and found ours offer excellent value. We’re working to enhance that value with field trips, engaging programs, and fun community events.
- Finances: Discussion continues about QuickBooks and CPA costs; Heather will explore nonprofit options and Darcy is connecting with local CPAs.
- Goals & Engagement: We’ll be sending out a pulse poll soon—watch for it!
Committee & Project Updates
- International: Tim shared an update on clean water projects in Africa; more discussion at the October 22 board meeting.
- Member Spotlights: Coming in November—Scott and Claire will share their “Rotary Why.”
- Community Dinner: Next dinner is October 7—Darcy will be cooking her famous stuffed pork and squash bisque! Volunteers welcome.
- Community Suppers Expansion: Heather and Ginny are exploring ways to increase frequency of these meals.
Program – Public Relations with Heather Campbell
Heather, our PR Chair, led an interactive session on how we tell York Rotary’s story. She reminded us that PR is more than promotion—it’s about education, awareness, and impact.
Key Tools: press releases, social media, sponsorships, signage, community events, service projects, branded merchandise, and partnerships.
Goals: share Rotary’s impact, inspire new members, and build lasting community connections.
We brainstormed how to best spend $1 on PR—ideas included social media ads, sponsorships, community events, signage, and branded giveaways. Heather emphasized that every Rotarian is a PR advocate—from sharing a Facebook post, to wearing Rotary gear around town, to simply talking about why we are Rotarians.
Closing Thought
Kindness dollars were collected to support Maine Needs. Let’s continue to live out Churchill’s words by making a life through what we give.
Kindness dollars were collected to support Maine Needs. Let’s continue to live out Churchill’s words by making a life through what we give.