Rotary Recap December 5, 2025
Welcoming a New Member & Spreading Holiday Cheer!
Darcy opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Six-Way Test.
Welcome to Our Newest Member
We were thrilled to officially welcome Skip Smith as our newest York Rotarian! Skip has attended several meetings, is passionate about leadership and bringing people together, and is already a great fit for our club. He received his official certificate, new member kit, a Rotary drinking glass, and will receive his York Rotary shirt once the next supply arrives. Welcome, Skip!
We also welcomed guest Eric Walker from Partners Bank in Kittery, who joined us to learn more about York Rotary.
Happy & Kindness Dollars
We shared plenty of joy and gratitude this week:
- Jud celebrated the beautiful moon/sun combination in the sky.
- Skip gave his first Happy Dollar as a brand-new member!
- Brit offered a kindness IOU and thanked everyone who attended the York High School production of Poe. She also shared upcoming YMS concerts, productions, and parade information.
- Russ gave a kindness dollar—just because.
- Marilyn was grateful for five wonderful days spent with her grandchildren, River and Miles.
- Duncan enjoyed celebrating an anniversary last weekend at Graystone Estate.
- Dinon welcomed Skip and noted he’ll have the final Gather Food Drive update next week.
- Eric shared how happy he is to be part of such a strong, supportive community.
- Pauline reported her husband is recovering well from minor surgery.
- Darcy shared her whirlwind week of travel and reminded us Jud will lead next week’s meeting.
Service Updates & Announcements
Jamaica Relief Program
The Cliff House reached out to help support the Jamaica relief effort. Marilyn shared that four barrels are ready to ship—three completely full and one with a little more room. Thanks to Town Hall, York Hospital, and the entire community, they may need another barrel! The drive wraps up December 10.
Spread the Joy Program
Cindy provided an update on this year’s Spread the Joy effort. A sign-up was sent out for the local family of five we are helping through York Hospital’s Adopt-A-Family Program. Darcy purchased gift cards and added a 20% gratuity as an extra touch. York Hospital shared that 90 families in our community are seeking help this year.
Susan also reminded members about:
- The Spread the Joy menu (available on request)
- The Chamber Singers visit on December 19 — please let Darcy know if you’re bringing a guest. York Rotary will be giving each visiting student a gift card to Swell Coffee House.
- The Winter Warm Party on January 18 at Wiggly Bridge Distillery
Community Dinner
The next York Rotary Sponsored Community Dinner is Tuesday, December 16. A volunteer sign-up will go out in Monday’s Rotary Recap email.
Heather also needs help with cleanup this coming Tuesday the 9th.
Administrative Notes
Darcy emphasized the importance of keeping ClubRunner updated. If you need to make changes, please update your profile directly or email Jackie so there is a record of the request.
Darcy shared updates from the recent President’s Meeting:
- A $500 District grant is available for a project led by a newer member. York Rotary and the Board may match some of the funds. She encouraged Skip to identify a project idea.
- There is $1,000 available for travel to International Project Fairs.
- Guatemala: week of January 24
- Colombia: February
- The District Mid-Year Dinner is January 22 in Portland — all members are invited.
Dues Survey
Ten responses have been received so far. If you did not receive the survey, please check spam or speak with Darcy for a resend or paper copy. She reminded us that any venue will require a minimum number of meals, which should be considered.
Membership & Succession Planning
Darcy shared ongoing concerns about long-term leadership planning. She and Susan are discussing serving as co-presidents next year, and the club will need a new Treasurer, as well as future President candidates.
Members were encouraged to talk with past presidents (Jud, Susan, Darcy, Steve J., Marilyn, etc.) if considering stepping into leadership. Steve J. noted that the year goes by quickly and support is plentiful.
RI Membership Innovation
Darcy showed a video from the President’s Meeting featuring Patrick Wongo, who has helped create 200 clubs globally and developed a structured process and app to support membership growth. His work includes refreshing existing clubs—particularly those experiencing membership stagnation. Darcy plans to schedule a 30-minute call with him, and members voted to have him join us during a regular meeting.
Gail suggested posting a QR code around town to drive traffic to our club website.
Speakers Needed
Members brainstormed outreach ideas for potential speakers. Gail will assist with outreach.
Year-End Financial Transparency
Darcy is preparing a Funds Spent Booklet for year-end. Once complete, she would like members to visit organizations we support to see the impact firsthand and report back.
Holiday Kindness
Darcy expressed her gratitude for everyone’s work this past six months and gifted each member a poinsettia.
She asked everyone to help write handwritten holiday cards to be distributed at the December 16 Community Dinner. Each card will contain a $20 Hannaford gift card using Kindness Dollars. Members signed cards and enjoyed the early holiday spirit.
She asked everyone to help write handwritten holiday cards to be distributed at the December 16 Community Dinner. Each card will contain a $20 Hannaford gift card using Kindness Dollars. Members signed cards and enjoyed the early holiday spirit.
The meeting wrapped up at the usual 8:30 a.m.