Events

We will hear from Rotarian Jen Hitz, the President and CEO of Leg Up Farm, a nonprofit, pediatric therapy center for children with special needs. Jen is excited to lead Leg Up Farm, as she sees first-hand the life-changing impact its therapy services have on special needs children. She will share the story of Leg Up Farm's founding to its current place in the York County nonprofit tapestry. Jen will be joined by Dan Stump, Manager of Leg Up Farmers Market, featuring local, organic, and sustainable groceries. The Market's primary goal is to support Leg Up Farm. Dan has been with the Market since its opening and loves working towards the big mission of supporting Leg Up Farm while also finding great joy in helping their dozens of local farmers and artisans grow.

We will hear from Downtown Inc. Director, Sarah O'Brien. She will share an inside look at how economic development and small business support are shaping the future of Downtown York. Her presentation will highlight the organization’s role in fostering business growth, attracting investment, and creating a vibrant downtown community. She will be joined by local entrepreneur Delia Pabón who will share her perspective—both as a multi-business owner and as a key collaborator in developing the new Downtown Business Guide. Together, their stories will illustrate how strategic support and community leadership are driving York’s continued revitalization.

We will hear from Carleen Farabaugh, Executive Director of the York Benevolent Association, the oldest charitable organization in York County. It was formed in 1863 to provide aid for widows and orphans of Civil War soldiers. Their goal is to gather, sort, and distribute nutritious food to everyone who needs it. Carleen will share about today's York Benevolent and how the organization continues to serve our citizens in need.

Our speaker will be Amy Widestrom, President of The Pennsylvania League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

We will hear from Vinny Cannizzaro, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Economy League Central (PEL), a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy think tank. Since 1936, PEL has been dedicated to advancing practical, research-backed solutions for local governments using data-driven, evidence-based analysis. PEL's research is currently driving discussions at the state level about revenue reform. Vinny will highlight PEL's work with the York community; discuss how a healthy local government benefits you and your business; and outline exciting new initiatives like the Local Government Innovation Lab.

We will hear from Tony Aquilina, Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive for WellSpan Health. He will be speaking about the new WellSpan partnership with Lewis Katz Temple Medical School to bring a medical school campus to York County. This new medical school will train future physicians with the goal of retaining the best to stay in York and at WellSpan. The first class of approximately 40 students at the new campus is expected to begin their studies in August 2027 and graduate in May 2031.

The Union Lutheran Church Redevelopment Project, known as Union Apartments, is a transformative affordable housing initiative led by Elevare Corporation. Located at 408 W. Market Street in York City, the project is designed to serve working families and the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Jeremy Feakins, CEO of Elevare Corporation, along with others representing the project team, will discuss how the redevelopment aligns with the Penn Street Vision Plan, York County’s Housing Needs Assessment, and the Downtown Development Plan, addressing urgent gaps in housing, community services, and neighborhood revitalization.