Events

We will hear from Peter Miele, Senior Project Leader of Susquehanna National Heritage Area, to learn about the planning for the Susquehanna Discovery Center & Heritage Park, a world-class visitor destination celebrating the nationally important stories of York and Lancaster Counties. Learn about the stories of this historied site, the historic Mifflin House, the vision for the project, and the impact it will have on life and tourism in the Susquehanna River region for generations to come.

We will hear from Sandie Walker, who was elected Mayor of The City of York in November 2025 and sworn into office January 5, 2026. A proud graduate of William Penn Senior High School and the University of Richmond, she has dedicated her life to public service, youth development, and community leadership—serving as a former City Council President, School Board Director, and founder of programs that expand opportunities for York’s youth. In this presentation, Mayor Walker will discuss how her administration is aligning City departments, strengthening partnerships with community stakeholders, and implementing structured processes to improve how the City operates. She will highlight efforts focused on accountability, public safety, and improving neighborhood conditions through coordinated action. Ultimately, her work is centered on building a stronger, more responsive City that residents can be proud to call home.

Next week we will hear from Alexandria Keener Hammond, Owner of My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe in downtown York. She is a graduate of Northeastern Senior High School and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Alexandria will describe the start of My Girlfriend's Wardrobe in college and the growth from online only, to a mobile store, to a brick and mortar. Opening the first brick and mortar location in downtown York allowed her to get more involved in the community and see needs in various areas that they could help fill. Her presentation will walk you through the start of the business and the years spent in downtown York while facing the challenges of being a new business, COVID, and changes within her business.

We will hear from Christina Milano, the CEO & Co-Founder of Athlon/Rallee, a Central Pennsylvania-based youth wellness technology company helping schools build healthier physical, mental, and learning habits in children through short movement-based digital experiences. Christina will explore how technology is reshaping childhood and why communities have an important role to play in helping the next generation build resiliency, focus, and healthy habits. Built in Central Pennsylvania, Rallee now supports more than 200,000 kids through partnerships with school districts, professional sports organizations like the Philadelphia Flyers and community partners across the country, demonstrating how innovation rooted in community can create meaningful impact for the next generation right here in York and beyond.

We will hear from Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. America250PA was established by the legislature and Governor to coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event. Cassandra will present to the Rotary Club of York the events happening in Pennsylvania to cap off the Semiquincentennial! Rotarians Julie Wheeler and Bryan Tate will close the program with events happening in York County to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Join us for our annual "Changing of The Guard" meeting, as we thank President Wilda for her leadership and induct Doug Berman as President. We will take a look back at the activities, programs, and projects for the 2025-2026 Rotary year and hear Doug's vision for 2026-2027.

Our speaker will be Blake Gifford, a local architect who leads York Architecture Illustrated, a creative initiative dedicated to exploring York’s architectural heritage through hand-drawn illustrations, walking tours, educational programs, and preservation advocacy. Blake will share the story behind York Architecture Illustrated, from its beginnings as a personal drawing project to its growth into a platform for community engagement and historic preservation. The program will also highlight the role of walking tours, public education, and advocacy efforts in fostering appreciation for York’s unique architectural character. Through these initiatives, York Architecture Illustrated seeks to strengthen connections between people, place, and the city’s historic fabric.

We will hear from Dylan Bauer, the President and CEO of Royal Square Development & Construction, a mission-driven company dedicated to revitalizing Downtown York through thoughtful development and community investment. Dylan will walk us through several exciting new projects currently underway in and around Downtown York.

We will hear from Amy Rote from Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA. Amy joined the organization in 2014 as Vice President of Programs and became CEO in 2021. Today, they serve 2,000 youth, the most in our agency's 45-year history.