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.

We will hear from Jeremy Feakins, who will present on the Union Lutheran Church Redevelopment Project, known as Union Apartments, a transformative affordable housing initiative located on W. Market Street in York City. He will discuss how the redevelopment project addresses urgent gaps in housing, community services, and neighborhood revitalization. Learn how this initiative represents a bold step toward inclusive growth and long-term community stability in York.

Mayor Helfrich will be joining us to provide an update on the last eight years of successes and address the top outstanding challenges and projects that remain for the City of York.

What Rotary meeting will feature a fun, festive, and prize-packed game of Rotary Jeopardy? If you answered, Wednesday, December 17th, then you’re correct! That’s right, the Membership Engagement Committee is taking over the meeting and bringing the holiday cheer with an exciting game of Rotary Jeopardy. We’ve got great prizes, fun categories, and plenty of laughter guaranteed. And here’s the best part, we want everyone to join in the festive spirit! Whether that’s rocking an ugly Christmas sweater, dressing up as Buddy the Elf, or channeling your inner Mr. or Mrs. Claus, bring your holiday flair and your game face! Mark your calendars and get ready for a Rotary meeting unlike any other. We can’t wait to see you there! PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a Zoom option for this meeting and it will not be recorded for posting on YouTube.