Events

We will hear from Rotarian Bernice Quesenberry, Founder and CEO of Chasing the Rainbows. Through Chasing the Rainbows, she is transforming how grief, trauma, and mental health are addressed by providing support to families experiencing infertility, pregnancy and infant loss. This program will highlight both the human and economic impact of unaddressed grief, as well as how compassionate, consistent care can strengthen families, workplaces, and communities. Join us for an inspiring and informative conversation on how York is helping lead a national movement in trauma-informed care.

We will hear from Rob Evans, an artist who has lived and worked in York County for over four decades. His work has been exhibited worldwide and can be found in many prominent museum collections, including the National Gallery of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Evans will speak about his journey as an artist and the impact of the Susquehanna River Valley on his work. He will also speak about his long-time advocacy and involvement with many of York County's arts organizations, including the newly formed non-profit, Friends of the Susquehanna River Art Collection, which is currently engaged with the development of a new Susquehanna themed art museum as part of the Susquehanna Discovery Center and Heritage Park.

We will hear from Ryan McKinley, President of Statewide Partners, who will present on the vision behind Heritage Crossings and the growing role of multifamily development in shaping Downtown York’s future. He will discuss how quality housing, mixed-use investment, and thoughtful urban development can support a stronger, more vibrant city, help attract new residents, support local businesses, and contribute to long-term revitalization. He will also share how this development fits into a broader conversation about walkability, community investment, and economic growth in York.

We will hear from Jay Young, who established the Dillsburg Arts and Revitalization Council in 1998. Since then they have expanded and purchased the Historic Monaghan Church in Dillsburg, founded in 1745. This church is the oldest Presbyterian Church west of the Susquehanna River. Its minister, George Duffield, was called by Washington to come to Philadelphia and become the Chaplain of the Congress during the Revolutionary War. This presentation will share this story and other details about Dillsburg’s history and its role in the founding of York County and our nation.

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 the agency's 45-year history.

We will hear from Natasha Kukorlo, who serves as the Executive Director of York Habitat for Humanity, where she works alongside volunteers, donors, and community partners to expand affordable homeownership opportunities throughout York County. During her presentation, Natasha will share how York Habitat for Humanity's mission goes far beyond building houses by strengthening families, neighborhoods, and the local economy.

We will hear from Ashana Taylor, the founder and owner of Fire Life Yoga & Wellness in West York. A former educator and higher education advisor, Ashana will share her personal journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship and the unexpected path that led her to build a thriving wellness community in York.

We will hear from our Returning Outbound Youth Exchange Student Scarlett Barshinger and learn more about her year spent in Japan. Scarlett will share her experiences living with four different host families; attending a Japanese high school; and the importance of how Rotary Exchange increases global ties and raises cultural awareness.

We will hear from District Governor Rebecca Zalit. Rebecca is the 2026-27 District Governor for Rotary District 7390. An educator and community leader, she also serves as Executive Director of the Palmyra Area Recreation & Parks Commission. Rebecca's presentation will explore Rotary International's 2026-27 Presidential Message, Create Lasting Impact, and challenge attendees to think beyond activities to the lasting difference their service makes in their communities. She will share her personal Rotary journey; discuss how inviting others into service transforms lives; and encourage clubs to "better their best" by building on their own successes.

We will hear from Craig Kauffman, who will provide an engaging look at the world of conservation, hunting, and adventure. Craig is a past President of Safari Club International (SCI) and the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF). He will explore the mission and impact of the organizations, including their vital roles in protecting wildlife and wild places around the world. Craig will share compelling reasons why hunting matters and why responsible hunting remains an important part of modern conservation. 

We will hear from Amy Zeigler, Senior Director at the M.S. Hershey Foundation, an organization created by Milton Hershey to provide educational and cultural resources in his town. She will provide a brief history of the Foundation as well as information on its four operating programs, The Hershey Story Museum, Hershey Gardens, Hershey Community Archives and Hershey Theatre. The Foundation serves the community of York through educational resources, including scholarship programs that cover the costs of field trips to the museum and gardens.

We will hear from Rotarian Steven Martinez and learn how the York County SPCA fulfills both government level services and nonprofit services focused on saving lives and strengthening families. Steven will connect these services to issues that matter to business leaders: public health risk mitigation, workplace safety, cost efficiency, community resilience, and the fiscal advantages of a public private model. He will also share how his 12 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience in Chicago informed the operational transformation that positioned the YCSPCA as one of the leading animal resource centers in the country.

We will hear from Mark Willoughby the founder and owner of Splash Supply Company, a York-based pond and water feature business he started in 1989. But his connection to Rotary began even earlier, when, at age 15, he left York to spend a year in Chile as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. Nearly four decades later, Mark returned to Chile and revisited an experience that had helped shape his life in ways he did not fully understand at the time. In his presentation, Mark will share a small part of that journey and how it connects to the work and mission that followed. Today, that mission is centered on reconnecting people with nature through ponds, waterfalls and outdoor spaces.

We will hear from Ryo Tashiro, an economist from the Federal Reserve. He will discuss recent developments in the national and regional economy and will explore several key areas, including how consumers are doing; the state of the labor market, and the outlook for inflation.