Upcoming Events
  • Club Meeting
    Meadia Heights Golf Club
    Dec. 11, 2024
    7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
  • Board Meeting (Zoom)
    Zoom Meeting
    Dec. 18, 2024
    7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
  • Mixer
    Red Pin Bar and Grill
    Dec. 19, 2024
    5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Club Meeting
    Meadia Heights Golf Club
    Dec. 25, 2024
    7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
  • Club Meeting
    Meadia Heights Golf Club
    Jan. 08, 2025
    7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
  • Board Meeting (Zoom)
    Zoom Meeting
    Jan. 15, 2025
    7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
  • Mixer
    Red Pin Bar and Grill
    Jan. 16, 2025
    5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Club Meeting
    Meadia Heights Golf Club
    Jan. 22, 2025
    7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
President
President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Meeting Responsibilities
Greeter Roster
24 July Greeter
Yoder, Gary
 
14 August Greeter
Bomberger, John
 
28 August Greeter
Miller, Gene
 
11September Greeter
Lewis, Amara
 
9 October Greeter
Griest, Brandon
 
23 October Greeter
MacAdam, Martha
 
13 November Greeter
DeBerdine, Mike
 
27 November
Trissel, Cathy
 
11 December Greeter
Felpel, David
 
Rotary International News
 
Our Meetings are Held on the Second and Fourth Wednesday of the Month at
 
Meadia Heights Golf Club
 
For More Information Contact Joe Darrenkamp or Joe Eby

 

Club Information
Lancaster-South

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 7:30 AM
Meadia Heights Golf Club
402 Golf Rd
Lancaster, PA 17602
United States of America
Phone:
(717) 203-0448

We meet the second and fourth Wednesday each month
Lancaster South Rotary News
Rotary Club of Lancaster South participated in the 2024 Millersville Parade with Larry Darrenkamp donating the use of his Chevrolet Corvette. How he attached magnetic signs to fiberglass will be left to speculation. The participants were Joe Darrenkamp, Larry Darrenkamp, Jim Frederick, Mike DeBerdine, Dan Hess, and
P J Roberts. We ran out of candy somewhere on George St, but all had a good time.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster South is delighted to welcome our two newest members to our close-knit community of service-minded individuals. We are excited to have you join our efforts in making a positive impact both locally and globally. Your unique skills, perspectives, and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to our shared mission of "Service Above Self." We look forward to working together to strengthen our projects and foster lasting friendships as we continue to serve the greater Lancaster community. Welcome to the Rotary family!
 
On left is Ivan Shrom and on right is Gary Reynolds.
Brooke and Mike DeBerdine home from the Olympics, shown with President Joe Darrenkamp
 
Rotary Club of Lancaster South is proud to announce the induction of three outstanding individuals into its esteemed membership. The new members were officially welcomed during a special ceremony held on May 8, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to service and community involvement.

The induction ceremony, attended by fellow Rotarians, community leaders, and guests, showcased the dedication of the new members to the principles of Rotary and their eagerness to contribute to the club's mission of making a positive impact locally and globally.

"We are delighted to welcome (left to right), Jim Klecko, Steve Mentzer, and Greg Coulton to our Rotary family," said Dan Hess, President of Rotary Club of Lancaster South. "Each of them brings unique talents, experiences, and a passion for service that will enrich our club and strengthen our efforts to serve those in need."

Jim Klecko, Steve Mentzer and Greg Coulton join a diverse and dedicated group of individuals who are committed to Rotary's core values of service, integrity, and fellowship. As new members of Rotary Club of Lancaster South, they will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of service projects, networking events, and leadership development activities.

"We are excited to embark on this journey with Jim Klecko, Steve Mentzer and Greg Coulton," added Dan Hess. "Their enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference will undoubtedly inspire others and contribute to the continued success of our club."

Rotary Club of Lancaster South extends its warmest congratulations to Jim Klecko, Steve Mentzer and Greg Coulton on their induction and looks forward to their valuable contributions to the club and the community.

 
 
 
Rotary Club of Lancaster South honors two students from Lampeter Strasburg High School for February 2024, Jake McClune and Alicia Bennethum
 
Jake McClune, a senior, is the son of Stephen and Cheryl McClune of Lancaster.
Jake is a member of the National Honor Society, secretary of the STEM
Club, a Burrowes Scholar of Science for 2023, chorus and also helps tutor.
His senior year he served as captain of the cross country team as well as
participated in the winter and spring track and field program.
In the community, Jake is active in the Boy Scouts where he has achieved
Eagle Rank, received the Horseshoe Silver Buckle Award and held multiple
leadership positions. In Taekwondo he has reached the black belt level,
and also serves as lifeguard at the YMCA along with other community
service projects.
His interests include anything outside (hiking, kayaking, backpacking,
skiing) as well as anything having to do with science. He enjoys reading
and hanging out with friends and family.
Following graduation, Jake is seeking an appointment with the Air Force
Academy looking to major in mechanical engineering
Jake would like would like to serve his country in the Air Force and then
move on to use his engineering degree to make new aerospace/avionics
designs for Lockheed of Boeing.
Student of the Month is selected on the basis of academic excellence as
 

Alicia Bennethum, a senior, is the daughter of Robert and Jennifer Bennethum of Strasburg. Alicia is currently in the Colorguard, High School Heroes, Interact Club, Link Crew Leader, member of National Honor Society, Pioneer Yearbook, and President of Student Council. Previously, she was in Concert Choir, Lampeter Fair Queen candidate and Pioneer Page Turners. Alicia has been an honor roll student throughout her high school career. She was also recognized as a Burrows Scholar and Pioneer Superlative during her junior year. In the community, Alicia teaches baton twirling to younger students and competes in twirling baton and dance. She is also a member of the ACE Mentorship program. In her spare time, Alicia loves to read, crochet, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends. Following graduation Alicia plans to attend Penn State University and major in Architectural Engineering hoping to study abroad in Rome to learn about the architectural elements of historical buildings with a goal of creating more environmentally friendly buildings leaving little to no carbon footprint. Student of the Month is selected on the basis of academic excellence as well as school and community service.

Thank you to the 18 members who contributed $1258.06 to our Club's Food Bank Drive for the Loft Community Partnership. President Dan Hess, John Bomberger, and myself dropped off the checks and while there, they took us on a tour to show us some of the things the Loft is doing for the Families in in the Penn Manor School District. They are serving around 300 families, In addition to food and clothing, they showed us tables piled high with presents that parents will be able to pick out for the children and then a closet where children will be able to pick out a
present for their siblings.

It is worth a trip to any of the Food Banks we serve to see all the good
things they are doing for the families who suffer from Food Insecurity
in our service area.

You can be sure if a family is suffering from Food insecurity, many of
their other  needs are not being fulfilled, especially this time of
year, which, for many  of us, is the most joyous time of the year.
 
Thanks again.

Cy Fritz
Chelsey on left, Shae on right
 
Rotary Club of Lancaster South welcomes new members Chelsey Wirth and Shae Grim.
 
Chelsey is the Director of Athletics Advancement for Millersville University Athletics. She is passionate about civic engagement. education. and public health. She is "highly socially and emotionally intelligent" with skills in event planning, volunteer management and fundraising experience.
 
Shae is Account Manager for Higher Information Group in Harrisburg. Shae has been involved with Special Olvmpics and being a former college athlete, was able to showcase support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. She believes in community support and involvement, and feels that the Rotary Club of Lancaster South can help facilitate that. 
 
We are so glad to be able to welcome Chelsey and Shae into our club!
 
 
On Saturday morning, May 13, 2023, Rotary Club of Lancaster South met at the Loft Community Partnership to help organize the facility. Attending the work session were 5 Rotarians and 2 spouses of Rotarians. In the future the Club is planning to also undertake service projects at the other two food banks we support - Lampeter Food Bank and Solanco Neighborhood Ministries. Thanks to all who came out to support the project.
A Lancaster South Rotary Club service project was held on Saturday, March 11 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm at the 1719 Museum 1849 Hans Herr Drive in Willow Street.  Members of the club, two non members and LS Interact students were in attendance to clean up the interior of the Hans Herr House and the Longhouse to prepare for the reopening of the Museum on April 1. The Museum supplied all the cleaning materials and the club supplied the coffee and donuts. A good time was had by all and the museum is ready for opening!
Left to right - Griffin Sweigert, Jenna Haldeman, Assistant Superintendent Krista Cox
 
Griffin Sweigart, a senior at Penn Manor High School, has been selected as Lancaster South Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for December, 2022.  He was presented to the Club by Baron Jones, Principal of Penn Manor High School.  
Griffin is the son of Gordon and Adrie Sweigart of Lancaster.                  
 
Griffin is a member of the marching band and has performed in the County Band Festival.  He enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragon and is a member of the school’s club.  
In the community, Griffin is a member of the Millersville Bible Church and Grace Church Youth Groups.
In his spare time, Griffin enjoys playing the tuba, participating in marching band, tutoring and spending time with his family and friends.
Following graduation, Griffin will enter the United State Marine Corp., and will begin basic training in September, 2023. 
 
 
Jenna Haldeman, a senior at Penn Manor High School, has been selected as Lancaster South Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for December, 2022. 
Jenna is the daughter of John and Sally Haldeman of Lancaster.                  
 
Jenna has earned Honor Roll recognition and is a member of the National Honor Society.  She is a member of the Civitas Club.  Jenna is a member of the Penn Manor girls’ Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams.  Jenna was named to the Pennsylvania All State Academic Team for field hockey and the NFHCA High School National Academic team.  She was an AP Scholar Award recipient and a 2022 LCYA (Lancaster County Young Artist) Gold Award winner.
In the community, Jenna volunteers as a coach for the Penn Manor Middle School girls’ lacrosse team and Penn Manor youth field hockey program.
In her spare time, Jenna enjoys playing field hockey and lacrosse, psychology, baking, ceramics and spending time with her family and friends.
Following graduation, Jenna plans to attend a four year college to study biomedical engineering.          
 
Student of the Month is selected on the basis of academic excellence as well as school and community service.
  
 
 

On Saturday May 22, the Rotary Club of Lancaster South helped plant trees and bushes at the Stevens Greenland Cemetery in Lancaster City. Six Lancaster South club members along with three members from the Penn Square Rotary Club joined more than fifty (50) people from the Lancaster community with the project which included cleaning headstones, removing debris, and doing general cleanup. The Lancaster South Club also donated 16 rhododendron bushes to the cemetery.

The Stevens Greenland Cemetery has a lot of history and many stories of African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil War, Spanish- American War, both World Wars and the Korean War. There are also individuals buried in the cemetery that were community leaders of Lancaster City in the past whose last names still have deep ties to Lancaster City. A special Memorial Day ceremony entitled “Honoring Our Forgoten Heroes” will be held on May 31, 2021 at 11:00 am to honor the veterans and others buried in the cemetery.

 
1719 Hans Herr House Museum Service Project
On Saturday April 24, 2021 the Rotary Club of Lancaster South sponsored a service project at the 1719 Hans Herr House Museum.  Tiffany Fisk, Administrator at the Hans Herr House welcomed us, and gave us a brief orientation to the site and a bit of its history. 
On Saturday, December 19 five Rotarians from Lancaster South Rotary Club met at a storage facility near Millersville to move office supplies and equipment for the local affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  Rotarian Dave Cope of Classic Lancaster Cabinetry in Willow Street generously provided his large box truck to make the move. Lancaster South President John Bomberger coordinated the Service Project with Lancaster NAMI board member Donald Grabowski, who is also President of the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown. Of special note, the President of the local NAMI affiliate Vivian Spiese (back row left) shared her respect and appreciation for Rotary and mentioned that her father was a member of the Columbia and Mt. Joy Rotary Club for many years before his passing.
Lancaster South Rotary Club created 50 gift bags of assorted items (tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, comb, lotion, hand sanitizer, orange, apple, chocolates, whole wheat chips) for the residents at Oak Leaf Manor South Personal Care facility, and delivered them on Tuesday December 22, just in time for Christmas. A gift box of assorted candies, cookies, pretzels, etc. was given to the staff. Special thanks to PJ Roberts, club secretary and Dan Hess, club vice-president for helping to assemble the gift bags and to Oak Leaf staff for distributing the bags to the residents. Lancaster South is looking forward to the day we can return to the facility for in-person meetings. Currently the club is meeting via Zoom.
Our club provided a total of $3,000 in college scholarships this year - $1,000 to three high school seniors who graduated in the Spring and are attending college this Fall - a Lampeter-Strasburg graduate attending the University of Pittsburgh, a Penn Manor graduate attending the University of Alabama and a Solanco graduate attending Hood College. The $1,000 was sent directly to each respective college/university in the student's name.  
In July Rotary Club of Lancaster South held their summer Food Bank Drive to support the Solanco Neighborhood Ministries’ Food Bank. Since the Rotary Club has been meeting by Zoom since March, it was suggested by the Board of Directors that the money normally spent for meals would be contributed to our Food Bank Drive. One thousand eight hundred and forty dollars ($1,840.00) was collected by the Club and was delivered to the Food Bank. Thanks to our Rotarians for stepping up to the challenge to alleviate food insecurity in our area.
Due to COVID 19 Rotary Club of Lancaster South will not be operating the funnel cake stand at the Lampeter Fair in 2020. See you next year!
This morning Lancaster South Rotary member, Scott Frick, was presented with a plus six Paul Harris award. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, meaning that Scott has earned this award six times over. From left to right, Scott Frick, Dan Hess, presenter, and Charity Welch, president. Congratulations Scott! 
Jul 03, 2018
Watch Diane Dayton's interview with past president and current assistant district governor, Charity Welch.
 
 
 
In case you missed it, the Club met for a mixer to view and get a history of the antique car collection owned by Cal High. Not only did Cal have a great collection of antique cars in his museum, but also an incredible collection of antique toys, painstakingly made by hand by local and out of the area craftsmen. Great food and entertainment. Thanks to John Bomberger for making this event possible. All who attended had a great time. 
 
 
 
 
President Dale Hamby (2017-2018) presents a $1,000 check to Mark Cunningham, Executive Director of COBYS Family Services. COBYS is a Christian family service agency that provides foster care and adoption services; counseling for adults, children and families; and family life education.

COBYS plans to use the donation from Rotary Club of Lancaster South to expand its library of resources for foster children and for the families who care for these children. Caseworkers will use these books and other materials to help foster children process their experiences and to help equip foster/adoptive parents to understand and address their children's special needs.

COBYS receives funding from public and private sources. Considering state budget issues the past few years, adequate funding is not assured, and reduced public funding almost assuredly is. If you would like to help with a monetary donation, please make your check payable to COBYS Family Services, and send to 1417 Oregon Rd, Leola PA 17540. Or you can give online at cobys.org<http://cobys.org>.
Lancaster South Rotary's funnel cake stand at the Lampeter Fair benefits the social programs conducted by the YMCA. The Y is not just a gym, but operates many programs that benefit the community including summer camp programs for kids, CaRE(a rehabilitative exercise program for cancer patients), health and wellness programs, youth sports and fitness programs and adult sports and recreation programs, just to name a few. 
 
Here Rip Lawhead, chairman of the Magic Show program, presents a check in the amount of $2750 to Corey Swords from the YMCA as President Dale Hamby looks on.
Rotary Club of Lancaster South members are helping the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership(LHOP) to renovate a house at 506 Poplar St. LHOP's mission is to create affordable housing and make neighborhoods a great place to live. If you would like to help out or donate funds to realize this cause, contact Ray D'Agostino at rdagostino@lhop.org. Check out more photos at our Rotary Facebook page.
 
 
 
Each year Rotary Club of Lancaster South partners with the YMCA to present our annual Comedy and Magic Show. This year President Joe Revelt is proud to present a check to Cody Swords from the YMCA in the amount of $2500. If you have ever only thought of the YMCA as a place to go to get a good workout, check out this link, http://tinyurl.com/jlnuuma, for a list of the many community programs that they operate. The good works they do for the community cannot be understated. Many thanks to the YMCA for their support.
 
Left to right - Magic Show Chair Rip Lawhead, President Joe Revelt, Cody Swords.
 
Rotary Club of Lancaster South has partnered with The Dolly Parton Imagination Library to bring free books each month to kids from birth to 5 years old, who live in the Willow Street area. Don't miss the sign up at Darrenkamp's Market in Willow Street on Saturday, November 7. Dolly Parton started her free book program for kids in East Tennessee in 1995, and it became so popular that in the year 2000 she decided to make it available to any community, that was willing to partner with her. So come out to Darrenkamp's Market on November 7, and take part in a program that has so far benefited over 914,000 kids in the USA, Canada and the U.K. Our Rotarians are ready to help!
 

Paparazzi have captured an image of the anti technology activist, Dick Kramer, flashing a dumb phone. While admittedly not all that high tech, this development is a total contradiction of his past views. When asked about this conundrum, Dick responded that since he read a news article about ten years ago that the Amish were now using cell phones, he felt comfortable not being on the cutting edge of mainstream society. Reportedly, his supporters were disappointed at this repudiation of a lifestyle they have come to emulate. What's next in Dick's future? A combination fax machine/scanner? A smart phone? Only time will tell. Keep checking back for more developments.

President Ray D'Agostino presents a check in the amount of $725.00 to Rebecca Doumaux of Junior Achievement of Central PA to be used for programs at Penn Manor High School. 
 
Sep 09, 2014
Lancaster South Rotary Club President Ray D'Agostino presented a check for $500 from Lancaster South Rotary to Jeannine Strom Boyer, Lancaster County Program Director from Bridge of Hope. Bridge of Hope's mission is to "To assist single mothers, with dependent children, experiencing homelessness to secure permanent housing, stability and access to resources in their community through relationships with professional staff and mentoring friendships from local congregations".
 

The August 6, 2014 meeting for Lancaster South Rotary was hosted by Oak Leaf Manor, where we learned more about their efforts to help  create a community for WWII Veterans. Lynette Trout, President of Oak Leaf Manor, was the speaker and also shared the other community outreach programs in which they are engaged. Oak Leaf Manor is running a Veterans bus to Washington DC primarily for those vets who have not yet seen their memorial. But they are inviting any vet who wants to go to contact them. Please see the details below, and if you know of any veterans who have not yet seen the memorial, please pass this on to them. 

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On December 4, 2013 at 6 PM, Rotary Club of Lancaster South is holding its annual Christmas Party and Auction at Meadia Heights Country Club. This year will also mark the 25th anniversary celebration of the founding of our club. We are also looking for auction items, which can be anything from products to services. We have had everything imaginable donated from gift certificates to a golf outing for 3 and an Avalon beach house trip. The proceeds support the programs of the YMCA, scholarships for Penn Manor, Lampeter Strasburg, and Solanco High School students, our foreign exchange student program, and other worthy causes. If you would like to join us or donate an auction item, please RSVP to Hadley Brown at (717) 464-3371 or email him at brownh1@nationwide.com. 

 

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If you want to see true American spirit at work look no further than the Lancaster County based First Response Team. On Wednesday December 12th our club was privileged to have Tad Agoglia as a speaker. Tad has been honored as a CNN Hero.

Learn more about First Response Team at www.firstresponseteam.org . This is an amazing gentlemen and an incredible organization. Below is a brief description from their web site:

When all hope seems lost, when confusion reigns, when the only thought on a survivor’s mind is, “What now?”......