January marks what is officially designated as Vocational Service Month in the Rotary calendar.
“The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the Second Object, which calls on Rotarians to “encourage and foster”:
• High ethical standards in business and professions.
• The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations.
• The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
As a Rotarian, how can you put these ideals into action? Consider these suggestions:
• Talk about your vocation in your club, and take time to learn about fellow members’ vocations.
• Use your professional skills to serve a community.
• Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through your own words and actions.
• Help a young person achieve his or her career aspirations.
• Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
If you do any of these things, you are performing vocational service. And if vocational service motivates and energizes you, then you’re in the right place, because vocational service is the very essence of Rotary. It is what sets Rotary apart from other service organizations.” [1]
Please send your stories of giving a helping hand to make other people’s lives better which in turn gave them something to celebrate! I know it takes some time to write a story but no matter how short or how long it is, it made a difference in someone’s life or many people’s lives and in some cases a whole village’s life!
We have so much to be PROUD of, so please share.
This Month’s District History Request:
There is no specific history request for this month. I would love to see and put on the District History page anyone’s stories about projects, grants or trips that you have taken to help others around the world. Local projects are also welcome. The Rotarians in this district do so much good and should be so proud of what you do to make this a better world. Often times if you don’t "Toot your own horn" no one else will. PLEASE share your stories for everyone to see.
PLEASE send your stories to me at mawilliamspdg@comcast.net along with your name and the name of your Rotary Club. The names of all those who share “their stories” will be in next month’s newsletter and their “stories” will be posted to the District History on the appropriate page for everyone to read. If you have any District History information, please share it with me so it can be posted to the District History page on District 7780’s Website.
Club Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Vice Presidents, Assistant Governors, committee leaders and district officers will gather January 30 for the District 7780 annual Midyear dinner. Register now!
Our Midyear Dinner is the night we clip the booster-cables on our Rotary batteries and recharge for the remainder of our year!
Governor Marge will be sharing updates from around the clubs, including the plans for our exciting District Conference at the Samoset Resort (May 19-21). DGE Dave will be just returning from International Assembly, with the announcement of next year’s Rotary Theme, and laying out the final plans for the President-Elect Trainings in February and March. DGN John gathers his new team of VPs together for the first time, and we’ll also have updates on membership along with a preview of the Atlanta Rotary Convention, which is coming up fast (June 11-14).
Our Rotary Midyear Dinner takes place at the Fireside Inn and Suites, 81 Riverside Street in Portland ME, on Monday January 30 beginning at 5:30 PM. For the latest information and registration, click here:
People have been asking how much money was raised this Fall as part of the End Polio Now initiative championed by Governor Marge. The answer is $19,480. Details are in the following table. The finally figures for the Portland Sunrise 5K Run are not yet available. These are the only figures I have. If you club did a special fundraising event that I don’t know about, please let me know. In addition I believe some clubs rather than fundraisers conducted activities to raise awareness regarding Rotary’s fight to end polio. Congratulations to all who gave their money, time, and efforts to help.
The total Polio Plus giving goal for clubs for the current Rotary year is $44,060. As of December 18, $22,546.16 had been donated, just over half of the goal. Good job to all. Seven clubs have already met their Polio Plus giving goal (Ogunquit, Oxford Hills, Saco Bay Sunset, Sebago Lake, South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Westbrook-Gorham, and York.) I know there are other clubs that have sent in money but it has not yet hit the TRF books. You guys are doing a fantastic job. Keep it up and Happy New Year.
What’s 151 times $26.50?
Every person who registered for the Sam Owori dinner contributed $26.50 to The Rotary Foundation annual fund. Why $26.50, I hear you ask? Because that was the amount of the very first donation to The Rotary Foundation, given 100 years ago by the Kansas City Rotary Club. (Hint: Since Governor Marge is from Kansas City, she loves this factoid!). Anyway, the accounting is done, the check has been written and a total of $4001.50 has been sent to The Rotary Foundation, in the names of those who registered for the dinner.
A big shout-out to the Damariscotta-Newcastle club! While no one from the club joined us at the dinner, the Club wrote a check for $106 (four donations) which have been duly deposited in the Club’s name. Biddeford-Saco paid for three of its members to come, and in that case, the Club has been credited with the donation. In every other case, the Rotarian(s) involved are now officially Every Rotarian Every Year contributors and one-quarter of their way toward Sustaining Members.
Keep those contributions coming!
How is Your District Grant Progressing?
Thirteen clubs were awarded District Grants this year, for projects ranging from building a chicken farm to support an orphanage in Uganda (Kennebunk) to funds to support a local library’s “Kittery Reads” program (Kittery After-Hours). As we all know, the funds that support these projects come from The Rotary Foundation, and must be carefully accounted for. January is the month when clubs need to complete a Progress Report on their grant. That report is available on the drop-down tab for Foundation Grants on the District website. Thank you!
Rotary Awards
A GREAT WAY TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR AND RECOGNIZE SERVICE ABOVE SELF!
Rotary awards are a visible way to recognize outstanding contributions in our Clubs and communities. They also serve to retain and recruit members. Below, you will find a brief description of RI Awards with 2017 nomination deadlines. For the two awards that must be nominated by a district governor, please forward any suggestions you have directly to District Governor Marge Barker.
Nomination forms and guidelines as well as a comprehensive list of awards, can be found on the RI website, www.rotary.org, in the My Rotary section under the learning & reference tab, subheading awards.
Rotarian Spouse Partner Award Deadline: March 1
Who can nominate: Current district governors
Honor spouses and partners of club members for showing their commitment to Rotary through exemplary humanitarian service.
RI Significant Achievement Award Deadline: March 15
Who can nominate: Current district governors
Recognizes a club in the district whose project has addressed a significant problem or need in their community (international projects are not eligible). One club per district may be nominated each year.
Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award Deadline: June 1
Who can nominate: Any Rotarian
The Distinguished Service Award is the Foundation’s highest service recognition and is given to Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Foundation. Recipients must have received the Citation for Meritorious Service four years prior to be eligible for this award
Presidential Citation Deadline: June 30
No nomination necessary!
The Presidential Citation is one way to acknowledge clubs that are growing stronger, creating positive change in their communities, and enhancing Rotary’s public image. All activities must be completed between July 1 and June 30 (the rotary year). RI will verify your club’s accomplishments using information your club enters on My Rotary, there are no forms or reports to submit.
Mandatory activities include setting goals in Rotary Central and paying your dues on time. In addition, specific criteria have been established in the following categories: membership development; foundation giving; online tool use; humanitarian service; new generations; and public image.
Clubs wishing to propose legislative enactments or resolutions to be considered by the 2019 Council on Legislation are reminded that proposals must be endorsed at this year's District Conference. Details on how to propose legislation can be found at How to Propose Council Resolutions, and proposals must be sent to PDG Lawrence Furbish by April 19, 2017. Questions on the process? Contact either Peter Johnson (2013-16 COL rep) or Lawrence Furbish (2017-20 COL rep.)
2017 District Conference
SAVE THE DATES!
Kennebunk Portside Rotary welcomes two new members
This month Kennebunk Portside Rotary Club welcomed two new members: Samantha Troegner and Kylie Raymond. Samantha is an Associate Accountant with Macpage LLC in Portland and Kylie is in hospitality management for the Pilot House and the Spirit of Massachusetts, both in Kennebunk. Both young women would like to get involved in Rotary programs serving youth in the community.
Kylie Raymond and Samantha Troegner
South Berwick-Eliot Rotary welcomes members
The South Berwick-Eliot Rotary Club has welcomed two new members, Kim Brooker and Diane Schroeder.
Pictured Above: Kim Brooker being welcomed by President Brenda Gagne and membership chair Brian Beeler
The Rotary Club of Wells
MONTHLY RECAP
Following are some of the activities that the Wells Rotary has been involved in over the last few weeks:
ANNUAL WELLS CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Wells Rotary Club participated in the 31st Annual Wells Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 11th.
Pictured above is a “Hades Pumper”, a replica horse-drawn steam pumper that was built in the early 1970’s by Earl Bibber of Kennebunkport (President Doug Bibber’s grandfather). The truck is being pulled by Molly and Beauty and “team master” George Day of Kennebunk.
Pictured above: Rotarian Rocky Furman and President Doug Bibber wave to the crowd as they follow behind the steamer
ROTARIAN RECEIVES PAUL HARRIS AWARD
Rotarian Gary Leech was surprised and thrilled when he received a Paul Harris Award from fellow club members for all the “behind the scenes” good deeds that he does for the club and the community.
Pictured above: DG Marge Barker, Rotarian Gary Leech and President Doug Bibber
SENIORS RECEIVE HOLIDAY BASKETS
Wells Rotarians and the Interact Students put together “Holiday Baskets” for our Meals on Wheels recipients. The baskets were then delivered by “carolers”.
On 12/21/16, Jim Britt wrote: This photo of Michele was taken just this morning at her crossing guard location in South Portland (intersection of Thompson and Pillsbury Streets). I took this photo as I was passing by because she had set up a very special holiday display for all of her kids to enjoy (look closely at the wall behind Michele). She's legendary for making kids feel special (and parents, too). A moment after taking the picture, I witnessed Michele flagging down a school bus so she could deliver a gift to the driver. Michele represents the very best in our community.
PRESENTS CHECK TO GIRLS' ORGANIZATION
SP-CE President Bill Anderson (left) and Bob Danielson (right) presenting the club's 2016 Rotary Spring Point 5K race proceeds to Girls on the Run
TREE SALE IS 100% SUCCESSFUL!
SP-CE sold 100% of its holiday trees at the annual Mill Creek sale. The above photo was taken the day the first batch of trees arrived. This year's amazingly successful tree sale was organized by Sue Sturtevant.
The Rotary Club of South Berwick-Eliot
MEMBER TO SERVE ON DISTRICT FINANCE COMMITTEE
We are proud and honored that our past president, Warren Spencer, has been selected to serve on the District Finance Committee. Congratulations Warren!
FALL RECAP
The South Berwick-Eliot Rotary Club has had a busy fall season of service: Members took part in the walk across the Memorial Bridge for polio; served each month at the South Berwick Food Pantry (which was originally established thanks to Rotary); hosted over 100 senior citizens at the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the South Berwick Community Center; provided books to the William Fogg Library children’s collection; and lit the way with Rotary-labeled luminaries along the sidewalks of South Berwick for the Home for the Holidays event; and in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation, club members donated over $2800 on the birthday of the RF in November. Most recently, the club has just received its annual delivery of hundreds of dictionaries to be given personally by Rotarians to each second-grader at our towns’ elementary schools.
A picture of the servers at the Thanksgiving feast for over 100 seniors
MARSHWOOD INTERACT CLUB
Marshwood Interact Club at one of their many fundraisers
The Marshwood Interact Club (which has around 40 members, with 20 being very active) whom we support, has been super busy. They are fundraising for a service trip to the Dominican Republic with advisor Grace Jacobs (second from left) who is a former Peace Corps volunteer. They have also raised $1000 to give to the Safe Passage Global Grant project from the Weymouth MA Rotary Club, which our club and theirs will help sponsor together after our Geography Quiz Night which is scheduled for April 7th.
The Rotary Club of Sebago Lake
SENIORS ENJOY A CHRISTMAS DINNER, HOLIDAY GIFT BAGS AND A TV TOO!
The Sebago Lake Rotary Club treats the senior citizens at Unity Gardens with a traditional Christmas dinner of ham and all the fixins, while music was provided by Dave DeBreeze of DeBreeze and Keys, his son Chris, and 91 year old mother Virginia on piano.
"Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!"
Above left: Organized by Rotarian Dawn Dyer, Holiday gift bags were prepared for over 60 seniors of the Windham Food Pantry.
Above right: The Sebago Lake Rotary Club surprised 83 year old Rita Fortin of Casco with a new flat screen television when they were made aware that her old one "simply died." Special thanks to members of the club and to Seavey's Appliance in Windham.
The Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale
HELPS PACK FOOD BAGS
Instead of their usual breakfast on December 8th, the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale helped their local Salvation Army pack holiday food bags for distribution to their clients. A good morning of work for their club!
The River Valley Rotary Club
HONORS AWARDED AT FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS
The River Valley Rotary Club held it's Annual Holiday Fellowship meeting on December 5th, at 49 Franklin Street in Rumford, Maine
Our guest speaker for the night's event was Marge Barker, District Governor 7780. Marge was specifically invited to bestow the honor of presenting Paul Harris Awards to two fellow Rotarians. But most impressively to Joe Sirois for receiving his sixth otherwise called Paul Harris Plus Five, and to Roger Whitehouse for his third or Paul Harris Plus Two. Congrautlations Joe and Roger!
Left to right: Past President Roger Whitehouse, President-elect Randall Therrien, District Governor Marge Barker, Past President Joe Sirois and his wife Ann Wood, and current Club President Dave Duguay
Marge was also on hand to help present The River Valley Rotary Club's Citizen of the Year Award to our own Club President 2016-2017, Dave Duguay.
Presenting the award was last year's Citizen of the Year, Patty Duguay, who surprised her husband by reading off a list of his involvements, not only within the club and local community, but state-wide programs and projects, which the list is too long to mention. One hard act of volunteerism to follow. Congratulations Dave Duguay!
Photo on left: Patty Duguay reading the list and making the announcement. Photo on right: District 7780 Governor Marge Barker, Dave Duguay and Patty Duguay
And, at our River Valley Rotary Club Fellowship luncheon held at HOPE Association on December 19th, Past Club President Roger Whitehouse presented Jane Bubar with the Rotarian of the Year award 2016. Jane was selected because of her involvement in so many club projects, including the Winterization Project, Lobster Fundraising events, October Fest, Books for Tots, being in charge of the Rumford Community Hospital volunteers, and volunteering with the American Red Cross Blood Drive. Congratulations Jane!
Left to right: Past President Roger Whitehouse, Rotarian of the Year Jane Bubar, and Current Club President Dave Duguay
The Rotary Club of Portsmouth
CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
The club wrapped up a successful Christmas tree sales campaign under the direction of President-elect Ben Wheeler. This is our chief fundraiser every year and each of us must serve 3 three-hour shifts. Save for a few stubborn, “environmentally challenged,” trees, we pretty much sold-out three deliveries and easily made our goal.
PRESIDENT-ELECT AND VICE PRESIDENT NOMINATED
The Portsmouth Rotary Club Nominating Committee formalized leadership positions for next year, and Cleo Viilaflores will become President-elect and Leo Gagnon will be Vice President.
The Rotary Club of Portland Sunrise
A PLAYGROUND FOR EASTER SEALS
The Portland Sunrise Rotary Club recently completed a new playground structure for Easter Seals Maine in Portland.
Pictured above is the finished project and some of those involved.
The Rotary Club of Portland
INTERNATIONAL 3H SERVICE PROJECT
Portland Rotary Club's International 3H Service Project in the Dominican Republic was recently featured in Maine Public’s "Voices of Giving" series. Click the links below to read their full story.
Portland Rotary welcomes any other clubs to join with us in support of this 3-H project. Please contact Dr. Roger Fagan, Chair of International Service at drrogerfagan@gmail.com for more information.
MEMBER'S PICTURE IS FEATURED IN DECEMBER ROTARIAN
While taking part in her club's 3H Project in the Dominican Republic, Portland Rotarian Jan Chapman snapped this picture, which was recently featured in RI's December Rotarian. Below is the picture with insert as it appeared in the magazine.
The Rotary Club of Kennebunk Portside
GUEST SPEAKER
On November 29, Ayman Musa, 24, spoke to Kennebunk Portside Rotary club about his long journey from Darfur, Sudan to Portland, Maine in search of asylum from the genocidal practices affecting his country. He has been granted legal status as an asylee, a process usually taking months or years.
Ayman traveled by plane to Washington without money, friends or the ability to speak English. Through determination, he made his way by bus, to Portland where he survived in shelters and food kitchens until he could learn English, volunteer to help in the shelter and take courses to become a medical assistant. He now works as a caregiver for a young person with a disability and has applied to Southern Maine Community College to further his education.
Bob Wester, President of Kennebunk Rotary Club asked Ayman to sign a children’s book "I Used To Be Afraid", for donation to one of the RSU 21 elementary school libraries. Working with Joy Russo, Library Media Specialist at Kennebunk High School, the club is donating a book to the schools in honor of each speaker.
1.Ayman Musa signing children’s book with Bob Wester, President of Kennebunk Portside Rotary
The Rotary Club of Bridgton-Lake Region
STUDENTS RECEIVE DICTIONARIES
The Rotary Club of Bridgton-Lake Region recently distributed over 150 dictionaries to third graders at two elementary schools on December 14th.
ROTARY AND INTERACT MEMBERS PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR HEALTH CARE RESIDENTS
The Rotary Club of Bridgton-Lake Region and Lake Region Interact Club entertained residents at the Bridgton Health Care Center on Friday, December 16th. The evening was topped off with a pot luck supper at Rotarian Mike & Faye Daley's home.
Additionally, our club was able to buy presents and gift cards for six families with donations of $850 from club members and Norway Savings Bank!
The Rotary Club of Bath
PRESENTS CHECK FOR READING PROJECT
At the November 29th meeting of the Rotary Club of Bath, Secretary and Past President Caelie Smith presented a $500 check to Julie Shea of The Mustard Seed Bookstore in Bath for the RED Elf Project (RED = Read Every Day), which provides gift certificates to elementary school students at Dike-Newell School in Bath to purchase their very own book of their choosing for the holidays. The RED Elf project was started just last year with the goal of providing gift certificates for the Kindergarten class ats Dike-Newall. This year, thanks to the Bath Rotary Club’s donation and a $100 donation from Oakhurst Dairy, plus the donations of numerous local individuals, every child in grades Pre-K through Grade 2 will get a gift certificate to purchase a book. The Rotary Club’s gift was made in honor of District Governor Marge Barker who requested a donation be made to a local childhood literacy project.
In Memoriam
The Rotary Club of South Berwick-Eliot - David D. Burke
We are all saddened at the untimely passing of our beloved member, David Burke, who died suddenly last Friday, December 2nd. He was an active member of the South Berwick-Eliot Rotary club who was friendly to all, kind-hearted, funny, generous, and genuinely concerned about the world and who gladly put service above self. He was a former town councilor and a member of other civic organizations around town. He was a wonderful father and recently married his dearest Lynn so this is most tragic for his new wife. We will miss his warm and ready smile, his self-deprecating sense or humor and his caring heart.
David D. Burke age 55 of So. Berwick, ME, died unexpectedly Dec. 2nd in Windham, NH. David was born in Boston, MA, grew up and was educated in West Newbury, MA. He later graduated from Kimball Union Academy in NH and the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH in 1984. David was self-employed property owner. He was a member of the Seacoast Kiwanis Club and the So. Berwick, ME Rotary Club. He enjoyed golf, loved boating, and most of all spending time with his friends. David was predeceased by his brother Geoffrey Burke. He is survived by his children: Kayla and Riley Burke of Illinois. Parents: Stephen and Lucy (Leatherbee) Burke of Exeter, NH. Brothers: Brad Burke of Cape Elizabeth, ME and Tim Burke of Brighton, MA. Sister in Law: Judy Burke of Weston, MA. Dear Friend Tracey Hovan of So. Berwick, ME. Niece and Nephews: Ashley, James, and Skyler Burke.
Funeral services will be private for the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the: Hunter B. Burke Foundation. C/O The Carrier Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 38 Range Rd, Windham, NH, has care of David’s arrangements.
To send a message of condolence to David’s family, please view the obituary at www.carrierfuneralhome.com
The Rotary Club of Portsmouth - Carl Brage and Rev. Gordon Allen
The Club lost two iconic members this past month. Carl Brage had more than 30-years of perfect attendance and had been in failing health. The Rev. Gordon Allen died unexpectedly while walking his beloved dog Molly. He was our chaplain with 39 years in Rotary.
Carl had been club secretary for many years and kept legendarily strict accounts when it came to taking attendance. That fact prompted many a good-natured remembrance from those who had received one of Carl’s famous warning letters.
Gordon was a faithful visitor to Rotarians who were sick, grieving or experiencing some other adversity. In many ways he picked up with us where he left off with his parishioners at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He was Rector there for many years. Gordon’s place at his customary table was marked with a bouquet of flowers.
Rev. Allen, who probably gave a blessing at more than 1,000 Rotary meetings, delivered his last on December 1. That was six days before our annual holiday luncheon for seniors. About 200 of these fine folks were treated to a sit-down turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Entertainment was provided by the Portsmouth High School band and more. Even Miss New Hampshire visited. It was a totally delightful event.
Have Something You'd Like to Share with Us?
Updates and short articles with images or videos, and the names of new members and those who have passed, may be submitted to our Newsletter Editor, Deb Marsolais, at deb.marsolais@comcast.net to be included in our Monthly Newsletter. The District Newsletter is a means of communicating to other clubs in our district; items of interest, upcoming events, fundraisers, opportunities of service, or member news.
Deadline for MarchNewsletter Submissions: February 21st
PLEASE NOTE:
As a precaution, unless you have obtained a written consent from a parent/guardian, every child’s face which appears in a picture submitted for the newsletter or website, will be edited so that it is blurred out in the picture. Since there may be situations involving abuse, neglect, custody dispute, etc., and parents wouldn't want their child's picture to appear in public, this is being done for the child's privacy and protection.
If you have a submission for the newsletter or website, and would like to have us post a picture with a child (children) in it, please let us know if you have received a consent, otherwise we will edit it accordingly.
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lly. He was our chaplain with 39 years in Rotary.
as a faithful visitor to Rotarians who were sick, grieving or experiencing some other adversity. In many ways he picked up with us where he left off with his parishioners at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He was Rector there for many years. Gordon’s place at his customary table was marked with a bouquet of flowers..jpg)
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