From Your District Governor – World Polio Day is October 24th
By DG Emma Bodwell, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
As I sat down to write this article, it hit me — we’re already three months into this Rotary year! Time really does fly when you’re having fun, connecting with clubs, launching new ideas, and celebrating all the ways we Unite for Good.
It’s a reminder to all of us: pause, take a breath, and appreciate the moment. This Rotary year is moving quickly, but every meeting, service project, and conversation adds up to real and lasting impact.
World Polio Day is October 24, and it’s one of those moments when we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Rotary began its fight to end polio in 1985. Since then, we’ve reduced cases by over 99.9% — from 350,000 cases a year to just a handful. But we’re not done — and the last mile is often the hardest.
Here in District 7780, clubs are stepping up with creative and passionate action:
- Purple Pinkie fundraisers and local events
- Joint Polio awareness walks
- Guest speakers sharing Rotary’s global role
- Partnerships with Interact, schools, and communities
And we have a very special event to celebrate: the Flight to End Polio is wrapping up its journey around the Atlantic Ocean! We’re excited to welcome them back to the U.S. and will be greeting the flight on Sunday, October 5 in Portsmouth, NH. Event details and updates are available now at www.rotary7780.org — the more the merrier. Come show your support and be part of something extraordinary!
October also brings an exciting opportunity to grow and strengthen our Rotary family. On October 25th, we’re hosting a District Membership Event — designed to spark ideas, share strategies, and support each other in attracting and engaging members. Whether you're a club leader, a membership chair, or just passionate about growing Rotary, this is for you! Details are also available at www.rotary7780.org — and I hope to see you there.
This is what it means to Unite for Good — to show up, together, for something bigger than any one of us.
Let’s remember: even though we may not always see the full ripple of our actions, they matter. A vaccine delivered in another part of the world. A child who walks instead of crawling. A family spared heartbreak. We may never know their names — but we are part of their story.
Thank you for the work you’re doing. For the smiles, the fundraisers, the purple pinkies, the fellowship, and the heart you pour into Rotary every day. I see you. I’m proud of you. I’m grateful for you.
Let’s keep going. We’ve got miles to go — and people to reach.
In service and gratitude,
Emma
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 7780
#UniteForGood #EndPolioNow