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District Governor's Message: September 2022
Photo: DG Claudia with Dr. Olha Palichuk from Ukraine at Rotary International Conference on June 6, 2022. (Click here for the link to General Session on June 6 - Dr. Olha Palichuck.) 
 
Saying Goodbye to Summer!
 
Saying goodbye to August 2022. Rotary designates different focus months for clubs and strangely, August is Membership and New Club Development Month. If you knew that, give yourself a pat on the back. If you added new members or started a new club, brag about it and also give yourself a pat on the back.  Our beautiful and distracting summer weather in New England and the friends and relatives that flock to us, often distract us from Rotary recruiting.
 
The important part of our monthly themes is that we address the topics sometime during the year. Here is the list:
 
July - Changeover
August - Membership
September - Education/Literacy
October - Community economics
November - Foundation
December - Disease Prevention
January - Vocational service
February - Peace-building
March - Water/Sanitation
April - Maternal & child health
May - Youth Services
June - Rotary Friendship
 
District 7780 honors some of these themes:
September - District Governor Official Visits begin/Recovery Conference 9/8/22
October 24 - World Polio Day
November 4 - Foundation Donor appreciation dinner
February 14 (placeholder) Mid-year dinner and Peace Concert
April - International trip to Zambia - Healthy Learners (may be at the end of February)
May - RYLA plans, Youth Exchange
June - Changeover/District Celebration June 10
 
As we swing into fall, it is an excellent time to renew our commitment to the service of Rotary. Whether you decide to offer a ride to a meeting, join a club committee, or look for an opportunity for service in or out of Rotary, a good intention followed by action will uplift you as well as the world. Try it!
 
Peace,
 
Claudia Frost
District Governor
Rotary Club of Brunswick
September is Education and Literacy Month
 
By:  Carolyn Johnson, PDG
BELRAG Chair, RC of Yarmouth
 
September is Education and Literacy Month, an opportunity for Rotarians to focus awareness on the literacy and education needs in our own communities and internationally. BELRAG (Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group) and Save the Children are pleased to announce a funding opportunity to support clubs’ innovative approaches to early childhood education in rural America. Projects may support Kindergarten Readiness, 3rd Grade Reading proficiency, and/or 5th-grade math proficiency.
Read more...
Reducing the Stigma of Sustance Use Disorder
Contributed by the Rotary Club of Kennebunk
 
(Opioid) Recovery & Employment Conference
Thursday, September 8, 2022, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Regatta Banquette & Conference Center
Eliot, Maine, Cost $25.00
 
Designed and implemented by the District’s Substance Use Disorder team, this conference will feature Recovery Success Stories and those business and community leaders who have taken actions to support and employ those in recovery.  This approach is a win-win opportunity for both employees and businesses in this time of severe staffing shortages.
 
Please register for the event by clicking here.  If your club supports this effort by donating $100, two individuals from your club or sponsored by your club, are admitted free of charge. For more information, contact Doreen Blanc Rockstrom at doreenrock221@gmail.com.
Prosthetics Team Returns to the Dominican Republic
Ruth waves with her prosthetic hand.
 
By: Bill Dunn
Member, District Prosthetics Team, RC of Yarmouth
 
Exciting News! The District’s group working on prosthetics is planning its next mission to the Dominican Republic (DR) in January 2023 with a new design for prosthetic hands. The group is enthusiastic about the new design, which will be custom fitted to patients who will walk away with an electric-powered hand in just a couple of hours!
 
This process used to take many visits by the individual receiving the prosthetic hand, and multiple trips by team members.
 
Read more...
Have You Thanked a Health Care Worker Lately?
Rotary's COVID-19 Task Force designated August 21-27, 2022 as Health Care Workers Week. It’s always a good time to recognize the work of health care professionals in our clubs and in our communities.
 
There are many ways to show your appreciation, but a great way to start is by talking to local health care professionals directly to learn what type of support they want and need — and how we in Rotary can best respond.
On your own or with your club, you can also:
  •  Send letters of appreciation to health care facilities or health departments
  •  Volunteer at a health care facility or at an event
  •  Raise awareness by sending letters highlighting health workers to local media outlets
  •  Post about your appreciation for health care workers on social media
  •  Honor club members who are health care workers at a meeting or event
  •  Ask nearby medical centers if you can donate meals or baked goods
The COVID-19 Task Force has templates you can use to support this effort.  For more information, click here.
District Team Updates
District to Host Strategic Planning Session and International Café
 
Emma Bodwell, Chair of the District International Services Committee (DISC), announced that on Thursday evening, September 8 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Michele Bois-Gilbody will help facilitate committee members and guests in a Strategic Planning and Visioning workshop.  This will be an in-person get-together in Westbrook.  If you are interested in helping to set the direction of DISC, please contact Emma at ebodwell@icloud.com for more information, including location.
 
The first International Café of the 2022-23 Rotary Year will be on Saturday, September 10 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. via Zoom.  At the top of the agenda will be an Introduction of the District 7780 International Outreach to Zambia in 2023.  If you are interested in international travel with a purpose, this will be a chance to hear about the first post-pandemic journey.  We also expect other interesting projects to be discussed at the Café, including Rotaplast, projects in Nepal and India, and a grant update by Carolyn Johnson.
 
Crutches 4 Africa
 
Due to shipping issues, the container loading has been postponed until September 17 at 9:00 a.m. The shipment, going to Nigeria, It will contain crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, rollators canes, and walking boots. If you want more information or would like to participate, contact Dennis Robillard at risc@maine.rr.com or 207-468-0443.
 
 
Global Grant Update from Kenya Rising
 
John Chisholm of Kenya Rising (formerly Kakamega Orphan Care Center) will be speaking in person with a Zoom link at the Freeport Rotary Club at the Freeport Community Services on Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00 a.m.  For more information or for the Zoom link, contact Tom Wilbur at tom@wilburs.com or 207-749-3726.  This Global Grant is a direct outgrowth of the District Outreach journey to Kenya in 2017. Members of that team included:  Joan Correll, Hampton Club; Claudia Frost, Brunswick Club; Carol Madsen, Bridgton-Lake Region Club; Steve Wight, Bethel Club; and Tom and Catherine Wilbur of the Freeport Club. For those who are interested, a 5-minute video update about this GG can be found by clicking here.
 
Save the Date: October 24, 2022, is World Polio Day!  
 
Watch for communication from the District with ideas of ways to promote polio awareness in your own community, fundraising events and more.  As a District, we've set a new goal for raising funds for Polio Plus.  Click here to see that challenge.
What is "EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" All About?
 
By: Jeffrey R. Slaton
District 7780 Annual Fund Chairperson 2022-25
Rotary Club of Saco Bay 
 
Happy September 2022 District 7780 Rotarians.
 
 Every Rotarian, Every Year is an initiative by the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation which encourages “every Rotarian, every year” to: 
 
  1. Participate in a Foundation program that is making a difference in the world;
 
  2. Contribute to the Foundation’s Annual Fund at a sustainable amount. 
 
The Rotary Foundation even has banners for clubs where every member contributes at least $25 to the Annual Fund with $100 per capita during the Rotary year. 
  
Today, around one-third of Rotarians participate in this initiative. In 2021-22, The Rotary Foundation was able to award 1,197 global grants for large-scale sustainable projects due to the generosity of these Rotarians. Think about how much more Rotary could accomplish in the world if all our 1.4 million members worldwide each gave at least $25 to our Foundation’s Annual Fund. 
  
If you are a part of the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” initiative – I personally thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation and its work. 
  
Would you like to make a small contribution today? Just log into your account at rotary.org and follow the prompts.... don’t hesitate to ask me for help!!! My email address and phone number are below.
 
Click here for help. 
 
Here’s my story:  with a simple request from my friend Dennis Robillard of the Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club many years ago, I made the personal decision to give. At first, I was giving $25.00 a month and after a couple of years, I realized it was not going to make a difference in my way of life to give a little more. I could help meet the needs of others less fortunate, and it could make all the difference in the world. So, I have steadily upped my giving to $85.00 a month, which makes me a Paul Harris Society Member and checks off all the boxes for Every Rotarian, Every Year. Don’t forget your pledge is a tax-deductible donation and, plus, it is just a cool thing to do. You may never know the person you help but rest assured you are helping those who need it the most. Thank you for everything you do every day. Be well!
 
Jeffrey Slaton
207-608-3131
Imagine Rotary: Our Theme for 2022-2023 | Rotary Club of Middletown CT
September 2022
Club News
Click HERE  for news about projects and fundraisers from around our district.
 
Bath Sunrise
Bethel
Bridgton-Lake Region
Damariscotta-Newcastle
Dover
Falmouth
Hampton
Kittery
Ogunquit
Oxford Hills
Portland
Portsmouth
Saco Bay Sunset
South Portland-Cape Elizabeth
Windham-Gorham
 
If we missed your club, 
please know that your work is appreciated. Please send your stories next month to:
 
SEEKING ROTARY LEADERS!
 
The Nominating Committee, under the leadership of Dave Underhill, continues to seek applicants for our Rotary year 2025-2026 District Governor and candidates for the District Finance Committee. Applications and all other details can be found here.
 
The deadline for submissions is October 15, 2022.  Applications must be submitted by email to DG Claudia Frost with a copy to Nominating Committee Chair Dave Underhill
 
Questions should be directed to Claudia or Dave at the above email addresses or by calling Dave at 603-706-3143.
District Calendar
District Governor Visit - Damariscotta-Newcastle
Sep 06, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Portland Sunrise Satelli
Sep 07, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
 
Rotary District 7780 Recovery Conference
Regatta Banquest & Conference Center
Sep 08, 2022
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
DISC International Cafe
Sep 10, 2022
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Exeter
Sep 12, 2022
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
 
District Governor Track Meeting
Sep 12, 2022
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
 
Presidents' Monthly Meeting
ZOOM
Sep 12, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
 
District Track Meeting
Sep 12, 2022
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Hampton
Sep 13, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Westbrook-Gorham
Sep 13, 2022
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 
District Governor Visit Salt Bay L.E.G.S.
Sep 13, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
 
Foundation Committee
Sep 13, 2022
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Nominating Committee Organizing Meeting
Sep 14, 2022
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
District Governor Visit - South Portland- CE
Sep 14, 2022
6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - SBerwick-Elio
Sep 15, 2022
7:15 AM – 8:30 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Kennebunk
Sep 15, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
 
DISC PUBLIC IMAGE Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88492532191
Sep 15, 2022
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
 
Assistant Governors' Meet
Sep 18, 2022
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
 
Finance Committee Meeting
Zoom
Sep 19, 2022
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Bethel
Sep 20, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Freeport
Sep 21, 2022
7:00 AM – 8:15 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Brunswick Coastal
Sep 21, 2022
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
 
Governors' Training - Toronto
Sep 22, 2022 – Sep 24, 2022
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Seacoast Port
Sep 22, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
DISC Committee Meeting
Sep 22, 2022
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Brunswick
Sep 26, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Yarmouth
Sep 26, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Fryeburg
Sep 27, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Saco Bay Sunset
Sep 27, 2022
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Freeport
Sep 28, 2022
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Biddeford Sac
Sep 28, 2022
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Saco Bay
Sep 29, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Portsmouth
Sep 29, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
 
District Governor Visit - River Valley
Oct 03, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
 
Presidents' Monthly Meeting
ZOOM
Oct 03, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Kittery
Oct 04, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Bath
Oct 04, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Dover
Oct 05, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Boothbay Harbor
Oct 06, 2022
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Bath Sunrise
Oct 07, 2022
8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
 
District Governor Track Meeting
Oct 10, 2022
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
 
District Track Meeting
Oct 10, 2022
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Sanford-Sprin
Oct 13, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District Governor Visit - Portland
Oct 14, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Falmouth
Oct 17, 2022
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Kennebunk Por
Oct 18, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Durham Great
Oct 19, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Wells
Oct 19, 2022
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Ogunquit
Oct 20, 2022
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Bridgton Lake Region
Oct 20, 2022
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
 
DISC PUBLIC IMAGE Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88492532191
Oct 20, 2022
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - York
Oct 21, 2022
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
DISC International Cafe
Oct 22, 2022
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
 
World Polio Day - Save this Date!!
ONLINE
Oct 24, 2022
7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
 
District Governor's Official Visit - Rochester
Oct 24, 2022
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Scarborough
Oct 25, 2022
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
 
District Governor Visit - Oxford Hills
Oct 26, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
 
View entire list
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