District Newsletter - April 2022 (Apr 01, 2022)

District Governors Message - April 2022

BY: Dick Hall

District Governor 2021-2022

RC of Portland

I want to address Rotary’s April Theme and Ukraine, District-wide Events, RYLA and the progress clubs are making to bring their members together.

Rotary’s theme for April and relevance to Ukraine

The Rotary theme for April is Maternal and Child Health, and all the work being done around the district to help families from Ukraine demonstrates that this theme resounds with Rotarians. As I have talked to many clubs, I am so proud of the various ways you all have thought to help by raising money, collecting medical supplies, and offering emotional support in zoom meetings with those experiencing this awful time.

District-wide Events

I am so excited to be planning a half day in-person District Training Assembly (DTA) April 16. I can’t wait to see you all in person, break bread together, socialize and learn. DTA has always been my favorite district event because it is all about expanding our Rotary knowledge and learning from each other. I am so pleased that we are offering 24 excellent breakouts ranging from club service to the seventh area of focus, the environment. We are still planning the speakers for the general assemblies, and have several options to pick from. University of New England’s Portland Campus is a treat in the spring with many of the flowers showing their early colors. I hope to see teams from each club attending.

Helping the People of a Disaster

By: Bob Gravino

Foundation Sub-Chair, Peace Scholars
RC of Bath Sunrise

Donations to Rotary's Disaster Response Fund will aid those in Ukraine who are less fortunate than us. For those who wish to donate, the link is https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund. For information on the Disaster relief Grants, the page is at https://my.rotary.org/en/take-action/apply-grants/rotary-disaster-response-grants.

Connecting the Dots - April 2022

By: Sarah MacGillivray

District 7780 Foundation Public Image Coordinator

RC of Bath Sunrise

Over the last few months I have been highlighting some wonderful projects made possible through our District Grant program. Continuing our “Connecting the Dots” series, I wanted to share information about more incredible programs that are made possible through your donations to OUR Rotary Foundation.

In response to the deepening refugee crisis in and around Ukraine, OUR Rotary Foundation Trustees have decided to prioritize contributions made to the Disaster Response Fund until April 30th of this year to support disaster response grants for districts affected by these events. As I write this, Rotary contributions to this disaster fund have already exceeded $3.8 Million.

Rotary Partners With UNICEF
to Empower Girls

Rotary Day with UNICEF was an in-person and global webinar featuring Rotary and UNICEF and promoting the mission of their partnership: to improve education, health, safety and the status of girls within their communities. As Chair of BELRAG (Basic Education & Literacy Rotary Action Group), PDG Carolyn Johnson facilitated the discussion on Adapting to Educational Challenges Resulting from COVID, specifically how technology can play a role. Panelists included Dr. Helen Crompton, Professor of Technology Education at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, and Dr. Lauren Rumble, Associate Director, UNICEF.

The event was held at the UNICEF headquarters in New York City and was hosted by RI President Shekhar Mehta to promote his initiative for Rotarians to empower girls, create environments to reduce gender discrimination, and create programs to help girls develop self-confidence and advocacy skills.

CLUB PROFILE – RC of Saco Bay

Proactive Collaboration with Community Service Organizations -
A Recipe For Rotary Club Success.

By: Phil Hatch
Club President 2021-2022

RC of Saco Bay

Engaging in community service projects is a large part of a Rotary club’s DNA. Although worthy community service projects are typically plentiful, connecting the needs of local non-profit service providers to the resources of the local Rotary club can sometimes be challenging. Proactive communication is key.

The Rotary Club of Saco Bay (RCSB) has had a long and successful track record of being able to make that connection. I think there are two primary reasons for that success. First, our Charitable Giving Committee consistently engages in a strong effort to have local recipients of our charitable giving funds come before the club as part of our weekly meeting speaker series. The RCSB has been meeting live with Zoom access every week of the current Rotary year. Speakers usually attend the live meetings and are given approximately 20 minutes to provide background about their organization's mission, including presentation of community service, hands-on project needs. Most organizations attend the live meeting. A mere few have attended the meeting via Zoom. Their physical presence provides an important connection.

Club News

Here is news about projects and fundraisers from around the district.

For Club News - Click Here

Clubs in this Month's News

Bridgton-Lake Region

Brunswick Coastal
Damariscotta-Newcastle

Dover

Exeter

Kennebunk Portside

Kittery
Kittery After-Hours

Oxford Hills

Portland

Portsmouth

Saco Bay

Sanford-Springvale

If we missed your club, please know that your work is appreciated and honored, and send your story next month to:

rotaryn ews7780@gmail.com

DISC UPDATE

The District International Services Committee is really excited about the positive outcomes as a result of our International Cafes. For example:

The Human Milk Bank project in India - Within 30 days of the wonderful presentation on the HMB at our International Café, our district raised over $10,000 - the Global Grant was submitted, approved and is now in the process of being put into place.

ALL single Rotarians are welcome to join the group. The aim is to enjoy life, have fun, companionship, and collaborate on Rotary Service Projects.

PDG Peggy Belanger invites all singles “Join us as we move forward together in developing our purpose and plan. The goal is to offer opportunities for single Rotarians from ME and NH to explore each others’ regions and broaden our knowledge of Southern Maine and Coastal New Hampshire, D7780”.

If interested, please contact me, or better yet, look for me at D7780 District Training Assembly on April 16th. I am so excited to begin this new Affinity Group and look forward to our first gathering…..TBD. PDG Peggy Belanger, Rotary Club of Kennebunk Portside/USA, (207) 423-7497.

District 7780 Rotary Foundation Quilt Raffle!

We are hoping to see many of you at this month's District Training Assembly, at the University of New England on Saturday, April 16 from 7:45am-1:30 pm. (Click here to register) We are very lucky to have had a lovely donation of a handcrafted quilt by Past Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Brenda Cressey of the Rotary Club of Ogunquit, ME, and District 7780 Fund Development Chair. This quilt is being raffled off the day of the assembly to those who make different levels of donations to OUR Rotary Foundation. You must be present to win, more details on the raffle will be available the day of the event. Don't miss it!

PDG Council
Stage House Inn
Apr 07, 2022 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

DISC Committee Meeting
TBA
Apr 07, 2022 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

International Cafe
ZOOM
Apr 09, 2022 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

District Training Assembly
University of New England
Apr 16, 2022 7:45 AM – 1:30 PM

District Governor Track Meeting

Apr 18, 2022 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

President's Open Forum with Governor

Apr 21, 2022 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

DISC PUBLIC IMAGE Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88492532191
Apr 21, 2022 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

DEI Committee Zoom Meeting

Apr 25, 2022 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Assistant Governors Meeting

Apr 27, 2022 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

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