Having trouble viewing the Newsletter? Click here to view it online.
District Governor Newsletter for December 2017
Before I zero in on December, I want to call special attention to the celebration our Foundation major gift and bequest team hosted in November, commemorating the successful campaign to mark the 100th birthday of our Rotary Foundation. We announced the campaign has already brought in $1,890,000 in new bequests and major gifts across District 7780. We’re not done yet – thank you for your gift! Please think about a Rotary Foundation bequest in your will or estate plan. It’s the best way I know to guarantee our good work will continue for the next 100 years.
We’re squarely in the middle of holiday season now, a busy time for all folks and particularly for Rotarians. That’s because our Clubs are going the extra mile for the community: selling trees for scholarship money, making dinners for seniors and food pantries, turning the wheels of Rotary progress and even the wheels of Rotary cheddar cheese. I can’t begin to name all the activities, and I wish we could attend every one of them!
In addition to all those holiday events, Rotary marks this month as Disease Prevention and Treatment month. The most obvious of those causes is our End Polio Now campaign, and another example we’ve tried to highlight this year is our District’s Rotary Recovery Initiative.
The Gift of Hope:
The Recovery Initiative tackles substance misuse disorder, the disease that is endangering our local peace and killing our co-workers, children and grand-children. One of the key antidotes to this is hope. There are drugs that buy time for treatment (Narcan/naloxone), but these don’t cure the disease: they save a life for the moment, and can lead to hope through proper medical intervention, mental health services and recovery efforts.
Rotarians in our Clubs are supporting treatment options, safe community spaces, job training and coaching, and education efforts to promote healthy alternatives and recovery. There are opportunities for the business community to support job fairs and the re-training of folks who have been incarcerated during their substance dependency. Education programs aim to move students from dangerous behaviors to healthy ones. All of this adds up to creating an environment of hope: what better way to celebrate this holiday season?
As Kennebunk Rotary member Bob MacKenzie and his committee explore new ways for Rotary to be involved in this effort, we are learning about similar efforts in nearby places. Here’s one example, from Massachusetts: we’re looking into ways their model might be useful in our NH/ME communities too.
Please consider whether your Rotary Club could tackle a piece of this challenge to provide hope in your community. Check in with your team members, and Make a Difference, with hope, this holiday season. Thank you!
Save the Dates:
The second half of our Rotary year, January through June, includes these important events. Please mark them on your calendar and plan to join us! You can find details and registration information on our district website: http://rotary7780.org/Events/Calendar
You can subscribe to this calendar from the site and it will automatically update your own electronic calendar.
Midyear Dinner: for club presidents, presidents-elect, vice presidents and other district leadership team members. Monday, January 29.
Frugal Feast: celebration of World Understanding and Peace Day, for everyone in Rotary. Friday, February 23.
NEPETS: training conference for all presidents-elect and assistant governors, Thursday to Saturday, March 8-10.
District 7780 Training Assembly: for everyone in Rotary! Saturday, April 7
2018 Rotary Mount Washington Summit, our five-district conference extravaganza. May 4-6, information and registration now available at this link:
Rotary International Convention, Toronto Canada, June 24-27. We are planning a special district event at the convention on Monday June 25 at the Second City Toronto improv center, be sure to watch future newsletters and our website for details! To register for Toronto, click on this link: save money if you sign up before December 15.
To every one of our 1637 Rotarians, Linda and I send warm wishes for a safe and rewarding holiday season, and thank you for working so hard, Making a Difference with Rotary here in Maine and New Hampshire.
Dave
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
DISTRICT 7780
ROTARIANS,
FAMILIES,
AND FRIENDS!
District 7780 Governor-Nominee-Designate for 2020-2021
Fellow District 7780 Rotarians, greetings,
I am happy to report that the District Nominating Committee has chosen Marguerite “Peggy” Belanger of the Kennebunk Portside Club to serve as our District Governor in 2020-2021.
Peggy is well known to many of us. In addition to serving twice as President of her club, she has served in district roles including conference chair and as coordinator of our inbound vocational technical team members from Uganda.
Peggy has been a nursing professional for 45 years, specializing in public health, oncology and home health. She has been recognized nationally as a leader in her field, and she is has been regarded as a passionate, committed and caring Rotarian since she came into Rotary in 2001.
Please join with me, and my DG-track colleagues John and Andy, in welcoming Peggy to our district’s leadership team!
While I’m writing I’d like to remind all Rotarians that the nominating committee is still seeking a candidate for a three-year term on the district Finance Committee. The bylaws require that this candidate be a member of a club in area “C” which includes our clubs in Cumberland, Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties in Maine (more or less metro-Portland and eastward). The finance committee meets four or five times per year, and the duties are modest but important. Some experience with financial management is required. The bylaws state: “preference shall be given to candidates with previous service as a club president or treasurer, and/or accounting/finance as a component of their vocation or profession.” If you would like to know more about this opening, please reply to this email and I’ll set up a call to chat with you further. You can find more information at this link: http://rotary7780.org/Page/ShowSitePage?Slug=finance-committe-member-nomination&ClassCode=SitePage
District Bylaw section 608 provides that a Club wishing to challenge the nomination of the District Governor Nominee Designate must file its resolution with the District Governor no later than fourteen days from the date of this notification (before midnight on December 14, 2017).
Yours in Rotary,
Dave Underhill, Portsmouth Rotary Club, District 7780 Governor (2017-2018)
The Rotary Foundation
MAJOR GIFTS AND BEQUEST SOCIETY GIVING
In July 2015, then Governor Sheila, Marge and Dave agreed to a three-year commitment to boost Major Gifts and Bequest Society giving. Here’s where we stand, more than two years into that effort.
These numbers include both Bequest Society (planned giving) and Major Donors (outright gifts). Since July 2015, 33 donors throughout the District have stepped up to donate in a significant way to The Rotary Foundation. They earmarked their donations to those areas of Rotary that they are most passionate about – gifts have gone to the Peace Centers, to Water and Sanitation, to Literacy, and to the World Fund.
Those 33 donors from District 7780 have inked a total of $1,890,000 to our Foundation.
Many of those gifts are in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. That’s generous enough. But a half-dozen reach into six-figure territory. All are gifts from donors who know that they will never meet the recipients of their generosity, but that The Foundation will put their money to excellent use.
Unfortunately, three of them are no longer with us. Carl Brage, an elder statesman of Portsmouth RC; John Morris, a charter member of Bath Sunrise; and Bethel RC’s Cynthia Laux, who died far too early. While we mourn their passing, we should cherish their love for The Rotary Foundation and their foresight and vision to remember the Foundation in their estate planning, without any push from us.
It also needs to be pointed out that these gifts are not iterative – they are the result of a strong commitment and sometimes months of discussion. And so, I have no doubt that in the remaining months of this special campaign – as well as in the years ahead – there will be other Major Donors to our Rotary Foundation. If you would like to learn more about how you can make a significant contribution to The Foundation, please contact Mike McGovern (cetm@maine.rr.com) or Marty Helman (martyrotary@gmail.com).
The Rotary Foundation cont'd
CENTENNIAL FUNDRAISING CLOSES IN ON $2-MILLION!
In July 2015, then-governor Sheila Rollins launched a three-year campaign to honor the Rotary Foundation’s 100th anniversary with new Major Donor and Bequest Society contributions.
The campaign, dubbed “100 for 100”, sought to add incremental contributions from Rotarians through legacy giving (wills and trusts) as well as new major gifts in amounts of $10,000 or more, during the three year period that will conclude next June 30, 2018.
The campaign celebrated its milestones during a November 10 donor event at the Union Bluff House in York Beach, ME. Rotarians who have already contributed to the effort, along with Paul Harris Society members, were invited to celebrate the achievements of the Rotary Foundation as we enter our second century.
The keynote speaker was Rotary International Past Vice President Jennifer Jones, of the Windsor-Roseland Ontario Club. Jones captivated the audience with stories about the Foundation, including one that was literally (and allegorically) heart-warming. She told of being invited into an operating room where a Gift of Life surgeon, underwritten by the Rotary Foundation, was performing open-heart surgery on a young Syrian child. The girl returned to life and a hopeful future after her heart had been bypassed during the operation and it was “warmed” back and beating.
Jennifer Jones was joined for a Q&A session by Rotary Foundation Trustee Julia Phelps of the Amesbury MA club, and by Mike McGovern, chair of the International Polio Plus Committee, past Rotary director and trustee, past district governor and member of our own South Portland - Cape Elizabeth Club.
District Foundation Chair Marty Helman announced the exciting news: to-date, our incremental major gifts and bequests in this campaign total $1,890,000. District Governor Dave Underhill pointed out it’s not a long stretch to get that number over two million dollars, and he’s asking all Rotarians to join with him in considering a Foundation gift through their wills or estates. The heartwarming joy of knowing that you’re leaving a legacy to continue your Rotary work cannot be overstated.
From all on the Foundation Committee, our great thanks to the donors and attendees, and to all Rotarians who are supporting our Foundation this month, and every month.
After the event, District 7930 Governor Dave Gardner, Past RI VP Jennifer Jones, and District 7780 Dave Underhill had some fun with a parody of “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil..." Rotary works for good!
Polio Plus Update for December
There were three new cases of children infected with the wild polio virus, all in Afghanistan, bringing our total for the year to 15 cases, 10 in Afghanistan and 5 in Pakistan. This is still significantly below the 33 cases at this point last year. With only a little more than a month to go before the close of this year, we can remain hopeful that we will have a 50% reduction in cases for 2017.
However, the incidents of vaccine derived polio (cases of polio that develop when the virus in the vaccine reverts to virulence) are sharply up. Last year there were 5 cases while this year there have been 80, 10 in the Congo and 70 in Syria. According to the World Health Organization this is due to vulnerable, under-immunized populations in either remote geographical areas or where military conflict is occurring. As the End Polio fight moves toward using injections rather than the oral vaccine, these cases should drop.
Last year was a great year for Polio Plus donations in our District. Overall, individuals and clubs donated $70,462 toward End Polio Now! And 15 of our clubs donated at least $1,500 thus earning a certificate of appreciation from The Rotary Foundation. These clubs are: Boothbay Harbor, Bridgton-Lake Region, Damariscotta-Newcastle, Durham Great Bay, Exeter, Hampton, Kittery, Portland Sunrise, Portsmouth, River Valley (Greater Rumford Area), Saco Bay, Sanford-Springvale, Seacoast Portsmouth, South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, and York. Congratulations! District officers will be visiting these clubs personally to present their certificates. Let’s try this year to have even more clubs eligible for this award.
Underhill to Chair District Finance Committee as of July 1, 2018
District Governor-Elect John LoBosco has announced that Dave Underhill of the Portsmouth club will chair the Finance Committee beginning July 1, 2018. Dave replaces Lawrence Furbish of the Sanford-Springvale club, who is rotating off the committee after completing his three-year term. As previously announced, Lawrence will become chair of the Foundation Committee. In making the announcement, John shared that he and District Governor Nominee Andy Glazier were very pleased that Dave agreed to take on this new role once his term as governor has concluded. John reported, “Dave is a wonderful and passionate governor. Chair of the Finance Committee is one way our district leadership team hopes to utilize Dave's considerable skills to benefit our clubs after his term as governor has ended.” Under our district bylaws, the governor appoints a committee member who is a past governor to serve as chair. The finance committee is responsible for the fiscal integrity of the district. In particular, it prepares the budget for the coming year in cooperation with the governor-elect, monitors compliance with the budget during the year, reviews and recommends dues, assures that proper records of income and expenditures are kept, and prepares an annual financial report for presentation to the clubs.
Finance Committee Member Needed From Cumberland, Lincoln or Sagadahoc Counties, Maine
In addition to announcing Dave Underhill's appointment as Chair of the Finance Committee, John also announced a vacancy on the committee, beginning July 1, 2018. Ron Bennett of the Portland club will be completing his three-year term on the committee. Thanks for your service Ron! We are seeking a volunteer from Division C (clubs in Cumberland, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, Maine) to fill the open seat. Preference is given to candidates with previous service as club president or treasurer, and/or accounting/finance as a component of their vocation or profession. For more information, please contact Marty Helman, who is chair of the Nominating Committee, 207-233-8741, or Dave Underhill, 603-706-3143.
What is the Future of Youth Exchange in our District?
Rotary Youth Exchange is a wonderful program that seeks to build peace one young person at a time. Rotary clubs sponsor exchanges for students 15 to 19 years old in more than 100 countries. Students discover another culture and become global citizens. The lives of host families are forever enriched. Unlike many other districts, our district does not have an active Youth Exchange program at this time. We need passionate Rotarians to help us rebuild the program and make it a vibrant program in our district. If you are passionate about Youth Exchange, please contact Kevin Raymond of the York Rotary club. Kevin chairs our district’s Youth Services Committee. He can be reached at rayquest1@aol.com. If there is sufficient interest, Kevin will schedule a meeting and brainstorming session at which we will begin the rebuilding process. Given the timing, we will not have a Youth Exchange program in 2018-19. However, if there is significant interest and passion, we are hopeful we will be able to rebuild the program so that it can be offered as early as the 2019-20 school year.
Butterworth Appointed District Insurance Representative
Rotary International recommends that each district appoint a District Insurance Representative who can familiarize clubs with liability coverage that is available, answer questions and direct them to available resources. Our district leadership team has announced that Frank Butterworth of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth has been appointed our District Insurance Representative. Frank notes that the most common question a club might have is: "Is the event we are having covered by Rotary's insurance policy, and how do I get a certificate of insurance to show to the venue?" The answer to this question and others can be found on our district website. (Click on RI Insurance in the Download section on the left side of the district webpage.) There, you will find a brief, easy to understand PowerPoint presentation explaining what and who is covered by the insurance program, as well as what is not covered by the insurance program. It also has a very easy to use link to print a certificate of insurance, a section on loss prevention, and contacts for more involved questions. Feel free to reach out to Frank with questions. He can be reached at fbutterw@gmail.com.
Toronto Convention- Second City Toronto and Hockey Hall of Fame Events
We all have a wonderful opportunity to attend the Rotary International Convention in “nearby” Toronto, June 23-27, 2018. RI conventions are terrific opportunities to meet Rotarians from around the world and experience the “internationality” of Rotary. We can’t encourage you enough to attend. Last year’s speakers at the Atlanta convention included Bill Gates, Andrew Young, Senator Bob Corker, the actor Ashton Kutcher (who is working diligently to combat human trafficking) and many others. This year’s convention will be equally impressive and inspiring. Come join us at Rotary’s equivalent of a World’s Fair. Register at riconvention.org. (If you register by December 15, 2017, the discounted registration fee is $345 US.) Our district is planning a get-together in the Portland area prior to the convention to coordinate our plans and ensure we maximize our Toronto experience. Our district also is sponsoring a dinner and show at Second City Toronto and our “zone” is sponsoring an event at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Look for additional information and an opportunity to register for the Second City Toronto event on the district webpage and in the newsletter after the holidays. Registration is open for the Hockey Hall of Fame event at http://tinyurl.com/BeyondBorders2018.
Mid-Year Dinner- January 29, 2018- Save the Date!
As is tradition, our club presidents, presidents-elect and vice presidents will gather together for our mid-year leadership dinner at the Fireside Inn & Suites in Portland, Maine, on the evening of January 29, 2018. Hold that date! Many of our past governors will be there too, sharing their wisdom and experience and reconnecting with old friends. As in the past, we will hold meetings by class after dinner. Current presidents will meet with Governor Dave Underhill, 2018-19 presidents will meet with Governor-Elect John LoBosco, and 2019-20 presidents will meet with Governor-Nominee Andy Glazier. Registration will open December 1.
International Service Committee
CULTURAL EXCHANGE TO KAKAMEGA, KENYA
To be part of the recently announced Cultural Exchange Project traveling to Kakamega, Kenya with the Friends of Kakamega to visit, explore, and learn about the Kakamega Orphans Care Center, please click on the link below to access the application. Deadline to submit your application is DECEMBER 15, 2017!
Three local Rotary clubs have come together to sponsor the newly chartered Rotaract club at St. Joseph’s College on November 13th..
Left to right: Bridgton-Lake Region President Joe Barth, Sebago Lake President Cyndy Bell, St. Joseph’s Rotaract President Austin Bear, District Governor Dave Underhill, and Westbrook-Gorham President Bill Chadwick.
Rotaract clubs bring together people, ages 18-30, to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service.
In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotaract is changing communities like ours. For more information contact: Austin Bear at austin.bear@sjcme.edu or Sheila Rollins at wwwings@megalink.net.
District 7780 Interact
UN INTERACT DAY
On November 10th and 11th, 48 Interact students representing 13 schools in District 7780 headed to the Big Apple. This year, UN Interact Day was held in Geneva, Switzerland instead of NYC, but the Interact Committee decided to continue offering this 5 year tradition trip to the city and take a tour of the UN instead. Information was shared about the importance of Rotary in the UN with the students, and for many it was the first time touring the building and very informative.
The students and chaperones also toured the Empire State Building, Times Square, and saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway. The frigid temperatures, traffic, and busy streets did not discourage these 15-18 year olds. A survey conducted, indicated that 100 % of the students felt safe, and would highly recommend the trip when they went back to their Interact group, to other students.
A big thank you to all of the Rotary Clubs who supported these students. While it was very exciting to be able to see a show, the sites of NYC, and eat some yummy food - the most important part of this trip was clearly the conversations and relationships that these students created in the name of Interact, and hopes that they will continue on with the 4 Way Test in their daily lives. The highlight of the trip for me is when we were told by a manager in a restaurant, that after 7 years of working at the Hard Rock Cafe and serving groups from around the world, these were the most well-behaved students he has ever encountered. So proud of these students and look forward to a great turnout at the Interact Conference in the spring.
DISTRICT HISTORY
Sanford-Springvale sent me them list of Club Presidents and dates of service on October 27th – thank you President Danielle Treadwell
Last Month’s District History Request:
As you know I am trying to add the Club Presidents from day one of the individual clubs through 2017-2018 Rotary year. It would be great to have all 40 clubs in District 7780 and their past presidents listed before all that information is lost.
We now have TWENTY-NINE (29) Rotary Club pages with their club presidents’ names and dates of service from the start of the club, plus yours truly added any DGs from those clubs and the club charter dates. Out of these 29 clubs, we have clubs that were chartered in 1915, 1920, 2 in 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1939, 3 in 1960, 1969, 1974, 1982, 2 in 1983, 2 in 1986, 1987, 1989, 2 in 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2008, 2015 and 2016, we have the oldest and the youngest clubs in the District who have responded! THANK YOU to the 29 clubs for providing their club’s information!
Check them out – On the home page of the District Website CLICK on About Us; CLICK on District History; CLICK on Rotary Clubs of District 7780; CLICK on the Rotary Club name that is light blue and it will bring you to that club’s page and you can see the list of their club presidents.
This Month’s District History Request:
This is my last request for the list of club presidents and the dates of their service in your club. You are the only ones that have your club history, please share it with us so it isn’t lost. In January, I going to do something new.
PLEASE send your information to me at mawilliamspdg@comcast.net along with your name and the name of your Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club of Bath invites District 7780 members to attend "Turning of the New Year Show (Celtic Christmas)" on Saturday, December 9 from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington Street in Bath.
The Bath Rotary has purchased a block of tickets for Rotarians to enjoy a holiday show at the historic Chocolate Church. The show features seven-time, All-Ireland accordion champion and Narada recording artist John Whelan, who has teamed up with roots band Low Lily and Scottish-style fiddler Katie McNally, for a spectacular holiday mini-fest! Featuring traditional and original music from Ireland, Scotland, and America, this diverse and energetic show will help usher in the holiday season with a bang. Alongside uptempo jigs and reels will be lesser-known Christmas carols and wintry classics, featuring two fiddles, accordion, guitars, mandolin, and lush, layered vocals. This exclusive show brings the generations together for a fresh new take on roots music from both sides of the pond.
So come and enjoy shopping, dining and a show in the “Cool Little City" of Bath, Maine for the holidays. Hurry, there are only 22 tickets available, so call the Chocolate Church Arts Center Box Office at 442-8455 which is open Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-4pm; Friday from noon-4pm and mention you are a Rotarian to reserve your complimentary tickets. Limit 2 tickets per Rotarian.
Please note the complimentary tickets are not available through online ticketing via the Chocolate Church website. Happy Holidays from the Bath Rotary Club!
The Rotary Club of Bath Sunrise
Planting Hope: Midcoast Community Alliance brings Yellow Tulip Project to Morse
Morse High School students plant bulbs with messages of hope as part of the Yellow Tulip Project. Staff photo by Raye Leonard
BATH — Jamie Dorr’s mission is to bring hope to the Midcoast community, and with the help of some students, she planted that intention Nov. 16 in a heart-shaped garden in the parking lot corner of Morse High School’s lawn.
Each yellow tulip bulb was mulched with a tiny handwritten note with messages like:
“You matter.”
“You are not alone.”
“Hang on.”
That’s because less than half of high school students in Sagadahoc County feel like they matter to people in their community.
The Bethel Rotary Club held a Visioning event on Wednesday, November 15, led by Aileen Dugan, Bob Reed, and the rest of the District Visioning Team. Although it was a busy time of year, over half the club, both new and old, participated. The Bethel Club has brought in several new members in the past couple of years, and have been working on integrating these new members into the work of the club. The Visioning event helped to do that- there was lively discussion and an exchange of ideas, and members were pleasantly surprised by how much they were on the same page. They appreciated the structure of the visioning exercise, and left feeling energized and enthusiastic about working together to plot a course forward with real purpose. That focus and clarity will help to attract new members, ease leadership transitions, and move the club forward in our community—a win, win situation all around!
The Rotary Club of Brunswick
"ESSENCE OF ELEGANCE" FUNDRAISER
Brunswick Rotary Club’s “Essence of Elegance,” a fashion-show/wine-tasting fundraiser, held on November 16, was a huge success. PE Connie Hartley transplanted the program from Australia to the US and inspired the club to collaborate with The Brunswick Tedford Family Shelter, Universal Promise which is an educational nonprofit currently working in Addo, South Africa, and a local consignment shop called “It’s All Good.”
Held at “The Daniel” on Water Street in Brunswick, the evening was a special treat for the “ladies of the club” who were served appetizers by a few of the “men of the club” as they tasted wines. The space at the Daniel became cozy as attendance exceeded expectations.
The runway featured models of all sizes and backgrounds in a variety of outfits from the upscale resale shop as owner Cindy Neprash described the ensembles. The amateur models were up to the task and proudly ‘strutted their stuff.’
“Essence of Elegance” was a festive occasion which gave an opportunity for Rotarians to talk about their mission as an organization to an audience which included many non-Rotarians.
Carolyn & Sandy Valerie & Don
Connie Peggy
The Rotary Club of Hampton HONORED FOR POLIO PLUS PARTICIPATION
Members of the Hampton Rotary Club were recently visited by Past District Governor and current Polio Plus subcommittee head Lawrence Furbish, and was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rotary Foundation for giving at least $1,500 toward Polio Plus to End Polio Now in 2016-2017. Congratulations for a job well done!
Pictured left to right: Club President Bill McGowan, PDG Lawrence Furbish, and Past President Rich Gibadlo
The Rotary Club of Kennebunk Portside
KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
Several years ago, Rotarian Bill Leffler and Kennebunk Portside Rotary began a program with the 5th Grade at Consolidated School in Kennebunkport. “Know Your Community” was born. The first event this school year took place last week and was a rousing success! Town Manager Laurie Smith helped 5th graders understand the process of making a town budget, having the group go through an exercise of dividing a pot of pennies between ten town funding priorities. It was a spirited exercise with the students learning a great deal about the town they live in. Many of the students shared their experience in their weekly letter that was sent home to their parents.
The Fire Department’s Dick Steadman demonstrated the ins and outs of firefighting, showing the students equipment and turnout gear. (Teacher Kristin Roper helped with the demonstration)
For more information please contact Bob Wester, Kennebunk Portside Rotary PR Director @ bob.wester@outlook.com or 207-604-0895.
Kennebunk Portside cont'd
ROTARY PARK AT BEACHWOOD
“I happened upon a path that that vanished into a wood on the edge of town.”
For Bill Bryson, that began A Walk in the Woods, a journey of physical, mental, and spiritual discovery along the Appalachian Trail. His time in the woods gained him a profound respect for wilderness and nature, and an understanding of the colossal scale of the world. He found patience and fortitude, and returned slender and physically fit. But he admitted that one doesn’t have to walk up miles of mountains or experience days of hardship to achieve this. A simple walk in the woods from time to time will do the trick.
Kennebunk Portside Rotary’s President Kirk Butterfield , with Rotarians Bob Wester, Dave Jourdan, Harvey Flashen.
On Monday, October 23, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for a new trail into the woods created by the Kennebunk Portside Rotary club. The 20-year old charitable organization has adopted Beachwood Park and over the years has worked to maintain and beautify the facility. The town of Kennebunkport has renamed it “Rotary Park at Beachwood” in honor of our club’s service to the community. Last May, our club submitted a grant proposal to Rotary District 7780 to add a bathroom facility and hiking trail connecting the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) trail system and adding a Rotary Loop trail. The $3,400 grant was approved, and with $4,500 of Club funds and many hours of volunteer labor the project was completed this fall.
The Portland Rotary Club hosted the 3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on November 10th at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. The event drew over 175 veterans and over 285 overall attendees, making the event the biggest Portland Rotary Luncheon yet.
Rotarian enthusiasm was evident in the beautiful patriotic room decor and the outreach extended to our guests by colleagues who welcomed our guests and their spouses. This is the third annual Veterans luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Portland, with leadership provided for the past two years by Charlie Frair and Paul Tully. Beautiful room decorations filled the Italian Heritage Center thanks to the dedication of Loretta Rowe and the organizing volunteer. Everyone enjoyed the celebratory sit-down lunch, made possible by the donations of individuals and businesses that supported this annual program.
The luncheon was an afternoon of celebration that provided an opportunity for family, friends, and community members to commemorate and honor veterans. As part of the luncheon program, the Portland Rotary Club presented the Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training (‘VAST’) organization with a specially designed bicycle, as well as other equipment, for their rehabilitation program for Maine veterans.
Rotarians and friends with their gift of equipment to handicapped veterans (VAST)
The guest speaker at the River Valley Rotary Club fellowship luncheon held November 6, 2017, at the Hope Association was Marty Helman, Foundation Chair for District 7780.
She spoke about the importance of donating to the Rotary Foundation, because contributions make it possible to transform lives worldwide. Rotary club members' generous support funds projects in six important areas:
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Water and Sanitation
Maternal and Child Health
Basic Education and Literacy
Economic and Community Development
The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Seen in the photo left to right: Past President Dave Duguay, Treasurer Jerry Cohen, District Foundation Chair Marty Helman, Past President Joe Sirois, and current Club President Randall Therrien - all of which are multi Paul Harris contributors.
River Valley cont'd
CLUB LOADS TRUCK WITH CRUTCHES FOR AFRICA
Members of the River Valley Rotary Club, along with Ed Naples of the Region 9 Truck Driving School, and Jon Longley with three students from the fire educational department, met this morning at 7:30 to load up a Region 9 truck with crutches for Africa. They were stored at HOPE Association till we had a truck to deliver to Biddeford!
Seen in the photo left to right: Catherine Johnson - Director of HOPE Association and Fellow Rotarian, Ed Naples - Region 9 Truck Driver Instructor, Rich Allen - Commercial Loan Officer at FSB and Fellow Rotarian, Jon Longley - Region 9 Fire Science Instructor, 3 Region 9 Fire Science Students: Britney Murphy, Kody Moretto, and Franklin MacDonald, and Roger Whitehouse - Owner of Riverside Realty and Fellow Rotarian.
River Valley cont'd
COMMUNITY GIVING TREE
This year, on behalf of the River Valley Rotary Club and our Loving Communities, we will provide a Community Giving Tree to help homeless families! The tree will be on center-stage at the Annual Festival of Trees to be held December 9th. (A special thanks to Wal-Mart for donating the Tree!
If you have the desire and the means you may donate monies, certificates or items at Riverside Realty at 152 River Road - Mexico, Me. 04257
A needy family or families will be presented whatever is collected to help them through their temporary set back of hard times!
"We give not because we have a lot, but because we know what it is like to have nothing!"
The Rotary Club of Saco Bay
CLUB NAMES NOVEMBER'S STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulation to Jacob Murphy, Makayla Rodney, and Lauren McCallum. All were named "Student of the Month" at their schools.
Pictured from left to right are: President-Elect David LePauloue, Jacob Murphy from Old Orchard Beach High School, and Makayla Rodney from Thornton Academy (Lauren McCallum from Biddeford was not able to attend due to a prior commitment.)
The Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale
SANFORD INTERACT LEADERS CLUB
Sanford-Springvale’s new Sanford Interact Leaders Club collected over $1,500 worth of food to benefit the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 18th at our local Hannaford Supermarket, helping to help ensure all families have a Happy Thanksgiving. This was the group’s first major project.
Coming from far away? Stay Friday night at The Exeter Inn for a special rate
of $99 plus tax. Call 603-772-5901 to make your reservation.
The Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth
55TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE SALE
WHEN: November 24 - December 22, 2017
Fresh cut, Maine grown, Balsam and Frasier Firs and wreaths will go on sale Friday, November 24 in South Portland's Mill Creek Park, near the corner of Ocean Street and Hinckley Drive. This year's sale runs through December 22 and is once again organized by South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club.
Trees from tabletop size to 10 feet tall are sold to benefit local Rotary charities, including high school scholarships, youth literacy programs, Maine's homeless veterans and other club efforts. SP-CE Rotary Club member Fran Bagdasarian is spearheading this year's tree sale. "This is our largest annual fundraiser" commented Bagdasarian. "Helping families choose their tree is an immense amount of fun. Also it is a lot of work and very rewarding, considering every penny we raise helps people in our community."
Tree sale hours are Monday-Thursday 12-8 pm; Friday-Saturday 9 am - 9 pm; Sunday 9 am - 8 pm.
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 JANUARY Newsletter Submissions: December 22nd
Due to the holiday, please submit your club's articles ASAP. Thanks!
~ Deb
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.
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.png)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
