The many faces of DG Dick Hall.
As you can see from the pictures above, the District Governor has many responsibilities and many faces. I have now completed 35 of my 41 official club visits and it has been such fun. I knew every club had its own personality before, but now I am hearing about the unique aspects of each club’s meetings, service, socials, and fun. Who knew that Rotary now has a Six Way Test, where “Is it Fun?” has been added by several clubs and “Is it sustainable?” has been adopted by the Brunswick club. I am so impressed with all the work being done and how Rotary Clubs are figuring our how to safely gather together, even in the face of this escalating pandemic.
District Day of Service to the Environment.
I am so pleased to report that 22 clubs have registered their service project in support of our District Day of Service to the Environment. Due to club schedules, clubs participated before the “official dates” and some will participate after. All of this service is great. Thanks so much.
October’s Rotary theme is Economic and Community Development.
Rotarians promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved
communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Rotarians work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities. For more information and project ideas go to https://my.rotary.org/en/Node/180961
World Polio Day.
Sunday October 24 is World Polio Day. Our district will be celebrating a little early with four Pints for Polio dates October 8, 9, 15 and 16. Be sure to attend your club‘s event. Look at the list of pubs on the website and attend another Club’s event too. Raise a glass and support polio. https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day
TRF issued $46 million in grants to support work on Covid.
Yesterday I learned that the Rotary Foundation issued $46 million in grants to support work on Covid, ranging from medical assistance to food insecurity. This money is being used to support the global vaccination drive, as part of Rotary’s worldwide commitment to a healthy world. Please support all the vaccination drives in New Hampshire and Maine. I believe the only way to get through this pandemic is through vaccination. Rotarians are a trusted source of information, and we can help by spreading the word on how important vaccinations are to our communities.
Rotarian Helping Settle Afghan Refugees
I am excited to tell you that two Rotarians are working to assist Afghans who will be settled in Maine, in their new homes. One will allow our district to assist one special family she help escape, who will be headed to Biddeford. The other is outlining opportunities to assist Catholic Charities in the resettlement of 67-100, under the Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program through the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). I encourage you to read those articles in this newsletter.