Welcome to a New Rotary Year

Dick Hall 
District Governor 2021-2022

It is a great privilege to address you as District Governor and welcome you all to the new Rotary year. Early July is an important time in the Rotary calendar. It is a time to look back at what we have achieved in the previous year and to thank those who have supported Rotary through service at the club and district level. It is also a time of renewal as we welcome our new leaders and learn of their plans for the year ahead.
 

I joined the Worcester, MA Rotary in 1984, following my grandfather Preston Hall and was sponsored by his father past District 7910 Governor Ed Hall. I transferred to the Lewiston-Auburn ME Rotary in 1990 and then the Portland ME Rotary Club in 1997.  My sister, Kathi Perkins is outgoing president of the Westbrook Gorham Club, and my daughter is incoming co-president of the Portland Sunrise Club.
 

I received a BS Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine and an MBA from Boston University.  As a professional engineer, licensed in multiple states, I am semi-retired and currently working on offshore wind and environmental projects.  I have been married 27 years to Andrea (Andy), and have two children and two grandchildren. Andy and I split our time year-round between our home in Portland and our camp, Little Loon, on Rangeley Lake.

 

Thanks to Peggy Belanger and her District Team.  Thanks to all the Club Presidents and their teams.  We powered through a difficult year and now we are ready to jump into new challenges. We are ready to get back together to enjoy each other’s company at meetings, performing service and doing fundraising; I am certainly ready!

As we move toward more in-person meetings, we need to stay observant for members who may not yet be comfortable in person.  We need to respect their concerns and make accommodations so they can continue to participate.  Many clubs have already started to meet in person, with several using a hybrid model to also welcome those not able to attend.

We in District 7780 have much to celebrate. Rotarians have continued to contribute generously to communities throughout New Hampshire, Maine and around the world. Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has challenged each of us to “Serve to Change Lives” by sharing our talents, time, knowledge and resources in the service of those less fortunate.  Shekhar has often said, “Service is the rent we pay for our time on earth.”

In order to meet this challenge, we need to increase our membership and support the Rotary Foundation. Without engaged members and the financial resources to serve our communities and the greater need, we will not be able to continue to do good in the world. Rotary is not just a club for people to join, but rather “an invitation to endless opportunities” Are you ready to invite people to join us on the path?

 

We are so close to wiping polio from the face of the Earth and the need for clean water, accessible health and educational services in the underdeveloped nations of the world need our constant attention. The Rotary Foundation is our charity and provides the wherewithal to make a difference.

Mark your calendars with some dates.

My wife Andy and I look forward to visiting you in the summer and fall. We want to meet you on your own turf and honor your commitment to Rotary service.  Let’s work hard to keep Rotary strong in District 7780 but let’s not forget to have fun in the process.  Plan to join us in May 2022 at Le Georgesville, https://www.georgesville.com/en/  located at the heart of Saint-Georges de Beauce, Québec Canada for the 7780 & 7790 District Conference where we can learn from each other and Celebrate Rotary.

 

I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.