District Governor's Message   By:  Marion Cheney, Dover RC   Never Doubt That A Small Group Of Thoughtful Committed Citizens Can Change The World. Indeed It’s The Only Thing That Ever Has. -Margaret Mead-   I am humbled to serve as your 2023-2024 District Governor.   As I weave through New Hampshire and Maine making District Governor visits, I am reminded that a club doesn’t need to have a large membership or big bank account to create hope in the world.  All they need is a vision and a passion for service.   From challenges comes creativity and a strong desire to make the world a better place.   I leave club visits inspired by the enthusiasm and selflessness of our members.  This is why I joined Rotary 33 years ago.   During my visits I discuss the “Rotary Action Group Mental Health Initiative” (RAGMHI) and the importance of taking care of our own mental health.  This is so important during the holiday season.  This is not a Hallmark time of year for those who live with depression and anxiety.   Everyone needs a safe place, and your club can be that place.  I ask each and every one of you to take a moment and move beyond “How are you” to “How are you really doing”?  You may be very surprised, as I have been, at some of the responses.   Performing acts of kindness can be the most effective step anyone can take to protect our sense of wellbeing and make us more resilient to the challenges life throws our way.    Let’s work together to erase the stigma and raise awareness of mental health so we can support one another, our clubs and our communities -- so we can help to create hope in the world.   Thank You, all, for your service.  District Nominating Committee Selects Michele Bois-Gilbody, RC Freeport, as 26-27 District Governor   District 7780 Nominating Committee has selected Michele Bois-Gilbody, Rotary Club of Freeport, Maine, as the 2026-2027 District Governor.   Michele joined the Rotary Club of Freeport in 2009 and served as President of the Club in 2013-2014 and 2021-2022. She has been a Club Board member for several years; as Vice President, President, Treasurer and Interim Secretary. Michele continues to serve as the Club Fundraising Co-Chair, Director of the Close to the Coast Road Race (the club’s largest fundraising event), and Christmas Tree Sales Coordinator. She is also currently the Club’s Environmental Ambassador, and Club Treasurer.   For District 7780, Michele is a member of the District Visioning Committee, joining in 2015. She has been a member of the Rotary Indigenous Peoples Committee (RIPC) since 2021, working with a dedicated team of Rotarians, to build relationships and understanding with Indigenous communities throughout our district and beyond. Michele served as District 7780, Director of People, Networking and Succession Planning from 2016-2019. She has returned as the District’s Trainer (year 2 of 3), previously serving in that position from 2017-2019. Michele has been a Northeast President’s Elect (NEPET’s) discussion leader 2017-2019, 2022-2023 and a member of Rotary Leadership Institute Faculty, 2019 and 2021.   Internationally, Michele is a Board Member and current Treasurer for Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group (BELRAG). She has travelled to Guatemala as part of an independent team to evaluate program efficacy for pre-school aged children. She has also travelled just for fun!   Michele has an MA in Educational Instruction and Leadership Development. She is the former, founding director of Cricket Hunt School, a private, independent elementary school in Freeport, Maine.  After selling her business, she began working part-time in sales for a local candy company (a very sweet gig). Michele is a Reiki Master, Practitioner and developing Herbalist.   Michele is married to David Gilbody (37 years).  They have two grown daughters and six beautiful grandchildren. Michele and David live in Freeport, Maine.   In accordance with District 7780 Bylaws, if there is no dissension by 7780 Rotarians, Michele will be considered elected by acclimation and will start her role as District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) on January 1, 2024. Midyear Luncheon and Program – A Must Be There Event!   By: DGE Bob MacKenzie, Kennebunk RC   Midyear Luncheon Sunday, January 21st 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport   Attention PDG’s, Club Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Vice Presidents, Assistant Governors, committee leaders, district officers, Rotaractors, all Rotarians and spouses!  We will have the opportunity to gather for our District 7780 annual Midyear event, this year in the form of a luncheon, which will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport, Maine, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost:  $35.00 Rotarians and guests; $20.00 Rotaractors.    DG Cheney will share exciting updates from our clubs, about District 7780’s Rotary Action Group on Mental Health, on upcoming District celebrations, and about other important dates. Read more... Connecting the Dots  An Update from the Foundation Committee   By:  Sarah MacGillivray, Secretary, and Public Image Coordinator, District Foundation Committee, RC of Bath Sunrise   We have had such an exciting start to our ShareForever D7780 Endowment Challenge!  Thank you to all who have made a commitment to help our district do good in the world.  Just to think that the pledges we make today will make a difference from Damariscotta to Fryeburg, from Exeter to Portland, all of the 39 clubs in our District will feel the impact and put those hard-earned dollars to good work - forever!  It is heartwarming to say the least.   We are hoping to collect people’s thoughts on the best things that our district has been able to do with Foundation dollars. Nancy Hawes from the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club, wanted to share her two cents, and I felt it was a great example to start with!   Bob Gravino from the Bath Sunrise Rotary Club also has some exciting news to share about news on our District’s candidate for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. Read more...

December 2023 Club News Click HERE for news about projects and fundraisers from around our district.   Bath Boothbay Harbor Bridgton-Lake Region Brunswick Damariscotta-Newcastle Dover Fryeburg Area Hampton Ogunquit Oxford Hills Portland Portsmouth River Valley Rochester Saco Bay Sunset Sanford-Springvale Sebago Lake-Windham Area South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Westbrook-Gorham     If we missed your club,  please know that your work is appreciated. Please send your stories next month to:   rotarynews7780@gmail.com News Concert for Peace District 7780 is hosting a Concert for Peace at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine, on Saturday, February 17 from 2-3:30 p.m. The concert will feature Fourth Street Jazz, Amare Cantare, Rock My Soul, Noble Chamber Singers, Tri-City Community Chorus, and Special guest Randy Armstrong. Net proceeds will go to a Peace Endowment and will be used to help fund Peace Scholars and Peace Centers throughout the world. Cost is $25.00 per person. Registration will be opening soon.   Read more... DISC Hosted 18TH International Cafe-This Time on Project Fairs By:  Bill Dunn, Member, District International Service Committee, Yarmouth RC     On November 4th almost 50 Rotarians from the District and around the world attended the 18th International Café, and the first devoted to Project Fairs.  Project Fairs are a good way for District Rotarians to learn about local District and Global Grant projects in other countries, as well as experience the local environment in those countries.  Chronologically, next year District Rotarians can attend these fairs: Read more... Kenyan Rotary Safari – July 2024 By:  Peter Lattey, Rotary Cadre Member International Service Chair,  Redondo Beach RC PP, Downtown Los Angeles RC   Do you want to come along on our next once-in-a-lifetime safari to Kenya?   I have been making the plans for the 2024 Safari and talking with hotels, Parks, Guides etc.  I think we have an incredible safari planned, even better than this year’s. And this year's Safari was amazing.   We have the itinerary and plans made and are now ready to invite people to sign up for the Safari. This will be a small group, between 15 to 20 people, so space will be limited.  Read more... Creating Hope in the Midst of Tragedy: Rotary District 7780's Mental Health Initiative By:  Jim Britt, iPP South Portland-Cape Elizabeth RC   In the wake of the recent tragic mass shooting in nearby Lewiston, where 18 innocent lives were lost, the South Portland - Cape Elizabeth Rotary had the honor of hosting District 7780 Governor Marion Cheney. Her visit, just one week after the devastating event, could not have been more timely.   A profound sadness loomed in the hearts and minds of those who gathered. The immense pain and suffering, the needless loss of life, the injuries, shattered families, and upturned lives have left an indelible mark in Lewiston and the hearts of Rotarians everywhere. Read more... District Calendar International Cafe ZOOM Dec 09, 2023 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM   DEI COMMITTEE MEETING Dec 11, 2023 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM   Finance Committee Meeting Zoom Dec 19, 2023 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM   DISC PUBLIC IMAGE Committee https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82957537221 Dec 21, 2023 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM   View entire list