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.
Let me tell you a little about myself and my Rotary story.
As part of my goals as District Governor for this year, I would like to support Clubs with their Environmental Projects and with Polio Awareness. As you know, the Environment is a new area of focus for Rotary, having always been integrated into other areas of focus in the past. And you are all aware I am sure of the huge role that Rotary has played in the eradication of Polio in the world. The following projects address these issues and we hope that with Clubs working together we can make an even bigger impact.
September 18 is International Ocean Cleanup Day. The Portland Sunrise Club organized an Ocean cleanup in 2019, where they also partnered with companies to use as their company service day. This was a very successful event and can serve as a model for other clubs.
As you are aware, when children are given the polio vaccine, their pinky finger is painted purple to show they have been vaccinated. The Purple Pinky event is done in the schools
October 24, we celebrate World Polio Day. For 9 days, incorporating two Fridays and two Saturdays weekends, October 8, 9, 15, & 16, we would like to hold a pints for polio event. The concept is that each club will invite a local brewery
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of former District Governor Sheila Rollins. She died on June 29th after a short but grave illness. She will be laid to rest Thursday, July 1st, at 6:30 pm at Cedar Brook Burial Ground, 175 Boothby Road, Limington, ME.
Message from 2020 - 2021 District Governor Peggy Belanger
Each Rotary year the RI President selects opportunities to achieve goals that strengthen Rotary and our clubs. Goals include increasing club membership, developing sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, and building awareness of Rotary in your community.
To achieve the Rotary Citation, Rotary Clubs review the 25 available goals, select at least 13, achieve those goals, and then report their achievement in Rotary Club Central.
I am pleased to announce that the following District 7780 Rotary Clubs achieved the Rotary Citation:
Hampton RC (20 Goals Achieved)
Dover, Kennebunk Portside, and Westbrook-Gorham RC’s (14 Goals Achieved)
Please join me in congratulating these clubs for a job well-done!!
Shelter Box is a project that several in the district have supported over many years. I just want to tell you about this unique fundraiser. Feel free to check it out and donate if you want, but this is not a push to do so.
September 18 is International Ocean Cleanup Day. The Portland Sunrise Club organized an Ocean cleanup in 2019, where they also partnered with companies to use as their company service day. This was a very successful event and can serve as a model for other clubs.
As you are aware, when children are given the polio vaccine, their pinky finger is painted purple to show they have been vaccinated. The Purple Pinky event is done in the schools
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of former District Governor Sheila Rollins. She died on June 29th after a short but grave illness. She will be laid to rest Thursday, July 1st, at 6:30 pm at Cedar Brook Burial Ground, 175 Boothby Road, Limington, ME.
Message from 2020 - 2021 District Governor Peggy Belanger
The District International Service Committee (DISC) is seeking a few new members. 
