March always feels like a month of momentum to me.
In Rotary, it’s WASH Month — Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. And while that may sound like a technical focus area, at its core, it’s about something beautifully simple: water.
Clean water changes everything.
It keeps kids in school. It keeps families healthy. It gives communities stability and dignity.
And this month, I can’t help but think about a group from right here in our district — affectionately known as “The Dam Rotarians,” led by PDG Elias Thomas — who are making their 25th trip to India to install another community well.
By: Aileen Dugan, District Foundation Chair, Portsmouth RC
The Foundation’s focus for March is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Rotary is full of acronyms—helpful once you know them, but sometimes a barrier for those who don’t. Another common one is RAG, which stands for Rotary Action Group. Put them together and WASH‑RAG refers to the Rotary Action Group dedicated specifically to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
By Carol Marcotte, Ph.D., District Grant Coordinator, Saco Bay Sunset RC
Supporting Literacy at CRES
Bridgton-Lake Region RC
District 7780 awarded a district grant to the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club to support literacy. With this grant the club is supporting struggling readers at Crooked River Elementary School through its “Supporting Literacy at CRES” initiative. The project provides both high‑interest books and one‑on‑one volunteer support to help children strengthen essential reading skills. A 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report underscored the urgency of this work, noting that national reading scores have fallen to a 30‑year low, with only one‑third of 12th graders demonstrating basic proficiency.
International Café Highlights Global Projects in Belize, Lebanon, and Angola
By: Bill Dunn, Secretary DISC, Yarmouth RC
Nearly 40 Rotarians gathered on Valentine’s Day for the latest International Café, where they heard about projects in Belize, Lebanon, and Angola, along with a report on District Global Grants.
The Damariscotta–Newcastle Rotary Club mourns the passing of Paul C. Crandall, 82, who died on February 1, 2026, at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine. A dedicated Rotarian in both Maine and Marion, South Carolina, Paul also belonged to the American Legion, Project Harmony in Maine and South Carolina, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His commitment to community extended to volunteer firefighting in Marion, SC, and Alna, ME, as well as serving as a 4‑H instructor in Lubec.
Get ready for a day designed to spark ideas, build connections, and strengthen Rotary across our district. The Opportunity Workshop returns on Saturday, April 11, and every Rotarian—brand‑new or long‑time member—will find something valuable.
This year’s program highlights fresh approaches to leadership development, collaborative learning, and practical ways to boost club engagement and community impact. It’s a chance to meet fellow Rotarians, share insights, and discover new opportunities to grow and serve together.
Registration opens soon, but for now, circle Saturday, April 11 on your calendar. You won’t want to miss it.
Camper applications continue to roll in thanks to our RYLA Coordinators and other Rotarians spreading the word of RYLA! The soft deadline for applications is March 8th, so if you know a high school sophomore who wants to challenge themselves as a leader this summer, please direct them to: ryla7780.org/apply.
On the staff side of things, we have completed the interviews with our finalists and will soon be making decisions on who to welcome onto our staff!
The photo is from the District 7780 Outreach team presentation on Tuesday, February 17, to District 3191 in Bangaluru India to their host club, the Rotary Club of Bangalore.
Trip team includes:
Marion Cheney, Dover RC
Karen O’Rourke, Freeport RC
Jeff Slaton, Saco Bay RC
Laura Young, Portland RC
Laura L. Young, Co-President of the Portland Club, is Team Leader. Jeff Slaton is posting daily on his Facebook Page. Some of those posts are making it to the District Facebook Page. Check them out in both places.
