February invites us to think about the kind of world we’re working to build +
DG Emma Bodwell, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
February invites us to think about the kind of world we are working to build— and the role each of us plays in shaping it. It’s a month that calls us back to Rotary’s core: strengthening understanding, nurturing connection, and choosing curiosity over assumption. Those ideas set the stage for a deeper reflection on how peace grows — not in grand gestures, but in the everyday ways we show up for one another.
In the Rotary calendar, February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. It focuses on addressing the root causes of conflict—such as poverty, inequality, and lack of education—and is also known as World Understanding Month, a reminder of Rotary’s long commitment to fostering connection across cultures and communities.
This combination — peace and understanding — feels like the heart of Rotary. It’s about more than avoiding conflict. It’s about building relationships, listening deeply, and staying curious about each other. And that’s something we can all be part of — right here, right now.
A Legacy of Peace: How a Maine Rotarian Helped Launch Rotary’s Newest Peace Center
In recognition of February as Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month, a District 7780 Newsletter contributor interviewed Rotary Foundation Trustee and RI Board incoming Director Martha Peak Helman (Marty) about the newest Rotary Peace Center in Turkey.
February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month, and District 7780 has a special connection to one of Rotary’s most significant recent peace initiatives. Rotary Foundation Trustee and incoming RI Director Martha Peak Helman (Marty), a longtime Boothbay Harbor Rotarian, played a key role in the creation of Rotary’s newest Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University in Turkey—a center made possible through an extraordinary gift honoring a remarkable family legacy. In this month’s feature interview, Marty shares the story behind the donation, the vision for Peace Fellows in the Middle East, and how Rotary’s Peace Centers continue to evolve around the world.
By Carol Marcotte, Ph.D., District Grant Coordinator, Saco Bay Sunset RC
District 7780 has awarded a district grant to the UNE Rotaract Club in support of the ARK Project in Poland, a Rotary‑led initiative providing critical mental health services to adolescents, including Polish youth, Ukrainian refugees, and other displaced young people affected by trauma. Grant funds were used to purchase essential audiovisual equipment that will support educational, prevention, and therapeutic programming at the ARK Center.
The Good Samaritan General Hospital inaugurated its new Audiology Unit, a modern space equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. The unit features highly trained staff and advanced technological equipment to perform hearing evaluations, specialized diagnoses, hearing aid fittings, and clinical follow-up.
Photo: El Buen Samaritano (The Good Samaritan) General Hospital in La Romana, DR, ribbon cutting for the Audiology unit January 14, 2026 with Portland Rotarian Dr. Roger Fagan (cutting the ribbon) and Portland Rotarian Dr. Elizabeth Fagan (to his photo right). A video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony can be found here
The Rotary Hearing Center was made possible by the hard work of Dr Roger Fagan and Dr. Elizabeth Fagan, both members of the Portland Club, and generous donations from the following District 7780 Clubs: Portland, Portland Sunrise Satellite, South Berwick-Eliot, Dover, Brunswick, Westbrook-Gorham, and Exeter.
Meet Our 2028–2029 District Governor
District Governor Nominee Designate:
Tom Talbott, Portland RC
District 7780 has a new leader on the horizon—and many of you already know him well. After nearly four decades of service with the Portland Rotary Club, Tom Talbott has been selected as our District Governor Nominee Designate for 2028–2029. Tom brings a deep love of Rotary, a talent for building community, and a passion.
Tom writes: Greetings District 7780! I am truly honored to have been selected as your District Governor Nominee Designate for 2028-2029. As a member of the Portland club since 1987, I put my focus on my backyard. Suddenly, the backyard just got a lot bigger! That’s ok. The horizon has changed, but the goals and ideals remain the same.
District 7780’s Philippines Outreach Team: Bringing Projects Home and Ready to Share
By: Carol Madsen, Philippines Outreach Team, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
District 7780’s 2025 Philippines Outreach Team has been crisscrossing the district, sharing stories from their April/May visit and highlighting powerful Rotary‑led projects now underway in partnership with clubs in the Philippines. With new initiatives already funded—and more opportunities emerging—the team is eager to visit clubs, present their experiences, and help Rotarians see firsthand how our district is making a difference abroad. Their full report includes project updates, photos, and ways your club can get involved.
The start of a new year means that RYLA preparations kick into high gear. Marketing materials have made it out to schools across our district, and January 1st marked the opening of camper applications on the new online registration platform! If you know a high school sophomore who wants to challenge themselves as a leader this summer, please direct them to: ryla7780.org/apply. Also, the 2025 camper alumni submitted their applications to join our staff. We have read dozens of essays and look forward to interviewing these leaders as we decide who to bring onto our crew!
