Member Engagement is the Foundation of Membership Growth
By: Michele Bois-Gilbody, Freeport RC
Welcome to August in New England—and in the Rotary year, Membership and New Club Development Month.
On the surface we all know what this focus represents, and the one descriptive sentence makes it seem like it should be easy. Well, we all know that if it were “easy” our club sizes would be quite different. So, what do we do?
I have one suggestion; what if we start August by strengthening the connections that unite us and then we commit throughout the coming year to work to ensure our Rotary Clubs remain engaging, vibrant, welcoming, and relevant for generations to come. Sound any easier? Probably not, so better keep reading.
By: Carol Marcotte, Ph.D., District Grant Coordinator, Saco Bay Sunset RC
It’s District Grant season, and things are moving quickly behind the scenes. Our 2025–2026 grantees wrapped up their final reports by May 30, and those reports are now with the District Oversight Committee for review.
Meanwhile, applications for 2026–2027 District Grants were screened on June 15, and recommendations will be discussed at the July Foundation Committee meeting before heading to Rotary International.
Deadlines and processes matter — but what really brings District Grants to life is seeing what they do for our communities. And this past year, one project stands out as a shining example of Rotary’s ability to meet real needs with creativity, compassion, and collaboration.
A Question for All of Us, Inspired by a Very Rotary Irony
By: PDG Bob MacKenzie, Kennebunk RC
At a recent Kennebunk Rotary meeting, we witnessed one of those delightful moments that remind us how much fun Rotary can be. As Past President Tom Bradbury prepared to welcome our club’s newest president, he stepped forward with a plaque honoring the history of Betsy Ross—fitting in this 250th birthday year.
Then came the twist. With a grin and a flourish, Tom introduced Kennebunk’s incoming president: Betsy Ross—our own Rotarian and owner of Kennebunk’s Wine House on Main.
By: DISC Members Emma Bodwell, Bridgton–Lake Region RC & Bill Dunn, Yarmouth RC
Our July Café was all about one of the most energizing parts of Rotary service: District 7780’s International Outreach Program. If you’ve ever wondered what these trips involve, who participates, or whether you might want to join a future team, this Café offered a terrific overview.
We heard from Rotarians who have traveled across the globe representing our District:
Carolyn Johnson – Outreach history
Jeff Slaton – India
Gregg Dowty & Carole Marcotte – Poland
Marilyn Flagg, Helen Goransson, Claudia Frost & Carolyn Johnson – Zambia
Kathi Perkins – Romania
Emma Bodwell – Colombia
Carol Madsen – Philippines
And yes — this year’s Belize Outreach was officially announced!
If you missed the Café or want to revisit the presentations, the full recording is available here ==>
Mark T. Mickeriz September 23, 1952 to July 10, 2026
Mark was an active Rotarian at both the club and district level. He was president of the Kennebunk Club in 1999-2000, and later Foundation Chair for the Sanford-Springvale Club. At the district level, he had been a member of the Finance Committee and was a ShareForever Ambassador.
At a recent Kennebunk Rotary meeting, we witnessed one of those delightful moments that remind us how much fun Rotary can be. As Past President Tom Bradbury prepared to welcome our club’s newest president, he stepped forward with a plaque honoring the history of Betsy Ross—fitting in this 250th birthday year.
AUGUST 2026
