Every year I hear people say, “It goes fast” — and every year I think, not this fast. But here we are. And honestly, it’s a great time to pause, look around, and appreciate everything that’s been building all year long.
April showers bring May flowers… and in Rotary, May is all about Youth Service — which feels like the perfect fit.
In the Rotary calendar, May is Youth Service Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and empowering young leaders up to age 30. It highlights Rotary’s fifth Avenue of Service and the incredible impact of programs like Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange — both locally and around the world.
And I’m excited to say — there are some really great things happening in our district.
A small but mighty group of District 7780 Rotarians and friends gathered at Portland International Jetport on Sunday afternoon, April 12, to welcome home the latest Honor Flight—and to honor one of their own, Past District Governor Joe Hahn of the Bath Rotary Club.
In case you missed RI Director Marty Helman’s recent message to each of us individually, she is part of a group of RI Directors visiting Rotary Clubs across four countries during the next two years. This Impact Tour is part of Rotary celebrating its impact. As such, RI Director 2026-28 Marty Helman (Boothbay RC) is traveling to every district to attend service projects, Foundation dinners, club meetings, and special events to highlight the life-changing work our volunteers do every day.
By: Aileen Dugan, Chair, District Foundation Committee, SPCE RC
In May, Rotary turns its spotlight to Youth Services—and in District 7780, that commitment is unmistakable. This year, our Foundation invested $39,245 in grants directly benefiting children and young adults, along with another $11,907 in food‑security projects that also support families with children. The message is clear: serving and empowering young people is a passion shared across our district.
Youth Services became Rotary’s fifth Avenue of Service in 2010, recognizing that engaging young people—inviting them into our work, our values, and our vision—is essential to Rotary’s future. When youth understand who we are and what we stand for, they become partners in service today and leaders in our communities tomorrow.
By: Carol Marcotte, Ph.D., District Grant Coordinator, Saco Bay Sunset RC
District 7780 District Grant season is in full swing! Final Reports are nearly due for 2025-2026 grants. 2026-2027 Grant training, and qualifications are important to know.
2026–2027 District Grant Cycle
Key Dates & Deadlines
April 30, 2026 – Club Qualification Deadline (5 components)
June 1, 2026 – Grant Application Submission Deadline
International Café Recap – A Trip Around the Rotary World
By: William Dunn, Member, DISC, Yarmouth RC
On Saturday, April 18, more than 20 Rotarians took a virtual trip around the world—with stops in Colombia, Guatemala, France, and India—to see what Rotary can accomplish when we Unite for Good. Despite the occasional Zoom hiccup (inevitable when presenters are scattered across continents), the morning was lively, informative, and full of inspiration. With Earth Day approaching, environmental stewardship played a prominent role in several presentations.
Upon retirement Paul returned to his patriarchal home, Maine. He became active in various community activities including the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary and the Ecumenical Food Pantry. As a Rotarian, he served a term as treasurer, worked on numerous community service projects, and was a member of the Karl’s Kids committee.
By Carol Madsen, Outreach Team Member, Bridgton‑Lake Region RC
The District 7780 Philippines Outreach Team continues to share its story with clubs across the district, and we’re thrilled to report major progress on two literacy‑centered school projects.
Paraiso Elementary School’s new Learning Center/Library is now complete. Thanks to district support—especially from the Portland Rotary Club, championed by Dick Hall—the original structure was expanded to hold a full class of 30 students. The space now includes educational TV, bookshelves, tables, chairs, air‑conditioning, and newly installed windows and a door. Careful budgeting, along with donated books from Envision Philippines, kept Rotary’s total cost under $3,000.
The second annual Tri‑Club Chili Cookoff brought plenty of spice—and even more laughter—to River Winds in Saco on April 23. Rotarians from Saco Bay, Saco Bay Sunset, and Biddeford‑Saco clubs packed the room for an evening of friendly competition, good food, and even better company. For just $5 (or free entry with a pot of chili), members, family, and friends sampled their way through a lineup of creative, flavorful entries.
In case you missed RI Director Marty Helman’s recent message to each of us individually, she is part of a group of RI Directors visiting Rotary Clubs across four countries during the next two years. This Impact Tour is part of Rotary celebrating its impact. As such, RI Director 2026-28 Marty Helman (Boothbay RC) is traveling to every district to attend service projects, Foundation dinners, club meetings, and special events to highlight the life-changing work our volunteers do every day.
District 7780 – District Grants
