Before this Rotary year closes, I want to share one final spark — a reflection on the moments, the people, and the quiet acts of service that shaped District 7780 and reminded me, again and again, what Rotary truly is.
Shape the Future of Our District: Your Vote Needed!
By: Jonn Lobosco, Chair, District By-Laws Committee, SPCE RC
In mid-May, our district leadership sent a notice to all club leaders and members in District 7780 regarding a proposal to combine District 7780 with our neighbors in District 7850 (parts of New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec) to form a brand-new Rotary district. Although the new district would begin on July 1, 2029, Rotary International's bylaws require a vote within 30 days.
Every club in the district should review the proposal, discuss it with its members, and submit a single vote on behalf of the club. Voting closes on June 15, 2026. The district governors chosen to serve through June 30, 2029 (Emma Bodwell, Michele Bois-Gilbody, Michele Varuolo Cole, & Tom Talbott) strongly recommend voting in favor of the proposal. They have been holding town hall meetings, and are available to discuss their reasoning with you and your clubs. Please check in with your club president to get the details and ensure your club's voice is represented in this decision!
District Foundation Committee Invites All to Three Dog Day
By: Aileen Dugan, Foundation Committee Chair, Portsmouth RC, and Tom Talbott, DGDN, Portland RC
The 7780 Foundation Committee is prepping for a “Three Dog Day” and we want you to be a part of it!
“Wait! What in the world is a “Three Dog Day?"
It’s a special District 7780 Rotary Foundation Celebration event built around one unforgettable moment:connecting three veterans with three specially trained companion dogs. The event will be anchored by a grant from incoming District Governor Michele Bois-Gilbody, but we need your support to make it a reality.
Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center’s Annual Spring Conference
By: Bob Gravino, District Endowment and Major Gifts Coordinator, Bath Sunrise RC
Kathy and I attended the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center's Annual Spring Conference on April 11, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We found it motivating, encouraging and exciting. The Conference was one of the most worthwhile Rotary Foundation events that I have ever experienced.
The candidate for the 2024-2026 Rotary Peace Fellowship that District 7780 interviewed in the Spring of 2024, Hanan Kadi Abafita, a medical doctor from Ethiopia, was strongly endorsed by the District Rotary Peace Center Committee and was selected by The Rotary Foundation as one of twelve Rotary Peace Fellows to attend the program at Duke-UNC Chapel Hill beginning in August 2024. In early May 2026, Hanan gave the commencement talk at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Hanan was number one in the 2024-2026 Class of Rotary Peace Center Fellows, co-president of the Gillings School of Public Health International Association, and was awarded a Masters in Public Health with an Applied Epidemiology Concentration.
District 7780 – District Grants Update for 2026-2027 Applications
By: Carol Marcotte, Ph.D., District Grant Coordinator, Saco Bay Sunset RC
District 7780 District Grant season is in full swing, and many clubs have become qualified and are working on their District 7780 (District) Grant Application!
2026–2027 District Grant Cycle
Key Dates & Deadlines
June 1, 2026 – Grant Application Submission Deadline
Applications must be submitted through the D7780 ClubRunner Grant Module by June 1.
By: DG Emma Bodwell, Co-Chair DISC, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
I am happy to share some exciting news regarding our District International Service Committee (DISC).
Marion Cheney has graciously agreed to step into the role of DISC Chair, and I am pleased to continue alongside her as Co-Chair as we move forward together.
Thank you, Marion, for your willingness to lead and help continue the important work of international service in our district. 💙🌍
By: Dennis Robillard, District Chair Crutches 4 Africa Saco Bay Sunset RC
District 7780 is gearing up for a major milestone — our 15th 40 foot shipping container will be loaded on Saturday, June 13, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM at 128 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach. This is one of our district’s most impactful handson service efforts, and we need plenty of helping hands to keep the loading fast, efficient, and fun.
If you’ve never taken part in a container loading, this is your moment. It’s energetic, meaningful, and a powerful way to see Rotary service in action. Bring a friend, bring a family member, bring your enthusiasm. For those wishing to see more about this project’s impact, check out these videos:Videos - CRUTCHES 4 AFRICA.
District 7780 – District Grants 
