Posted by Steven Sager on Feb 18, 2019
We have lots of information in this Newsletter! I would love to say it is because we have so much going on in the District (which we do), but also time demands did not allow me to get this letter out sooner (oops!). When I put these together, I have no idea who, if anyone, will read the letter, but, apparently based on the emails I received asking where is the February newsletter, more than just a few of you read this! Before I get into the substance of this month's message, I just want to encourage EVERYONE to send me articles and pictures on what your club is doing. You work hard to give back and your club should get some recognition.  More importantly, what you do inspires others, so together, let's Be The Inspiration and share our stories!

February 23 is Rotary's anniversary.  This year marks the 114th anniversary of Rotary's founding.  We have come a long way since rotating meetings in people's offices.  Just pause for a moment and reflect upon all the great things Rotary clubs have done over the past 114 years to build and strengthen communities.  None of us were involved in the first Rotary project of building a comfort station in Chicago, but
every Rotarian is connected in some way to that, and every other Rotary project that has been done, is being done, and will be done.  Please thank yourselves for being a part of this great organization and helping build a better world.  
 
District Conference - Now is the time to start promoting the 2019 District Conference.  May 3-4, 2019.  Doubletree in Danvers.  This year we are celebrating Rotary with four (4) other Districts.  Package and a la carte registration is now open.  The District Conference is a great way to meet and mingle with other Rotarians and exchange ideas, while celebrating all we have done.  If you have never been to a District Conference, please try this one - it is only one night.  It starts Friday with a Paul Harris Luncheon - talk to your club about cancelling your regular meeting and having your whole club come to the luncheon.  Stay for the annual business meeting, and then an evening of celebration.  There will be a brunch Sunday with a Youth Summit - Interactors from all 5 districts, exchange students, Rotaractors and plenty of Rotarians.  <CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2019 DISTRICT CONFERENCE>
 
Morley Scholarships - Applications are now open for the Morley Scholarship - a $35,000 one year scholarship for a resident of D7910 graduate study abroad.  For more information, <CLICK HERE> to read more on the Morley Scholarship.
 
Friendship Exchanges - For decades our District has had a friendship exchange with districts in Southern England (Bandey-Heffler), but that is not the only friendship exchange out there. Clubs as well as Districts can participate in these exchanges, and we are making it easier to participate.  Littleton Rotarian PJ Avella has been working hard to get our District on the friendship exchange map.  <CLICK HERE> to read more about friendship exchanges.
 
RYLA Deadline - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - The March 1 deadline is fast approaching for clubs to reserve spots for students to attend RYLA   You don't need to identify the students right now, just reserve the space (and send in the fees).  This is such a great program offered by our District - think about sending one or two more kids this year than your club did last year!  For more information about RYLA, deadlines, and what your club can do, please <CLICK HERE> to contact District RYLA chair and Bedford Rotarian Christine Pinney or <CLICK HERE> for the RYLA web pages.
 
Guatemala Grant Approved (Finally) - We are also pleased to announce that The Rotary Foundation has approved our $54,000.00 Global Grant to build stoves in Guatemala.  These stoves will reduce respiratory illness and save the environment.  Lots of thanks to Westborough Rotarian Jorge Yarzebski, who worked tirelessly to get the project approved.  The District Team is traveling March 23-30 to install the stoves.  There is still room to travel if you want to go.  If you just want to contribute to the project, we can still use money!  <CLICK HERE> to read more on the Global Grant.
 
New Rotary Theme - In January, Rotary International President Elect Mark Mahoney announced next year's Rotary theme - Rotary Connects the World - and District Governor Elect Pam Anastasi was there!  <CLICK HERE> to learn more about next year's theme! 
 
Have a great (rest of the) month.  Be the Inspiration and send me your articles!!
 
DG Steve