Well... somehow we've made it to the end of the Rotary year!
When I started this journey nearly three years ago as District Governor-Nominee, July 1, 2025 felt like it was a lifetime away. Yet here we are, and I honestly have no idea where the time went. They say time flies when you're having fun, and I can tell you this year absolutely flew by. Serving as your District Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
One of the greatest joys of serving as District Governor is witnessing the extraordinary impact our members make every day. Throughout the 2025-2026 Rotary year, District 7910 Rotarians have exemplified Rotary's values through service, leadership, generosity, and dedication to improving lives both locally and around the world.
This year, our district was honored with several prestigious Rotary International recognitions. Past District Governor Ralph Hammond of Bedford received both Rotary International's Service Above Self Award and the Avenues of Service Award, reflecting decades of exceptional commitment to Rotary. Past District Governor Klaus Hachfeld of Sturbridge was recognized with The Rotary Foundation's Distinguished Service Award, while Past District Governor Richard Manelis of Framingham received the Citation for Meritorious Service. Patricia "Patti" Gauvin of Fitchburg was honored with Rotary's Excellence in Service to Humanity Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to serving others.
At the district level, we proudly recognized outstanding leaders who have gone above and beyond in advancing Rotary's mission. Congratulations to Sharon Spaulding (Concord), Assistant Governor of the Year; Carol Courville Brigley (Athol-Orange), Rotarian of the Year; Patricia "Patti" Gauvin (Fitchburg), Spouse of the Year; and Past District Governor Jim Fusco (Montachusett Area), recipient of the Governor's Distinguished Service Award.
Our clubs also demonstrated excellence throughout the year. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Bedford, recipient of the Gold Club of the Year Award; the Rotary Club of Concord, recipient of the Silver Award; and the Blackstone Valley Rotary Club, recipient of the Bronze Award. These clubs exemplify what can be accomplished when members unite around service, fellowship, and community impact.
Jim Pope exchanging banners with Jon-Paul Barr, president of Tallinn International RC
A Special 5th Anniversary & Call to Partner with the District’s Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy to Serve Your Community and the World (link: RotaryClubWDA.org)
Just a month after its 10,000 meal food packing event, Rotary teamed up with the Whitin Community Center to plan, shop, prep, cook, and serve dinner to those in need at the Peace of Bread Community Kitchen in Northbridge.
As we arrive at June, the final month of the Rotary year, we celebrate Rotary Fellowships Month—a time dedicated to the friendships, camaraderie, and global connections that make Rotary so much more than a service organization. While our projects change lives, it is often the relationships we build along the way that keep us engaged, inspired, and committed to our shared mission.
I was reminded of this power of fellowship just a few weeks ago during our Joint District Conference on Martha's Vineyard. What an incredible weekend it was! Rotarians from across District 7910 and District 7950 came together to learn, celebrate, serve, and strengthen friendships both old and new. Throughout the conference, I witnessed the very best of Rotary: laughter shared over meals, meaningful conversations between members who had never met before, and a genuine excitement for the future we are building together.
As we continue the journey toward creating our new district in 2029, the conference demonstrated that our future is bright. The fellowship and camaraderie we experienced on the Vineyard showed that while district boundaries may eventually change, our shared commitment to Service Above Self and our passion for making a difference remain constant. We are truly stronger together.
On a personal note, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Serving as your District Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Over the past eleven months, I have had the privilege of visiting clubs, participating in service projects, celebrating achievements, and witnessing firsthand the extraordinary impact Rotarians across our district make every day. Thank you for your friendship, your support, and your dedication to Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Brookline partnered with the Brookline Teen Center in sponsoring a LGBTQ Pride Parade Barbecue on May 21st. Club members served a festive barbecue meal directly following a school pride parade to 100 teens, family members, middle & high school faculty and staff. The Brookline Teen Center Band provided upbeat music while kids danced and everyone enjoyed a wonderful celebration.
The Rotary Club of Brookline is proud to announce that five exceptional local high school students have been selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference. This intensive leadership training program will take place June 26-28 at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA.
RYLA is Rotary’s premier leadership development program, designed to bring together sophomores to develop their leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with other young leaders in the community. Throughout the three-day conference, the students will participate in interactive workshops, team-building exercises, and hear from inspiring guest speakers.
The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club is looking forward to the 2026-2027 calendar year, when we will celebrate our 25th year. Plans are underway for a spectacular celebration, including a gala, as we look forward to the next 25!
Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary was founded on September 12, 2011, with the installation of its first officers. Since that time, the club has conducted numerous fundraisers and has made meaningful and lasting contributions to the communities we serve as well as to national and global initiatives. Members of our group have been actively fundraising to ensure the club has a vibrant future, and plans are already underway for a gala to celebrate the club’s successes and to set the stage to make even more of an impact in the next 25 years. For updates, visit www.neponsetvalleysunriserotary.org.
The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club consists of dedicated individuals from the ten communities that comprise the Neponset River Valley area. They are committed to improving the lives of people throughout the world and within local communities. The Club works to raise funds needed to support both local charities and the worldwide efforts of Rotary International. Meetings take place most Wednesdays at 7:30 AM at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood.
Learn more at www.neponsetvalleysunriserotary.org.
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he Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club invites the community to a day of family-friendly fun, philanthropy, and friendly competition at its annual Duck Race on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 pm at Marie-Louise Kehoe (Riverdale) Park in Dedham. Sponsorships and race registration available at www.nvsrotaryevents.org.
Have you thought about getting involved at the District level? As we begin the new Rotary year, there are several positions available on District Committees that you could get involved in! They include committees like Membership, Public Image, District Conference, New District Creation, and a few more!
Contact Penny Hamel DG 26-27, to volunteer or if you would like more info. PennyMooreHamel@gmail.com
On May 14, 2026, the Waltham Rotary Club toasted 100 years of service above self with many friends and colleagues. Long-term Rotarians from near and far were present, as were several Rotarians from neighboring clubs. We were especially delighted to include leaders from the local nonprofit community as our guests for the evening. Proceeds from the event, along with other fundraising throughout the year, will be awarded as grants to these amazing organizations. Stay tuned for that announcement in July!
3 weeks to RYLA, June 26, 27, 28
We’re looking for passionate adults who want to make a difference!
Join us as a volunteer and help guide students through powerful experiences like the Survival Course and Low Ropes, where they build resilience and confidence. Support them as they open up in meaningful conversations during sessions like Communications Challenge and Voices of Us.
Our small (but growing!) and strong club packed 10,000 meals on May 9th for our 3rd Annual Packing Event.
Rotarians, community volunteers, and business colleagues came together to pull of this big job in about 3.5 hours. We worked with the Whitinsville Community Center, the Rockdale Youth Center, a local BNI group, and even welcomed our friend Laura Spear from Providence!
If it is time for you to start taking distributions from your 401K, Traditional IRA or Sep IRA you can do so tax free! It is called a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution). Send payment straight from your retirement account to a qualified charity (like The Rotary Foundation) and you will not pay taxes on the distribution. You do not have to itemize to take advantage of this. And once you are 73, you have to take a distribution. Support the Foundation and see great things happen in our district and the world.
