Two months have passed since we began this step in the District Governor process! Debbie and I have visited 30 of the 65 clubs so far!! Regardless of size we have been impressed by the energy and amazing numbers of projects, fundraisers and fellowship events the clubs are doing. As I often say, the most important result of attending any multi club event, district or not, is the fellowship and awareness of how much Rotary actually does! Thank you all for helping to make the world a cleaner, safer, healthier place in the name of Rotary!!

YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENTS COMING AND GOING
Long term, short term, inbound and outbound, this summer has been busy for youth exchange. Several students went on short term exchanges, ranging from a few weeks to five weeks with their partner student visiting them here in the United States (although one return visit won’t happen til spring). To read about one exchange, go to http://www.thesunchronicle.com/foxboro_reporter/news/local_news/foreign-exchange-an-eye-opener-for-local-teen/article_0109da24-d54d-555e-91db-5998003e382e.html.

 

Both sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard club, Zephy Thompson has left for France and Cesca Robinson for Spain. Both girls will spend the school year in their respective countries.

 

Also in August, Erique Contreras from Venezuela and Giovanna Giraldini from Brazil arrived in District 7950. Both students will be spending the year on Martha’s Vineyard, learning about life in America.

           

 

We wish all four students the best of luck and look forward to hearing of their experiences. More information on Rotary Youth Exchange can be obtained either at www.exchangestudent.org or by contacting Jill Albright at jill.albright91@gmail.com.

 

ON A SAD NOTE
We mark the passing of longtime Jamestown Rotarian Steve Mecca. As part of his international Rotary work Steve developed an affordable, sustainable toilet that is used in more than 20 countries today. He led the district’s GSE program for many years.

 

SPEAKING OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Fall River club is challenging others in the district to “go paperless” with their subscriptions to The Rotarian. To start your digital subscription and cancel your paper copy of the magazine, go to https://my.rotary.org/en/node/18361 . Fall River president Kim Smith started the ball rolling, saying “Of course, anything I can do to help our environment, this is the first "R" - Reduce!! Wouldn't it be cool if we could be the 1st Club in the district to go all digital. Maybe we should get Bill Tennant in on this and make it a district challenge???"

 

 

For info on major club events around the district, check out the calendar at www.Rotary7950.com

 

Yours in Rotary service,