How timely and appropriate! We are fighting a worldwide pandemic and we know that the tools at hand are voluntarily wearing face masks, hand washing and social distancing.

 

We are on the cusp of a vaccine and better treatment options are evolving. So, we know that better days are coming and that the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train! We have many reasons to be grateful and optimistic!

 

I am delighted to share several important District announcements with you! The Nominating Committee held its annual meeting several weeks ago and made recommendations for the following positions:

 

For the Nominating Committee, itself, we recommend two individuals who will be past Assistant Governors at the time of their service.

Their terms of service will run from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.

 

For the position of Budget and Finance Committee member, serving during the same time period, the committee recommends Past District Governor Greg Roche of the Bourne/Sandwich Club. Greg’s prior experience includes serving as district treasurer and district governor for a neighboring district.

 

And, for District Governor 2023-24, the Committee puts forth Angela Ponte, past president of her home club of Quincy, Ma. In addition to extensive club experience, Angela has also served as District Secretary and Assistant Governor, Area 3, as well as on the District Membership Committee, and the District Club Visioning Team. Angela has also served as a Discussion Leader at NorthEast PETS for six years. She is currently the Group Secretary for the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rotary Action Group. She is a Rotary Leadership Institute Graduate for Part 1 & Part 2. She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

 

Per Rotary International guidelines, clubs have been notified that they have a two-week window to challenge this nomination. Should there be no challenge, the nomination will stand as of December 21, 2020 and will be voted on at the District Business Meeting in the spring.

 

I want to congratulate all of these fine District 7950 Rotarians, as I know that, if approved, they will all do an outstanding job for us!

 

and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force
As a global organization, Rotary is committed to creating an environment that sets the standard for valuing and living the principals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). After adopting the DEI statement in January 2019, the board has taken active steps to create a concrete plan to ensure DEI is ingrained into our actions as an organization.

 

As part of this commitment, we have tapped into the expertise of Rotary participants from around the world to create a DEI Taskforce, charged with shaping a comprehensive action plan with achievable, measurable, and meaningful outcomes for Rotary. Valarie Wafer, Rotary International Director, heads up this task force. Meet the members of the DEI task force

 

Our District takes this initiative very seriously. Our own DEI Committee, as well as our Membership Committee, is hard at work. We recognize that not only is this the right thing to do, it is critical to our long-term viability. Simply put, we need to be more welcoming to all in order to thrive and grow. A diverse Rotary club is more attractive to younger people as well. We ask that we all work to make Rotary a more inclusive experience for all.

 

 

Million Mask Update
Delivery of the second shipment of masks has been delayed. We now expect a shipment of masks in mid-January. This shipment should include adult surgical quality masks, some N-95 masks, and children’s masks. We did expect face masks in mid-December and are disappointed that we have to wait. However, we are grateful for this wonderful gift. The need for this personal protective equipment will be just as great in January, as now. We’ll keep everyone posted. And, thank you for having your distribution plans prepared.

 

 

Your new tool for doing good in the world.

 

With Raise for Rotary, you create fundraising pages that are easy to share through social media and email so your network of family, friends, colleagues and neighbors can contribute. Members of Rotary and Rotaract who give are eligible to receive credit and recognition.

 

For more information visit: http://raise.rotary.org

 

As we approach year end, I would like to share two special messages.

 

An important way to stay relevant and attractive to current and potential members is to provide a varied and interesting speaking program. It is important for Rotarians to feel that the time spent at a Rotary meeting is time well spent.

 

The Speaker’s Bureau is up on the web site - here, 

 

The only way for the Speaker’s Bureau to be helpful to the clubs is to feed it good information. Please post your good speakers’ information so that other clubs may contact that person. You will also be helping the speaker by providing positive exposure to him or her. It’s there. Please utilize it. Thanks!

 

The Rotary Club of Lincoln/Cumberland hosted a ‘Virtual Pet Walk’ and raised $6,000.00!! The very concept sounds fun!! And, the fundraiser/walk was enjoyed by all. If you are interested in the details of how to run a ‘virtual’ pet walk, contact co-Presidents Joanne McManus, at 401-727-1658, or Shameem Awan, at 678-908-1635.

 

The Rotary Club of Hull will be conducting a “Holiday Rolling Parade for the VETS” at the Brockton VA Medical Center, 940 Belmont Street (Rte 123), Brockton. There will be a decorated vehicle parade, honking of horns, and gift bag distribution to show the Veterans support. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. with staging in lots 3 & 4, on the right after the entrance. For more information and to participate, please contact Craig Wolfe (better known as “Wolfie”), Parade Organizer, at 89edge@comcast.net or 781-771-6416.

 

Rotarians, Rotaractors and interactors from East Greenwich collaborated in raising over $4,000 in the club's annual citrus drive. Their story, photos and more are featured at our website page called Around the District.

 

 

This past month has flown by! Our clubs have been busy with their regular plan of work, as well as special attention given to food banks, food drives, diaper and clothing drives. We are Ringing the Bell and participating in community holiday giving. Our clubs are engaged, that’s for sure! We miss each other, however. We are social creatures. Given all of that, I ask that you all be especially careful.

 

Happy Holidays – please stay safe and well.