The Fitchburg Rotary Club and the Fitchburg East Rotary Club are honored to invite Rotarians from throughout District 7910, local veterans, community members, and partner organizations to join us for the First Annual Rotary Veterans Stand Down & 9/11 Remembrance on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

There's a moment in every Rotarian's life when service stops being something you do and becomes something you are. For me, that moment has roots stretching back nearly half a century.

You could say my preparation for this role started 47 years ago ---  not 37 when I joined the Westford Rotary Club --- but when I went to a Rotary meeting as a student of the month and was told I couldn't join because I was a woman. I'm here today as your incoming District Governor because a woman named Sylvia Whitlock sued Rotary International for the right to membership, a case that traveled all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. I mention it not to be political, but because it shows that one person can make a huge difference. Can you imagine a Rotary without women?

Do you struggle with the Rotary International Foundation website?  Learn how to navigate the site, find the correct forms to make a donation or transfer points and how to run points.  Training to be held by Zoom.  July 30th, 7 PM.  Click on rest of story for Zoom Link.  

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.

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)

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.