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.
Please join District 7910 and your fellow Rotarians as we install Penny Hamel as our District Governor for the Rotary year 2026-2027. Early bird pricing of $55 is available until May 30th, and you can register at https://rotary7910.org/event/district-installation-2/. Seating is limited. Register now to save your spot.
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!
The 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.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with the Natick Rotary Club at the 23rd Annual Tour de Natick on Sunday, June 21st! This family-friendly community event features a fun 6-mile Family Fun Ride through Natick and supports Rotary’s charitable initiatives benefiting local and global communities. Riders of all ages are invited to enjoy a festive morning of cycling, music, refreshments, and community spirit. Early bird pricing is available through May 31st. Learn more and register at the Tour de Natick registration
Join Charles River Rotary Club as we celebrate our 13th Annual Scoopapalooza All You Can Eat Ice Cream Fundraiser on Natick Common Saturday June 27 from 11:30 to 3pm. Tickets are $8. Enjoy many Hood Ice Cream flavors, flavored syrup and sprinkles toppings and Richie’s Italian Ice. Scoopapalooza raises significant funds for Charles River Rotary’s philanthropic efforts, including scholarships for high school seniors, Natick Service Council, a dance for young adults with special needs, RYLA, local veterans and many local nonprofits. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact crrclub.org.
The Rotary Club of Franklin is looking for vendors (by July 10) and helpers for the 51st Annual Tri-County Regional Craft Fair in Franklin on November 14, 2026.
The Rotary Club of Littleton’s annual Appleman Triathlon will take place on Sunday, July 19, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, starting and ending at Long Lake Beach in Littleton. This is the Littleton Club’s largest fundraiser. 100% of the net proceeds from this race are used to support our Club’s charitable projects and volunteer activities. Check out the Triathlon website at www.ApplemanTriathlon.com for more details.
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.
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)
Public Image Primer: 3 Rotary Logos Do's and Don'ts
1. DO use your custom Club logo all the time. DG Johnny's Leominster Club's simplified logo is perfect. If you're not using a logo that looks similar, you can find your Club logo in this folder. If your club is using the "old" wheel/gear/cog that has yellow and blue, you gotta change it.
2. DON'T use the Rotary "Mark of Excellence" for your Club's program, event, or anything. Use your Club's custom logo for everything.
3. DON'T use the Presidential "Unite for Good" message for anything that will go to folks who are not Rotary members. That's why the banner at the top of this newsletter no longer has the logo below.
To conform to Rotary's brand guidelines, you'll have the easiest time if you never use that logo at , beautiful as it may be.
Learn about Rotary club and district roles, as well as their impact on your community. Find resources and tools that support members in these roles.
Fellowships & Rotary Action Groups -- another corner
Rotary Action Groups: Visit this page to see complete information on the 25 dRotary Action Groups.
Mental Health Initiatives(Rotary Action Group; RAGMHI): The Goals of RAGHMI are: Breaking Stigma; Raising Awareness; Increasing Capacity.
Rotary Fellowships The Rotary Fellowships program is a structured program of Rotary International that comprises more than 75 independent fellowships. Join the growing number of Rotarians who are sharing their favorite activities and professional interests through organized recreational, vocational, and health/medical-related groups within Rotary. Visit the RI Fellowships page.
Cycling: If you are a cyclist and might be interested in Rotary rides, please visit the Rotary 7910 Cycling Group page to join the email group (which you can leave at any time, of course).
Pickleball: If you play pickleball, or want to, and might be interested in Rotary pickleball games, events or tournaments, please visit the Rotary 7910 Pickleball Group page to join the email group (which you can leave at any time, of course).
What's your favorite Rotary Fellowship?
We'd love to feature it. Please send us a note to publicimage@rotary7910.org or submit info through our wicked simple form that reaches the WebTeam.