The 2015 Changeover dinner was held at Camp Hinds in Raymond. The afternoon opened with tours of the new RYLA facilities and courses. A “ribbon cutting” was held to open the now officially named RYLA Ridge and Avery Trail. We are proud that these designations recognize the contributions of many clubs and the district in outfitting the area for a variety of team building and outdoor personal experience activities. Avery Trail has been named for Jared Avery, current District 7780 RYLA Executive Director and member of RC Scarborough.  This well-deserved honor recognizes of all of his efforts to make these upgrades happen.  Starting as a participant, this year is his 16^th year with RYLA.

 

Events continued at the “fire pit” with the official changeover ceremonies. All Presidents and Presidents-Elect were called to the front, where the Presidents were thanked for their service this year. Mike McGovern, RI Trustee, performed an impromptu swearing in for the Presidents-Elect. He then conducted the official swearing in of Sheila Rollins, asking her to affirm her commitment to our District for 2015-2016. After recognizing all past, current and future District Governors, the group enjoyed a cookout and fellowship.

 

At our meeting on June 16, Marge Barker, departing ADG for area 5 and District Governor Elect, introduced Tony Wagner, incoming ADG. Assistant District Governors make a three year commitment, so Tony will be our ADG through the 2017 -2018 year. Tony was born in New York and attended New York Maritime Academy where he earned a BS in Maritime Engineering.  He later earned his Masters Degree in HR and Management and retired after a successful career in sales and marketing management.   In Rotary, he just completed 2 years as the Chair of the Visioning Committee and remains on the committee as Vision and Planning Coordinator.

 

Tony introduced outgoing District Governor Lawrence Furbish. As we end our 2014-2015 year, we have 50 more Rotarians in the District than at this time last year. A new club was recently chartered, Kittery After-Hours. District-wide contributions to the Rotary Foundation are up, and he encouraged us to continue to support this “back bone” of Rotary. Half of what we give each year comes back to the District for use on our own projects in the District, so the more we give, the more will be able for our own grant projects.

 

Lawrence also spoke about the Bulgarian exchange.  The District recently finished hosting five Bulgarian Rotarians, our half of the exchange which began with our delegation’s visit a few months back.  Child nutrition is a common area of interest and he is hoping we might formulate a joint project around that subject.

 

Out district has made some strides in the area of publicity.  There is a public service spot currently running in our area on Channel 13 and Fox.  Watch the 60 second version at: https://vimeo.com/128994946 . 15 and 30 second PSA spots are also available and can be used on a local cable station, a community bulletin board, on FaceBook, or our website.

 

Pictured at the Changeover Dinner: Tony Wagner, Marge Barker, Lawrence Furbish

Great progress was made on the Dale Ave house this school year. The outside is nearly complete. The interior walls are up and primed; tub and shower units are in place.  Look for recent photos on our web page, under Photo Albums, House #45. http://westbrookgorhamrotary.org/PhotoAlbums/rotary-house-45

Katherine N Wight (Kate), currently of Cumberland Center, has submitted an application to become a member of our club.  Kate (Bugeau) was born and raised in Berlin NH.  She is a graduate of St Joseph’s College in Standish. She and her husband Jake, along with daughters Soleil and Everleigh, recently moved to Maine from North Carolina.

 

She has been a Rotarian since 2010 in North Carolina.  She is Director of Marketing and Communications at Morgan Dental Care in Gorham. She is a past member of BNI and volunteers for the Chamber.  She and her family love spending time outdoors together.

 

If the two week waiting period ends with no objections to membership, the Board of Directors will vote on her application at the next meeting July 7.