Stories

District Change of Gavel 2026

Join us for the start of a new Rotary Year!

We celebrate the Changing of the Gavel 2026 on June 27 at the Little Red School House. We are deeply appreciative for the work that Rotary Club of Wallingford does every year to make this a great success. During this event we will celebrate all the great things that happened during Governor Donna's term and introduce Incoming Governor Ruth. She will speak to us about what her goals are for the upcoming year. There will also be an induction of our new Assistant Governors, as well as new Presidents joining us.

It will be an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship. Not to mention plenty of BBQ.

Be sure to register early as space is limited.

See you in Wallingford on June 27!

Epic Day of Service 2026

GET READY! The EPIC Day of Service is coming on May 16, 2026. And the momentum is building.

The EPIC Day of Service is an opportunity for Rotary clubs and districts around the world to come together in a bold, visible, and inspiring way — to celebrate service, deepen community impact, and show the public what Rotary can accomplish when we move together.

The video below is perfect to introduce EPIC Day of Service, spark enthusiasm, and help you understand the opportunity ahead.

Janice H. McElroy Scholarship

The Janice H. McElroy Scholarship honors the legacy of Jan McElroy, a dedicated Rotarian and leader. Jan’s career spanned roles in science education, women’s leadership, and Rotary service. She was District Governor of Rotary District 7870, securing a record-breaking grant for disaster recovery.

In her honor, District 7870 offers the Janice H. McElroy Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students. Applicants must be 21 or older, from District 7870, with a three-year gap after high school or three years of part-time college. The scholarship supports two- or four-year programs. Recipients maintaining a B average may reapply annually. Awards of at least $1,000 are presented at the District Conference.

District Conference 2026

District Conference Set for May 30, 2026

District Governor Donna invites all Rotarians to join her for a dynamic one-day District Conference on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the

Best Western Hotel in Keene, New Hampshire. We have been planning an energizing program filled with inspiration, fellowship, and hands-on service.

What’s Ahead at the Conference
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Randy Pierce
Prepare to be inspired. Dr. Randy Pierce will bring his remarkable story to the stage, sharing how he chose a life of
bold adventure even after losing his vision at age 22. His powerful message and unforgettable experiences promise
to motivate and uplift every attendee.

4-Way Test Speech Contest Finals
The top contestants from this year’s 4-Way Test Speech Contest will deliver their final presentations. These talented
young speakers never fail to impress, offering thoughtful and passionate perspectives that make us proud of our
future leaders.

District 7870 Exchange Students
Our exchange students will share their stories of learning, courage, and connection. Their heartfelt reflections will
make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the transformative impact of Rotary Youth Exchange.

Rotary Cares: Summer and School Support for Pine Ridge
This year’s District Conference will include a meaningful, hands-on service project supporting families on the Pine
Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Together, we will assemble Summer Wellness Kits, Back-to-School Packs,
and Teen Empowerment Bundles that will be shipped to partner organizations serving the Oglala Lakota community. If you wish to donate materials for the project please click here for the Amazon Link to purchase items that will go directly to the Rotarians collecting them!

Evening fellowship activities and special hotel rates are being arranged for those who wish to extend their stay.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Gold Sponsor — $250
$125 supports the District Conference + $125 supports the Pine Ridge service project
Silver Sponsor — $150
$75 supports the District Conference + $75 supports the Pine Ridge service project

Empowering Your Rotary Club Through Strategic Planning

Posted by Louis Botta

Aligning Vision, Goals, and Action for Greater Impact

Rotary clubs accomplish amazing things when members share a clear sense of direction. Yet even the most active clubs can lose focus without a roadmap to unite their efforts. That’s why developing a strategic plan is one of the best ways to strengthen your club’s impact, member engagement, and long-term vitality.

A strategic plan is not just paperwork—it is a shared commitment to purpose. It helps your club clarify its mission, align members around a common vision, and create a practical path toward achieving meaningful results.

In District 7870, most of our clubs have a variety of members, from the very traditional to the folks who want to forge ahead with everything new. The fact is that compromise will be needed to move ahead and face the challenges of a new era, latest technologies, and new social and demographic realities. A strategic plan allows for members’ buy-in and support of a united front. And it can be the club’s own membership that will see to it that the parts of the plan are complete.

Earlier this year, our District Governor allowed the District Public Image Committee to develop and send an anonymous survey to each and every district Rotarian. The purpose of the survey is to “take our vital signs” and better understand our District culture as well as that of each Club in the District. With that understanding, both clubs and district leaders can forge ahead with future planning and successful projects.

It may be easy for a Club President, or the Board, to sit down and enact a strategic plan. But the best way to make it truly a Club’s responsibility is to begin with a visioning session involving the entire membership. That is everyone's plan.

Define Mission, Vision, and Values

Every Rotary club reflects the spirit of Service Above Self, but each has its own local identity and community focus. A strong strategic plan begins by clearly defining three key elements:

Mission: Why your club exists and what it contributes to the community.
Vision: What success looks like in the next three to five years.
Values: The principles that shape how members work and lead together.

These statements anchor your club’s work and provide continuity as officers and committees change from year to year.

Set SMART Goals

To move from vision to action, establish SMART goals—those that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example:

Increase club membership by 10% by June 2026.
Launch two new community service projects addressing local needs within the next Rotary year.

Clear goals make progress visible and keep everyone motivated.

Engage Members in the Process

Strategic planning works best when everyone has a voice. Invite input from members, officers, and even community partners. A club visioning session or retreat can surface fresh ideas and build enthusiasm for future initiatives. When members help shape the plan, they feel more invested in carrying it out.

Create Actionable Steps

Once priorities are set, outline specific initiatives with clear timelines and assigned responsibilities. Regularly review progress at board meetings or club assemblies to maintain momentum and accountability.

Keep the Plan Alive

A strategic plan should evolve as your club does. Review it annually, celebrate milestones, and adjust as needed. Use it to guide budgeting, service planning, and membership efforts—so each Rotary year builds on the success of the last.

The Payoff: Focus, Alignment, and Impact

A living strategic plan empowers your club to work with purpose and unity. It ensures that every project, partnership, and event connects back to your shared vision. When members pull in the same direction, the result is more effective service, stronger fellowship, and greater impact in your community and beyond.

Strategic planning turns vision into action—and action into lasting service.

Questions to Ask at Your Club Visioning Session

Use these prompts to spark conversation and uncover your club’s best ideas:

What makes our club unique in the community?
How do we want people to describe our club five years from now?
Which of our projects make the biggest difference—and why?
What barriers limit our membership growth or engagement?
How can we make meetings and service projects more meaningful?
What partnerships could strengthen our community impact?
How can we develop future club leaders and ensure continuity?
What does success look like at the end of this Rotary year—and beyond?

Encourage open dialogue and capture key themes. These insights form the foundation of a shared vision your club can confidently build upon.

2021 District Golf Event 8-20-21

Bretwood Golf Course (South Course) Keene, NH

Lunch starts at 10:30AM

Shotgun start at 11:30AM

DG John Bob Siemienowicz would like to have all interested District 7870 Rotary Clubs participate in the fun and friendship to be shared at this event.

All proceeds will go to Rotary District 7870 Foundation Medical and Humanitarian Missions.

For complete information and a team registration form, (3 Pages) Download Here

7870 District Conference Information

Click here to register for the conference

District Conference November 13 & 14

Click Here for Registration: https://www.crsadmin.com/EventPortal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=07a2aafa-d5d1-49e8-aa3e-278030eda5b6

NEPETS 2021 Registration Open

President-Elects for 2021-22 and Assistant Governors:

Registration for Northeast President-Elect Training Seminar is now open. NEPETS will run March 11-13 & March 18-20, 2021 on Zoom from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Click on the button below to get to the NEPETS website to register.

This year our NEPETS theme is "Rising to the Challenge"

We promise to inspire Presidents-Elect to lead their clubs and to empower them to achieve success! This year’s keynote speakers will inform and reinforce our program and our conversations, inviting us all to consider concepts like “thinking out of the box”; becoming a change agent; leading your club to be more project oriented; collaboration and flexibility. You will leave this PETS program feeling “fired up” and eager to begin the amazing year ahead as your club’s President! Check out the program at the website.

Rotary Cares

Rotary Cares, Episode 32 –
Meet the District 7870 Governor Steve Puderbaugh

In episode 32 of the award-winning, monthly show, Rotary Cares, Brattleboro Rotary Club past president Marty Cohn talks to Rotary District 7870 District Governor Steve Puderbaugh. The show is produced by Brattleboro Community Television.

To watch the show,

https://www.brattleborotv.org/rotary-cares/ep-32-steve-puderbaugh

To listen to the podcast,

https://soundcloud.com/user-402413535/rotary-cares-ep-32-meet-the-district-7870-governor-steve-puderbaugh

Martin Cohn, 2012-2013 Club President
Brattleboro Rotary Club

Pre-PETS 2021

Please Save the Dates! Pre-PETS will be held on January 30, 2021 and February 27, 2021 via Zoom.

There are four sessions on each date. Please note that Sessions 1 and 2 will be held in the morning for January 30 and Sessions 3 and 4 will be held in the morning on the second date, to maximize the flexibility for people’s schedules. Similarly, in January Sessions 3 and 4 are scheduled for the evening and Session 1 and 2 in February are in the evening.

Please click here for a detailed schedule.

JANICE H. McELROY SCHOLARSHIP WINNER 2020

The 2020 Janice H. McElroy Scholarship recipient is Jennifer L. Savoy from Wearer, NH. Jennifer is attending the Boston University School of Theology majoring in Theology seeking a Masters in Divinity.

Recognition with a Little Red School House Brick

Something every Rotary club should do on a regular basis, especially at this time of the year. It is time to recognize the successful completion of your club president’s year or the long-time efforts of a great member.

What better way to recognize a person than creating an engraved brick or paver in the Rotary Wheel in the Paul Harris Memorial Garden at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Wallingford, VT. https://tinyurl.com/D7870Bricks

CONFERENCE AD LETTER

Youth Exchange BOS, NY & End of Year Trip Fees

The incoming Rotary Youth Exchange students will be making trips to Boston in September 2024, New York in April 2025 and an End of Year Trip in June 2025. If you wish to pay the $1,500 for a student to make these three trips, please click Buy Now.

The Passing of Connie Powers

We are very saddened to report that Constance M. (Connie) Powers, 85, wife of Past District Governor Pete Powers, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24th.

Although not a Rotarian, Connie loved participating and supporting husband Pete in various Rotary events and activities. Here is a small sampling:

helped out on many Hopkinton Rotary Highway Clean Up projects
prepared a delicious corn chowder for many Pre-PETS meetings in Bow and Hopkinton
assisted with registration at several PETS conferences
accompanied Pete on his official visits to all 60 Rotary clubs during his term as DG in 2002-2003
attended 19 district conferences
served as an usher at 14 district conference memorial services
attended 5 RI International Conferences

A memorial service celebrating Connie's life will be held at the First Congregational church of Hopkinton, UCC on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00am.

Memorial donations in Connie's memory may be made to the church at 1548 Hopkinton Road, Hopkinton, NH 03229.

DG Venu's Message From the International Convention

My dear Rotary Friends:

My wife, Gautami, my daughter, Anu, and I just returned a week ago from Rotary International Conference in Hamburg, Germany. Twenty-three Rotarians from our District 7870 have attended the International Conference. Some of us were able to connect to pose for a picture at the convention.

Attending Rotary International Conference gives one a global perspective of Rotary’s power to do good in this world. It is the international reach and networking capability of Rotary Clubs that gave us the confidence and strength needed to take up the fight against Polio about thirty-three years ago, and now we are at the brink of eliminating Polio from the face of the earth. It shows us that even small clubs with great ideas can harness the Rotary international reach and networking capability to solve very big problems. Do not forget that, as Rotarians, we are part of an intimate family of 1.2 million member strong.

We, Rao family, also made a little vacation out of our trip to Hamburg by stopping at Kosta and Kalamar in Sweden, at Berlin in Germany and at the home of one of our 2012-2013 youth exchange student, Freja Gudmundsson, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The President of Rotary Club of Amager, Copenhagen, Michael Mossefin invited me to their club to give a talk. I was delighted to meet my classmate and their District Governor Susanne Gram-Hanssen there. I took advantage of this opportunity to present a “Check Dam” global grant project we are working for farmers in India. By the end of the Rotary meeting, with the help and support of Freja, Rotary Club of Amager made financial commitment to be part of the “Check Dam” global grant project. I love the connections we make to do good in the world.

As our Rotary year is coming to an end, please permit me to be reflective. Having visited every one of the 59 clubs and listening about the extra ordinary work the clubs do, I have learned many things, but two of those are important enough that I will share them with you.

The core mission of a Rotary Club: For a group of volunteers to come together as Rotarians and look around in their community for those needs that are not met, and to use creative ways to raise funds to meet those unmet needs. The 59 clubs in our District 7870, from the smallest six-member West Rutland Rotary Club in Vermont to the biggest Nashua Rotary Club with more than hundred members in New Hampshire, and every other club in between, fulfill the core mission superbly.
The other obligations that Rotary Clubs try to fulfil, such as, supporting Interact and Rotaract Clubs, hosting youth exchange students, and participating in Global Grant Projects (International projects) are generally a natural progression for clubs with critical mass of 30 members or more. So, my advice for clubs with less than 30 members is to put your emphasis and resources on growing your club rather than worrying about other Rotary Club obligations.

At the beginning of the year I came to each club with the most important goal for the year: every club to achieve at least one net increase in membership by June 30, 2019. I am delighted to report that by end of May, twenty-six clubs have more than one net membership increases, and fourteen clubs have maintained their memberships. That is 40 clubs out of 59, about 68%, have either net increase in their membership or have maintained their memberships resulting, for the first time in many years, our District 7870 ending in net positive change in the membership. This feat is due in no small measure to the inspirational leadership of our Club Presidents. I salute you.

Under the leadership of PDG Rich Berryman and his team, PDG Dennis McMann, DGN Steve Puderbaugh, DGND John Siemienowicz, we are also in the final stages of starting a new Rotary Club in Hooksett in our District.

As our District leadership organizational responsibilities are coming to an end, I would like to thank you all Assistant District Governors and Club Presidents for your selfless service to keep Rotary a vibrant organization and a force for good in the world.

Finally, I want to thank everyone of you for your kindness and friendship and for your love to serve humanity. I wish everyone of you many personally fulfilling Rotary years.

With Warm Regards,

Venu Rao

District Governor (2018-2019)

Rotary District 7870

Charlie Boucher – 2019 District Treasure!

In 2006, District 7870 initiated a special honor for extraordinary Rotarians in the District called the District Treasure Award.

This award recognizes the District 7870 Rotarian whose service exemplifies every aspect of Rotary, including, but not limited to, Rotary Foundation support, membership recruitment, and club extension, attendance at district assemblies, district conferences, RI conventions, plus active participation in club, community and international humanitarian projects. In summary, the recipient must emulate the level of involvement and dedication to Rotary as the first District Treasure Award winner, PDG Al Kerr who this recognition is modeled after.

This year’s recipient, Charlie Boucher, was nominated by the BOD of the Gilford Rotary Club.

Charlie has been a member of Gilford Rotary Club since 1995 and has worked at club events such as Gilford Old Home Day pancake breakfast, the concession stand at the race track, and Co-Chair of the Christmas Tree Sale.

He worked many hours when Gilford Rotary built a covered bridge in town to enable school children to walk from school across the bridge to the Town Offices so that they did not have to walk on the main road.

Charlie also helped with the building of the Glendale Shelter for Island residents and also worked to help build the retaining wall for the Ray Wixson Memorial Garden, along with other Gilford Rotarians.

Besides having outstanding attendance, he is a Major Donor and a Sustaining Member for the Rotary Foundation.

Charlie has attended several Rotary International Conventions, many District Conferences, District Assemblies, Pre-PETS, and PETS. For several years the pictures he took of the Club presidents were used in the District Directories.

Charlie has been the registrar and A/V person for the District Conferences for several years as well as registrar for two years of Zone meetings when Ken Grabeau was a Director of Rotary International .

In addition to all of that, Charlie Boucher does a lot of behind-the-scenes work in his Club and for the District, such as driving his wife, Alley, all around the District when she was District Governor.

District Governor Venu Rao, Charlie Boucher, RI Representative Robert Hall

GOLF EVENT—REGISTER NOW!

The Rotary District 7870 Open—Click HERE!

>> Congratulations to Manchester NH Rotary 2018 Champs <<

Form your teams! Mark the date!

Help fill lunch bags and staff Registration!

August 16, 2019 at Bretwood GC (North Course)

TIME: 11:30 AM Friday, August 16, 2018

THE PLACE: Bretwood Golf Club, North Course

THE TARIFF: $100.00/ player - $400.00/ Team

(Includes bag lunch, golf, cart, prizes and dinner!)

Mulligans $5.00 each (max of two/per person)

Putting Contest $5.00 (Winner(s) receives or

split ½ of the Pot !!)

Team may have one non-Rotarian with handicap higher than 10

(“Is it the truth”) and still win the District Trophy

Any money raised, after the expenses, will be donated to Rotary Foundation.

to District Treasurer Randell Barclay, 9171 Cold River Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738

NEXT DISTRICT EVENT: CHANGING OF THE GAVEL!

STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION!

Seek Janice H. McElroy Scholarship Applicants!

Rotary District 7870 is pleased to announce the availability of a scholarship in memory of Janice H. McElroy, who served as District 7870 Governor during Rotary Year 2011-2012. Governor McElroy was instrumental in securing, after the devastation of Hurricane Irene, a Rotary International grant of $412,000 to help southern Vermont to rebuild.

The Janice H. McElroy Memorial Scholarship is made possible due to donations from friends, colleagues, and Rotary Clubs throughout District 7870, covering southern Vermont and southern New Hampshire.

Prior to her death in 2014, Jan McElroy requested that any donations received in her memory be dedicated to establishing a scholarship fund for non-traditional students.

The recipient must be a person who is 21 years of age or older and has completed high school or earned a GED. There must be at least a three-year gap between graduating from high school and full-time college attendance, or a record of part-time college for three years after graduating from high school.

The scholarship funds may be used for expenses at a four-year or a two-year college, or at another type of accredited institution, such as a technical or vocational program. The amount of the scholarship award varies but will be a minimum of $1,000.

Click here to download an application form that may be printed, completed, and mailed to arrive before the cutoff date of April 15, 2019.

**Parkinson, Gilmore Organize Amigos Project in La Jagua**

A year ago, the Community Health Center of La Jagua, Honduras, reported many cases of diarrhea, with some cases of children diagnosed with hepatitis. The situation in La Jagua was identified as “critical”, in dire need of safe water and sanitation solutions.

Thanks to funding provided by Rotary District 7870 (southern NH & VT) and a group of volunteers from the United States that have become well-known as The Amigos of Honduras, installed a biosand water filter in Escuela Pedro Nufio's classroom and also constructed three latrines, with five taps in the hand-washing station.

Click here for the full story.

2019 Youth Conference
Rotary District 7870

Come and Interact with your fellow Rotary youth clubs in District 7870 (Southern NH and Southern VT)!

This is our inaugural Annual Youth Conference that has been planned "By the Youth for the Youth!" It is intended for Earlyact, Interact, Rotaract, Rotex Alumni, and Current and Future Exchange Students.

Join us for an innovative and exciting day facilitated by our Youth and Rotary mentors!
Engage and learn through group activities and breakout sessions!
Exchange ideas and best practices!
Develop leadership skills!
Learn about the impact Rotary Global grants have on our world!
And about how you can get involved!

Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the Hopkinton Interact Club. Admission is FREE for Rotary members and Rotaract, Interact, Earlyact, Rotex Alumni/ae, Exchange Students, and for faculty and Rotarian advisers.

TEACHERS/ADVISERS: YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR STUDENTS FOR THE CONFERENCE because school regulations do not permit us to send the Evite to student email accounts!

It will probably be best to do this during one of your meetings, Your student president, secretary, or other officer can supply each member's email address.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER — BY APRIL 1ST, PLEASE!

DG Nominee for 2022-2023 is Randell Barclay

The District 7870 Nominating Committee has selected Randell Barclay to be elected District Governor for 2022-2023.

Randell is currently the Club President of the Wallingford, VT Rotary Club

A Season of Service

DISTRICT 7870 CONFERENCE

Friday through Sunday May 3, 4, and 5, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore

50 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers, MA 01923

Our District Conference this year will be in Danvers, Massachusetts at Double Tree Hotel. Four other North East (Boston area, Central MA, etc.,) Rotary Districts (7890, 7910, 7930, 7950) will join us at the Double Tree Hotel for their conferences. All five Districts will have a grand gala dinner and entertainment on Friday 3^rd, 2019 evening.

The CoCo Key Waterpark attached to the Double Tree Hotel gives us an opportunity to make our District Conference one of the most family friendly events ever. Rotarians, bring your children and grandchildren to enjoy the water park.

An international service project is planned on Saturday afternoon. "Days for Girls" a non-profit organization that makes and donates sanitary supplies to fill a critical need in South and Central America . The project participation will be three hours. When you register please check the box to participate in this meaningful service project.

Also on Saturday there is an option to play golf.

As with other conferences, there will be a Rotary International President’s Representative, great speakers, the Four Way Speech Contest and the Youth Exchange Students, and the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.

Sign up for District Conference HERE or fill this FORM and mail it to District Treasurer Alan Kanegsberg with a check. Discount ends after April 15!

2019 DISTRICT CONFERENCE!

Don't wait 'til the price goes up! Register now!

Click here or in the box to the right!

STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!

Was It Rotary Week, or What? Good Job, District 7870 Clubs!

One of dozens of banner displays around Vermont and New Hampshire during Rotary Week, October 22-28, 2018

NH Lake District Clubs Score PR Coup -- Other Clubs Please Note

In a major publicity stroke, Rotary in general, and the activities of five New Hampshire "Lake Region" clubs received significant exposure in the area's popular entertainment and event guide, The Laker (photo, above).

The well-researched 1,500-word article mentioned the names and the meeting times and locations of the Laconia, Gilford, Meredith, Ossipiee Valley, and Wolfeboro clubs. For each it went on to include short descriptions of the five clubs' projects and service activities.

Drawing from not only from locally-gathered facts, the writer, Barbara Neville Wilson, drew not only from these clubs' and the District's web sites, but also from Rotary International.

Why shouldn't other District 7870 clubs, or groups of clubs, use this model to gain important PR leverage in their own? A medium (like The Laker), a writer (who could be a local reporter or a club member) -- add a little time to pull together facts that would interest a Rotary-unaware community, and bingo! A leap forward in our clubs' connection to their communities!

Club PR chairs, give it a try!

Clubs, District, Join In Donation -- OTHER CLUBS, PLEASE NOTE!

Brattleboro Rotary Club, Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club, along with Rotary District 7870, donated $1000 to Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development’s Early Learning Express. The ELE brings a mobile lending library and literacy enrichment activities to rural and/or low-income areas. The money will be used to buy books, supplies, and fuel. A Rotary wheel is displayed on the back of the bus.

Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoor

PHOTO (l-r): Winston Prouty Center of Child and Family Development executive director Chloe Learey, Brattleboro Rotary Club president Bill Vermouth, Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club president Marcy Caulkins, and Sueño LeBlond, Winston Prouty Outreach Specialist.

Rotary Week Activities

IMPORTANT! Please Register Now for the NH Foundation Gala

All attendees, spouses, and and guests at the New Hampshire 2018 Foundation Gala must be registered.

It will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2018 - at the Courtyard Marriott, 2200 Southwood Rd., Nashua, NH.

Please click here to download an information sheet, and here for a very useful two-page FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

To register, click on the link to the right. Thank you!

REGISTRATION

The ClubRunner system for registering Rotarian and spouse (if applicable) is straightforward. It also allows you to indicate that you will bring a (free) guest and to enter the guest's first, last, and badge name (e.g., "John Smith Jack"–without the quotes).

If you need help with registration, please click "Read more . . ." for detailed instructions.

Rotary Week Is Almost Here!

As District 7870’s overall Rotary Public Awareness Strategy, District Governor Venu Rao is requesting your cooperation in celebrating the NH and VT Rotary Weeks (October 22 – 28) by participating in two activities. This week in October is due to be proclaimed by NH and VT State Governors as Rotary Week in the two states.

Plan to set up Rotary Banners across Main Street in your town for Rotary Week. For cities with multiple Rotary clubs, you can cooperate with other Rotary Clubs in setting up the Banners. We will work with you to help design the content on the banners, estimate the cost and, if you need, even get the banners made for you. The Rotary District will share half the cost of the banners.

Pick one day during the Rotary Week (October 22 – 28) to have a Social and invite all the leaders in your town. Invite Selectmen, School Board Members, School Superintendent, High School Principal, Police Chief, Fire Chief, State Representative, State Senator, etc., Give a ten minute presentation to tell them how much money you raise and how much of it is given away as charities in your local communities, not just in one year, but in the last ten yours. You can make this event as fancy as you want to by inviting speakers and recognizing local leaders with awards. The most important thing to remember is to tell the story of all the good your Rotary Club does in your community.

PDG John Lyford Passes

PDG John Lyford passed away this week. John was Bow Rotary Club Charter Member 1970, Club’s first Secretary 1970-75 Bow Rotary Club President 1978-79, Past District 7870 Governor 1989-90, and was one of the group of District Governors who in 1989-90 created PETS, the now-annual President-Elect Training Session. John is a Paul Harris Fellow and a major donor.

There will be no calling hours or public funeral for John Lyford but there will be memorial service held on Saturday, September 15th at the Old Town Hall, Bow from 1pm-3pm.

Venu Rao

District Governor 2018-2019

District 7870

Nashua Club Recognizes 20 Paul Harris Fellows!

At their August 20th meeting, the club recognized 20 Paul Harris Fellows. Nashua Club members are helping our Rotary District get closer to one of the three goals: "Every Rotarian contributes to the Rotary Foundation."

Nashua Rotary Club also recognized seventeen members for their perfect attendance records and heard from Julia Phelps, Trustee of the Rotary International Foundation.

Also in attendance were Venu Rao, District Governor, and Jon & Mary Springer, Past District Governor!

GOLF! Manchester NH Wins! $3,100 to the Foundation!

On Friday, August 17th, 95 Rotarians and a few guests played the 2018 District 7870 Golf Event. Severe thunderstorms and rain just missed us to the south, but caused only a short stoppage of play.

The Milford Team -- John Siemienowicz, Glenn Flessas and Doug Knott

The winner of the District Golf Trophy was Manchester NH at an amazing 15 under par! Close behind came Gilford NH at 14 under, and the Ladies winner was Springfield VT at a creditable 3 under.

Five Rotarians made the putt in the Putting Contest and split 50% of the Putting Contest entry collection.

Rotary Fellowship was evident all day, and the net proceeds donated to the Rotary International Foundation was a rousing $3,100.00!

Thanks to all who participated!

Thanks go also to the wonderful staff at Bretwood GC led by Chuck and Bonnie Shortsleeve, and also to non-golfer volunteers District Treasurer Alan Kanegsberg, PDG Jon Springer, DG Venu Rao and DF Treasurer Randell Barkley.

Membership, A Key District Goal -- "How-To"

In support of Governor Venu Rao's goal for the year -- one of three -- of increasing net membership by 60 during 2018-19, take a few minutes to view the first of a series of short videos developed by Rotary Zone 32, the organizational level above District.

This first one emphasizes that we -- yes, the members! -- need to tell people about Rotary and about why they might like to join! Rotary does amazing things, but not enough people know about them.

To borrow an old expression, we must "toot our own horn, lest it remain untooted!"

Click here.

Why Donate To The Foundation?

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation? Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.

How does The Rotary Foundation use donations? Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.

What impact can one donation have? It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.

What are the areas of the Foundation’s focus? Promoting Peace, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, and Fighting Disease. Even the United States has problems in all six areas of focus, the reason for Global Grants, assistance going in all directions to help promote a better world.

Tell Your Story To All District Rotarians

Has your club recently hosted an event or project or are you planning something in the near future that you would like to share with your fellow District 7870 Rotarians?

District 7870 depends on the content provided by clubs to publish them on the District Website, District Facebook and District Monthly News Letter, s appropriate. Stories that showcase your club or event should be submitted via prrotary7870@gmail.com.

Write up the story in a common text editor such as Microsoft Word and make sure you answer the following questions:

Who - Who attended, who helped, who is invited

What - What is the event, is it a service project, fund raising project or fellowship event

When - What was the date or when will the event occur, include starting and ending time as appropriate

Where - Where was or is the event, provide a map if possible or at least a very specific address so a link can be created to a map complete with directions

How - How do you register, include a digital form in word or pdf or an online registration option

Why - Most importantly, why was or is the event being held, this is why someone would want to participate, be as engaging as possible

Send photos from the actual event if it has occurred or from a prior year complete with captions describing who is in the photo and the story behind the picture, when appropriate. Including a picture makes your story MUCH more interesting.

When writing a story, make the first paragraph as engaging as possible and that will be used on the home page, and the reader will have to click the “Read more” link to get the rest of the story. This will allow for more stories to be displayed on the home page and still allow you to tell your whole story.

Youth Exchange Team Attends ESSEX Conference

Three members of District 7870 Youth Exchange committee recently attended a meeting of Eastern States Student Exchange (ESSEX) in Greensboro, NC. ESSEX is consortium comprised of 35 districts from Canada to Georgia and Bermuda that facilitates the exchange program and process for member districts. The semi-annual meetings are an opportunity for attendees to learn about and discuss ideas, changes and advances in the exchange process.

The group heard from two university admission officers about the value of youth exchange for college acceptance, learning information that could be helpful in promoting the program in high schools. Members also shared information from the 2-day Youth Exchange Pre-convention held in Toronto last June. A highlight of the meeting was speaker Linda Low, a peace scholar attending the Rotary Peace Center at Duke University. “Travel is one of the best ways to learn important life lessons of empathy and understanding,” according to Low, and is what makes youth exchange so valuable in creating peace in the world.

Photo from L to R: Kathie Stone, Jim Rumrill, Julie Rowland

Have you got NH Rotary License Plates?

You can now purchase the NH ROTARY License Plates from the NH DMV.

You will need to purchase a pair of Rotary Wheel License Plate Stickers for application to those DMV License Plates. The price is $19.00 for the two stickers and you must order here (click on the link below) and either pay by any credit card or by downloading the form and mailing a check as described in the downloadable instructions.

The stickers will be sent to you by first class mail. Please verify your mailing address. Click the following link.....

https://www.crsadmin.com/eventportal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=46f9d58d-de01-4403-88bd-89b0b7a980e6

Get NH Rotary License Plates

You can now purchase the new NH ROTARY License Plates from the NH DMV.

You will need to purchase a pair of Rotary Wheel License Plate Stickers for application to those DMV License Plates. The price is $19.00 for the two stickers and you must order here (see right-hand column) and either pay by any credit card or by downloading the form and mailing a check as described in the downloadable instructions.

The stickers will be sent to you by first class mail. Please verify your mailing address.

https://www.crsadmin.com/eventportal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=46f9d58d-de01-4403-88bd-89b0b7a980e6

DG Rao Asks Clubs To Form Golf Event Teams

District Governor Rao, in a message to Area Assistant DGs, is urging District Rotary Clubs to put together teams for District 7870 Trophy Golf Event, noting that net income from the Event will go to the Rotary Foundation.

DG Rao Solicits Club President Cooperation

District 7870 Governor Venu Rao, in an email message to all of the District's club presidents, asked for their cooperation in meeting the District's goals for Rotary Year 2018-19.

These goals are:

To achieve a net District membership increase of 60 by June 30, 2019
That every Rotary Club in District 7870 participate in a Global Grant (International) Project
That every District Rotarian contribute to Rotary Foundation Yearly, in whatever amount they can afford

DG Rao's message went on to suggest, for each goal, several ideas that might help clubs to achieve it.

The DG closed, in part, with the following thought for the presidents:

"Only you and District leadership working together can accomplish these goals. Your enthusiastic cooperation is the recipe for our success."

Peterborough Rotary Presents Four Paul Harris Fellowships

At its Passing of the Gavel dinner on July 16^th at the Hancock Inn, the Peterborough Rotary Club presented four Rotarians with Paul Harris Fellowships in recognition of their outstanding contributions to and support of the Peterborough Club. Honorees were Rotarians Laura Gingras, Jeff King, Peter Robinson, and Past-President Steve Kim.

Addressing the Opiate-Addiction Problem?

Thanks to Steve Puderbaugh for the following:

At least two District 7870 clubs, and maybe more, are searching for ways in which to address the growing problem of opiate addiction.

Celeste Clark, Director of the Raymond Youth Coalition, which is focused on preventing addiction, has been in contact with a group in Massachusetts that is involved with a grant, and which were part of a presentation in Toronto on that subject.

David Saturley and Claremont-Sugar River club President Liza McSwain are seeking information about community projects related to combating opioid addiction. They are looking for club projects that are either underway or in planning stages throughout District 7870.

An international Rotary Action Group on the subject offers much useful information on their web site (click: www.rag-ap.org), where among other things is information about their "tool kit."

Other District clubs sharing this interest can coordinate through District.

The Final Countdown
SIGN UP!

Here are the details for this year's District 7870 Trophy Golf Event!

WHEN: 11:30 AM Friday, August 17, 2018

WHERE: Bretwood Golf Club, South Course

COST: $100.00/ player - $400.00/ Team (Includes bag

lunch, golf, cart, prizes and dinner!)

Mulligans $5.00 each (max of two/per person)

Putting Contest $5.00

ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT! - SIGN UP NOW!

(box at right)

CHANGING OF THE GAVEL

The Wallingford Rotary Club, on behalf of District Governor Venu Rao, is honored to host the sixty-third annual Rotary District 7870 “Changing of the Gavel” party and dinner on Monday evening, July 1, 2019, commencing at 5:30 p.m at the LRSH.

The cost of the meal and wine punch bowl is $25.00 per person, payable in advance. There are a limited number of vegetarian (eggplant parm) and pescatarian (salmon) options. Please make payment may be made online or by check made out to Rotary District 7870. Please make your reservation by Monday, June 24, to assist with meal preparation plans. If you want to attend, we want to accommodate you. However, seating at our Little Red Schoolhouse is limited – reply early to assure you will not be left out!

Click here to make a reservation

Or cut and paste the following link into your browser

https://www.crsadmin.com/EventPortal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=c1e52379-46e9-40c7-a5f0-f278a97608fc

The Changing of the Gavel party gives all Incoming Presidents a chance to start their Rotary year with Incoming District Governor Nancy Russell, and an opportunity to thank and congratulate Outgoing District Governor Venu Rao for all that he has accomplished for the District over the past year. Visiting the Little Red Schoolhouse for this event is an experience that no incoming Rotary Club President should miss.

Barry Griffith

Wallingford Rotary Club

CHANGING OF THE GAVEL

The Wallingford Rotary Club, on behalf of District Governor Jon Springer, is honored to host the sixty-first annual Rotary District 7870 “Changing of the Gavel” party and dinner on Monday evening, July 2, 2018, commencing at 5:30 p.m.

The cost of the meal and wine punch bowl is $25.00 per person, payable in advance. Please make checks payable to the Wallingford Rotary Club and remit to the address below. Please make your reservation by June 18, to assist with meal preparation plans. If you want to attend, we want to accommodate you. However, seating at our Little Red Schoolhouse is limited – reply early to assure you will not be left out!

The Changing of the Gavel party gives all Incoming Presidents a chance to start their Rotary year with Incoming District Governor Venu Rao, and an opportunity to thank and congratulate Outgoing District Governor Jon Springer for all that he has accomplished for the District over the past year. Visiting the Little Red Schoolhouse for this event is an experience that no incoming Rotary Club President should miss.

To download an Invitation with Sign Up CLICK HERE

For a schedule and menu CLICK HERE

THE 2018 DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Join us for the 2018 Annual District 7870 Conference

This year's conference will be held at the Hilton Inn in beautiful Burlington, VT next to Lake Champlain. We will be joined by District 7980 from southern Connecticut. Along with great speakers and good food, we have added a dinner cruise Friday night on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Programs will begin at 2:00 on Friday.

Join Pure Water for the World in Haiti - Feb 19-24, 2018

President Elect's Training

We are asking all President Elects to register for one of the four Pre-PETS sessions they wish to attend. View the Upcoming District Events on the right, click on the event you want to attend, and click on MEMBERS under "Online Registration".

Join Pure Water for the World in Haiti: Feb 19-25, 2018

2018 Pure Water Haiti Trip

District Governor 2020 - 21

Posted by Dennis McMann on Sep 04, 2017

Who Will Be District Governor 2020-2021?

The District Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for District Governor in 2020-2021. This early selection is to give ample time for the nominee to learn about the operations of the district and to prepare them for an adventure of a lifetime. The selected individual will serve on the multi-district PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) Committee which meets once a month for eight months each year with seven other districts in the Northeast and is a very valuable training experience. In addition the candidate has the opportunity to attend two Zone Training Institutes with colleagues from about 37 districts, which emphasizes Rotary International knowledge and Governors’ duties. The candidate also has the unique experience of attending the International Training Session for incoming Governors at the International Assembly in San Diego, CA with all the incoming Governors from around the world. To top it off the candidate has one more unforgettable experience of attending an International Convention.

Please submit the name of an outstanding person in your club who meets the Following qualifications:

• Member in good standing in your club

• Has been a Rotarian for at least seven years

• Served an entire year as a Club President

• Someone that is well organized, a good communicator, and leader

• Has the endorsement of your club

Along with the nomination form, the club should include a letter of support for your candidate.

Please send the District Governor Nominee Form and club endorsement letter to me by October 15, 2017 at: dennis@mcmann.net.

Yours in Rotary,

Dennis McMann, IPDG

Chair, Nominating Committee

Get NH Rotary License Plates

You can now purchase the new NH ROTARY License Plates from the NH DMV. You can get the instructions about the process by clicking Here

You will need to purchase a pair of Rotary Wheel License Plate Stickers for application to those DMV License Plates. The price is $19.00 for the two stickers and you must order here and either pay by any credit card or by downloading the form and mailing a check as described on the form. To order Wheel Stickers and pay by credit card Click Here

To pay by check, click the following to obtain the paper form to mail with your check Get Form

The stickers will be sent to you by first class mail. Please verify your mailing address.

Pure Water Golf Challenge

District 7870 presents

its annual Pure Water Golf Challenge

Friday, August 18 at Bretwood Golf Course

(North Course) with a shotgun start at 11AM

RAIN or SHINE

CLICK HERE to register and pay by credit card

CLICK HERE to download a paper registration form

Foundation Expos

Posted by Alley Boucher

FOUNDATION EXPO

Thursday November 10th and Thursday November 17th
Time 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Cost is $25 per person. Food and Cash Bar at 6:00, Presentations at 7:30 ($30 after November 1)

To register click on Rotary Expos for either NH or VT shown under Events to the right. Click Members Registration under Register Online and then Register Me. You can add guests and then Proceed with Payment. You will have the opportunity either to Pay by Credit Card or pay by Check by mailing this form with a check payable to Rotary District 7870 for $25.00 per person and mail it to:
Alan Kanegsberg
9 Old Coach Road
Bow, NH 03304

Both Expos will feature:
Recognition of Clubs, Paul Harris Fellows and Society Members
Presentations on Foundation Programs and other Rotary Programs conducted by Clubs in our District
Great food, raffle prizes including Red Sox – Yankee Tickets and fellowship with our Family of Rotary
$25 Ticket includes one $5 Raffle Ticket which makes you eligible for many great prizes
You can also register by just mailing this form with a check as indicated above.
Please register by November 1. Don’t procrastinate – space is limited.

Group Study Exchange Program Reactivated - India

Deadline extended until October 15 for team members - don't wait to apply!

This year, after a hiatus of about 3 years, District Governor Dennis McMann has revived the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program. It is my pleasure to inform you that we are working closely with RI District 3181 in Mysore, India and we are putting together a GSE team of 5 members - 1 Rotarian Team lead and 4 non-Rotarians to send to Mysore, India.

Round trip travel to Mysore will be paid by District 7870 for all five members. You will be staying with local Rotarians during the trip, they will host you in their homes. During the trip you will experience the local culture and equally important you will have the opportunity to meet locals in the host community and exchange ideas and share your vocational experiences. You will also have an opportunity to experience the District Conference in district 3181. For more information about the GSE program, please refer to the GSE Team Members Handbook online at GSE Applications .

This is an invitation to all Rotarians from District 7870 who may be interested in applying to be the Team Lead for the group. The trip is for three weeks starting mid-January to the first week of February 2017.

If you want to be the GSE Team Lead (Rotarian)

If you are interested in becoming a Team Lead, you may download the application from the following location: GSE Applications. Please fill the application and email the completed application to RotaryDist7870GSETeam@gmail.com. Completed applications need to be submitted no later than September 15th, 2016 to be considered for this opportunity.

If you want to be a GSE Team Member (non-Rotarian)

We are also looking for four non-Rotarians between the ages of 25 and 40 years who have been employed for at least 2 years. They cannot be related to Rotarians. Please refer anyone that you feel is a good fit, and meets the above stipulations, to go on this trip. You may download the Team Member application from the following location: GSE Applications. Team Member applications should be submitted before October 1st, 2016.

Feel free to contact me if you have trouble accessing the application or if you have any additional questions.

Best Regards,

Krishna Mangipudi

President, Hollis-Brookline Rotary Club

RotaryDist7870GSETeam@gmail.com

Keene Interact Club's $1,800 Challange

The Keene Interact Club is inviting Rotarians to help them provide clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene education to school children in rural Honduras by making a contribution to their Interact Club’s $1,800 fundraising challenge.

Keene students learned about the negative and life-long consequences facing students who lack access to basic clean water and sanitation, and it moved them to take action. Students in rural Honduras miss school due to sicknesses related to contaminated water. Girls drop out of school when they begin menstruating because they lack safe and private hygiene facilities, such as hand washing stations and gender-specific toilets. Their schools have no access to hand washing stations, toilets or clean water.

Meredith Rotary Club Renovates Historic Cabin

Meredith Rotarians under took a major project to renovate an historic cabin on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Stonedam Island. The project included tree clearing, replacing the support pilings and installing an entirely new roof. The cabin and surrounding property are on Stonedam Island land preserved by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. The Trust was founded in 1979 to conserve the natural heritage of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The cabin’s hand-hewn timbers came from an East Alton farmhouse and barn built in the 1860's. In 1925, using the 1860’s timbers, the cabin was constructed as a summer residence for Camp Kehonka (1902 – 1985), a girls camp in Wolfeboro, NH. The uniquely constructed building was then donated to the Trust in 1986 and barged across the lake to its current location on Stonedam Island. Plans are to use the cabin for a visitor and learning center. The pictures show before and after the Meredith Rotarians installed the new roof.

District 7870 Rotary Foundation Annual Dinners

Join us for the annual Rotary Foundation Dinners - at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua on Tuesday, November 10 and at the American Legion Hall in Ludlow, VT on Thursday, November 12. Click on your choice of event at the right under Upcoming District Events to register.

Purchase a Brick or Paver for the Little Red Schoolhouse

If you would like to purchase a Brick or Paver for the Paul Harris Memorial Garden at the Little Red Schoolhouse, Wallingford, VT.

Click here

You can purchase a certificate in a presentation folder for $15.00.

IMPORTANT — Orders placed between now and May 15, 2024 will be installed during June 2024. Orders after May 15th will be installed the following year.