FROM OUR DISTRICT GOVERNOR ...

And there's lots more happening in the Rotary world during November.

A Future Leaders Seminar will take place on Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Cape Elizabeth Town Hall.  Here's the place to get your questions about serving at the District level (in all capacities, including District Governor) answered in a safe environment.  To quote PDG George Rice, who is organizing the event, "what happens in Cape Elizabeth, stays in Cape Elizabeth."  For more information, check the District website or email George at: gwrice@myfairpoint.net.

The following week will be a busy one for committee meetings:

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Rotaplast Committee will meet at 4:00 in the lounge at the Sable Oaks in Portland.  The Committee will hear from Bill Dunn, just returned from leading a Rotaplast trip to Cebu City, the Philippines.  It will also hear from Chair Ann Demeranville, who will have just returned from California, where she met with Rotaplast's new Director as well as with Alliance for Smiles.  She will have up-to-date information on how each of these good organizations is positioning itself to "play" under the rules of the new Foundation. Contact Ann at: rotaplast7780@gmail.com

That same evening, at 6:00 p.m.,  Protection Training will take place at York County Community College.  All those Rotarians who have ongoing one-on-one contact with youth and other protected persons, and who have not had the training in three years or more, should sign up for this refresher.  This is just one of the ways in which we, as Rotarians, look after the youth and other vulnerable people with whom we work.  COntact Chair John Rainone at jrainone@maine.rr.com

And on Thursday, Nov 15,  a Visioning "Vision-to-Plan" workshop is planned for all clubs that have already gone through the Visioning process.  Here's an opportunity for clubs to share success stories and lessons learned. The focus will be on exploring ways to help Clubs move forward in the 'Vision to Plan' phase. It will also be an opportunity for the Vision Facilitation Committee to provide Clubs with information about tools that the District has developed that may be helpful. Appetizers will be served and there is a $7 per person donation to help defray the cost of the food. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 8:00; at the Snow Squall Restaurant, 18 Ocean Street, South Portland, ME.  FMI: Jim Price, jamesbprice@mac.com.

Also as I write this, dates are being set for a Foundation literacy meeting, and  being re-set for a service day to load mobility devices for Africa.  What is determined is that we will have a sell-out busload of 49 (! ) Interact students traveling to the Big Apple this weekend to participate in Rotary-UN Day, to see the sights and enjoy a Broadway show.  I'm going along as a chaperone, and I must tell you that I am completely jazzed!

Marty Peak Helman
District 7780