Rotary Recap – October 9, 2026
- Hero Pups & Veterans: District 7780's October 17 event will celebrate service, honor veterans, and support a growing effort to provide companion dogs to those in need.
- Growing Rotary Together: Future District Governor Tom Talbot shared inspiring ideas about membership, meaningful connections, and keeping our clubs welcoming and engaged.
- A Month of Rotary Service: From Car with a Cause and Pints for Polio to the upcoming Foundation Month, York Rotary continues to make a difference locally and beyond!
Making Connections, Changing Lives, and Celebrating the Power of Rotary
President Darcy opened Friday morning's meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and York Rotary's 6-Way Test, setting the tone for a morning filled with kindness, fellowship, and a reminder of why Rotary matters.
We started with a little international Rotary connection! Ben Lovell, currently traveling in Australia, shared photos of the Bowen Rotary Lookout, which opened in April 1960. It was a wonderful reminder that wherever our travels take us, Rotary's presence can be found around the world!
Kindness Dollars – Plenty to Celebrate!
Our members had lots to share this week! Rob Horowitz returned from an RV adventure that included a visit with his daughter near Chicago. Duncan was looking forward to an upcoming trip to Florence, Italy, for a wedding. Marilyn was delighted to be back after spending time with grandchildren River and Miles and attending an incredible three-day wedding celebration in India!
Guest Speaker, Tom Talbot shared memories of his 50th high school reunion, while Jud expressed gratitude for the generous support he received for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Susan, Steve, and Darcy shared their own expressions of gratitude, with Darcy recognizing all the wonderful activities our club has underway this month.
And, of course, Frank offered his friendly reminder to get out and vote!
Special Guest Tom Talbot – The Power of Rotary
We were delighted to welcome Tom Talbot, 2028-2029 Incoming District Governor for Rotary District 7780, who brought enthusiasm, humor, and some wonderful insights about Rotary's impact.
Tom began his presentation with a little Dolly Parton and her hit song 9 to 5, joking about our early morning meeting time! He shared the story of Dolly's passion for childhood literacy through her Imagination Library and her connection with Rotary's literacy efforts.
But the real excitement centered on an upcoming District 7780 event that promises to bring Rotarians together for a very special afternoon.
Honoring Veterans, Supporting Hero Pups, and Celebrating Rotary
On Saturday, October 17, from 2–4 PM, Rotarians and guests will gather at Port City Air, Hangar #205, for an inspiring district-wide event celebrating Rotary's commitment to service, veterans, mental health, and the fight to eradicate polio.
One of the highlights will be Hero Pups, a Stratham, New Hampshire, organization that provides specially trained companion and support dogs to veterans and first responders.
What began with a $4,000 district grant to help provide a dog for a veteran has grown into an extraordinary fundraising effort. Tom shared that nearly $29,000 has been raised, bringing the goal of funding five dogs within reach! Each dog costs approximately $6,500, and with 83 people on the organization's waiting list, the need is very real.
York Rotary has already proudly contributed $500 to Hero Pups!
The afternoon will feature inspiring speakers, including Hero Pups founder Laura Barker, along with Rotary leaders Marty Helman and Mike McGovern, who will share insights into Rotary's ongoing work to eradicate polio.
Another meaningful moment will bring attendees together with 250 American flags for a special group photograph honoring veterans and celebrating Rotary's anniversary.
With approximately 120 tickets already sold at the time of Tom's presentation, excitement is building! Attendees can look forward to fellowship, refreshments, airplanes in the hangar, and a chance to experience Rotary's impact firsthand.
Membership – How Do YOU Describe Rotary?
Tom then shifted the conversation to one of Rotary's most important priorities: growing and retaining our membership.
He challenged us with a simple question:
"If someone asked you what Rotary is, what would your 30-second elevator pitch be?"
The responses around the room were as meaningful as they were different.
Marilyn described Rotary as more than volunteering. It's a way of being, an opportunity to practice kindness, give back, and make service part of who you are.
Frank shared that through Rotary, he can accomplish far more than he ever could on his own.
Tom reminded us that there isn't one perfect answer. Sometimes the best way to begin is simply by saying, "Rotary is one of the best things I've ever done." Then let the conversation grow naturally!
He also introduced an upcoming virtual Membership Swap Shop, where Rotarians can exchange ideas and practical strategies for introducing Rotary to prospective members, welcoming new members, and keeping existing members engaged.
The message was simple: Membership isn't just about bringing people through the door. It's about making them feel welcome, helping them find their place, and reaching out when we haven't seen them in a while.
Tom also discussed future district expansion, which will bring additional Rotary communities from northern New Hampshire, northern Vermont, and parts of Canada together. While clubs will maintain their individual identities, there will be even more opportunities to collaborate and accomplish great things.
As Tom reminded us, Maine needs Rotary, and together, we can do even more!
Looking Ahead – A Busy October!
There's no shortage of opportunities to support Rotary in the coming weeks!
- October 17 – Car with a Cause Drawing: The excitement is building as we approach the drawing for our 2026 BMW X1 at York Harvestfest!
- October 17 – District 7780 Event at Port City Air: Join fellow Rotarians from 2–4 PM for an afternoon supporting Hero Pups, honoring veterans, and celebrating Rotary service.
- October 22 – Pints for Polio: Another opportunity to support Rotary's worldwide mission to end polio. Tributary Brewing Company, 10 Shapleigh Road, Kittery ME
- November – Rotary Foundation Month: Duncan is already helping lead the way with a donation as we prepare to recognize the incredible work made possible through The Rotary Foundation.
One Final Thought
This week's meeting was a wonderful reminder that Rotary is about so much more than meetings and projects. It's about the friendships we build, the kindness we share, and the difference we can make when we work together.
Whether it's helping provide a companion dog to a veteran, supporting the fight against polio, welcoming a new member, or simply checking in on someone we haven't seen in a while, every act of service matters.
Together, we really can do more than we ever could alone.
See you next Friday morning!