- District Governor Michele Bois-Gilbody shares what it really means to be a Rotarian—and why our stories matter.
- Kindness, compassion and connection take center stage as members reflect on 9/11, recent events and the people who make Rotary special.
- Beach Bonfire success, CWAC SOLD OUT, August CWAC Early Bird Drawing and more!
Rotary Recap September 11, 2026
Creating Lasting Impact: York Rotary Welcomes District Governor Michele Bois-Gilbody
York Rotary welcomed a couple of special guests this week as Assistant District Governor Pam Gray and Rotary District 7780 Governor Michele Bois-Gilbody joined us for our September 11 meeting.
The morning began with our August Early Bird Drawing. Congratulations to J. Morissette, whose ticket #037 was drawn!
President Darcy officially called the meeting to order at approximately 7:48 a.m. We began, as always, with the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary’s 6-Way Test.
Around the Club
There was plenty of good news and gratitude to share.
The Beach Bonfire was a tremendous success, raising approximately $9,900 through food and raffles. It was a beautiful evening, and there was plenty of appreciation for everyone who helped make the event happen.
We also learned that 2026 CWAC ticket sales are officially SOLD OUT!
Looking ahead, the club is working on the calendar for the coming year, with a formal Club Assembly planned for later this month. The York County Food Hub is also being considered as a possible major project for the year.
And there are more opportunities to serve! Jud invited members to form a York Rotary team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 26, a four-mile walk beginning at The Ballpark at the Beach.
The club also discussed delivering a donation to the Kittery Farmers Market’s Vouchers for Veterans program. Members will meet at the market on Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m.
Kindness Dollars
Our Kindness Dollars reflected both remembrance and gratitude this week.
Several members made donations in remembrance of September 11, while others celebrated family, friendships, the Beach Bonfire, the Red Sox, gardening season, and the simple kindness and compassion that connect us.
Dinon had two reasons to celebrate—he remembered 9/11 and announced that he is ENGAGED! Congratulations, Dinon!
Darcy shared a particularly heartfelt reminder following the recent loss of a friend: Hug your friends and loved ones. It was a fitting sentiment for a morning centered on remembrance, compassion and connection.
Welcome, District Governor Michele Bois-Gilbody!
Pam Gray introduced our District Governor, Michele Bois-Gilbody:
Michele has been a Rotarian since 2009 and is a member of the Rotary Club of Freeport. She has served as Club President twice and has held numerous leadership roles at the club and district levels. She also serves internationally with the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group.
But Michele’s message to us wasn't about titles or accomplishments. It was about why people choose Rotary—and why they stay.
Attraction & Engagement
Michele shared a story about the experience that made her realize she had truly become a Rotarian.
During a February Stuff the Bus event, a woman arrived with a cart full of groceries to donate. She explained that a year earlier, she had been a recipient of the food bank after losing her job and struggling to provide for her children. Now that she was in a better place, she wanted to give back.
That was the moment Michele said, “I got it.”
The story illustrates what makes Rotary attractive: real people, real stories and real opportunities to make a difference.
Michele reminded us that Rotary is also a place where we share our wins and our losses. When people feel welcomed, valued and that they matter, they become engaged.
Creating Lasting Impact
Michele also spoke about this year's Rotary theme, Create Lasting Impact.
As an educator, she hopes the time she has spent with children and adults has created an impact that continues long after the experience itself. She challenged us to think about the impact we are making through Rotary—whether through education, clean water, food, community service or simply caring for one another.
Sustainability matters.
We are stewards of Rotary. We didn't build this organization, but it is our turn to take care of it, strengthen it and leave it better for those who come after us.
Michele encouraged us to think about our own legacy. Every time we choose kindness, care for one another or invite someone into something bigger than themselves, we are creating that legacy.
Sometimes All It Takes Is an Invitation
A discussion followed about district events and how to encourage more members to participate.
Michele's advice was simple: make a direct invitation.
Instead of simply telling someone about a district workshop or event, try saying, “I'm going—would you please join me?”
District events are designed for members—to give us opportunities to learn from other clubs, meet other Rotarians and bring new ideas back to our own clubs.
As Frank summed it up, there are things we can accomplish through Rotary that we simply couldn't do on our own.
Susan also reminded us that Rotary connections extend beyond the people who attend every meeting. Volunteers, community partners and people who may not officially belong to a club can still be “Rotarians in their hearts.”
Celebrating Rotary
Michele shared information about the District 7780 Foundation Celebration, coming up October 17 at Port City Air in Portsmouth.
She also shared the wonderful news that York Rotary received the ShelterBox Bronze Hero Award for 2025–2026.
To honor Michele’s year as District Governor, Darcy informed Michele that York Rotary will be making a $250 donation to the Siqajan School, located in Santa Cruz La Laguna Solola, Guatemala in her honor. The name Siqajan, chosen by the local community, means “sunrise,” “new horizons,” and “hope for a new day” in the Kaqchikel Mayan language. The school’s permanent campus is currently under construction and is expected to open in January 2027.
Michele played a role in the Global Grant supporting this important project, making York Rotary’s donation especially meaningful. The name Siqajan beautifully reflects the vision of the school—a new beginning, new opportunities, and a hopeful future for the children and families of Santa Cruz. To learn more about this exciting project, please visit https://amigosdesantacruz.org/siqajan-school/
Looking Ahead
Next week's meeting will include an important discussion about the upcoming Rotary year and the projects and opportunities ahead.
As Michele reminded us, our stories, our kindness, our partnerships and our willingness to invite others to join us all help ensure that Rotary remains strong for generations to come.
Create Lasting Impact.
President Darcy adjourned the meeting at 8:19 a.m.