A Message from Rotary District 7810 Governor

by Staff Pioneer Times
13 years ago

What would it take to change the world? Rotary’s 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to “Service Above Self.” The world’s first service club, Rotary is made up of local business, professional, and civic leaders who are committed to making the world a better place.
In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, you’ll find members volunteering in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, eradicate polio, and much more.
Rotary International District 7810 is made up of 39 clubs in Aroostook and Washington County in  Maine, and all of New Brunswick. Being an international district is especially appropriate in an area where business, cultural and family ties so often extend across the international boundary.
The late Fred Putnam, a Houlton Rotarian, was quoted as saying “Scratch an Aroostookan and you’ll find a New Brunswicker.” The same could be said for residents of Washington County. Rotary District 7810 helps to maintain ties between both countries and what our older citizens fondly refer to as “Over Home.”
Houlton Rotary Club, founded in 1920, is the third oldest club in District 7810. It has produced five District Governors: Fred Shean, Bernard Archibald, Harold Inman, Michael Clark and Leigh Cummings. Houlton hosted the 1931 District Conference, which was attended by more than 600 Rotarians and spouses. The Snell House was the official headquarters and the newly established Northland Hotel provided posh accommodations also.
District 7810 is proud to continue its long tradition of service to communities at home and abroad. This year the district has emphasized world community service through its support of Calais Rotarian Dr. Robert Chagrasulis’ Dominican Republic Water Project and Rotary’s key goal of the worldwide eradication of the wild polio virus.
From Fort Kent to Machias, Dalhousie to Port Elgin, Rotarians of District 7810 are a diverse group but whether meeting in diners, church halls, community centers or city hotels all have the same goal of “Service above Self”. Some clubs meet in English and others in French. All strive to improve their communities and communities around the world. This is the mission and the legacy of Rotary District 7810.