Notes from the Governor
People of Action,
As we head into the holiday season, I am heartened by the amazing work Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors are doing to provide charity during this time of year. From partnering with local fire departments to assemble post-disaster kits, providing toys for Toys for Tots, laying wreaths at Arlington Cemetery, working with local high schools on Ethics Day, to providing families in need an extra special Christmas and ringing at the Salvation Army kettles, we continue to be People of Action.
 
Speaking of armies, this time of year I am reminded of the Christmas Truce of 1914. It the middle of the biggest war the world had ever witnessed, a miracle took place. At numerous places along the western front, soldiers traded in their guns and bombs for carols and whiskey. There were reports of German troops illuminating their trenches and singing Silent Night, and British troops following up with The First Noel. Both sides stood together on the shell-blasted no man’s land for a common cause and for a common hope. Even though the moment with fleeting, it was a glimpse of what the world could be.
We, Rotarians, through our actions and deeds, united by a common cause also bring hope to the world. Through disease prevention and treatment, peace and conflict resolution, water and sanitation, economic and community development, maternal and child health, and basic education and literacy-the Rotary Foundation and club projects give a glimpse of what the world can be.
 
Through Service Above Self, we are providing some of the greatest gifts to humanity. In the words of Simon Sinek, “There is a difference between offering a service and being willing to serve. They both may include giving but only one is generous.”
 
Let’s keep being the illumination in the trenches of our local communities and around the world. Happy holidays!

YIRS,
In This Issue
  • RLI Graduate Program
  • Chiming In
  • Dictionary Fun
  • Done In a Day
  • Decorate a Vet
  • High Tech Chiming In
  • Reaching Out
  • Christmas Pancakes in Fredericksburg
  • November Newcomers
RLI Graduate Probram
By Bob Stinson, Mid-Atlantic RLI

RLI Graduate? Congratulations!!

With that behind you, now is the time for you to move your Rotary knowledge to the next level.

Join us at the RLI event in Clayton, NC, January 18, 2020.


We invite you to have fun playing in the river of time.

The Rotary Global History Fellowship, at the request of RLI international, has created an RLI Graduate History course for Rotarians. 

This course is not designed to challenge any existing conceptions you may have about Rotary, but rather to explore and interpret some of the actions that were influential in the development of our Rotary organization. Wonderful background knowledge for you to have as you continue your Rotary journey.

It concentrates on some of the “turning points” along the timeline of Rotary history. Though group discussions of the background and reasons for some of these more noteworthy events we hope to stimulate a desire in you to learn more about Rotary International history, along with those key components that have ultimately contributed to the history of your District and club . 

This RLI Graduate History course will be offered during our Clayton RLI on 18 January 2020.

You can sign-up for the course on DACdb.

Don’t forget about our RLI offer to train 4 Rotarians for the price of 3. Attendance at this event will help you qualify for that discount.

Looking forward to seeing you in Clayton on 18 January.  
Blue Ridge Mountain Rotarians Chime In
for the Salvation Army
By Rachel Burns, Blue Ridge Mountains
Members of the Blue Ridge Mountains Rotary Club spent three weekends ringing the bell and stuffing the familiar "Red Kettle" in support of the local Salvation Army. Here are photos of some of the intrepid bill-ringers on the first weekend.
"Two Amigos"
(Is that Santa in Disguise?)
Dictionaries and Fun
By Valerie Beaudoin, Leesburg
The Rotary Club of Leesburg started a new project this year. To celebrate Dictionary Day on October 16 th , Rotarians Fred Williams, Valérie Beaudoin and Doug McClean (with wife Linda) distributed a dictionary to each of the 97 4 th graders at Leesburg Elementary. The students were introduced to the dictionary’s different sections through a series of games. The students were happy to participate, and proud to have a dictionary of their own. The Rotary Club of Leesburg has already started to collect dictionaries for their next year donation.
Done In A Day
By Dave Borowski, Bailey's Crossroads
During the month of November, Rotary clubs around the district engaged in a day of service for District 7610’s Done in a Day. Projects included Thanksgiving dinner distribution of the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club and the Falls Church Rotary Club, the Lake Ridge Rotary Club’s food bank restocking efforts and The Rotary Club of West Springfield’s Thanksgiving Meal packing for veterans and their families.

Although DG Jonathan Lucas designated November 17 as Done in a Day, the entire month was dedicated for Rotary service.

Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 17, 2019 as Rotary District 7610 Done-In-A-Day Rotary Day. The certificate recognizes the work of our district in helping our communities and our efforts to eradicate Polio.
Decorate A Vet
By Bob Kahne, Annandale
Lookout Clark Griswald, here we come!
On Dec 7, Pearl Harbor Day, a non-profit organization “ Decorate a Vet, ” provided the materials to decorate the homes of seven veterans and coordinated the efforts of a wide range of volunteers. One of the recipients of their efforts was WWII veteran Gwen Cody, a member of the Annandale Rotary Club. A total of 40 adults and Justice (Jeb Stewart) high school students descended on Gwen's home and went to work, first doing a little yard work and then some serious Christmas decorating,
Volunteers included members of the Annandale United Methodist Church, the Annandale Fire and Rescue Squad, the Rotary Club of Bailey’s Cross Roads, and the Rotary Club of Annandale. In addition to providing the decorations and coordinating the effort, the “ Decorate a Vet” organization marshaled the volunteers, and will return in January to remove all the decorations.

Gwen was totally surprised and very appreciative of the effort of all the volunteers and the recognition of her service to the country. Pictures show the volunteers and their beautiful efforts getting lights all the way up her roof line and installing that large wreath at the apex of her house.
Bell Ringing Goes High Tech
By Tyra Garlington, Tysons Corner
One of Tysons Rotary service traditions is to spend a December Saturday ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
This year the over 150 year- old Salvation Army stepped into the 21 century by adding a technology option for prospective givers. Note on the sign, you may now swipe the sign with your phone to contribute using Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Reaching Out
By Valerie Beaudoin, Leesburg
In support of "The Outreach Program," a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation that organizes food packaging events around the country, more than 50 volunteers from several local organizations assembled more than 18,000 meals for those in need. The organizations involved were:
The Rotary club of Leesburg,
Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun Inc.,
Boulder Crest Retreat for Military & Veteran Wellness,
The Interact Club of Heritage High School
The Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club,
The Ashburn Rotary Club,
Ability Fitness Center,
and VFW Post 1177.
“For this particular project, I am personally excited and grateful that we have rallied our efforts in Loudoun County with volunteers, people in action, focused on service above self,” said Rotary Club of Leesburg President Katie Gould.

All meals have been donated to Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun.
A Fredericksburg Christmas Tradition
David Pierce, Rappahannock-Fredericksburg
Another year is in the books!! The Rappahannock/Fredericksburg Rotary Club cooked up a mountain of pancakes, baked a mess of apples, and served a passel of sausage to approximately 1200 folks from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, the 7 th of December.
Fredericksburg Residents Enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Meal Before Heading Outside to Watch the Annual Fredericksburg Christmas Parade
This community event has now been running for 34 consecutive years and sees many friends and families get together to have a meal, catch up on Holiday plans and get ready for the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. Santa is there all day to great the children and listen to their special Christmas wishes as well as scold some of the adults who may be in danger of falling off of the “Nice” list……...
But, ...But,...Santa
The Rotary club has over 120 members and over 90 of them showed up this past Saturday to staff this annual Holiday event. The proceeds from this event are used by the Rappahannock Club to fund their many community and international projects throughout the year. We offer our heartfelt thanks for all of the support and encouragement we receive from the community during this season and throughout the year!
The Early Morning Crew is Ready for the 8:00 AM Rush
The Take-Out Crew Starts at O-Dark 30!
More Pancakes!!
New Members
These are the new members added in November 2019