District Governor’s Message
By: DG Bob MacKenzie, Kennebunk RC
Happy May everyone! Spring has sprung and as we prepare to go into the summer season, please take time to smell the roses, tulips or whatever has sprung from the long winter’s nap. May is Youth Services month! Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, RYLA, District & Global grants that support youth, local service projects, dictionary distribution are just a few examples of how we in Rotary support our youth. Every one of these positive experiences combat negative experiences. Our support is vital to keep our youth healthy. It gives them the best opportunity for a bright future. At the same time we build relationships with our youth and they in turn will always have a positive perception of Rotary and just might consider joining a club someday for Service Above Self.
I can’t stress enough how vital it is to take care of ourselves, slow down and not get caught up in the whirlwind of life. We need to appreciate each and every day because if any of you are like me, I’m always looking ahead and sometimes lose sight of being present in the moment. Self-care is vital and we need to be certain we are mentally and physically healthy so we are ready to help others in our own Rotary ways.
There’s already much going on in our District and much coming in the next few months. Our District Conference is on May 31st and our District changeover is already on the horizon, on June 18th. Where has this year gone? This lost time would be a symptom of not smelling the roses, so I promise to heed my own advice!
If you missed our District Learning Assembly (DLA) on April 5th, you truly missed a great day. Kudos to all those that organized it and participated to make it a day worth giving to Rotary. We had veteran Rotarians and brand-spanky new Rotarians that walked away feeling energized and fulfilled. I have absolutely no doubt that our future DLA’s will be just as good if not better, so please consider joining us next year if possible. You will not be disappointed!
In closing, keep up the powerful work you are all doing! We have a great District, with great clubs and great Rotarians that I am so very proud to serve with!
A prayer from our native representative.
Some of those gathered.
District Learning Assembly
An inspirational speaker.