District Governor's Message
By: DG Bob MacKenzie, Kennebunk RC
After submitting my article for the District Newsletter last month, I realized it was the third article I had submitted as District Governor. So what does that mean you ask? Well, that means our Rotary year is ¼ in the rear-view mirror already. Flashback to my year as club President, as it went by so quickly and before you know it, I was speaking at my last meeting as President and I truly felt saddened because the year went by so quickly and I was just getting comfortable. Once again, let us all take a breath and enjoy our moment in time, as time is precious. Appreciate each and every day with family, friends and, of course, Rotary. Our Rotary year will be over and what we have accomplished throughout our year may be only a memory to us, but most likely has a lasting impact on others.October is Economic & Community Development month, which is one of our Areas of Focus. https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/growing-local-economies
I try to make at least one connection as to what we in our District are doing as it relates to the monthly theme. Through District 7780’s Recovery Initiative, we reduce stigma and help save lives by way of Narcan, the drug to reverse an opioid overdose. By reducing stigma, we reduce barriers for those that are struggling with substance use disorder. People who have less barriers many times find their path to recovery and become very successful members of our communities. They become employed and sometimes become business owners themselves. The more people that become employed and the more business owners we have, the stronger our economy and communities are. I know there are numerous examples of what our District is doing around this area of focus, but in this instance this is what I know best. We are making a difference but we may never know the true impact we have.
As always, I continue to look forward to visiting your clubs and learning of the work you do and hearing all of the positive experiences you are creating. Know you do make a difference and you change lives for the better.