One Final Spark
By: DG Emma Bodwell, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
Well… here we are. June.
Before this Rotary year closes, I want to share one final spark — a reflection on the moments, the people, and the quiet acts of service that shaped District 7780 and reminded me, again and again, what Rotary truly is.
June.
The final month of this Rotary year.
And honestly, I’m still asking myself… where did the time go?
June in Rotary is also Fellowship Month — and that feels especially fitting.
Across our district, clubs are gathering for changeovers, thanking outgoing presidents, celebrating new leaders, and passing the gavel to the next chapter.
To all of our club presidents — thank you.
Leadership is no small task, and your willingness to step forward, guide your clubs, solve problems, create energy, and keep Rotary moving matters more than you know.
And if you’re one of our encore presidents — stepping up once again because your club needed you — thank you for your continued commitment to Rotary. That kind of leadership says a lot about who you are.
June reminds us that Rotary is never really about one person… it’s about all of us, together.
That’s fellowship.
As this year begins to wind down, I recently asked members a simple question:
What are you most proud of this year?
And the responses started coming in.
• Road tolls for Polio.
• Food pantry fundraisers.
• Christmas bags and spring bags for seniors in need.
• A shopping spree at Market Basket to restock local pantries.
• An ice fishing derby.
• A pizza challenge.
• A dance and auction that raised thousands for food pantries.
• Interact students serving their communities.
• Clubs celebrating milestone anniversaries.
• Packing food bags for children and families.
• A piano brought into a senior center — creating music, memories, and joy.
And as I read through these responses, I smiled.
Because Rotary isn’t one thing.
It’s all of these things.
• It’s a fundraiser that takes months to plan and one joyful evening to bring to life.
• It’s packing bags of food on a cold winter morning.
• It’s helping a senior feel remembered.
• It’s music filling a room where joy is needed.
• It’s supporting youth leaders before they even realize how much potential they have.
• It’s fellowship, laughter, service, generosity, and sometimes just showing up because someone needs you.
That’s Rotary.
And maybe that’s what I’ve loved most this year — hearing your stories.
Because this year was never about one project or one event or one person.
It was about the sparks that happened all across District 7780.
Big sparks. Small sparks. Quiet sparks. Unexpected sparks.
And they mattered.
By the time you read this, we will have gathered for our District Celebration — laughing, reconnecting, reflecting, and celebrating the many sparks that have been ignited this year across our clubs and communities.
And now, we look ahead.
New leaders are stepping forward. New ideas are already taking shape. Our youth programs continue to grow. RYLA is gearing up for another incredible experience.
That gives me hope.
Because Rotary isn’t just about what we’ve done.
It’s about what comes next.
This year, I’ve asked more than once:
What is Rotary? What is your Rotary Story?
And maybe after hearing your stories, I have my answer.
• Rotary is connection.
• Rotary is service.
• Rotary is leadership.
• Rotary is friendship.
• Rotary is a chance to make something better — whether for one person, one family, one community, or somewhere halfway around the world.
Rotary is all of us — showing up in our own way.
As I write my final newsletter Message as District Governor, I simply want to say this:
Thank you.
It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as your District Governor and to represent District 7780 this year.
I have enjoyed every mile traveled, every club visit, every conversation, every project, every laugh, and every opportunity to witness Rotary in action through your eyes.
There are amazing things ahead of us.
• There is work to be done.
• There are people to help.
• There are friendships to strengthen.
• And most of all… there is our Rotary family to continue building together.
As one Rotary year comes to a close, another begins — and I know District 7780 is in wonderful hands as Michele steps forward as our next District Governor with her theme, Create Lasting Impact.
What a beautiful reminder that Rotary is not just about moments… it’s about what lasts because we chose to show up.
So as my final Spark comes to a close…
• Keep showing up.
• Keep asking questions.
• Keep saying yes.
• Keep creating good.
• And keep creating lasting impact.
Because Rotary’s story keeps going.
And so do we.
In service, gratitude, and Rotary friendship,
Emma
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 7780
Emma Bodwell
District Governor - District 7780
Bridgton Lake Region RC
Mobile/WhatsApp: 207-595-1138
ebodwell@icloud.com