MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

Nationwide, this has been a very difficult week for many Americans. The multiple public shootings have caused deaths and deep rifts through much of society and most people are struggling with how to process these events and are wondering how we all move forward.

Many parents on social media have questioned how they will explain this violence to their children, and even more have decreed their beliefs on the root cause of the issue, often times using divisive language.

Politics aside, all of these views are centered around fears of safety and equality/fairness, and though aggressive in instances, most opinions are people trying to do what they believe is right. Though our region is not the eye of this storm, it affects us all, and so the question becomes “what can we do?”

The answer to that is simple — do anything you can.

In some of the communities where tragedy has struck, blood donations have been something people have done to help. American Red Cross has a shortage of blood right now, so donations are critical.

In the section below you will see SMMC, along with Bill Dodge Auto Group and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, will have a blood drive on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that would be a good place to start.

Another easy step you can do is participate in your community rather than allowing fear to keep you from engaging. Attend community events and start up conversations with others in attendance. Don’t insulate yourself from the world but rather show that you care about your community, and when we do that, it strengthens our region as a whole.

The goal is to positively do whatever you can, as often as you can, to make the world a little bit better than it has been. A man much wiser than I sums it up best on what engaging positively in your community can mean: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” — MLK Jr.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• The July 27 Chamber After Hours networking event is at Cook’s Lobster and Ale House located at 68 Garrison Cove on Bailey Island. From 5-7 p.m., meet the new owners and see for yourself the new bar/pub and the iconic restaurant. The event is free to attend, but please register on the chamber website’s scrolling calendar.

• Are you looking for a way to meet with a group of SMMC members in a small group setting to make more in-depth business connections? If so, request an invitation (members only, executivedirector@midcoastmaine.com) to the 12 @ 12 Networking Group. Lunch is provided courtesy of Wild Oats Bakery & Café. The next event is Tuesday, Aug. 2, noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Community Room, 8 Venture Ave., Brunswick Landing.

• It’s that time of year when blood donations are especially needed. The chamber, with members Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and Bill Dodge Auto Group, will have a blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bill Dodge Hyundai, 262 Bath Road, Brunswick. Call 1-800- RED-CROSS to make your appointment. Two lucky donors will receive tickets to see Jimmy Buffett at the sold-out show at Bangor Waterfront on Aug. 18.

NEW MEMBERS:

Welcome to our newest member, Midcoast Maine Coffee News. Justin Oldenburg and Kerry Watterson are the new owners. For more information, go to midcoastmecoffeenews.com or call (207) 504- 1294.