Dear fellow Rotarians,
Can you believe we are nearly to August? Back in March, as we began facing the reality of COVID-19, it was impossible to know how long the pandemic would grip the world. There is still no clear end in site, and we all cling to each bit of good news coming from health officials.
One alarming bit of news, however, is the growing opioid epidemic that is lying just under the surface of the COVID-19 battle. This epidemic has only grown in recent months, and many communities are seeing a resurgence in deaths related to overdoses.
The disease of addiction is one that many Mainers face, and our Rotary District 7790 was preparing to share knowledge and open a dialogue about this at its conference scheduled for May. With the event cancelled, many are hosting conversations and trainings at the club level. To that end, I am pleased to welcome Steve Kassels, M.D. as our guest speaker this Wednesday, July 29th, at 12:15 p.m.
In addition to his medical career, Dr. Kassels (https://addictionontrial.com) is an acclaimed author and screenwriter. He will be talking about his work in treating addiction, as well as his book, when he joins us this week.
Addiction on Trial: Tragedy in Downeast Maine is a medical murder mystery/legal thriller that centers around who murdered Downeast “local”, Annette Fiorno. Is “outsider” and relapsed drug addict Jimmy Sedgwick responsible or did Annette’s addiction to drugs kill her? What part did Annette’s boyfriend, Travis, play and did his drug addiction in any way contribute to her demise? Can the team of lawyers hired by Jimmy’s father, Adam, an Emergency Room physician living in Kansas City, prove Jimmy’s innocence? Unassuming Maine lawyer Robert Hanston and Boston big shot attorney Shawn Marks attempt to discredit the evidence of both Jimmy’s and Annette’s blood all over the dashboard of Annette’s car. Even while juggling an array of female companions, Attorney Marks never takes his eye off the legal challenge. This novel is set in the fictional small town of West Haven Harbor, located on the real Mount Desert Island in Maine. If you would like a copy of the book please reach out to me. Dr. Kassels has generously donated signed copies to our Club.
Please watch your email for the Zoom information for this week’s meeting. I hope many of you will join in as we welcome Dr. Kassels!
Yours in service,
Stefanie
Stefanie Joy Muscat
President, Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
