Please know that in this difficult time, your Rotary family is here for you. If you need anything or just need to talk, reach out to another member, or to the Board. This is what fellowship is all about.
Our weekly lunch meetings are cancelled for the foreseeable future. We are working on setting up a virtual meeting for this Friday. We can do some club business, pull some raffles and check in on each other. We are working on the logistics and will be in touch during the week. Be sure to check your emails regularly for updates.
Connecting is an essential element of being a Rotarian. We are a strong club and will survive and even thrive on these challenging times if we keep the connection to each other. We are planning to have a Virtual Rotary meeting tomorrow using zoom.com.
The video chat will be at 1pm tomorrow (Friday).
You will be able to see all the participants in our video call as you would in any video call.
At the meeting, we will discuss our new priorities, how to keep our service projects running virtually, brainstorming on what is next for the club, and will check on each other. We will also complete drawing of the winners of our raffle.
If you are brand new to Zoom, check out the quick video below!
As your District Governor, and in consideration of all the antivirus measures being taken, it is my duty to inform you that all gatherings large or small are now deemed risky business. Mark Maloney has said so in an email and “given us all permission to suspend in person Rotary meetings and events.” I hereby am giving you permission to do this in 7890.
Let’s keep up what we can by electronic methods so things don’t get out of hand in our projects and future planning. Be sure to notify your scheduled speakers, venues, vendors, etc. I’m sure all will not only understand but support you in erring on the side of safety.
Let’s do this for 30 days, and reevaluate then. This thing may balloon, stay steady, or just die down by then. We’ll never know if all these measures helped the cause of safety, but we can and need to be able to say “we did the best we could.”
Many of our number are over 60, some magic line, and will not it seems tolerate this well.
People quarantined can get food, etc. dropped at their doors by Peapod, and the same with casseroles etc by members. Presidents, form calling trees to find out every member's or prospective member's status. This will be your main job to help watch over your Rotary Family in the time of need.
This can be turned into a positive this way. Nothing is ever all bad, if your eyes and heart are open.
For the past 28 consecutive years, The Gray House has held its Spaghetti Supper which accounts for nearly 10% of the agency’s annual budget and is essential to our operations. Due to COVID-19, The Gray House and the Greek Cultural Center have mutually decided not to hold the event. Instead, we’re hosting a “No Show” Spaghetti Supper!
They recognize that it would be irresponsible to host a gathering of over 400 people, many of whom are vulnerable. However, the need for their services isn’t slowing down. The people most impacted by this pandemic are the vulnerable individuals they serve on a regular basis who need their help more than ever. We are anticipating increased demand for our services, especially in terms of food assistance, due to the economic implications.
In order to ensure they can continue to meet the needs of our neighbors, we hope you’ll participate in their “No Show” Spaghetti Supper! Buy entry tickets but don’t show up! You can make your own spaghetti dinner at home and tune into their Facebook page on Thursday, 3/26! Raffle winners will be drawn via Facebook Live at 5:45pm. Throughout the week leading up to the “event” they will be posting about prizes, recognizing sponsors, donors and sharing the best sauce recipes!
Please consider making a donation for your “ticket” or purchasing raffle tickets. Checks can also be sent to 22 Sheldon Street, Springfield and made payable to 'The Gray House'. Please specify if you would like to buy raffle tickets with your check or if it is a donation. Please share this information with your network to help raise money for our neighbors in need. Spread the word, not the germs!
Do you have some news or information that might be of interest to fellow Rotarians?*
If so, please email Samalid Hogan at smhogan413@gmail.com by Monday of each week for inclusion in Friday's bulletin.
Our weekly Bulletin goes out to more than 70 local leaders every week and is a wonderful way to spread your message. *All submissions are subject to approval.
