The Rotary year is rapidly coming to an end and District Governor Jim has planned a District Celebration as a culmination of the efforts and accomplishments for the past Rotary year. The purpose of the celebration is to recognize the Rotary clubs of District 6900 and their leadership for all the Humanitarian projects that they have undertaken. It is a celebration of Rotary; it is a celebration of the good things we do to help the less fortunate people in the world.

I know that there is a lot of concern in getting together because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I assure you, that everything is being done for this event with the safety of all of our Rotarians taken into consideration. We are operating within the constraints of the latest rules set down by Governor Kemp. We are adhering to these guidelines as the minimum. There has been some confusion as to what the latest order says, however, I am providing you with the two key major points that raised the most questions among Rotarians:

1. What is the age of the elderly and immunity compromised in the Sheltering In Place Order? THE SHELTERING IN PLACE ORDER IS FOR 65 AND OLDER AND THE MEDICALLY FRAGILE. IT EXPIRES ON JUNE 12, 2020. IF THE GOVERNOR EXTENDS IT PAST THE JUNE 12th DATE, WE WILL CANCEL THE CELEBRATION. The overall Public Health State of Emergency Order was extended until July 12, not the Sheltering in Place part of the order, and this has been somewhat confusing. Again the 65 and older and medically fragile order does expire on June 12th.
2. What is the maximum size allowable in a person to person event group? THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON THE GROUP SIZE AS LONG AS THE GOVERNMENT SPECIFIED RULES ARE FOLLOWED. Tables that usually seat 10 will have a maximum of six. All service personnel will go through strict screening and the entire facility will be sanitized. You will note also that all food will be provided by employees in a cafeteria type environment where only you can touch your food plate and service personnel will place the food on your plates. There is a list of the rules attached, and I assure you they are all being followed.

From the agenda at the left, you can see that the event is relatively short, and that the cost is minimal ($20.20). I am hoping you will join us in Columbus at the Bibb Mill for our District Celebration and that you will encourage other Rotarians to attend. The awards in the lunch meeting will not only be for the best Clubs of the Year but also for the Best Clubs of the Decade!

We can’t stay locked down forever and I can’t think of a better way to end this lock down then celebrating with your fellow Rotarians. Rotary Connects the World is our theme this year, and I can’t wait to personally reconnect with my District friends on June 20.