This Week
Stayin Connected, Doing Good from Home!
I hope this finds each and every one of you safe as we stay in our homes and brave our way through the coronavirus pandemic. We will be continuing our weekly bulletin to help us all stay connected. This week, I just want to share a few items:
- The DeKalb Rotary Council breakfast honoring Teachers of the Year that was scheduled for this Friday has been cancelled.
- Governor's Ball - You all know it is postponed - with no new date in mind. Given that, Rick Woods is in the process of returning money - to our paying guests (or those of you who paid for guests) and our raffle ticket buyers - generally through credit card refunds. We expect to be returning the money club members paid through their dues for Governor's Ball admission too - that will probably take a bit longer. We appreciate the support of you, your friends and family and will keep you posted on future plans.
- We know that this is a tough time for many people in the community we serve, and that we'd like to help when and where we can. We ask that you keep us advised of needs that you see or hear about - so that we can share the information with our club members and take action where we can.
- We all care about each other and are ready to help each other too. Please reach out if you need assistance - or if you hear about another club member who could use our help.
Thanks for all you do! Stay safe and healthy!
President Cathie
A Word of Encouragement ... from District Governor Jim Squire and District Chaplain Mark Barbour
As your District Governor, I am encouraged by the spirit of compassion and concern expressed by our Rotary International Leaders, District Leadership, Club Presidents, and all Rotarians in the face of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This virus outbreak is a serious situation that has grave and far reaching, local, national, and global consequences and repercussions. At this time, in consideration of the dire implications of the Coronavirus impact, we all need a good word of encouragement. I had a wonderful conversation today with our District Chaplain, AG Mark Barbour, and I asked him to prepare a few positive words of hope that I could share with you: Brother and Sister Rotarians. In the face of the anxiety evidenced in panic buying, school closings, profound fear of our older citizens being so vulnerable, economic concerns, political and governmental response, sadly, those diseased, the logistics of providing virus testing kits, our Rotary Clubs and District Training Assembly schedule changes, and so many other ramifications, we all need an affirmative, beneficial word. In The Message Bible, Philippians 4:6-7 reads: "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when your faith displaces worry at the center of your life". Whatever your faith, whatever the situation, whatever the need, Rotarians face the day with a positive, Rotary response to the critical circumstances that now challenge us. God knows our heartfelt concerns. God knows our goodwill. God knows we will do our best to give our best and be our best during this crucial time. Thank you, District 6900 Rotarians, for your prevailing persistence in coming together in true Service Above Self! Let's try not to fret or worry! Instead, let us keep the faith and let us pray for all those affected by this drastic, urgent situation! All the best. Jim |