Dear Fellow District 5280 Rotarians,

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the talks that have been going on in the Rotary world relating to the COVID-19 virus.  Just this morning I had Zoom conference calls with our Zone 26/27 Committee as well as the District 5280 Governors G line which includes DGE Bette Hall, DGN Guity Javid, DGD Olivia Patterson and myself.

On the district level, we are postponing any large gatherings including: Pageant of the Arts and District Breakfast.  RYLA, District Conference and Club Leadership Assembly are being monitored daily. We are looking at offering electronic options to some of the trainings and will keep you all apprised of those developments.  As we are so close to many of these events, our committees are working diligently with the outside vendors to try to make date changes as opposed to bearing the financial hit of a cancellation. 

We take the health and well being of all our members very seriously, however the District is not here to dictate how you should run your clubs.  Many have asked about meetings for the next couple of weeks. You and your club should decide how you want to hold your meetings.  

If you choose to forego your weekly (biweekly) meetings, please stay in touch using other modes, either via free Zoom conference calls, Facebook Live meetings, a private WhatsApp group as examples.  We are Rotary Family and will stay strong.

Although we all won’t physically be together, we hope that everyone will stay in touch via the weekly District news, our website and Facebook pages and groups.  If you do participate in any projects, do send them in with photos so we can share in your success collectively.

And don’t forget -- wash your hands with plenty of soap and water for 20 seconds -- that can be ABCs, Happy Birthday, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, or my new favorite -- going viral today -- Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

I will continue to update you as news becomes available.  Be well and looking forward to seeing everyone soon. This is a very trying time for everyone and a whole new world.  I am seriously going to take this opportunity to sit back and play with our new dog Sal. I am available to you 24/7, and you can reach me at melodyrchollywood@gmail.com or my cell 323 459-6148.

My biggest virtual hug to each and everyone.

Melody