Posted by Steve Jones-D'Agostino on Apr 03, 2020
Updated on April 3, 2020
 
In response to the pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley has suspended face-to-face gatherings through at least this May 4, which is when Governor Charlie Baker has extended a stay-at-home advisory and a non-essential-business closure.
The Board will re-evaluate the situation then, and on an ongoing basis.
 
In the meantime, the charitable, non-profit service club, which covers Bolton, Lancaster and Stow, will virtually conduct board and club meetings through phone- and video-conferencing. Because Rotary's principal motto is service above self, the Nashoba Valley club is exploring virtual and limited-physical services to offer to its three communities.
 
"Our primary concern is the health and well-being of all Rotarians, their families and the community," says Richard Simon, Nashoba Valley's president from January 1 through March 31. "Concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic continue to prevail, and there is no immediate solution."
 
Simon regards the Nashoba Valley club's action as being in alignment with Rotary's Four-Way Test, which states: "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth?; is it fair to all concerned?; will it build goodwill and better friendships?; and, will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
 
Nashoba Valley's suspension of face-to-face-gatherings is in line with a March 16 joint statement issued by Mark Daniel Mahoney, 2019-2020 president, and Holger Knaack, 2020-2021 president of Rotary International. "In the near term," they stated, "we recommend that Rotary districts and clubs cancel or postpone meetings or events following the advice of national and local health officials."
 
Referring to all the technology Rotarians have at their disposal, Mahoney and Knaack also stated that "we as Rotarians can continue to reach out and collaborate on big projects with Rotary clubs, Rotaractors, and Interactors."
 
Recommended best practices
 
The Nashoba Valley club recommends these "best practices" to focus on during this pandemic:
  • Avoid face-to-face meetings where more than 10 people are gathering, in accordance with federal guidelines announced on March 16;
  • Consider either adjusting or postponing large meetings and gatherings;
  • Use phone - or video-conferencing for meetings, when possible;
  • When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
  • Assess the risks of business travel;
  • Try to maintain a personal distance from others, when possible;
  • When meeting others, bump elbows or feet instead of shaking hands/hugging/kissing;
  • Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer, and do not touch your face;
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, when you sneeze;
  • Drink/eat only from your own plate, and do not share food items;
  • If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home.
"The Nashoba Valley club will closely watch the evolving recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, and share them with its members as they become available," Richard Simon says. "In the meantime, the club encourages both everyone to take extra precautions and stay safe."
 
For more information, contact Richard Simon at 978-835-4432 or rlsimon@comcast.net.