Today your District Conference Committee met via conference call and it was decided we are going to cancel the District Conference scheduled for May 1-3 in Boerne, Texas. This was done in response to the National State of Emergency declared by President Donald Trump and the State of Disaster declared by Governor Greg Abbott on March 13, 2020. It was also done based on the CDC recommendation that all events of 50 or more be cancelled for a period of eight weeks, which would include our conference numbers and dates.
The main consideration for this cancellation was the health and safety of our members. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to make a three day obligation when the future of such events is so uncertain at this time. I don't want any member to be unnecessarily exposed to this extremely contagious virus.
This is without a doubt the hardest decision I have had to make during this Rotary year. The Bevy Hotel and City of Boerne was a perfect spot for our Celebration of Clubs. You all have done so many wonderful things this year that I was truly looking forward to being able to celebrate our accomplishments with everyone. I am just heart broken.
For those of you who have registered, we are in the process of getting your credit cards refunded the registration fee. Those of you who have booked rooms may have already received a notice of cancellation from The Bevy Hotel. Regarding any awards and recognitions scheduled, we will be letting you know soon how we will handle all of those.
Please be assured this action was not taken lightly. The current state of social distancing and the closures of schools, universities, churches and gatherings of all kinds has caused us to take this action to protect our members and their families. We did feel it was prudent to take this action at this time, without stringing it out any longer, since it does seem the controvirus issue is going to be with us for some time. I hope you all understand.
I am so proud of all of you and what you have accomplished so far this year. The year is not over and we can all continue to be of service to our communities. I appreciate the support I have received this year and I know all of you will continue the good work.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Jim Henry
Rotary District 5870 Governor
2019-2020