We are currently experiencing a life altering event – something that we have no control over. We are told to “stay in place” and if we do go out, to keep at least 6 feet of space from the next person. Paper towels and toilet paper are difficult to find, and big Plexiglas shields are on the registers at. grocery stores if you do venture out. More people have died of this virus as of March 31st, in the United States, then died on 9/11.
Many of us were told by our employers that our jobs were being closed for the duration, restaurants closed, town halls/village centers closed, because of a virus. It’s scary and its unknown – and the one thing that everyone can do to help control it is social distancing.
Due to the State “stay in place” mandate and the posted Federal guidelines, we are cancelling the April 19th Quarterly meeting in Litchfield. We ask our members to stay home and stay safe.The Red Carpet Corridor event, with the communities from Joliet to Towanda, scheduled for May 2nd, has been cancelled due to current “shelter in place” mandates and concern for public safety. The entire event has been moved to May 1st, 2021.
We are cancelling the 2020 Motor Tour. Our Board has worked very hard to put together a great tour with some new places to go and another great Hall of Fame Banquet in Lincoln at the American Legion, food by Chef Wentland. We are moving the entire tour to 2021 – the 2nd weekend of June – June 11th, 12th, and 13th. We will celebrate our 30th Motor Tour at that time – starting South and heading North utilizing everything we had planned for this year. With the current health situation in our country, and an extended “shelter in place” order we feel that although 80% of the Motor Tour is in your own car on the road, the 20% of community events/activities could be dangerous. If even one person got sick on the Motor Tour it’s not just one – the exposure will be there and we value our members too much to put them at risk. So we ask that this year you stay home but make sure you mark your 2021 calendar for the 30th Annual Motor Tour. We had such a great time last year we booked the American Legion hall and caterer, Chef Wentland, for the next 2 years so we are assured a venue and lots of great food.
In the meantime, take care of yourself and your family and friends.
Someday we’ll look back at this and remember those that gave their all in hospitals all over the country taking care of others who couldn’t take care of themselves. We’ll tell stories of hospital tents at McCormack Place where the Car Shows usually were, about restaurants being closed and of toilet paper and paper towels as being impossible to find. We’ll chat again, 6 feet apart, and think nothing of it.
We invite you to put on your calendar our Route 66 Association of Illinois Annual Picnic, August 16th from 11:30 a.m. to ??? The Association will supply meat, pop, water, and please bring something to share. It’s at the Sugar Grove Preserve in Shirley, Illinois, and it is in a covered pavilion.
This was a tough decision made by the entire Board of Directors for all our safety.
When the health threat subsides, please remember to support the 91 communities along Route 66. Take a Sunday Drive, order take-out, fill up your tank with gas, while cruising with your windows down – face masks optional. Stay well, be careful.
Cathie Stevanovich, President
Route 66 Association of Illinois