Patience, flexibility, creativity and kindness in abundance has helped us navigate these unprecedented times, and yet to find so much to celebrate including the natural beauty of our community, the thoughtfulness of friends and neighbours, and the robust healthcare system that has guided us along the COVID-19 pandemic trail and is carrying us through to recovery. Many birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and religious ceremonies were put on hold over the last three months, and now, with restrictions lifting, you may feel like you have some catching up to do.

A good way to start is to join in with homes across Grey County on June 24th to congratulate the many graduates who are celebrating their achievements virtually at home this year. Whether its kindergarten, grade 8, high school, University or College, these bright young minds will shape our community and lead our future – certainly something worth celebrating. You can print window signs, decorate your home, or make some noise at 7:00 p.m. next Wednesday, to show your support for the youth in our community. For more information visit www.grey.ca.

As you plan your celebrations over the summer, please remember that there is still a risk of COVID-19 transmission, and there are precautions you can take. Try to keep get-togethers small, and create a social circle of 5-10 people, who interact with each other exclusively, for social gatherings. And plan to hold these outdoors. Not only can you interact with nature, but there’s more room for physical distancing. Consider having guests bring their own food and drink to minimize sharing, and wear cloth masks anytime physical distancing is a challenge. By following these guidelines from the Public Health unit, celebrating with families and friends can happen while you’re continuing to stay safe.

Social gatherings help us connect with our family, friends and community and are so important in supporting our mental health and wellbeing. Please stay safe as our community reopens, continue to practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and wear cloth masks when you can. Be creative, and keep using technology to bridge the gap, and please, take good care of yourself and your loved ones.

Congratulations to all our 2020 grads, and a special warm Fathers’ Day greeting to all the Dads in our community who play such an important role in that journey to graduation.

Stay well, everyone.

Mayor Barb Clumpus
Municipality of Meaford