Hey Phil,
I apologize for
taking so long to get back to you about this. I thought I had
on the day you sent it, but I checked today and found I
hadn't.
In any case, we'll
be there if we can in May and September both. We are
registered for both already. Should we need to cancel the one
it May, please feel free to consider our registration a
donation. Same for September, for that matter, should it
become necessary, but we're hoping by then we'll be able to
come up there. We're hoping the same for May, but that's not
looking too hopeful. Our governor has closed all the SC state
parks until April 30th for the time being, but he has already
mentioned keeping them closed through May as well.
We hope that all
are safe and well and can stay that way. In case you've heard
about any of the SC tornadoes recently, we were lucky and all
of them missed us. Phew!
Have a great day,
Ken and Karen
On 4/11/2020 4:20 PM, Phil De Rosa
wrote:
Hello everyone.? I am sheltering in home right now, like most of
the country.? I would like to bring everyone up to date on what my
current thinking is, and how I got to this point, and what and how
I think this year will play out.
First, I want to thank everyone for their support.? Please don't
disappear, this thing isn't dead yet.
*After conferring with the people that assist with the party during early March,
I heard several "let's wait and see" opinions.? I also asked my
cousin, who is in the New York area and worked in the medical
field her entire career, and she said the same thing.? So I am
currently holding off making any final GO/NOGO decision about the Memorial
Day weekend star party until the beginning of May. ?
*I am not that optimistic about it at this point.? Besides health
issues, there are some serious financial issues for many people.?
I do not want to take a chance on anyone exposing themselves to
the risk associated with this virus.? If by some large safety
margin it makes sense to hold this event, I will announce that
during the first week of May.
----------------------------------------------------------------
*That being said, the registration window will not be open very
long.? I must make this decision by the end of the first full week
of the month, or I will risk losing all the deposits.? You will
need to REGISTER during
that week, or I will cancel the event. ?
*IN THAT CASE
registrations WILL BE REFUNDABLE, or you could consider donating
them, OR APPLYING THEM TO THE SEPTEMBER PARTY.
*I would appreciate an email from everyone NOW if you think you
will (or won't) attend, so I have an idea if we will have enough
people for a party in May.
--------------------------------------------------------------
*It would also be helpful to know NOW if you would attend the
SEPTEMBER party if you were able to.?
*Whether or not it makes sense to hold THAT party remains to be
seen.? I'd hate to cancel both of them off this year, but again,
this threat has never existed before, and I hope it never does
again.? There is no guarantee that it will be safe to get together
in September.? Again, I will need to make a decision no later than
the first week of September. ?
*IN THAT CASE
registrations WILL BE REFUNDABLE, or you could consider donating
them.
*If I do not have enough people REGISTERED by the end of those
weeks, I will need to cancel. ?
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If the best thing is to wait until next year, I already have dates
picked out.? I hope everyone tries to get some observing in
wherever you are.? Feel free to share this info with your local
club newsletters or observing groups.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a positive note, I am hoping everyone is well, and stays safe
while this threat exists.? I wish everyone a Happy Easter /holiday
season, and has the chance to connect with friends and family, and
enjoys things best they can tomorrow.
Stay tuned everyone... Better days lie ahead.
As always, thank you for your continued support. ?
Phil
?
--
-- Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. - Not sure if she is the
original author, but I read it in Deadly Decisions by Kathy
Reichs. -- I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several
days gang up on me at once. - Jennifer Unlimited