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A note from our President!
It’s anything but a typical May! No one anticipated in January, the way the world would change due to a pandemic. The weather is not typical, mother’s day was not typical, work is not typical, overall life is not typical. Zoom meetings and google hangouts have quickly replaced face to face communication. We are such a connected society, and in so many ways, this feeling of isolation is taking a toll.
Many of you have probably seen the Fred Rodgers quote, but I thought I would share it for those who aren’t familiar.
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rodgers)
How empowering is that quote! Look for the helpers, you will always find helpers. We have recently seen the truth in that statement; from first responders, nurses, doctors, and mask makers to grocery store workers. I also interpret the quote to mean look for the good, focus on the good, as there is always good to find in every situation. I know I am tired of staying home, wearing a mask when I go out, and social distancing. I also know I am protecting my family and co-workers, protecting employees in the stores where I am shopping, and virtually connecting with family and friends. I will also admit, I have binge-watched Netflix, eaten a whole lot of popcorn, enjoyed a cocktail hour, and am anxiously awaiting warmer weather to spend more time outside. The additional time has allowed me to work on deep cleaning every room in my house, purging as I go, and focus on trying to simplify my life as much as possible.
Life has slowed down…which I am sure for many of us, was a welcomed change! I am cooking and making more meals, trying to not make all the wonderful desserts, but adding a healthier element whenever I can. I am able to add some regular “me time” to my day, as I am not commuting two hours a day.
And you? What are you doing differently? Do you find yourself with extra time? Or are you as busy as ever? How about creatively? Have you found new inspiration? I have been fascinated by the resourcefulness of the artistic glass community. Have you seen the tutorials that so many of the glass artists are releasing? Or the virtual classes? Have you taken one of the many virtual classes that have popped up as a result of the virus? The glass community appears to be weathering the “virus” storm and adapting best as possible. Kudos to them! Check out some of the many opportunities.
As far as the Southeast Michigan glass bead makers guild- how are you? The board got together and explored some ideas on how we could meet. Are you up for a virtual guild meeting? Let’s plan a virtual meeting for June 7th, at 1:00. It will probably be a Facebook messenger or google hangout call, details will follow!
June 7th meeting challenge. Please make your interpretation of a coronavirus bead. Also be prepared to have Show and Tell, and general guild discussions. It will be so nice to see your face!
As of now, we are looking at what our options are for the Fall retreat scheduled for October 23-25th, 2020. We have reached out to the venue to explore options. We have placed a deposit on the facility, so we want to determine if that is refundable, can be moved to a date in 2021, or refunded. Would you be comfortable attending a retreat in October? I need to know what you are thinking and feeling, as social distancing in a retreat environment would be challenging.
Speaking of schedule, we need to talk about a few scheduling items:
Good news! For those members who pay their membership by June 1st, 2020 the board has extended the membership period until December 2021. Essentially-two for one! So if you have already paid in 2020, Congratulations, your membership is good until 2021. If you have not paid your membership for 2020, please renew by June 1st!
Bead and Button update: As you know, the Bead and Button show has been postponed. The new dates are from August 23 to August 29th. We have been offered additional table space! So we have more opportunities for members to display our wares. WE NEED YOU! Are you making beads and finished jewelry to send to the show? You can follow up with Paul Garber, Annie Shook, or Cindi Brunell with any questions about the show!
June Jerri Warhaftig Class:
Because of COVID 19, the guild has elected to cancel the Jerri Warhaftig Boro Chain class scheduled for June 13th and 14th at the Toledo Museum of Art. We are excited to let you know that Jerri is one of the artists who is offering online classes. Check it out! https://www.jeriwarhaftig.com/upcoming-classes
Also Jelvah Jaferian
Jelvah designs http://jelvehdesigns.com/classes/
If you follow these artists on Facebook- they will give you updates on their next scheduled online classes…
You can also check out Beginning Lampwork Fun Challenges in Facebook- under the albums section, there are tons of videos…all kinds of topics and challenges!
July Picnic: The picnic on July 12th is tentative at this point, we are looking for an appropriate place where we could follow all the social distance guidelines. Unfortunately, this means we will probably have to forgo Cyndy Gohsman’s lovely home. The board is exploring options, which could include changing the date to August if it appears the COVID 19 guidelines will be easing.
Winter Wonders- I have reached out to the Unitarian Church (where we typically have the event) the first weekend in November is not available. The church has offered Nov 14th as the alternative date.
- Do we want to do the show on NOV. 14th? Are you comfortable doing the show this year?
- Are you concerned about COVID-19? And how we would control social distancing?
- What are your thoughts? So many events are being canceled for 2020.
- Please weigh in on this!
I need to hear the membership voice if this date will work instead of the first weekend in November. Please send an email to drpamkellett@gmail.com or text to 248-709-3808 and let me know if you want to hold the show, or participate on the revised date of NOV 14th. I will need to lock in this date if the guild wants to hold the show and hold it on the second weekend of November, the 14th.
On Hold, until we know more:
* September Meeting
* October 11(?) Bead Bonanza- does anyone have an update on this show?
* October 23-25 Retreat at Lake Huron
* November Winter Wonder- the proposed date is November 14th, with set up on the 13th.
* December Holiday Gathering
Until we see each other again, virtually or in person, please stay safe! Hang in there!
Take care of your family and especially remember to take care of you!
Pam
Pam Kellett
Drpamkellett@gmail.com or 248-709-3808
