Covid 19 Impact & Response
Greetings valued Supporters and the Community we serve.
Our Board, Staff and Volunteers have been meeting frequently (remotely, of course) as we face the challenges and unknown hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adventure herself rides easily at the wharf, tugging gently at her lines as the often contrary winds of change blow first one way, then another.
During our meetings the first topic that circulates around the table is, “How are all our friends and supporters faring during this stressful period?” It is our genuine hope that you and your family are well, healthy and riding out these times like Adventure at the pier. Undoubtedly that is not the case for all. Adventure is isolated in her winter cocoon, wrapped in plastic and sealed from the environment. Now, for many of us, it is a time of isolation and distance as well. We hope, through the strong bonds of the greater Adventure Community, that we can bridge the gap and alleviate the remoteness.
News! How we are addressing the current situation:
- Annual Spring Gala: We have made the decision to postpone this vitally important event, our singular top source of funding. It is clear that it cannot take place as planned for May 15th in the current environment. Creative and imaginative options are being considered. Please stay tuned.
- Pandemic: We are keeping in contact with the appropriate federal, state and local authorities to ensure we do all we can to keep our employees and volunteers healthy and support pandemic initiatives.
- Staff & Board: All office staff are now working from home and remain available to you. Meetings are continuing through virtual online platforms that are furthering our work surprisingly well and increasing efficiency.
- Vessel Checks: Our teams of volunteers who conduct daily vessel checks throughout the off season have been scaled back to reduce the number of people aboard while also assuring the safety of the vessel.
- Sailing Season: Perhaps the most difficult decision we have had to make is to postpone our 2020 sailing season indefinitely. Far from an easy decision, it became evident that we could not ask the summer crew to report for duty aboard in two weeks to rig the schooner and live and work in close quarters for a clearly non-essential business. The health and safety of our professional captain and crew must always come first. So, at this point, sailing this summer is on hold. Time will clarify this situation.
The Time Ahead:
This remains a challenging time for us all. We encourage you to support others in this time of need who may need assistance or just a friendly note or email. Please shop local and support the businesses that are so generous with organizations like ours. Staying in touch makes all our lives better. We will endeavor to keep in touch with you and our community through these rough waters; it is part of our responsibility as a cultural organization.
Just as a homeward bound vessel at sea would “speak” to another outward bound and exchange news and well wishes for those back home, we will try to keep the news flowing and provide relevant content and inspiration. Don’t hesitate to drop us a note or give a call; we value your ideas and company more than ever. We consider you all Dorymates and in these uncertain times we long to look after one another.
We wish you Fair Winds and a Following Sea,
The Board, Staff and Volunteers of Schooner Adventure
