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Nobles & Ladies of the SESA,
I hope this email finds you healthy and safe. I am writing to advise that the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Shrine Association has met virtually and decided to cancel our August convention. The factors considered were as follows:
1.) Imperial Session is cancelled and our meeting follows within four weeks.
2.) Much of our membership age demographic includes the most “at-risk” group for contracting the COVID-19 disease.
3.) Many of the states within our jurisdiction are not responding to the pandemic as quickly as others.
4.) We would be bringing Nobles and Ladies in from nine states and Puerto Rico.
5.) There is no real way for us to “social distance” in a convention setting.
6.) At this point, there are very few registrations and if we were to meet, attendance could be dismal.
7.) Temples, Units and Clubs are not meeting and therefore are not purchasing Souvenir Program ads. The Association cannot meet the financial requirements of a convention without this fundraising.
8.) Our working Nobles may not attend if they are able to return to work by that time.
9.) Some may not be able to attend because of financial restraints due to the pandemic.
10.) At this time, the City of Pigeon Forge is not issuing parade permits due to “social distancing” requirements.
The SESA officers will stay in place until our next convention in August of 2021. If you have already registered for the 2020 Convention, please let us know via email if you would like a refund, or simply roll your payment to 2021. We will beginning planning our Mid-Year session in March of 2021 in the coming months.
This is a most unusual situation and we thank you for your understanding. This was a tough decision as we don't know what the immediate future holds. I appreciate the Board of Directors for putting the health and well being of our Shrine Family first.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
B. Shawn Warren (Kosair)
SESA President 2019-2020 |
