There is an email message from me, sent Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:24pm:

Dear Board Members,

I will attend the 4:30pm Emergency Management Meeting today online, but have this decision pretty much made already … I think we should shut down … “

Wow, it’s been 110+ days since I wrote that. message, closing down our activities 10 days before Governor Inslee’s “Stay at Home” order. So far, so good. No deaths in our county from the virus, thanks to almost everyone, young and old, doing all they can to minimize risk. Thanks also to providence and to the natural isolation of living on a peninsula, too! Perhaps choosing to live in a beautiful rural area has had some part in saving our lives? There is always something to be thankful for.

That being said, aren’t you sick and tired of your mask? Tired of imposed isolation? Quarantine? Social Distancing? The “New Normal”?

Hang in there! No matter how healthy you feel, don’t let down your guard! Especially, if you have chronic or event recently diagnosed medical conditions that make you vulnerable, don’t dismiss from your mind our invisible enemy, COVID-19!

You have endured and remained loyal. With their annual dues coming due during this pandemic, most Shipley Center members have paid them; some even donating a bit extra to help us stay in the black. You, Shipley Center members, are the lifeblood of this organization, and we appreciate your continued support.

As we move into Phase 3 and perhaps most of our activities when we eventually reach Phase 4, please hang in there as we explore ways to re-open our activities in accordance with the rules. Your support throughout this time – by ordering food from our Cafe, by attending online computer classes, by renewing your dues, by donating much-needed funds, and by coming in for essential foot care with Rhonda – is appreciated very much!

As of press time, we cannot give you a definite schedule of what activities will be starting up first or what they will have to “look like” in this environment. Most likely social distancing, chairs further apart, masks on while in the building, and lots and lots of handwashing, with hand-sanitizer dispensers in every room!

Stay tuned to your email and our Facebook page for any updates we may have for your throughout the month. If you do not have email or a computer, feel free to call our office at 360.683.6806 M-F 9am – 4pm to speak to our loyal employees and volunteers who are coming in to answer phones and refer people to community resources.

“In this together” and wanting to actually “be together” …

Sincerely,
Michael

PS: On a patriotic note, HAPPY 244th BIRTHDAY AMERICA!