Hello everyone!

A strange kind of summer begins as we emerge from our burrows after a winter and spring of unprecedented confinement and social distancing—a figure of speech not one of us would have uttered before March 14th!

Personally, the many weeks of confinement has allowed me time for introspection and reflection, reorientation and reorganization. It was not unpleasant; in fact, I quite enjoyed stepping back in solitude. Nonetheless, it feels good to gradually mix with friends again.

April 5, 2020, was the original date planned for our annual general meeting. Until March, all had proceeded according to plan. Then, abruptly and totally unseen, the virulence of the pandemic (Covid-19) circled the earth, wreaking untold misery, grief, fear and loss wherever it touched. Sadly, it still plagues us. Plans for an Annual General Meeting went on hold immediately.

Notwithstanding the timing and circumstance, the law obliges us to make report of our activities, administrative, civic, social and economic to our subscribing members within ninety days of the fiscal year end. Quarantine prevented gatherings. We, like everyone else, waited. Surely this will end soon. Alas, ’twas not to be!

To this end, the full Board (8 directors) was duly convened and met in my back yard on June 10th to consider our next steps. After a review of the constraints imposed by the pandemic regarding assemblies, the Directors unanimously decided to

1. 1. postpone our annual general assembly for 2020 to 2021
   2. provide all essential documents by e-mail with this letter
   3. name Carol Bishop, Sandra Jewett, Lorraine Rouillard and Thierry Roger to the Board of Directors, with formal elections to the Board to come at the next general meeting
   4. pause our Association to reorganize and resume activities under easier conditions. Our decision may be reviewed
   5. make the membership due optional for 2020; those paid up for 2019 will retain their right to vote.

Only recently have gatherings of up to 50 been permitted—with social distancing of 1.5 m (4.9 feet). I must tell you that having recently attended a working meeting of 10 people each distanced at 2 metres, the experience was neither pleasant, nor particularly productive insofar as discussion and decision were concerned. Any substantial distance constricts participation and hearing each other speak can be difficult. Since the pandemic is still ongoing, further leniency from the government does not appear imminent.

As you may remember, five of our Board members have formally indicated that they would not seek reelection to the Board. Although their departures are entirely coincidental and for valid personal reasons, losing five of our Board of eight is a considerable blow, but these things happen in life. We sincerely thank them for their boundless energy and incredible contribution to the Association. I know you will join me in wishing Serge, Chantal, Christian, Robert and Janine health, happiness, and new adventures (or not!) for the future. It was a privilege to work with such a fine group.

Although I had been considering retiring for some time, I will stay on as a board member and relinquish the presidency to the very capable Lorraine Rouillard, who will bring a fresh face, new ideas and a different perspective to the Association. To aid us in the tasks, we are happy to welcome Thierry Roger as a Director. He has very graciously accepted to fulfil secretarial, treasurer and webmaster roles. The latter is no small task. Few have the skills and knowhow necessary to maintain the high standards set by Serge.

In any case, it is evident that the world and life, as we know it, will not be the same for some time, if ever. It seems the right time now for me to take the leap of faith and change personal course; all the while stepping away from the Chair of the Association to which I am very devoted. The Association, as you know, celebrates the 30th anniversary of our founding this year. We will find a time together to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, be well my friends, take care of you, and let us all take care of each other. Life is precious. So are good friends and knowing all of you! Je vous embrasse virtuellement — et de tout coeur. We will keep in touch!

Best always,
Sandra Jewett