“Two steps forward and one step back.”  That phrase summarizes the world that we live in today.  In terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, we improve our ability to understand the problem with more and better testing, and we develop logical plans for re-opening workplaces and businesses.  However, we take one big step back with a spike in positive cases and increased risk to public health.

For SIR Branch 8, we are carefully monitoring this rapidly changing situation.  At this time, we have not reversed earlier approvals of several outdoor activities.  In fact, the Branch Executive Committee (BEC) approved the Dine Out Single SIR activity request to hold an outdoor dining event in August.  As a sign of caution, our Car Enthusiasts did postpone their “Poker Run” until the fall.  We are monitoring the approved activities to ensure that they can be held in safe and healthy environments, and managing difficulties as they arise.

A number of activities are also meeting via Zoom.  On July 13, we had our first SIR Branch 8 Membership Meeting on Zoom.  It is likely that we will continue to hold these monthly Zoom sessions on the second Monday of each month.  At our meeting, we provided several Branch 8 updates, enjoyed an excellent presentation from our own Dan Smith, and arranged for online social engagement in small groups using the Breakout Room feature of Zoom. 

We distributed a brief survey this week to obtain feedback and ideas for how to make these Zoom sessions more effective going forward.  The overall Membership Meeting was rated Good, Very Good, or Excellent by 92.2% of the respondents.  Our Speaker also received high marks(88.3%), and there were several good suggestions that we will apply to future meetings.

If you are interested in a Zoom practice session, please contact Nick Maufe, nickmaufe@gmail.com.  Nick will be conducting sessions during the next few weeks.

As a branch, we will continue to exercise our Zoom muscles for future activities and membership meetings.  Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10.  Debbie Toth of Choice in Aging will be our guest speaker.  More details about the agenda, speaker, Zoom access, and other arrangements will be coming soon.  Watch for the email announcements, and check out the Branch 8 website.

Let’s stay apart to stay together

Steve Schramm

Big Sir, SIR Branch 8

The photo below is a ZOOM screen shot of the 24 BEC visible attendees at the May 11 meeting. Another member was present by phone for a total of 25.