In the wake of the CDC’s Guidance and the Governor’s lifting of COVID restrictions for vaccinated individuals, the CTPA has determined to go ahead with its annual Summer Meeting. This year’s Summer Meeting will be held on July 15th, at the Farmington Club in Farmington. This is our usual date (the 3rd Thursday in July). Details of the program are still being worked out.
The CTPA board is aware that there may be a mix of views surrounding this decision. We decided based primarily on the state regulations along with the input provided by the Farmington Club. As to how to hold the meeting, that discussion is still very active. We will likely try to schedule more outdoor activities to alleviate indoors crowding. We do plan to invite our vendors and have the trade show outdoors, as always. Stay tuned.
This goes somewhat without saying, but during the meeting we will request that people be aware of the current status of the pandemic and be respectful of the concerns of others. CTPA has always been a group of people who have appreciated and looked after one another. The return to the sharing and camaraderie is something that everyone is looking forward to. That opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet up with new ones will certainly be part of the Summer Meeting.
The Fall Session of Arboriculture 101, however, is in a different boat. As much as CTPA would like to hold those classes in person at the CTPA headquarters, the decision process is a bit more complicated. As of now, we are leaning towards holding the classes again via Zoom but are withholding a final decision until the situation with COVID clarifies.
Regardless, registration for the Fall Session is open. Part of the problem with Arboriculture 101 is the popularity of the class. This means that, when held in person with its standard complement of students, we have a classroom full of students, sitting right next to each other for 3 hours and that this goes on for 13 weeks. It just may be too soon for that.
We wish everyone all the best as the situation with the pandemic takes this positive turn. The Board of Directors of the CTPA is proud and pleased to take note of the patience, leadership and determination the membership has shown during this past year. Let’s see it through to the end!
