Little did we realize when we hosted our Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Vancouver Lawn, Tennis and & Badminton Club Sunday, December 15, 2019; our Annual AGM and President’s Wine & Cheese Sunday, January 26, 2020, and an invite to a Valentine Gala at the Italian Culture Centre on February 08, 2020, “large gatherings” would come to a complete standstill in the months that followed.
Popular events including our annual “Wearing of the Green” St. Patrick’s party and “Wine & Cheese Pairing” down by the Riverside were planned and cancelled to the dismay of our members. Along with these popular events, Dancing at Bonsor Community Centre, Dinners at Medley’s Grill, Pub Nights, Bowling, Horse racing, and a Sea to Sky Gondola trip were put on hold. We would soon be obeying Covid rules of social distancing, wearing a mask and continually washing our hands, now a “new normal” in our lives!
We coped! Spring and warm weather brought us together as we were able to gather in small groups for some wonderful picnics hosted by members in various locations of our city. Golfing was embraced by ten to fifteen enthusiastic members playing our once monthly large course at Mylora and pitch & putt twice weekly, weather permitting at Ambleside, Central Park and Kensington courses. Patio lunches and dinners were also hosted and attended as events outside were deemed “safe”. Indoor Bocce was introduced and members enjoyed this event until ICC had to close their doors. Walking, as a group became more of a social event although, social distancing was harder than anticipated. We enjoyed some virtual travel through the group scoop, keeping in mind these vacations and adventures await us when the timing is right!
We held two Executive meetings at John Lawson Park in West Vancouver and when the weather turned cooler, Zoom became part of our inner circle of contact. We had a successful Zoom AGM January 24, 2021, thanks to our Past Acting President, Kathleen who has become our expert with this relatively new technology.
We will hug one another when deemed safe and the club will once again host parties where we will greet each other like long lost friends.
Like Dr. Bonnie Henry states “this is not forever, this too shall pass but in the meantime, stay calm and safe but above all, remember to always be kind”.
Even though the world may be in chaos right now, I know we are all grateful to have a home, food, water, warmth and love. May we never take these things for granted.