From The President – At the Wheel
Julie Bruggner
The New Normal
Sixty days have passed since I wrote my last column. I could have never predicted the events of those two months. My March started with me enjoying our members and their cars at Amelia Island. Granted the crowds were noticeably smaller, and the virus was definitely an occasional topic of conversation. But the cars were as shiny as ever and the owners just as proud. Now, only three weeks later, I am sitting quarantined and eagerly awaiting life returning to semi-normal.
What the new normal looks like is anyone’s guess. Suffice to say that life is going to be very different in the future from the life to which we were previously accustomed. The ways in which we interact with each other and the ways in which we gather togther will change.
As the virus spread, our initial actions were to keep our staff and members safe. For the time being, the National Business Office is closed, though the staff is working remotely to continue operations and serve our members. It is business as close to usual as possible and we will be helping members, processing raffle tickets, and helping sections.
I have seen many sections cancel events out of an abundance of caution, and I certainly agree with those painful decisions. I would encourage all sections to follow federal, state and local guidelines for gathering, and please use sound judgment for the safety of your friends and fellow members.
I recently received an event cancellation notification from the 500 Section. I was delighted to see the note set a positive tone and exhibit a genuine concern for others. The email read, in part:
“Also, just a reminder to be careful, wash your hands, but also be calm. Look for ways you can help others. Offer help to an elderly friend who can’t get out for groceries or medicine; tip as generously as you can to help those service people most hard hit; buy gift cards so local businesses have some cash flow; make phone calls just to say ‘Hi’ and stay connected, etc.”
This note reminded me of the good character of our members, and it also reinforces the work of local sections to build an organization of genuinely good, caring people. We don’t know what the next 30, 60 or 90 days will look like, but we can continue to support each other and keep the unique culture of MBCA strong. This will be a tough time for all of us, personally, and as part of our club community. But when this is part of our history, part of the stories we’ll tell, we will still be here and we will still be getting together to share our love of the cars and the community we have built together. I’ll see you then.