In my previous President’s Message, I reported on the great events held by our chapter and highlighted our impressive list of upcoming events. Our lives have now been dramatically changed with the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.
As you probably heard from recent communications, all of our FEI events have been cancelled through April and will likely be extended longer as the situation with the COVID-19 continues to unfold. We expect to reschedule most, if not all, of these events in the fall. I encourage you to maintain contact with fellow chapter members using social platforms and other means, while maintaining the social distancing practices being suggested by state and local authorities.
I suspect that most members have had their employment situation dramatically altered from the current restrictions now in place and are either working from home or potentially out of work as businesses are being forced to shut down. The FEI national platform has been sending out almost daily communications that may be helpful in helping you navigate the issues associated with working remotely and other problems that may be encountered.
I am sure we are all becoming witness to some of the best and some of the worst behavior as we navigate the crisis. It is troubling to see the hoarding mentality being exhibited by some people. And at the same time, it is heartwarming to see how other people and businesses are stepping up to do what they can to help in these difficult times.
Two of the companies where our chapter has held events in recent years have jumped in to help and I want to give them a shout out for their efforts. Marlin Steel has developed a new
stainless-steel test tube rack to be used for coronavirus testing. Sagamore Distillery has also stopped producing Rye whiskey and has converted to
making hand sanitizer for first responders, including Johns Hopkins Hospital. These are the examples that need to be congratulated and encouraged as we battle this pandemic.
We are being told that the primary thing we can do as an individual is to help flatten the curve of new infections to prevent our health care system from collapsing from an onslaught of new cases. I strongly encourage everyone to do all they can to limit contact with others and to follow the suggestions being provided in terms of washing hands etc.
Lastly, stay safe and be smart and I look forward to the time when we are able to meet again in person and continue with normal chapter operations.
Best Regards,
Kevin Ridgely
FEI Baltimore Chapter President