President’s Message – April 2020

Wow!  As recently as a month ago, we never expected spring 2020 to start this way.  The Covid-19 virus has impacted everyone’s lives and daily routines in very significant ways.  The intensity and magnitude of this virus, its worldwide impacts, its speed and potential for spread and severity have created understandable concerns about our health, safety and security.  Obviously, the immediate goal is to minimize the virus’ spread and impacts by following local, state, and national guidance on dealing with the crisis.  In addition to the obvious direct impacts of the virus, mitigation measures and the accompanying restrictions have greatly limited person-to-person interaction and consequently, every aspect of our lives.  Because the health, safety and security of our CFMC members are our top priorities, many of our events for April and May have been canceled including our planned business meeting originally scheduled for April 18.  Please review the latest Activities Column in this issue of the Ragtop Tales for the most up to date information on cancellation of many of our planned events.  Also, see the separate article in this month’s RTT for current information regarding May’s Miata Mountain Adventure. We will issue mid-month updates on all planned CFMC events and activities if needed.

Undoubtedly, this is a scary and challenging time for us and our families from multiple perspectives; health, economic and our day-to-day routines.  For those members whose parents and relatives lived through the great Depression of the 1930’s and World War II, we remember them talking about the challenges, adversity, and uncertainty that they faced.  They overcame these crises through the sacrifice, service, and support of all Americans.  Sacrifice, service, and support are part of America’s DNA.  Our military and first responders and their families provide sacrifice, service, and support to us every day.  Now it is our time.  Today’s generations can and must work together and sacrifice, serve, and support each other in order to defeat the virus.  Fear and uncertainty are temporary.  We will get through this.  Stay safe and healthy and look out for each other, particularly those who are afraid, are most vulnerable and the brave health care workers and first responders who are on the front lines protecting us.  Soon, we will have our lives back, and with it, the return to some sense of routine and normalcy.   And, we will once again enjoy the fun, fellowship and friendship that our CFMC provides.  Please stay safe and healthy.  I will see you all soon.

Zoom-Zoom!

Ron Carmichael

 

President’s Message – September 2021

September means no more post-8 PM sunsets, fewer 90-degree days and Labor Day – sure signs that the summer of 2021 is quickly coming to a close.  Like it or not, we are in the peak of hurricane season here in the southeastern NC.  Our mantra should be:  Be prepared just in case!  We also…

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President’s Message – August 2021

In getting ready to write this month’s column, I had to double-check the calendar to make sure I had the correct month.  I did, and believe it or not, it really is August already.  Summer is quickly slipping by.  Hopefully we are all returning to most of our “former, normal routines.”  One of the positive…

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President’s Message – July 2021

Don’t look now, but 2021 is half over!  Summertime is in full swing, and thankfully we are slowly returning to normal with visits to friends and family and everyday activities.  For another rude awakening, you only have 177 shopping days until Christmas!  When compared to 2020, this year’s July 4th celebrations will almost certainly be…

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