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 begin to think about the coming of fall, Thanksgiving, and the Holidays. The CFMC is looking at these things as well. Our Activities Committee is evaluating venues for our holiday Party and annual meeting. As in the past, we plan to use a local venue for an early January 2022 date. Lots of things are in play and we will continue to monitor safety concerns, restrictions and availability as our planning continues. The heads-up work of our Activities Committee is greatly appreciated. Of course, members will be kept apprised as planning is finalized. The good news is that we are making progress in identifying club events and activities for the remaining months of this year. We have had good response to our Bitty and Beaus Saturday socials. In addition, Paul and Rebecca Reinmann are hosting an outing to the Southport waterfront in September. Hopefully we will identify and plan events for October, November, and December as well.
As we have grown so accustomed to in the past year, we will diligently monitor any restrictions that we’ll have to deal with as we watch the disappointing resurgence of the Covid virus. Of course, this September brings us the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. This tragedy will live forever in our memories, as it should. It is a reminder that one thing that hasn’t changed is that there are those who want to destroy our nation and what it stands for. This was tragically illustrated most recently in the cowardly attack that killed 13 of our troops in Kabul, Afghanistan. In the past twenty years, thousands have answered the call to duty both at home and abroad and the first responders on the home front who protect us, our freedoms, our safety and our health. The sacrifices that these great Americans and their families have given for all of us can never be repaid, but it can and must be continually recognized, appreciated, and honored. It is up to each of us to do our part to defend, fight for, and preserve the rights, freedoms, and ideals that define us as Americans. If we don’t do it, no one else will, and our destroyers will be allowed to succeed. Now is not the time to be silent. Let’s all enjoy the remaining top-down days of late summer and early fall. Stay safe and healthy and I hope to see all my fellow members real soon. Zoom-Zoom!
Ron Carmichael