I hope that all of you are well and remain that way through the coming months. We are all currently experiencing a very stressful time. I want to let you know what the Appalachian Region's plans are for the next 6 weeks.
On Sunday night the CDC issued a directive that there should not be gatherings of over 50 people for the next eight weeks through May 15, 2020. NC Governor Cooper yesterday issued Executive Order #117 restricting gatherings of 100 persons or more in confined indoor or outdoor settings. There are, as you know, further guidelines about social distancing and hygiene. The Board is closely monitoring all CDC and government recommendations concerning the issue. Our primary focus is the health and safety of our members and the community.
The APR Board met via teleconference last evening to discuss which events should be cancelled or postponed. Some of you are aware that we did postpone the 5-Year Region Charter Anniversary Party that had been scheduled for last Saturday. We intend to reschedule the Party as soon as possible. Many of you have registered for Luft-Wasser, the April 25th gathering of 200+ Porsches in Brevard. Unfortunately, that too is cancelled and will be rescheduled later this year if possible. The Taycan Launch Party planned by Porsche Asheville that I mentioned to you recently has also been cancelled.
The Appalachian Region Board of Directors will plan in the immediate future to hold its meetings by teleconferences. The Wednesday evening Brewery Social events and Breakfast Rambles are cancelled for now and will resume as soon as the CDC and NC guidelines allow. We are looking closely at what group activities we could hold in the next few months and still comply with CDC and NC guidelines and our own common sense. The April 11th SUV Drive to Wayah Bald is not yet cancelled. We will try to modify the event to make it work and will post the plans for this and the May 21st Dine and Drive to Poinsett Bridge on the APR Website if we able to do so.
Some of us volunteer as a Porsche group at MANNA FoodBank, working at their warehouse from 1-3 pm. on the first Tuesday of each month. MANNA is looking for volunteers in the coming weeks, as the need of the food insecure in WNC will not diminish during this crisis. If you are not included in the COVID-19 high risk category and would like to help, please contact MANNA through their website to volunteer.
Please stay healthy during this time of uncertainty. One thing we can all do is to drive our Porsches! Driving with a group of friends in their Porsches will not violate any guidelines. The weather is improving, gasoline prices are dropping and our cars are eager to shake off the winter doldrums.
Please take care of yourself and family. Stay safe, healthy and positive during this time of uncertainty.
My best,
