08/06/2020
TO ALL DOES AND ELKS: It is with deep regret that the Grand Lodge Convention Committee with the approval and vote of the Executive Council has no choice but to notify you that the 2020 Grand Lodge Convention of the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does of the USA must be cancelled in its entirety due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our organization will be 100 years old in 2021 and prior to this cancellation, the only year in that 100-year history that a Grand Lodge Convention was cancelled was the year of World War II. Although of an entirely different nature, one can only imagine that the emotional hold that Covid-19 has now on our Country had to be similar with the disruption of normal everyday activities experienced by those that went before us during World War II.
Supreme President-Elect, Frances Johnston, will be installed virtually by Past Supreme President, Carla LaPoma, prior to beginning her visits to our Droves, District and States. The installation date is yet to be determined by the Executive Council and Asheville Drove. All EC Members, Elected Officers and Drove Members will receive notice and have an opportunity to attend her installation through Zoom. The remainder of the 2021 Elected Officers will be installed the first day of the 2021 Grand Lodge Convention.
If you have reservations with the Hyatt Regency, you will receive a cancellation notice next week. If you do not, you will need to call the reservation number,1-888-421-1442 or 1-864-235-1234 to cancel the reservation. I apologize to you for the hassle of canceling any travel arrangements that have been made. I am sure that many of us will have travel vouchers to use at a later date.
Your Drove Secretary will receive a notice regarding the cancellation from Supreme Secretary, Karen L. Bennett. If you have paid your pre-registration for the Convention and/or GL Program Book and would like a refund, please notify either Supreme Secretary, Karen, or myself and a refund will be issued to you. For those of you who have sent in your checks for the activities and tours, those refunds will be issued by Asheville Drove.
To each and every one of you, please know that you all are so important to us, and for that reason your Grand Lodge Convention Committee, along with the Executive Council attempted to preserve the 2020 Grand Lodge Convention experience for you and for our 2020 Supreme President, Trill Norris, Grand Lodge Officers, Grand Lodge Appointed Officers and Committee Appointees. Unfortunately, we faced a formidable opponent who, for now, is the winner. We will bounce back as it is now time to turn our thoughts and energy to the celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does of the USA. Omaha, Nebraska is in for a treat as our Celebration will be one like no other.
Virtual Hugs to All
Ellie J. Brown, PSP
