Meeting Date: March 29, 2020

THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19

The meeting will include:

  • Announcements of upcoming meetings and events
  • Club news
  • Monthly presentation

Members frequently bring in cuttings to share on the free plant table.

We meet at 2:00 pm the last Sunday of most months at the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona. The general meeting begins at 2 pm but you can come early to socialize and peruse the Silent Auction plants. Here is a map of the Garden.

Our Board meets monthly to discuss CACSS business; all members are welcome to attend Board meetings.

CACSS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It is with a sad heart that I am canceling our meeting on 3/29 and our Annual Show and Sale on April 3rd through the 5th. I have been monitoring the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) situation daily. This afternoon Arizona Governor Doug Ducey recommended a statewide suspension of all large public events. This was based on CDC guidance as of 3/15/2020. I will quote the CDC verbatim.

“Guidance as of 3/15/2020

Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.”

Further changes to the schedule of the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society will be announced by email, on our website, and Facebook as more information becomes available.

I have been answering questions on this subject for many days now and I will continue to try to respond to your private concerns in a timely manner.

I do not take this decision lightly and I know that some will be disappointed in my decision. Please know that I am not one to over react. I believe in following the guidelines of the Governor of Arizona and the CDC. Most of all I want to see all members of our communities healthy.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter. Sincerely, Chris Ginkel