The Navy Musicians Association

CONCERNING COVID SAFETY PROCEDURES for the                                        

2022 REUNION  of the  NAVY MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 - SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2022, in VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.

In the winter edition of the NMA newsletter "Leger Lines," President Dwaine Whitham outlines plans for a safe and rewarding reunion in 2022. For non-members who don't receive the newsletter, the President's Letter is excerpted here: 

Just before Thanksgiving I met with our Board of Directors using the conferencing platform Zoom. This was the first time getting together with them since the Spring. The primary thought on everyone’s mind, and I assume including yours, is whether we were going to have a reunion this year (2022). If so, was it going to be safe enough, and could we (the board) provide a relatively safe environment for all attendees? 

I think we all realize that we will be dealing with COVID for a while. Our discussions led to whether vaccinations should be required for all that attend the reunion, including guests. Doing some prior research, being vaccinated has now become a requirement and practice for many events and large gatherings. After some discussion, we took a vote and unanimously decided that vaccinations should be required to attend for all members and guests.  This would be the only way to provide the bedrock for a safe reunion. 

That decision was the easy part. Now, how do you enforce that?  Well, that’s the part we are working on! It could be a box that you check on the registration form testifying that you and your guests are vaccinated; or you show your cards when checking in; or both.   It’s extremely important to us that we trust our shipmates, but equally important that you trust us in providing a safe environment so that’s a hard line to walk. No easy decisions there! In the end, the decisions we make are intended to be the best decisions for all, that’s why we have a Board of Directors. 

What other precautions will be taken? We are working on that too! We will, and must, follow all state and local guidelines at the time, keeping in mind those guidelines change with the threat level of the state and area. Currently, Norfolk and surrounding areas are pretty much wide open as our cases have been declining. We will also have to follow any additional guidelines that the hotel may require. So far, we will have to pay for servers for our buffet style meals and light refreshments as you will not be able to serve yourself. 

There are many more questions out there that I know are on your mind, such as ensemble playing, meetings, social gatherings, etc… I can assure you that our reunion coordinator and other board members are currently working up any additional measures that we will be taking as an Association. I am hopeful and confident that we’ll have more info soon on this, and before our next issue.  Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and Website. 

I have great hopes that next year will bring us all together, and I very much look forward to seeing everyone at the 2022 Reunion!

I wish you all the best for the upcoming holidays and New Year. 

Please stay safe!

Dwaine Whitham