September Newsletter - Regarding 2021
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 by Cindy Sproles

We are gearing up in faith!

SOOO, a special thank you to all those who replied to my last email about your commitment level to physically attend our 2021 conference. All but one pre-registered from the 2020 conference will be there.

I can tell you how much that meant to us - first, that you trust that God has this whole Covid thing in His hands, and second, that you are not afraid to step out. We will of course be taking every precaution to protect ourselves and you, not to mention all the Cove is doing. You can attend the conference with confidence.

What WILL happen: The State of North Carolina is still under a mandatory mask rule. Though as I write this, the NC governor will address the possibility of taking NC from phase 2 down to phase 3 today. This is a great thing for us. Everything we do hinges on the State mandates so if changes happen with covid, they may very well affect us.

We understand the controversy over masks, but in compliance with this rule, you will be required to wear a mask during our meeting time. If you do not feel you can manage this, then you may want to reconsider attendance and join us for live streaming. Our first priority is to protect those who attend.

Social distancing is mandatory as well. This is hard since writers tend to be huggers. So we ask that instead of a hug, you elbow bump.

Housing is limited to single rooms or double rooms. Double rooms are only available IF YOU HAVE A ROOMMATE. If you do not have a roommate you know and are comfortable with, then you will need to choose a single room. We will not be making room assignments this year simply because of the safety factor. ALL HOUSING REQUESTS COME TO ME. Please do not call the Cove and try to book a room. If you do not have a roommate that you've already talked to about attending, please choose a single room accommodation.

Room Payment - Invoices for the first half of your housing will go out next week. You will be provided with a link to Pay Pal where you can pay either in full or 1/2. Remember, your $25 you paid at the conference will be subtracted from the total amount.

Scholarships are iffy this year. Like every conference across the nation, finances are extremely tight due to covid. We cannot guarantee scholarships this year.

Moving from two tracks to one. Since we are working to have live streaming of the conference, logistics will require us to pare down our tracks from two to one. Our learning track this year will be solid and will meet your needs with flying colors. We meet with the tech dept. at the end of Sept. We will also being working with faculty to have them video record a class for us so that we are able to offer those recorded classes in our conference package. There is a lot of logistics. Bear with us. We're treading on new ground.

Right now, we need you to encourage your peers to attend. We will be presenting the live-streaming information in early October but don't let that deter you from attending in person. We want you there.

After our meeting with the Cove today, they're reporting folks are attending conferences, feeling very safe, and truly enjoying the fellowship - so the Cove is up and running. Just so you know, I attended a conference in PA in July. I flew there. Everything was great. Folks wore masks, social distanced, and things went beautifully. The flight was safe. This can be done with cooperation and care.

Finally, we are praying for you. Praying for your health and well-being, praying for your decision to attend. Praying for safety and that God will do amazing things in the midst of what seems to be crisis.

Please pray with us for this to be successful and wonderful.

Cindy Sproles, Director
Asheville Christian Writers Conference