This section will be updated regularly to show the latest news and decisions about the 2020 Season as it relates to the ongoing pandemic.
June 14, 2020
Dear Members,
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We appreciate the positive feedback we have received regarding the COVID-19 plan for the club and we are excitedly looking forward to Opening Day on June 20th. We do, however, understand that not everyone will feel comfortable utilizing the club to the extent that they have in the past. We are putting great effort into making this season as enjoyable as the previous ones have always been, and more importantly, making sure it is safe for all members.
There are increased costs associated with meeting the guidelines and restrictions put forth by the state. Due to these increased costs, and because we have a fiduciary and financial responsibility to all members with respect to the budget set, we will not be issuing late waivers or refunds for the 2020 season. It is our sincere hope that, especially as we hopefully move into the latter phases of the Massachusetts Reopening Plan, all members will find and operate within their comfort zone, in terms of enjoying what the club has to offer.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we move forward together through uncharted waters. Take care and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Medford Boat Club Executive Board
June 1, 2020
Dear Members,
As we approach the opening of the club during the COVID-19 crisis, I wanted to address the membership as to what the executive board had done to prepare for the upcoming season. We are directed by state and local authorities as to when and how we are to proceed in accordance by the governor’s four- phase program which is currently being rolled out. As we interpret those directives to our club’s operation, our utmost concern is the health and well being of the membership. We have put forward a plan so we can enjoy a full and enjoyable summer at the Medford Boat Club.
The executive board has appointed a COVID-19 committee, chaired by Bryan Hilliard, Rear Commodore, and members of our club who are in the health professions, first responders, state health advisors, law, club personnel, etc. This committee has worked hard to put forth comprehensive guidelines for our membership to follow in response to the COVID-19 virus and how the club is to operate under these conditions. This plan has been sent out to membership for ALL to read. To download a copy, click here.
Our intention is for the club to adhere to the state’s guidelines, as it concerns health and safety. At the same time, we want to enjoy our club as it has always been; a social gathering of people who take part in boating, swimming, bocce, cookouts, and of course, friendship.
Please read the guidelines put forth in this plan so we can have a smooth season. This plan is also written with the condition of evolving during our season as the COVID-19 crisis changes. Like everyone, we are not quite sure, but hope the guidelines ease as we get closer to the summer. I ask the members to take personal responsibility at the club and adhere to the guidelines set forth in the plan.
The executive board, club staff, and I look forward to seeing you this summer!
Sincerely,
Tony Aliberti
Commodore 2020
Medford Boat Club
May 21, 2020
First and foremost, we hope everyone is safe and healthy. We have had a busy month compiling and digesting reams of information from the State of MA, the Arlington Board of Health, the CDC, and more. We have a COVID-19 Planning Committee led by Bryan Hilliard that has drafted a plan for opening and running the MBC for the 2020 season. Once this plan has been approved by the Executive Committee and the Arlington Board of Health, we will roll it out to membership. We are aiming to open the club on either June 13th or June 20th, depending on when Phase 2 of re-opening starts. The plan is comprehensive, and covers Safety/PPE, Building/Grounds, Staffing, Capacity Planning, Swim/Sail, Events/Activities, Fees/Dues, Boating, and Season Waivers.
May 5, 2020
Dear Members,
I hope all of you are healthy and safe during this ongoing health crisis.
As the COVID-19 precautions and restrictions relate to the Medford Boat Club and events that were scheduled for the month of May, the annual Memorial Day cookout (May 24th) and Commodore's Ball (May 30th) have been canceled. For anyone who had sent a check already to attend the Ball, they have not been deposited and will be shredded. If you would like your check returned to you instead, contact Connie Aliberti at [email protected].
The Executive Board continues to monitor the directives from national, state, and local agencies as they pertain to the eventual opening and operation of the club this summer. As we receive these policies and updates from the government, we will adjust our dates, activities, etc. accordingly and notify the membership.
I look forward to eventually seeing everyone this summer, as we insure a safe and healthy Medford Boat Club.
Sincerely,
Tony Aliberti
Commodore 2020
Medford Boat Club
April 13, 2020
Dear Members,
I hope that this letter finds you and your families well. The Executive Board of the Medford Boat Club recently conducted a meeting via Zoom video conference to determine a course of action regarding the upcoming season, as it pertains to the current health crisis (COVID-19).
As we are all affected in many different ways by the present situation, it is important that the board address the membership about how this relates to our ability to enjoy the upcoming summer. We are directed by national and state policies with regard to managing this crisis and are therefore planning contingencies, should the opening of the club be delayed or even closed for the season.
As of today, we are anticipating our scheduled Opening Day is still June 13th. Since this date is more than two months away, we are moving forward under the hopeful belief that this will be behind us by then, at least to the extent that our club can safely open. Though there has been some positive news the last couple of days, we know that the virus has a degree of unpredictability and we will follow developments closely.
The Executive Board will be holding another board meeting at the end of April, expecting that we will have updated news regarding the May 4th social distancing timeline set by Governor Baker. In the meantime, we will continuously monitor the situation until we can let membership know our plans with certainty. During the upcoming weeks, we will determine the safest course of action for our membership. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Be well.
Sincerely,
Tony Aliberti
Commodore 2020
Medford Boat Club