Dear CAC Docent and Volunteers,
I hope you are all doing well during this very unusual time. It is so different for myself and the staff to be working remotely and for me not to be dropping by the CAC and seeing you engaged with our exhibition guests or going out on tours. I miss seeing you all in person as well as the visitors you all interact with.
As this “thing” progresses it is obvious that it is going to go on for quite a bit longer than the end of the month. As you know the Mayor has announced that the schools will be closed until April 20th but I think the feeling we all have is that it will be longer than that. What we know today is much different than a week ago. I think we can now safely say that we do not see us returning to the office nor opening the CAC before the end of the April, however we will address this on a week by week basis.
The following is what we know and can share with you at this time (and of course is subject to change) . . .
- CAC and Exhibits – Our new date for opening is now May 1, however, this will probably change based on the latest developments
- River Cruise – The Architecture River Cruises are paused for the month of April. At this point we are saying we will resume cruises on May 1, however again, we have to continue to watch developments. We have been in close communication with CFL who is committed to providing a safe environment for the docents and our guests.
- Walking Tours – We will suspend all walking tours (inclusive of building and neighborhood tours) through at least April 30.
- Bus Tours – Due to the close proximity and enclosed vehicle we will be cancelling these tours through at least May 14, which complies with the Governor’s mandate.
- Public Programs – All public programs through Thursday, May 14 will be cancelled, per the Governor’s mandate.
- River Cruise Docent Class – It is the hope that the training for our river cruise can resume on April 18 via a virtual classroom. In person trainings could happen after May 14.
- 2020 Docent Class – In-person trainings have been postponed through May 14. CAC Staff are working closely with the Education Committee to adjust curriculum as needed. More details will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
- Field Trips – All student field trips were cancelled until we reopen as well. Staff will keep you informed of any other cancellations.
- Docent Appreciation Night – This event on April 3 has been postponed, and a new date will be announced shortly.
- Volunteer Hours – Docents and Volunteers scheduled for shifts and tours will still receive credit for all shifts and tours cancelled through May 1. This also includes any bus tours through May 14 and special tours that have since had to cancel (i.e. Razzle Dazzle).
- Meetings with Staff – If you have a meeting with a staff or a committee meeting, the appropriate staff will be in contact with you on next steps.
Today Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a lockdown order requiring Illinois residents to ‘shelter in place’ starting Saturday until April 8. While we have to shelter in place he did say that we could go out for walks. I encourage you to do so and to share your favorite walking places with me, Caroline and Michele and we will put a summary of all of them (and any pictures you send) on The Bridge each week. Last weekend Chris and I went for a lovely walk at the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. I just love standing in the Jeanne Gang pavilion and look at the city framed through its wonderful curving structure. We need to take a deep breath and make sure we keep balance in our lives. It is too easy to be stuck to the news cycle. We need to continue to “Look Up” as we say at CAC and look ahead to better days ahead. Please respect the shelter in place and also the need to isolate. We need to flatten the curve if we are to get back to some sense of normalcy. We all need to do our part to make that happen.
You are a wonderful and dedicated volunteer team. I want you to all be healthy and safe. I look forward to hearing from you about your favorite outdoor places.
Warm regards,
Lynn
Lynn Osmond
President and CEO