April? Who are we kidding? It’s still February outside, but in the April reality of indoors we are moving forward toward the CAC, no matter the weather.
Here are the highlights of what’s happened over the past three weeks:
- As those of you who have visited 224 S. Michigan know almost all of the staff have moved. But the volunteers are still there! Erin will be here for her usual work week (Tuesday-Saturday). Caroline will be here on most days but contact her ahead of time if you need to speak with her. There will be other CAF staff on the 1st but staff coverage will be similar to our weekend.
- To get into the office you need to get the key from the box office. The office door needs to remain locked.
- Thus far, 131 docents have certified for tours. That’s less than half of the number that have been trained – 270 – so you can see where our efforts have to be focused from here on in.
- Once more, if you would like to be a certifier, please let the Tour Director(s) know. We need as many certifiers as we can get.
- Before you become a certifier, you must take “feedback” training. Two sessions of feedback are being offered on April 11 at 1:00 pm and April 18 at 5:30 pm. Contact Erin at ec*******@ar**********.org to sign up for one of these two trainings.
We have 10 trainings scheduled in April, starting with Food & Architecture on Saturday, April 7. That will be followed by 38 docents taking Art Deco Riverfront training, another 25 docents learning Must See and Elevated, 36 set for Walk through Time (formerly Evolution), and double digit numbers for Masterworks, Tiffany and Treasures. That another 193 docents in all.
This is a mammoth project and while it is moving, it is moving slowly. We are still aiming for an early July CAC opening and we’re hoping everyone will be ready for the change.
To answer some questions/concerns that have come up in training sessions:
- Yes, there will be some “orientation” programs before we move. No dates are set in stone yet, but we certainly know that everyone will need a bit of preparation before setting out on their first tour. We have to introduce you to the bathrooms if nothing else. Just stay tuned and more information will follow. Don’t worry; you’ll be at home in the new place before you walk out with your first tour.
- Will there be a sale in the shop before we move? Likely yes. Keep watch. Lots of things are already on sale.
And, finally, although this has been said before, it has to be said again and again. Our Core Tour Directors are working like hell on this project. Stop and give them some kudos and support if you can. Without them this never would have happened. Thanks.
The Move Task Force