Swingin' Tern

Swingin' Tern May report -- planning for July 17 dance

For the last month we have been discussing the possibility of hosting a

July dance. We've settled on an indoor dance July 17, one of our

traditional first or third dance Saturdays.

There are details to be worked out. Generally, we plan to follow the

procedures used for the Folk Project concerts now being broadcast. Here is

some background and information that will help you understand where we are

in this process.

Last week part of Governor Murphy's Executive Order 242 included this:

14. Effective Friday, May 28, 2021, all establishments open to the

public, including a food or beverage establishment, shall be

permitted to open indoor and outdoor dance floors.

(See https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-242.pdf)

Across the country, seven-day average deaths from the virus have fallen

86% from the 2021 high and almost as much in New Jersey. The IHME projects

that in early August (which reflects infections that happen in mid-July),

the NJ virus death rate will be under one per day, with an optimistic

possibility of one virus death every fifty days and a pessimistic one of

just over two per day.

Dancing, contra and other forms, has been taking place privately in New

Jersey since early May and non-contra dancing publicly more recently.

We have booked a band for July 17, with the understanding that a

cancelation could come at the eleventh hour.

We are talking regularly with our First Presbyterian church contact, and

the church welcomes our return. Some of our volunteers have been

contributing to the church during a difficult time for them.

Before the next dance, whenever it is, several of our volunteers will go

to the parish house to ensure we have all necessary supplies and

equipment.

We will purchase fans for every window in the hall, regardless of whether

there is a July 17 dance.

As July approaches, our committee will work out other details.

Future dances would be scheduled after the July 17 dance. The next one

could be Saturday, August 7.

We request the Board's support in this effort, with the understanding that

we are committing to this only if current trends continue.

We will continue monitoring the data and forecasts, and act accordingly.

Thank you.

Leigh Walker

Swingin' Tern