For the most part, as John Dubelko says in his letter to members (you can find it below), we are mostly going back to the way things were.
During the pandemic, we as an organization learned new and effective ways of keeping in touch, teaching classes, having meetings and more. Moving forward we would like to continue using some of these technologies to make learning and getting involved even easier here at the Makersmiths.
This doesn't mean there will be less in person classes than before, it just means more options all around!
We still plan on having bi-weekly laser cutter classes, weekly Tech Nights, Cosplay meet ups, Open Houses & Tours at both of our locations, Craft Nights, Game Nights, Blacksmithing Classes, Woodshop Hours and so much more. Yet, we may also have all of our committee meetings virtually, or maybe a workshop here and there. The sky is the limit.
We have all spent the last year thinking up new and interesting classes/workshop/events/etc. and are antsy to get them all planned. It will take a little time for us to get used to our "new normal", leave our comfy couches and retire our favorite pair of sweatpants. So please be patient with us, we promise it will be worth it.
This went out at the end of May after the Governor lifted the mask mandate
Good Afternoon,
Based on the new CDC guidance and Governor's updated executive order 79, we are making the following changes to our COVID policies that will be effective May 28, 2021:
- Masks will not be required for those fully vaccinated inside the facilities. Fully vaccinated means that an individual has received their required number of inoculations, and two weeks has past since the last one. Makersmiths will not be collecting any vaccine information or requiring anyone to show their vaccination cards.
- It is highly recommended that those not fully vaccinated wear a mask around others and follow the recommended CDC guidelines.
- There will no longer be any room capacity limits or social distancing requirements.
- All other restrictions will no longer be in effect, such as not using the space for telework or social gathering.
Those Associate Members that participated in the door access program will continue to have it until July 1. If you wish to continue to have 24 hr access after this date, you will need to upgrade to Full Membership. The board has passed a motion that all current Associate Members are pre-approved to upgrade to Full Membership during June if they wish. The only requirement is to have taken new member orientation, which all those with 24 hr access have had. Please contact the Membership Chair, Scott Newman (scott.newman@makersmiths.org), if you wish to upgrade. We plan to return to a schedule of open houses and other events that will allow Associate Members greater access to the space.
I know all of these changes seem to be happening at a fast pace. I would encourage each member to be mindful of everyone's comfort level as we come into this new normal. If you see someone with a mask on, you might offer to wear yours also. In places like the woodshops, masks are a great idea because of all the dust. One thing we seem to make in abundance is dust. Remember, we are a community of makers and should be helping everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Just like when we all started to wear masks seemed very strange, not wearing them will also. If you have any questions on this, please feel free to reach out to me on Slack or john.dubelko@makersmiths.org.
John Dubelko
President
Makersmiths Inc