Dear Friends,
The Covid years were difficult, but our Michigan Hemingway Society membership have been facing obstacles and disappointments of even more difficult types. After being let down by two different venues, we find ourselves unable to organize a full conference this late in the year.
We will, however, be having a board and membership meeting on the afternoon of October 14, at the City Park Grill in Petoskey.
Please consider attending, especially if you might be interested in serving on the Board or a planning committee. We have several slots and offices to be filled. Paying your dues will ensure that you are included in all notifications and invitations.
We have faced some very grievous losses in the past year. We were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of board member George Beswick on March 13. Another board member, Charlie Knapp, passed away on May 13. We also had to say goodbye to two longtime and very active members: Jim Byrne on April 3 and Bill Nicholson on July 8. More about these beloved members will be published in our newsletter.
The post-pandemic travel surge has drastically affected prices and availability of lodging in the Petoskey area. October used to be a slow month for tourism in Northern Michigan, but now it is as busy as July. Because of the previously mentioned cancellation by two hotels, we do not have a block of rooms with discount or guaranteed availability for attendees. Each of us attending the October meeting will have to find our own accommodations, but there are rooms available around the city. We hope we will have a good attendance at this limited mini-conference. If we have enough participants, we may be able to have a program or group tour during the weekend.
We all regret these unhappy obstacles to our usual fall gathering, and a principal item of business at the October 14 meeting will be to establish a different time of year to hold a full conference. Please participate if you can and thank you for your understanding. Send any comments and RSVP by September 30, 2023 to news@michiganhemingwaysociety.org to let us know if you will be attending.
Best regards,
Chris Struble,
President, The Michigan Hemingway Society
and the MHS Board of Directors