Postponement of the 2021 Family Reunion
Greetings Alfords! On behalf of the Alford Family Council, we hope that you are all staying safe, healthy, and happy during these challenging times. In light of the recent heath crisis known as the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Council has reached the difficult decision to postpone our much-anticipated Alford Family Reunion. The reunion, which was originally scheduled for this July 9-11, 2021, is now in the process of being rescheduled. We understand that this change in plans will be met with some degree of sadness and disappointment by the family. We did not come to this decision lightly or hastily. We are acting out of an abundance of caution for our family’s health and well-being.
Our family reunions have always been filled with lots of laughter, hugs, and kisses for our kin from near and far. Unfortunately, it is precisely these elements of close hugs and kisses that lead to the rampant spread of this potentially fatal virus. Now that the statistics are finally coming to reveal that communities of color make up a disproportionately high number of COVID-19 deaths, our family council feels that the risk is just too great at this time. It is best to exercise wisdom and prudence now, rather than be faced with the possibility of loss and regret later.
We are currently formulating a process by which any payments that you may have already sent in, will be refunded back to you as soon as possible. Further details about this refund process are forthcoming. In the meantime, we want you all to keep practicing your “6-foot social distancing,” wear a face mask, nitrile latex gloves, and goggles when out with the general public; keep washing/disinfecting your hands frequently; avoid touching your face, mouth/nose/eyes; stay at home when possible; and last, but not least, check in with each other by phone, text, social media, (and yes, even letters or postcards too).
We Alfords are a strong stock. We have survived Slavery, The Native American Trail of Tears, Jim Crow, The Great Depression, Influenza and Tuberculosis epidemics – and we will survive this! Not only will we survive, we will thrive! So, let’s move forward with responsibility and mindfulness. Keep all of our family members in your thoughts and prayers. Let’s plan for our joyful reunification in 2022 after all the weight of this pandemic has passed. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
In Humble Service,
Your Alford Family Council
Please help us by making sure we have your current mailing, email address and phone number. Send contact info:
Via email: thealfordreunion@gmail.com
Via text: 281-773-6756
For updates: www.alfordfamilyreuion.com