OFFICIAL TCA Eastern Div. Announcement: April 2020 York Train Meet is cancelled

Given what we know now, I believe Allan Miller's comments make the most sense. At this point we have NO idea what the situation will be at the time of Fall York.  For example, it appears unlikely that we will have a vaccine for COVID 19 in time for the Fall. Also, the more we are learning about the Virus, the nastier it seems. Just getting groceries and daily necessities has become a health adventure and gamble...also it is a little scary too!

The LCCA  National Convention is scheduled for July, but even that is starting to look very "iffy".  So are all the other train related Summer conventions. That really hurts, but having an activity we love that results in more Corona virus illnesses among our friends and fellow O gaugers  just doesn't make sense, no matter how hard core a hobbyist you are.

I am a part owner of OGR, so I am not a neutral person when I say this, but a great way to support the Forum during this difficult time would be to get a digital and/or print subscription. It is a good investment editorially and will help us ride out this health emergency, so we can still be here for you now and when it is over.  

It is a bad situation no matter how you look at it, but with your support we can all come through this and continue to enjoy the hobby we love.

Originally I was going to seek out a refund for my York registration but after reading page 3 of this thread I changed my mind and I will not do that. If the ED makes it good for October then great. If they don’t then I will just chalk it up as a donation. I don’t know if the double registration idea will work. What happens if someone registers for October and they already have a registration from April which was made good for October? I just don’t want any issues so instead I will buy some TCA stuff (a shirt or something) at the meet to support them. 

MartyE posted:

gg1man posted: 

Hi Marty, I get your point but it is times like these that dynamic thinking is needed. Allan earned his bones at the helm of this and other such organizations. He obviously has learned that when others are panicked the leaders need, more than ever to start being creative. Thanks Allan!

It's times like this if you'll be lucky if anyone can come due to lack of disposable income. My dues are due to be paid for the TCA this month but they won't be until I'm sure I'll have a job. Their best bet is just to keep the course and hope they have anyone there with money to spend.

I know Marty. I was forced into retirement due to a health issue so I hear you brother. But, I been through a lot worse times and it worked out. Hang in there.

Dave Nichols posted:

GG1 , all theses things you bring up today have been hashed and rehashed all week. No need to go through the pages and stir the pot. 

I don't get what you are talking about Dave! I was drown into this thread to find out about the York cancellation. I have only been responding to items as they appeared in sequential order on my page. But I apologize for not checking with you to find out what is a proper speech topic.

gg1man  no need for the apology, thanks anyway. be safe.

GG1Man, sorry to hear you were forced into retirement. I hope all is well. I guess I won’t get any more tours! LOL! Hopefully I will see you in October. Best of luck! A bunch of guys from my old plant got good part time jobs. I hope you have the same luck if that’s something you want. 

Hudson J1e posted:

GG1Man, sorry to hear you were forced into retirement. I hope all is well. I guess I won’t get any more tours! LOL! Hopefully I will see you in October. Best of luck! A bunch of guys from my old plant got good part time jobs. I hope you have the same luck if that’s something you want. 

It's life Phil, my legs and back are not what they where even six years ago. I can still walk with a cane and enjoy our wonderful hobby so life is good. But I have many friends who are no longer with us and others who have far worst health issues than me to deal with, so all and all life is good, and I have nothing to complain about.

I have to admit I miss the money but I have savings and a small pension and I have to admit I don't miss working. I may wont to do something part time a couple of days a week. but it really nice to not have to worry about work at seventy-one.

OK Guys....this has been a little heated.  I went in and deleted / edited a couple of posts.  Bottom line, the OGR staff has opinions too and frankly we get beat up a lot not only here but on other forums however we have tough skins...  Now...the most important thing here is to remain healthy through practicing the guidelines we have been given...and...don't panic.  If you need help, then this is the time to help your friends and family....ask for that help!  We all need a little support right now.  OGR in particular over the last few days has had advertisers and sponsors order a stop to their advertising so if you all can (each of you have different circumstances) PLEASE support our advertisers.  Over the next weeks, I will be offering FREE email blasts to our advertisers/sponsors to help them stay in touch and offer specials during the months we don't produce a magazine.  We all want to be here to continue to serve you but we can't if everyone panics.  Honestly, we are not talking about a lot of money here....if all 26+ thousand members on this forum spends even a few dollars with our advertisers, this could make a big difference.  Heck....it would be nice if just half of the membership on this forum spent $35 bucks per year on an OGR subscription but I guess that may be asking too much....  Hey...I am not too proud or embarrassed to ask for your support!

I will let this thread run just a little longer but we all need to concentrate on being thankful for what we have now....

Dennis LaGrua posted:

Not to argue the point but the fall meet depends on how fast this wuhan virus bug will go away.  Drugs are being evaluated right now and if they prove successful in two months things could return to normal. 

The estimate is 12 to 18 months for drug treatment.

I would encourage all Forum members that are financially able, to sign up up for a digital subscription. My family and I are staying at home in Southern California during this time of national emergency.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate being able to visit, not only the Forum but also being able to peruse the 50 years of back issues!

Thank you to All the OGR staff and family for the bit of normalcy you're providing during this "abnormal" time. It is very much appreciated by me.

John

Please note that I just posted and featured in a separate topic the latest notice from the Eastern Division.

gg1man posted:

Hudson J1e posted:

GG1Man, sorry to hear you were forced into retirement. I hope all is well. I guess I won’t get any more tours! LOL! Hopefully I will see you in October. Best of luck! A bunch of guys from my old plant got good part time jobs. I hope you have the same luck if that’s something you want. 

It's life Phil, my legs and back are not what they where even six years ago. I can still walk with a cane and enjoy our wonderful hobby so life is good. But I have many friends who are no longer with us and others who have far worst health issues than me to deal with, so all and all life is good, and I have nothing to complain about.

I have to admit I miss the money but I have savings and a small pension and I have to admit I don't miss working. I may wont to do something part time a couple of days a week. but it really nice to not have to worry about work at seventy-one.

Hi gg1man, you have a good attitude. Im 60 and in good health and still working.I really have nothing to complain about. all the best John

I predict the panic will be over just before football season starts. Americans won't stand for THAT being cancelled.