Updated May 21, 2021

The Board of Directors has voted to observe the guidance to the Club from the Ottawa County Public Health Department that face masks are no longer required for anyone who is fully vaccinated. Masks are still required for anyone who is not vaccinated. 

Also, we no longer need to restrict room capacity or require contact tracing logging of all visitors to the Club. We do ask everyone to observe common courtesy and respect for those who are not comfortable with close contact with others and may prefer to wear a face mask and keep a safe distance due to health concerns. 

Please refer to Recovery Meetings to review the current restrictions and requirements of everyone attending  Club functions. The Board will review this issue for updates and make changes as necessary. 

After reaching out to an official with the Ottawa County Public Health Department regarding the status of the Club, we received the following guidance:

"The services provided by the Tri-Cities Alano Club are invaluable and unique. While we want to be cautious of in-person meetings right now, the services provided are of such an important and beneficial nature to public health that there are provisions in the State Orders allowing for them to continue.

"Programs are permitted to remain open to provide physical and behavioral health services for residents, including mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services (such as counselling, group programs, peer coaching, and vocational, physical, or occupational therapy). All programs should follow guidance provided by MDHHS specific to their operations and relevant MIOSHA guidance.

"The services provided by Tri-Cities Alano Club fit into these provisions and so the Club is allowed to continue to hold in-person gatherings for its AA meetings and related public services. 

"I have seen the precautions taken by the Club prior to these recent orders, such as maintaining social distancing, keeping records of contacts, and wearing masks. These are terrific measures to take and I’d advise to continue them if the Club chooses to hold in-person meetings. The goal is to keep everyone as healthy as possible."

Please refer to Recovery Meetings to review the restrictions and requirements of everyone attending Club functions. The Board will review this issue at the regular monthly meeting of the Directors  for updates when necessary. Meeting minutes will be published here.

Recently the Board called upon the membership for support since our regular monthly donations have dropped considerably due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Board wishes to express our appreciation and say thank you to the membership for responding promptly and generously. As of our last board meeting (details below), our treasurer reported donations totaling $1,868 from groups and individuals and $450 in new or renewed memberships.

We also received $1,740 in honor of member Allan (Al) Plantenga Sr. who passed away Christmas night. 

As noted in our fundraising appeal, we hope to return to full meetings without restrictions this year and we’re expecting increased attendance and donations. In the meantime, our monthly expenses will continue to come due and we will continue to pay our bills on time without touching the prudent reserve.

For those who are willing to continue their support, there are two ways to send payments:

1. Personal check made payable to “Tri-Cities Alano Club” or “TCAC” sent to P.O. Box 637, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

2. EFT (electronic fund transfer) offered by most if not all financial institutions. Use the club name and address above. If you have any questions, contact your bank/credit union. 

Once again, our sincere thank-you for stepping up and answering the call! 

The Board of Directors

Tri-Cities Alano Club

Jan. 19, 2021