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The link provided by the O.P. now DOES work, the GIST OF IT IS, that the York Fairgrounds have been closed until May 10, 2020. For more info...look up "yorkexpo.com/covid19".
The local York stations are already reporting about this story. Heads up EDTCA....!
I made a call to our contact about this and was assured that a formal announcement concerning this Spring's York meet will be decided and made Wednesday or Thursday...stay tuned.
I hope that with the fairgrounds announcing the closure the TCA can get their money back. Theres a lot of dealers who depend on York for sales - what a shame. Maybe it will just be postponed or another show with pop up to take its place.
Meanwhile lets wash our hands, cover our mouths when we cough and stay home and work on our layouts!
M J Breen posted:I hope that with the fairgrounds announcing the closure the TCA can get their money back.
I hope the E.Div-TCA did not pay upfront (even a deposit) for this event, especially since they've had a very, very long business relationship w/ the fairgrounds. New or unfamiliar business relationships might require a partial or percentage reservation fee to "hold" the facility but unless there's a signed written agreement to the contrary (but why would E.Div-TCA agree to those terms?), events cancelled due to Governmental or Health Dept. mandates would typically involve a refund of paid amounts. The Fairgrounds might have business interruption insurance but I doubt the E.Div.TCA would've considered or been able to afford that financial extra.
I think the Eastern Division has to cancel the April York meet. With the CDC recommending that events having more than 50 people be cancelled and the average age of attendees being the most effected age group for COVID-19, this is a no brainer. I as a vendor have made the decision that even if the Eastern Div. decides to proceed with having the meet. I will not be attending, due to the health risks and also the fact that attendance will be way down if anybody goes. It's not worth the expense or health risks to go.
Its no longer Eastern Division's decision to make. It been taken out their hands.
Eddie has already posted the days until the next meet.......maybe.
Pete
Here's hoping that the Eastern Division goes back to the 3-day format for October. That would be awesome.
Pat
From the York Expo Center Website:
March 16, 2020
As many are aware, as of late last week Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf strongly recommended the postponement or cancellation of all non-essential gatherings, as well as social distancing procedures. In accordance with this policy, the York Expo Center will immediately adhere in accordance with this recommendation, and any other mandates created by local, state, or federal government moving forward.
Along with Gov. Tom Wolf’s statement, recently the CDC gave guidelines and recommendations to cancel events with fifty or more people for the next eight weeks. Out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of the health and safety of our community, we are temporarily suspending all events taking place at the York Expo Center until May 10.
At this time, we are still planning for all events after May 10, including the York State Fair July 24 through August 2.
We understand that COVID-19’s effects have been and will be extremely challenging for our entire community and our goal is to work with every event, client, and vendor to accommodate as best as we can at this point. All parties are being contacted, and we will make our best efforts to reschedule booked events.
The safety and well-being of our guests while on our grounds, and our community is our top concern. At this time, we encourage everyone to stay up to date on timely information about COVID-19 released by the CDC, and the PA Department of Health. The York Expo Center and York State Fair will keep its social media as well as websites updated to keep in line with the changes made to keep our community safe.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
See you all in October.....Now be safe; wash your hands; cover your cough; avoid crowds and be prudent until this passes.
Most of all concentrate on CoronaVirus-free activities like running trains, talking trains, and getting those layout projects done....
Peter
I'm really not sure what more needs to be said about the April 2020 meet. It is done, kaput, fini as of earlier today unless the Eastern Division has made arrangements to host the meet at some other facility in some other state (oh. . . wait. . .that won't work either because the surrounding states are in the same position).
I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
The Good Lord willing, I hope to see all you fine folks again in October.
I appreciate this forum, and the decorum it maintains. However, I guess everything isn't quite what it represents. I also appreciate people have the right of their opinion, but sometimes it should be held in check, when it is more antagonistic than beneficial. I am specifically referring to the following statement..... "I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised." (from the Editor In Chief !) I guess Rank Has its Privileges, even if distasteful! I would think he would try to maintain the same standards he tries to impose on others.)
As a heads up, I'm starting to get cancellations of long standing annual events as far out as July 1.
Allan Miller posted:I'm really not sure what more needs to be said about the April 2020 meet. It is done, kaput, fini as of earlier today unless the Eastern Division has made arrangements to host the meet at some other facility in some other state (oh. . . wait. . .that won't work either because the surrounding states are in the same position).
I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
The Good Lord willing, I hope to see all you fine folks again in October.
Allan,
That is a pretty lousy comment.
Craignor posted:Allan Miller posted:I'm really not sure what more needs to be said about the April 2020 meet. It is done, kaput, fini as of earlier today unless the Eastern Division has made arrangements to host the meet at some other facility in some other state (oh. . . wait. . .that won't work either because the surrounding states are in the same position).
I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
The Good Lord willing, I hope to see all you fine folks again in October.
Allan,
That is a pretty lousy comment.
Agreed, Craignor. Everyone should remember that the York meet wouldn't happen if it weren't for an army of volunteers; maybe some staff are paid, but I'd be willing to bet that most are coordinating all the logistics of this large event in their spare time. York is still over a month away, and that should be more than enough time for people to make adjustments. Give 'em a little slack!!
Allan Miller posted:
I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
Had the TCA cancelled they would have lost their deposit surely, this way the responsibility is off them (You could see it coming. . . ) and on the Fairgrounds via the State. The TCA did the right thing to protect their interests.
Let's not second-guess EDTCA. They couldn't possibly have done this in a way that would please everyone.
Put your York money under the mattress, add to it for the next six months, and have a whale of a time in October.
I might be in the minority but I, like Allan Miller, am also disappointed the EDTCA didn't proactively make the decision to cancel York.
However, I also acknowledge the ramifications, both legal and financial of the EDTCA voluntarily making such a decision and I'm guessing the EDTCA is legally responsible to all who've made payments of any type in connection with this show to refund those payments in a timely fashion.
Had to chime in again to highly agree with "Mallard4468"s interesting optimistic outlook...have a whale of a time in October.....and stuff the $$$ under da mattress...I think EDTCA and the world couldn't see this virus coming...
I agree Craig, it was a lousy statement from one at the top. Dave Nichols Eastern Division
If only all of us were on the EDTCA board, we would know all the answers.
I feel confident they did their best to protect all the interests. It is their train show and most of us are outside division guests. Those EDTCA members, certainly have the opportunity to vote out any bad behavior ( part of the way it works in the USA culture).
Still the best train show ever and I appreciate the opportunity, health, and resources to have attended in the past.
Looking forward to the next York whenever it may be
I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
Allan,
Thank you for posting a true statement. And now... back to the AOL boards! LOL!
Ted
York Expo said:
We understand that COVID-19’s effects have been and will be extremely challenging for our entire community and our goal is to work with every event, client, and vendor to accommodate as best as we can at this point. All parties are being contacted, and we will make our best efforts to reschedule booked events.
-------------------------
I don't imagine ED will actually reschedule, given all the logistics of getting the vendors and volunteers together, but a summer York would be intriguing...
Lousy comment, @Allan Miller, but perhaps not surprising since you were just on Facebook the other day talking about flouting an order of the governor of Maryland regarding the cancelled event at Timonium. The "unofficial" show you referenced, people sticking around after being told to leave, was part of the impetus for the decision to further limit the size of group events, just as St. Patrick's events flouting the original order helped lead to that decision.
I see nothing wrong in what Allan Miller stated. Sometimes it takes a swift kick in the butt to move the conversation. It takes a strong person to say what others would not.
David
Some approve; others don't.
Time to move on, please.
Ted Bertiger posted:I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
Allan,
Thank you for posting a true statement. And now... back to the AOL boards! LOL!
Ted
Just like the old AOL Boards ... Allan's on the wrong side again. 
ED TCA has to look at the financial part of the meet. If waiting until the fairgrounds cancels gets them more money back, they have to wait until the fair grounds cancel.
If you like the York Meet, help them along financially. Buy a new badge for the fall meet. Call the spring badge donation. A $15 donation by all who bought a badge will help insure the York Meet's future.
ED officials stated over a week ago, that it would make a decision by the first week of April. I thought that was a prudent decision. In light of the recent directives by PA Governor Tom Wolfe, the York Expo committee announced its compliance, and gave a tentative re open date of May 10th. As stated above, this took onus from ED officials. I'm sure this was considered by ED prior to its decision to decide by April. The dynamics are changing daily as the virus affects more people. It was suggested elsewhere to use some of the money dedicated to York to support small businesses, by ordering your train needs and wants from those sources. Until October!
I understand Allen's sentiments and to be honest I agree with him, that a rapidly as this whole mess has unfolded and given the uncertainty around the whole thing, and given the demographics of TCA, to be honest (age of people going, health issues), the wise course would have been to cancel it sooner.
That said, given what we see in the broader world, and what we have seen on here on the York threads, I suspect that there was a lot of internal tension over this (pure speculation, but groups tend to reflect the broader world. It also is the kind of thing where they would take a lot of criticism over cancelling it from more than a few of their membership. When it comes to an event of any kind, the inertia is favoring keeping it going and the sentiment often is "we need this to get through tough times". York is relative small fry of course (compare that to the Olympics) but it is important to a lot of people so my criticism is tempered, I can understand why they waited.
A week or so ago I posted that I thought the decision by the ED would come after they decided what to do about badge and dealer "refunds". That post was deleted.
rthomps posted:Just like the old AOL Boards ... Allan's on the wrong side again.
Ah, the good old days, huh, RT! 
Putnam Division posted:From the York Expo Center Website:
March 16, 2020
As many are aware, as of late last week Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf strongly recommended the postponement or cancellation of all non-essential gatherings, as well as social distancing procedures. In accordance with this policy, the York Expo Center will immediately adhere in accordance with this recommendation, and any other mandates created by local, state, or federal government moving forward.
Along with Gov. Tom Wolf’s statement, recently the CDC gave guidelines and recommendations to cancel events with fifty or more people for the next eight weeks. Out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of the health and safety of our community, we are temporarily suspending all events taking place at the York Expo Center until May 10.
At this time, we are still planning for all events after May 10, including the York State Fair July 24 through August 2.
We understand that COVID-19’s effects have been and will be extremely challenging for our entire community and our goal is to work with every event, client, and vendor to accommodate as best as we can at this point. All parties are being contacted, and we will make our best efforts to reschedule booked events.
The safety and well-being of our guests while on our grounds, and our community is our top concern. At this time, we encourage everyone to stay up to date on timely information about COVID-19 released by the CDC, and the PA Department of Health. The York Expo Center and York State Fair will keep its social media as well as websites updated to keep in line with the changes made to keep our community safe.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
See you all in October.....Now be safe; wash your hands; cover your cough; avoid crowds and be prudent until this passes.
Most of all concentrate on CoronaVirus-free activities like running trains, talking trains, and getting those layout projects done....
Peter
I plan on keeping my hands clean and everything else. Doctor's orders you know.
Be safe and well all, see you in October.
BlueComet400 posted:Craignor posted:Allan Miller posted:I'm really not sure what more needs to be said about the April 2020 meet. It is done, kaput, fini as of earlier today unless the Eastern Division has made arrangements to host the meet at some other facility in some other state (oh. . . wait. . .that won't work either because the surrounding states are in the same position).
I'm disappointed that the Eastern Division was not proactive in decision-making for the benefit of their division members and the TCA membership in general, but I guess I'm not terribly surprised.
The Good Lord willing, I hope to see all you fine folks again in October.
Allan,
That is a pretty lousy comment.
Agreed, Craignor. Everyone should remember that the York meet wouldn't happen if it weren't for an army of volunteers; maybe some staff are paid, but I'd be willing to bet that most are coordinating all the logistics of this large event in their spare time. York is still over a month away, and that should be more than enough time for people to make adjustments. Give 'em a little slack!!
I disagree - the post of the ED TCA President, which still shows at the top of their home page on their website, shows an acute absence of facts and shortsightedness in light of recent events:
I spoke with my Primary Care Physician regarding the virus and he indicated it is similar to the flu making it primarily a cold weather virus.
-Greg
It would have been impossible for the EDTCA to please everybody, so let's just say that they did their best. I cancelled a Hawaiian Cruise we planned for 4/2, then Mrs. 'Ski and I planned a road trip to Tennessee in May, but are cancelling that because the restaurants will still be closed. Ya gotta go with the flow until this issue resolves itself - complaining and moaning does no good for anyone.
I think that it would be wonderful if the York Expo was available in July or August, and the meet rescheduled for then. BUT, please EDTCA, not between 8/17 and 8/26 - I'll be on a road trip around Iceland then. :>
The flexibility of retirement is great
The TCA sent out a special update email. I can't copy and paste it from my phone, but I imagine someone will be popping it on the announcements shortly.
I would assume that an official announcement is made once the process completes itself. So many things are getting cancelled its hard to keep track of, and all of those organizations are having to sort it out. The Fairgrounds has to contact the ED and give them their options. The ED board will need to discuss and make a final decision, then you'll see an announcement.
Does it really matter when the notice comes? Airlines are allowing no fee re-bookings, the hotels are allowing you to cancel any reservation, including non-refundable ones. At most you're out $16.50 for the badge. Consider it a donation for the good of the hobby.
Life is on hold. All kinds of once in a life time opportunities are being taken from people, and here goes the forum, arguing about who and how the chance to look at junk from other people's basements was taken away.
Let it work itself out, you're not going anywhere anyways. Now, back to your layouts...
Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:The TCA sent out a special update email. I can't copy and paste it from my phone, but I imagine someone will be popping it on the announcements shortly.
Following is the email sent by TCA National to members earlier today (as referenced by Dave):
The impact of the Corona Virus is being felt by all of us. We would like to share several specific impacts involving TCA, with the knowledge that this is an evolving issue for us all.
The National Toy Train Museum and Library, and the National Business Office are currently closed and unstaffed in accordance with government directives.
The anticipated rescheduled reopening of the Museum on April 18 is likely to be changed further. The Open House in Strasburg may be impacted.
Anything that is sent by US Mail to our Strasburg Headquarters will be periodically collected, but staff are not available to perform usual processing and responding.
We encourage any membership renewals that may be due to be done online at traincollectors.org, as these will automatically be updated in our system. Any manual processing of payments, any inquiries of any nature, and the mailing of member cards or other things, will be delayed.
Incoming email is being received, but responses and required action will be delayed until staff are available.
Members have heard that the York Fairgrounds, the site of the Eastern Division's York Meet, is closed. Look for additional information we will share by a follow-up email later this week, once it is received from the Division.
Many Division and Chapter events have been canceled or changed. It is our hope to be able to share this information, but the current situation is restricting our ability. Please check with the contact persons or Division leadership of a particular meet. These contacts can be found by going to http://www.tcamembers.org/newsandevents/meets.shtml and viewing the PDF. If we are able to update the list itself, we will, but for now please assume that any event must be verified before you go.
Some print publications traditionally sent to members may be delayed.
The Spring TCA e*Train is now being assembled, and you will be advised when it is ready online for viewing.
We encourage members who want to participate in our Buy-Sell service to directly list their information at tcabuysell.org, as submissions submitted by US Mail will be delayed in getting entered.
Our websites are operating normally, and we encourage you to watch them for any updates. We will also provide update emails such as this one when information is available.
The Toy Train Mailing List (TCA discussion group) is active at https://groups.io/g/toytrains, and is an excellent way to continue your toy train discussions.
The National TCA Voting continues on schedule. Please mail your ballot in, or if you opted to vote online, do it that way in response to your emailed ballot link.
If you need to contact TCA National Headquarters for an emergency situation, write to manager@traincollectors.org. Any incoming information or requests will be subject to prioritizing in light of our currently limited resources. This address is not able to replace routine operations. We thank our valued members for understanding this shared challenge, and hope that members, our staff, and people everywhere will remain healthy and be prepared to regain normal life once this challenge is overcome.
@Allan Miller, thanks, it would have been quite a while for me to repost as my phone would have given me about 25 minutes of trouble to copy and paste(if I did manage to get that working). 
Many of you jumped on Allen, but I believe he was right to criticize the Eastern Division. It doesn't take a brain trust to figure out that it shouldn't host an event that is mainly made up of seniors when there is a very contagious virus that is deadly to seniors.
Leadership comes in all forms some good some bad.
A good leader will step-up to the plate and do what is necessary for the good of ALL not what is in the best interest of himself or the organization he leads. After you've secured the safety of your members/attendees then you go back and work out the details.
I understand the issue of costs / deposits very well when it comes to dealing with a rental of a hall or a facility. A well written contract doesn't hold the renter to responsible if there are circumstances well beyond its control, i.e. Acts of God, War, etc.
I also believe the State wouldn't be so uncooperative with the Eastern Division since they've had a strong business relationship for decades. They know the story so it wouldn't have been an issue.
Actually I'm looking at feasibility of having to cancel activities until August 1st. As this thing isn't going to blow over that quickly. We may still need to be cautious after the number of outbreaks peak and begin to subside.
