For the second time in four months, our county judge has issued a shelter-at-home order, as Hidalgo County reels from the devastating impact of Covid-19. Perhaps you’ve read about this in the New York Times, or have seen it on CNN, Fox, CBS and MSNBC. Thankfully, all of us and our immediate families are safe and well, although two staff members have suffered fatalities in their extended families.
Visitors and income are few and far between, since March. We know many of our members are suffering and we can relate. We understand how grief and loss, fear and uncertainty can make life difficult… In the past, we took comfort in being a place of respite, of discovery and joy for those seeking to escape the stress and unpleasantries of life, but we’re barely able to function in that way for our members, given current circumstances.
For at least the next two weeks the center will be closed to the public in compliance with the county order, even though the order is voluntary and cannot be enforced because Texas’ Governor Abbott has prohibited it. Still, it is right for us to stand in solidarity with Science, for the health and safety of our community.
Staff will come in to make sure the sprinklers are working and to transport Spike to and from his daily veterinary appointment. Also, we’ll be battening down the hatches for the tropical storm that may be forming in the Gulf of Mexico, and may be arriving on our shores this weekend. If not this one, there is another, more organized one on its heels.
We’re also using this time to overhaul our educational exhibits for the families and visitors that will come again, although there will be no school field trips for the 2020-2021 school year. And to prepare for our next hearing date, August 5, against the Fisher-Neuhaus-We Build the Wall disaster-in the-making. You may have seen coverage of this mess in Propublica or on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
If you have registered for the Texas Butterfly Festival, look for email in the near future. We had 57 pre-register for this very special event, and intend to limit participation to 70-75 attendees, plus staff and guides—if Hidalgo County and Texas can get their act together. If not, we will be issuing refunds and postponing the festival in 2021. A waiting list has been started for those optimistic enough to dream of chasing butterflies November 1, in Mission.
During these meager times, we ask that you remember this place, your project, if possible. We welcome calls, emails and Facebook messages because we want to know that you are well and safe, too.
And last, but not least, please renew your membership or make a “love” donation to help keep us afloat, caring for Spike as he recovers from the fire, and fighting the atrocities of the president’s proxies in court.
