DECEMBER 2020
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
Well, I never thought the comment “I wouldn’t touch them with a six-foot pole” would become national policy, but here we are!
Michigan has extended the Stay-at-Home Health Department Emergency Order until December 20, 2020. This extension means that we need to cancel classes once again. From today, 12/9/20 until 1/2/21, the Michigan Folk School will be closed for classes. We will be in the office one day a week on Wednesday mornings from 9am-12pm. We all need to recharge; following the national and international events is important but doing it nonstop can lead to burnout and, eventually, apathy. The world’s always much grimmer when we’re exhausted. Thus, our suggestion for this holiday season is too slow down, take some quality time with family, brew a steaming mug of hot chocolate, sit down with a good book, hike that trail you always wanted to hike, and generally recharge your batteries. Next year, is going to be a momentous year and it is best to rest and recharge before the wheels of possibilities start turning once again! In appreciation and on behalf of everyone at the Michigan Folk School, we hope to see you very soon. Until then smile big (a smile is the best contagion), get crafty, and Find Your Flow! Jason Gold The Michigan Folk School, 501c3 E: registrar@MiFolkSchool.com On the Grounds of Staebler Farm County Park 7734 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 |
November 2020
COVID Update
COVID Update
As you very well know, every day has been a new challenge in this global fight against COVID-19. In agreement with Michigan’s new Three-Week Health Department Emergency Order, and in cooperation with Washtenaw Community College and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, MFS has canceled all in-person workshops from Wednesday, November 18, 2020, until Wednesday, December 9, 2020.
We recognize the impact that this cancellation has on you and we're truly sorry. We do believe in the power of craft to build community, and we know that community is needed more than ever in times like these. However, protecting the health of our students, instructors, and staff is our highest concern. With 95% of our annual income coming from courses, this cancellation represents a financial impact to the Michigan Folk School. If you are able, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider one of the following remedies:
In appreciation and on behalf of everyone at the Michigan Folk School, we hope to see you very soon. Until then smile big (a smile is the best contagion), get crafty, and Find Your Flow!
Jason Gold
The Michigan Folk School, 501c3
We recognize the impact that this cancellation has on you and we're truly sorry. We do believe in the power of craft to build community, and we know that community is needed more than ever in times like these. However, protecting the health of our students, instructors, and staff is our highest concern. With 95% of our annual income coming from courses, this cancellation represents a financial impact to the Michigan Folk School. If you are able, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider one of the following remedies:
- You could take your refund in the form of a gift certificate to apply towards future coursework,
- Or, you could donate all, or a portion, of your refund to sustain our mission of enriching lives and building community. And if not, we get it! These are hard times for all, and we'll make it through together.
In appreciation and on behalf of everyone at the Michigan Folk School, we hope to see you very soon. Until then smile big (a smile is the best contagion), get crafty, and Find Your Flow!
Jason Gold
The Michigan Folk School, 501c3
COVID-19 Measures
Student Count
The first change is that the student count for each class in June and early July will be reduced by half to enable greater social distancing. Classes that normally host 10 students will be halved to 5 students, 6 students to 3 students and, so on. Class Scheduling We are actively working on a 2020 summer schedule. Each week we will post more classes and open for enrollment for these classes. In June and early July, the number of classes will be limited. As we receive good news data, we will add more classes. Studio Use At this time we have suspended studio days (rent the physical space to work on a personal project). We expect these to resume in the fall. Blacksmithing classes will occur in our indoor blacksmithing studio equip with an exhaust system. Studio classes will occur both inside the studio building (less then 10 people in 675 sq ft) and right outside the building under a tent with access to the building for bathroom. Children’s Classes and Workshops Since 2012, we have hosted a few children’s classes in the folk crafts of woodworking, leather smithing, cob building, and blacksmithing. We are planning to offer more classes in late July/early August for kids ages 9-17. From blacksmithing to papermaking, these classes will be a way for kids to receive a high-quality folk education. Please look for this new schedule by the end of June. Participation Requirements We are taking several conservative precautions in order to allow everyone to enjoy their experience and stay safe. As good news data keeps coming to light we will begin to ease some of these requirements as it is easier to remove restrictions then add them. Therefore, ALL of the following precautions are mandatory:
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