The 2008 B&W Pottery Convention has been canceled.

Hi to all,

We are going to officially pull the plug on Convention. There has been much debate and consideration of the pros and cons, but it boils down to our selfish needs to have the convention vs. the needs of that community. The problems are 1) possibly no water supply or a very limited supply, 2) what will be the possible routes to get there with all the flooding down stream with the closing of roads and interstates 3) a weakened infrastructure with a closed hospital and emergency service greatly compromised etc etc. At this point the hotel is on extreme water conservation with no showers, bottled water only, no washing of laundry or dishes, no ice, no coffee or tea, paper plates and so on.

Even if the roads opened and the water supply improves, the needs for space from the flooded business district is very great. The Cedar Rapids Marriott has allowed the use of their conference rooms for the local business community, and they desparately need the space they have reserved for our convention. I also feel the liability is too great to ask a group of people to come to an area that is in a state of emergency with this natural disaster which they are comparing to Katrina. Why would we want to increase the already huge burden on their limited available resources?

I have talked to several people living in the area, and they agree. As badly as Jim Seeck would like to hold the auction, he concurs as well.

As much as we hate to do it, this is the only action I see that makes the most sense for us and for the community. I could not with clear conscience proceed with the convention.

We explored a few other possibilities for moving the convention, but we failed. At this late date, space is already committed and prices are extremely high. We will be talking to the board about a possible "mini convention" at a later date.

We would like for those of you who have volunteered to make phone calls to do so. Jill has volunteered to contact everyone with an email address as a back-up to the phone calls. Mike Lumm will be updating the website. Please go over these points with the members.

l} The convention is canceled. There is NO need to call the Marriott as long as their reservations were in the club block.

2} Once we pay convention related bills and deduct the cost of commemoratives, refunds will be offered to those who request them. It will be approximately $20 per registration plus $20 for those who paid for Thursday night. Email, write, or call Karen Stone.

3} Commemoratives will be shipped directly from Wyn Painter within the next week or so.

4} Watch the club website for any news before the August newsletter.

5} The Jim Seeck auction of the Ubben collection has been canceled. Watch the Seeck Auctions website for further information.

6} We'll be back in Cedar Rapids next year June 11-13 - God willing and the creek don't rise!

Let us know if you encounter any problems. Thanks for all your support during this- just think about all we have ready for next convention!

Max and Linda

For more information please contact any board member .