COTILLION Update October 2021
Here is the current update on Boise Cotillion:
Hope you are are doing well, in this continuing difficult period. Thankfully, most schools are back in session and by now most have settled into the new normal of Covid awareness and neccessary protocols. I apologize for the tardiness of this email, as normally the Boise Cotillion invitations would have gone out last week to all Alumni and pre-registered.
Making a decision whether to begin Cotillion in November has been a very difficult choice. My decision to postpone and possibly cancel Boise Cotillion is based on many phone calls, and research regarding the current Covid situation. I have spoken to parents, teachers, health professionals and reviewed current information.
Currently, as of today, the vaccination rate for Ada County is 55% for at least one dose given. The risk factor for Covid in Ada County is considered HIGH.
On Tuesday, October 5th the following was reported:
In an Idaho Department of Health and Welfare media briefing Tuesday, Dr. Kathryn Turner, deputy state epidemiologist and chief of Idaho’s Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention, said the number of children getting infected with COVID-19 “has skyrocketed.”Infections among Idaho children—residents younger than 18—have reached record highs in recent weeks and now account for 20% of all new cases, Turner said. The number is much higher than at this time last year, she said. “While it’s true that the risk of severe illness among children may be rare, the risk is not zero and it’s important to reduce the risk of transmission to children or among children,” she said.
Boise Cotillion teaches social graces and dance in an enclosed ballroom. All information regarding safety and limiting Covid transmission suggests that an indoor large group activity is currently not safe. Though masking and gloves do help, physical distancing is not possible with our program.
This is a very difficult decision, however based on all factors considered I
will not be holding the Inaugural Ball for Boise Cotillion in November. This is very disappointing and hardly what we all had hoped for this Season. Believe me, I would be willing if I felt is was the right thing to do. In schools, which are indoors, protocols can be followed and children are around the same group of kids daily. Cotillion you have children from the greater Boise area. Some have vaccinated parents and grandparents and others do not. In my conscience I could not hold this event and take the risk of holding a "super spreader" event.
My plan is to continue to monitor the risks. If the numbers drop considerably and the schools are finding less Covid transmission we could resume. I will keep you informed and send out a monthly newsletter with the status of holding Cotillion and other news. Invitations and actual Enrollment will commence when it is possible to hold Cotillion. In planning most usually the Cotillion is held the 1st Thursday of the month from November-April. This will of course be adjusted depending on the status of Covid etc.
Thank you for being a part of the Boise Cotillion family. Remember, manners start at home. In this difficult time in history, continue to try to bring joy and family values into your daily life. Thinking of all of you, and your efforts, wishing you the best.
Regards,
Denise Hodges
Owner and Director of Boise Cotillion for 23 years
208 371-7410
boisecotillion@aol.com