Weekly News and Announcements
November 1, 2006

ANNOUNCEMENT: WINTER ERGING PROGRAM

General: AARC will run a Winter Erg Training Program again this off-season. Sessions will be held at the Boathouse (BH), which is unheated; dress warmly (layers), and bring water. Erg training is more fun with a group: we have structured workouts which we do together, motivate each other, test together, and improve together. Please note: Use of the ergs at the BH in winter requires fees, which go to BH utility costs, erg maintenance, purchase of an erg for the club each year, coaching, and Club overhead. It is a great workout, and program participants last year say it was well worth the cost and it prepared them well for the season.

What: The plan is to learn (or re-learn) how to use the erg as a fitness and training tool for rowing. Each night will have a workout which is part of a development program that will run throughout the winter. The workouts will be developed by the AARC coaches. Over the course of the winter workouts will increase in duration and intensity; they are intended to be demanding, and periodic progress testing will be held. Some sessions will be supervised by AARC coaches. They will instruct in proper technique, explain and lead workouts, and otherwise motivate us to improve. If you do this program, and take it seriously, your fitness level will improve and you will gain a deeper understanding of some basic elements of on-water rowing (slide control, ratio, power application, to name a few). The weekly and daily workouts will also be posted on the AARC website for individuals wishing to work out on their own.

When: The program will formally start the week after Thanksgiving, Monday, November 27 and run through March of next year. Practices will run Monday-Friday from 6 to 7 PM, and Sundays from 4 to 5 PM (the Sunday time can change if participants agree). If specific interest warrants we can schedule additional weekday evening or weekend sessions.

We hope that individuals will commit ahead of time to at least two sessions per week. Last year we had two committed groups who worked out for most of the four-month period; one on MWF and the other TTHSu; many participants did three per week. If there is sufficient interest we may be able to develop separate workout plans and schedule times for the "committed groups" and for other drop-in participants so as to meet the needs of both groups.

Since we have limited equipment (14 ergs), this program will be run with a sign-up process for the committed groups; drop-ins cannot be guaranteed a seat with the committed groups, and the shorter workout time precludes switchouts. The sign-ups will generally run one month at a time with weekly updates. A drop-in process will be developed and communicated as we proceed and gather a better idea of how many committed seats we have each week and session.

We all understand that we will have times we cannot make it, and may even be out of town for a week or two. We did, however, have some very fun Holiday rows (Thanksgiving morning, Dec 23, and New Year's Eve) for the very hardy and the very odd.

Cost: The cost for individuals commiting to three workouts per week is $35 per four week period. The cost for commiting to two workouts per week is $25 per four-week period. Pro-ration of weeks will be at $10 per week for either 2 or three workouts per week. The cost for a single night drop-in will be $5. New members must also pay a pro-rated annual membership fee of $10.

If members are interested in participating in this program, or have any questions, please contact Mike Taft at yazbo822@comcast.net. I would like to hear from members as to whether they would be interested in being part of a committed group or a drop-in participant. I also want to hear from members who have thoughts on workout structure, session times and scheduling. This is not a specific sign-up call. More details will be forthcoming in the next two weeks.

ERGING IN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS

The boathouse will be open from 6-7 PM for the next three weeks (starting Monday November 6) for drop-in erging on M, Tu, W and TH for anyone wishing to get a head-start on the winter erging program, or otherwise not wishing to squander all that good fitness they acquired over the last several months. Novices or beginners please contact Mike Taft at yazbo822@comcast.net, who will set up a specific date or two to do an erg introduction session during this period (basic technique, use of the monitor, etc.).

CALL FOR INTEREST FOR SWEEP PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVES

AARC Sweep rowing programs -- BSD, OPEN and ITP -- need representation and leadership. We are searching for members to act as program managers for these programs for 2007. Program managers will be active in designing program content, act as the eyes and ears for program members and the board, take a lead role in program operations, and generally act as a champion for the program. Managers will interact with program coaches as necessary and will report to Kate Herrington, board member in charge of Sweep rowing. We need your help and now is the time for input. If you are interested or have any questions you can contact Kate Herrington nurseless1@comcast.net. An initial meeting is planned for Monday, November 6, at her home.

CALL FOR ERGS TO USE AT THE BOATHOUSE

The Club MAY need additional ergs to use as part of its winter training program. The ergs will be stored and used at the boathouse, and the Club will conduct regular maintenance servicing. Any member wishing to allow the Club to use their erg for the indoor season, please contact Mike Taft at yazbo822@comcast.net. The Club will pay a rental fee.

AARC RESULTS AT THE HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA

AARC was well represented in Boston October 21st & 22nd for the annual Head of the Charles Regatta with many current/former rowers & coaches participating. The bright blue, sunny skies and fall foliage provided an awesome venue for this annual rowing festival (literally a festival!). "Go Blue" and "Go Ann Arbor" were often heard phrases from both shore and bridges, supporting the rowing efforts of our team mates. Congratulations to all for the great accomplishments on the Charles!

Event #3: Men's Senior Masters 1x
31st -- Andrew Whelan 22:21.027

Event #6: Senior Masters Women's 8+
5th -- Pat Shumate with Masters Coaching 20:56.746

Event #14: Women's Club 8+
22nd -- Nora Waite with Boulder Community Rowing 20:02.702

Event #20: Women's Masters 8+
12th -- AARC: Katie Peretick (cox), Laura Eckenrod, Michelle Nemshak, Kate Herrington, Jen Shifferd, Janet Goldberg, Barb Kraft, Sarah Marsh, Robin Schultz-Purves 19:59.588

Event #25: Men's Championship 1x
7th -- Mike Perry 19:17.088

Event #32: Women's Masters 1x
15th -- Pam Besteman 23:56.547

Event #39: Men's Club 1x
14th -- Kevin Alschuler 20:03.761
20th -- Brian Bartek 20:19.200

Event #40: Women's Club 1x
24th -- Annie Hiniker 23:06.592

Event #43: Men's Lightweight 1x
8th -- Brian Tryon 18:48.402

Event #50: Women's Championship 4+
2nd - London Training Center (Cristin McCarty in 2 seat) 17:59.401 (Finishing 1 second behind University of British Columbia!)

Of special note: Kevin Alschuler, Mike Perry, Brian Bartek and Brian Tryon all finished within the coveted 5% of their event's respective winning time--this earns them all an automatic entry into next year's HOCR. Pat Shumate and Cristin McCarty's boats also fell into that category. Congratulations & well done!

For complete results from HOCR '06 and/or to see your favorite rower in action, check out the official website www.hocr.org where you will find a quick link to results or navigate to photos under the "shop" link.

FINAL RACING LINE-UPS OF THE SEASON ATTACHED

If you're curious how line-ups are looking as we round out fall rowing, take a look at our final competitive boats of the season--this Sunday's line-ups for our final regatta of the season, the American Heritage River Fall Classic (we just call it "Wyandotte") are attached. Thanks for another lively regatta season.

AARC NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING

The November AARC board meeting will be on Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30 PM, in the DTE Community Room, 425 Main St. Please notify either me (triciam@umich.edu) or Sarah (marsh.sk@gmail.com) if you would like to attend and if you have an item that you would like to place on the agenda.

A tentative agenda is attached for your review. Items for discussion include the 2007 Youth Rowing program and beginning the steps to plan for 2007. If you have additional items you would like to see on the agenda, please contact Margaret ( mlhudson17@gmail.com ) by 5pm Friday Nov 3.

Tricia Miranda
Secretary, AARC

SAVE THE DATE: AARC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Please mark Wednesday, November 29th on your calendar as this is the first AARC General Membership meeting. All members are strongly encouraged to attend to provide feedback on the past season, offer suggestions for future planning and for a general information/open forum. Further details and complete agenda to follow in an email soon.

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO BUY A TICKET FOR THE END OF THE YEAR BRUCH! DON'T MISS OUT!

Save the date for the End of the Year Brunch! This event will take place on Sunday November 12, from 12:00 noon - 2:00. Tickets are $15.00. Please RSVP to rachelandrianna@hotmail.com by no later than Nov. 7th. Tickets will be available at the door for a cost of $20.00, however the caterer will not have you accounted for. Please send checks to the AARC PO Box at PO Box 3128, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Rachel Cox will also be available at the boathouse to take cash or checks. This is a first class event complete with Mimosas and spiked cider. Plenty of vegetarian options will be available and lots of mouth watering brunch food. Please feel free to bring additional wine to this event.

Still looking for a few more volunteers to help clean up after the event. Please contact rachelandrianna@hotmail.com if you would like to help out. Thanks to all of those who have already volunteered.

If you have any memorable AARC moments that you would like to share at the brunch we would love to hear your story.

Please be sure to send your check if you haven't done so already. I'll be at the boathouse today and Friday, you can always pay than or put your check in an envelope and post it to the bulletin board.

Directions to the Ladies Literary Club, 218 N. Washington Street, Ypsilanti:

• Take 94 to the Huron St. Exit / Exit 183 toward downtown Ypsilanti
• Left on Huron Street
• Left on Washtenaw Ave
• Right onto Washington Street
• There is a parking lot in the back of the Ladies Literary Club.
• If you're coming from Ann Arbor, you can also take Washtenaw Ave all the way into Ypsilanti to Washington Street

FALL WORK PARTY DATE SET: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

All on hands on deck for the fall work party. We have boats to clean and derig, a boathouse to prep for the winter, and general park stewardship to maintain (read: picking up trash) so please mark your calendar and plan to attend our fall work party on Saturday November 11 from 9 am - 1 pm. Jerry and his assistant, Ellie, promise to provide fun tasks for all! As they say, many hands make light work, so come on down for one last hurrah this season.

WATERROWER FOR SALE

WaterRower Natural in Oak Stained Ash with S4 monitor. Model can be viewed at www.waterrower.org. Sells new for $1095. Bought one year ago. Willing to sell for $750. If interested, call 517-449-7050.

TYPICAL FALL COACHING SCHEDULE

Sunday p.m. (4:30-6 p.m.): Jodi
Monday p.m.: Cristin or Adam, Crystal
Tuesday p.m.: Kevin, Cristin
Wednesday p.m.: Cristin , Adam
Thursday p.m.: Cristin, Adam
Friday p.m.: Cristin

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 5: American Heritage River Fall Classic Regatta, Wyandotte
Sunday, November 5: Last Day of the Fall Season
Tuesday, November 7: AARC Board Meeting (6:30pm, 425 S. Main St.)
Saturday, November 11: Fall Work Party (9am - 1pm)
Sunday, November 12: End of the Year Party (12-2pm, Ladies Literary Club, 218 N. Washington Street, Ypsilanti)
Wednesday, November 29: General Membership Meeting (time and location TBA)
Tuesday, December 5: AARC Board Meeting (6:30pm, 425 S. Main St.)

ITEMS FOR THE WEEKLY NEWS

To submit items for inclusion in the Weekly News, please email Will Mackintosh at wmackintosh@gmail.com by Wednesday morning at 9 AM. Please include the words "weekly email" or "weekly news" in the subject line.

This email is available online every week at http://www.a2crew.com/news. Previous weekly emails are also available online at http://www.a2crew.com/news/archive.html.

To be removed from the aarc-active@umich.edu email list, please email Margaret at mlhudson17@gmail.com - you will not receive coxing emails, Weekly Emails, or any other club correspondence.

As always, if you have questions, comments or suggestions, please direct them to aarc-info@umich.edu and we will respond in a timely fashion.