Weekly News and Announcements
April 4, 2007

SWEEP ROWING SEASON BEGINS MONDAY APRIL 9th!

Opening day for the 2007 season is almost upon us. Next Monday, April 9th, is the big day! At all practices for the month of April, programs will be mixed. Start times M-F 5:30 am & 6:30 pm, Saturday 8 am-remember, rowers must be signed in and on site 5 minutes prior to the start of practice to be boated. Please arrive early this first week (read: more than five minutes before) to sign in, meet the coaches and new rowers and get ready to hit the water. Here we go!

Register: We're excited to see you on the water, but don't forget that you MUST be registered if you want to row next week! With our very flexible month-to-month payment option, introduced last year, it's very easy to register, even if you don't know what your entire spring/summer schedule will be. A list of registered rowers will be printed each day during the first week of the season (April 9-15) at 5pm. If your name doesn't appear as a registered rower at that time, you may NOT row that evening. After the first week of the season, lists of registered rowers will be generated on Mondays at 5pm. If your name does not appear on the list you MUST bring a printed confirmation of your registration to the boathouse in order to row that evening until your name appears on the next week's print out of rowers. Please help yourself and us out by registering online today! You will find tons of information about the new season on www.a2crew.com, so check it out. Questions or concerns about payment or registration? Email Peggy Herron, PHerron@a2crew.com.

Morning Rowing: Let's get organized! As a reminder, the month of April is mixed rowing on all days, mornings and evenings. Program-specific rowing begins in May. Morning rows are set boats only-this is for coordination of practice and to insure that we meet the requirements to row in the dark. Please contact Robin Schultz-Purves, the Morning Assistant Program Manager, if you wish to participate in morning practice. She will be organizing rowers into boats initially. Let Robin know, via email robinsp@umich.edu , what days you will attend and side you row. Interest for the week is due to Robin by the preceding Friday afternoon. (read: for Monday the 9th, due date is Friday the 6th) Morning rowing will start Monday April 9.

Saturday Rowing: The time for the Saturday morning practice has been set for 8 to 9:30 AM. We'll see how this time slot works. Come join us. The first Saturday session will be April 14.

Club Scullers: We'll let you know when the water and air temperature are high enough that you can scull safely; we anticipate that to be sometime in early May. Until then, the club-owned sculling boats will not be rigged.

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Welcome Back Everyone!!! For those of you who don't know me I am taking over for Kevin Alschuler as the Director of Sweep Rowing. I coached for the Ann Arbor Rowing Club last year in the youth, open, and ITP programs and I look forward to moving the club forward in my new capacity. I was very pleased with the performance of the club last season and I hope we can build upon that success. I hope that we can continue to build the technical proficiency, fitness level, and competitiveness of all our members as we continue to assert ourselves on a both a regional and national level. Additionally, I look forward to the friendly social atmosphere that has made Ann Arbor Rowing Club one of the most popular clubs in southeastern Michigan. Again, welcome back and I hope to see all of you at the boathouse and on the river.

Bill Bergeson-Lockwood

PASSION OF THE ROW...LTR 'O7 RECRUITMENT

Without a doubt the largest percent of people we get registering for Learn-to-Row do so because they knew someone who had a great time rowing. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to pass on your passion. LTR sessions are posted and starting to fill, but there's still space for your loved ones and co-workers to get into a class and onto the river. Why are you hiding it from them? Start a conversation, flex your muscles, and share your regatta stories. Do whatever it takes to turn people on to the goodness that is LTR. Informational flier for posting is attached.

The first round of LTR classes begins April 16 and April 17 and run either M/W/F, or T/Th/Sa. Enrollment is looking good for LTR 1, and there is plenty of room still available in LTR 2. Subsequent sessions remain wide open.

Filling LTR classes is important to the club for a few reasons. They serve as fundraisers, contributing to our operating costs and helping us keep other fees as low as we can. They also are the future of the club, developing new potential members to sustain and grow our membership. Also, whether or not LTR participants continue with the club, the classes are an extended opportunity for community members to learn about the sport and about AARC - always a good thing.

Bottom line: We all benefit from full LTR classes. So, do your part and mention LTR to a person or two today! There is a flier attached - please print it and post it around where ever you go... the YMCA, a coffee shop, REI, your office, etc. Carry a few around and post them where you see other things posted. Most importantly, just talk about LTR to people you know-share your energy and passion for this great sport!

Questions? kristischrader@gmail.com

ARE YOU AN "OFFICIAL" LAUNCH DRIVER?

One of the big safety changes for the 2007 season will be the certification (read: completion of training and demonstrated proficiency) of all AARC launch drivers-this includes coaches and those who plan to act as a safety launch. Changes to our dark rowing practice will require a safety launch for any practice that occurs in the dark. This is in the interest for safety of rowers and equipment. To make the certification transition & to support dark rowing, we are beginning to compile all those coaches and AARC members who have completed launch driver training in the past. Plans are in place to "grandfather" most to the approved list and we will be offering training classes during the season as well.

Please email Michelle Nemshak  if you are an approved launch driver and if you have any further questions.

CAMP TIME! LOCAL OFFERING FOR SCULLERS!

A local sculling camp is being offered by the Detroit Boat Club and the Ecorse Boat Club. The camp will be taught by the All-American Rowing Camp, LLC on May 11th thru May 13th at Stony Creek Metropark. The cost is $275. As of Sunday, they have filled six of the twelve positions, so if you are interested, act quickly. Complete information, including registration form, is attached.

KUDOS

Thanks for a successful spring work party! While most work was accomplished, some boats still need to be rigged, so please come early to our first practice to help get this done. A special thanks to those members who showed up to help this past Saturday: Adam H., Barb K., Janet G., Robin S.-P., Peggy H., Carly G., Karen B., Karen G., Jen S., Sarah M., Tricia M., Mino Y., Mike T., Tom K., Mark H., Jerry H., Catherine D.-F., Lahti L., Michelle N., Jenny M., Steve G. and Maren G. A super special thanks to Jerry for organizing the clean up effort! If you weren't able to make this one, fear not, your next opportunity will be on July 14, so mark your calendars now!

APRIL BOARD MEETING

The April AARC Board meeting will be held on Tuesday April 17 at 6:30pm in the DTE Community Room, 425 Main St. Please notify either me ( tricia.miranda@gmail.com) or Margaret ( mlhudson17@gmail.com) if you would like to attend and/or if you have an item that you would like to place on the agenda. --Tricia Miranda, Secretary

AARC MERCHANDISE -- INVENTORY CLOSE-OUT SALE!

We're doing spring cleaning of AARC merchandise, and there are some nice deals. Sweatshirts with embroidered club logo are now $18, reduced from $30. Regatta Sport racing shorts are $20, and puddle t-shirts are $5. Tote bags and bandanas are free! To check out the full range of items and reduced prices and place orders, go to: http://www.a2crew.com/merch.html

2007 PRE-PAY SWEEP REGATTA FEES

All AARC members are expected to pay for regatta fees prior to racing in a regatta. If AARC member does not pay fees until day of, a surcharge of $10.00 will be placed on total regatta fee. If AARC member does not pay by day of race, member does not race.

NEW in 2007: AARC Members have an opportunity to pre-pay upfront a one time payment for all local sweep rowing regatta fees through SPORG. A member can choose to pre-pay for the following:

• Participate in Local Sprint Sweep events ($49.00 local regatta fee) 
• Participate in Local Head Race Sweep events ($51.00 local regatta fee)
• Participate in Local sprints Sweep events + Local Head Race Sweep events ($100.00 local regatta fee

This pre-paid regatta fee would allow a member to: 

• Participate in all local regattas (listed below)
• Race in as many sweep events as desired at local regatta

 This is a non-refundable payment. 

NEEDED...ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGERS

With opening day right around the corner, AARC is looking for members who are interested in helping the BSD, Open and ITP programs to run smoothly. You will need to row at least twice weekly so that your face is familiar to the members in your program and visa versa. Extra attendance is not necessary.

Here is some of what an assistant program manager will do:

• Recognize and welcome new rowers to the club and to the program--greet them and introduce them to other rowers. 
• Show new rowers how everything works-the name magnets, the row/cox sheet, setting up and tearing down launches, location of the first aid kit, etc. 
• Serve as a liaison to the coaches--bring issues forward as necessary 
• Help organize the specific program and keep rowers aware of events--this may include announcing upcoming events, assisting with regatta signup and organizing rowers for volunteer tasks. 
• Attend periodic meetings (monthly) with other assistant managers--it's good to spend a small amount of time to review what we're doing, what's working and what's not and make sure we're all aware of upcoming events. 

In general, we need help to make sure that all programs run smoothly, we need facilitators and advocates for your rowers and your programs. Please e-mail Kate Herrington if you are interested in being an assistant program manager.

2007 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Registration for AARC 2007 programs is now open! We've been working hard to get the AARC website (www.a2crew.com) and registration forms updated for 2007. Be sure to take some time to read through program descriptions on the website so you are informed about changes. Some highlights:

• During April, we're all in the same boat! There will be no specific program distinction (e.g., Open, ITP) as we start the season. We'll all be working to get off the winter rust and get back into the swing of things together for the first month. The Open and ITP programs will begin in May. 
• Sweep program days have changed! Beginning in May, program-focused practices this year will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; mixed practices will take place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 
• Our weekend sweep practice will now be on Saturday morning (time TBD) instead of Sunday afternoon. 
• There's a new one-time option to pre-pay for regatta fees while paying your membership fee (see http://www.a2crew.com/regattas.html for more info). 
• A weekend coached sculling practice will be held May-September. In addition, during the summer (June-Aug), a second weekday (TBD) coached sculling practice will be added! 
• Our LTR class is now a 4 week class ( http://www.a2crew.com/programs/ltr.html ), with an option for 2 additional weeks of applied rowing that will help novices transition from LTR to BSD. 

In addition, look through the calendar included at the end of this email; many important dates for this rowing season are set--including membership meetings and regattas. More dates will be added as events arise! This off-season has been incredibly busy for the Board and Program Leaders and we are excited to get this season off to a great start. I look forward to seeing you all on the water starting April 9! Margaret Hudson President, AARC

HELP FIND SPONSORS FOR MCI (OR BECOME A SPONSOR YOURSELF!)

Yep, we're already looking for sponsors! Why so early? Because this year there is a chance to sponsor a cup race, which affects the day's schedule. Have a connection with a business in the Ann Arbor area? Want to become a sponsor yourself this year? We have many opportunities! Help find a sponsor today, with options starting as low as $15. This year, event proceeds earned beyond what's needed to contribute to club overhead expenses will support the club's general scholarship fund, helping us to fulfill our mission of providing an affordable rowing experience. See the attached sponsorship letter if you'd like to approach an area business that you think would be a great sponsor (but please let Tricia know who you're contacting so we don't overload the same business with requests). Questions? Want to become a sponsor? Email tricia.miranda@gmail.com.

LTR COACHING

Thanks to everyone who contacted me about teaching a LTR this year. Spaces are filling up, but there are still a couple of spots available. If you have taught LTR before, or would like to know if you're a candidate please contact Kristin Schrader at kristischrader@gmail.com as soon as possible.

HAVE A JOB YOU'D LIKE TO GET TAKEN CARE OF?

Have a rower do it! Rowers are available for morning shifts (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon) and afternoon shifts (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 30th, May 1st and 2nd for the annual rent-a-rower fundraiser. Please contact the Michigan Men's Rowing Team Vice President to schedule a shift via email (preferred) at rent-a-rower@umich.edu or call (734) 615-5453. Be sure to specify the DATE, SHIFT (AM, PM, or ALL DAY), and the NUMBER OF ROWERS you are requesting, along with your name, address, and phone number. Job slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. I will return your call/email on April 20th to confirm your job.

**Special note-this year we will be running Rent-a-Rowers on a somewhat continual basis throughout the months of April and May. Services requested on dates other than these listed above will be available on a very limited basis due to our racing and training schedule. However, if you do need help before these dates, contact us and let us know.

CLUB CALENDAR

April 9: 2007 Rowing Season Begins
April 16: Learn to Row 1 Begins
April 17: Learn to Row 2 Begins
April 17: Board of Directors Meeting, 6:30pm, Location TBD
April 22: Quick Catch 1
April 30: Pizza social after practice
May 7: Learn to Row 3 Begins
May 8: Learn to Row 4 Begins
May 8: Board of Directors Meeting , 6:30pm, Location TBD
May 12: Quick Catch 2
May 19: National Learn to Row Day
May 29: Learn to Row 6 Begins
May 30: Learn to Row 5 Begins
June 2& 3: Learn to Scull 1
June 3: Quick Catch 3
June 5: Pizza social after practice
June 12: Board of Directors Meeting , 6:30pm, Location TBD
June 16: Midwest Masters Sprints Regatta, Columbus , OH
June 16: Quick Catch 4
June 16 & 17: Learn to Scull 2
June 18: Youth Learn to Row 1 Begins
June 18: Learn to Row 7 Begins
June 19: Learn to Row 8 Begins
June 23 & 24: Learn to Scull 3
June 23: Detroit Boat Club Crew Regatta
June 25: Youth Rowing Begins
June 29: General Membership Meeting and Club BBQ at the boathouse
July 7: Grand Regatta, Grand Rapids, MI
July 10: Board of Directors Meeting , 6:30pm, Location TBD
July 14: Boathouse/Park Clean-Up
July 14 & 15: Learn to Scull 4
July 16: Pizza social after practice
July 19: Youth Learn to Row 2 Begins
July 19: MCI Lane Draw Party, Location TBD
July 21: Michigan Club Invitational Regatta, Ann Arbor, MI (*Note: No coached practice*)
July 27: AARC Club BBQ
July 28 & 29: Learn to Scull 5
July 28-29:USRowing Midwest Masters Regionals
Aug 7-12: Royal Canadian Henley, St. Catharine's , Ontario
Aug 9-12: USRowing Masters Nationals, Tennessee
Aug 14: Board of Directors Meeting , 6:30pm, Location TBD
Aug 24: Annual Membership Meeting, Elections & Club BBQ at the boathouse
Sept 11: Board of Directors Meeting , 6:30pm, Location TBD
September 29: Frogtown Regatta, Toledo, OH
October 9: Board of Directors Meeting , 6:30pm, Location TBD
Oct 20-21: Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston , MA
Oct 27: Speakmon Memorial Regatta, Columbus , OH
Nov 4: Wyandotte Regatta, Wyandotte, MI
Nov 4: End of 2007 Rowing Season
Nov 10: End of season boathouse clean-up
Nov 11: General Membership Meeting and End of Season Party, Location TBD
Nov 13: Board of Directors Meeting, final meeting for current board, 6:30pm, Location TBD

See the Club calendar online: www.google.com/calendar (search AARC)

ITEMS FOR THE WEEKLY NEWS

The AARC newsletter is the primary and preferred way to contact the membership and is published weekly during the rowing season (April-November) and bi-weekly in the off season (December-March). 

Please forward announcements, questions, or any other communications to the editor, and your entry will be included in the next edition. To submit items for inclusion in the Weekly News, please email Michelle Nemshak mnemshak@a2crew.com by 8pm on Tuesday evening. Please include the words "AARC News" in the subject line.

 In addition to email distribution, the AARC News is available online every week at www.a2crew.com/news . Previous AARC News 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.