Recent Team Emails

• Thursday July 15, 2010
• Tuesday June 8, 2010
• Thursday May 27, 2010
• Thursday May 20, 2010
• Friday May 14, 2010
• Wednesday May 12, 2010
• Wednesday May 5, 2010
• Thursday April 22, 2010
• Wednesday April 7, 2010
• Thursday April 1, 2010
• Wednesday March 24, 2010
• Thursday March 18, 2010
• Monday March 15, 2010
• Thursday March 4, 2010
• Wednesday February 24, 2010

Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 10:40 AM
Subject: Last Swimarin Update of the Year

Well, it’s come to this – the last email.

I think we have a lot to celebrate, but first the thanks.

Thanks to you all for bringing your kids to us.  We loved having them this year and hope you return next year!  Splash off will be in February and workouts will start in March.  (Hard to think about now, I know. J)

Thanks to all who attended Champs.  We had many, many best times – what a way to go out!  Also, we had two sharks win trophies!  Lauren McNevin and Bevin McCullough both won 2nd runner up high point trophies for their respective age groups.  Congrats, girls!

And, thank  you to everyone who helped with and attended the banquet - it was really a wonderful time.  What a great location on a summer’s night.  A special thanks to my co-president Peter Gebbie and our treasurer Lisa Salvas who worked hard to put everything in place, to Jennifer Lipson, Peter Gebbie, and Laura Woodhead for getting all the awards together, and to Linda Roland for snapping all those great photos!

Saving the best for last, thanks to our coaches.  What a great group we assembled this year.  We hope to see most of them back next year – though we know we probably won’t see Jeff who is going off to Wyoming to get his PhD.  In recognition of this fact, Jeff asked me to forward along this message:

Swimarin,            

I wanted to take this last chance to thank all of you for all of the wonderful coaching gifts and an amazing season.  I really enjoyed my entire experience with Swimarin.  Thanks again to the amazing board members, the volunteers and the parents who worked so hard to make everything run so smoothly.  I am proud of all our Sharks, as coaches 

We demanded a lot and each and every swimmer was up to the challenge.  

I wish I could be there next season, I will miss you guys. 

Thanks again,

                  - Coach Jeff

So, now that the thanks are done, let’s review the season.  We had one win and lots of close seconds.  Pretty good for the smallest team in the league.  We also had a huge number of all-star qualifiers and top 20 swimmers.  If you’re interested, you can check out all the stats at the Marin Swim League website (www.marinswimleague.org).  And we finished the year in 9th place out of 10 teams – and we came in ahead of a team we haven’t beaten in a while, so that’s good.  J 

Thank you again – Go Sharks!

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 2:40 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - June 8

Hello Swimarin Families:

This season is really heating up!  Literally.  We actually had warm sunshine at our meet on Saturday!  Thank goodness.  J  This weekend looks like it will be beautiful as well.

Last week, I didn’t send an update email, so this one is chock full of information.  I appreciate your full attention for the 30 seconds it will take you to read it (as compared with the 30 minutes it takes me to write…).

Practices This Week

We have two extraordinary events this week that we need to accommodate.  The first is the spring music concert at Glenwood.  Since many of our 9-10 and 11-12 swimmers will be singing in it, we are inviting them to swim early with the 8&unders.  We will have two dedicated lanes for these older kids.

Second, the pool will be unavailable to us on Friday – the high school kids are graduating and I guess they don’t want a bunch of crazy munchkins running around in swimsuits screaming.  I don’t understand the concern really.  Maybe we should ask our SRHS seniors when we see them. J  Anyway, we won’t be having practice.

This Week’s Meet

We are swimming the Novato Riptide at San Rafael High School this Saturday.  It should be lots of fun.  The meet will start at 9:00 am, but we’ll start warm-ups at 7:40am.  So, 9-10s will get in the water at 7:40, 8&unders at 7:55 and 11&ups at 8:10.  Please tell your teenagers that they owe me for the extra half hour of sleep. J  As always, warm-ups are mandatory unless you’ve worked something out with Coach Mike in advance.  Heat sheets will go out later this week.

We need all first half volunteers to report in by 8:15 at the latest (and, in some cases, earlier – like for set-up and snack bar). 

Speaking of the snack bar, the snack bar donation list for this weekend is attached. 

Swimathon & Picture Day

It’s that time of year again.  Swimathon!  This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.  The kids get pledges, swim laps, we raffle off fun items, eat pizza – it’s great.  To add to the fun and excitement of the day, we’re going to take our team picture before the kids jump in the pool.  (If it’s raining on June 22, I’ll lose my mind.)  So, remember to send them in a team suit.  Here are the particulars:

Tuesday, June 22 – 4pm – 8pm (order will be team picture, individual picture, lap swim for swim-a-thon, fun & games & pizza)

I have attached the pledge forms and general description.

Swimarin Night Out at the Giants

Last week (two weeks ago?), I announced our desire to go the Giants game as a team.  The response was good, so we’re going!   June 29 is the date (a Tuesday).  Everyone who responded yes will be getting an email from Nicolle Dougherty (Nicolle was kind enough to organize group tickets for us).  If you’re interested in going and haven’t responded yet, please let us know asap so we can get another order in!  Tickets are $34.

Coaching Feedback

We’re about halfway through our swim season (time flies when you’re sending emails) and we’d like to get some feedback from you on our coaches.  Your comments will be shared with the coaches, but will not be attributed back to you (unless you want us to attribute them to you).  We will send a separate email soliciting this feedback – just wanted to let you know to be on the lookout for it.

Swimarin Sponsors

Swimarin would like to recognize its sponsors.  It sounds like a public television ad, I know, but these people/companies have made a direct financial donation to Swimarin, which is sincerely appreciated by the Board, especially in these turbulent economic times.  So, when you have a chance, please thank Kris Kelson (mother to Lauren and Jane McNevin) and Dierk Herbermann (father to Zoe, Lara and Talia Herbermann) in person.  Thanks also to State Farm, Crepevine, Alex’s Dry Cleaning Valet, Extreme Pizza, Andy’s Market and United Market.  As a non-profit, we could not survive without these donations.  We hope to grow this elite list, so if you or anyone you know would be interested in making a donation, please let me know.

That’s all for now.

Thanks,
The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 12:50 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - May 27

Hello Swimarin Families:

I’m sure you’re all looking forward to the long weekend – no swim meet!!  Just a few tidbits this week…

NO SWIM PRACTICE ON MONDAY

We are taking a break from swim practice on Monday.  J  Make sure you REALLY enjoy yourself because the next break isn’t until July 4th weekend.  And please take a few moments to remember the reason for the holiday.  Regular practices will resume on Tuesday. 

ALL-STARS

Our next meet on June 5 (against the Marinwood Waterdevils) is the last meet where your swimmer(s) can qualify for all-stars.  S/he cannot qualify at the June 12 meet even though it’s before the all-star meet.  It’s a bit counter-intuitive, so I just want everyone to be aware of the timing here. 

Also, for parents of those swimmers who have already qualified, Laura Woodhead will be reaching out to you to ask for help filling volunteer spots.  I believe we have about 15 volunteer spots to fill.  As a reminder, the meet will be held at Redwood High School on June 16 (a Wednesday).  Warm-ups will begin at 4:15 pm and the meet will start at 5:30 pm.   

PICTURE DAY

So, we were rained out.  Don’t worry, we will reschedule once the weather stabilizes.  Stay tuned.

JUNE 5 – SWIMARIN VS. MARINWOOD

Please let me know BEFORE MONDAY MAY 31 if your swimmer(s) is not able to attend the June 5 meet.  This meet will be very close and we really need every swimmer – that said, we understand that things come up and life goes on.  Just make sure that we know your child(ren) won’t be there so we can plan accordingly.  You can also let us know if your child(ren) has a stroke preference.  Articulating a stroke preference will not always mean that those are the strokes your child will swim.  The coaches will make a final decision about which swimmers swim which strokes based on scoring, growth, etc.  The coaches do try to respect the stated preference.

STANFORD SWIM CAMP

There is a pretty big group of Swimarin kids who are going to the Stanford Swim Camp from June 26 – July 1.  It’s a sleepaway camp that really focuses on stroke technique and development.  The minimum age is 9 years old.  For more information, check out Stanford Swim Camp website.  The kids who went last year have very positive things to say about it.   And, yes, Cal fans are allowed.

GOAL SHEETS

Okay, it seems we may have overlooked a little something in this year’s goal sheets.  Such a little detail, really.  It seems we forgot to include a line for your child’s goal.  So, the goal sheets have no goal.  Laura and I got a good laugh, but surprisingly that wasn’t the purpose of the goal sheet.  To remedy the situation, please talk with your child(ren), and send Laura the goal(s) by email (laura@thewoodheads.net).  Goals really do have a broad range (“I want to swim one lap without taking a breath” to “I want to make an all-star time” to “I want to swim legal breaststroke” to “I want to win high-point”) and all are completely individual and appropriate.  We’re looking forward to receiving them.

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS

We’ve had several no shows in the past couple of weeks.  It’s hard enough running a swim meet - when folks don’t show up for a job, it creates a bit of chaos.  Please help us fix this.  Check your jobs before each meet.  If you can’t make it, let us know by Monday (unless it’s a last minute emergency).  Find yourself a replacement.  Thanks.

That’s all.  Don’t forget to send me a note if your swimmer(s) can’t make it to the June 5 meet.

Enjoy your free long weekend,

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010 11:20 AM
Subject: Swimarin Update - May 20

Swimarin Families:

I apologize that you’re getting this email a day late.  Yesterday evening took a couple of crazy twists and turns.  Anyway, there’s much to say!

THIS WEEK’S MEET vs. LUCAS VALLEY

The meet is at our pool and will start at 9am.  Warm-ups will begin at 7:40 am.  This time 9-10s will go first.  So, 9-10s at 7:40, 8 & Unders at 7:55 and 11 & Ups at 8:10.  Remember, warm-ups are mandatory.  If you are not able to make it to warm-ups, please discuss with Coach Mike beforehand.  His email is mmcgee18@gmail.com.    

Also, it looks like the weather is not going to cooperate, which is a bummer.  The forecast is for cloudy skies and cool temperatures.  That means your swimmer should have lots of layers, dry towels, maybe even a ski hat.  Where did summer go?

SNACK BAR DONATIONS

Please check the attached list for this week’s donation.  I have also attached the guidelines so you know exactly how to bring your assigned donation.  Thanks in advance for your participation!

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS TAKE NOTE

To all of our high school swimmers, a quick reminder.  You must qualify for all-stars either this weekend or next weekend.  These are the last two weekends to qualify.  Also, you must swim in at least three swim meets to swim at Champs.  I know there was some confusion around this last year, so thought a quick reminder might be helpful. J

PICTURE DAY

Picture Day will be Tuesday, May 25.  Please arrive at 4:15 so we can get the team picture together by 4:45.  Yes, it takes 30 mins to herd the cats.  After the team picture, we will move on to individual pictures starting with the 8&unders.  The 8&unders should get some time in the pool.  All of the older kids will have their full workouts at the normal times.

LOST & FOUND

We’re collecting a fair amount of clothing and what not in our lost and found bin.  (it’s the Rubbermaid bin that’s on deck.)  Please take some time to sort through it and claim your stuff.  In addition, Laura Woodhead picked up a Swimarin sweatshirt with a 2009 Champs Patch on it last week at Rolling Hills.  She also has a Swimarin sweatshirt from last year with “Steph” on the back.  If you think either of these is yours, please let me know.  Finally, one family has the following Swimarin items that they would like to give to a new family. Tartan Pants S (6-8) Swimarin Sweatshirt Youth M.  First to email me gets them. J

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS

I’m ending with an oldie but a goodie – volunteer assignments.  If you have signed up to volunteer at a meet, please show up.  If you cannot show up, please let us know by the Monday BEFORE the swim meet and arrange for someone else to take your place.  We will be circulating the names and telephone numbers of current Swimarin members soon so that you can do all this on your own.  Please let me know ASAP if you do not want your name/number distributed.  We will only circulate CURRENT member info. 

Looking forward to our meet Saturday.

Go Sharks!

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 12:56:27 -0700
Subject: Important Swimarin Update - May 14

Swimarin Families:

Warning!  This email is filled with modifications, clarifications and updates, so please read it carefully! 

TONIGHT’S PRACTICE

As mentioned in Wednesday’s email, practice will start at 5:30 today for all age groups.  There will be a team meeting and a team building event.  The 8&Unders may not swim any laps today (we’re hoping to get them in the pool for a game of sharks and minnows, however).  The rest of the kids will swim from 6:15-ish until 7:15-ish.  There will be no late practice today.

TOMORROW’S MEET

I have received a few emails from parents asking about what time they need to be at the meet tomorrow.  The coaches would like the swimmers to arrive by 7:45 am so they can do some on-deck warm ups before they jump in the pool at 8:00 am.  The meet will start promptly at 8:30.

SLIGHT CHANGE TO PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON

The sign-ups for Shark Pups have been great.  We will have a big crew of swimmers who will hopefully develop into full sharks for next year.  To help that development along (and to ensure every kid’s safety), we’ve decided to push the 8&under workout start time to 5:00 pm.  This means the whole schedule will shift by about ½ hour.  The new (and final) times are as follows:

• 8&unders – 5:00 – 5:55pm
• 9-10 – 5:45 – 6:55pm
• 11-ups – 6:45 – 8:15 pm

Sorry about the confusion and late notice.  Our interest, as always, is in the kids’ development and safety.  This way, our coaches can focus on the developing swimmers and then shift their focus to our developing competitors! 

One additional benefit of this time shift is that it also allows us to offer up one coach for private lessons a couple of days a week.  I will send more precise information early next week, but we expect to have 2 half hour sessions for private lessons on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-5.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please put the following dates on your calendar:

• May 24 – Picture Day – send your kid in his/her Swimarin suit for a team picture.  Individual pictures will be taken as well.  More information to come.
• June 22 – Swim-a-thon – a FUNdraiser for Swimarin.  Laps, music, pizza, and prizes.  More info to come.
• July 11 – End of year celebration

That’s all for now.  See you tomorrow.

Go Sharks!
The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - May 12

Happy Wednesday Swimarin Families!

Wow! Great meet this past weekend. It was so nice to finally see our Sharks perform! And we had some dazzling performances. We had dozens and dozens of best times! We also had 19 swimmers qualify for all stars – several of them in multiple events (I’ve listed the all stars at the bottom of this email). We also had one team record set (Hurray, Bevin!). Way to go, Sharks!

SWIMMERS AND RELAY OF THE WEEK

Our swimmers of the week are Karen Chavez, Wilson Weisenburg, Lauren McNevin, Christa Schmitt, and Bevin McCullough. Great swimming!

Our Relay of the Week is our 11-12 Free Relay from Saturday. The team of Dylan Woodhead, Zach Retzlaff, Bevin McCullough and Natalie Vaziri rocked the pool with their winning free relay. It literally came down to the touch. Good teamwork, Sharks!

5:30 PRACTICE FOR ALL AGE GROUPS THIS FRIDAY

The coaches have been working hard with the swimmers this week so we can shine against the Rolling Hills Stingrays this weekend. TO THAT END, THE COACHES HAVE ASKED THAT SWIMMERS FROM ALL AGE GROUPS COME TO PRACTICE AT 5:30 ON FRIDAY FOR A TEAM MEETING and CHEER PRACTICE. The intent is to make the practice fun for all, but make it team focused. Please do your best to get your swimmer there at 5:30.

SWIMARIN vs. ROLLING HILLS – May 15, 2010

As mentioned above, we are swimming against the Rolling Hills Stingrays this Saturday at their pool in Novato. (351 San Andreas Drive - the directions are on the website under the “Meets” tab). Heat sheets and relays will be distributed on Thursday or Friday by email. In the meantime, here is some general info about the meet:

Our warm-ups will start at 8:00 am for all age groups. (Since this is an away meet, we don’t have the luxury of breaking out the age groups.) Once again, your swimmer MUST attend the warm up in order to swim in the meet. It is MANDATORY.

Other meet tidbits:

• Meet starts at 8:30 am
• Officials meeting is at 8:15 am
• Call for the timers to check in with our Head Timer around 8:15 am
• Guest parking is on the street
• Guest area, which will be posted, is around the olive trees and the area around the family spa
• Snack Bar opens at 7:00 am
• Five lane pool
• During the relays, 8 and unders swimming the second and fourth legs will start their swim standing in the pool (due to the shallowness of the pool)
• Restrooms are located across from café and next to playground area
• Changing rooms / outdoor showers are next to playground area
• Locker rooms and hallways are for club members only
• Deep end of pool, family spa and baby pool are all closed until end of meet

ATTENDANCE AT MEETS

I hate to have to include a downer in this week’s email, but I must. Our meet attendance last week was not fabulous. And this week it’s equally unfabulous. Although swimming seems like an individual sport, it’s not. Summer league swimming is very team-oriented. We need the team to show up so that we can show our true colors as a team. I know it’s hectic (trust me, I currently juggle three kids and four sports), but please do your best to get your swimmer to the remaining meets. If you personally have a conflict, think about sending your child(ren) with another family. Or, if your child(ren) has a conflict for just part of the meet, think about getting him/her/them to the non-conflicting part of the meet. Also, when you attend a meet, please expect to stay through to the end. It’s that pesky team thing again – the other swimmers and relays really LOVE the support. We really appreciate your efforts and participation!

OUR ALL STARS

8 & Under Girls
Hannah Matcham, Jane McNevin

9-10 Girls
Gisell Chavez, Lulu Gebbie, Zoe Herbermann, Claire Joyce, Lauren McNevin, Mariana Medina-Hurtado

9-10 boys
Danny Roland, Quinn Woodhead,

11-12 Girls
Bevin McCullough, Skylar Merwin, Natalie Vaziri

11-12 Boys
Zach Retzlaff

13-14 Girls
Frances Howell, Nico Huzella, Cat Thomason, Stella Resta

13-14 Boys
Reilly May

15-18 Girls
Allegra Holland

Thanks,
The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 6:03 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - May 5

Happy Cinco de Mayo Swimarin Families!

Just a few things this week.

Saturday’s swim meet against the Strawberry Seals 

This week’s meet is at our pool and we will host the Strawberry Seals.  Last year, this meet came down to the last race, so please make an effort to get your well-rested, well-fed swimmer there and stay for the whole meet. J  The meet will start at 9am BUT warm ups will begin at 7:30am.  THE COACHING STAFF HAS DECLARED WARM-UPS TO BE MANDATORY FOR ANY SWIMMER WHO WANTS TO SWIM IN THE MEET.  NO WARM-UP, NO SWIMMING.  So, here’s the warm-up schedule.  7:30am – ages 11 & up; 7:50am – ages 9-10; 8:10am – 8&Unders.  If you have questions, please contact Coach Mike at mcgeeaquatics@gmail.com.  Thanks!

Snack Bar Assignments 

This week’s donation list is attached.  Once again, the guidelines are posted on www.swimarin.org.  Thanks in advance for your participation!

Heat Sheets for Saturday’s Meet

Heat sheets for this weeks meet will go out on Thursday or Friday.  Look for them!

Practice Time Change

The practice times are changing as of May 17.  8&Unders will start at 4:30 and swim until 5:25.  9-10s will start at 5:15 and go until 6:25.  11 and ups will go from 6:15 until 7:55. 

Go Sharks!

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - April 22

Hello Swimarin Families!

We’re in the final countdown to time trials!  Just 10 more days – so exciting!!

A few announcements for this week:

Clinic this Saturday

Yes, there will be a clinic, but there will be only one.  It will start at 10:30 and run till noon.  It will focus on starts and turns.  In addition, Laureen will offer private lessons from noon till 3pm in half hour increments.  Sign up sheets are on the pool deck.

Friday Practice Will Start 15 Minutes Later

Once again, there is a San Rafael High School Swim Meet on Friday, April 23, so we will shift the whole practice schedule 15 minutes.  8&U will start at 5:45 and go until 6:25; 9-10 will start at 6:15 and go until 7:10; 11 and ups will start at 7:00 and go until 8:25.  Only one more home meet for SRHS this year on May 7.

Next Weekend

Next weekend is a really big and really busy weekend.  We start with a team picnic on Friday night at Peacock Gap Park (5:30 to 8:00pm).  THE PICNIC WILL BE INSTEAD OF PRACTICE.  Bring dinner,  a blanket and join us as your kids transition to the season of competition.  We’ll be handing out team caps around 6:30.  Then, on Saturday, we have the actual time trial meet.  This is a Swimarin only event – we are not swimming against another team.  It is to get the younger kids used to the swim meet setting and to get all kids starting times for their events so they can measure their progress throughout the season.  The meet will begin at 9am and should last a few hours.  Finally, we have the Parent Social at the Kwan/Howell house on Sunday at 4:00pm.  This is a really fun event for the old kids (read: parents).

Time Trials Alternative

Speaking of time trials, I know of a few kids who have a VERY REAL conflict (e.g., playing in a game at exactly the same time as the swim meet or taking a test).  If your child(ren) fall into this category, please make sure s/he attends practice on Wednesday, April 28.  We will reserve two lanes as “race lanes” so the kids can get a start-of-season time for their favorite events.  

Snack Bar Donations

I’ve received a few questions about the snack bar donations and how it works.  Essentially, each week you are assigned an item to bring to the snack bar before each home meet (there are 4 home meets this year including time trials).  The donation could be grapes, muffins, donuts, etc. – the schedule will be posted on the Swimarin website.  This donation is in addition to your volunteer assignments.  You can buy out of the snack bar donation for $100 for the season.  If you don’t buy out, we’ll be counting on your donation.  Thanks for your support! 

Volunteer Assignments

We’ve been reminding you (okay, gently threatening you) for weeks to sign up for volunteer assignments.   Most of you have – some of you have not.  With time trials upon us, we really have to insist that you select your jobs.  If you need help, please contact Kim Bauer.  At the end of the weekend, assignments will be handed out willy nilly.

Happy Thursday,
The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2010 4:56 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - April 7, 2010

Happy Wednesday Swimarin Families!

The sun has returned. Thank goodness! Not that the rain bothered the young ones…it seemed to bother the parents, though!

Many little tidbits in this email, so thanks in advance for reading through to the end. J

Late Practice This Friday

San Rafael High School is hosting a swim meet this Friday, April 9. As a result, our practice schedule will shift by 15 minutes. So, 8 & Unders will start at 5:45 and go until 6:25, 9-10 will start at 6:15 and go until 7:10, and 11 and ups will start at 7 and go until 8:25.

Clinic and Private Lessons This Weekend

This weekend’s clinic will focus on all four strokes from start to finish. The coaches will work on stroke technique and on turns for the individual medley (IM). Younger kids at 9:00 am – older kids at 10:15. Private lessons will run from noon to 4pm. The sign-up sheets will be on deck as usual, but you can also email swimarin@gmail.com if you would like to attend the clinic or sign up for a private lesson. Cost is $25.

April 17 Clinic Cancelled

Sadly, we have to cancel the April 17 clinic. Stay tuned for whether we will offer any private lessons that day. The April 24 clinic will run, though, and will focus once again on starts and turns – the most important part of the MSL races!

Volunteer Positions

A final reminder to sign up for volunteer positions. We will begin the “assignment without representation” exercises next week. You can sign up at www.swimarin.org.

Swimarin Caps, Suits and Sweats

This year, the coaches are requiring that all Swimarin swimmers wear Swimarin Team Swim Caps during swim meets. To facilitate that, each registered swimmer will receive a complimentary Swimarin Team latex cap. If you would like to order a silicone Swimarin Team Cap, please email laura@thewoodheads.net. The cost will be $11.00 per cap. This is the first year that we are offering the option to purchase a silicone cap. Silicone caps are more durable than latex caps (and more expensive) and many swimmers prefer the comfort of silicone vs. latex. Otherwise, there is no difference in the appearance of the caps. You can also add your swimmer's name on the silicone cap for an extra $2.00 with a minimum order of two caps. Laura will be placing the order for silicone caps with T&B Sports next Monday (April 12th) so email Laura pronto!

There will be a second and final swimsuit order placed on April 20th. If you would still like to order a swimsuit or Swimarin sweatshirt or flannel pants, please contact T&B Sports no later than April 20th.

Okay, that’s all for now. I’ll be gone next week (can you say “margarita”?), so you can look forward to reading an update from a guest writer.

Thanks,
The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Thu, Apr 1, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Subject: Swimarin Update - April 1, 2010

Hello Swimarin Families:

Well, the sun is making an appearance today, but I’m guessing it will be short-lived.  (The weather’s form of an April Fool’s joke.)  Thanks to all of the families who have braved the foul weather this week.  Practices have actually been lots of fun for the kids (while they’re in the pool, anyway). 

CLINICS

As you know, we’re continuing our awesome Saturday clinics this week.  With our start of our meet season only one month away, this Saturday, we will focus on starts and turns.  Because the Marin Swim League distances are essentially sprints, the importance of starts and turns is even more pronounced.  Dives, streamlines, underwater kicks, and flip turns will all take center stage at 9 and then again at 10:15.  Please sign up by email or, if you prefer, in the binder on the pool deck.  Cost is $25.  

Private lessons will also be offered this Saturday.  Sign up sheets are in the binders on deck.  If you can’t make it to the pool, let me know, and I’ll do my best to get you a slot.

KIDS ON DECK

We know it’s hard to juggle multiple kids and multiple practices, but please make sure that you’re not leaving your child(ren) unattended on the pool deck before or after practice (at least, not beyond a few minutes at the beginning and end of workouts).  The coaches are not able to pay attention to kids who are not in the pool.  We just want the kids to be safe.  Thanks.

VOLUNTEER SIGN UPS 

There are still some families who haven’t signed up for their volunteer positions.  If you need assistance, please let us know.  Those families who are not signed up by the end of the weekend will be assigned tasks by us.  (You should be hearing evil laughter in the background.) 

LAST CALL FOR SWEATS AND SWIMSUITS

If you haven’t ordered your team suit and sweats from T&B Sports yet, hurry over there.  If you get your order in this week, your suit will be ready for pick up before the first swim meet.  

SHARK PUPS

Last week, we sent registration materials to families who expressed an interest in Shark Pups.  There was a small (teeny) error in the registration packet.  The first session WILL have class on May 21 and 24, but WILL NOT have class on May 28 and 31.  Memorial Day is a moving target!  If you’re interested in signing one of your children up for Shark Pups, the registration materials are on the website on the Membership page.

SPRING BREAK

Wondering what to do with your kids over Spring Break?  Well, of course, you should send them to their regular Swimarin practices.  But, during the day, you might consider a water polo camp.  Our friends over at Sleepy Hollow Aquatics are offering a water polo camp at Drake High School that runs from 10 am to 1:30 pm, April 13 – 16.  The application and more information can be found at http://www.sleepyhollowaquatics.com/practice.html. 

That’s all for now.  Thanks for reading!

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Wed, Mar 24, 2010 at 9:32 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - March 24, 2010

Hello Swimarin Families!

It’s been a really great week.  The kids are getting into the swing (or the swim) of things and really seem to be enjoying themselves.  I credit the wonderful coaches we have on staff this year.  Great job, coaches!

Once again, I have quite an email lined up, so please take the time to read it all. 

First, almost all of you have registered (and thank you very much for that) – however, some of you have yet to send in your payments.  We would really appreciate your payment before April 1.  As a non-profit, we operate pretty leanly, so we would love to log your payment this month!

Second, I know that there was a bit of a frenzy for volunteer assignments early this week.  If you didn’t get any jobs, sign on and get your assignments quick!  Beginning in April, we’ll have to start assigning jobs to those who haven’t signed up.  Actually, that will be really, really fun.  J

Third, à propos volunteer assignments, we still have a couple of really cool season-long jobs that are up for grabs.  These jobs will fulfill your volunteer requirements.  They are (1) 8& Under coordinator; (2) swimathon coordinator; and (3) end of year awards banquet coordinator.  The first job is great (I’m serious – what’s more fun than making sure the assigned parents and respective wee ones are where they’re supposed to be); the second and third jobs can be done from home (at least, mostly from home).  Let us know if you’re interested in any of these jobs.

Fourth, I know I bugged you a few weeks ago for school pictures of your kids.  Some of you actually brought them in – thank you, thank you!!!  For the rest of you, can you please bring me a picture?  Please?  In a baggie?  With your child’s name on the back?

Fifth, there is a high school swim meet at the San Rafael pool this Friday night.  We may have to cancel the 5:30 practice – I will let you know tomorrow what will happen.   

Finally (finally!), there is another clinic this weekend (and let me just add that last week’s clinic was AWESOME!).  This one is for the super fun strokes – breaststroke and butterfly.  Once again, there will be two sessions – one at 9 and one at 10.  Cost is $25.  There will also be private lessons.  Sign ups for both can be done on the pool deck (in the binders) or by email to swimarin@gmail.com.

Okay, enough said for now.

We look forward to seeing all of you on the pool deck.

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

P.S.  We are going to offer the Water Polo Camps.  We will send out an email in the next week or so.  Also, Shark Pup families, watch your email for info about the sessions we’re going to offer in May, June and July!

Date: Thu, Mar 18, 2010 at 3:31 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - March 18, 2010

Hello Swimarin Families!

What a gorgeous week for swimming!  For the first time since the beginning of the season, I hear parents talking about how they're jealous that their kids get to swim!  What a difference a week makes...and a bit of sunshine. :)

I have a few updates this week, but first I'd like to extend a hearty welcome to all of the new families on this email.  Welcome!  Hopefully, you have been receiving these emails through other channels.  If not, all of the weekly emails are available on the website (www.swimarin.org) for your reading pleasure.

CLINICS

As you know from the past couple of emails, we are offering a swim clinic this weekend (and every weekend for the next five weeks).  This week's clinic will focus on freestyle and backstroke.  I have had several folks sign up, but want to continue to extend the invitation to all of you.  The clinic provides a great opportunity to get some specialized instruction for all levels of swimmer, beginner to advanced. Plus, it will be a glorious Saturday to be in the water.  The clinic is $25.  You can email swimarin@gmail.com to sign up.  In the alternative, there will be a sign up sheet on deck today and tomorrow.  Walk-ins are also permitted.

If the clinics don't work for you, maybe you'd prefer a private lesson.  They will run on Saturday from noon till 4pm.  All of the coaches are offering private lessons in half hour increments.  Sign ups are at the pool deck.  If you can't make it to the pool deck, please email and we'll let you know what the openings are.  Lessons are $40 for Laureen, $35 for Mike, Jeff and Jill.

REMINDERS

Just another reminder to not stop in the red zone.  We are at risk of losing our permit if we can't curb (no pun intended) this behavior.  Please, please pull into the parking lots or another legitimate space when waiting for your swimmer.  Better yet, come visit us on the pool deck!

Also, dogs are not allowed on school grounds.  So, as much as I personally love dogs and would love to visit with them, it's another issue that endangers our permit.  So, please leave Fido at home or in the car.

ONLINE VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION DELAYED

We will send out a separate email regarding volunteer registration, but please note that online registration has been delayed by 3 days.  It will begin on MONDAY, MARCH 22.

PARENT SOCIAL

We have set the date and place for the Parent Social.  It will be held on May 2, 2010 at the Howell’s home in Dominican.  (Thank you Nina and Roy!)  We plan to start around 3pm.  We will send more details in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, put it on the calendar.

CHOCOLATE MILK AND COOKIES

Chocolate milk and cookies starts this Friday!  All swimmers who come to practice on Friday will get chocolate milk and a cookie.  Can I get in the pool??

Happy Sunshine,
The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Mon, Mar 15, 2010 at 9:25 PM
Subject: Swimarin Update - March 12, 2010

Greetings Swimarin Families!

Good news!  The San Rafael High School pool will be open today, so practice is on!  There was some electrical work done yesterday, but it’s up and running now.  Hopefullly the rain will let up – if not, at least the kids won’t get any wetter…

Just a reminder that, from time to time, practices do get cancelled at the last minute.  So, please take the time to walk your child to the pool.  We don't want to leave kids standing in the rain! 

There are many updates this week, so please take the time to read this entire email.

PARKING – Just a reminder that there is NO parking or waiting in the red zone in front of the gym/pool.  The residents watch this very closely and report the violations to the school – these violations could result in us having our permit revoked.  So, for everyone’s sake, please don’t stop in the red zone.  Instead, pull into the parking lots or legitimate street spots.  Thanks!

REGISTRATION – Wednesday the 18th is d-day for registration.  Why?  Because online volunteer registration begins on the 19th.  If you are not registered, you cannot get your volunteer assignments – the software will not let you.  So, please, please finalize your registration before the 18th.  Any families who register after the 18th will have to wait for all of the other registered families to get their assignments before they can make their selections.

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS – The online volunteer sign-ups begin on March 19.  Again, you must be registered to sign-up for open volunteer positions.  Once signed up, please calendar your dates.  While you can go online after you sign-up to check your assignments, you will not receive any reminders. 

PHOTOS - Please bring a school photo of your child to practice (in a ziploc bag, if possible) with your child's name on the back of the photo.  We'd like to compile these for the coaches, so they can put name to face!  We will be doing team photos later in the spring (when the weather is more reliable), but until then, we'd like to rely on these.

STROKE CLINICS – Stroke clinics will begin on March 20 and go for the following 5 Saturdays.  The first clinic will focus on freestyle and backstroke.  There will be two times (younger kids & novices/older kids) – 9 – 10am and 10 – 11:30 am.  The cost is $25.  Please send an email to swimarin@gmail.com if you’d like to sign up.

QUESTIONS - As always, please let us know if you have any questions.  We're happy to help in any way.  You can look for one of the board and leadership team members on the pool deck - we're there most nights.

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 10:46:18 -0800
Subject: Swimarin Update - March 4, 2010

Hello Swimarin Families:

I know that I said you would receive these emails on Wednesdays, but I thought I’d shake things up a bit to see if you’re paying attention!

First, thanks to all of you for sending  your kids to us.  The first few days with the new families have been great!  I can’t wait to see the returning faces on deck tonight.  It will be wonderful.

I just have a few notes and reminders:

1.       We would like all families with regular swimmers to be registered by March 8 (that’s Monday).  At this point, we have several families for whom we have signed waivers, but no registration.  We really need you to register - registration ensures that we have the current contact and emergency information for everyone in the pool. 

2.       Practice times next week (March 8 – 12) will be as follows – unless instructed differently by the coaching staff, you should go to your age group practice:

8&Under and all novice swimmers | 5:30 – 6:10 pm
9-10 | 6:00 – 6:55 pm
11& up | 6:45 – 8:10 pm

3.       Our head coach Mike has set up an email and invites you to send in your questions – mcgeeaquatics@gmail.com.

4.       Online selection of volunteer assignments will begin on March 19, 2010.

5.       T&B Sports is still taking orders for team suits and sweats!  If you get your order in soon, it will be here before the swim meets begin.  Similarly, if you would like to order a Swimarin parka, bag, beanie, baseball cap or fleece, email Laura Woodhead (laura@thewoodheads.net). 

Go Sharks!

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:30:15 -0800
Subject: Swimarin Update - February 24, 2010

Greetings Swimarin Families:

I hope you’re looking forward to swimming next week!  We really are.

A few things before we start the season:

1.       We need every child registered with a signed waiver on file BEFORE s/he enters the pool.  So, if you haven’t already done so, please go online (www.swimarin.org ), register your child, print out and sign the waiver, and bring the waiver with you on Monday evening.  The entire process will take you only a few minutes.

2.       There is a mandatory meeting about the season on Monday evening in the San Rafael High School cafeteria from 6-8 pm.   The coaches and the board and leadership team will be leading the meeting.  As a reminder, we will be serving pizza.

3.       Tuesday and Wednesday next week will be dedicated to coach evaluation of new and beginning swimmers.  If you fall into this group, please plan to have your swimmer at the pool from 5:30 – 6:30 either or both of those days.  Regular practices will begin on Thursday.

4.       Online sign-ups for volunteer jobs will begin the second week of March.  We will let you know as soon as it’s available.

5.       Our first fundraiser of the year will be at Crepevine this Sunday from 3-10 pm.  Crepevine is giving 50% of the proceeds to our team.  Please join us!

Finally, we’re here to help.  If you have questions, or special circumstances you’d like to discuss, the board and leadership and coaches are at your disposal. 

The Swimarin Board and Leadership Team