HOUSTON ROWING CLUB
WEEKLY UPDATE
GET READY FOR THE ROWING GOOD TIMES-March 30, 2003
RECAP (Not enough disk space to tell it all):
Hey, it was a fantastic, fabulous, beautiful, sunny and perfect weekend
at the docks. It was great seeing so many members come out and enjoy
the weather and visit with one another and just have plain ol’ fun. At
one point we had seven shells out, four kayaks cruising and two ergs
going all at the same time. Not to mention the excellent Yacht Club
facilities to chill around. As one set of those seeking total health docked
a second set jumped in and away they went again. WOW!!! And we
are just getting started.
MEMBER RECOGNITION SECTION:
Congratulations to Kirk Weber and Chris Alford on completing the
certification classes. They were real troopers during the classes and
sculling around the harbor was perfect. To top off their success they
were indentured by Lisa Chouinard and James Salmon for a gig trip to
Marker Two in the Lady Lottie. A full boat left the docks late in the
day Sunday and two hours later were back after completing a great row
into the bay against 13 knot winds and one foot seas. Kirk Weber, now
Cap’n Kirk, got us back safely. It was great seeing Gary Fritts back
but his favorite girl, the Quintana Roo, is still nursing a sore head. For
the recent graduates of certification, Pam Christol and Joan Maier, the
“pond” was left behind and they headed out to the lake, great going.
Ron Middaugh continues his run toward the regatta. He and John are
signed up for men’s doubles and Ron and Helen Dworsky are signed up
for mixed doubles. Be on the lookout for the May 3rd regatta on the
north shore.
TRAINING TIPS:
Our goal is 1,000 meters in 3 minutes on the ergs. Be sure to send us
emails when you reach that mark. Start slow for 10 minutes, crank up
the steam and then cool off before a second set. The regatta is 1,000
meters so this is a great step in getting ready.
NEW MEMBER NEWS:
Hey, some quick updates. First, this week we are starting a new section
on the web page. It will be Called “Member Networking” and we are
going to start posting links to any member who wants to sign up. We
can add your business page, your personal page, your family page, your
email address and/or more. Let us know, our friends at Roundrock
Solutions, in addition to completing the fun run web page
(www.kemahfunrun.com) are also assisting in our rowing club page.
They are also storing the web page for us and this week will be getting
with James Salmon on his web updates. They are some neat folks. This
“Member Networking” section will keep us posted on our fellow rowers
and let us know what we do when we would rather be rowing. Sign up
soon.
FUTURE OUTING:
Captain James and Bruce Wade are hosting the Labor Day Camp Out
at the Texas City Dyke. We now have one boat full and the second boat
is filling up. Boat One will be Chris Alford, Kirk Weber, Sandy Rabon,
Sharon Ray, Captain James Salmon, Hellen Dworsky and Bruce Wade.
Boat Two will be Roberta Cloud, John Coggin, Jame Orr and David
Batey. There are only three openings left for this second boat so sign up
for the fun. The Jolly Janet is in reserve if needed. This camp out will
be a great time.
Captain James is now sponsoring a second trip. On May 4, 2003 we will
be leaving the docks at 8am for a row down the coast to San Leon for
lunch, a nice swing in the sea breeze and a row back home. Thus far we
have Captain James, Bruce Wade and John Coggin signed up. As
Captain James tells it, “this is the row before the row”(?)
GREAT NEWS:
We want to congratulate Craig Murphy and Jacquline Murphy. Their
son, Maxwell, is our newest member and we are most happy for all of
the Murphy’s and wish them the best. Be on the lookout for our
children’s row. The pictures will give you a real insight to rowing, stay
posted.
SIDE SPLITTING STORY:
If you have a chance have Captain James and Roberta Cloud fill you in
on their discovery at the docks. Be ready for an adventure.
MEMBERS UPDATES:
Bruce Wade and his associates just completed working on homes in the
5th ward this past weekend. Bruce worked on homes of those less
fortuanate and gave something back to the community. Thanks Bruce.
The second recent member request is Betty Birkner’s sign up sheet for
the Elissa. She is very much appreciated for her efforts to raise
contributions for the Tall Ship Elissa.
APRIL AND MAY:
The April calendar is below the pictures as well as a look ahead to May.
A new addition to our schedule is our week night coach’s clinic. We
have had so much great feedback and comments from members that we
are expanding it, especially as daylight is longer now. These clinics are
a great chance to head out with the coaches and tour the areas you may
not be familiar with as well as fine tuning your skills and working with
different shells. The clinics are on Saturday’s and Sunday’s at 8:30am
as well as most weekday nights from 6pm on.
QUAD DRIVE:
We are driving toward a quad for the club. It would be beyond fun to
have four of us with a coxswain crewing in the lake. If you are
interested in this quad drive let us know. As we raise the funds we will
designate them to a special account strictly for the quad users. We need
an Assistant Treasurer to account for the funds. Nominations are being
taken now.
SAY WHAT:
By the way, our April party will be May 10 (go figure) at Gary Fritt’s
house in Nassau Bay and our May sail date is set for June 7, 2003 (our
scheduler must have pulled a major crab or something). The club
party will be a blast, a back yard cook out. We will be bringing the
boats from the clubhouse and will be able to kayak, scull, eat, drink,
party and visit. Do not miss this one, Gary has some real surprises for
us as I understand it.
ON A SAD NOTE:
We want to express our sympathies and remember some members in
our prayers. Carol Wolk recently lost her mother and John Franks
recently lost his father. Also, Katie Hall’s brother was recently called
up and will be going to Kawait. Lets remember all these folks as we
move forward this week and wish them the best and tell them how we
want to see them back at the docks soon.