-- February 2008 --

Introduction … “E-Waterlog”.  In lieu of the annual Waterlog newsletter mailed out in the February timeframe, we will be sending out electronic newsletters such as this one over the course of the winter and during the summer.  This move will save the Club printing and postage costs for a full mailing to the membership (typically over $400).  We will post key info from the E-Waterlogs on the web site and upon request we will send a hard copy of this newsletter to members who do not have e-mail accounts.  Please send the webmaster a note with your current e-mail address and we’ll make sure to add you to the membership distribution list. webmaster@BSRbarracudas.com

Annual Membership Meeting Summary.   The annual meeting was held on Wednesday Oct 23, 2007 at the Bowie City Hall from 7-9:30 PM and 41 member families were represented.  In an effort to speed up the meeting and allow more time for discussion and feedback, a PowerPoint briefing was presented that covered the financial report, membership and maintenance status, and each of the three program committee reports – swimming, tennis, and social.  A copy of the annual financial report will be sent to anyone who was unable to make the meeting by sending a request e-mail to the Treasurer. 

The raffle for 50% of the 2008 maintenance dues was won by Sue Rouch.  

There were three vacancies and three candidates for the Board, thus no balloting was conducted.  Jim Seidleck, Sam Graham, and Mike Farina were each elected to three year terms on the board.  Mary Ison also informed the Board that she will not be able to complete her term.  Thus, the Secretary position is open and will be filled by the Board in the near future.  Past President John Cooke will be serving as interim secretary until the position is filled.   

The BSR Board of Directors for 2008 are listed below.  Start thinking now about some good family-oriented community service and running for the Board to fill one of the three positions that will be opening up in September 2008.

Over the winter months the BSR Board has been working hard to make the upcoming swim and tennis season another enjoyable experience for you and your families.  The Social, Swim, and Tennis programs will build on the successes of the past and each of the committee chairs listed above welcome your comments and feedback and help with their committee responsibilities.  Please feel free to contact them directly at the phone numbers or e-mail addresses above. 

Membership Drive 2008.   Sam Graham welcomes your thoughts and help with membership this year.  We are interested in different and innovative advertising approaches that may include signs at local sporting venues, ads in programs for local events, or contributing prizes for auctions.  Kathleen Geary, our past membership chairperson, will be assisting Sam with membership this year.  Please contact Sam or Kathleen with suggestions or contact information.  Please let Sam know if you have a neighbor or friend that might be interested in joining the club.

Swim Team.  Abbie Thompson will be back as Head Coach for BSR in 2008.  BSR will again host the PMSL All Star Meet schedule for August 2^nd.  This is a major opportunity for the Club to showcase our facility to over 1500 people and raise a considerable amount of money to offset our facility maintenance and upgrade costs.  We will again need the help of many volunteers to make this meet successful and build on the lessons learned from last year.  BSR will also be hosting the Bowie City Championship Swim Meet this summer on Tuesday July 15^th.  The first PMSL dual meet is Saturday June 21^st and BSR will remain in the ‘B’ Division (with the same five teams as last year).  If you are interested in donating your time or talents to support the Swim Team please contact any Board member.

Tennis Program.   The Tennis courts were resurfaced last year and minor repairs will be made again before the swim season.  We will be ready for a great year of tennis.  If you have any suggestions on the overall tennis program, Bill Kolb welcomes your comments.  His contact information is above.

Social Committee.  Stacey Garland is putting together the social calendar for next season and she welcomes your input and support with her committee functions.

Maintenance Committee.  We will be sending out e-mail reminders regarding the Spring Volunteer Days on April 26^th and May 3^rd (rain date May 10^th).  Remember that working at BSR can count for community service for teenagers.  Helping to maintain our aging facility can be a good workout, fun, and always saves the membership thousands of dollars.  Your help will be remembered and rewarded with an invitation to the 2008 Volunteer Night Party.  Mike Farina and the Maintenance Committee would appreciate your help.  We will have a cook-out for lunch for each Volunteer Day.

Those members who have not already filled out a BSR Member Survey may still download it from the web site at http://www.bsrbarracudas.com/Member_Survey.html and either e-mail it to us or mail it to BSR, PO Box 499 Bowie MD 20718.   

 

Pool Hours.  The new Pool hours will be posted on the website.  We will generally open 30 minutes later than last season.  The attendance is usually very sparse early in the day and this will save the club some money.  We will however be staying open until 10:00 or 11:00 P.M. on seven Saturday nights in the middle of the summer, and will have special events on all Saturday nights we are open late.

Important Dates for 2008:

Ø     Saturday April 26th 2008 – Volunteer Day #1                       9AM – 3PM

Ø     Saturday May 3rd 2008 – Volunteer Day #2                          9AM – 3PM

Ø     Saturday May 10th 2008 – Volunteer Day (Rain Date)         9AM – 3PM

Ø     Saturday & Sunday –May 17-18, 2008 – Open House          1PM – 7PM

Ø     Saturday 24 May 2008 – Opening Day

Best Wishes to you and your loved ones in 2008.

James J. Seidleck

President, BSR Board of Directors

www.BSRbarracudas.com