-- January 2009 --

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. 15, 2008, at the Bowie Knights of Columbus from 7-8:30 PM.  43 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 social, with food and refreshments, followed the meeting and was enjoyed by many who attended.  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% off the 2009 maintenance dues was won by Jeanne Calderon.  

 There were four vacancies and five candidates running for the Board.  Robin Leinbach, Mike Schumacher, Kim Wiemann and Katie Tyeryar were each elected to three year terms on the board. Stacey Garland also informed the Board that she will not be able to complete her term. Angie Tippett, the remaining candidate running for the Board will fill the remainder of the vacated term.  

 The BSR Board of Director positions for 2009 were finalized at the November Board meeting and are listed below.  Start thinking now about some good family-oriented community service and running for the Board to fill one of the two positions that will be opening up in September 2009.

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 e-mail addresses above.  The Special Assistant post is being held vacant until a decision is made on our management contract situation.  

 Pool Management Contract.  As many of you know, KAM aquatics will not be returning to BSR for the 2009 season. We looked into self managing and received multiple bids from Pool Management Companies.  After considering all of our options, we signed a contract with Continental Pools Inc. to manage BSR for the upcoming season.  They manage many pools in the area, both large and small.  The cost savings over what we were paying KAM aquatics will be substantial, and we are confident our excellent safety record will be continued.  All CPI employees are licensed annually in lifeguarding, first aid and CPR through their training programs with the National Safety Council and Ellis & Associates.  The support system that CPI provides for the pools it operates is impressive and will certainly help make this transition year for BSR a smooth one.  

 Membership Drive 2009.   Kim Wiemann welcomes your thoughts and help with membership this year.  We are interested in different and innovative advertising approaches. Please contact Kim with suggestions or contact information.  Please let Kim know if you have a neighbor or friend who might be interested in joining the club.

 Swim Team.  Abbie (Thompson) Greer will be back as Head Coach for BSR in 2009.  She, along with her assistant coaches did an outstanding job last year, and we are looking forward to more of the same this summer.  We cannot thank enough those parents whose dedication makes this team possible each season.  Please remember, we will again need parents to support the team through volunteering to make this summer a success.  The first PMSL dual meet is Saturday June 20^th 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 swim chair Bill Kolb or any Board member.  Please look for information soon regarding fundraisers and the calendar of events.

 Tennis Program.   The Tennis courts remain in good shape, and we will be ready for a great year of tennis.  If you have any suggestions on the overall tennis program, Katie Tyeryar welcomes your comments.  

 Social Committee.  Sam Graham is putting together the social calendar for next season and he welcomes your input and support with his committee functions.  We will again have eight late Saturday night closings, and will have family activities on most of these nights.  The first social function will be our Valentine’s Day social on February 13^th.  See our Website (www.BSRbarracudas.com) for details, or contact Sam.

 Maintenance Committee. The Main pool was white coated in the fall.  This resurfacing was needed for a couple of years now.  The pool will look great next season and you will notice the smooth surface when you are in the pool.  We will be sending out e-mail reminders regarding the Spring Volunteer Days on April 25^th and May 2^nd (rain date May 9^th).  Remember that volunteer work 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 2009 Volunteer Night Party.  Mike Farina, Mike Schumacher and the Maintenance Committee would appreciate your help.  We will provide lunch for each Volunteer Day.

 Grounds Committee.   Our 50 Emerald Green Arborvitaes have all been planted along the fence where the trees were removed last year.  We received $6,000 from BGE for tree replacement and this covered nearly all of the cost for the arborvitaes. 

 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 Pool hours will remain the same as last year and will be posted on the website.  We will again stay open until 10:00 or 11:00 P.M. on eight Saturday nights in the middle of the summer, and will have special events on all Saturday nights we are open late.

 Important Dates for 2009:

Ø     Saturday, April 25^th, 2009 – Volunteer Day #1                         9AM – 3PM

Ø     Saturday, May 2^nd, 2009 – Volunteer Day #2                           9AM – 3PM

Ø     Saturday, May 9^th, 2009 – Volunteer Day (Rain Date)             9AM – 3PM

Ø     Saturday & Sunday –May 16th-17th, 2009 – Open House       1PM – 7PM

Ø     Saturday 23^rd, May 2009 – Opening Day

            Best Wishes to you and your loved ones in 2009.

             James J. Seidleck

            President, BSR Board of Directors

            www.BSRbarracudas.com