Rise to the occasion, PBC!

Social Committee Chair Virginia Bryant and Coach Reilly Dampeer and her Open Scullers want to remind everyone that the Rising Stars Dinner is less than two weeks away!

The Second Annual Rising Stars Silent Auction and Dinner is coming up on January 21. This is your opportunity to play a vital role in America’s success in international athletic competition and the strong tradition of competitive excellence at PBC. Show your support: donate services or items for the silent auction, buy tickets to the event, bid up auction items!

For more information, check your mail for your invitation or click on a link below.

• Rising Star Dinner Information
• Auction Donation Form

See you there, PBC!

-The Potomac Star on behalf of the Social Committee and Open Sculling Team

* * *

Please save the date:  January 21, 2012

Potomac Boat Club
Rising Stars Dinner and Silent Auction
An event to benefit the club’s Olympic Hopefuls

 

An invitation to Save the Date from Open Sculling Coach Reilly Dampeer:

The Potomac Boat Club Open Sculling Program is hosting the second annual Rising Stars dinner and silent auction on January 21, 2011, to benefit our Olympic hopefuls.

I am pleased to announce that this year’s event will take place at the prestigious University Club in downtown Washington, DC.  Potomac Boat Club members will receive an invitation in the mail soon, so please keep an eye out for it and RSVP as quickly as possible, since space will be limited for this special event.

The Open Sculling Program attracts talented athletes from across the United States to Potomac Boat Club to train for elite national and international competition.  The Program has produced athletes who have earned Olympic, World, Pan American and National Championship medals.  As we approach the upcoming Olympic year, our focus is sharp and our goals are to earn the honor of representing our country internationally and bring prestige to the club and program. Like all aspiring athletes who came before us, we strive with dedication, perseverance, and the hope to embody the competitive spirit and tradition that is Potomac Boat Club.

Proceeds raised from this event will fund travel expenses and entry fees for the 2012 Olympic selection regattas to be held in Chula Vista, California.  It will also fund the purchase of the latest training technology, state-of the-art equipment and resources for our athletes.

The 2011 event was a huge success, and I look forward to achieving even higher goals at this year’s Rising Stars event. PBC community support is key to our success. There are literally hundreds of sponsors, officials, coaches, and other individuals who make the achievement of an Olympic dream possible. We invite you to share this exciting evening with us and to be part of the enduring dreams of our athletes.

For more information regarding the Open Sculling Program and the donation of items for the Silent Auction, please contact me at redampeer@yahoo.com or (206) 819-6004.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Reilly Dampeer
Head Coach, Open Sculling Program

The Concept2 Holiday Challenge is kicking our rear

UPDATE!

For all of the ergers we have, we are woefully behind in the standings.

Let’s go ahead and get this done for the PBC team.  And by the way, for every person who completes at least 100k during the challenge, Concept2 will donate $.02 for each kilometer (1000 meters) you accumulate to your choice of the following organizations:

• Vermont Disaster Relief Fund
• American Red Cross Disaster Relief (International)
• Unicef—Emergency Relief Programs

Here’s how you sign up …

1. You must have an Online Logbook at concept2.com (it’s FREE!) and all of your meters must be entered into your Online Logbook. If you don’t already have one, visit the Online Logbook home page, click Register under New User and follow the directions. Kids Challenge participants need to set up an individual logbook (using a parent’s email address is fine).
2. Under the Profile tab, enter your current mailing address. This is to ensure we have your correct mailing address for mailing your pin (see below for how to qualify).
3. After you row/ski, record your meters in your Online Logbook. The Online Logbook automatically calculates your meters during the challenge.
4. Visit the Challenges page in your Online Logbook. When you’ve reached your goal, the Challenges page of the Online Logbook automatically recognizes your achievement and displays instructions for claiming your rewards.

* * *

Originally posted November 21, 2011:

The other day I looked over at my husband and I said, “Big Papa (because he likes it when I call him Big Papa) ….”  I said, “Big Papa what we need around these parts is a little more ergin’.”  He slowly put down a large sticky jug of syrup and  mumbled something about being on the erg since the end of baseball season.  Just gave me more incentive to kick his baseball butt out of there!  Git! Because guess what folks?! (Cue banjo ….)

It’s time for the Twelfth Annual Concept 2 Holiday Challenge, November 24 through December 24!  And it’s so easy! All you have to do is go to the Concept 2 site and sign up.  Of course, then you have to erg and stuff, but who cares when you get a prize!

Choose one of the following goals:

• 1000,000 meters
• 2000,000 meters
• 50,000 meters for kids 16 and under
• Adaptive athletes may choose 5ok, 100k or 200k

Row and record!  Free prizes for anyone who completes any of the challenges goals.

For every person who completes at least 100k during the challenge, Concept2 will donate $.02 for each kilometer (1000 meters) you accumulate to your choice of the following organizations:

• Vermont Disaster Relief Fund
• American Red Cross Disaster Relief (International)
• Unicef—Emergency Relief Programs

We’re gonna to win it this year, PBC!  Here are our results from the beginning of the year: http://www.concept2.com/sranking03/challenge/univStandings2012.asp.  Walk in the park, Ladies.  Walk in the park.

Go here for all of the details: http://www.concept2.com/us/motivation/challenges/individual/holchal.asp.  Let see 10 signed up by the end of the day!

GO PBC!





Start your New Year’s Resolution to be social in December!

Hosted by the PBC Open Sculling Program, you are cordially invited to celebrate the Season’s Spirit of Giving in our beautifully decorated, heated ballroom!

The Potomac Boat Club Annual Holiday Party
Date: Sunday, December 11, 2011
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Dress:  Festive Attire (Yes, it’s time for that sweater. The only time.)

Hors d’Oeuvres ~ Beverages
Good Friends and “Others”
Fun Photos with Santa
Belly Button Bakery for the Children
PBC Members, Friends and Guests welcome!

AND please don’t forget to bring an unwrapped, NEW gift to support the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots!

Oh, for all of you crazy “Senior Members” out there (and we know you’re crazy because you actually read this far down …), at 2:30 PM, before the start of the “regular” party, there will be a brief “Special Meeting of the Membership” in the “Club Lounge” to vote on an “extra special” amendment to the Club’s “Constitution.”

Now, that’s what we call getting the party started “early,” if you know what we “mean” … (wink)!

Not that we do, of course.

 

Hypothermia alert

It seems that every year there is another sad reminder of the dangers of cold water activity.  The latest tragic incident happened right in our area.

Don’t let a warm day here or there fool you, PBC.  Water temperatures are dropping, along with your chances of surviving a flip.

Please read the following cold water story posted on the Star last year; it contains links to important information about hypothermia that we all need to know:  Safety lesson learned the hard way.

Potomac Pirate?

 

 

Mike McGuirk sent us a photo of this wayward pirate lurking up at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta last weekend.  He claims to be a senior member of Potomac Boat Club.  Below is the proof that PBC member or not, this pirate is just after your booty.

Ahoy, Mateys! (No, he didn’t say that. Too obvy.  But admit it.  You expected it.)

Dear PBC friends:

I am announcing our plan to move the floats downstream on Saturday Dec. 3rd.  We’ll need all hands to make the move go fast and easy.  If the weather is really cold, raining/snowing hard, or extremely windy, we can try the next day (Sunday, 4th). Stay tuned.

Coaches and rowers who know the motor boats can help ahead by being sure we have the tanks all fueled up, and engines to use identified.

In the week preceding the move can some of you sweep rowers please get the big wooden outboard-motor bracket out from behind the 8’s?

Also, close to the date, would someone please volunteer to untie the short ropes we put on to keep the ramps in place if a flood were to come?

Thank you everyone!

Chuck Selden

PBC Float Captain and Pirate (… or Privateer, in polite company)

Read me and win

Hey, PBC!

Club Meetings have gotten shorter and sweeter, and the food has always been good, so mark your calendar for the Semi-Annual Meeting next week, Wednesday, October 5th.

Social hour starts at 6:30 pm.  The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 pm.   What’s on the agenda?  A change to the constitution that could make these meetings even better will be introduced, as will the 2011 recipients of the David Challinor Memorial Scullership to the Head of the Charles Regatta.  You’re so all over this, right?  Yeah.  We are, too.

(Subliminal message: Food.)

So.  Call the babysitter, reschedule your hair appointment, DVR the game,  just do what you have to do to be there and participate like a good club member, okay?

(One grand prize awarded to the 135th member who shows up before 7:15 pm, and whispers, “Palomino,” in the ear of the tallest guy standing to the left of the food table.  Restrictions apply.)

See you there!

(Credit for “scullership” goes to  Mr. Marc Edmonds.  Please contact Mr. Edmonds directly with comments and/or complaints.)

Stand down … no boat move needed this morning. Thanks for being ready.

Originally posted on April 23, 2011, “To row (or not to row) when the Potomac floods,” below contains helpful info and a link to the NOAA flood stage prediction page:

On Monday, the river is expected to crest at 7.6 feet.  Generally, we move lower boats to higher ground when the river is expected to crest at 12 feet or higher.  Again, since this is not the case for Monday, no action is required this weekend, but for your continued caution.

Now, below is the guidance you thrill seekers have dreaded or the excuse you late sleepers have anxiously awaited.  Either way, take heed.  It is a combination of practical recommendations provided by our Float Captain Chuck Selden and the rules of the club.

The Resource
Following is a link to the National Weather Service, Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.  Chuck urges you to open it and set it as a bookmark.  It gives the actual and predicted levels at Little Falls.  Check it at bedtime, and again before coming down to row.

• Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

The Rule
Still wondering whether or not you should row?  Well, this should make it a little easier for you … the rule according to the Safety Section of the PBC Member Handbook states the following:

The docks are closed when the water level is at 7 feet or above at the Little Falls gauge.

At these levels (although we will note that Chuck believes private boats should be able to launch with caution at crests of up to 8 feet), even the most skilled crews will have difficulty getting back through Key Bridge safely and to the dock.  Not only will the river be fast and swirly in unexpected areas, but it can take a crew almost twice as long as it usually takes to row the same distance upstream.

Even at levels above 6 feet, if there is any question in your mind that you may not be able to easily combat swirly current and standing waves, just don’t go out.  It’s not worth it.

Chuck on Rowing When the River is High
When levels are above 5.5 feet, Chuck’s advice is to immediately row downstream through the Key Bridge.  He and his crew carefully survey the scene around the bridge first, then they usually end up taking the first or second arch from the Washington, DC side.  If there are crews coming up towards Key Bridge, cross the river when traffic allows and use the usual traffic pattern arch (second from the Virginia side).  Remember to stay about 70 to 100 yards upstream of Key Bridge until you can safely align with the middle of the arch before turning to go through.

Heading downstream, there will be swirly water in the river until after Memorial Bridge, where it will start to get better.  Often, well before you reach the 14th Street Bridge, it will be flat, calm and rowable without swirls.  Chuck says his very experienced crew typically heads to the big radar at the airport (the 5 mile turn-around) or to Hains Point.  This way they can get a 9-10 mile row in with about 6-7 miles of decent water.

[But, again, if in doubt, don't go out.  We promise that no one will be talking about what a stud you were for going out in high water when they're dragging for your body.]

Register now! 2011 Scullers Head of the Potomac

• Click here to register!

Ms. Samantha Byrd, chair of Potomac Boat Club’s Regatta Committee, announces that registration is open for the 2011 Charlie Butt Annual Scullers Head of the Potomac (SHOP).

The SHOP, scheduled for Sunday, September 25, has been held every year for the last 31 years in honor of legendary rowing coach Charlie Butt.  Considered an important milestone on the fall racing calendar, the SHOP includes more than 40 sweep and sculling events.

This year, the Regatta Committee has reworked the race schedule to better accommodate large entry events and provide more time between events for multi-entry participants.  Please check the registration page linked above for important registration deadlines.  Race Headquarters will be at Thompsons Boat Center.

Questions regarding the SHOP should be emailed to the Regatta Committee at headofthepotomac@gmail.com.  Volunteers, it’s never too early to make your availability known!

The Regatta Committee wishes you the best of luck as you finish up the summer racing season.

See you in September at the SHOP!

Collisions prompt new rules for PBC sweep teams

Following is an important safety message from PBC club president, Bob Price.

Two recent safety incidents, on-the-water collisions between PBC men’s sweep boats and smaller sculling boats, have kicked up a lot of questions and concerns regarding what we, as a club, can do to be safer and more aware out on the water. I’d like to provide an overview of the actions we’re taking.

First, effective immediately, we have instituted a no-hard-strokes rule and a no-side-by-side pieces rule above Hens and Chicks for all PBC sweep teams to ensure no large boats are at full speed in such a small area.  This will afford smaller boats more of an opportunity to see larger boats coming their way, and coxswains and coaches more of an opportunity to note on coming traffic.

Second, we are reaching out to the community – the DC Harbor Police, Thompsons Boat Center, and the Potomac River Safety Council (PRSC) – to reaffirm our commitment to the highest levels of safety and to demonstrate that we always take these incidents seriously.

Third, we plan to host a forum through the PRSC and invite the entire local rowing community to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to safety rules and policies.  We hope to get this on the calendar in the early fall.  As soon as we have a date confirmed, we will let everyone know.

Finally, we ask that everyone stays vigilant out on the water.  Our sport has become more popular than ever with more and more boats sharing the same stretch of river every season.   With these additional chances for mishaps out there, we need all to keep heads up for potential trouble.

One thing has not changed:  Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but the safety of our members and others with whom we share the river remains the top priority of the Board and the Club.  Please do not hesitate to bring your safety questions or concerns to me, any Board member or committee chair.

For safety information from USRowing, please visit http://www.usrowing.org/Safety.aspx.

For safety information from the Potomac River Safety Committee, please visit http://www.potomacriversafetycommittee.org/index.php.

Thanks.

Bob Price, President, PBC

Times are tough, so security gets tougher

Below is a less detailed version of a very important message from the Security Committee that PBC Members will receive soon via snail and e-mail, if they haven’t already.  Please take the time to read the detailed version when you get it, especially if you don’t feel like reading this one.

No, actually, please read each and every version you may receive through any channel, especially this one.  (Quiz next week.)

***

Dear PBC Members:

The Potomac Boat Club (PBC) Board of Governors and the Security Committee are implementing new security measures, as a result of various breaches in security over the last few months.  Although a few folks may feel inconvenienced by these new measures, we are confident that most of you are willing to do what it takes to help ensure the safety of the boathouse and, more importantly, the safety of yourself and your fellow Members.

With that in mind, effective July 11th, 2011, official Club Hours of Operation go into effect.  They will be enforced during non-operating hours by an alarm directly linked to the DC Police, additional surveillance cameras with motion-detecting, recording and remote monitoring capabilities, in addition to other measures we cannot discuss here.

During regular hours, Members will be required to input their personal codes to gain access to Club, as well as to various areas of the Club.  This redundant code requirement will record the activity of those with a legitimate purpose for being in the club (including Senior Members, Competitive Members, and contractors) and give us and the DC Police another tool to use when sorting potential criminal actors from legitimate users, if a security issue does arise.

As we take these steps to increase the security of the boathouse itself, it is imperative that each of us remains vigilant and observant, so we respectfully remind you of the following responsibilities that we all have as Members of PBC:

• Use your own code each time you enter the house.  Do not share it with others. When entering, make sure the front door locks behind you.
• Do not let anyone you do not recognize, or who cannot identify the program they are with, follow you in through the front door.
• Do not prop open any outside door or gate unless it is fully attended by another Member.
• Do not prop and leave open internal, red, metal fire doors, which are part of the fire control system for the house.
• At the end of the day, lock all doors and windows in the ballroom and the weight room before you leave and be sure the front door closes and is locked behind you.
• If you are the last one out of the house, at any given time of day, please ensure that all bay doors are closed and latched. (Use the logbook as a guide to see if anyone might be out on the water.)
• While in the house, make sure your valuables are in a safe place.  Do not leave valuables in lockers overnight.
• For your own safety, refrain from spending time alone in the house, especially during low traffic periods.

Finally, we encourage you to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible by writing to security@potomacstar.com or by calling 911 in case of emergency.  If you are in doubt about what to do or whom to contact, please err on the side of caution and alert the police.  Acting quickly and providing accurate details are essential to resolving any security issue.

Unfortunately, these are tough times and invoking tighter security measures to keep us all safe has become necessary.  Please join us in doing your part to make this work.

Thank you.

PBC Board of Governors and the Security Committee

[Wait ... what are these "official" hours of operations, you ask?  Um,  maybe grab that decoder ring you just dug out of your kid's box of Captain Crunch and go check your snail and email for the previously mentioned versions of this message.  Yes, you may refer to the hard copy as you read the soft one, if you'd like, but please close this window before you do.  We're trying to eat.  Thanks.]

Next Page »