CHESTERBROOK SWIM & TENNIS NEWSLETTER

WINTER 2009

February 2009

President's Letter

Welcome to the first electronic version of the Chesterbrook Swim and Tennis Splash and Smash! We hope you find it useful and easy to read. With this electronic newsletter, along with a planned revamped website and our weekly summer "This Week at Chesterbrook" emails, we aim to provide you with information about the Club in a timely manner on your desktop.

A brief update on the Board's activities: The earlier annual meeting and Board turnover has been very worthwhile for our Board team, allowing us time to discuss our goals and do a detailed review of our budget. All of you should have received your 2009 dues notice in the mail; you will see that the Board reluctantly approved a small increase in dues. This is in large part because of an increase in the minimum wage that will raise our staff costs next summer. In the meantime, we are, and will continue scrubbing our budget to ensure that our expenses are prudent and necessary. The good news is that the Club is in strong financial shape and we are committed to ensuring that this position continues.

We are proceeding with several initiatives to improve our Clubʼs facilities. First, we are in the final stages of the design plans for a tennis pavilion that will provide a much-needed facility for our tennis community. Second, a subcommittee of Board members will be meeting over the next month with several architects who have experience in working with clubs like ours. Our goal is to have someone on board this spring to help us in developing a master plan for club improvement, and specifically a clubhouse renovation. In the meantime, Facilities Chair Dave Betts is working on a schedule of projects to have the Club in great shape for our opening in May. We will keep you posted on our progress.

We look forward to another great season this summer at Chesterbrook!

Gretchen Welch, President

MEMBERSHIP

Membership - important deadlines ahead!

Member Dues and Payments:  Dues notices were mailed February 1st - & we are pleased to continue offering competitive 2009 dues for Full Members ($575 for families of 1-2, and $625 for families of 3 or more). Senior Citizens who are full members receive a 10% discount (see below). Dues for families with Summer Use Privileges are $900. Payments must be received by March 15.  Full members who pay after March 15 will be assessed a 25% penalty.  Summer Use Families who do not pay on or before 3/15/09 will be dropped from the waiting list and ineligible for summer use privileges.
 
Member Sales:  If you wish to sell your Full Membership, contact Membership ASAP at the number and email below. Notification of sales after March 15th will result in 25% of your stock purchase price being deducted from your refund. 
 
Summer Use Wait List:  Our on-line summer wait list opened January 10.  The first 30 slots already have been offered to new Summer Users, and additional offers will be made after the existing members' dues are processed in March.
 
Full Membership:  Full Memberships are offered to existing families with Summer Use Privileges in chronological order based on the date the family applied to join the pool.  Each year, as Full Members sell their memberships, Summer Use Families are contacted to purchase Full Membership.  The benefits of Full Membership are year round use of the facility, ability to be on the board, voting rights and a reduction in annual dues.  To become a Full Member, there is a one-time initiation fee of $900 (not refunded), a stock purchase fee of $680 (refunded when you sell your membership) and annual dues stated above.  However under new bylaws, if a Summer Use Family turns down Full Membership when it is offered, Summer Use Privileges are immediately terminated and there will be no refund or pro-rating of Summer Use Privilege dues. 
 
Senior Member Discounts:  If one member of a Full Membership is age 65 or over as of opening day, dues are reduced 10%. If it is not indicated on your dues invoice, write "Senior Discount" on your invoice, enclose a check for $520 (family of 1-2) or $565 (family of 3 or more), along with proof of age.  A follow-up call or email to the number and email below also would help process the change. 
 
Email Updates:   With 550 members and summer use privilege families, having a current e-mail address for your family is vital for club communications.  This year almost all Chesterbrook Swim and Tennis communications, including Splash & Smash newsletters, will be sent only via email.  Please write your preferred e-mail address(es) for club news on your 2009 dues invoice.  If your e-mail address changes during the year please let us know at membership@chesterbrookclub.com.
 
Kathie Hager, Membership
membership@chesterbrookclub.com

703-516-9691

Jobs!

SUMMER JOBS AVAILABLE!

If you are interested in working at Chesterbrook this summer of 2009, we are in the process of hiring lifeguards, front desk workers, and snack bar attendants.  Please note that hiring decisions for this summer will be based partly on the ability of candidates to commit to working a full summer schedule, both in terms of hours per week and ability to work throughout the summer.
 
GUARDS:  We are looking for both new and experienced guards.  You must be at least 15 years old, and need both a valid Lifeguard Certification and a valid first aid/CPR certification.  Again this summer, there will be a starting rate for new guards and a return-incentive rate (for each year of service) for guards who have worked with us in past summers.
 
FRONT DESK AND SNACK BAR:  We will hire 6-8 candidates to work regular shifts through the summer for each area.  We also will hire two or three people who can work as substitutes, as needed, for vacations and unexpected events.  You must be 14 years old to work in these positions. 
 
If interested, please send an e-mail to Ken Meade at the email below between now and April 1st.  Please include your name, address, telephone number, age, area of interest, and whether or not you have worked before at Chesterbrook.  Hiring decisions will be made in early April; and everybody who expressed an interest in working will be contacted with a decision.  An informational meeting will be held on a weekend in early May for those hired to work with us this summer. 
 
Ken Meade, Vice President
meadeoram@comcast.net

SWIM TEAM NEWS

Swim Team COUNT-DOWN !

 
ICE SKATING ON FEBRUARY 28th!  Join us from 6 - 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 28th, for ice skating at the Kettler Ice Rink in Ballston. Swimmers, siblings, and parents are all invited to join in the fun.  Come catch up with your teammates and start the count-down.  More details will be provided in an all team email as we get closer to the event. NOTE: if your email address has changed since last summer, please send an update to the email below. Also, don't forget to check out our new website at www.chesterbrookswimteam.com.   This site will be updated each time we have new information to post.  
 
 2009 SWIM TEAM SCHEDULE PREVIEW:  By February 28th, the 2009 season will have been settled, including all meets and practice times.  The Coaching staff also promises a mix of new and old. Assistant coaches are still being finalized, but will be set soon. The coaching staff for the Developmental Program looks to be a veteran group, but if you're going to be a 15-18 swimmer this summer and you're interested in assisting with the program, please send an email to the contact address below.
 
Parents can start planning as well -- the NVSL will offer STROKE & TURN JUDGE CLINICS in June.  The dates are not set yet, but to learn more regarding these and other clinics that become available, please go to the NVSL's website (http://nvsl.nvpools.com) or ask your swim team reps.

BACK TO POOL NIGHT tentatively is set for Monday, April 13th at the Chesterbrook Elementary School cafeteria. Three competitive teams (dive, swim, and tennis) will provide information and opportunities to sign up and take care of any fees.   Additionally, Gary Ramsey from Sportfair will be on hand to order all your Summer 2009 gear. 

 SWIM PRACTICE for the regular team will likely start Monday, May 18th, although we may start earlier - the club's opening day is not yet finalized. Final dates and information will be provided in the April Splash & Smash.

Lara Offutt, Swim Team Rep
Mia DeWitt, Swim Team Rep
chesterbrookteamrep@yahoo.com
New Web Site!  www.chesterbrookswimteam.com

 

DIVE TEAM NEWS

Come Join the Diving Dolphins

We are looking forward to another fun season with returning and new families.  Chesterbrook has a proud history of fostering many talented divers who dive regionally, nationally, and compete during college years.  The Dive Team provides a fun, energetic atmosphere to learn how to dive safely and competitively.  We have been fortunate to have very dedicated families, superb coaching, and support of the general pool membership to train and nurture an exuberant crowd of novice divers.
 
Team Requirements:  The only requirements to be on the team are an ability to swim capably from the board to the ladder and a willingness to learn. One additional qualification is of utmost importance.  Because so many experienced divers are getting older, their parents soon will be "graduating" from the program and taking their commitment and experience with them.  So, every diver on the team must bring the willingness of one or both of their parents to be involved.  There are many outlets to offer help.  With training, one can be a judge or referee; at every meet table workers are needed (on the spot training provided); and since a big part of being on the team is the fun of social events, helpers of all varieties are appreciated!  There will be more information available in the Spring and at Back to Pool night, which is tentatively scheduled for April 13 in the Chesterbrook Elementary School cafeteria.
 
Julie Esanu, Dive Team Rep (703) 532-1274
jesanu@verizon.net
Melissa Brown, Dive Team Rep (703) 847-4622
Melissabrown1@fcps.edu

 

Social 

A Summer of Social Fun!

For the benefit of all of the families at Chesterbrook, the Social Committee has planned a fun-filled summer with all of the familiar activities and some new ones.  We hope you will make it a point to join us for as many activities as possible.  We have been talking with many of you about activities you would like to add to the social calendar.  Already, we have heard some wonderful ideas and are working to incorporate a family movie night and a family bingo event. Stay tuned for details on these two new events!  Please keep your ideas coming! 
 
TGIF - Adults can look forward to ending the work- week at our "bring your own beverage" TGIF gatherings at the lower pump house deck on Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (members are encouraged to bring an hors d'oeuvre to share). 
 
Sunday Brunch - On Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to noon, join us for Sunday brunch while you enjoy adult swim. 

Wine Tasting Party - In late June, we are planning the popular Wine Tasting Party - a chance to mingle with pool members and sample some new wines.
 
Raft Parties - Children and families can look forward to two raft parties and...float your cares away.  You bring the float and for a nominal fee, we'll provide the pizza, drinks and Popsicles. 
 
Family Party - In July, we hope you'll join us for the biggest social event of the season, the Family Party. Last year, nearly 250 people enjoyed the catered dinner, music, dancing, and games.
 
Labor Day Ice Cream Social - This year, we'll end the season with our Third Annual Ice Cream Social during the Labor Day weekend.
 
To share ideas or volunteer (please!) for events, please contact:
Mary Lou Spear, Social Rep, mspear@cox.net
Tammy Lindquist, Social Rep, thlindquist@verizon.net.   

Tennis

Come Join the 2009 Season!

Chesterbrook tennis is year-round, so come and enjoy the courts!  We welcome our new Tennis Rep, Grace O'Grady, and look forward to the continued success of the junior and adult tennis teams, and a strong slate of social events.  In addition, we extend a big thank you to Allison Moore, the outgoing Tennis Rep, who contributed a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and was a great advocate for everything Cheetahs on the CST Board.
 
Along with CST's competitive tennis programs, we also have many social events and opportunities for a fun experience on the courts.  Recently, we launched Mixed Doubles Night on Tuesdays, which has been drawing a lot of players, and commences anew in the Spring, once the weather smiles again.  Occasional mixers bring out a larger group of players, and afford opportunities to meet other CST players, within a competitive format.

As mentioned in the President's letter above, we are in the final stages of the design plans for a tennis pavilion.  Our thanks to Allison Moore, Marty Huppert, Gary Poon, and Kate O'Neill for their participation in identifying needs and selecting the design of the pavilion.  Our heartfelt thanks to the many who contributed generously in the pavilion fund drive, and to Allison Moore for her driving force ... and thanks again to Mary Huppert for generously volunteering to be the manager for the project.  Our motto for the pavilion project is "Real fine in 2009".

Team registrations will be available at Back to Pool night ("BTP"), proposed for April 13.  Returning junior team members can register at BTP.  Juniors wishing to join the team can pick up forms, which they can bring to the first team practice; there will be an evaluation by the Tennis Pro during the first practice, and qualifying juniors can then mail in the registration form with dues.

So pull on your parkas and think Spring, because we look forward to a terrific year ahead for CST tennis.  Future notices will provide information on team registration, and clinic schedules, so keep on the lookout.  Most of all, come out and play!
 
Grace O'Grady, CST Tennis Rep gmogrady@verizon.net
Murthy Kambhampaty, CST Tennis Rep, cheetahRep@majck.com

Spring Tennis Form

Chesterbrooks Swim & Tennis 2009 Spring Tennis Schedule

All Junior Spring Tennis classes & ladies daytime clinics will run once a week for 14 weeks starting March 2nd, ending  June 5th. Evening adult classes will run 10 weeks starting March 16th & ending May 19th. Missed classes due to inclement weather will be made up at the end of the Spring session. The day, time & cost of the classes are located below. Remember to pick one convenient day & time for your desired class. For example:  Every Mon @ 4:30 -5:30 or every Monday @ 5:30- 6:30 for 14 weeks if your child is a beginner/advanced beginner ages7-up. Please read the offered day & time of the class carefully.

Tiny-Tots Tennis: 30 minutes ; Ages 3-6; M-F ;  4:00-4:30pm. Cost $160

Beginner/Advanced Beginner: 60 minutes ; Ages 7-up ; M/W/ or Fr ; 4:30-5:30 or 5:30-6:30pm. Also Tues/Thurs from 6-7pm. Cost $280

Inter/Adv Tennis: 1.5hours ; Ages 10-up ; Tue/thurs  4:30-6:00pm. Cost $350

Ladies Daytime Clinics: 1 Hour ; M/T/W/Th or Fri ; 9:30-10:30 or 10:30-11:30am. Cost $300
Ladies evening: 1 Hour ;  Mon or Wed 7-8pm. 10 week session. Cost $250

Mens Clinic: 1 Hour ; Mondays 8-9pm. 10 week session. Cost $250

Register now! by filling out the form below. Make check payable to Christian Canepa & please mail both Form & Check to: 46373 Utica Square Sterling Va 20165. Call Chris @ 571-434-1992 or e-mail @ clctennispro@msn.com with any questions.

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E-Mail _______________________________________________

Student Name ____________________    Age____________________________________

Phone # _______________________  Parent Names ______________________________

Clinic Name/Date/Time _______________________________________________________

Emergency Contact __________________________________________________________

Chesterbrook Swim and Tennis Club