Greetings all!
It’s begun!
Let’s simply place this moment in time in perspective. A few weeks ago the first crocus popped in near the bird feeder. Ah… Spring… amidst mid-March, the cruelest month. Spring is about new beginnings.
On Thursday, our Club program took up the ‘erg at MRC for the first vibrant wheel-whirring of the season. Coach Bob Perkins conducted the nine young and some nearly-new and some brand new to rowing, through a gamut of rowing basics. Like any new endeavor, it’s exciting, and with fears put aside (there is comfort in numbers), the beginning of a new crew season is at hand. Much to learn, much to enjoy. (Bob left our the part regarding blisters).
To me, the phases of the spring season evolve through sugaring-off, mud-season, ice-out/docks in, black fly and then…Ah, Rowing! Our Barrett’s Cove boating area will enjoy a work party Saturday, April 6th with the annual Docks-In event. If all goes well, this will also coincide with our re-populating our boat racks with club equipment, safely returned from winter storage in Searsport’s Maritime Museum barn and Polly Saltonstall’s Yellow barn in Rockland. All hands needed for next weekend starting at 9am in Barrett’s Cove.
What else is new? Program organization – we’re updating our website to be easier to view and navigate. Meredith, Will, Bob and Hugh are revamping the application and sign-up process for easier use through iCrew. We’re launching our hybrid Membership enrollment for Masters rowers. We will be offering annual Memberships, as well as seasonal terms. More information will be forthcoming on those details.
Here are a few updates of activities and upcoming events.
April 28th – our annual outdoor Erg-a-thon on the Camden Village Green. This is the culmination of our spring fundraiser “Row the Coast” now in it’s 5th year! Stay tuned for details! Please support all your local rowers in this effort. Dollars raised will go toward the purchase of new oars.
The calendar for May is full of competitions for our Varsity Program! Details are included below.
We’ve also big news regarding the forming up of our Summer Coaching. Please note the introduction that follows of Tilghman Moyer! We’re very excited with the enthusiasm, skills and talents that Tilghman is intent on bringing us this summer.
For me, it’s a honor to be a part of these many efforts.
Thank you.
John F. Romain
Board President