38. from Steven (web guy) Apr 4, 2009 — T.E.S.T 2009 Season web site coming soon!
You have reached the TEST 2008 Web Site at http://home.myfairpoint.net/vzenu5ot/test2008/
Note that the web address for the 2008 site is different because Fairpoint has replaced Verizon as my ISP.
NEW! Click here to go to the 2009 T.E.S.T web site
Hello TEST families,
Thought you got rid of me, huh? Just wanted to say thanks for all the amazing support and praise you shared during our end of the year banquet last Tuesday. We did have an amazing year, and I will never forget it.
Just wanted to send you all an email letting you know, that if you were NOT here on Tuesday, we do have some ribbons/medals, and certificates here at the pool that can be picked up before the pool's last day on the 23rd.
This goes double for the Barnett and Murphy family who were not here to receive Jessica's and Lee's special award. Please swing by the pool to get your award, you earned it!
I believe team pictures are competed, we have one hanging up here at the pool, but I really don't know anything about individual family orders.
Anyways, I got to get back to running the pool, if you drop in make sure to say hi!
Thanks again!
Logan
36. from Julie B. — TEST Banquet Tomorrow Aug 5th
Reminder to TEST Parents and Swimmers:
The TEST Awards Dinner is being held Tuesday, August 5th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Essex Town Pool. From 5:00 to 6:30 families can relax and enjoy the pool. During that time, dinner will be served in the snack bar area - lasagna, salad, rolls or chicken fingers and ziti. There will be a limited amount of water and seating available so please bring your own beverages and lawn chairs. The awards ceremony will begin at 6:30 on the pool deck. Unbelievably, there is no rain in the forecast for Tuesday, but just in case, the Essex Middle School cafeteria is our back-up location.
IMPORTANT: If you haven't RSVP'd yet, PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE TO EXPECT. We need an accurate headcount ASAP to make sure that we don't run out of food. You can pay on Tuesday, if you haven't already. $5 PER PERSON, $3 FOR KIDS 12 AND UNDER. This will cover COACHES GIFTS, but if you aren't coming and want to contribute, $1 OR $2 per swimmer is suggested.
If you have any questions, please call me at 899-1762. I'm looking forward to a great celebration of a great season. I'm so proud of our kids and our team!
Thanks,
Julie Bergeron
35. from Logan — 2 days till States Meet!
It is 2 days before State Championships at St. Michael's College this weekend. The coaches are very excited for all the potential this team has in swimming their best times and having a great meet. I really wish this meet could come sooner, knowing just how ready we are to do so tremendous. Just to help make this possible, I thought I would try my best to communicate some of the administrative details regarding the meet.
- 10 and younger swimmers are in the AM sessions on both days. 11 and OLDERS are in the PM session for both days. BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS. This is different from what some people read somewhere. It has been this format for about 10 years. (Note: The 2008 Parent Handbook and the website (until 10 minutes ago) had incorrect information.)
- These are the times swimmers need to be at the team area (tent) for each session:
SAT AM: 7:55 am SAT (500 swimmers) 10:30 SAT PM: 12:30 SUN AM: 7:30 am SUN (200 Free Swims)10:30 SUN PM: 12:00 You must be on time, or risk getting scratched from the meet. The parking lots get full fast, so plan ahead please. For the majority of us, we are one of the closest teams in the state, don't be the latest!!:)
- If swimmers are still unclear about what events they are swimming on what days, check out the bulletin board at the pool.
- Fridays practice is NOT optional. Swimmers should come and keep the feel for the water. If swimmers desire some extra rest. All swimmers can be welcomed 1 hour later. 7:45
- Try to get swimmers some rest, staying out of the sun, away from strenuous exercise, and well hydrated. Spaghetti Omelets are very nutritious.
- Our end of the year banquet is on Tuesday pm at the pool. If you have not yet contributed to the event, please do so.
Ok I think that is it. If you email me with questions I will try my best. To decrease volume, please see if you can discover answers through teammates and the bulletin board at the pool. Thanks!
-Logan
34. from Brenda — Volunteers needed for the State Meet (2 & 3 Aug)
TEST TEAM PARENTS - FOR STATES WE NEED: (*JOB DESCRIPTIONS BELOW)
SATURDAY MORNING - 6 LANE SHEPHERDS (8:45 THROUGH THE LUNCH RACES) - IT WOULD BE REAL NICE TO ACTUALLY HAVE 12 SO THAT WE CAN HAVE RELIEF ON DECK HALFWAY THROUGH - I FOUND OVER THREE HOURS LAST WEEKEND FOR ONE PERSON TO BE TOO MUCH - THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEIR CHILDREN SWIM UP CLOSE!
SATURDAY AFTERNOON - 2 VOLUNTEERS FOR AWARDS
SUNDAY MORNING - 2 TIMERS FOR LANE 2 (8:40 TIMERS MEETING THROUGH THE LUNCH RACES) - AGAIN, IT WOULD BE BETTER TO HAVE 4 SO THOSE ON DECK CAN BE RELIEVED.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON - 2 TIMERS FOR LANE 2 (1:50 TIMERS MEETING THROUGH THE END OF MEET) - AGAIN, IT WOULD BE BETTER TO HAVE 4 SO THOSE ON DECK CAN BE RELIEVED.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO AND WHEN YOU WOULD PREFER TO DO IT. BASICALLY WE NEED 22 VOLUNTEERS. PLEASE, PLEASE, LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO I CAN FINALIZE THE LIST.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS -
LANE SHEPHERDS - ENSURE THAT SWIMMERS ARE IN THEIR CORRECT LANES IN THE CORRECT HEAT ORDER AND READY TO SWIM.
AWARDS - LABELS AND SORTS THE RIBBONS AND MEDALS DURING THE MEET AT THE COMPUTER TABLE - START TIME IS 9:30
TIMERS - TIME THE SWIMMERS
THANKS SO MUCH,
BRENDA GREEN (264-5601 OR 878-3262 OR 363-2106)
33. from Deb A. — TEST Awards Dinner - Tuesday, August 5th!
Hi TEST Parents and Swimmers:
After action-packed weekends at Leagues and States, plan to join us in celebrating the end of a great season at the annual T.E.S.T awards dinner.
WHAT: Annual TEST awards dinner
WHEN: TUESDAY, AUGUST 5th WHERE: ESSEX TOWN POOL TIME: 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.
WHEN: TUESDAY, AUGUST 5th
WHERE: ESSEX TOWN POOL
TIME: 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Enjoy the pool and have dinner in the team concession area anytime between 5:00 and 6:30 P.M. The awards ceremony will begin at 6:30 on the pool deck.
COST: $5 per adult, $3 for children 12 and under. The price includes a contribution for coaches' gifts.
SIGN-UP: Julie Bergeron, Deb Alden, or Jessica Workman will sign you up and take money at League sand States. You can also drop off an envelope at the front desk of the town pool. Make checks payable to T.E.S.T.
Additional details on dinner and an alternative plan in case of rain will be available next week.
32. from Logan — Leagues and States
Hello TEST families,
Just wanted to send a final email to all swimming families regarding the upcoming weekend. League championships are happening at the St. Albans pool this weekend, with the distance events happening Friday pm.
Friday night events: 100 fly · 100 IM · 200 Free · 100 Breast · 100 back
Warm-ups start at 3:20 for our team, swimmers need to be there at 3:00, because coaches need to check you in. If any swimmers are not going to show, the directors of the meet want to know about it so they can plan accordingly. As soon as swimmers are done with their Friday pm event, they may go home before the conclusion of the session in order to rest for Saturday's sessions.
Saturday am session: Warm-ups are at 7:40, swimmers there by 7:20 am.
Events are: Medley Relay · 50 Free · 25 Fly · 25 Back · 25 Breast · 25 Free · Free RelaySaturday pm session: Swimmers there by noon (12:00 Canadian Time)
Medley Relay · 100 Free · 50 fly · 50 back · 50 breast · 50 free · Free Relay
Leagues is also the last chance for swimmers to qualify for State Championships which is the following weekend (Saturday the 2nd, and Sunday the 3rd) 10 and youngers are in the am sessions of both days, and 11 and olders are in the pm sessions. Logan emailed a list of 2008 State Qualifiers. If your name is on there I am expecting you to be available for the meet. If there are conflicts you must let me know before this weekend's meet is over. If you qualify this weekend, I will get you in the meet.
External Link to State Qualifying Times (you will leave the TEST web site)
31. from Deb A. — Last Home Snackbar!
Hi Swimmers and Families,
What a great season! The bowling and the Red and Black were fantastic events! Thanks to all of you, we were able to subsidize both of these great times with money raised in our snackbar. Truly, it adds up and goes straight back to the team. We have one more event to come and that is the banquet. Julie Bergeron will fill us in on that, but it happens after States.
Well, this is it – our last meet and last snackbar. We really want to make it a blowout! Thanks especially to Parvin Pothiawala who has worked tirelessly in our snackbar. Please, support her in two ways tomorrow night: bring an item to sell if you did not contribute last week AND please volunteer to take a shift selling or helping if you are not timing. Really, she needs the support and there are some of us without assignments. The more hands, the shorter the shifts!
So, plan to bring crockpot dishes, green salads, fruit salad, pasta salad, or desserts. We want this end of season meet to rock! Oh, and Parvin is wrapping up with rice and chicken tikka masala – yum!
See you tomorrow night,
Deb
30. from Deb A. — Snackbar for 15 July EDGE meet at home & Rides Needed for later meets
Hi Swimmers and Families
Please remember to bring food tonight for the snackbar. If you didn’t bring to the last meet, it’s your turn tonight. The mix and variety has been great! Let’s keep it coming.
Just 2 home meets left plus the Red and Black on Thursday.
Also, we need to jump in and help one of our swimmers with rides for the next 3 meets. Alex Humphries needs a ride to Longhorn Steakhouse to meet her mom who works the dinner shift. I will take her tonight, but am unable to do so for the next 2 meets (Red & Black and next Tuesday). Please, please jump in and help. Our swimmers work so hard to get ready for these meets. We never want them to miss their competitions.
Thank you for your support of our swimmers and our team!
Deb
29. from Brenda G. — Volunteer for the League Meet (25 & 26 July) or the State Meet (2 & 3 Aug)!
Swim team parents
It won't be long before we receive our duties for leagues and states.
This year I am asking parents to e-mail me their availability.
If you did not volunteer during the regular season please consider volunteering for leagues or states.
Once again, if I do not hear from you, I will schedule at will.
Thanks a bunch.
Brenda Green 264-5601 (days) 878-3262 (evenings)
28. from Peter Soloman, the head coach of Middlebury College
Middlebury College's new Assistant Swim Coach, Andy Weinberg and I would like to invite you to attend our Championship Swim Camp that he and I will be offering at Middlebury College later this month.
Click here to see the flyer and brochure for the camp.
If you'd like to do some technique work on your strokes, turns, starts, and finishes prior to The League or State Championships this summer, this camp will focus on stroke and racing mechanics to help you improve. Space is limited to 15 campers per week so be sure to register early if you want to be included.
Peter Soloman, the head coach of Middlebury College
27. from Logan July 12th Test newsletter!
Hello TEST families,
Just thought I would drop you another update on what is going to be a very busy week for us this season:
- We only have 10 more practices before the League Championships begin, and only 15 practices before State Championships. The summer has gone by fast and will proceed to, please make sure swimmers are at practice and on time, for this weeks practices will be essential in their preparation for the end of the season.
- This Wednesday (16th)afternoon is our annual bowling/fun day. Sign-ups are on the bulletin board. It is only $5 for the afternoon, which covers pizza, shoes and 2 hours of unlimited bowling at Yankee Lanes in Colchester. We do need drivers for this event. We usually have enough seats for everyone, but it’s also a close call. Pizza will be at the park near the pool at noon, and bowling is from 1-3.
- We have a home swim meet vs. EDGE on Tuesday. 10 and under warm-ups are at 4:30. 11 and older warm-up at 4:45.
- Many of you have gotten an email about the potluck dinner happening at the conclusion of the Red and Black meet on Thursday. This is a really fun meet where team spirit grows before the end of the year. Swimmers are either on the RED or BLACK team and will compete against each other in regular meet events, plus mixed-gender relays, not to mention PARENT RELAYS!!!! (Ooh boy!) Warm-ups will probably begin at 5 (subject to change)
- Middlebury College is running stroke clinic swim camp sessions at their pool in a week and also in two weeks. I endorse anybody who wants to attend this, and the flyer will be at the pool.
- Next Monday (14th), we will be having picture day at practice. We will be having a group picture around 8-815, while all swimmers are there. Mini-test swimmers will have to early!!! After 8:15, there will be a chance for anybody who wants individual pictures taken. The photographer has dropped off order forms at the pool; you can pick one up and fill it out over the next week if you wish.
- Towels and shirts that have been ordered will be in sometime this week.
- I need to complete the entries for the League Championships by the conclusion of the week. I will be putting up a line-up with potential events for swimmers this week; they should be discussing with me what they wish to swim. Although I accept input, the coaching staff has the final say on the entries. If some families aren’t not planning on attending and think they have not communicated it yet YOU NEED TO TELL ME AND WRITE IT IN THE NOTEBOOK!!! I want everybody to swim, but we do have a maximum entry limit, you jeopardize other swimmers chances to swim if you do not inform me of absence! Even if you have already told me or written it, DO IT AGAIN!!!
Hope that’s it for now. We appreciate you participation and help.
Logan
26. TEST Red and Black Meet Potluck from Deb
Hi Swimmers and Parents,
I'm jumping in to get the ball rolling for the social side of the Red and Black Meet. We like to offer a potluck after the meet for families and swimmers. TEST provides the hot dogs, burgers, and drinkgs, but the families provide the rest. There are a lot of swimmers and family members on our team, so this requires dishes from everyone!
We could use dips, appetizers, salads, pastas and room-temperature dishes, desserts, finger foods, chips, veggies, fruit, cheese and crackers, or whatever you like to make! We don't have refrigeration for the dishes, so plan to bring it in a cooler or select something that can sit, covered, during the meet.
I cannot be there that night, so I'm hoping folks will jump in to get it organized. We have the plates, napkins, utensils, and drink cooler in the poolhouse. I will have the drinks and barbecue meats there for you to pop on ice and for you to grill.
We'll need some people to organize the tables for food (maybe picnic tables in a line so we can pass on both sides) and do the grilling.
It should be a blast! I'm bummed that I can't swim in the relay. I'll try and get John to jump in!
If anyone wants to take a lead role on this, please just let me know. Otherwise, I know it will be a great TEST team effort!
Happy Swimming,
Deb
25. from Deb July 11th Caps are in!
CAPS ARE HERE!
Deb will be at practice on Monday with the caps and Tuesday at the meet. They are silicone and cost $10.50 apiece. If you’re bringing cash, could you please bring the quarters, too? Thanks – it’s a bear trying to bring enough change along!
Deb
24. TEST newsletter 7-6 from Logan
Hi Guys,
Important information in this weeks newsletter!
- Away meet tomorrow night vs. Knights Swim Team @ St. Michael's College. Swimmers are to meet inside the main doors to the Ross Sports Center at 5:00 sharp for stretches and cards. We will then proceed upstairs to the spectator balcony, where the team will be stationed throughout the duration of the meet. This is usually a very competitive and fun meet, the coaches ask that swimmers wear RED colors- anything you got, "Red Storm" style.
- Swimmers must make it to early practice on time. 6:53 is not 6:45. They should be ready to be in pool at 6:45. You all have been doing very well, please keep this up.
- Thursday's meet is away at the Burlington Tennis Club (not Country Club) and once again you will need to be there at 5 sharp. We are doing a community service fund raiser in conjunction with the BTC team. It is going to be a spare change coin drop to help aide the Lund Family Center of Chittenden County.
- TEST Bowling Day trip is planned for next Wednesday the 16th. We will be having Pizza at the park at 12:00 noon, and then Bowling at Yankee Lanes from 1-3. The cost is $5 per person. Sign up sheets for bowlers and drivers will be at the pool tomorrow.
- People who still owe TEST money for Towels, Shirts, or Distance meet entries should get that cash or check into us ASAP. Nobody likes a swim coach who also has to collect delinquent payments.
- Swimmers times ( and ) are available for viewing on the TEST website.
- Our 2nd annual Red and Black meet is next Thursday the 17th. This meet will be held at our pool at the normal meet time for home meets. Your swimmers will be either a part of the Red Team or The Black team. The rosters will be posted by the end of the week. Treat this meet like a normal league meet and let us know through the notebook if you cannot come. This meet will be split up very evenly, so do not let your team down by being a no-show. We also have a pot-luck banquet afterwards, more info on that to come soon. Another addition we will be having is the end of the meet will be topped off by PARENT RELAYS. Swimmers, get your parents to swim. They are only going to be 100 yd. freestyle relays, which is a 25 yd freestyle per swimmer!!! (That is one length people!!) This could decide the meet, so don't let your team down!! Lots of fun happenings with the team upcoming. Hope everyone is having a great time thus far!!
Perspective:
14 more practices until League Championships
19 more practices until State Championships
Logan
23. July 4th Practice & Community Sevice Night 10 July at BTC
Hi All Test Swimmers and Families,
Happy 4th of July to one and all!
- Practice on Friday, July 4th is optional and will be held from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. for all swimmers. Do not come early as the pool will not be open.
- Meet on Thursday, July 10 against BTC -- Community service night: Please bring loose change to donate to the coin drop for the Lund Family Center. All contributions will go directly to the Lund Family Center to support their work helping pregnant young mothers.
Thank you. Enjoy the celebrations!
Deb (for Logan)
22. GMA distance meet on Saturday July 5
Hello Test Families,
In case your swimmers are purposely neglecting to tell you, there is the annual GMA distance meet happening this weekend on Saturday with an 11:30 warm-up. This is a keen opportunity for your swimmers to practice potential league/ state events.
The deadline for me to email all entries is Friday, July 4th.
Please email me back to sign up your swimmer. The cost for swimmers is $3 entry fee + $4 per event swum. Please make your checks payable to TEST or Town of Essex Swim Team. We will send one check to GMA for the cost of all fees.
Swimmers should be at the pool ready to swim/stretch at 11:15 on Saturday. These are the events in order:
- Open 200 IM
- 10 and Under 100 IM
- 18 and under 100 IM
- Open 500 Free
- 10 and under 50 Free
- Open 200 Any stroke
- Open 100 Free
- Open 100 Fly
- 12 and under 100 Free
- Open 100 Breast
- Open 100 Back
- Open 200 Any Stroke
Please email me back at swimTEST@hotmail.com immediately if you want to register for this meet.
Thanks!-Logan
21. Test newsletter 6-29 from Logan.
Please send all correspondence to the new email address: swimTEST@hotmail.com
- First of all, everybody has been doing real well. The swimmers have been giving it their all in their meets, both in swimming and spirit. They have been also doing a great job at practice in the am, assuming they are there on time. Parents, you have been doing a great job at your meet assignments, and your enthusiasm is felt by the swimmers and visa-versa.
- Some of our swimmers had an issue warming-up properly in the last meet. Warm-ups are a very important part of swimming in meets or practice. Many swimmers have complained about soreness, yet some feel that warm-ups and stretches can be taken lightly. This is simply not the case. This function is put in place to prevent injuries and soreness. Many feel that it is ok to not give full participation during this part of swim team, while others do. This attitude does not fit our team concept. Currently, I am making it a point to let our swimmers know that without proper focus during warm-ups, they will not be allowed to participate in meet events. Because this is the last thing I want to have happen to anybody on our team, I need to ask for your encouragement for your swimmers to take warm-ups and stretches seriously. If any members or families find this policy unfair, I would welcome discussion, but I will stand firm by this decision in the interest of both safety and fairness, which are two more important ideals in coaching than winning meet points.
- For the remainder of the HOME meets, we are running two warm-ups, which will alternate time depending on age-group. For Tuesday, swimmers 11 and older will warm-up at 4:30, and 10 and younger will warm-up at 4:55. Please be prompt.
- Stay tuned to the information board for the date for Bowling Day.
- Individual swim times for the meets are up on the team website.
- Optional practice on Friday July 4th!
Hello TEST families-
* If you have not already ordered a towel or t-shirt and you would like to - please email back today by 5:00PM!! (if you want to order a towel please give name to be embroidered on the towel and if you would like to order a TESTAMANIA t-shirt please include a t-shirt size)- this order will take 3 weeks so it will be placed TODAY (27-Jun)!
*If you have ordered a towel or a t-shirt please bring in your check or cash next week!! ($21.00 per towel and $7.70 per t-shirt)
Thanks again- have a great weekend!
Kelly
19. IMPORTANT Change! from Logan. Middlebury meet (24 Jun) is at Middlebury College pool
DIRECTIONS TO MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE POOL
From Route 7 North:
- Follow Route 7 South into Middlebury
- As you approach the center of town you will turn right at the white Congregational Church with Steeple.
- You are now on Main Street.follow through town over the bridge over Otter Creek.
- Just past the bridge you will go straight through intersection of route 30 (straight) and route 125 (right) STAY STRAIGHT.
- Follow route 30 past municipal offices and into Middlebury's Campus. You will approach the Sports complex on your left, just before Football stadium and golf course. Take the 2nd entrance into the sports complex and park in the lot on the right (you will be in front on the field house that has a
white bubble cover.- Walk into the main entrance behind the flag poles. You can proceed down the corridor to the pool, but if those doors are locked, the locker rooms are on the 1st floor.
THE MEET TOMORROW AT MIDDLEBURY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE POOL!!! We will be inside, so weather is not a problem, plus it is a great pool!!! Please spread the word at practice unless families don't get this email.
- We are trying to practice organized this week, it is a litmus for where swimmers should be and what coaching needs they require. I encourage you to speak with your swimmer, if they felt the early am. Practice was too difficult this am, talk over the option of coming at 8:00. The 8-9 practice will have a group of swimmers doing the same intensity, but it will just be an hour as opposed to an hour twenty or so.
- We have designed a new program this year, MINI-TEST, which meets daily from 9-9:30. This is for younger swimmers, or swimmers 9 or younger who are first years. This program is desgined to allow more individual attention to each swimmer. There are days where each swimmer h=may have a coach. Some of our older swimmers have volunteered their great services under the supervision of Lauren, Kelly, and myself. The swimmers who have attended this program thus far have seen tremendous improvement, due to the fact they have individual attention, and don't get lost in the mix. Remember, there are some days where the coaches are outnumbered 50 to 1.
Please help the team out by putting the flow and effectiveness of practice before your own convenience.
FOR NEXT MEET on THURSDAY at HOME vs. WINOOSKI:
We close the pool to set-up for meet at 4:30 now. We have decided to take advantage of our extra time and do 2 warm-ups---to prevent drowning/poor warm-ups due to the volume of swimmers during whole team warm-ups. For the next meet, all 10 and unders warm-up at 4:30, be there at 4:25. 11 and olders at 4:55, be there at 4:45.
The next home meet we will switch those times. If you cannot make it to the early warm-up for good reason, we can warm you up later, we just need to create space vs. safety hazards.
SEE YOU ON DECK AT 5:00!! Allow at least an hour for this trip!
Thanks -Logan
Hello TEST families
As you all may or may not know, every summer we try to have the option for swimmers to order some type of team merchandise that they can enjoy wearing to swim meets and show their team spirit.
In the past we have done t-shirts and sweatshirts and we wanted to do something new this year. The idea was a black towel with red writing that says "TEST" in large letters. Obviously since there are over 100 kids on the team these towels must have names on them or there would be lots of confusion. This is why all towels ordered will be embroidered in red with the swimmers names as well.
We have ordered our merchandise from the same company the past few years and they have always done a wonderful job. The only issue we anticipate with this towel is the cost. The manufacturer has priced the towels with the embroidery at $21.00 per towel. As we realize this is quite expensive, especially for families with several children, we believe this is something that swimmers will enjoy and can have for many many years.
The reason for this email is as follows- please think this over with your families and decide if this is something that you and your swimmer(s) would be interested in ordering. It is optional and we are just trying to get an idea if this is something that there will be enough interest for.
We are hoping to go ahead with this order as long as we get at least 50 swimmers who would want to order the towel. As you all know, an order this large takes awhile and the manufacturer has estimated it to take 3 weeks. Our hope is that you all think this over and Tuesday night at the swim meet we will take a vote of the kids to see if once you have talked it over we have enough interest and if so, the goal is to put up an order form on Wednesday through Friday so that we can have the towels around Friday, July 18th before the League and State meets.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration and feel free to email me with any questions or comments!
Kelly
17. TEST Newsletter from Logan on 16 June
Hey TEST families
Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. Just wanted to help everyone become more organized as we begin our first full week of swim team. I wanted to make a few announcements before the week begins.
- Remember the first meet is on Thursday, it is now HOME vs. BCC. Swimmers need to be at the pool at 4:45.
- Our first AM practice session is on Friday. 12 and over's begin at 6:45. 11 and under's go at 8. Mini-Test swimmers swim from 9-9:30.
- If anybody knows they will not be able to make the meet, or they plan on not competing for whatever reason, please communicate that with the coaches by noting it in the team notebook located at the front desk of the pool building, if it is not on the desk, ask a coach to locate it for you. If you do not detail the absence, you will jeopardize the ability for others to swim events. YOU MUST LET US KNOW!!
- If you are new to competing on TEST, please make sure you check with coaches so you can discuss what you would like to swim at the meet.
- THERE WILL BE A PARENTS MEETING FOR ALL SWIMMERS, PARENTS AND FAMILIES AT THE PICNIC AREA OF THE POOL ON TUESDAY AT 5:00 (which is in the transition of practices)
- We are swimming a team that we are usually very competitive with, but I just wanted to make clear my expectations. My only expectations are:
- everyone (parents, swimmers) try their best.
- everyone is on time, (if you cannot attend please let us know!)
- there are 3 places swimmers are to be during the meet: swimming their race, in the bullpen, or cheering for their teammates.
- I am hoping that swimming veterans help first timers and youngsters become organized. The swimmer to coach ratio is over 30 to 1.
- this meet will be as good or as confusing as we make it, so we need to try our best to make it run smoothly.
Calling all swimmers – still want to order a suit? I’ll be at the Monday practice from 4-6pm with my try on kit to take my last set of orders. Reminder: Be Dry and wear either underwear or dry swimsuit underneath try on suits. If you can’t make Monday, please call or email me as soon as possible to set up a time to try on suits. I’d like to place my final order with the company by Wed. June 18.
Many of the first set of order suits are in. If yours is one of those, I have sent you an email. I will be at the pool Monday and Tuesday during practice to hand out suits. Please sign and return the order slip, which is tucked in your suit’s box, to pick up your suit. For others who have not received your suit yet, I will notify you of when they come in. Thank you for your patience!
You all look awesome in your suits!
Betsy Combs
879-4530
A Message to the Parents -
The final job list was sent via email and is posted here - if you can't fulfill your job, please find a replacement from the team list.
Thank You, Brenda Green - bgreen1962@aol.com
Hello once again!
We just concluded our first evening of late pm practices, and I had a great time seeing both old and new faces. I just had a few things I wanted to mention at this time:
-reminder that we will have pm practice for 5 more days: Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues, Wed. 11 and under's are at 4-5pm, and 12 and up at 5-6:30. Swimmers should make it to every practice they can, for these five practices are the only practices before the first meet of the year.
-OUR FIRST MEET is Thursday 6-19. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS NOW A HOME MEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a change from the original game plan. This means we will need swimmers here for the meet at 4:45, which is the usual time swimmers should be on site for home meets. Please help the coaching staff become as organized as we can on short notice and make sure we know your swimmers will attend.
-Thank you to all who offered to donate a printer to our teams coaching staff. We actually received many more offers than we needed, and have already gotten 2 new printers delivered to us on the first day! Thank you so much!
-If you have not signed up for swimming yet, please register at the Essex Town office, we have already had plenty of new sign ups, we are waiting for some others to register. Technically, we are not to allow non-registered swimmers practice or compete, so please do so!!! We want them!!!
-During our usual practice times, we will have the picnic area available for parents who want to watch practice. Both the pool staff and coaching staff try to regulate the amount of people on deck while instructors and coaches are directly involved with pupils. The Sand Hill Pools policy is to not have parents on deck during these times. We are happy to have the picnic area open for you to accommodate those who wish to be present.
TEST families - last chance to respond to my last e-mail (copied below 4-Jun). I have final draft of the summer job duties for timers, score table, snack bar, officials, ribbons, runners, bull pen and 8 and under Dad for boys.
I still need an 8 and under Mom for girls and 2 snack bar coordinators.
PLEASE respond to me and let me know if you are missing any meets - otherwise after I post the list tomorrow night at the pool you will be responsible for finding your own replacement for whatever job you have been assigned.
For families that were new last year (or somehow didn't have a job last year) - you are on my list this year for duties; so if you have vacation plans you must let me know by noon on Thursday or you will have to find a replacement for your duty assigned.
I'm sorry for being so blunt - but I am having a very hard time putting this schedule together as I have heard from less than a dozen families and we have 78 swimmers registered. After I posted the list last year I had people e-mailing me because they needed to change w/someone. This is not something I can do.
Thanks so much for your help.
Brenda Green (264-5601 day time phone number)
Hi TEST Parents,
It's finally here : time to get in the water! As practices begin this week and we prepare for our first meet, job duties are being prepared for all home and away meets. Please consult the list that hangs on the wall in the pool house. You will need to provide a substitute if you cannot make your assigned job.
BIG, BIG NEED: The last team assignment we need to fill is snack bar coordinators. This job is typically done as a team. There are assigned slots to work in the snack bar during meets so that the coordinators are not tied to the job. Coordinating is their only job for the season. The handle food signup's, getting water, drinks, grill food, and condiments. They set up the snack bar for home meets. Then the assigned workers run the snack bar and the grill. We must provide a snack bar. It is our only fundraiser. All teams host a snack bar when they hold a meet. It's how we families eat on Tuesday and Thursday nights! Please get back to me ASAP. We also need an 8 and under Mom.
Thanks,
Deb 878-8244
Hi Swimmers!
FYI, I will be at Friday and Monday's practices to take additional swimsuit orders. :)
I will have our "try-on" kit with me if you would like to try on various sizes to ensure the best fit. Please remember, swimmers must be completely DRY to try on suits.
Lastly, our team suit order is coming in bit by bit. I'll bring what I have to those 2 practices and will alert you when the additional suits are in.
Thanks for your patience in this process! I'm looking forward to seeing you at practice!
Betsy 802.879.4530
Swim team starts this week. - Believe it or not, the season is back!!
A few reminders from your coach:
#1- If you have not signed up, which many have not, please do that ASAP.
#2- First practice is Wednesday night after school (6/11) 11 and Under is from 4-5pm, and 12 and older is from 5-6:30. We will probably run this same schedule for a week, the last practice during this time will be Wednesday 6/18.
#3- Our first meet is on Thursday, 6-19 AWAY at Burlington Country Club. It will be tough to get organized, with school ending so late, but we are going to just try our best, your cooperation is greatly appreciated. The following morning, Friday 6-20, will be the FRIST day of our regular practice schedule. (11 and under 8-9am, and 12 and older 6:45-8:15, MINI-TEST 9-9:30)
#4- Does anybody have a non-ancient printer that can be donated to TEST? Our last printer has officially died, and we are in need of having one in the office to print out cards, lineups, etc. Please email Logan if you have one sitting around and could be used for at least 2 months.
#5- Try to remind your swimmers that our first meet is right around the corner, and the team we are swimming against was our closest meet last year!! (The coaches expectations is that we all try our best, and bear with the staff to keep things running smoothly) The best way to complete our objectives is for us to see our swimmers everyday at practice, so we can better assess how to organize 100+ swimmers on the fly!!
#6- First meet is at Burlington Country Club (BCC) off of South Prospect St. in Burlington. Swimmers need to be there at 5:00 (away meet time)
That is all for now, I just wanted to touch base, in order for us to be as organized as possible. We know it is a hectic transition. Glad to have you on deck!
Logan
Greetings TEST team parents - I'm putting together the swim meet schedule this week and would really appreciate knowing if you have any vacations scheduled that I should know about before I put the schedule together. After I put the schedule together, as in past years, I will be looking for you to find a replacement for yourself if you can't make the meet you are scheduled to work at. Please respond to bgreen1962@aol.com even if you are open all summer. Thanks a bunch
I'm also looking for an 8 and under Mom as well as 1 or 2 snack bar coordinators for home meets. Any takers?
Brenda
8. from Carolyn & Andrea on 3 June
Swim Officials
Why should I care?
Swim officials provide balance to a swim meet. They ensure that the rules are followed and the swimmers are safe. They help the coaches and the swimmers to improve.
How many are needed?
To effectively run a meet, a bare minimum of 6 officials are needed. We cannot run a meet without swim officials. Ideally 10 or more officials are on deck. The more officials there are available, the more breaks everyone gets.
How do I become and official?
There are 3 steps to become an official:
Attend an officials clinic - the facilitator will go over the strokes and the rules. The clinic lasts 1-2 hours.
Take an open-book test
Work as an apprentice with an existing official at four meets, if you want to apprentice longer, that is fine, four is the minimum.
What are the costs?
There are NO costs to be a summer-only swim official. Only your time.
What are the benefits?
You are supporting your kids and your team!
You are on deck for the meet with the best view!
You are vitally involved in the meet!
You get perks at the League meet (better parking)!
Please attend a clinic! Click here for more details!
Hi TEST Swimmers and Parents,
Can you believe it's almost time to get back in the pool?!?! I can't wait to see everyone and get back into cheering mode. Before the cheers, we need to outfit the team and staff all of our volunteer positions. So, please keep up on all of the emails and let us know what job you would like to cover. We need your help -- thanks in advance.
A note from Logan about team suits - the aim of outfitting the entire team in suits that match is to promote team unity and foster equality among all team members. Buying our suits in quantity also reduces the cost for us. That said, Logan would like all team members to come to meets throughout the summer in either this year's suit, last year's suit, or a plain black suit. During practice, swimmers may swim in any appropriate suit of their choice. It is just during meets that we need to match. It also helps officials to make a brief check of the blocks to be sure swimmers are in the right lane.
So, please be reminded that there will be two swimsuit orders -- this current order and another just after practice begins. For those who need a suit for the first meet, please order now. The second order will not come in until the regular season has begun. Betsy Combs is handling our suit order. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Betsy! She has a full kit of suits in the red, but we are actually ordering black suits with red detailing. Sleek!
As for jobs we need filled: meet duties scheduler, 8 and under mom and dad; snack bar coordinators; banquet planner; scorers (3 or 4 for the season).
Thanks everyone for making this such a great team! Please call me with any questions or to volunteer,
Deb Alden 878-8244
Hi Everyone!
Swim Suit Try Ons are going strong! Still want a suit and can't make it? Call (879-4530) or email (BetsyMCombs@msn.com) me to set up a time! I'd like to place the order early next week to ensure our best opportunity to get our suits in time for our first meet!
Speaking of meets, I learned something new today! Did you know that our timers and judges use our team suits on the block to make sure that we have the right swimmer in the right place? (I didn't know that!) Turns out, that with such a small area behind the blocks and LOTS of bodies clustered in the area, it can get a little confusing! So, if you are on the fence about the need for a team suit, this information might help you to decide.
For those concerned about our size 26 suits ~ no problem! We can order them! The suit shop apologizes. The factory was supposed to send size 26 out also, just some sort of mix up, I guess! Bottom line, we are free to order the 26s! Thanks for all your help with try ons! I look forward to meeting more of you!
Dear TEST Swimmers and Families: It was great to see everyone at last night’s meeting! Thank you so much for your input on this year’s team swim suit. I value each and everyone’s opinion and I so appreciate your willingness to flex with us as we collectively choose a common suit.
As always, please do not feel any pressure to purchase a new suit. The option is available to you if you wish, but as always, come wearing a suit, any suit! That being said, with close to a 2:1 ratio in terms of both number of families and total votes, click here to see this year’s team swim suit.
When you are ready to order, please complete an order form and make your check payable to: Town of Essex Swim Team. I am happy to collect and place the orders on behalf of the team.
Check the Team Suit Try-On schedule in Betsy's previous message (right below this one!)
Hi Swim Team!
Please set aside one of the following dates for Team Suit Try-On:
Wed. May 14 3:30 - 5pm at Aqua-X, Sports and Fitness Edge Please come try on BEFORE practice so as to be DRY!
Thurs. May 15 3:30 - 5pm at Aqua-X, Sports & Fitness Edge Please come try on BEFORE practice so as to be DRY!
Fri. May 16 2:30 - 5pm at the Combs House ~ 61 Briar Lane, Essex Junction 879-4530 (Maple St. to Rivendell to the end, and Right on Briar Ln.)
Try on tip: For fastest swimming (less water pouring down into your suit to slow you down) you may want to order a size smaller than you normally would feel comfortable.
At the time of the fitting, please pay for your suits in full, payable to: Town of Essex Swim Team. Cost is $50 per female suit and $37 per male suit. Once I have collected all the checks, I'll place the team order. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 879-4530 and I will be happy to do my best to help you! I look forward to serving you!
Thanks! Betsy
The Parent's Information Meeting for potential TEST families this year is on May 5th (Monday) at 7:00 at the Essex Middle School Cafeteria. This is the usual spot, we were there last year.
Spread the word if you can!
Hi Everyone!
Just to add onto Logan's message . we need someone to coordinate the swimsuit orders. We can put you in touch with the company and give you a panel of advisors to help select a suit. From there, it's just a matter of calling for the try-on kit and holding some try-on and order sessions. Please contact me to volunteer. We really need to jump on this.
Thanks, Deb
Hello Swimming Families,
Many of you may have received my first email, but I am sure some of you did not. This is a trial run of our email system. I got an email list from last summer from the rec. dept. the other day, so I'm giving it a shot.
As some of you know, we have just started the latest session of AQUA-X @SFEdge Essex. This program will run right up until the start of the summer swim season, and will most likely overlap 1-2 weeks. The big conflict is- late school due to snow days (we had 6!) and the early (but not earlier than normal) start of our competitive season. Our first meet is Thursday 6-19!!!! (OUCH!). I have attached the proposed schedule for this summer so you can view it extra early!!! (Hint.hint!) There may be a slight amendment to it sometime soon, but for now this is it.
I am attending a League meeting tomorrow pm, so if there are changes I will get back to you. If you are still interested in gather information/signing up for Spring AQUA-X. You can swing by or call the SFEdge in Essex. I plan on being there this evening; practice begins at 4:30.
I will be sending a new email soon with the scheduled Parent's Meeting date for the Summer Season.
Until then, it's time to chisel the ice out of the gutters and put the lanes in!! -See ya!
Logan St. Peter
Head Coach 2008
Town of Essex Swim Team