It was wonderful seeing so many parents this week and sharing our mission and vision with you! I've attached a copy of the information sheet I handed out to this message. A few things I would like to emphasize as I missed sharing this with some parents:

• The Board of Directors and I are 100% volunteer! We aren't paid a dime for the effort we put into this organization. We do it because we believe in the value this organization brings to your family and the community. We're driven by the sense of fulfillment we get when we hear the positive feedback from you. I've heard so many inspiring stories from new and returning families this past week of how the swim team has helped them.  
• We are a parent-run organization and run independently from the City of Norfolk or Norfolk Parks and Recreation. While the team was started and managed by they city since 1990 (at least), parents assumed ownership in 2009. In 2021, we invested to make the organization non-profit (501c(3)) with the goal to expand through donations from businesses and individuals in the region. 
• I referred to the team as "disruptive" during the parents meetings, not as a negative connotation, but as a positive force we can use with our city partners to start working to expand the team this season and into the future so we can attain our vision!  We've grown by 92% year-over-year!
• We need your help! I am personally at my bandwidth limit supporting the team while also working my full-time job and being a husband and father. Many hands make light work. If you can get behind our mission and love the feeling you get when giving back to the community, please join us! We have a few positions on the Board we need filled and would appreciate the help! Email us at [email protected] if you're interested.
  • Board Roles:
    • Director & USA Swimming Coordinator - New and Urgent!
    • Assistant Treasurer
  • Committee Help (non-Board position)
    • Events Committee Chair
    • Fundraising Committee Chair

Here are some important dates and reminders:

• 10/10 at 6PM at City Hall (810 Union Street) - I will be speaking at the Norfolk City Council meeting. I plan to thank the city for helping the team recover from the pandemic and offering pool space in January and this season. It would be amazing if the entire team joined me, showing support while I thank the city and respectfully ask for more pool space and time for practices. 
• 10/30 6-8pm at Northside: Individual/Sibling/Team Photos and Halloween Trunk or Treat and Party. Wear your team swimsuit and bring a costume to change into!
• 11/4 8am-12pm at Northside: Intra-squad meet and team potluck! We will be inviting city leadership to come see the team and partake in our potluck.
• Practice: 
  • Please speak to your kids about not traversing under the reserved public lap lane to get to our practice lanes from the open water area of the pool (or vice versa). They should exit the pool and then go to the practice lane or open water so as to not disturb other patrons using their reserved lane.
  • Advanced practice will begin at 6:30 next week (starting 10/2)! It will run from 6:30-8 and overlap with the intermediate practice. Coach M will send more details this weekend. (We are actively working with the city to get more pool lanes. Thank you for your patience!)

Thanks and have a great weekend! See you at the pool.

Matt

434-841-9000 (Call or Text)