Fall '08 Organizational Meeting

[Thom]

I apologize for not being all over this a month or more ago, but today I reserved the Rec Center Alumni Lounge for

Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

I realize this leaves only a week more in the 2008 Concept2 Fall Rowing Challenge and for that I deserve some lashes with a wet noodle, if not a few whacks with an oar...

I will bring some paper handouts, but I'll also bring my 1, 2, and 3 million meter freebies from Concept2 (certificates, t-shirt, glass and water bottle). What else do you have Alan?

I had an idea to possibly get "walk-bys" to stop in when they come in the main entrance that day: hang an oar from the air duct with the info: "Rowing Club Organizational Meeting / 5:30-6:30P / Alumni Lounge". One of the custodians understood the significance of it being a carbon fiber oar (virtually no load to strap to an air duct). The downside, of course, is the replacement price if anything should happen to the oar. What do you think, Alan?

I will get notices in the DE to announce the organizational meeting.

[Alan]

I think t-shirts with SIU Row logos would be good. If we could get ten in sizes from medium to xl and hand those out to members. I'm not much on the the silk screening process, but I'd front the money for the project.

[Alan]

Oh, yeah, the hanging oar-good idea, let's do it.

[Thom]

I've emailed Concept2 asking for a dozen logbooks and DVDs to give away at the organizational meeting...

[Thom]

I have the logbooks, DVDs and another throw-in that the Concept2 folks sent us. (Don't get excited: market value about 99 cents.) Vote on the t-shirt design yet? Please vote here ASAP so I can turn in a design: www.siu.edu/~tmitch/erging/ShirtLogo.html. Thanks! ~Thom

[dawnbrady]

Thom, I just voted. Wish we could use the clocktower with oars image :-(

[Thom]

Yeah, without the oars, a clock tower is -- well -- just another clock tower. Now we'll have a boat on the front and an oar on the back.

[Alan]

Thank you for the effort you put into the organizational meeting. The fact that it was ill-attended was not due to your efforts. The fact is that this area has been highly resistant to efforts to introduce rowing. Beats the hell out of me, but people are very happy accruing no great health benefits by paddling POS polyethylene kayaks, and are reluctant to row beautiful shells.

However, take a look at yourself and see the difference that rowing the erg and four have made. As we keep trying, we reap the benefits of the sport and we are certainly better off for trying.

[Dawn]

Absolutely. You did everything you could. Half the appeal of this strange sport is that it is too strange for most people to ever experience. But who wouldn't love it if they tried it once (or... maybe a few times... but with us, once is enough!).

Hey, thank you also for the t-shirts and all of your time and effort. Much appreciated, regardless of attendance.