Newsletter

What’s up with the tent?:

Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law has applied to all things related to the 2011 tent set-up.  Normally, the tent goes up in a day or two and we’re off and running.  But – as you know, this year has not been quite that easy.   First, there was the rainy weather, next we discovered that the areas that the bolts fasten into had lost their tread so some of our dads and Coach Dave had to do some repair work.  Then, just as we were close to finishing late last Tuesday afternoon, we found that the panels that make up the ceiling of the tent had sustained some damage (tearing at the seams).  If they were not repaired at this juncture, a wind or snowstorm would damage the structure significantly.   

There is now light at the end of the tunnel and the roof is scheduled to go on Wednesday morning, November 2nd.   Luckily, Mother Nature is now again on our side and providing abundant sunshine!      

We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process – there have been a lot of parent man hours involved in getting everything resolved.  We owe a big thank you to our facilities chair, Drew McLellan, for all of his time and effort.

The Dolphins are blessed with terrific parents and swimmers – we look forward to a very successful and fun short course season.  Thanks so much for your participation!

Sponsorships:

The deadline for sponsors to be included on our team sponsorship t-shirts and team banner will be Monday, November 14.  All sponsors will be listed on the back of the t-shirts, sponsors at the $500 level or higher will be listed with logos.  Silver level sponsors ($500) will be listed on the banner, and all Sponsorships of $1,000 and up will be listed along with their logo.  Sponsorships can still be collected by individuals that will count towards their family fund-raising obligation through the end of the year, but will not be listed on t-shirt or banner.   

Meet Deadlines:

• Tonight, November 1, is the deadline to sign up for the Wildcat Meet. 
• Wednesday, Nov. 16^th  is the deadline to sign up for the Centerville Meet in Ohio. 

Fall Splash Tickets for Sale:

 Tuesday (11/1) White -4:30-4:45  Lee Walker

                                    Red & blue  6:45-7:00 and 8:15 pick up – Sarah Gibbs

Wednesday (11/2)  Yellow-5:30-Jennifer Lewis

                                    Red 6:20-7:15 and 8:15 pick-up- Di Sobel                         

Thursday (11/3) White  3:45  Kim Skidmore

                                    Red and Blue  6:35-6:50  -Jennifer Lewis

Friday (11/4)         White-3:45 Kim Skidmore  

                                    Yellow 4:45  Jennifer Lewis

                                    Red and Blue-5:30 – 6:00  -Di Sobel 

E-mail Jennifer at if none of these times work to make other arrangements.    

 Please bring check or cash ($75.00 per ticket) to get your tickets.  Splash is Saturday, Nov. 12 at Marriott.  Remember this will go towards your fundraising obligations so invite your friends!  You do not have to be present to win the $500.00 raffle.  Tickets must be purchased in advance. 

Splash Basket Donations:

Every year we have each group donate items for baskets to sell at the silent auction for SPLASH.  The group (basket) that raises the most money will get a SOCIAL EVENT with their coach!

Blue Group- Gift cards that are non-restaurant.  We are making a shopping tree!

Red Group- Restaurant Gift Cards.  We make a wreath with them.  Please make sure you write amount on cards. 

Yellow Group- I -pod basket.  We already have a I-pod donated to add to the basket.  Send in  I-tunes gift cards.  Please specify amount on card. 

White Group- Family Fun Night. Can be board games, bowling passes, skating passes, movie theater passes, or anything fun!!! 

 

Hotel Information:

• ·         Hilton Suites, Brentwood, TN  (Excel Meet of Champions)

We have a block of rooms at the Hilton Suites in Brentwood for 12/02 and 12/03.  They have given us a $99 room rate for King Suites.  All suites have a separate room with pull out couch.  For reservations call 1-800-HILTONS or call the hotel directly at 1-615-370-0111, tell them you are with the Lexington Dolphins to ensure this rate.  Our rooms and rate will be available until 11/11/11.

• ·         Double Tree Suites, Dayton, Ohio (Centerville Meet)

We have a block of rooms at the Double Tree Suites in South Dayton for 12/02 and12/03.  For those who have been to the Centerville meet before, this is a different hotel than were we have stayed in the past, it’s near the Dayton Mall.  They have given us a $94 room rate.  For reservations, you can go use this link:

Your web page address is: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/D/DAYSSDT-LXD-20111202/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

Or call the hotel directly at 1-937-436-2400, tell them you are with the Lexington Dolphins to ensure this rate.  Our rooms and rate will be available until 11/11/11.

***Hotel Information for the Z-Freeze Meet in January will be available soon.

 

Miscellaneous:

Apparel orders will be at the pool this week.  Please look for an email announcing pick up times.  All apparel orders will be billed on November invoices.

The first order for Spirit Buttons is due this Friday, November 4, in order to have delivery for the upcoming Wildcat Meet.  Please email if you are interested in ordering, include your swimmer’s name, practice group and quantity that you would like to order.  These will be billed on your invoice as well.

We will be scheduling other times for pictures for those who missed them the first time.   Be looking for an email to announce dates and time. 

Computer “glitch”…for some unknown reason the email about Jack Thompson was resent today, please ignore.  Technology can be extremely helpful at times, but seems to have a mind of it’s own.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Make sure you are checking our Group pages, under the Group Tab on our website for information from your coaches.  For example, Swimmers of the Month for October will be announced this week and posted on each group page. 

 

A note from the President:

This was an amazing weekend for the Lexington Dolphins!  We want to express our sincere thanks to everyone for making this meet a success – we have wonderful parents who generously donated their time and numerous talents for the good of our team.   

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention a few people by name – Jennifer Lewis-concessions, Sarah Gibbs-volunteer coordination, Lynne Washbish-hospitality and Terri Tonges-heat sheets and meet computer operator.  We also want to thank our great group of officials.  Without them, we have no meet!      

We appreciate the wealth of support for our young athletes and look forward to a very successful short course season!

 

(Also, a special thanks to our president, Lynn Hudgins who spearheaded this successful event J)

 

Last call for Dolphin Fin Fest shirts:

Orders will be placed this Friday for anyone that was unable to purchase one during the meet.  Remember, the swimmer’s names are on the back.  Please email if you are interested in ordering.

 

Family Folders:

Family “mailbox” folders will be at the pool beginning Monday, October 17, after the tent is up.  Ribbons from the Fall Fin Fest meet will  be placed in family folders.  Also, look for special discount cards from BD Mongolian Grill and Cold Stone Creamery, one of our team sponsors.

 

 

The tent is coming…

No practice on Thursday or Friday, October 13-14.  Workers are arriving Thursday morning and will be installing the tent.  We should be back in the pool Saturday am for practice.  Blue group should look for message from Coach Dave about alternate practice plan.

 

 

New Opportunity:

IT’S NOT TO LATE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE SWIMPOSIUM!!!  RSVP TO THIS EMAIL

Athletes – U of L Pool: Swimposium with Eric Shanteau, USA Swimming Olympian
** 9 am – 11 am: 12 & Under
** 11 am – 1 pm: 13 & Over
Get an Autographed Swim Cap
Athletes need to be in suites ready for session at the times listed above

Athlete’s Meeting (13&O):  10 am – 10:45 am

Parents – Jane Grosser, Are You a Pressure Parent?
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Papa John Stadium – 3rd Floor, Brown and Williamson Room

 

Officials – Guest Speaker John T Wilson
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Papa John Stadium: 5th Floor Press Lounge

 

CLUB LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Dave Thomas to conduct course

 

ATTENTION – clubs with new coaches or new board members
This class is for you – Dave Thomas with USA Swimming will be in Louisville before the HOD meeting to hold this valuable course.

What makes a good swim club? Leadership, shared team philosophy, cohesive coaching staff, board and parent support, organization, solid financial plan, and overall teamwork. Topics include mission and vision, roles and responsibilities, finances, evaluation and customer service.

7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Papa John Stadium: 3rd Floor Glass Conference Room

 

Lost sweatshirt:

If you misplaced an Old Navy sweatshirt at the meet this past weekend, please let us know so that it can be returned.

 

Thanks to all that attended the Annual Parent Meeting.  Welcome to our newly elected and returning board members; Lynn Hudgins-President, Lynne Washbish-Vice President, Di Sobel-Past President, Andrea Hudson-Secretary, Julie Toth-Treasurer, Drew McLellan-Facilities, Michelle Zachman and Robin Jennings-Bingo, Kris Humphries-Officials, Jennifer Lewis-Ways and Means, Sarah Gibbs-Social.

We will have our new contract and application on the website in the next couple of weeks.  Be looking for an email to tell you when those are available. 

We will be having our Open House again this year on Saturday, August 13 from 10-12 at Pinnacle Pool.  If you know someone who may be interested in USA Swimming invite them to this event.  There is no pressure, just a time to meet our coaches, ask questions and let kids try a few drills that swimmers do in practice.  There is a flyer attached to this newsletter email.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Thursday, June 30-Dinner at Bd Mongolian Grill from 6-9 PM

Come build your own stir-fry and watch Coach Dave and Coach Phillip help cook it to perfection.  Ten percent of all sales will be given to the team.  Please call the restaurant and RSVP in order for them to best prepare for all of us. 

Remember, there is no practice on Thursday afternoon.  White group swimmers are welcome to attend with Yellow group on Saturday from 9-10 AM.

Saturday, July 1-Dolphin Day at Pannell Swim Shop

Need any new swim equipment to prepare for Summer Championships?  Want to get a head start for next year?  Come shop this Saturday and Pannell Swim Shop will give the Dolphins 10 percent of all sales for the day.  Tell your friends, neighbors, and help us get the word out.  Thanks Rick!

Monday, July 4-Downtown Lexington is offering us one booth during the Fourth of July festivities.  If you have worked one of the Thursday Night Live activities, you know what a fun way this is to support the Dolphins.  We would need 5-6 workers from 6:30-9:30 PM to serve beverages for tips.  If you are interested in helping out at this event, for any or all of the session, please contact Di at as soon as possible.

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