1. sports
2. swimming

Hollin Meadows Swim & Tennis Club
May 2015 Newsletter
Message
from the
President
Dear Members,
After what seemed like an endless winter, summer is finally here and opening day for the pool is
right around the corner. As always, the pool will open for the season on the Saturday of
Memorial Day weekend which is May 23rd. For the brave (and typically young) the first splash
will be at 9:00 AM. The pool will be clean and ready for a new season in large part because of
the hard work of our volunteers who have spent months getting ready for this.
New Families
Welcome to all of the new families this year, we have had surge of new members join the pool
and we are excited that you are part of the club. I encourage everyone to go out of their way to
help make everyone feel welcome. There are lots of ways to get involved and many social
activities we hope you participate in.
Social Calendar
Speaking of activities, enclosed in this newsletter is the draft social calendar for the 2015
season. We start things off with our opening party on May 30th, look for a sign-up sheet soon,
we also will be having more food trucks visit our pool this season, so save some dates to enjoy
your dinner at the pool without having to cook. I also want to remind everyone that every
activity takes 5-10 volunteers to make it happen, so please step up and help when you can, it is
a great way to meet people and continue the community vibe of our club.
50th Anniversary
This year we are celebrating our club’s 50th Anniversary, and we are going all out for a fun filled
event. The party will be a full day affair from 2:00-8:00PM on Sunday June 14th. We will have
lots of activities and events and invited HMSTC alumni, many of which are adults that grew up
swimming at our club. The alumni even started their own Facebook page, check it out at
https://www.facebook.com/events/896803263698095/
Grounds/Pool/Facilities
A lot of work was done on the offseason just to maintain and improve our grounds and facilities,
thanks to the many volunteers and members who have helped, especially Jim Hohman, Mike
Johnson, Tiffany Hartzell, Tracey Serle, Andrew Cheng, Bob Merkli, and the dozens of others
who went above and beyond the call of duty.
But the work isn’t done, there are still projects we could use some help with, maintaining 5+
acres of wooded grounds is an endless task, so if you are looking to help, or simply want to get
a $50 credit then please reach out to Jim Hohman or Mike Johnson, I am sure they can find
something for you to do.
Have a great summer!
I have no doubt 2015 will be a summer to remember. Make sure you keep track of the social
calendar and keep up to date on our website: http://hollinmeadows.org/ and I look forward to
seeing you all soon!
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- Brian
HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
The The 2015 season is off to a great start! So far this season, we’ve added or reactivated 21 families
Membership
to our roster. HMSTC would like to welcome each of you and thank you for becoming part of the
Club!
The Smith Family
The Spatz/Martin Family
The Runnels Family
The Kane/McDonnell Family
The Rohrbeck Family
The See Family
The Heaton/Paek Family
The Neville Family
The Altwies Family
The Stocker/McGovern Family
The Lenhart Family
The Lindell Family
The Griffen Family
The Bischoff/Basralian Family
The Dagher Family
The Rios Family
The Bullard Family
The Day Family
The Heaton Family
The Phelps Family
The Prowitt Family
There are still a few memberships available, so let your friends and neighbors in on the HMSTC
secret! You may bring them for a complimentary swim or tennis match so they may see our
facilities. Please call me beforehand and I will arrange the visit. For additional information on club
membership, please contact me or visit our website, www.hollinmeadows.org.
If you are an existing member and have no outstanding balance with the Club, your key tags have
been automatically activated. If you are a new member, your key tags will be available at the front
gate for pick up. If you were expecting key tags and they are not available at the front gate please
let the front gate know or email the membership chair.
The keys tags are uniquely coded and not transferrable to
others. These are your permanent membership cards –
PLEASE DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY!! They can
be used each season as long as you maintain an Active
Membership.
Admittance to the pool will be allowed only to members who present a valid HMSTC member key
tag, and their guests, so be sure to bring it along each time you visit. The HMSTC staff will be
instructed to check every person, every time, so as to discourage unauthorized use of our facilities.
Your key tags will not be activated until all dues and fees have been paid in full.
Members who have not yet paid their membership dues or other delinquent fees
should mail payment to HMSTC, Attn: Treasurer, P.O. Box 6135, Alexandria, VA 22306.
I will be at the pool most of the day of Saturday, May 23rd (opening day) to accept
payments and activate membership cards.
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Active members may bring guests, who must be signed in at the front guard desk. The daily guest
fee is $5; the weekly guest fee is $20. An adult member of the sponsoring household must sign
the Guest Sign-in sheet to authorize the guest’s use of the facility and to agree to pay the
associated fee. All Guest Fees will be tallied after the pool closes for the season and an invoice
sent the following spring. Please do not offer to pay for these fees at the time of your guest’s visit
as the guards are not authorized to accept HMSTC payments.
Matthew Parks, HMSTC Membership Director
[email protected]
HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Pool
Operations
We look forward to another exciting summer at the pool. Whether you like to relax, exercise, compete, chat with neighbors, or just cool off, opening day is just around the corner! Information is provided below to help you plan your summer. If at any time you
have questions or concerns about the operation of the pool, please contact me. Thank
you.
Jim Hohman
HMSTC Pool Operations Chair
[email protected]
POOL MANAGEMENT
High Sierra Pools, Inc. will serve as our pool management company this year. High Sierra
provides lifeguards, chemicals, equipment, maintenance, etc. SAFETY is the top priority
of our management company. Please do your part to look out for the safety of yourself,
your children, and others, and adhere to the direction of our staff.
Lifeguards –see the High Sierra website for applications and training sessions:
www.highsierrapools.com
POOL PASSES AND GUEST REGULATIONS
The Club reminds you that family members must bring their pool passes each time they
come to the pool. Pool passes are not transferable. Hand pool passes to the desk guard
who will log in each arriving member. Please respect this entry policy to ensure the
safety of our members and to ensure that only paying members enjoy the pool and
courts. Also, remember that our guest policy is intended to allow you to share your pool
with visiting relatives and friends. It is not intended for repeated use for the same guest
or in order for another family to avoid paying membership dues. Violations will result in
loss of privileges for the member and a $100.00 fine per occurrence. Guest fees are $5
per person per day. An adult member must accompany and sign in any guests that come
to the pool. Your cooperation is appreciated.
2015 POOL HOURS
While Fairfax County Schools are in session, May 23 – June 18:
Weekdays (M-F):
Weekends & Holidays:
Summertime! June 19 –Sept. 7:
Weekdays (M-F):
Weekends & Holidays:
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
12:00 noon - 9:00 pm
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Week after Labor Day, Sept. 8 – Sept. 13
Weekdays (T-F):
Weekend (Sat-Sun):
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3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Pool
Operations
There is a mandatory 10-minute rest-break each hour on the hour for everyone under 16 years of
age. Except for the weekdays while public schools are still in session, the pool is reserved for
Adult Swim (16 years and older) from 3:00 to 3:30 each afternoon. All those under 16 must vacate the pool for that 30 minute period. Be aware that our swim team practices 4:00- 6:30 pm in
the lap lane area, but other areas of the pool are open to the general membership. Please be
aware that the pool is closed for general swimming during home swim meets (see dates on the
Swim Team schedule) until 12:00 noon on Saturdays and after 5:00 pm on Mondays, and closes
early for the Adult Party on one Saturday in July.
Members may hold their child’s Birthday Party at the pool on weekdays if requested and approved
in advance. Weekend or Holiday birthday parties are not allowed. Send requests at least a week
in advance via e-mail to [email protected] for our calendar review prior to sending
out your invitations. Other events (sports parties, office parties, school events, daycare groups,
etc.) are not permitted.
Swim
Lessons
Group Swimming Lessons will be offered for children with our Swim Team Coaches as instructors. The program will focus on teaching children to be comfortable and safe in the water and to
learn basic swimming skills. The children will be grouped by ability – Newbie (new to the water
and have not taken lessons, generally 3 to 5 year olds), Beginners (confident in the water but have
not taken lessons or are not proficient in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke), and Advanced
Beginners (confident in the water and knows freestyle and backstroke basics but technique needs
improvement). Classes are organized into groups of 4 to 8 children. The student to instructor ratio will be 4 to 1.
Each session will be offered from 11:30 AM to 12:00 NOON, and will consist of 8 half-hour classes
taught Monday through Thursday over two weeks, with Fridays reserved as make-up days only if a
class is canceled due to weather. Since children may be easily distracted, parents and siblings are
asked refrain from being in the immediate vicinity of the classes.
Three sessions will be offered:
June 22 – July 2
July 6 – July 16
July 20 – July 30
Registration forms and more information are available at the Guard Desk and on the Club website.
The cost per student per session is $65. Payment (by check to HMSTC) must be made prior to
the start of a session.
If you have any questions about the program, please email Carrie O’Hara at
[email protected].
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HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Swim
Lessons,
continued
Private Swim Lessons are also available from our Swim Team Coaches and Lifeguards. The
program offers focused one-on-one instruction, and parent choice of instructor. The Club will
post a list of instructors’ names to help parents identify and select the instructor of their choice.
Parents will make arrangements and payments directly with the instructor. Costs vary
depending on the credentials and experience of the instructor. Private lessons may be
scheduled between 11:30 am and 12:00 noon on weekdays between June 22 and July 30, if
the selected instructor is not teaching group lessons, but you must make arrangements with
the selected instructor in advance. Parents can schedule private lessons for any other time as
well, but to avoid crowded conditions and distractions it is best not to schedule lessons when
the pool is very busy (3:30-6:30 daily). Evenings (6:30-8:00/9:00) are typically very quiet, as
are weekend mornings when there is not a home swim meet. The Private Lessons can be
scheduled through the September closing of the pool. Note: Swim Team Coaches and
Lifeguards are not permitted to give lessons when they are working with the swim team or are
on duty. As always, lessons conducted for fee may only be conducted by our Coaching and
Lifeguard staff. Any other lessons for fee are prohibited at our pool.
______________________________________________________
Tennis
As opening day approaches, we’re hoping to make tennis an important part of your summer at
the HMSTC. We are planning activities throughout the season so that all club members, both
young and old and inexperienced and experienced, can pick up a racquet and join in the fun.
Stop by the bulletin board by the front courts on your way into the pool for tennis news and
updates.
Tennis instruction will again be provided by professionals from Mount Vernon Athletic Club.
Adult Clinics – Looking to learn how to play? Or wanting to take your game to the next level?
Please sign up for our Adult Tennis Clinics (Fee: $10 per clinic). From June 23rd through July
30, we will be offering Adult Beginner Clinics on Tuesday evenings 7-8 pm and Adult
Intermediate Clinics on Thursday evenings 7-8 pm. Sign up in advance by contacting Tiffany
Hartzell via email [email protected] to secure a spot. Space is limited. If you sign up
for 3 or more clinics, you will receive a 10% discount.
Youth Team - We’d like to invite boys and girls ages 8 to 17 to join the team. Players should
be able to serve, return serve and rally. Emphasis is placed on improving skills, keeping score,
good sportsmanship, and having fun. The players compete in age groups of 12 & under, 14 &
under and 17 & under, with non-competitive training matches for team members 10 and
under.
The youth team will practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings following swim
practice. Parents: Your child can do 2 activities with a single trip to the pool! Practices will
begin the week of June 22th.
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The League Opening Round Robin is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at Mount Vernon Racquet
Club. Team matches will be played on Wednesday mornings and Sunday evenings against
other club teams in the Mount Vernon Community Tennis League. Sign-up forms for the youth
team can be found on the HMSTC website (www.hollinmeadows.org). After opening day,
copies will be available at the front desk or you can email [email protected] to
request a copy.
HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Tennis,
continued
The fee for participation on the youth team is $75 with a $10 discount for additional children in
the same family. We will be using the same t-shirts as last season but if you need a new team
t-shirt there is an additional fee of $10. Please be sure to complete a liability waiver form and
return it along with your registration form. All t-shirt orders are due by Monday, June 3rd in
order to receive the tennis team t-shirts before our first match. Completed registration forms
and liability waivers should be returned to Maggie Towne, our director for the youth team. She
can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 703-969-7065 if you
have additional questions.
Youth Tennis Clinics- We’re also very excited to be offering tennis clinics for boys and girls
ages 5–12 beginning the week of June 22nd and running through July 31st. Clinics are a great
way for kids to learn the game of tennis or to improve individual skills. Clinics for kids 8 and
under will use the Quick Start Training Program and be held on Monday, Tuesday, and
Thursday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Clinics for kids age 9 and over will be held on
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings from 10:45 – 11:45 am. Kids can go directly from
swim practice to tennis clinic. The fee for the clinics is $40 per week. The required forms and
waivers can be found on the club website, at the front desk after opening day, or email
[email protected] for a copy.
Women’s Team – We need players for our Women’s Team! All levels are welcome! The
women’s team plays against other clubs in the Mount Vernon Community Tennis League. Both
singles and doubles matches are played on Friday mornings, with a couple matches scheduled
in the evening. The team practices will be determined by a vote from the team. We would love
to gain new team members. For more information, please contact Tiffany Hartzell at
[email protected].
Round Robins - We’ll be hosting Round Robin Tennis Socials for adults this summer. The first
event will be held on Saturday, May 30, 4 – 6 pm preceding The Opening Party Potluck. We will
also have a round robin prior to the 50th Anniversary Party on Sunday, June 14. Additional
round robins will be planned to coincide with scheduled social events at the pool (see p. 6 and
the club website and watch your e-mail). Just bring your racquet and plan on having a great
time. We’ll take care of the rest.
Last, we’d like to remind everyone to please sign in your tennis guests at the front desk prior
to using the courts. The courts can be used between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm and the gate
is unlocked when the pool is open. If you would like a key to access the courts in the offseason, please let us know - all we ask is that you please make sure to lock the gate to the
courts when leaving.
We have had a problem with skateboarding on the courts, please ensure your children use the
courts for tennis only.
If you have any other suggestions or comments to help make tennis at HMSTC more enjoyable
please share them with us at [email protected] or contact Tiffany at 703-660-5927.
We hope to see you on the courts!
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HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Social
Calendar
2015
First Food Truck of the Season ($)
Sunday, May 24, 5PM-8PM
Pot Luck
Saturday May 30, 5PM-7PM
Food Truck ($)
Wednesday June 10 5PM-8PM
50th Anniversary Party
Sunday June 14, 2PM-8PM
Schools out for the Summer Party
Friday June 19, 1PM-4PM
Food Truck ($)
Thursday June 25, 5PM-8PM
Reels and Squeals (Movie Night)
Sunday June 28, 7PM
Food Truck ($)
Wednesday July 8, 5PM-8PM
Adult Party Sombreros and Cervezas ($)
Saturday July 18, 6PM-11PM
Food Truck ($)
Thursday July 23, 5PM-8PM
Choose your own Adventure (Game Night)
Wednesday July 29, 5:30PM-8PM
Food Truck ($)
Thursday August 6, 5PM-8PM
Poolside Family Brunch ($)
Sunday August 9, 9AM-12PM
BBQ ($)
Saturday August 15, 5PM-8PM
Food Truck ($)
Thursday August 15, 5PM-8PM
Reels and Squeals (Movie Night)
Saturday August 29, 7PM
Food Truck ($)
Wednesday September 2, 5PM-8PM
Last BBQ of the Season ($)
Saturday September 5, 5PM-8PM
Pooches in the Pool
September Monday 14, 6PM
Prior to each event please look for the volunteer sign up and other information
online as well as at the front desk. There will be a charge for the events with the
($).
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer please contact me. Thank you
and we look forward to seeing you this summer.
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Liza Sickler and the Social Committee; [email protected]
HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Swim Team
BARRACUDA BULLETIN
The HM Barracuda Swim Team 2015 season begins soon! We will be competing in Division 6
again this season. We are delighted that Ken DiCesare is returning as head coach and Andrew
Hohman will be our assistant coach. We are also pleased to announce that we have Amy
Crow as our other assistant coach. Zia Palmer, Madison Kurcias, Gabe Perkins and Natalie
Hohman will be working with our younger swimmers as developmental coaches. Their
collective experience and enthusiasm promise to make for a great season!
After-school swim team practices will begin Wednesday, May 27th and continue until FCPS
schools get out for summer. We have new times and they are:
•
•
•
11-18 year olds at 4:00 – 5:00pm
10 and unders at 5:00 – 6:00pm
Make-up practice will be from 6:00-6:30pm for all ages
Swimmers should be picked up promptly from make-up practice so you won’t be in violation
of the 6:00pm pool rule (no children under 16 are allowed at the pool without a parent after
6:00pm).
In preparation for the swim season we ask families to let us know their availability for each
swim event. Go to the Events section of the website to select “accept” or “decline” each
event. Swimmers are selected to swim events at the Saturday “A” Meets based on times only,
but we need to know everyone’s availability regardless of whether you think your swimmer
will be selected or not.
Swim meets require the help of many parent volunteers (22-25 for home meets!). Please help
us and your swimmers by signing up for the swim team jobs. Weekly sign-ups will be sent via
email throughout the season as needed. If you are interested in attending a clinic to become
certified as a NVSL official (referee, starter, stroke & turn judge, clerk of course, table worker)
go to mynvsl.com for a full schedule of training clinics. Many clinics are offered at “NVSL
University” on May 30th, but some clinics are offered on other days as well.
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We have great things planned for this season including a Swim Parent Social on June 6 at
7:00pm at the Petretich’s home. We hope to see you there!
HMSTC
Newsletter
May 2015
Swim Team,
continued
For the full swim team schedule and other information go to www.hmbarracudas.com.
Families interested in joining the swim team or if current members have questions please
contact Sara Petretich, Team Rep, at [email protected] or Diane Hohman, Asst.
Team Rep, at [email protected].
We are looking forward to another a great swim season!
Susan Crow, HMSTC Board, Swim Team Chair
571.283.3933
[email protected]
HM BARRACUDAS 2015 SCHEDULE
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May 27
Practice Begins
May 28-29 Swim Team Try-Outs – 6:00 – 6:30pm
June 4-5
Swim Suit Try-on at the Pool
June 6
Swim Parent Social at the Petretich’s Home – 7:00pm
June 11
Welcome Back Barracuda Buffet
June 12
Last Day to Register for Swim Team
June 13
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM, Home Blue and White Meet – Time Trials
June 15
6:00 PM~ 9:00 PM - Home B Meet against Virginia Hills
June 20
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM – Home Dual Meet against Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet
June 22
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM – Morning Practices begin, Away B meet at Mansion House
June 23
Team Pictures at 9:00 AM
June 24
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – Fort Hunt Sportsman’s Relay at Riverside Gardens Swim &
Tennis Club
June 27
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM – Home Dual meet against Greenbriar
June 29
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – Home B meet against Little Hunting Park
Jul 4
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM – Away Dual Meet at Mantua
Jul 6
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – Away B meet at Riverside Gardens
Jul 8
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – Division 6 Relay Carnival at Mosby Woods
Jul 11
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM – Home Dual Meet against Cottontail
Jul 13
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – Away B meet at Stratford Landing
Jul 15
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – NVSL All Star Relays at Hunt Valley
Jul 16
Evening Swim Clinic with Guest Coach
Jul 18
9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM – Away Dual Meet at Mosby Woods
Jul 20
6:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM – IM Invitational at Mount Vernon Park
Jul 23
Marshmallow Meet for 12 & Unders not swimming in Divisionals 9:00 AM ~ 10:30
AM, Practice for swimmers in Divisionals 10:30 AM ~ 11:30 AM
Jul 24
9:00 AM ~ 11:00 AM - Team Recognition and Family Breakfast, Practice for
swimmers in Divisionals 11: 00 AM ~ 12:00 PM
Jul 25
9:00 AM Division 6 Individual Championship Meet at Sleepy Hollow Bath and
Racquet
Jul 25
5:00 PM - Team Awards Night, Family Relays, Dinner and Slideshow
Spread the Word!
HOLLIN MEADOWS SWIM & TENNIS CLUB
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Sunday, June 14, 2015
2:00 – 8:00 pm
Free for all Current and Former Members and their Families
$5 per additional guest
Donations appreciated
Festivities Include:
50/50 Raffle, $1 per Ticket
Round Robin Tennis, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
All levels of play welcome; just bring your racquet. Limited to the 1st 20 players.
Biggest Splash Off the Diving Board Contest, 3:30 pm
Dessert Decorating Contest – 50th Anniversary Theme
Drop off dessert from 4:00 - 4:30 pm; winners announced at 5:00 pm
Photo Booth, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
BBQ Dinner, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, cold drinks, beer and wine (BYOB okay – no glass on deck, please)
Dunk Tank
Volunteers needed to man the line and to be dunked!
DJ Spinning the Tunes
Cornhole Board Game
Look for Online RSVP or Sign Up at the Guard Desk
Volunteers are Needed to Help with the Event
Contact Liza Sickler ([email protected] or
Carrie O’Hara ([email protected])