November 12, 2023 Newsletter
Hello NMRC!
We hope everyone has enjoyed their fall and is getting ready for lots of fun recreation in the snow! We have some members signing up for the Vasa cross country ski race. Reach out to Cindy, if you are interested in getting together to train for the classic ski race and Mindy, if you are interested in skate skiing. Be sure to continue reading below for Winter training information. Winter training starts Monday the 13th!
Gratitude for NMRC Members and Friends
The NMRC board recently created a comprehensive list of everything our club has accomplished in the last year. We were shocked by its length! We have all heard the phrase “It takes a village”, and it couldn’t be more true about NMRC in 2023. We are extremely grateful to every NMRC member, friend, family member, volunteer, coach, donor, business sponsor, other rowing club members, Solon Twp, Glen Lake Yacht Club, and others who have pitched in to make this happen. Thank you!
Your NMRC Board,
Mindy, Susan, Cindy, Diane and Lindy
2023 Accomplishments
New (to us) equipment (*new for 2024 season)
’97 Vespoli quad+ - GL
’01 Alden Star single - GL (donated by Rich Prager)
’95 Peinert 26 single* - GL
’02 Vespoli 8+* - LL
’03 Vespoli 8+* - LL
’15 Vespoli 2x*- LL
Alden Ocean single - LL (donated by Kathy Brandenburg)
4 pairs of new C2 Bantam sculling oars - GL
4 pairs of C2 smoothie vortex sculling oars* - GL
2 pairs of new C2 Bantam sculling oars - LL
Set of 8 sweep oars* - LL
5 club ergs for winter training*
Much miscellaneous gear
Community
Grew to almost 50 members
3 Learn-to-row and 2 Intro-to-Sculling classes
Pre-season social at Solon Twp Hall
Early season social at Bel Lago Winery
Late season social at Glen Lake Yacht Club
Post-season social (info coming soon)
12 member volunteers at the Polka Fest in Cedar raising $600
11 member volunteers at the Sleeping Bear Marathon raising $1000
More NMRC gear available, including on-demand printing
Continued Solon Township Park clean up and tree clearing
Welcomed TACR and LLRC to join us in our late-season sessions
2 experienced coaches returned
Trained and mentored 2 college-aged coaches
Focused on a positive experience for rowers, volunteers and board members
Maintained solid relationships with Solon Township and Glen Lake Yacht Club
Welcomed many guest rowers from around the country
Finance
Simplified fee structure
2 business sponsorships
$16,000 in total donations/sponsorships
$1000 Rotary Good Works grant
Established a scholarship fund
Refined rower-to-cox model
Completed a review and re-vamp of insurance in an effort to lower expenses
Reviewed and pared other expenses
Indoor storage for the big boats and trailer
Technology
Improved the website
Clear guest policy on website
Updated and streamlined all club documents for e-signing and eliminated paper copies
Competition
Sent 18 members to the TACR scrimmage/regatta where we medalled in every event
Sent 2 members to travel regattas (Masters Nationals and Grand Rapids) where they earned medals
Painted oars with new NMRC graphic
Upgraded the trailer electronics and added a trailer bed to be able to transport riggers and oars
Launched our first official winter training
A Year End Plea
We have accomplished a lot since our humble beginnings in 2021, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped make that happen. But we still have great ambitions and continued needs: more equipment, upgraded equipment, more scholarships and coach mentoring, additional regatta participation, etc. With that, please consider making NMRC part of your year-end giving. It’s easy! Go to https://www.northernmichiganrowing.club/shop/p/donate or send a check to: Northern Michigan Rowing Club, PO Box 113, Cedar, MI 49621. All donations are tax deductible.
Winter Training Program
Don’t forget that winter training starts Monday, 11/13. The complete schedule is now posted on iCrew.
If you are already on iCrew
- add yourself to the “Winter Training” team
- pay your winter training fee
- e-sign needed waivers
- toggle into the classes you plan to attend
If you are not on iCrew
- sign up using the “winter training” profile. Click here for iCrew
- pay your winter training fee
- e-sign needed waivers
- toggle in to the classes you plan to attend
The program has two tracks to choose from:
Please note: The tracks are used to guide workouts for the goals of the individual member. They are not geared to separate the club into two groups. If you are wanting the more rigorous workouts but unsure if you want to compete next season, you may choose the Competitive track.
FITNESS level workouts to increase and maintain aerobic levels and to work on strength training. 1x/week attendance in person is recommended.
COMPETITIVE level workouts will be of a higher intensity. Will be geared toward getting rowers ready for spring competition. 2x/week in person attendance is recommended.
WHERE?: We will be conducting 60-75 minute erg and strength training sessions from our new winter home base at the Sleeping Bear Bay Club in Maple City. It is a fitness center owned by Stacy Jago, https://sleepingbearbayclub.com/ located in the building that houses Broomstack and the Leelanau Curling Club.
WHAT DAYS?: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:45pmand 6:45-8:00pm (if demand is there, we will consider adding additional sessions). Saturday mornings, 10-11:30am, we are planning on having an open session for both levels.
WHO CAN ATTEND?: Attendance is open to anyone.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?: Weekly workouts will be emailed out on Sundays to those who have signed up for our Winter Training Program and have paid the fee. You will also be required to download the ERG DATA app from Concept 2 to allow use of the erg workouts. Strength and cross training workouts will be recorded with details being finalized on which method will work best.
COST?: There will be a $250 one time fee which includes unlimited training sessions at the Sleeping Bear Bay Club, weekly workout plans, and coaching and feedback from Coach Tom (Nov 13 - April 13). We will have a $15 drop-in fee to attend training sessions in person but that does not include the training plans and additional coaching being offered.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAINING?: Reach out to Tom directly (tcweber68@gmail.com)
Board Members Lindy, Cindy and Diane cleaning up 2 of the used club ergs for our winter training. Thanks ladies for doing the dirty work!
2023 Feel The Run Fundraiser
$30,000 Goal
Current total raised: $17,000
Thank you, donors!!!
If would like to see NMRC purchase needed equipment and are able to donate today, please click the button below.
Summary Upcoming Dates:
Nov 13 - Start of Winter Training program
Quick Links:
Corporate Rowing Program:
Great for team building, as a staff benefit, or as a fitness challenge for your company. Details are at this link.
Business Sponsorships:
Our business sponsorship program is outlined on our website under the Support NMRC tab or this link.
Please reach out to any businesses that you think might be interested in sponsorships!