Calendar:

o Saturday,February 4th –Orca BBQ and Bonfire hosted by Mike Turcott,starts around 4pm,13007 Black Bear Blvd SE,Tenino,WA 98589 (just south of Olympia).

o Saturday,February 18th –Board meeting at Hank and Chris’s house (112 NE 57th St)

o Sunday,February 19th –Blowhole:Mardi Gras Edition at The Lobby Bar at 8pm

o Saturday,February 25th –Phil and Andrea are hosting the February Potluck,716 29th Ave,Seattle,98122 (29th and cherry)

Board News

Orca BBQ and Bonfire:Fellow swimmer Mike Turcott has invited the swim team over to his home in Olympia for a Bonfire and BBQ after the swim meet in Olympia this Saturday,February 4th. It is scheduled to start around 4pm. His address is 13007 Black Bear Blvd SE,Tenino,WA 98589. Mike will be providing burgers and hot dogs,and the music will be provided by our very own Chris Bresemann. It’s BYOB,and if you are interested you can also bring also a side dish. The weather should be nice and mostly clear skies should give a star-studded background to the bonfire. Mike want’s everyone to enjoy the BBQ safely,so he is providing lots of places for people to spend the night if they need. If you already know you would like to stay the night,please send him a message (via facebook or email) or you can email Ryan at rjr.devry@gmail.com and he will pass along the information.

Blowhole:Mardi Gras Edition:The Lobby Bar,Hunkdujour.com and Danial Webster Designs are getting together to sponsor our third Blowhole event Sunday February 19th from 8pm to 2am. Join Juanita DeFuca,Mermosa and Vera Vera Ahndahvahl in dancing and debauchery. We are looking for gogo boys and girls to participate,so if you are interested in supporting this event,please email Jason Stone at jsnstone@gmail.com. We will also need people to help with the clothes check,selling beads and wristbands (for drink specials),and to make and sell jello shots.

USMS &Orca Membership Reminder:We just wanted to remind everyone that on February 15 th ,we will be scrubbing out membership list. This means anyone who has not renewed their Orca and USMS memberships will be taken off the mailing list and check in list at the front door. 2012 will be a busy year for the swim team as we gear up to host the IGLA Championships in 2013. Some new events this year include Orca swim clinics,Spring Fling at the Baltic Room,and hosting the PNA SCM Zone Championships. Keeping your membership current will help to keep you up to date. Below are some helpful links:

Orca –2012 Membership &Swim Passes http://www.orcaswimteam.org/orca-store/buy-passes/

2012 USMS Member Registration https://www.clubassistant.com/club/USMS.cfm?l=36

Swimming Events

Sunday February 12,2012 –I Love to Swim,SCM,Vancouver,B.C.,CA

“I Love to Swim” is a short course yards swim meet hosted by the English Bay Swim Club from Vancouver,B.C. every year. The meet will be located at the UBC Aquatic Centre (6121 University Blvd,Vancouver BC,Canada). Swimmers will compete in the 8 lane meters pool,and warm-up/warm-down will be in a separate 6 lane yards pool. Much like our meet,this meet will be having a Pink Flamingo relay,which means it will be a great opportunity to practice swimming with style for IGLA 2012 in Reykjavik. Paper entries must be received by midnight Friday February 4th,but online registration will still be available afterward. (http://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=194&BT=10#Ev11523) The fee to sign up is $35 CDN. In addition to the swim meet,the English Bay Swim Club has invited any Orcas attending the meet to swim with them on Saturday from 5pm to 6:30pm and then go to dinner with them afterward before the meet on Sunday. If you are going to the meet,but can’t make the practice on Saturday,you are still welcome to join up for dinner by meeting in the lobby of the pool at 6:45pm.

Sunday,February 19,2012 –Lake Washington Masters SCY Meet in Kirkland

The Lake Washington Masters swim team will be hosting this meet in yards at Juanita High School,which is just a short 30 minute drive from our own pool. This will be a great opportunity for swimmers who don’t like long travels to help represent the team. And after swimming at Juanita High School during the day,you can meet up at the Lobby Bar and party with Juanita de Fuca at Blowhole:Mardi Gras. Competition will occur in a 6 lane pool and there will be a separate warm up area. The meet fee is $16 plus $2 per individual event. Warmups will start at 9am and competition will start at 10am. Online registration is currently open (https://www.clubassistant.com/club/meet_information.cfm?c=1679&smid=3620) and will close the end of day Wednesday February 15th. Concessions will be available for purchase. There are already two Orcas signed up for this event!

Calendar:

•  Saturday,October 15th – Party with the Orcas at Blowhole II at the Lobby Bar at 9pm. Juanita De Fuca will be doing a new number;don’t miss it!
• Saturday,October 22nd – Board Meeting for the newly elected members at 10:30am at Hank and Chris’s house. (112 NE 57th Ave,near Green Lake)
• Saturday,October 29th – October Potluck and Costume Party at Grady Paden’s house. Come and enjoy the spooky festivities and carve a pumpkin to take home with you!
• Sunday November 13th,2011 – 3rd Annual Whidbey Island SCM Meet. Come swim with your fellow Orcas at the last swim meet of this year!

Board News

Update on the New Entrance Policy: Prior to the opening of the new addition to the Connolly Center we were informed the team would need to enter and exit the facility as a group. At least for the moment,this policy is not being enforced. Unless the Seattle University administration changes the current check-in procedure, Orca swimmers enter the facility in the same way as before. The old entrance is locked,so use the new entrance. Tell the reception desk you are an Orca swimmer,show them your ID,and they will unlock the turnstile for you to enter. Walk up the stairs directly ahead,go through the door at the top,turn left and follow the hall to the locker rooms.

October Potluck and Costume Party! Grady Paden will be hosting this month’s potluck. This will be a Halloween themed potluck;which means you are all encouraged to show up in your spookiest outfit! We will also have pumpkins on hand for carving;show off your artistic talents! We be sending out Grady’s address and directions as it gets closer to the potluck.

Great Job BAMfest competitors! Congratulations to everyone who swam at the Bainbridge Island meet this year. There were some great swims resulting in plenty of first place ribbons. More importantly, Orca members were able to have a fun time with each other. In case you come from a very competitive swimming background,master meets in our region are low stress events. Everyone is encouraged to swim as best as they can,but in the end you get to decide your involvement level. Keep an eye out for meet results to be posted at the pool.

An Extra Incentive to Join Fellow Meet Swimmers: At the last board meeting,it was agreed the team would chip in $10 per person to encourage participation in swim meets. How the money is used will be up to those attending the swim meet. If everyone agrees,you can use it to offset your entry fee,or you can all go out for pizza and beer afterward! We are always looking for ways to enrich the experience of our members and help you create fond memories. If you have any other ideas for the team,feel free to submit them to the beautiful Suggestion Box made for us by Coaches Alexis and Karla,mention it to a board member,or share it with us at a board meeting.

Orca Shirts: Orca shirts have been ordered and are on their way. We are expecting them to arrive no later than next week. We’ll also take this opportunity to remind our swimmers that Choke Shirt Co (co-owned by Matt Thompson) offers Orca swimmers a special 10% discount at check-out. Choke Shirt Co. has a great collection of tees and hoodies for guys,gals,and babies. Check out www.chokeshirtco.com and enter ORCA for 10% off your order. Go to www.chokeprintshop.com for custom tees and mention your an Orca swimmer for 10% off your order (up to $100).

Swimming Events

November 13,2011 – 3rd Annual Whidbey Island SCM Meet

The North Whidbey Masters team is providing an opportunity to get in some Short Course Meters swims in this meet season. Online registration is currently open and closes on Mon,November 7th at midnight. Paper entries are accepted and must be postmarked by November 2nd. Deck registration is not allowed,so sign up now. Warm up starts at 9am and the meet starts at 10am,but the 1500 Meter Freestyle is the first event,which will give swimmers a little bit of extra time to get there. The pool is a six lane pool,with five lanes used for competition and one lane used for continuous warm-up and warm-down. This meet is a bit cheaper than others with the entry fee being only $16 and $1 per individual event. There are already several Orcas planning on going;Ryan will be organizing carpools (contact him at rjr.devry@gmail.com). http://www.clubassistant.com/club/meet_information.cfm?c=1577&smid=3260

Calendar

• Friday,August,5th,2011 – Underwear party at the Lobby Bar!
• Saturday,August 6th,2011 – Board meeting at Hank and Chris’s at 10:30am.
• Saturday,August 20th,2011 – Our annual Colman Pool Party &Potluck from 7 – 9pm!

Board News

Orca Shirts for Sale! Orca Team Shirts are finally available! We are keeping it simple this year:one color,one design. The shirt is going to be American Apparel,Heather Grey (see attached image),and 100% Cotton. The shirts are not preshrunk,so order accordingly!

The shirts are $20 each,with the money collected before we submit the order. Available sizes run from extra small (XS) through extra large (XL). If you need help figuring out your size,American Apparel provides their sizing chart online. http://americanapparel.net/sizing/default.asp?chart=mu.shirts The design will be a large orca on the side and our team logo on the chest,both printed in black.

Ryan will be in the lobby before practice for the rest of the week collecting orders and money. You can also email him (rjr.devry@gmail.com) your size,and how many you would like;just make sure to pay before the order is submitted or you may end up without a shirt! Additionally,you can order your shirt through the website. We need a minimum of 25 shirts before we can place the order,so don’t delay.

August Colman Pool Party &Potluck! Our annual outdoor pool party is co-hosted with the Seattle Frontrunners. The cost of the pool rental is split with the Frontrunners and is funded with your Orca Membership fees. We get full use of the pool,including the slide and diving boards. This event will be a potluck (no glass or alcohol).

For information on upcoming swim meets and open water swims,please see our listing on the Orca website. (http://www.orcaswimteam.org/competition/upcoming/)

Upcoming Swim Meets and Open Water Events

August 20,2011 – The 27th Annual Emerald City Open Water Swim (Non-USMS)

This event includes a ½ mile straight course and the 1 mile triangle course. Registration is $25 for youth and senior or $30 for adults if completed prior to August 14. The entrance fee goes up to $40 for youth and seniors or $45 for adults after August 13th. Register for both races for only an additional $10! In the event’s first year there were approximately 100 participants. Since then the swim has had as many as 500 swimmers. Each swimmer will receive a specially designed,commemorative swim cap and T-shirt. Awards will be given to top overall male and female,top age group male and female,and top overall male and female in wet suit division. Wetsuits will be allowed,but swimmers wearing them won’t be eligible for age group prizes or grand prize. Post race refreshments and hot drinks will be available for swimmers. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/openwaterswim.htm

September 10,2011 – Swim Across America (Non-USMS)

Mercer Island shoreline swim charity fundraiser for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance –Jim Lasersohn is organizing a combined team of people from his company as well as ORCAs who would like to participate. There is a half-mile and 2-mile option. It’s a great swim in a beautiful area on Lake Washington. With many of us who have a family member,co-worker,and/or friend who has been affected by this devastating disease,it’s a nice way to give back. There is a $50 fee to participate and they ask you to raise $300 (not that much when it comes to events like this). Please let Jim know you would like to be part of the team by sending an email to him at jim.lasersohn@gmail.com or find our more online at http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SEA_Home.

Old News

IGLA Championship 2013:Congrats to the Orca Swim Team on receiving the bid to host the 2013 IGLA Championships! If you are interested in helping out,you can sign up to our Google group by using the small sign up form in the left column of our homepage (http://www.orcaswimteam.org/). This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and grow as a swim team,all while having a blast!

5K &10K postal swim at KCAC:PNA is providing swimmers with pool space to complete the long distance postal swims this year in Federal Way. To participate,you will need to:

1. “Reserve your spot” in a lane by contacting Sally Dillon (PNA Long Distance Coordinator) at salswmr@comcast.net or 425-961-0023 ASAP if you haven’t already done so.
2. Obtain an official entry form and split sheet,which you can find on the USMS website at www.usms.org/longdist/ or you can get one from Sally.
3. Bring someone with you to time and record your lap times on your split sheet.

PNA subsidizes the pool rental for this event but each participant is asked to contribute $15 to help defray the cost. Deadline to “reserve” is Sunday,July 17. Attached is an article on “prepping” for a 10K,which can be used for 5K events as well.

Open Water Swimming:Interested in open water swimming? Steven Potokar is gathering emails of those swimmers interested in swimming open water from Madison Beach this Spring/Summer. There are some inherent dangers with open water swimming including but not limited to boat traffic,waves,and the Seattle Police Department. Swimmers will take personal responsibility for their own safety and actions. If you are up for the adventure of swimming open water please email Steven at sspotokar@yahoo.com.

Orca Swim Team is looking for Sponsorship! Do you,your business,or the company you work for sponsor local sports teams? If so,we have some great new sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship money will help pay for pool fees,coaches,events,maybe even more swim days / times! In return we’ll give you shout outs on our website,at Pride,on Facebook and anything else we can do. If you would like to receive our sponsorship packet to pass along to someone email Matt Thompson at emjaythompson@gmail.com for information.

Choke Shirt Co. now offering Orcas 10% online! Choke Shrt Co (co-owned by Matt Thompson) is now offering Orcas a special 10% discount at check-out. Choke Shirt Co. has a great collection of tees and hoodies for guys,gals,and babies (you might have even see Paul wearing one!) Check out www.chokeshirtco.com and enter ORCA for 10% off your order. Looking for custom tees? Check out www.chokeprintshop.com,mention your an ORCA for 10% off your order (up to $100).

Swim for Life Fundraiser:So far we have one team of Orca swimmers participating in the Swim for Life Across Lake Washington event. This fundraiser is a 2.5 mile swim from Medina Beach to Madison Park. Proceeds from the event (registration fees and donations) go to support the Puget Sound Blood Center and the national marrow donor program. So far the team of Orca swimmers is in fifth place among the top fundraising teams for the event. Help support them by donating! http://bit.ly/kFFY7P

Anti Tobacco Sponsorship Policy:The Orca Swim Team does not accept sponsorship money from tobacco companies.

Board News

Orca Swim Team is looking for Sponsorship! Do you,your business,or the company you work for sponsor local sports teams? If so,we have some great new sponsorship opportunities.  Unless you work in the tobacco industry.  By becoming a sponsor you would be helping pay for pool fees,coaches,events,maybe even more swim days / times! In return we’ll give you shout outs on our website,at Pride,on Facebook and anything else we can do. If you would like to receive our sponsorship packet to pass along to someone email Matt Thompson at emjaythompson@gmail.com for information.

Anti Tobacco Sponsorship Policy: The Orca Swim Team has a new policy! “The Orca Swim Team will not accept sponsorship money from tobacco companies.  The Orca Swim Team also discourages smoking while in the pool.”

Choke Shirt Co. now offering Orcas 10% online! Choke Shrt Co (co-owned by Matt Thompson) is now offering Orcas a special 10% discount at check-out. Choke Shirt Co. has a great collection of tees and hoodies for guys,gals,and babies (you might have even see Paul wearing one!) Check out www.chokeshirtco.com and enter ORCA for 10% off your order. Looking for custom tees? Check out www.chokeprintshop.com,mention your an ORCA for 10% off your order (up to $100).

Success at the Eagle:Last Friday,April 30th,we had a jello shot fundraiser at the Eagle in conjunction with the MANHUNT UNDERWEAR PARTY.  It was a great success.  Thanks to everyone who came out to support us,especially those who helped sell shots.  We raised around $450 for the night.  Combined with the previous fundraiser,we have raised a total of $750 to assist with the costs of the IGLA Championship.  If anyone is in need of financial help,please contact a board member!

Pride 2011:The ORCA Swim Team is in the planning process for PRIDE 2011 this summer.  If you would like to volunteer to participate in or help with the planning activities please contact one of the following people.  In addition you can sign up at out website.  For the Pride Parade committee,look for a small sign up form in the right column of the homepage (http://www.orcaswimteam.org/).

• PRIDE Booth:  Jack Hilovsky,jhilov@yahoo.com
• PRIDE Parade:Jason Stone –Sign up through the website –The form is located at the top of the right sidebar.

IGLA Championship 2013: As discussed at the last board meeting and potluck,the Orca Swim Team is planning on submitting a bid to host the IGLA Championship in 2013.  If you are interested in helping out,join us at Roy St Coffee at 6:30pm on Tuesday,May 10th.  Additionally,you can sign up to our Google group by using the small sign up form in the left column of our homepage(http://www.orcaswimteam.org/).  This will be a great opportunity to raise awareness of our team while growing as a swim team,all while having a blast!

Open Water Swimming:Interested in open water swimming? Steven Potokar is gathering emails of those swimmers interested in swimming open water from Madison Beach this Spring/Summer.  There are some inherent dangers with open water swimming including but not limited to boat traffic,waves,and the Seattle Police Department.  Swimmers will take personal responsibility for their own safety and actions. If you are up for the adventure of swimming open water please email Steven at sspotokar@yahoo.com.

 Orca Calendar:

• Saturday,May 21st,2011 – Board Meeting at Hank and Chris’s at 10:30am.
• Saturday,May 21st,2011 – Rebecca Mitchell is hosting the May potluck at her new place located at 1707 E Fir.  Here’s hoping for good weather!
• Saturday,June 18th,2011 – Blowhole,Orca’s Pride Party Kickoff feat. Juanita de Fuca.
• Sunday,June 26th,2011 – Pride Parade ending at the Seattle Center for Pridefest.

Upcoming  Swim Meets and Open Water Events

July 6-10,2011 – IGLA Hawaii

The Orca team encourages all Orcas to go to this event,which is a once-a-year swim meet held by the International Gay and Lesbian Association in various locations.  Somewhere between 500-1000 swimmers from around the globe will convene in Honolulu over 4 days of swim competitions and evening festivities.  Some of us may ditch the dreary July 4^th festivities around here and head over early (Maui?) for some sun.  Go to www.igla.org for more info.  Jim Lasersohn has been coordinating people communication amongst people interested in going,so if you are planning on going and haven’t spoken to him,he can be reached at jim.lasersohn@gmail.com.

 July 9,2011 – ACQUA Presents the 2011 Masters Olympian Clinic

This summer ACQUA Events is proud to present a swim clinic at the Fife Swim Center featuring Olympians Ian Crocker and Megan Jendrick. These two Olympians have a combined 8 Olympic medals,and are excited to share their expertise with you!  The clinic takes place July 9th from 9am-noon in Fife. It will cover all 4 strokes and attendees will be able to hear the Olympians motivational and inspiring Olympic stories as well as ask questions.  You can register online (http://acquaswim.com/?p=23) or by mail (http://www.acquaswim.com/Masters-2011.pdf).

 July 20-24,2011 – Eurogames – Rotterdam,Netherlands

The European sports body (http://www.eglsf.info) hosts an annual sports competition (i.e. mini-gay games) with several thousand participants and is lots of fun.  Next year’s event will be held 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam in the ultra hip city of Rotterdam.  You don’t have to be European to attend.  There are lots of sports competitions,including swimming,which is the signature event.

July 23,2011 – Fat Salmon Open Water Swim – Madison Park Beach,Seattle

There is a 1.25 and 3.2 mile option for this swim that is getting more popular every year with typically quite a few ORCAs participating.  This event has sold out the last few years and it appears the spots for this year are going quickly as well.  Don’t miss out and register now at https://www.clubassistant.com/club/meet_information.cfm?c=1726&smid=3064.

July 25,2011 – Lake Padden Open Water Swim,Bellingham,WA

The last weekend of July is almost always the nicest weekend of the year. Consider spending it in the beautiful wooded setting of fresh water,Lake Padden,Bellingham. Like always the race will be a choice between the 2.5K and the 5K swim. Neoprene wetsuits are allowed. (The water temp is usually in the high 60s,low 70s that weekend) The course is a triangular course with the 5K swimmers going around the course twice. Both events start in the water and finish on the beach.  Find out more information at the event’s website (http://www.b-m-s-c.org/lakepadden.html).  You can register at http://www.b-m-s-c.org/PDFs/2010_07_25_lakepadden.pdf

July 25-31,2011 – North American Outgames,Vancouver,Canada

This event is a regional version of the Outgames,last held in Copenhagen in 2009 (and next to be held in Antwerp,Belgium in 2013).  Vancouver will host a series of sporting and cultural events,including swimming.  Go to http://vancouver2011outgames.com/index.html to learn more.  

July 29-31,2011  SynergyFest

On July 29-31,2011 the Cleveland Aquatic Team (CAQT),in partnership with the Cleveland Synergy Foundation,will be hosting the second annual SynergyFest which is a multi-sport festival that will include swimming for the first time this year.  The swim meet  will be held at Cleveland State’s Robert Busbey Natatorium which is one of the fastest pools in the nation and will be an eight lane,long course (50 meter) competition.  The pool has been the site of many national championship meets and also includes an adjacent 25 yard pool that can be used for warm-up and warm-down during the entire meet.

Other sports that will be competed over the weekend will include volleyball,bowling,billiards,and others in nearby facilities so competitors can walk from venue to venue.  Some cities have put together teams that bring together athletes from a variety of sports.  There are special hotel rates available and there is easy and direct access from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to downtown Cleveland.   

The weekend will start off with a Friday night Registration party and will include a Special Celebration event on Saturday night when athletes from different sports will have the opportunity to dine and dance the night away.  We hope you can join us for this incredible opportunity to compete with other gay athletes and make Cleveland a destination weekend for July 29-31,2011!

If you have other questions about swimming please contact Toddrurban@aol.com or visit the ‘SynergyFest.org’web site for information about all the sports offered.

 September 10,2011 – Swim Across America

Mercer Island shoreline swim charity fundraiser for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance -  Jim Lasersohn is organizing a combined team of people from his company as well as ORCAs who would like to participate.  There is a half-mile and 2-mile option.  It’s a great swim in a beautiful area on Lake Washington.  With many of us who have a family member,co-worker,and/or friend who has been affected by this devastating disease,it’s a nice way to give back.  There is a $50 fee to participate and they ask you to raise $300 (not that much when it comes to events like this).   Please let Jim know you would like to be part of the team by sending an email to him at jim.lasersohn@gmail.com.

Board News

            Emerald City Swim Meet 2011:Our very own swim meet is happening this Saturday,March 12^th,beginning at 9am!  Even if you did not register to swim,we encourage you to come support the team and swimmers.  The Seattle University Swim Team has graciously volunteered to help us with most of the work of running the meet,but if you would like to be involved somehow,please contact Chris at chris.bresemann@gmail.com and he will try to find some way for you to contribute!

            Orca Swim Team + Yelp: As a reminder to everyone that attends dinners after practice on Friday nights,the team has an account on Yelp.  We would like you to let us know your dinner experiences so we can post reviews under the Orca name.  There is a link on the website to submit your reviews.  http://www.orcaswimteam.org/orca-swim-team-on-yelp/ This is a good way to share our dinner experiences with others;we’ve dining for years and have been  adventurous with our choices,finding some great places to eat and some not so great places.  This will aid visibility of our team as we review restaurants,letting people know what’s good and what to avoid.

            Palm Springs Swim/Sun:  Phil Brennan is organizing a loosely-planned trip to Palm Springs from Wednesday March 16 to Sunday March 20,2011 for swim workouts and other stuff (run/tennis/golf/pool/yoga).  He has invitied the Frontrunners as well (and swim/run groups on the west coast),but the idea is not affiliated with Orca,Frontrunners,etc and there may only be one attendee (Phil).  Here’s the concept:  Find reasonable accommodations in recession-battered Palm Springs (house,condo,hotel),start each morning with a swim in the great outdoor pool in the center of town,then head off for other activities – run,hike,golf,hit the pool in the afternoon,and finish off with happy hour and dinner (or maybe an evening swim for the diehards).  Current airfares are around $350 to Palm Springs (use your Alaska Air companion fare and bring a pal) and around $250 to nearby Ontario (75 mins by car).  If interested,email pbrennanlaw@cablespeed.com.  Maybe a tradition in the making?

            Swim Clinic &Questionnaire:  Thank you to the 28 people who responded to the Swim Clinic Questionnaire;nearly two-thirds indicated interest in participating in a clinic.  Your feedback is valuable in planning future events.  If you haven’t yet filled it out,you can still do so at the following link:https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGxPYWZRdVF3UU1XVjgtdUEtSG1WQ1E6MQ

            Open Water Swimming:Interested in open water swimming? Steven Potokar is gathering emails of those swimmers interested in swimming open water from Madison Beach this Spring/Summer.  There are some inherent dangers with open water swimming including but not limited to boat traffic,waves,and the Seattle Police Department.  Swimmers will take personal responsibility for their own safety and actions. If you are up for the adventure of swimming open water please email Steven at sspotokar@yahoo.com.

            Pride 2011:The ORCA Swim Team is in the planning process for PRIDE 2011 this summer.  If you would like to volunteer to participate in or help with the planning activities please contact one of the following people.

• PRIDE Booth:  Jack Hilovsky,jhilov@yahoo.com
• PRIDE Parade:Jason Stone

             Seattle’s Parks Need Your Input!:Seattle Parks Foundation and their partners are asking for our input on a how we should address the chronic funding shortfall faced by Seattle’s park system.  There was talk that Seattle would close pools when the 2011 budget was considered;people spoke up and helped keep the pools open this year.  Seattle Parks has prepared a short survey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QLFDK3J) to voice your opinion,as well as a webpage (http://www.seattleparksfoundation.org/Sustaining_Parks.html) where you can download a copy of the report.  Since the results of the survey are available to those who take it,it is not only a great opportunity to voice your opinion on this important issue (and maybe win a $50 REI gift card!) but also to see what others have to say.  Please take a moment to share your opinion now.  The survey will be open until March 31,2011.  Thank you!

 Orca Calendar:

• Friday,March 11,2011 –No swim practice before the swim meet.  Practice is back on!  Afterward,Phil Brennan will be hosting a Team and Swim Meet Participant Dinner.   Address:716 29th Ave,Seattle,98122 (29th and Cherry – 1.5 miles east of SU pool,left on 29th,2nd house on right)
• Saturday,March 12,2011 – Emerald City Swim Meet.  After the swim meet there will be a Party at Lobby Bar. We have the upstairs to ourselves starting at 7:30pm.  Well drinks will be $4,and we’ll have two specialty drinks,“Blue Hawaiians” and “Citrus Saints”!
• Sunday,March 13,2011 –Brunch on Broadway at Broadway Grill.  10:00 AM

            (Don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time is Sunday;set your clocks forward one hour!)

• Tuesday,March 15^th,2011 – The Lobby Bar has invited Orca to a speedo party in conjunction with the Palm Springs Tourism Bureau.  There will be drink specials and photo ops in Palm Springs décor!
• Friday,March 25^th,2011 –Bring a Friend Friday.  Bring a friend to join us swimming Friday night or bring two to the Lobby Bar afterward!
• Saturday,March 26h,2011 – Board Meeting at Hank and Chris’s house at 10:30am.

 Upcoming  Swim Meets and Open Water Events

             March 19 &20,2011 – Karlyn Pipes-Neilsen “Faster Freestyle” Clinic

            Karlyn Pipes-Neilsen lives in Kona,Hawaii and is known world-wide for being an accomplished swimmer having set over 200 masters world records to date. However,she is equally as talented as an instructor and uses her high energy to deliver a fun and face paced clinic woven with personal experience.  The clinic on the 19th is hosted at the Redmond YMCA.  For more info,contact Mike McKinley (mmckinlay@acm.org,425-417-9770).  The clinic on the 20th  is hosted at the Redmond Aquatic Center.  For more info contact Sarah Welch (sarahwelch@comcast.net) or email aquaticedge@hawaii.rr.com.  You can also view more information or register with the paper form:http://www.swimpna.org/pdf/entry_form/2011/PNA%20Non-video%20clinic%20Seattle%20final.pdf.

            April 9-10,2011 – PNA Champs &NW Zones Meet – Federal Way Aquatics Center

            This is the championship meet for PNA!  Teams are divided into large,medium and small based on the number of swimmers attending the meet,and plaques are awarded to the top 3 teams in each category. At this meet,the PNA coach of the year and the PNA inspirational swimmer of the year are awarded. An Orca won the inspirational swimmer award back in 2001.  In addition this is the NW Zone championship meet. The NW Zone includes Montana,Oregon,Utah,Idaho,Alaska,and Washington.  We encourage everyone to participate in this meet as it is hosted in one of the best facilities in the country.  You can register online at https://www.clubassistant.com/club/meet_information.cfm?c=1449&smid=2876 You can also submit a paper entry. http://www.swimpna.org/pdf/entry_form/2011/2011_04_09&10NWzonechamps.pdf Online entries will close at midnight Pacific Time on Saturday,March 26th. Paper entries must be postmarked no later than Wednesday,March 23^rd

            MAY 7,2011 – Boston LANES TP4 Swim Meet

            Liquid Assets (LANES) is proud to host The 2011 Boston TP4 Swim Meet  The TP4 Meet will feature a great mix of competition and fun,starting on Friday night with a welcome reception at Boston’s one and only,Club Café. On Saturday morning,let the competition begin at the wonderful MIT Zesiger Center in Cambridge,MA. The pool will open for warm-ups at 8:00 a.m. and the competition will start at 9:00 a.m.

            On Saturday evening there is an AMAZING event planned:a cocktail/dinner/dancing cruise around Boston harbor.You can purchase tickets for the cruise when you register for the meet. To see more information or register,visit http://www.swim-lanes.org.

            July 6-10,2011 – IGLA Hawaii

            The Orca team encourages lots of Orcas to go to this event,which is a once-a-year swim meet held by the International Gay and Lesbian Association in various locations.  Somewhere between 500-1000 swimmers from around the globe will convene in Honolulu over 4 days of swim competitions and evening festivities.  Some of us may ditch the dreary July 4^th festivities around here and head over early (Maui?) for some sun.  Go to www.igla.org for more info.

            Alaska Air has flights to Hawaii for around $600 r/t at the present time.  Many of us have Alaska credit cards,which have “companion fare” coupons for $99 for the 2nd passenger.  Thus,the 1st fare would cost $600 and the 2nd fare with taxes would bring the total fare to around $800 for both – i.e. around $400 for each person.  If fares later drop,Alaska typically will issue a credit for the difference in price.  Thus,you might want to “buddy up” on the airfare.   The IGLA meet runs from Wed. 7/6/11 thru Sunday 7/10/11.  For those looking for an extended trip,something to consider is a flight on Saturday July 2 from Seattle to Maui (with your own transport from Maui to Honolulu),and a return flight from Honolulu to Seattle on Monday July 11.  That itinerary with a companion fare currently costs $800 for both,including taxes.  Here is a list of Orcas who are going/seriously pondering it:  Brian Williams,Chris Bresemann,Hank Meuret,Jack Hilovsky,Jason Stone,Leo Espinosa,Matt Mabus,Paul Ikeda Paul Verner,Phil Brennan,Ron,Spencer Cotton,and Jeff Meehan.

            July 20-24,2011 – Eurogames – Rotterdam,Netherlands

            The European sports body (http://www.eglsf.info) hosts an annual sports competition (i.e. mini-gay games) with several thousand participants and is lots of fun.  Next year’s event will be held 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam in the ultra hip city of Rotterdam.  You don’t have to be European to attend.  There are lots of sports competitions,including swimming,which is the signature event.

            July 25,2011 – Lake Padden Open Water Swim,Bellingham,WA

            The last weekend of July is almost always the nicest weekend of the year. Consider spending it in the beautiful wooded setting of fresh water,Lake Padden,Bellingham. Like always the race will be a choice between the 2.5K and the 5K swim. Neoprene wetsuits are allowed. (The water temp is usually in the high 60s,low 70s that weekend) The course is a triangular course with the 5K swimmers going around the course twice. Both events start in the water and finish on the beach.  Find out more information at the event’s website (http://www.b-m-s-c.org/lakepadden.html).  You can register at http://www.b-m-s-c.org/PDFs/2010_07_25_lakepadden.pdf

            July 25-31,2011 – North American Outgames,Vancouver,Canada

            This event is a regional version of the Outgames,last held in Copenhagen in 2009 (and next to be held in Antwerp,Belgium in 2013).  Vancouver will host a series of sporting and cultural events,including swimming.  Go to http://vancouver2011outgames.com/index.html to learn more.  

            July 29-31,2011  SynergyFest

            On July 29-31,2011 the Cleveland Aquatic Team (CAQT),in partnership with the Cleveland Synergy Foundation,will be hosting the second annual SynergyFest which is a multi-sport festival that will include swimming for the first time this year.  The swim meet  will be held at Cleveland State’s Robert Busbey Natatorium which is one of the fastest pools in the nation and will be an eight lane,long course (50 meter) competition.  The pool has been the site of many national championship meets and also includes an adjacent 25 yard pool that can be used for warm-up and warm-down during the entire meet.

            Other sports that will be competed over the weekend will include volleyball,bowling,billiards,and others in nearby facilities so competitors can walk from venue to venue.  Some cities have put together teams that bring together athletes from a variety of sports.  There are special hotel rates available and there is easy and direct access from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to downtown Cleveland.   

            The weekend will start off with a Friday night Registration party and will include a Special Celebration event on Saturday night when athletes from different sports will have the opportunity to dine and dance the night away.  We hope you can join us for this incredible opportunity to compete with other gay athletes and make Cleveland a destination weekend for July 29-31,2011!

            If you have other questions about swimming please contact Toddrurban@aol.com or visit the ‘SynergyFest.org’web site for information about all the sports offered.