As July turns to August, it's time to begin planning for our 2011-2012 season.  Building upon last year's collaboration with the Soundview YMCA, we will more fully integrate the Stingray program with the Y's adminstrative structure.  We don't expect any changes in coaching staff or in the ways we conduct practices, but we will rely upon the Y to administer club finances and provide organizational support for the coaches and swimmers. We remain committed to maintaining our traditional values. We will strive to allow each athlete to become the best swimmer he or she can be in a safe, stimulating, supportive program that emphasizes the long-term development of each child.

For the last three years we have been able to avoid any increase in Stingray training fees. The severe snow storm that disrupted our January fund-raising meet at WIS as well as increased meet entry fees throughout the winter have left us with a severely depleted treasury. To assure the team's long term financial financial stability, we have to make some modest changes in our dues structure. Swimmers who participate only in the fall-winter session will see a small increase in their dues to cover increased meet entry fees. For the first time, we will ask fall-winter members who participate in the spring-summer session to pay an additional fee for that season. The fee we will charge "continuing members" for the spring-summer season will be significantly less than what we will charge swimmers who join just for the spring-summer season. A complete fee schedule is printed on page two of this newsletter. If you have questions about the fee schedule, don't hesitate to email George (gam72352@gmail.com).

Our evaluation night for prospective new members will be held Wednesday, September 7nd at 5:30 at the Y. Please feel free to send this information to friends who may be interested in joining the Stingrays. 13 & over swimmers in the Junior and Senior groups will begin practice the week of September 12th. 12 & under swimmers begin practice the week of September 26th.  We expect to hold our annual parent's meetin the week of September 19th, but we have not chosen a day of the week.  In the meantime, don't hesitate to email me at gam72352@gmail.com . 

GEORGE