Weather, weekend, and beyond - 29 Jan 10

PFC - No fencing this Sunday! Poquoson has basically cancelled this weekend in light of the oncoming winter storm and that includes us. So stay safe, stay warm, and I'll see you at IWFC or next weekend!

IWFC - Monday: I won't make a decision about opening the salle Monday until Sunday at the earliest.

Equipment order: Monday is the first Monday of the month so I'll be doing an equipment order regardless of whether the salle's open that night or not. If you want to order anything, shoot me an email and I'll get you taken care of.

Rumble results: The results from last weekend's tournament in Richmond have been posted. Liz and Scott fenced both days and Balint joined in on the Sunday epee action. There was a lot of good fencing on all counts and there will even be some video up in the very near future!

February events:

• There's a team event on February 6-7 in Manassas. If anyone's interested in putting a team or two together, give me a yell.
• Manassas will also be the home of the Ronin Open on February 20-21.
• And the Baron de la Warr Commemorative Ratings Rally is February 27-28 in Charlottesville. In addition to the E- and C and under events, there will be Y10 and Y12 foil.

Poquoson registration is open! And other stuff...

I've just been given the OK by PPR to post the class information! So here we go...

The next set of fencing classes in Poquoson will start on Sunday, February 7. Click here for PPR's registration information. Each class's fee is $65, I believe (if PPR says otherwise, whatever they say is correct!) and is due to Parks and Rec when you register. All registrations must go through PPR.

Beginners: This class runs ten sessions and will end on April 18 (there will be no class on April 4). Classes are on Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 6:00, with the exception of the first class which runs from 4:00 to 6:00 so we have plenty of time to get all the details out of the way. In addition to the class fee, there is an equipment fee of $110 for male fencers, $130 for females, payable to me (Vicki Hanes) on the first day of class.

Intermediates: This class runs eight sessions and will end on March 28. Classes are on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00. Fencers are encouraged to arrive a bit early so they have time to warm up on their own before class starts. The class fee includes IWFC/PFC dues for February and March, so stay for the club sessions from 7:00 to 8:00 and practice those new skills you just learned!

PFC sessions: Yep, this also means that as of February 7, club sessions are back to one hour, from 7:00 to 8:00.

IWFC intermediate class: Starting next Tuesday, I'm going to keep the salle open for a little while after class so you can keep practicing the skills you learned that night. Of course, Thursday nights' classes are followed by the regular club session and you're welcome to stay for that as well.

Other stuff:

Tournament weekend: The River City Rumble is this weekend in Richmond. Note that Saturday's fencing doesn't begin until after noon but Sunday's starts in the morning. Links for directions, who's coming, etc. are available from the tournament info page.

Youth fencing: If you're still interested in a separate fencing session for fencers aged 8 - 12 to learn and practice together, let me know. Sessions would be a combined ongoing class and practice rather than a fixed schedule like the other classes. If there's enough interest, they'll be held on Sunday afternoons from 2:30 to 4:00. Until then, they're still in the 'planning' stage.

Equipment orders: I'm going to cut back the regular equipment orders to once a month so they'll be on the first Monday of the month now instead of the first and third Mondays. But if you find yourself in need of something or other before the next regular order, let me know and we'll see if we can work something out.

Come and get it! If you ordered a PFC or an IWFC tee shirt, you can pick it up at any club or class session. Didn't order a shirt but wish you had? Lucky you, I have extras! Just let me know which size and which club you want. Those overdue Ziv grips are in, too, so you can get those any time as well.

Update the Second - 7 Jan 10

Baby, it's cold outside inside! Remember, IWFC's salle doesn't have heat aside from the space heaters and there's only so much they can do. Once you're fencing, it's pretty comfy but remember to have warmups and such on hand so you don't freeze while waiting to go on strip. And remind your non-fencing companions to dress warmly!

Hangover results have just been posted on AskFRED. As you can see, the number of entrants was much lower than the preregistration numbers indicated, sadly. But there was still a lot of good fencing to be had on both days! Meredith and Kelly got to compete in both the mixed and women-only versions of their weapons, Thomas did his utmost to bring '90s foil back into style, and Scott tore up the strips both days, renewing his foil rating on Saturday and being the highest-placed Virginia fencer in epee on Sunday. Nicely done, all!

Registration is open for the River City Rumble. Please note the times for Saturday's events! If you're interested in competing but have questions, just let me know and we'll talk things over.

High School Academic All-American Program registrations are due by the 15th. Click here for more info.

Club t-shirts are in and available for pick-up any time. Didn't order a shirt but wish you had? No worries, I have extras in a range of sizes. Let me know which club and what size and if someone else hasn't beaten you to it, it's yours! (Shirts are $15.)

Update the First- 4 Jan 10

Update the Second to follow later tonight or tomorrow:

Beginner fencers are still welcome to practice from 6:00 to 7:00 on Mondays and Thursdays, including tonight, for the next couple of weeks. You're also welcome to stay and fence a bit during the open club sessions on Mondays and to join us on Thursdays. Remember, if you want to take the next intermediate class, you really need to be comfortable with those basic skills to get the full benefit of it. And the only way to get comfortable with them is by using them against other fencers.

Did someone say 'class'? Why, I suppose I did! The next beginner class will start January 18 and the next intermediate class will start January 19. Both will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the beginners on Monday and Wednesday and the intermediates on Tuesday and Thursday. The class fee is $60 and equipment can be either purchased or rented. The purchase price is $110 for males and $130 for females. You'll get your own mask, glove, jacket, and foil, plus required chest protection for women and girls. Alternately, you can rent equipment for $30 per month. You'll get a jacket and mask to take home with you as well as use of a club foil and (if needed) chest protection. You'll also need to purchase your own glove for $10. (Trust me, you don't want to share gloves, especially during flu season!)

More on equipment rental: Did you rent equipment for the first beginner class and want to continue using it for now? Not a problem! The amount that would have been refunded when you turned in the equipment can be applied to the monthly rental fee instead. Do you have your own gear now? Great! In addition to taking the refunded amount as a check, you can also have it applied to the next class if you're taking one or club dues if you aren't. You can even use it on t-shirts and other swag if you want. Remember, returned equipment must be clean and in good condition. If it's yucky, I won't take it back! (Note to new renters: This refund applies only to those who rented equipment for last fall's classes as a different agreement applies to them.)

Youth fencing: Starting Sunday, January 17, we'll have a special fencing class/session for young fencers. This time is intended for fencers and wanna-fencers aged 8-12 and is intended to be an ongoing mix of instruction and fencing rather than a set class schedule like the other classes. Sessions will be from 2:30 to 4:00 for starters and the fee is $10 per month. Equipment purchase or rental applies as above.

Coming soon: Intro to saber and intro to epee, anyone? Ditto daytime classes and/or fencing sessions. The initial thought was to offer these for the home schooled set but we're also taking a look at area school schedules -- the more, the merrier, right? Let me know what times/days you're interested in!

Still to come: This past weekend's Hangover Classic (including video!), the upcoming River City Rumble, and a few other things I've run out of time to cover now.

Hangover Classic notes - 1 Jan 10

This weekend is the Hangover Classic in Richmond, one of the Division's biggest events. Whether you're going as a competitor or a spectator, remember:

1. It's in a different location than in the past! Click here for directions to the correct site.

2. Have fun!

I'll be on hand all day, both days, for the usual cheerleading, armory work, etc. (Including the occasional hiney-kicking if needed.) If I don't see you there, I hope to see you when regular club fencing resumes starting Monday!