Quick weekend notes - 23 Apr 11

Poquoson reminder: No fencing (class or club) this weekend.

The Conomikes-Gutenberg Memorial Open is today and tomorrow in Williamsburg. It's at the William and Mary rec center at the corner of Compton and Brooks. Click here for directions. Come on out and see what a full-on competition is like!

Thanks and welcome! - 17 Apr 11

Many thanks go out to Liz, Scott, Riley, and Balint for helping at yesterday's demo. Although the wind was a pill, the wet stuff held off and we were able to make several new friends. Hello, new friends!

We've got a slew of tournaments coming up, starting with next weekend's Conomikes-Gutenberg Memorial Open. There's still time to register! If you're not up for competing just yet, this is a very good tournament to watch due to its proximity, open space, and range of skill levels. A quick read through How to Go to a Fencing Tournament will give you an overview of how things will run throughout the day. If you have any questions beforehand, ask away! And I'll be on hand both days for the usual coaching, fixing, cheerleading, and so on.

A full list of upcoming tournaments can be seen here on AskFred.

May classes - 16 Apr 11

The May beginner class starts Monday, May 2! Sessions are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 and the class is ten sessions long. The class fee is $60 and equipment can be either purchased or rented. Email or call 238-3111 to register.

May's intermediate class is epee and starts Tuesday, May 3! Sessions are Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 and the class is eight sessions long. The class fee is $60 and epee equipment is provided. Email or call 238-3111 to register.

Demo data - 14 Apr 2011

Quick update on the Healthy Kids Day in the Park Demo: I've confirmed with Isle of Wight Parks and Rec that the Day in the Park is still a go at this time. Although the forecast for tomorrow is wet and windy, the big storms currently aren't expected until after 1:00. We're in the same place we were last year, by the bathrooms, so we've got great shelter just in case. But I'm leaving the electrics at the salle rather than bringing out a strip like I'd planned. If you decide the weather's too cruddy for you, no worries! I'll certainly understand! I'll be out of internet reach by around 9:00 tomorrow morning so if you need to get hold of me, call me at 334.3603. See you there?

Gear's here, among other fun news! - 14 Apr 11

Gear's here! If you had anything in the April order, you can pick it up at any IWFC or PFC practice.

Don't forget to come to Carrollton Nike Park for this weekend's fencing demo! It's part of the Healthy Kids Day in the Park, three hours of fun activity sponsored by Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation and the Luther YMCA of Smithfield. The event's from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you don't have to hang out at the fencing table/tent all three hours. Come out and play!

Mark your calendars for the Virginia Renaissance Faire! From Scout Days on May 7 and 8 to Celtic Weekend on June 4 and 5, it's five weekends of fun, music, militia, and more. And because it's run by an educational not-for-profit, volunteers of all sorts are more than welcome as well. If you're interested in helping out, email the volunteer coordinator and let her know. To borrow her words, "We can always use volunteers -- it's a great way to get involved, see what goes on "backstage", meet cast/crew, make new friends and earn comp tickets for you or your friends/family." I hope to see you there!

Link correction - 7 Apr 2011

The last update had a bad link to the tournament information for this month's Conomikes-Gutenberg Memorial tournament in Williamsburg. Click here for better luck! If you've been thinking about entering, don't let the thin pre-registration numbers talk you out of it. This has been a consistently good event with a solid variety of skill levels. Don't wait for everyone else to sign up before you do -- they're probably sitting at their own computers waiting for 'everyone else' to sign up too so go for it! I'll be there both days for coaching, fixing, cheerleading, and general nonsense so you won't be on your own. If you have any questions or concerns about entering, talk with me at any practice or shoot me a note.

April notes - 5 Apr 2011

Forgot to register for the April beginner class at IWFC? That’s all right, new fencers are being accepted through Friday, April 8. Just email or call 238-3111 to sign up and you’re good to go! Sessions are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00.

The saber class starts tonight at IWFC. If you haven’t registered yet, no worries. You can just show up tonight! Can’t make it tonight but still want to take the class? Email or call 238-3111 to sign up and we’ll see you on Friday. (Friday is the last day that new saberists can join the class.) Sessions are Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 and the class fee ($60) includes dues for April.

Don’t forget to send in your April equipment order! Orders and payment are due by 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. Need anything for the W&M tournament at the end of the month? Now’s the time to order!

Volunteers are needed for our spot in the Healthy Kids Day in the Park at Carrollton-Nike Park on April 16. It’s easy! Wear your fencing gear, bring your enthusiasm for the game, and help show what a great sport this is by answering questions, doing demonstrations, helping people try on masks, and so on. It’s from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and lunch is provided. Please let me know if you'll be there so I can plan accordingly.

Our Military Kids provides grants to children of National Guard, Reserve, and active duty Wounded Warrior service members. This program can help pay for sports (including fencing!), fine arts, and tutoring programs for your children. Click the link for more details!

Quick Poquoson reminder - 2 Apr 11

A quick reminder for Poquoson fencers: No class or club Sunday, April 3. Our regular schedule resumes the following Sunday, April 10. Have a great Spring Break!