Schedule notes, important dates du jour - 26 Jun 13

My apologies for the late notice on this but there will be no fencing (private lessons or practices) from Sunday, June 30, through Thursday, July 4, at either IWFC or PFC. Have a great Fourth! (Or as they call it in the UK, Thanksgiving.*)

The next beginner class at IWFC will begin Monday, July 22, and run through Monday, August 12. Sessions are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00. Fees and equipment information is here. Just email coach@iwfc.net to register and you're good to go!

There will not be a PFC class this summer. But if you have a youngster between the ages of 8 and 14, the PPR fencing camp is a great way for them to get a taste of fencing without the commitment to a full class. Sign up with Poquoson Parks and Rec before July 31!

The next equipment order will go in Wednesday, July 14. Visit Absolute Fencing Gear, fill out the order form and turn it in to me by 10 p.m. July 14. Payment can be made when you give me the form or you can pay online here.

The Commonwealth Games are July 20-21 in Manassas. This year Olympic saberist Tim Morehouse will be one of the guests. No, he can't fence in the saber event but it'd be fun if he were there to watch!

And just for fun, an IBM commercial from the '90s featuring a couple of fencers genteelly trash-talking.


* I kid!

Tournaments past and future - 23 Jun 13

June 15-16 was Richmond's Tune-Up Open, so-named because it's one of the last local event before Summer Nationals. We had three fencers in the open foil event, Scott, Rhiannon, and Bryce. Bryce and Rhiannon had tough pools with two of the eventual top five finishers apiece (and Scott had the other top-fiver) but there were some good matches all around. Unfortunately, IWFC's day was done in the round of 16 but hey, any day fencing is a good day! Full results can be seen here. Many thanks to you guys for looking out for each other while I was traveling. That's the sort of thing that makes IWFC/PFC such a great group!

Next up, Summer Nationals! Good luck, Rhiannon! Remember: the pointy end goes that-a-way!

Rate changes take effect 1 July 13 - 12 Jun 13

I've been putting this off for ages but it needs to happen and is long overdue. Effective July 1, monthly dues will increase to $25 per month plus $5 per additional family member and the floor fee will increase to $10 per visit. Lessons will be $20 for thirty minutes, $35 for an hour. Equipment rental and class fees remain the same. Note: If you have already paid dues past July 1, the current rate will stay in effect until the prepayment runs out. I'll have the PayPal buttons and info page on the websites updated as soon as possible to reflect the change.

Speaking of equipment rental, don't forget that the fee is due every month whether you fence or not! Individual reminders will be going out soon but feel free to drop me a note if you have questions about your rental balance.

WEATHER WARNING - 10 Jun 13

As you may have noticed, we have some severe weather in the area, including a tornado warning for parts of Suffolk and Chesapeake. Additionally, there is some extremely heavy rain in the area. It's been mostly localized but it's been intense at times so please pay extra attention to the weather in your area as well as for the route you'll be taking if you come to club tonight. Club is not cancelled but I am asking parents to stay rather than drop off their fencer then return for them later in the evening. To put it bluntly, this building is not one I want to ride out severe weather in and if I decide the weather warrants sending everyone home, I want all fencers to have an immediate ride home available. Thanks!

Schedule reminders - 8 Jun 13

Reminder the first: No fencing Sunday, June 9.

Reminder the second: No fencing -- classes, private lessons, or club -- from Tuesday, June 11, through Friday, June 14. Monday the 10th is as usual and the regular schedule kicks back in on Sunday the 16th.

Unrelated side note: If you're looking for an excuse to get out of town Sunday, it's the closing day of the Virginia Renaissance Faire at the Lake Anna Winery just west of Fredericksburg. Don't let the thought of afternoon showers scare you away! As our CEO says, 'When it rains, we shine!' Besides, it's supposed to be sunny most of the day anyway. Come play with us!

NO FENCING TONIGHT! - 4 Jun 13

Sorry for the late notice, folks, but I've got a meeting tonight that is going to prevent me from being able to hold tonight's novice practice or epee class. (At least it's a fencing-related meeting!)