May 2021 Updates
Greetings FFH old and new!
We are growing and I wanted to write a bit about what we have been up to and what we are hoping to do this summer.
We had to cap our members list and we have a wait list-- to allow for space in Covid and given the amount of pool space that we have, we wanted to make sure that everyone had space. All FFH have to recall that we all have different goals, different speeds, different favorites. Watching you all support your lanemates has been awesome. Sometimes it is about changing a set interval, others it is get well cards. We have celebrated a relocated FFH's new baby, we have a few more local FFH babies on the way; we worked together to get OBC vaccinated and we have supported coaches and swimmers as they compete, change jobs, lost loved ones...
We have grown into an amazing community-- thank you.
For May-- we are going to open up another 10-15 spots and then cap it for the summer. Our thoughts are this:
We don't want to have to micromanage lists and drop ins. Everyone should be able to get a vaccine by then and those who chose not to get one will not drive the way we run the team. We also know that the risks of Covid in the setting of chlorine with our current policies (masking in, masking out, not using locker rooms etc) are extremely low. We still ask that you do not come to the pool sick-- but this has always been a policy. Know that there are swimmers who might be vaccinated but be on some sort of medication that might make it less likely that they get that full protection. Just because someone looks healthy doesn't mean that they have a fully competent immune system. So please be mindful of this rule. It will NEVER change. FFH don't swim sick. No one is going for the Olympics at this point!
We also are going to have enough practices in the summer to find a spot for everyone. But in MAY-- please try to come to of the evening practices now and then. Many simply cannot-- but in the evening we have 8 lanes. I know it is "late". But T/R get a bit crowded. I am not mandating this- but asking people to consider changing things up now and then until we are fully into the summer mode.
What will the summer mode look like?
THIS SCHEDULE IS NOT FINAL: I know people are wondering what it might look like and this is where we are now. Looking to offer Mon/Wed PM @ FCRC (8:15ish start) Tues/Thur AM @ FCRC 5:45-7 AM. NEW AND NOT FINAL :We are going to add Wed/Fri AM @ FCHS (MOST LIKELY) 6:15 ish-7:45ish. Then Saturdays hoping to rent SSA or FCGC in the AM (I know some of you don't want indoors on the weekends but we need to do what makes most sense for the team); Sunday 7:30-9 and 9-10:30 @ FCRC (TWO PRACTICES).
We are hoping to get FFH Katie Lascola to offer a yoga class that we can schedule after Saturday am practice! We will figure this out (when & cost for drop in-- cash to class is easiest) as we finalize our Saturday plans.
Wednesday nights a few times a month @ FCRC-- happy hour after practice. Looking forward to a beer and good company on the deck.
What is going on in May?
Sunday May 23 we will participate in the Brian Demchak Hope Challenge and support the FCKW Swimathon from 8-11:30 AM. In the past it has always been a 5k run/walk. This year-- it is a 5K challenge. What are we going to do?? Swim it.
What is it? A 5K run/walk until this year in honor of Bill's brother Brian who passed away 2 years ago. He was an inspirational brother and avid runner. This race raises money for the St Margaret Foundation. I have spoken about their support for my patients in the past. But this year with COVID-- they have risen up and simply rocked. Supporting staff in ways that I have never seen-- filling gaps for patients. Childcare in Covid. Food support for employees with kids at home unable to get their free lunches. Oxygen support for Covid patients who had no coverage to get them home. Gifted grocery gift certificate bonuses to employees. When we couldn't get anyone to transport Covid patients back to their homes-- they found and sponsored our Covid cab. I cannot tell you how much they simply stepped in and up. So I am even more passionate about this race this year. And I would rather swim a 5k any day. (over running it).
How? Sign up (I created a FFH team so feel free to join our team when you register- there is a prompt to join a team)-- 35$ per person before May 10/40$ after or 90$ for a family of four. Must be a USMS member.
Do I have to sign up to swim Sunday May 23? YES. We are supporting this as a team- registration is required.
Do I really have to swim 5000 yards? No. Of course not. But you can swim it. Solo. Or Relay. Once we have an idea of the # of participants we will outline the "how we will swim".
Can I run/bike also? Of course. Impress us all. But the pool time is set!
Where are we swimming this 5K? Either @ FCHS 8-11:30 AM or @ FCRC 8-11:30 AM. Let's see what weather and pool opening timeline for the FCRC looks like.
Why did you type FCKW swimathon as well? Because of the FFH swimathon example-- FCKW is doing a swimathon for the club. Coincidentally at the same time-- the kids are excited to participate. I want to support both organizations so anyone who wants to make a donation to FCKW can bring cash or a check to the Brian Demchak Hope Challenge 5K and we will collect them. FCKW is also a 501 C3 non-profit. Cory and I have a team goal of raising 500 minimum for FCKW. It is NOT required to participate. A 10$ donation is absolutely fine. But to swim- you must be registered with the St Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Challenge. (Non negotiable)
Sunday 5/30 we will have a BYOB after the second swim practice @ 10:30 on the porch of the FCRC.
7/21 there are two awesome activities-- one is the Brogan Classic-- an open water swim in Cleveland. The first heat begins at 8 am and there will be concurrent half, mile and 2 mile races. Cory and I attended 2 summers ago and it was fun-- it is an early start, easier to come in Friday night. Ohio Masters runs a great event. Anyone who wants to go should let us know and we can put you all in touch with each other.
Some Wednesday in June we will celebrate John Landreth's retirement from Pittsburgh after practice. TBD
Thanks to everyone who has supported and helped us get water, take care of our teammates, scan temperatures, find vaccine, lifeguard, coach... the list is endless.
I have not written as much as I often do, I am not different than anyone else in Covid. But it has been emotionally draining; and just like no other year of my medical career; sad. This crew has been the best thing in Covid and I cannot tell you how much we all appreciate us. Together.
