Team Meeting

 

November 28th - 7:30pm NRGH Volunteer room.

 

Nusa’Lon Minutes for Tues, Oct. 17, 2006 7:30 pm NRGH

 

In attendance: Maria Sargeant, Sheri Patis, Louise Soucy, Penny Pepper, Lori French,  Lori Evans, Chris Crabtree, Mimi Roy, Kathy Sabourin, Holly Wylie, Wendy King, Fran Tait (chair), Maureen Ingram(sec), Lynne Tourond, Karen Stephens

Resigned – Anita Carroll

On leave: Brenda Bradley, Shannon Mason, Veronique Pettigrew

 

1.(Chris) FYI – on attendance.  Thank you, Kathy S,  for diligently keeping track of our attendance over this past season.  In summary:  40% of the team were not at 60% of the practices.; 16% of the team attended between 61-75% of the practices;  44% attended more than 76% of practices.  Most members let Kathy know if they were unable to make it.  There was not one competition in which we had all Nusa’Lon members.

For those on LOA  and wish to return, it will be based upon space availability as we must replace all non-paddling members.  The executive feels that attendance levels would improve if new members had more knowledge of what to expect upon being accepted into Nusa’Lon.  Chris handed our a copy to each member of the information sheet (an updated form is on the website ) http://spaces.msn.com/nusalondragons/ which is given out to tryout paddlers.

 

2. Committees –(Holly)  Many of our committees were ad hoc or inactive so we condensed the committees down to 4 plus the executive – policies and procedures; sponsorship, fundraising, recruiting and membership.  A sign-up sheet was circulated to take effect this fall and all those members who missed the meeting are asked to give Fran a call to choose their favored committee.  All members are asked to participate in at least one committee.

 

3. Financial  (Fran) for Bob – We have cash in the bank of $.  Winter paddling has not paid invoiced yet.  Our income for this year totaled $  our expenses so far are $. Report accepted as circulated.

 

4.Committee reports from each of the standing committees – please check the website for what each committee is responsible  - http://spaces.msn.com/nusalondragons/ 

Kathy S– fundraising –

Phone books   interesting but not profitable enough for the fuel expended.

 Harewood Arms Beer and Burger – very worthwhile

 VIEX ($1600)  less the share payable to the Angels. Worthwhile but may again conflict times with the Victoria 2 day race in the harbor.

 Maple Sugar Festival  – good pr and good fun.

 

Sponsorship – Holly – funds were received from the Doug and Laura Wansbrough, Dr. Thompson,  Coastland Wood, B&T Line Equipment Testers, Berk’s Intertruck, TG Hawthornthwaite Logging, Catalyst Pulp and Paper (copper).  Please keep our generous sponsors in mind when reviewing the year’s activities.  It wouldn’t be nearly so affordable without their generosity.  Members who were affiliated with these businesses, we thank you and ask that you send them a thank you card to express our appreciation.  I still have some cards in stock.

The Sponsorship Committee will be preparing packages this month for our fall drive and all members will be asked to recommend and submit packages.  An e-mail will follow with specifics. At Port Alberni a different style banner was displayed which we may emulate.

Policies and Procedures – Lynne stated that the wording for an amendment for single team paddling is still to be finalized.

Membership and Recruiting – no report available.

 

5. Gift for Ian – Chris moved and the membership approved that we use team funds to purchase a thank you gift in the amount up to.  She will contact Ian’s mother for suggestions and will purchase the gift.

 

 

6. Team Jerseys – Holly brought a sample of the outrigger long sleeved shirt which has a longer tail and pockets.  It is suggested that next years fees included $ per year to go into a jersey fund and all the new jerseys would be team owned and the shirts signed out.  An agenda item for Jan.  Approximately $ would be required of team funds for this expenditure.

 

7. Odds and Ends

-          Cumberland Taiwanese Dragonboat Festival – Feb 17/07 – a race of a different style, the team would like to participate

-         Team donation to a cancer research fund.  Each member is requested to decide individually and email their thoughts to Fran. We will place this decision on the January agenda.

-         The drop in fee for paddlers is now $3, up from $2.  Approved.

-         Wind-up party – when and where to be decided by the committee of Karen, Wendy and Holly.

-         Team manager – we still need a manager who is not paddling on our team.  The suggestion was made to contact the Nanaimo Volunteer Centre to see if they have any possible volunteers.  Please contact Fran before asap with suggestions.

-         Drummer – members will be asked to rotate through the boat, including this position.  We may have someone in the boat who is a natural.  The ideal candidate is loud, able to take command and able to come to many practices.

 

8. Fitness over the winter – Holly.  It takes 2 weeks for muscle to begin to lose strength and 6 weeks to develop again.  Therefore it is imperative that each member continue a fitness program in the off season.  She suggested that we form small groups of gym, aquatics, skating, walking or whatever is enjoyable and works for each person’s time frame.  A great handout was distributed. Thanks Holly!

 9.  The next meeting will be 7:30p.m. on Tuesday,  Nov. 28, 2006 at NRGH.  There are many items pending which involve the whole membership--  e.g all members will be asked for help

Nusa’Lon Dragon’s Team Meeting

October 17^th 2006 - 7:30pm

NRGH Volunteer Room

1.     Chris will give report on Attendance. 

2.     Committee’s

    ☼ Committees that have been dropped

       ☼ Form new committees 

    ☼ Sign up sheet for 2007 committee’s  

3.     Financial Report  

4.     Final committee reports 

5.     Gift for Ian  

      ☼ Amount?

        ☼ Do we take money from team account? 

     ☼ Or should each member chip into a pot?

     ☼ Setup ad hoc committee to look after gift purchase  

6.     Team Jerseys;

    ☼ Should the team buy jerseys?

       ☼ Setup ad hoc committee to research & purchase  

7.     F.Y.I. Topics;

    ☼ Cumberland Chinese Festival – February 17^th 2007

    ☼ Team Donation: -   what are your thoughts

                                -        should we be doing a team donation

                                -      who should we donate to

                                -       please send your thoughts to Fran and we will discuss at future meeting

    ☼ Drop in fee’s for Saturday morning paddle:  $3.00

    ☼ Year End Wind-Up – setup committee to plan one

    ☼ Need Team Manager for spring

    ☼ Drummers for next year 

8.     Fitness and Exercise over winter – Holly

 

 

 

 

June 20th 2006 - 7:30pm

Hospital volunteer room

Please send agenda iteams to Fran no later than Monday June 19th

 

Nusa’lon Women’s Dragon Boat Team Meeting – May 16/06  NRGH @ 7:30pm

 

Attending: Maria S., Sheri P, Muneera B., Wendy K., Karen S., Fran T (chair), Shannon M., Mimi R., Holly W., Lynne T., Kathy S., Chris C, Anita C., Maureen I, Bob W. Nora M.

Guests: Lori Evans 

             Louise Soucy  missing in action:  Heather Buchanan, Mary Connelly, Cathy Harris, Valerie McKay, Veronique Pettigrew.

 

Financial (Bob): Lynne reported that we have received $ from sponsorship packages (Dr.Thompson, Coastland Wood, B & T Line Equipment.  We have $ with some bus fees due for next weekend.  Nusa’Lon gives special kudos to the Sponsorship group for their hard work.  We will return to sponsorship and fundraising in the fall.

 

Social (Anita):  Bob and Holly will host a potluck  on June 3 (Sat @ 6 pm)    An email will be sent out to with further instructions. (Hammond Bay to the Brickyard turnoff).  The next Timmy’s night is June 6 after practice, and appie night is June 22 (more about that later too).

 

Membership and Recruitment (Anita) In response to much hard work by the committee on our behalf we have 3 women currently trying out for the team. The committee had one response to the newspaper ad and none to the flyers.  The best responses are by personally asking paddling friends and acquaintances.  In an email vote Louise Soucy was voted in by majority vote – Welcome to Nusa’Lon Louise!

There is some confusion as to the best order of procedure and possible redundant steps: therefore the committee requests that the Policy and Procedure revisit the protocol of evaluation and acceptance between coach and executive. After discussion the P and P committee agreed to examine the wording and report back at the next meeting. 

 

Management:  Linda is looking into a possible use by Nusa’Lon of the dragon boat on Long Lake for Sat am practices.  The practice is still available with the Angels on Sat am at 9am.  Because the usual contact addresses are both work addresses Fran requests the you let her know whether you are available for Saturdays.

The bus has been booked for Sat 27 to meet us at Horseshoe Bay to take us to the False Creek meet.  It will also bring us back to the ferry (probably the 5pm).

Ferry arrangements: we will meet at the ferry terminal before 0545 on Sat 27 and go through as a group.  The cost is $ return.  It would help to have the correct change to reimburse Bob as he will pay for it in one transaction.

Lunch: Nora has agreed to handle the arrangements for food.  Please bring your own lunch and Nora will bring a list of suggested snacks and volunteers are asked to sign up for individual items.  We are asked to take turns bringing snack food to share at events. This is to eliminate the waste and ensure that proper energy food is available.

Doug has agreed to drum, Laura will paddle, Jennifer will paddle.  Louise and Lori will attend and will paddle if seats are available. Carol T will be asked to join us. 

 

Jerseys: it is suggested that new paddlers make arrangements with ex paddlers to buy back unused jerseys.  Please contact Heather  for names and numbers.  Holly has 2 jerseys available.

 

VIEX and Victoria Race weekend:  Karen stated that due to new management the VIEX fundraiser may not be available to us.  The gate organizer is away for 2 weeks and Karen will make contact asap.  If it turns out that there is no VIEX job we will revisit the attendance at Victoria 2 day festival.

 

Coaching in the Boat (Fran) – one only please unless specifically requested.  As we are into race season our coach requests that eyes and ears be in full attention – no chatting when instructions are given.

 

Drumming:  Nora, Holly, Chris, and Louise have expressed interest in drumming. 

 

Relay for Life: we will not be participating in the garage sale.  At last count 5 members had signed up to attend the event on June 9 from 7pm to 7am.

 

Election (Linda)  Mimi was elected as co-captain and Anita as member-at-large.  Congratulations Mimi and Anita and special thanks to those who allowed their names to stand.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm

The next meeting will be June 20/06

Nusa”Lon Team Meeting  April 18, 2006  NRGH @ 7:30pm

 

 

Attending: Fran (Chair), Lynne, Anita, Veronique, Shannon, Kathy S, Maria, Kathy H, Linda, Val, Bob, Holly, Muneera, Mary, Maureen, Sherry

 

Regrets: Chris, Karen, Wendy

 

The minutes of March 28 were approved as circulated.

 

Finances (Bob): Fund Raising: The team generated $ from the Harewood Arms Beer and Burger Night.  It was suggested that we book another night in October for a B and B.  We received $ from working at the Maple Sugar Festival and $ from delivering telephone books.  Many thanks to the hard workers and especially those who went above and beyond to organize each event! 

Entrance fees have been paid to the False Creek Festival (May 27), the Nanaimo Funfest (June 24) and Dragon Boat Festival (July 7 – 9), the Gorge Aug 12 and Richmond Rip up the River (July 22).  We have approximately (ask for amount) in the account, some of which is committed for bus rentals. 

 

Social (Anita) – The committee suggested we meet for appetizers after a Tues night practice. 

BBQ June 3, Holly offered her home  – take the Brickyard turn off from Hammond Bay Rd),  Sat 6pm.

June 30 is Fran’s retirement and we are invited to the party on July 15. 

Sept 9 – Wrap up party

Please reserve these dates on your calendars.

 

Warm-up  (Mary) – the team is asked to meet in the circle above the dock after practice for stretching and cool down.

 

Sponsorship (Lynne) – some packages have gone out and we will follow up.  The balance of the sponsorship packages will be distributed from October to February for follow up in out non-racing season.  Lynne suggested that we make a chart of names and team members to keep track of the progress of each package.

 

Advertising (Anita, Wendy) – Wendy has agreed to place ads in the Daily News for paddlers.  We need 8 recruited to allow for ailments and holiday times.  Anita suggested posters be put up to advertise the team tryouts in the places women congregate.  She will follow through.

 

Policies and procedures (Maria)- an email was distributed with the condensation of Brenda’s suggestions and the team responses.  Following discussion the team made the changes as listed:  1. replace ASAP and insert or manager

Motion: a request must be made to the coach or manager or their delegate not less than 2 hours prior to the race (carried).

Motion (under Practice expectations)

: insert “school” in the list of reasons for absence.

: insert “or delegate” in the second sentence after coach.   Motion carried

 

Attached is an amended copy of this memo.

 

Fran read a statement for dealing with grievances.  A copy is attached to the minutes.  Please refer to this statement when we have a disagreement with team-mates.  It lists the steps to follow.

 

Heather has changed her resignation to a LOA.  Good news!

 

Notice of motion of election: The following information was on the agenda;

Two to be elected: Co-captain, Member-at-large

Attachment 1 (changes made and read into the minutes)

Race Expectations

We are a competitive team but realize that our team may have alliances with other teams.  It will be acceptable to till, drum, or coach for those teams as long as this does not interfere* with Nusa'Lon races.  In promoting the sport of dragon boating and sportsmanship it is acceptable to paddle on another team during fun festivals and in the breast cancer challenge races.  A request must be made  to the coach or manager or their delegate at least two hours at least two hours prior to race time.  We support our breast cancer survivor members in participating in the Survivor Challenge and the Carnation Ceremony.

·         Interference in Nusa'Lon's performance:

·         1.not enough time to be available for Nusa'Lon's warm up and race
2)  not enough time to be available for Nusa'Lon's next race
3)  over-extending a paddler's performance by racing extra races

Practice Expectations

We are a competitive team and expect practices to be attended whenever possible.  Absences for work, school, illness, family commitments, and holidays are acceptable reasons for missing practice.  Absences will be recorded and attendance may be used by the coach or delegate as one of the tools to determine race placement.

Thanks for the attention you will give these policies

Maria, Wendy, Sheri, Lynne, and Kathy
The Policy and Procedures Committee ________________________________________________________________________
Attachment 2 (read into the minutes) 

As we are now entering our competitive season there is one thing I want to revisit with you all.

Last year as some of you know there were some problems after we completed races.  Adrenalin is running and it can be very frustrating to not achieve the goal we had set for ourselves.  Things get said and feelings get hurt.  So how should we deal with them? 

1. The first step in any conflict is to discuss it with the person involved. I'm sure you have all been in a situation where what you said was taken differently as to what you meant and often just telling the person involved will resolve the issue.  If not we have set out in our policy what the next step should be.
2. You can take your concern to any member of the executive that you feel comfortable talking to.  One member elected is your team rep who can be used as an intermediary between yourself and the executive.  Currently we have only one team rep but usually have two.
3. The majority of team members have had experience in conflict resolution and we should be taking advantage of their expertise.  Please don't let things get blown out of proportion and thereby impact the fun and camaraderie we want so much for the team. Conflict will happen when you have a group of 20 plus strong minded and capable women so we need to nip it in the bud before people become disillusioned.  We worked hard on putting this policy together and need to use it when the situation arises. Of course this applies anytime of the year not just to the race day so if you are having any concerns about the team as a whole or an individual I encourage you to follow the guidelines I spoke of.

 Chris (elected at large liaison representative)  

Summarized:

1. Speak with the person involved.  No gossip.
2. Approach the elected liaison members or executive.  Pay attention to their counsel. Sometimes we must agree to disagree.  Success lies in the realization  that your way is not the only way
3. Many of our team members have taken the dispute resolution workshops.  Let’s use the skills we have learned.

This is designed as a two side brochure thats why it seems out of order

 

Fees, Expenses and Fund Raising Activities

Team members pay their own training fees each season. 2006 season fees are $250.00, payable by the end of March.  Fees will be prorated for anyone joining the team after this date.  Race fees are assessed at cost before each competition. The team schedules fund-raising events to offset some of the festival and travel costs. Team members are expected to help the team whenever possible in approved fundraising and sponsorship drives.

Other Activities – Off the Water and Off Season

Nusa’Lon participates in selected charity and community events as approved by the team as a whole.

During the off-season (October through January) Nusa’Lon Dragons practice once per week and members are urged to keep fit with some form of regular dry land training.

Team Contact and Application

Please phone our Recruiting Committee representative

_____________________ At _________________________                                  to obtain an application form, arrange a tryout or to answer any questions. 

Thank you for your interest in the Nusa’Lon Women’s Dragon Boat Team.

 Updated – April 2006

 

 

 

  Are You Interested in Joining the

   Nusa’Lon Dragons

  Women’s Competitive Dragon Boat Team

 

 Here is Some Important Information You  Should Have Before You Apply.

 

 

Nusa’Lon Dragons

Our unusual name is a combination of First Nations and Chinese languages   (Nusa meaning ‘To tell a story’ and Lon, meaning Dragon.)

The majority of our team members began dragon boating with the recreational program offered May to July with the Nanaimo Paddling Centre.  This program is highly recommended for novice paddlers. This program teaches technique and builds some endurance. This experience allows paddlers to determine whether they wish to commit to a more strenuous competitive team.

Our full team consists of 26 members including steersman and drummer.  Whenever there is a vacancy on the boat, Nusa’Lon Recruiting Committee will accept expressions of interest from experienced paddlers.   In addition the team will maintain a short list of alternate paddlers to allow for temporary absences.

 We invite experienced dragon boaters to attend a minimum of three consecutive practices to assess whether membership on Nusa’Lon Dragons is a good fit for both you and the team.  Paddlers will be assessed on paddling technique, strength, attendance, commitment, effort, and ability to improve to team level before selected competitions.  New team members will be chosen by the coach, executive, recruiting committee and team members as vacancies occur.  Applications will be kept on file for that current season or until the applicant is accepted for tryout or joins another team.  If a prospective paddler’s application is not accepted, an explanation of the reasons will be provided.

 

Our Team Philosophy

Dragon Boat racing is the ultimate team sport!  Every one of the 22 people in the boat must have the same purpose, the same vision – to move our boat through the water in the smoothest, fastest way possible!  The comradeship and team spirit that forms in the boat enhance our training and move us in a positive way toward our goals.

Our Team Goals

1.     To create an environment that challenges the present fitness level of our members and motivates them to achieve their personal best.

2.     To identify and foster synchronized and effective paddling technique.

3.     To develop a climate where honest, open and respectful communication is encouraged and valued.

4.     To provide opportunities for team members to contribute their time and talent in areas that foster team goals.

5.     To have fun!

Training Schedule and Competitions

Our team may compete in up to 8 festivals from May to September. We practice Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 to 7:00 pm and Saturday (optional) at 9:00 am. Team warm-up is for 15 minutes prior to practice. It is expected that paddlers will commit to attend practice rain or shine.

 

(Cont. over)

 

 

Hi Team Mates

Just so that you are aware you can leave messages for each other and or the team on this site. Just go into the Blog and write away.