February_2011 - Newsletter

Hello from a snow covered Chicago Training Center!

We hope that everyone in Chicago that gets this has been able to dig out their cars from the latest snow blast.  If not - I'm sure some of our kids would love the chance to pocket some extra cash!

The weather gave the kids an unplanned reprieve from training though it was a vacation that they actually did not want.  With an upcoming practice with St. Ignatius planned, the kids were rather bummed that the Chicago Park District was closed - but I was ecstatic that the kids continually texted me to double check.  Again, proof that the culture of the team is on the proper trajectory!

I also must mention that our sincere condolences go out to the JLAC Aquatic Center of Oakland, California.  CTC has worked with JLAC at an executive level since the beginning of the USRowing Task Force creation. Recently the decision was made to conclude all outreach efforts due to lack of funding.  The closing of this center, after 10 years of operation, highlights the difficulties outreach efforts face when running an alternative sport for social change.  CTC is grateful for the support we have been given in our short life and continue to try to find ways to diversify our portfolio of supporters to help us ride out any storm we might face in the future.  If you would like to learn more about the JLAC story you may click HERE and if you would like to learn how to get involved with our story and help support our mission, please reply to this message directly and I will meet with you personally.

On a less somber note, we have decided to mail out a year end round-up. To do that, we are requesting that everyone update their contact information. Please make sure we have your current address and zip code, as well as your email, so that you can receive our annual mailer later this year. An update specific email message was recently sent out, and will be again shortly, to help make this as easy for you as possible. (you may also update your information on the profile update link at the bottom of this page)

Our move to send out a mailer goes hand-in-hand with the constant website changes that we undergo.  Recently we have included pages on upcoming competitions, our sponsored TIRO Cup, Summer Camp 2011, and an updated Calendar.  Click on any of the highlighted links to take you there.

From our program side - the kids have been slogging away at the ergs all winter and new sliders have been giving the kids even more feedback than normal.  It looks like CIRC will provide a great platform for the kids to post personal records while also seeing more than 10 coaches go through their paces as well!  We are excited that new recruits will turn up from Westinghouse, Phoenix and Little Village, where presentations have been given.  CTC is also in discussion with the Community Connectors of Harper, Marshall, and Fenger High School - the three newly identified CPS Turn Around Schools. We hope to find a way to partner with them in their plans to utilize the community in a more detailed manner.  From an education standpoint, we are looking to finalize a deal with IVY Bound education support for ACT and SAT prep for all sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  This prep work would fit around our training schedule and give all participants added confidence as they prep for this important exam.  Finally, we are putting the finishing touches on the new Recruitment and Retention specialist position(s) and will roll them out as soon as next week to lay the groundwork of support needed to identify and keep all new recruits for the long haul.

A special mention must also go out to Ms. Genova Izguerra of UNO Charter High School.  She was recently awarded admission to the prestigious World Sport Chicago Scholars Program - a program that will work with her throughout her final 2 years of high school in an effort to win a renewable college scholarship backed by the MacArther Foundation.  Genova was one of 5 CTC applicants for this award and the first ever recipient.  Congratulations!

And to conclude - the next date for the CTC Advisory Committee looks like it will be the week of March 7th.  If any leader in the Chicago area would like to help in this capacity please let me know.

Have a great day and if you find yourself far away from Chicago - enjoy the warmer weather!