A Letter From the President

Rick Holt

Welcome to a new pool season. I hope you are all looking forward to an exciting/fun/relaxing summer at Arlington Forest Club.

The AFC Board encourages Members to join us for the upcoming Spring Membership Meeting.

AFC Spring Membership Meeting
Sunday, April 15, 2012
7-9 PM
Carlin Hall Community Center
5711 4th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204

The Membership Meetings are one of the best avenues for Members to learn about the range of issues impacting AFC.

Another great source of information is the AFC Spring Newsletter. This newsletter will be posted to the AFC site prior to April 15. It will include a range of information related to the new season, including:

• Bathhouse Project
• Swim, Dive, and Tennis Teams
• Swim and Tennis Lessons
• Rules
• Management and Grounds

The web site also includes other useful information like the Club calendars and instructions on how to sign up for the AFC Announcement Group and the AFC Discussion Yahoo Group.

You will see that the remainder of this mailing consists of the invoice for the upcoming season's annual dues and other fees. Payments must be postmarked no later than May 5 to avoid a late fee.

For the second spring in a row, the big news at the Club is the on-going Bathhouse Replacement Project. An unusually warm and dry first three months of the year has been a real boon to the project. Work continues at a brisk pace and there are no known impediments to completion of the project. There remains substantial work to be done, but we believe the pool will open on the scheduled date. The project is within budget. Please visit the Bathhouse Blog — http://afcbathhouse.tumblr.com — for current and past pictures of the on-going construction. A more detailed discussion of the project's status will take place at the Membership Meeting.

Finally, feel free to provide us feedback throughout the year. You can email the Board through the Board page on the website. If you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations and cannot make it to the Spring Meeting, please forward them to me at president@arlingtonforestclub.org. Lastly, remember that our Arlington Forest Club is a volunteer organization. Please be generous in filling out the volunteer section of the enclosed invoice.

I look forward to seeing many of you on opening day (May 12) and throughout the season.

Regards,

Bathhouse Update

By Chuck Tobler

An unusually warm and dry first three months of the year has been a real boon to the Bathhouse project. Work continues at a brisk pace and there are no known impediments to completion of the project.

There remains substantial work to be done, but we believe the pool will open on the scheduled date of May 12, 2012. The project is within budget.

As those of you that been visiting the Bathhouse Blog —
http://afcbathhouse.tumblr.com — already know, the construction team, working in close coordination with our design team, has successfully completed several project milestones. Work areas that are entirely or largely complete are as follows

• Site work (a massive and challenging work area given the tight and not flat site)
• Retaining walls, stairs, ramps and associated drainage
• Footings for the new buildings
• Brick walls for the new buildings
• Steel super-structure for the new buildings
• Interior demolition, structural modifications, and new roof for the old bathhouse (which will now be used for the lifeguard office, storage, and cleanup area for special events)
• Plumbing and electrical (subterranean)

While the most challenging aspects of the project have been successfully completed, the next month is going to be very busy.

Critical remaining work areas include

• Roofs for the new structures
• Concrete for ramp walkways, floors in buildings, and extended pool deck
• Storm water detention system
• Mechanical, plumbing and electrical (interiors)
• Doors, windows, and furnishings
• Interior and exterior finishes
• Green roof
• Landscaping

While we are operating under a tight budget, we have selectively added a few items to the builders' scope of work, simply because the efficiencies associated with addressing the issue now are so compelling. Examples of these enhancements include:

• Re-grading and resurfacing the upper parking lot
• Replacing an aging — and insufficiently sloped — sewer line
• Removing obsolete lamp poles that haven't been used for decades

The additional cost associated with these add-ons will be off-set (at least partially) with some cost savings we have identified (in coordination with the builder and architect).

You each have already paid (last fall) the first of 10 annual Bathhouse Project assessments. These funds will be used to pay down the loan used to fund construction. The Board understands that this is a real financial consideration for the Membership. But we believe that the benefits to the Membership, both in terms of enhanced enjoyment of the Club and increased Certificate value, substantially outweigh the costs. We are all looking forward to taking advantage of the new facilities in the upcoming summer and beyond.

AFC partners with Arlington's Tree Canopy Fund

By Ken Roberts

Any member who has driven past the pool on Carlin Springs Road may have noticed the new berm along our gravel lot and a row of trees courtesy of a grant from Arlington County's Tree Canopy Fund. A total of 14 trees have been planted on the property —
13 along Carlin Springs Road and one on Harrison Street. The trees are all native, drought- resistant species that in years to come will provide shade along the sidewalk and on the windshields of the cars in our parking lots. Tree species that were planted include redbuds, black gums, and oaks.

The berm on which the trees were planted was created with the help of the contractor building our bathhouse, reusing some of the dirt taken from the construction site. In coming weeks, we'll finish off the area with sod to reduce erosion. We'll be nursing the new trees with Treegator® bags, and watering the sod with sprinklers until the new plantings establish themselves.

We hope everyone enjoys the new trees, and ask that everyone take extra care when parking this spring to avoid damaging the saplings. The redbuds along the paved lot may be particularly susceptible to bumper damage if you try to pull in too far.

Buildings and Grounds Update

By Susan Archer

Lots of changes for Building and Grounds this year as there have been lots of changes to the landscape of AFC as a result of the new pool house. Once the construction work is fully completed, we will be introducing new landscaping around the new ramp system, pool house and the Tiger Cafe snack bar. Also, we will continue with some select tree trimming and surrounding woods clearing as we make progress to clean up the property. The biggest change most will notice is the addition of 12 new trees along N. Harrison St. and Carlin Springs Road along adjacent to the parking lots.

AFC Treasurer's Report

By Chris Austin, Treasurer
703-517-8413, chris_austin@comcast.net

We had another successful financial year in 2011. Our expenses came in almost on the dot and our income was higher than expected. We ended the year with net income of $55,041.

Concerning 2012, we are budgeting for slightly higher operating expenses this year due to the new bathhouse. It will be a learning season.

Early Morning Adult Swim

By Chris Austin
703-517-8413, chris_austin@comcast.net

I'm glad so many people enjoyed early morning adult swim last summer. The good news is that this event is back. Here's the tentative schedule:

• Starting Wed., June 6:
  9:30 AM to 11 AM, Mon./Wed./Fri.
• June 25 through Aug. 1:
  6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, Mon/Wed/Fri
  (Note: swim team starts 6/25)
• Aug. 3 through Aug. 31:
  8:30 AM to 10 AM, Mon/Wed/Fri
• Sept.— TBD based on weather and attendance

The times are dependent upon general membership hours and swim team. Some of these times will be more convenient than others, but I for one am glad to have any opportunity. The schedule will be posted on the website. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Tiger Cafe 2012

By Marcie Williams, Snack Bar Manager

Big changes for the Tiger Cafe are underway! By the start of the new season, we will have moved into the new, bigger and better snack bar building with new menu items catering to kids and parents alike. By June the snack bar hours will be posted on www.arlingtonforestclub.org so that members can plan their meals around the new operating hours.

We are also hoping to be open most days during swim team practice. A limited menu of iced coffees for the parents and cereal and fruit for the kids will be available.

While we have many great ideas for the 2012 season, it may take a little time to get all of the kinks worked out as we get comfortable in our new facility. Please be patient — it will be worth the wait!

Pool Management

By Lynn Clark

AFC will be managed again this summer by High Sierra Pools. We look forward to having Pool Manager Sam Bliznakov back for a fifth year! There will be many lifeguards returning from last year, which will ease the transition to our new buildings. Everyone is excited to move into the wonderful new space! The new bathhouse will be less costly to maintain and much easier to keep clean and dry, which will be a welcome change for the entire membership. It's going to be a great 2012 season!

Pool Rules

By Tom Smialowicz

There have been no changes or updates to the pool rules for the 2012 pool season. There is the possibility of potential revisions and minor updates to the rules based on any changes impacted by the bath house renovation. Updates to the rules will be appropriately communicated to the membership. As a reminder, the current rules can be found on the Club website.

The Board is always interested in getting feedback from the Membership on the Rules. Please direct any comments and questions to rules@arlingtonforestclub.org

Tigers Dive Team 2012

By Kathleen Murray, Dive Team Rep

Welcome back Tiger Divers!

We have another exciting year in store for us! Bobby Meeks will be back for his 10th year as Head Coach this season. Unfortunately, Clare O'Doherty will not be back this season as she is graduating from William and Mary this spring and will be pursuing other interests. We will miss you Clare — best of luck!

Our season starts with the first practice on Monday, June 4 — to be followed with the kick-off BBQ directly after that practice. Once the Dive Portion of AFC's website is updated, you can register online. I'll let everyone know when that happens. You may also use "hard copies" that will be available at the cookout as well. You can also find the packets on the website.

If you would like to receive dive team announcements by email, please contact either me at kamwjm@verizon.net / 703-841-9019 or Lynn Clark at clarkmail@verizon.net so we can add you to the listserv.

Senior Divers — don't forget your NVSL Scholarship Applications are due by Tuesday, June 26. The earlier you get started the better. You can find the application and instructions at http://nvsldive.nvblu.com/documents.html by clicking the "2012" folder and then the "2012 Scholarship Info" link. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Our team competition suits will be the Speedo "Mighty Python" this season. New team members and those needing a new suit will find the suit at Sport Fair (5010 Lee Hwy). Boys: jammers = $35.50; briefs = $29.00; Girls = $55.00. Please let the people at Sport Fair know you are from AFC in order to get the team price.

The dive team is all about fun and learning at your own pace. You do not have to be a superstar to join the team. We are Division 2 this summer, and will continue to have developmental (B) meets as well as competitive (A) meets during the season. The practice schedule is flexible, with both morning and evening practice times. Children of any age are encouraged to join. Group or private lessons are recommended for those who have not yet mastered their front dive, back dive and front flip.

The dive team is fortunate to have a very supportive group of parents. If your child wants to join in on the fun, please be ready to help out at a meet or a party. The meets can't happen without the help of volunteers. The jobs are easy, and the time commitment is small. Please consider attending a table worker, judge or referee clinic. See below for this summer's schedule.

Registration information will be sent via email at the beginning of May to all team members from last season and any new families who request them. The coaches are looking forward to seeing all of you at the cookout!

Arlington Forest Club
Dive Team 2012 Calendar

Mon., June 4 - Kick-off cookout @ AFC Pavilion at 5:30 PM
Mon., June 4 - Pre-season practice begins at (M-F 4-5 pm)
Sat., June 9 - Coaches Clinic @ AFC at 10 AM
Sun., June 10 - Judges/Table Workers Clinic @ Sideburn Run at 9:30 AM
Tue., June 12 - Referees Clinic @ Mantua at 6:30 PM
Tue., June 19 - Judges Clinic @ Sleepy Hollow at 6:30 PM
Thur., June 21 - Referees Clinic @ Truro at 6:30 PM
Fri., June 22 - Team Pictures and Pasta Dinner at 5:15 PM
Mon., June 25 - Regular practice begins at (11-12, 12-1 PM MTWF, 5-6 PM MWF, 1-2 PM Thu)
Tue., June 26 - NVSL Scholarship Applications Due
Tue., June 26 - 1st A Meet (away): AFC @ Mansion House at 6 PM
Wed., June 27 - Judges Clinic @ Annandale at 6:30 PM
Thur., June 28 - B Meet (home): Dominion Hills @ AFC at 6 PM

Tue., July 3 - A Meet (away): AFC @ Truro at 6 PM
Thur., July 5 - B Meet (home): Donaldson Run @ AFC at 6 PM
Tue., July 10 - A Meet (home): Sidebburn Run @ AFC at 6 PM
Sun., July 15 - Wally Martin 3-Meter @ Oak Marr at 8 AM
Tue., July 17 - A Meet (away): AFC @ Walden Glenn at 6 PM
Thur., July 19 - B Meet (away): AFC @ Tuckahoe at 6 PM
Sun., July 22 - Cracker Jack Meet @ TBA at 8 AM
Tue., July 24 - Final A Meet (home): Dunn Loring @ AFC at 6 PM
Sun., July 29 - Divisionals @ TBD
Sun., July 29 - End of Season Awards Banquet & Party at 5 PM

Swim Team 2012

By Tom Edwards, Swim Team Rep

The 2012 AFC Tigers Swim Season is rapidly approaching! Coach Donald is making plans for another great season.

The NVSL has placed the Tigers in Division 10 along with two teams we competed against last summer: Brookfield and Kent Gardens. The other three teams in the Division are: Cottontail in Springfield from Division 11; Shouse Village in Vienna and Villa Aquatic in Fairfax, both from Division 8.

Check out our competition this summer by going to the NVSL website and looking at the 2011 "Leaders" link http://nvsl.nvblu.com/leaders.html for Divisions 8, 9 and 11.

The NVSL changed its age rule for this season. Swimmers will compete for the entire season in the age group based on their age as of June 1. Swimmers will longer have to move to an older age group if their birthdays are during the swim season.

2012 AFC Swim Team Calendar

Our current 2012 Summer Calendar is below (NVSL A meets are in BOLD). Pre- season practice will begin the week of May 21, time trials on June 16 and our first meet on June 18.

Day - Event
May 21 - First Day of preseason practice

June 2 - NVSL University (officials training)
June 16 - Time Trials
June 18 - @ Dominion Hills B Meet
June 23 - Cottontail A Meet
June 25 - @ Chesterbrook B Meet
June 30 - @ Shouse Village A Meet

July 2 - Forest Hollow B Meet
July 7 - Kent Gardens A Meet
July 8 - Todd Potts IM meet @ Forest Hollow (note - this is a Sunday late afternoon)
July 9 - Dowden Terrace B Meet
July 11 - Divisional Relay Meet @ Villa Aquatic
July 14 - @ Brookfield A Meet
July 16 - Donaldson Run B Meet
July 18 - All Star Relay Meet @ Lincolnia Park
July 21 - Villa Aquatic A Meet
July 25 - Holy Mackerel Invitational (tentative)
July 28 - Divisional Individual Championships @ Cottontail

Aug. 4 - All Star Individual Championships @ Waynewood

Arlington Forest Club Tennis

By Ozgur Ozkan and Doug Kruth

Men's #1 Tennis Team

The AFC Men's #1 Team competes in the NVTL 10-B division, which consists of some very strong teams from the Northern Virginia area. Matches are Saturday mornings at 9 AM from May through July. Each week, four singles players and three doubles teams will compete. Roughly half the matches are at home; the rest are "on the road." Practice sessions will be held on weekends in April. For more information, please contact David Welsh at 703- 587-1665 or rdavidw.tennis@gmail.com

Men's #2 Tennis Team

The AFC Men's #2 team plays in the NVTL 10-D league. Each week, four singles players and three doubles teams will compete. Matches are on Saturday mornings (starting at 9 AM.) from May through early August. Roughly half the matches are at home; the rest are "on the road."

If you were on the team last year and your contact information has not changed, you'll be hearing about the season soon. If you are new to the team or you have changed your email, please send your contact information to Doug Kruth as soon as possible at
571-218-0805 or dkruth@mac.com

Women's Tennis

If you are interested in helping coordinate an AFC Women's Team, please contact Doug Kruth at 571-218-0805 or dkruth@mac.com

 Junior's Tennis Teams and Clinics

AFC's Junior's Tennis Programs are run by David Welsh. There are multiple age divisions for boys and girls from 10 and under to 18 and under. In addition to coaching our Junior's teams, David is also the head of our Junior Tennis Clinics teaching group classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players during the summer. For more information contact David Welsh at 703-587-1665 or rdavidw.tennis@gmail.com

AFC Tennis Pro, Tennis Skills

AFC Tennis Teaching Pro, Phana Gilbert Chen is available for Private and Group Lessons and holds weekly Tennis Cardio Clinics.

For more information about private lessons and cardio clinics please contact Gilbert at 703-623-6446 or strungoutman@aol.com

Off-Season / After-Hours Tennis Court Access

To get a key to the tennis court for off-hours and off-season usage, please send a check for $20 (made payable to AFC) to:
Jan Skelton
528 N. Oxford St.
Arlington, VA 22203

Please return unneeded tennis keys to Jan at the address above to receive a $10 refund.

Help Us Keep Tennis Great at AFC:
Give Us Your Comments and Suggestions

If you have any comments or suggestions about tennis at AFC, please contact Ozgur Ozkan at 703-998-8488 or emeraldcity1@msn.com