Club Updates - 5/22/2020

Hello fellow paddlers!
We hope this message finds you well and safe! While the water may be quiet, the organization is not. Below are some updates around club business and the anticipated timeline for getting back on the water!

All Paddlers Meeting: Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30PM via ZOOM

• While we may not be on the water, the board has been actively preparing legislation and financial proposals for our members’ consideration.
• If you would like to submit your dues in order to vote at the meeting, please pay online at our website. We acknowledge that financially this may not be possible for everyone at this time. In order to vote you need to submit dues.  However, we still want to see and hear everyone at the meeting so please do not let this deter you from joining! See more on finances below.
• Zoom link for the All Paddlers Meeting will be sent out a week prior to the meeting.

Plan for Getting on the Water

• At the very earliest, we anticipate being able to start smaller numbered practices in Phase 4 of the Washington governor’s order.
• It is possible that we will start practices in Phase 3.  The Board will be meeting in 2 weeks to confirm our timeline which will then be shared out to the club.
• We are intentionally waiting to see how the phased system is impacting the situation before confirming a start date.
• Regardless of when practices resume, we encourage our paddlers to make decisions that are best for them.

Shed Update

• The old shed has officially been moved to its new home at Squires Landing in Kenmore!
• Shout out to Bruce, Carol, and Bruce’s brother-in-law, Mike, for moving the old shed. We appreciate you!
• A new, larger shed will be installed at SLU on JUNE 1st
• Wanna get a sneak peek on the design? Check it out!
  • It has a skylight, two doors for ease of egress through the space, vents on all sides to allow for air circulation and most importantly – MORE SPACE (8ft x 12ft)

Financial Updates and Challenges

• Membership numbers for this year are (as expected) far below our expected numbers. This directly impacts our current 2020 budget in a very profound way. Fixed costs such as boat and paddler insurance, have not changed and in many cases (such as the new shed) were already paid for prior to the impact of COVID-19.
• That said, we have reserve funds for these exact moments when unexpected challenges impact our financial well-being.  These funds will help keep us financially afloat (pun somewhat intended). Working with our past and current treasurers, we have looked at ways to conserve funds and create a lean budget for 2021 to adjust for this year’s budget impact.  
• We are also thankful for those who have been able help the club in many ways during this time. From bailing boats, to leading workouts, it is keeping our community connected and involved. We are also thankful to those who have been able to pay dues as every little bit is helping to keep our organization going.

Virtual Workouts Continue

• Thank you to Matt, Laura, Jos, Janell, Bruce, and all others who have help lead these workouts!
• Saturdays at 9:00AM: Various workout leaders continue to challenge us to stay physically fit, making sure we are ready to get back on the boats when the time comes! From HIIT drills to Qigong and Gung Fu, each week brings a new and exciting workout!
• Sundays at 10AM: Prepare for the most impactful stretching and intentional movement of your life as Yogi Matt walks us through different moves and exercises for specific body parts each week. I never knew my feet were so tense as when I experienced Matt’s workshop last week focused on feet.
• These have also been uploaded to YouTube by our awesome Communications Officer so you can continue to use them. Just search Seattle Flying Dragons Communications and subscribe to our channel!

More Opportunities

• Check out the Bike Everywhere Challenge
• Log as many miles as you can bike for the month of June!
• Contact Jos if you are interested in joining the team!

As always, our goal is to be transparent and open to insight from our community. If you have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out.

Dragon boat love and appreciation,
Brittany Gaalema
SFDBC President

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