From info at helenafencing.org Tue Sep 2 13:31:24 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:31:24 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Venue and meeting Message-ID: <881EC155-2BE4-4BE4-9E57-916A2F409D2C@helenafencing.org> I spoke with the YMCA about using their facilities and I will be meeting with them on Monday 8 Sep. They typically charge $35 per hour to use their gym, but if we have a regular schedule we mat get a reduced rate. I'd like to have an initial club meeting in the et week or so to discuss club organization, thoughts on venues and classes and other bureaucratic details. I will check into securing a meeting room at the library. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments, either by email of phone. Tod info at helenafencing.org (406) 227-5436 From info at helenafencing.org Tue Sep 2 17:56:30 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 17:56:30 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Club Meeting 22 Sep Message-ID: <4C439105-BF04-4742-9FE4-E1EBB9B9EB65@helenafencing.org> We will be having our first meeting in Sept 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 in the small conference room at the library. All are invited. This will be a chance to meet other fencers and get the club rolling. I hope to have a draft of some simple bylaws and we can talk about club officers and all the other details. We will also discuss our location options for practice. Please pass this information on to anyone who might be interested. From sullivan.mo at gmail.com Thu Sep 4 13:38:01 2008 From: sullivan.mo at gmail.com (Maureen Sullivan) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 13:38:01 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Mailing list Message-ID: Thank you Todd for following up on my telephone inquiry this morning about the forming of the fencing club. I will look forward to meeting you in October. From todg at cordite.com Thu Sep 4 16:14:42 2008 From: todg at cordite.com (Tod Glenn) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 16:14:42 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Saturday in the park Message-ID: The weather for Saturday, 6 Sep looks like rain, so we may not e fencing in the park. I will keep everyone up to date. In the event the weather clears up, we will be at memorial park near the amphitheater from 10:30 AM to noon. As usual I will have extra equipment available. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 6 10:18:21 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 10:18:21 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] No fencing at the park today Message-ID: <50FAA304-D103-455C-BA8A-0CE4B50B09A1@helenafencing.org> I am canceling fencing in the park owing to the weather. I am continuing efforts to locate a permanent indoor venue. Don't forget we have a meeting scheduled at 6:30 PM on September 22 at the Lewis and Clark library. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Fri Sep 12 11:48:41 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:48:41 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Fencing in the Park , Sat 12 Sep Message-ID: It looks like the weather is going to be reasonable on Saturday. We will be at Memorial Park near the Amphitheater from around 12:00 noon until 1:30 Please note the change in time I will be there to answer questions As usual, I will have extra equipment if anyone wants to join in Tod From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 13 09:44:27 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:44:27 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Fencing in the park today - update Message-ID: The weather is supposed to clear up today around noon. If we still have nasty weather at 12:00 I am going to head over to Starbucks on Last Chance blvd. Anyone with questions or who want to chat about fencing is welcome to join us Tod From info at helenafencing.org Thu Sep 18 06:41:43 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:41:43 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Status update Message-ID: <1FBED901-9AE0-47BD-A438-53A7E3A50152@helenafencing.org> Greeting fencers and those that want t learn fencing. This is just a reminder that we will be having a meeting on Sept 22 at the Lewis and Clark library from 6:30-7:30 to discus the club and update everyone on the status. Everyone is welcome to attend. It will be an opportunity to meet other fencers, to learn more about fencing, and to discuss where we are going. I will send out an agenda on Friday Sep 19th. Please get the word out to anyone you know who might be interested in fencing. The current weather report for Saturday is fair and 70 degrees, so we will be at memorial park at the amphitheater from 10:30-12:00. As usual, we will bring extra gear, so if you like to participate, wear some comfortable clothes, or just come and watch. A quick word about this mailing list: Any member is welcome to post to this list. If you want to find a buddy to fence with on a particular day for example, please feel free t send email to fencing at helenafencing.org. Your message will be automatically sent to all other members. Please limit you message to fencing only. You must be a member of this list to post here and anyone abusing the list will be moderated. I am currently working on the web site calendar, and a new calendar should be up shortly. As a reminder for those interested in competition, there will be match in Bozeman Oc 25. You must be a USFA member to compete. If enough people show up, it will be a rated event and someone could get their 'E' . http://askfred.net/Events/moreInfo.php?tournament_id=6800 The is also an active fencing club in Butte that practices Fridays from 3:30-5PM, if anyone is interested in traveling down there. Email me for more information. That's it for now. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 20 09:11:29 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:11:29 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Monday Sept 22 meeting Message-ID: <91A131A4-1A9D-422A-97AC-7853442795EE@helenafencing.org> This is a remonder that we will be having our first meeting of the Helena Fencing Club at the Lewis and Clark Library small meeting room Monay night, Sep 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Agenda: Tod Glenn will give a brief introduction about fencing and the immediate goals of the club Introductions. Introduce yourself and talk about your experience fencing (if any). Discussion on who we should organize the club and other boring details we need to take care of: Incorporation, insurance and a location. Working groups. We need to form a couple of working groups to take charge of locating a permanent venue, selecting candidates for club officers and creating bylaws for the club. Classes. We will have a short discussion about classes, how large classes should be and how often. We will also need to discuss fees and budgeting/ One this is done the formal part of the meeting will be over and will adjourn. People are welcome to stay and discuss other matters and chat about fencing. We will have a number of people with former experience as well as fencing gear so everyone can have a chance to look and talk about fencing. If you would like to add to o modify this agenda, please notify me by email at info at fencing.org or call 461-7283 Also please make sure you get the word out to any potential fencers. Tod From todg at cordite.com Sat Sep 20 09:13:50 2008 From: todg at cordite.com (Tod Glenn) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:13:50 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Fencing in the part, Sat Sep 20 Message-ID: <0DED1F83-6016-435D-925A-08BA100CC442@cordite.com> We will be at Memorial park (across from the YMCA) at the amphitheater from 10:30AM-Noon today of anyone wishes to come by or join us. As usual I will have extra equipment, and will be happy to answer any questions. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 20 18:11:53 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:11:53 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Beartooth news Message-ID: <8A4DA670-EE2A-4B29-A580-9B70BEE8FD17@helenafencing.org> Thanks to all who showed up at the park today. We has a visit from beartooth news and has a 30 second mention on Todays 5:30 newscast (Chan 12). It may be rebroadcast at tonight's 10PM segment. We mat also be featured in a linger segment in the near future. From info at helenafencing.org Mon Sep 22 06:28:52 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:28:52 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Fencing Club Meeting tonight Message-ID: This is a reminder that we have out first Helena Fencing Club Meeting tonight at the Lewis and Clark Library from 6:30-7:30. All are welcome. Agenda: Tod Glenn will give a brief introduction about fencing and the immediate goals of the club Introductions. Introduce yourself and talk about your experience fencing (if any). Discussion on who we should organize the club and other boring details we need to take care of: Incorporation, insurance and a location. Working groups. We need to form a couple of working groups to take charge of locating a permanent venue, selecting candidates for club officers and creating bylaws for the club. Classes. We will have a short discussion about classes, how large classes should be and how often. We will also need to discuss fees and budgeting. Once this is done the formal part of the meeting will be over and will adjourn. People are welcome to stay and discuss other matters and chat about fencing. We will have a number of people with former experience as well as fencing gear so everyone can have a chance to look and talk about fencing. If you would like to add to or modify this agenda, please notify me by email at info at fencing.org or call 461-7283 From info at helenafencing.org Wed Sep 24 16:58:35 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:58:35 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Saturday in the Park, Sept 27 Message-ID: <1CE0D5D3-40F7-4972-969B-F20B9E31B526@helenafencing.org> I have a commitment at 11:00 am and Taryn is also unavailable so we won't be able to do 10:30-noon on Saturday. I will be available later in the day if anyone is interested. I could be there around 2PM. Let me know. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Thu Sep 25 12:56:16 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:56:16 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Update, 25 Sep Message-ID: <0AB23B26-4B4D-4381-9BA3-733D6C6EAB53@helenafencing.org> Carol Spado reports that there's not much advantage in setting the club up as a non-profit since donations to sports clubs are not tax deductible. Venue - sounds very promising. There is a possibility that we can use the gym at the alternative high school (PAL). The facility is too small for basketball, but sounds ideal for our purposes. Right now it is available any day except Friday. Kris Fife will be speaking with someone at the school tonight. I am still waiting to hear about insurance. Right now, I am thinking about having practice 2 days a week: Wednesday evening (around 6:30-8:00PM) and Saturday Morning (9-11, or 10-12) I'd like to get feedback from people about those times and days. I realize that not everyone can make both days, but as far as classes, we will repeat the wednesday class on Saturday so you can make up if you miss one day, or get extra instruction if you can do both. As far as gear, we are in pretty good shape for a reasonably sized class. I have 8 masks available for class use. We have a few jackets, but probably need a few more, particularly since we have a shortage of gear for lefties. I'd like to be able to buy another 6-8 jackets ($35 each) and a couple more masks ($40 each). As such, I am hoping we can charge a modest fee for the class (8 weeks of instruction) to help offset the cost of club equipment. We'll waive the equipment fee for anyone who brings their own gear. I am also going to suggest that people taking the class buy their own glove. A basic glove can be purchased for around $10, and you will appreciate not having to share. I do have about a dozen gloves to donate to the club. I mentioned this at the meeting, but I plan on using the book "Fencing, steps to success" by Elain Cheris as a basic workbook. You won't need to buy a copy, but if you are interested in the book, it's a very good introduction to the sport. You can find it new for about $14, and used copies are available. http://www.amazon.com/Fencing-Steps-Success-Activity/dp/087322972X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222368920&sr=1-1 That's it for now. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Thu Sep 25 14:34:56 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:34:56 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Insurance Message-ID: <654527C3-C215-4807-A59B-673925C8498C@helenafencing.org> In order to use facilities at the public schools, the club is required to have insurance - at least a $2 million liability policy. It's a good idea anyway. I've received the first quote from a private insurer, Penn Star: LIABILITY: General Aggregate Limit (A ) $ 2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate Limit(C) $2,000,000 Personal/Advertising Injury Limit (G ) $ 1,000,000 Each Occurrence (H ) $ 1,000,000 Fire Damage Limit - Any One Fire (E ) $ 100,000 Medical Expense Limit - Any One Person (D ) $ 5,000 This is based on 20 members Cost General Liability $ 700.00 Montana Surplus Lines $ 19.25 Stamping Fee $ 7.00 Total Annual Premium $ 726.25 Another option is to get insurance from the USFA, which requires that the club be a USFA club. In order to qualify as a USFA club: 1.) the owners and/or principal officers of the club or fencing division of such club must be members of the USFA. 2.) All members of the coaching staff must be members of the USFA. 3.) Each Member Club must have a minimum of ten members of the USFA who have declared that club as their club. Right now we have at least 4 USFA members, Myself, my two kids and our other instructor, Taryn. We would have to have at least 6 more USFA members. Membership in the USFA costs $60 per year, but also allows you to compete in USFA matches. As a USFA club ($25 per year) we can purchase $2 million in liability for $340 per year. I will continue to investigate other possibilities. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Thu Sep 25 14:51:10 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:51:10 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Web site updated Message-ID: I have added a number of fencing equipment retailers that I have dealt with to the 'links' page', since some of you have asked where to get fencing gear. I would not advise purchasing anything unless you are certain your are going to be fencing for a while. The one exception to this is you might consider buying your own glove. These are always in short supply and tend to wear out with multiple users. A basic glove can be purchased for $10-12 so it's not a major investment. From info at helenafencing.org Thu Sep 25 22:45:02 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:45:02 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Email list archive Message-ID: <51268DBD-676C-4BBA-8A75-665058947033@helenafencing.org> If you think you missed a message from the fencing mailing list, or want to look at old messages, you can always view the fencing list archive at http://www.helenafencing.org/pipermail/fencing/ Tod From info at helenafencing.org Thu Sep 25 23:08:16 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:08:16 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Club Officers Message-ID: As we get the club formalized, we are going to need officers. If you are interested in serving as an officer of the club, please let me know. We are going to require that officers be at least 18 years of age. Specific duties will be spelled out in the by-laws of the club. In the past, here's how we have split up duties. President: Has overall responsibility for the club, activities, etc. Vice president: Serves when the president is not available, equipment wrangler Treasurer: Handles all finances, maintains financial records, pays the bills, etc Secretary: Records meeting minutes, sees to mailings, advertising, announcements, etc In general, I hate big boring meetings, so I am thinking we should only have one or two full club business meetings per year. The officers will meet as required to take care or normal operational stuff without bothering the general membership. The officers can call for a special meeting for anything that impacts the whole club. Otherwise, members can concentrate on having fun. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 27 06:39:52 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:39:52 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Gear bags Message-ID: If you are looking for a gear bag for you fencing gear and don't want to spend a lot of money, check out Big Sky Board Sports. They have some board bags that are long enough for weapons and big enough to hold other gear for about $35. Mention that you are from the fencing club and he'll give you a discount. http://www.bigskyboards.com From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 27 06:42:40 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:42:40 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Saturday in the park, Sep 27 Message-ID: Due to a scheduling conflict, we won't be at Memorial park today until 2PM. Anyone who'd like to fence is invited to join us from 2:00-4:00 PM As usual, I will have lots of gear and we'll work on some basic training and techniques. From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 27 08:41:14 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:41:14 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] The Leap of Faith Message-ID: <257A0CE4-468B-4354-ADC5-805286535249@helenafencing.org> Here is a status update on the club: We have an ideal facility and the time we want are available (6-8PM Wednesday and 9-11 Saturday). We can get the facility use at no cost, however we must have proof of liability insurance. The clock is ticking and the space may not be available much longer. It's the Gym at the alternative high school (PAL). It seems unlikely that we will have enough USFA members - at least this year - to qualify as a USFA club and get the reduced insurance. Therefore, were are going to have to pay the $726.25 annual premium We have approximately 20 people who are interested classes or becoming members. We have already ben discussing membership fees and have determined a monthly fee for insurance and equipment maintenance - that is a membership - of about $20 per month is about right. Since we don;t have a formal board yet, I am proposing the following. A $40, two month membership. Since a class normally last about 8 weeks, this would amount to a $40 charge for an introduction to fencing class, with all equipment provided by the club. If we can get 20 people to pay two months membership we will have our insurance and our facility, and people paying will be paid through Oct/Nov. I also encourage anyone who wants to pay for a longer period to do so, or of anyone wishes to sponsor someone another fencing or make a donation to do so. We can make this happen if we are committed and willing to act. Once we have the facility we can discuss a permanent fee schedule. Besides insurance, we are going to need to maintain and buy equipment. I am going to suggest a two tiered membership - with a lesser rate for those fencers who own their equipment and aren't putting wear and tear on the clubs gear. I am also going to suggest a price break for those that pay 6 months or 1 year in advance. If you are willing to sign up and pay, please contact me ASAP with the number of fencers and the amount you can pay (figured at $20 per month per member, with $40 per member recommended). Thanks, Tod From info at helenafencing.org Sat Sep 27 09:07:06 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:07:06 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Club officers Message-ID: <68D613BD-6808-4314-B46E-7C40075684D8@helenafencing.org> The follow have out them selves forward as candidates for club officers: President: Tod Glenn Vice President: Treasurer: Taryn Hall Secretary: Anyone over 18 can be an officer. You need not be a fencer. Parents of fencers are more than welcome. Someone has to do the dirty work will the fencers are having fun. If you are interested in serving in any position, please send me an email. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Mon Sep 29 12:44:28 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:44:28 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] We have insurance! Message-ID: <27550A13-DC58-49A3-BE10-09580EF8CB30@helenafencing.org> We have the insurance we need to use school facilities. I hope to have good news about the facilities themselves soon. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Mon Sep 29 16:56:38 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:56:38 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Important, I need to hear from you Message-ID: We no have the liability insurance that will allow us to use school district facilities. We had been looking at the alternative high school (PAL) and Wednesday nioghts and Saturday mornings. We have lost Saturday. The special Olympics has reserved all day Saturday. We can still get Wednesday 6-8 Is there another day that would work for people who can't make Wednesday? Friday is out, leaving Sun-Thurs. Right now we are considering Mon & Wed 6-8pm since both coaches are available at that time. Please let me know what days will not work. I need this info ASAP. Tod From info at helenafencing.org Mon Sep 29 17:43:20 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:43:20 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Sundays Message-ID: BTW, I am available to instruct on Sunday afternoons if that works for anyone. Tod From sullivan.mo at gmail.com Tue Sep 30 07:34:26 2008 From: sullivan.mo at gmail.com (Maureen Sullivan) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:34:26 -0400 Subject: [Fencing] wednesday fencing Message-ID: Hi Tod... Thanks for keeping me posted on the "fencing club" developments. Sounds like you're getting it all together. I am still on the East Coast tending to family matters. Unless the world comes to a grinding halt, I plan to be home in Basin on the 16th of October. I look forward to exploring the possibility of participating on some level, but can't really commit at this time. I can say that it is unlikely that I would be able to get to Helena more than once a week. In one of your e-mails I think you mentioned that there is also a group of fencers in Butte. As an occasional option, perhaps the Helena and Butte groups would be interested in meting at the community hall in Basin....Just a thought for the future. From info at helenafencing.org Tue Sep 30 14:50:30 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:50:30 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Venue, dates and times Message-ID: <2FD96F95-2134-474F-B2FE-9851D1C4182C@helenafencing.org> We were not able to get a weekend slot at the PAL, however we officially have Monday and Wednesday from 6:00-8:00PM at the PAL gym starting on 6 October. We won't start official classes until the following week. We will be repeating the Monday Class on Wednesday in case you can't make one other the other day. For experienced fencers, you are welcome to come for some bouting. Right now I am planning on giving a basic 8 week class "Introduction to fencing" which will cover the basic of foil fencing. Anyone who wants to bout and doesn't have any previous experience is will be asked to take this class. We will also have more advanced instruction on foil and epee for those who already have the basics. I know people are interested in fees. Since this is a non-profit venture, the fees we will be charging are to cover our insurance (required to use the facility) as well as cover wear and tear of equipment. We are still running the numbers, but we will try and keep the fees as low as possible and still cover our expenses. At this point I have suggested a fee of $40 for the basic 8 week class, as well as a $10 glove fee. You are welcome to order your own glove, and the glove fee will be used to purchase fencing gloves that will belong to the fencer. The remainder of the fee is to cover gear and operation costs. The teaching staff is unpaid and strictly volunteer. We will also continue fencing in the park as long as the weather holds. Please let me know of you have any questions. Thanks, Tod From info at helenafencing.org Tue Sep 30 22:29:26 2008 From: info at helenafencing.org (Helena Fencing) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:29:26 -0600 Subject: [Fencing] Next meeting Message-ID: <110FA4E7-BDC8-4DF8-B6DA-E2B78F3675B4@helenafencing.org> Our next club meeting will take place on Monday night at 6PM Oct 6 at the PAL gym at 1325 Poplar St., Helena, MT 59601. We need to briefly discuss membership fees, club sign up and waivers for participants. Afterward, we will have some informal instruction.