The MRRA Masters Sweep program will start up on Monday afternoon, May 7th at 5:30pm.   We will run Mondays/Wednesdays at that time for 8 weeks and a total of 16 sessions.   Coach Dan Hershey will guide us for the first week or two, then Coach James Gilchrest will take over for the duration of the season into the fall.   Boat class is yet to be determined;  we'll know better after we see how many have signed up.   Ideally, we'll have sufficient numbers to run an 8 and a 4+, and we also have a 2- available for the program.

The MSWEEP season is broken into three programs, each costs $160 for 16 sessions.

Here's how to sign up for "MSWEEP":

• If you are a returning member from last year, log in to your MRRA account, go to My Membership, then "choices" and choose "MSWEEP1".   You can optionally sign up for MSWEEP2 and MSWEEP3 if you know you want to be part of all three programs this season, but you don't need to pay for all three at once.
• If you are not yet a member, create a Membership Application.   After you submit your application, you can then login to your account and make your program choices.
• NOTE:  You must be a member to be part of MSWEEP, so when making your choices, be sure to choose "MEMBERSHIP" in addition to MSWEEP1.
• NOTE:  If you are eligible to scull with the MRRA (you have passed the boat captain's test), you are eligible to sign up for "off peak sculling" for $100 which allows you to take out singles and doubles during off-peak hours.   Choose the "LOGBOOKOS" option for $100.  (For unrestricted sculling, you can choose the standard LOGBOOK program for $250).

Finally, complete your paperwork.   Bring a check and your paperwork to the first session on Monday May 7th, and do your administrator a favor by enclosing all of your paperwork in a single envelope with your name on it.  Checks should be made out to "MRRA".   At minimum, you will need to e-sign your membership application online, have a valid Swim Certificate on file, and complete the UML boathouse application.  For the complete list of required paperwork, visit the "billing" tab from My Membership.

Visit the MRRA Masters Sweep web page for more information.  If you have any questions, please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

See you on the 7th at the boathouse at 5:30pm sharp.  

• All rowing groups should be respectful of and deferential to regattas and races being held out of the UMass Lowell boathouse.  It is the responsibility of the rowers to be aware of activities on the river and yield to races and obey the directions of starters and dock masters.
• MRRA members are strongly advised to be off the docks and out of the boathouse 1 hour prior to scheduled race starts.  If a member chooses to venture out during a regatta/race, he/she is at the mercy of the dockmaster for launch/returning and may be delayed above the 2K start for races that are being started.
• Race schedules will be available typically the Wednesday prior to the weekend racing. 
• MRRA members may NOT use the showers on race day. 
• Please be aware that there will be boat traffic on the 2K course and likely as far upriver as the first power lines . There are two key sections.  The WARM UP AREA is from the Pump House stretch to the port turn.  The STAGING AREA is from the powerlines to the Lowell Boat ramp, just upstream from the start line.`

MRRA Members - if you will be renewing your membership with the MRRA in 2012, follow these steps below: 

• All program information, schedules and fees have been updated.  For general pricing information, visit the Programs and Fees page.   For more specific information, including program schedules, visit the specific program from the Programs and Fees submenu where the individual programs are listed.
   
• Since you are reading this Members Only article, you are already logged in.  Click on My Membership to update your membership data, elect your program choices, and review this year's paperwork requirements:
  • Click on the "basic info" tab to update your personal information, contacts, and job preferences for the Textile.
  • Click on the "choices" tab to elect your program choices for 2012.
  • Click on the "billing" tab to review the cost for your choices, review the paperwork requirements and e-sign your renewal.
      
• Note the paperwork requirements section 5D:
  • Items 1 and 4:  You e-sign items 1 and 4 and certifiy that you agree to those documents when you e-sign by clicking SUBMIT at the bottom of the page in section 5E.
  • Item 2: Click the link in item 2 to go to the USRowing site where you can e-sign the USRowing Waiver.
  • Item 3: UML requires that you fill out a paper version of this form to be part of their records.
  • Item 5: You only need to submit a swim certification if yours is expired or expiring this year.  See you "basic info" tab to learn the status of your swim cert.

• Complete your membership application:
  • e-sign your application, bottom of "billing" tab and remember to click on Submit at the bottom.
  • Send in your check for your membership plus program choices and the UML Boathouse application. Note that Open Sweep and Masters Sweep only require that you pay the first installment of these multi-part program to renew your membership.  You can mail your check and application to the PO box or bring them to the next club meeting in April.

• When the club secretary has received all payments and paperwork, verified that you e-signed your application and has confirmation that your USRowing waiver was signed, she will mark you as a full member and set your status as "Ok To Row".

 If you have any questions, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please see the link to pictures of some quick-dry fabric shirts being sold by the Social Committee with MRRA logos on them.  See example MRRA shirts

1. Long Sleeve Silver (or White). Mens sizes but suitable for women, too (just remember are Mens sizes).  XS through XXL  selling for $18
2. Short sleeve Mens Tropic Blue (MRRA teal)  sizes S - XXL  selling for $16.00
3. Short sleeve Womens cut Lagoon Blue (MRRA teal) or Dayglo Green  sizes S - XL  $28.00 (is a better quality fabric than Mens above).  selling for $28.00
4. Nike Dry Cap - beige color;  deep for large heads and adjustable band.  does have the baseball cap button on the top.  cost is $25
5. MRRA bumper stickers $2 example MRRA bumper sticker

to order, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ;  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

An order will be placed in a few weeks, once folks have had a chance to consider this.  We have sample sizes available to try, just email Stephanie above to set up a time to see them. We will also have these at the April meeting. 

thank you!

The Social Committee

All members are strongly encouraged to read the new Bellegarde Boathouse Emergency Action Procedure and also the updated Boathouse Safety Manual 2012.  These are both posted on the Safety committee page -- please read these before you start to row this season. 

Inquiring minds want to know who is on the social committee and how one can get involved!

The Social Committee is always open to new members/ program participants to join the committee

Committee co-chairs are : Jody Decarolis and Stephanie Birchenough

Members:  Karen Scammell (board liaison), Kevin Hancock, Dorothy Semonian, Martha McLure, Barbara Sherman, Denise Bergeron and Mary Gail Jaggers

Our charter:  To provide opportunities for club members to get together for fun, share and encourage the sport of rowing and to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship in the MRRA. 

Log In to see Update for Online Waivers and note about new procedure for downstream gate and locking method.

Please go to MRRA Committees and then Social Committee to see the January meeting minutes and also an opportunity to join a bike ride in support of Brain Tumor research and our friend Paul Wenger