One year ago, we were still getting settled into our new space. Since then, club members have been working on one project after another. We have much to celebrate and enjoy thanks to the generosity of our members who have donated funds and/or time and effort for club upgrades!
New Equipment
A generous donation provided new reels early in 2022. These reels provide professional cord storage and an easy-to-use experience for our fencers. It also eliminated the bungee cord cable chaos overhead. Devan DePauw took charge of the installation & cable rework. Thank you, Devan!
A grounded strip was recently installed thanks to another wonderful member donation. This type of strip is the international professional standard. It provides a uniform surface and grip for the fencer. It also eliminates the uncertainty surrounding toe-touches and prevents unnecessary breaks in the action due to ground strikes. A big thank you to Laurie Lapp, JP, Sonya, and Brad for receiving this massive shipment and to Laurie and Brad for installing and testing the strip.
The club was also gifted a scorebox for the back strip. This addition makes North strip more visible and creates uniformity across the strips. Thanks again to Devan for installing the box.
A heartfelt "thank you" to all of our supportive donors and the volunteers that have helped upgrade and install the new equipment.
Upcoming Improvements
The year isn't over yet, and our club has big plans! On the list are finishing the changing rooms, donated by the NMC Construction Technologies program. When completed, we will have two small changing rooms. Jeff Underhill has already begun this project by stripping the outside of the structure and will continue to work it until completion. Thank you, Jeff!
Detailed cleaning has begun with the vacuuming of rafters and will continue Sept. 18 with our Club Improvement Day. Details and a sign-up sheet will be available at the club, Jeff Underhill is organizing the event (what a superstar!). Projects will include wiping down walls and possibly the ceiling. This will improve the air quality in the club prior to winter and will prepare the surfaces for paint (another future project). We also have plans to improve the viewing area, making it more usable and comfortable for parents and guests. If you are interested in supporting these projects, please contact us or donate here.