On behalf of the OPP Board of Directors I'd like to wish all of you a happy 2011. I realize spring still seems far off during these cold winter days, but opening day is just around the corner and the Board and staff is busy preparing for another great season!

When my family joined OPP "several children ago" and before the renovation, we were only looking for a nice place to cool off on the long summer days with a few friends. That first summer was a delight and we enjoyed the community of OPP so much that the next year my youngest joined swim team to learn how to swim with friends. A few weeks into the season, we realized we joined something much closer to a "summer camp with a swim team" and the entire family was immerged in a challenging but rewarding experience. We never looked back.

For these first several years as members, I never gave much thought to who keeps the pool, grounds, canteen, and swim team running. We were just happy to be a part of it. Of course the answer was in front of me the entire time - the members make Park Pool possible!

As a Board this offseason, we thought it important to communicate what makes this "pool" so special and why our members return each spring. We came up with the following vision statement:

Orinda Park Pool is a member owned club whose mission is to provide

Members and guests with an exceptional experience in a unique social and family environment
Well maintained and safe facilities and grounds
Competitive programs that offer superior instruction while fostering camaraderie for all our members and guests

Whether you have volunteered your time, pickled a race, or even picked up some trash while heading home, I wanted to thank each of you for being a member first. Your dedication and commitment are what makes OPP so special. On the subject of member volunteers, I'd like to welcome three new Board members who began their service after elections in October 2010:

Troy Smith - Treasurer
Jim Schoenfeld - Maintenance
Melanie Jordan - Communications

I also want to give special thanks to the outgoing Board members for their years of service:

Phil Nicolaou - outgoing President
Bob Finertie - outgoing Maintenance
Michelle Donovan - outgoing Communications

Now onto the 2011 season! First, I'm delighted to have Dianna return in the Stingray Caf�. This partnership continues to benefit both Dianna's business in the off season and our member's taste buds in the summer. Tom and his head guards are all planning to return for another season, which ensures our pool, grounds, and facilities will be professionally maintained. Last, all of our Swim Team directors and head coaches are returning and geared up for continued success in 2011 now that their voices have recovered from OMPA.

Finally, while our new state of the art pool is the envy of the East Bay, the surrounding facilities have been in need of repair for too long. Our full membership roll along with the changes the Board implemented to streamline operations in 2009 continue to pay off, and we are in the fortunate financial position to put more money towards capital improvements in 2011. Projects we have slated for completion before opening day include a new "keyless" entry system, an upgraded sport court, and significant upgrades to the bathrooms. We are still evaluating the front entrance and various other improvements, and I will send out an update on the status of these projects as we get closer to spring.

Feel free to email or call with any question, comments or suggestions.

VP Report: Agnes Pak

Happy New Year to the Orinda Park Pool membership!

As your Vice President, I will work with Tom Applebaum, our Pool Manager to manage the general operations of the Pool and Lifeguards and Dianna Condon of Dianna Condon Foods to oversee the Stingray Cafe. Dianna was half of Savory Affairs, so we know the food and service to remain outstanding. Since Dianna and Tom are long time veterans, I will continue to focus on implementing processes and controls to ensure our pool is safe, clean and fun for members and guests. With the roll out of the new entry and security system, we strive to improve the membership experience.

We welcome applications for individuals to work at the front gate. If you are interested in that position, please contact me at agnespak@yahoo.com. You must be at least fourteen years of age (by June 1^st). Please contact Tom directly if you are interested in Lifeguarding and Dianna if you would like to work in the Stingray Caf�.

Please also email me if you would like to make a suggestion, file a complaint or otherwise provide input on any matters relating to the operation of the pool, Caf� or personnel. After all, the pool is owned by its members - and we appreciate any of your ideas to improve your pool!

Treasurer Report: Troy Smith

Annual OPP financial statements can be found here: Contact OPP Treasurer T Smith@oaklandathletics.com

Manager: Tom Applebaum

Your OPP management and lifeguard staff are looking forward to another season. As usual, the most important aspects of our work are the safety of the membership and their enjoyment of the facility. Please don't hesitate to call me on my cellular, (510) 816-7720, if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I'll begin to take party reservations on the first day of the pre-season.

Also, if you have a child that's interested in becoming a lifeguard, please have him or her contact me in late February. Children must be at least 15 years of age to work as a lifeguard at OPP.

Membership: Anne Meyers and Marcella Austenfeld

We are switching to electronic invoicing this year! Your invoice for your annual membership dues and assessment will come to you via your email address on February 1, 2011. If you have changed email addresses during the past year, please notify us:

meyersanne@hotmail.com or maustenfeld@me.com

For the few of you who do not use email we will mail you a hard copy of your invoice.

Please note that dues and assessment payment must be postmarked no later than March 1st, 2011, to avoid late fees. After March 1st unpaid dues will have an additional $100/month late fee added. If you have not paid your dues by June 15, 2010, you will receive notification that your membership will be sold and the prorated amount of dues owed at the time of sale (including late fees) will be deducted from the value of your stock certificate.

If for some reason you did not receive an Invoice you are still responsible for payment of your dues and assessment on time. If that should happen, please refer to the rates listed below, print out the Emergency Contact Form, complete & sign the form and mail with your payment to OPP, PO Box 32, Orinda, 94563. All checks should be made out to Orinda Park Pool. For each additional month the dues remain delinquent, an additional $100 late fee will be added.

MAIL YOUR CHECKS TO P.O. BOX 32, ORINDA 94563.

DO NOT DROP OFF AT MAILBOX AT POOL DRIVEWAY OR AT GUARD SHACK!!

This year we will receive payment by checks only, no credit cards.

EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM: Your email invoice will also include an interactive link to the Emergency Contact Form, which you need to complete and submit to us. We keep this in the Guard Shack for use by the Life Guards, in case of an emergency. If your family has 2 different last names, please be sure to include both names on the form, as we cross-reference them for speed of access in case of emergency. You cannot use the pool until this emergency contact form is on file with us. The Emergency Contact Form is also available on the OPP website.

SELLING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: To sell your membership, it is necessary to sign and date the back of your certificate and submit it for sale to Orinda Park Pool, PO Box 32, Orinda 94563. Memberships will be sold in the order they are received.
Even though your membership may be for sale, if it has not sold by March 1st, 2011, you are still responsible for payment of the annual dues and assessment. Once your membership has been sold, your stock certificate value will be refunded to you. If you have not paid your dues, late fees will be assessed and the amount deducted from the value of the stock certificate when the membership is sold. If your membership sells before the season opens we will pro-rate the dues paid per month and refund the balance to you with your stock certificate value. We cannot refund the annual
assessment after May 1, 2011.

We look forward to seeing all of you at the pool for another summer of fun!

Membership Dues and Assessment

Type	Dues	Assessment	Total Amount Due
Family	$730	$610	$1,340
Single*	$590	$610	$1,200
Sr. Family	$595	$385	$980
Sr. Single*	$465	$385	$850

*one person only. Any combination of more than one is a "family"

Additional fee for Renters/Au Pairs/Nannies/ or Babysitters = $100

OPP Dues Policy

Some clarification on what defines a member:

� A "family member" is any person having dependent legal status in the proprietary member's household in the year in question (Bylaws, Art. VII). All other people in the household (i.e., Au Pairs, Nannies, Baby-sitters, foreign exchange students, and relatives ) are ineligible under family memberships and are required to pay the $100 annual usage fee.

� Unmarried children under the age of 22 who are not living at home may still use the pool without charge as long as their parents have paid the family dues.

� Both parties of a separated couple are still members of the pool until divorced.

� Children of a member who has divorced his/her spouse are not subject to any guest charge when using the pool.

� To be eligible for a 'senior" membership, you must be 65 by March 1 (Bylaws, Art. XI)

� Renters are required to pay $100 in addition to the yearly dues & assessment required of the OPP member whose home is being rented.

� Grandparents over 65 who are not swimming may visit the pool at no charge.

� Grandparents who are acting as baby-sitters for their grandchildren, and who are not swimming may enter the pool at no charge. However, if a grandparent is acting as a caregiver for the season, and is a swimmer, an additional fee of $100 must be added to the annual membership dues.

Stingray Cafe: Dianna Condon Cuisine

This year's Stingray Caf� will be run by Dianna Condon Cuisine - a catering company. Dianna Condon, former co-owner of Savory Affairs, is thrilled about overseeing the canteen for her third year.

Responsible and eager to learn the different aspects of the food business? If you are 16 years or older you are encouraged to apply for work at the canteen. Applicants should email Dianna at info@diannacondoncuisine.com with their summer availability. Interviews and training will take place before the season begins.

GOOOOOOO Park!!!

Dianna Davis-Condon
(925) 255 5104

www.diannacondoncuisine.com

Social: Eileen Fitz-Faulkner

Hello Park pool families! Summer is right around the corner and we are planning big fun. We'll be bringing back music nights so If you are in a band, or know a band you'd like to hear, contact me at effaulkner@gmail.com

and we'll see what we can put together. Stay tuned for the April newsletter for details on our season of fun. Looking forward to another great summer at Park Pool.

Maintenance: Tom Bradley and Jim Schoenfeld

The Maintenance Committee has been busy in the off season. We finished the basketball court in OPP blue with official lane and key markings. We also replaced the hoop and back board with a commercial/professional grade system. OPP is ready for the next Horse Tournament!

Other maintenance items we're working on:

We are taking bids on the repair to the leaking roofs and for the drive way repair (it's crumbling on one side).
We cleared the lot just adjacent to the upper lawn and the board is discussing usage options.
And most importantly, we are looking at several options for bathroom upgrades.

Our maintenance planning also includes replacing the front entrance steps.

Our efforts are dedicated toward maintaining a safe and secure family environment at OPP. We'll be looking for your help at the Spring Work Day in April, when we'll be getting the pool ready for opening day. Look for an email to announce the date.

Swim Team: Lisa Hales

Last winter when we penned this newsletter there was snow around the pool but this year it feels like summer has already arrived - an auspicious indication of a warm spring and delightful 2011 season! Rumor has it that Stingrays of all ages are singing "Down by the River" as they cruise the streets of Orinda Village, firing up Head Coach Brad Allen and Technical Director Josh Scott, who are both ready to hit the pool deck and are working on an outstanding lineup of coaches for 2011.

The directors are in the process of contacting the 2010 committee members and also those who indicated interest in going above and beyond by joining the committee in 2011. In order to ensure that we have enough meet workers this season some committee positions are being consolidated but we hope to find a good fit for all our avid volunteers.

Registration: We will continue to utilize TeamUnify as our swim team website platform with registration beginning in the early spring - more details will arrive by email in the coming month.

New Families: If you are considering swim team for the first time, welcome! We would love to include you this summer. In order to be eligible for the team, a parent must own a current family membership at the Orinda Park Pool. We welcome new swimmers of all ages (18-and-under) and abilities. The youngest begin in our Mini Stingers Program. This is a learn-to-swim program for children 4-6 years old who are capable of sitting safely at the edge of the pool, following instructions, and developing basic skills - from bubble-blowing to beginning stroke technique. Mini Stingers will be evaluated throughout the season for readiness to move up to our 6-and-Under program (able to swim a lap of side-breathing freestyle unaided) and begin competition.

If you are interested in joining us this season for the first time please contact us at swimteam@orindaparkpool.org as soon as possible. There will be a new family orientation meeting on Sunday May 15^th at 2pm at the pool - we encourage all new families to attend.

Calendar: Below are the currently scheduled dates of meets and important season events. A more complete calendar detailing all social activities, etc. will be coming soon.

Monday April 18^th - Weekday Clinics Begin

Weekend Clinics -- TBA

Monday May 2^nd - Afterschool Workouts Begin
Sunday June 5^th -- Time Trials (H) 9am-3pm
Saturday June 11^th -- SH First Splash (Location TBD)

Monday June 13^th - Summer Workouts Begin; First Day of Minis
Wednesday June 15^th -- MCC A+1 (H)
Saturday June 18^th - MEAD AB (H)
Wednesday June 22^nd -- @MRST B Meet

Thursday June 23^rd -- 8&UNDER OVERNIGHT
Saturday June 25^th -- @MIRA AB
Wednesday June 29^th -- OCC A+2 (H)

(Notice the nice break here... family vacation time?)
Saturday July 9^th -- OPP RELAYS (H)
Sunday July 10^th -- Bottoms Up Invitational
Wednesday July 13^th - SH B (Location TBD)
Friday July 16^th - @MVP AB 9&UP w/DJ
Sunday July 17^th -- Meadow Mini Invitational
Wednesday July 20^th -- @LMYA
Thursday July 21^st - STINGRAY BALL
Saturday July 23^rd - @CCC A+2 (H)

Sunday July 24^th -- Sleepy B
Wednesday July 27^th - Intrasquad (H)
August 5, 6 and 7^th -- OMPA CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
August 13 and 14^th -- County Championship Meet

Calendar is subject to change. For a visual calendar of June/July/August click here: 2011PreliminaryCalendar

We can't wait to get off the blocks!

Your 2011 Director Team,

Lisa Hales, Director of Administration

Claire Peterson, Director of Operations

Erin Gillett, Director of Social Activities

Email us at: swimteam@orindaparkpool.org

Guest Privileges

Members are encouraged to bring guests to the pool, to the extent it does not interfere with the leisure and comfort of other members. Guests must follow the same rules of conduct as members while on the pool grounds.

Limits: Each membership may bring a maximum of two (2) guests, or one family, on any one day. Guests must be with a pool member while on pool property. During very warm weather, check with the pool by phone (Tom Appelbaum: 510-816-7720) before bringing guests. The pool must limit the total number of persons using the pool. The total number of guests allowed on any given day may not exceed 50, and may be less.

Fees: Guest will be admitted only if the member signs the name of the guest and pays the guest fee at the Caf� or guard shack. We give all members a complimentary guest pass for 10 uses, which will be mailed in the spring.

Special Guests: Non-swimming senior citizens and handicapped persons brought as a member's guest will be admitted free with a member. If they use the pool, however, a guest fee must be paid.

Parties: Arrangements for parties (e.g. Birthday parties) must be made with the pool Manager (Tom Appelbaum: 510-816-7720) and you will need to sign a contract and make a deposit at least three days before the event. The decision of whether to allow such parties will be made on the basis of anticipated pool attendance. Areas for parties are confined to the picnic area under the oak trees or the deck area by the Caf�. You must pay a guest fee for each guest at your party and you are responsible for the guest at all times.

Rules Regarding Fecal Alerts

No one likes pool closures, especially on hot summer days. Please do your part to prevent Fecal Alerts.

If you or your child has stomach or intestinal illness or has experienced recent uncontrollable bowel movements, keep yourself or child out of the pool. Children in particular should stay out of the pool until you are sure the episode has passed.

All toddlers must use "swim diapers" and a "liner" when using the pool. The swim diapers must be checked regularly and changed immediately if soiled. Swim diapers and liners are available at the Caf� or Guard Shack for a fee. Lifeguards will look for swim diapers on toddlers and remind the parents, if necessary.

Supervise and attend to your toddler or child when using the restrooms and clean up after them. Take young children to the bathroom periodically and in particular before swimming.

Discuss with your child that our pool is not a toilet.

Anyone determined to have caused a fecal accident in the pool or restroom will be fined $100, payable by the member, and in the case of a guest, payable by the sponsoring member.