Great Night at the St. Louis Blues Game!

St. Louis Synergy's Juvenile Team performed at last nights St. Louis Blues game in between the first and second period!

Baby LaMear Has Arrived!

Announcing

Brayden Emmett LaMear

Born 12-14-11 at 9:48am
8lb 8oz.   20.5 inches long.

It's Still Not Too Late!

Several people have inquired about getting additional Synergy soft good items from the backpack order form that was used at the start of the season. The t-shirts and sweatshirt are practice approved.  These items are different than the items available on a regular basis from Julie Latta.  The order form is attached and is also posted on the website under the synchro tab and there are hard copies at the rink on the bulletin board.   Due to the interest that has been expressed, an additional order will be placed with hopes of arriving by December 21st for those interested in the items for gifts.  

If you have an interest in these Synergy t-shirts, sweatshirt or polo shirts, please complete and return an order form with payment (checks should be made out to MEFSC) NO LATER THAN THURS, DEC 8.  NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Orders may be handed to Cindy Grigg or placed in the wooden box. 

Measuring Ourselves Against The Best

Over the past few months, I have spent some time talking with Board Presidents and Vice-Presidents at several different clubs across the country that have elite synchronized skating prograsms. The goal was to find out how these clubs established and maintain their consistent success. I asked questions about team and organizational structure, Board oversight, coaching compensation, and aspects of their programs that they believe contribute to their consistent success. At the last MEFSC Board meeting, I shared my findings with the MEFSC Board. I wanted to share some of what I learned with our Synchro families.

During the course of these conversations, I learned, not surprisingly, that we are doing many things that are consistent with these clubs. Our ice time is consistent with these clubs. The incorporation of training and ballet were considered vital by almost all of these clubs. We are fielding a range of teams consistent with the top clubs. Perhaps most gratifying, the leadership of these clubs are familiar with us and recognize how far we have come over the last several years.

There are some things that need our attention as well. I’d like to mention two that are particularly pressing. The first concern is recruitment of skaters. The most successful clubs field fully rostered teams and use alternates from the Juvenile level on up. While we have large teams at some levels, we still need to recruit skaters, especially at the younger levels. This provides a continual supply of skaters and allows clubs to develop skaters from an early age. Secondly, I learned from these conversations and a USFS study of synchro programs that we pay our coaches between 25-35% less than the Midwestern average and significantly less than the national average. What many of our families do not know is that our coaches are only compensated for the on-ice time for their two primary teams. Any time they spend in off-ice, working with a third team, on administrative functions or communicating with parents is essentially volunteer time. This is a significant concern for all of us as we seek to retain quality coaches.

The MEFSC Board has begun a review of the administrative structure of our synchro teams and how we compensate our coaches. We want to find a way to continue on the successful path we are now travelling while also finding a way to organize ourselves efficiently and compensate our coaches in a way that demonstrates respect for their skill, commitment, and performance. We are well aware of the cost of skating and the need to keep skating affordable. That is also a priority for our organization.

Thank you to all of you for your commitment to our skaters and their success.

Save the Date!

Show-Me State Games
Figure Skating Competition

SAVE THE DATE
and Go for the Gold!
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
February 24, 25 & 26, 2012


Hosted by: The Metro Edge FSC
Webster Groves Ice Arena

Application Packets will be available on-line and emailed to you by October 30th.

Change of Dates for the Resale

The dates have changed for the resale to Monday November 7th - Saturday November 12th. It will be open at all LTS, Club ice and Synchro Practices.
If you want to see your things please have them hung on a hangar if necessary, clearly marked with your initials and the price of the item. 
Also include an "inventory" list of all item with the cost of each item as well. All items need to be brought to the rink to me on Thursday November 3rd.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! IF your willing to help, please let me know! Email me! nichole0617@yahoo.com

Juv Team to Perform at St. Louis Blues Game

The juvenile team has an incredible opportunity to showcase their program between the first and second period of a Blues Game!  The game will take place at 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 15th at the Scottrade Center as the Blues take on the NY Rangers.  Crowds for Blues games typically average around 30,000 people so we should have a great audience for which to perform.  We will be purchasing tickets as a group for a discounted rate, so if you are interested in joining some MEFCS families and cheering the team on, please contact Kim Oliver (tkoliver@charter.net) and let her know how many tickets you would like to order.  Tickets would make a great Thanksgiving or early holiday gift, too!

Contest for Sample Synchro

DON"T FORGET!!!!

The one who brings the most guest skaters to Sample Synchro (determined by the invitations with their name on it) will win:

1st Place - a $30 West County Mall Gift Card and a Shopping Excursion with Allie Rosemann and Kameryn Truman
2nd Place - a $20 West County Mall Gift Card
3rd Place - a $10 West County Mall Gift Card

Dad and Grandpa's Club Info!

We would like a quick get together Friday Sept 23 6:30 @ the sports zone Watson.  Please contact Mark 314-6504455 or markdirs@yahoo.com to let me know if this day works!! If you cannot this date send me your E-mail I will send notes of the meeting.

Topics to cover
1) Next dad's breakfast
2) Real men of Genius planning
3) Requests from coaches etc... help needed  e.g portable dance mirror needs ideas on how it can be raised up ?? also dads at the end of practice to put chairs and benchesback
4) Always need music players during practice
5) Info on the up and coming season and dad's concerns
6) Nutcracker help or skate in performance?

Thanks Mark and Brendan

Be a Part of Junior Board!

Junior Board is having a meeting on Friday night at Karen Rosemann's house.  The board will be decorating cookies for Sample Synchro on Sunday!  Come and help.  The meeting starts at 5:30.  Please contact Kameryn Truman or Allie Rosemann if you have any quesitons!

Sample Synchro this Sunday!

Ok, Synchro Skaters we need you to give our your invites to our Sample Synchro Skating Event this Saturday, September 24th from 12:15 - 2:00!  Check out our website to download additional copies of the invitation.

9/11 Car Wash Fundraiser

CLUB ICE

Metro Edge FSC Club Ice Information
2011-2012 Season

Schedule

Metro Edge FSC is sponsoring three one hour sessions of club ice this season.  Club ice will generally be held:
·         Sundays from 1:50-2:50pm at Hockey Performance Center (11133 Lindbergh Business Ct., 63123).  These sessions are already underway and conclude on June 3, although there will be no ice on 8/28.
·         Mondays from 5:00-6:00pm at Webster Groves.  These sessions will begin on 9/7 and continue through 5/21.  Please note the 9/7 session has a 4:50 start time.  Ice contract available.
·         Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00pm at Webster Groves. These sessions will begin on 9/12 and continue through 5/23.  Ice contract available.

Please check the Club Ice Calendar at http://www.metroedgefsc.com/ for schedule changes.

Cost

There are four payment options for skaters.

·         Purchase a season long contract.  A season contract guarantees your spot on the designated session every week.  The details are provided in the attached club ice contract along with the dates for each session.  Season long contracts may be purchased for Monday and Wednesday sessions.  Sunday sessions use punch cards or walk-on fees only.
·         Use a punch card.  Punch cards of 8 (for $100) or 16 (for $200) sessions may be purchased for regular use.  Skaters may use these cards in 30 minute increments.  Skaters are expected to leave the ice once the 30 minutes has concluded.  Those who stay longer than 30 minutes will be punched for a second 30 minute session.  Skaters using punch cards will be admitted to the ice on a first come, first served basis.
·         Pay a walk-on fee.  Skaters may choose to walk-on any session for 60 minutes for $15 or for 30 minutes for $8.  Skaters are expected to leave the ice once the 30 minutes has concluded.  Those who stay longer than 30 minutes will be asked to pay the full 60 minute fee.
·         Fundraising Credit.  Skaters may use funds raised from Rams games or other fundraising activities to purchase a club ice contract or punch cards.  In order to use these funds for club ice, the attached form must be completed and returned to the club ice monitor.

Monitoring

If you are interested in monitoring a club ice session, please contact Lana Teter at lanateter@sbcglobal.net.  Monitors who agree to serve the entire term get credit toward the cost of club ice.

You may turn in your club ice contract or purchase punch cards at the first session you attend.

Club Ice Dates and Times
Sundays: HPC 1:50-2:50pm
Sept 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20, 27; Dec 4, 11, 18; Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3.

Mondays: Webster Groves 5:00-6:00pm
Sept 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov 7, 14, 21, 28;Dec 5, 12, 19, 26; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; Mar 5, 12, 19, 26; Apr 2, 9, 16, 23; May 7, 14, 21.

Wednesdays: Webster Groves 5:00-6:00pm
Sept 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 17, 23, 30; Dec 7, 14, 21; Jan 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Mar 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23.

Want to sell or buy used skating items?

What Do You Need To Do To Sell?

• Start getting your stuff ready with lables that include their name and cost of the items
• Email Nichole Yakstis, nichole0617@yahoo.com and let her know you have items to sell.

What Do You Need To Do To Buy Items?

• Show up at any Learn To Skate, Club Ice or Synchro Session during the week of October 10 - 15.

Principal Roles in Nutcracker on Ice

Nutcracker on Ice
Principal Role Auditions

AUDITIONS
Sept 13th 4-5:30 pm
Sept 17th 4-5:30 pm
Webster Groves Ice Rink

Audition Information &
Applications will SOON be available at
http://www.nutcrackeronice.org/,
Webster Groves Ice Rink or
from MEFSC coachers.

Molly Romano
314-229-0929
mmromano89@gmail.com
http://www.nutcrackeronice.org/

Metro Edge FSC Invites all St. Louis Area Skaters
who have passed:
•     ISI FS5 and/or USFS Pre-Juvenile Fee Skate OR
•    Are 13 years or older AND have passed FS4 and/or
      USFS Preliminary Free Skate to audition for a principal role in this holiday classic.

Group Numbers are available for skaters of all ages & abilities. 

Group registration will follow auditions.

Registration for Classes start September 15th.

SHOWS
Saturday, December 10th 2:00 and 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 11th 2:00 and 5:00 pm

Webster Groves ice Arena
Audition Fee: $15

Synergy Warm-Ups

Make sure you have tried on your travel warm ups!  Synergy travel warm ups and backpack are required for all traveling teams.  If you need new travel warm ups or the Synergy backpack, please get in touch with Cindy Grigg at cgrigg@swbell.net or 314-800-8300 ASAP.  The orders will go to the company next week so that they will arrive before travel begins in November. 

The shirts shown on the backpack order form are optional.  The three t-shirts on the top row are all black (not royal as stated on the sweatshirt) and practice attire approved.  Many parents inquired about the polo shirts on the bottom row.  Other Synergy attire  (including t-shirts, sweatshirts, headbands, leggings, etc.) will also be available through our soft goods coordinator, Julie Latta.

You can find the Order Form HERE. 

HPC Club Ice

Club Ice has started at Hockey Performance Center.  It is on Sunday's from 1:50 - 2:50!  We also still have Club Ice on Mondays and Wednesdays at Webster.  Check out the Club Ice Calendar for exact times and details.

Push for Pencils School Supply Drive

Don't forget to bring your school supplies in!  You can drop them off at the rink or bring them to the ice cream social on Sunday!

Ice Cream Social

Mark your calendars!  The Buddy Family Ice Cream Social will be held at Blackburn Park in Webster Groves on Sunday, August 28 from 2-4 p.m.  Ice cream will be provided. Skaters will get to meet their skater "families" made up of skaters from each team.   Skaters will also work on their family flag and learn their family dance at the ice cream social.  Don't forget to bring your decorated felt square you received at synchro camp in June.  If you have misplaced your felt square or need a new one, Joan Wise will have them available at boot camp this weekend. 

RAMS Fundraising Opportunity

The MEFSC offers parents the opportunity to earn money for your skater’s expenses by working concessions at the Edwards Jones Dome.  We have thirteen events, ten of which our RAMS games.  If you would like to participate in the RAMS fundraising opportunity, please email Matt Kirkpatrick at matthew.d.kirkpatrick@monsanto.com or you can reach him at 314.378.4134

Whatever happened to those Coaching Evaluations?

As I am sure you remember, we asked skaters and parents to confidentially evaluate their coaches and the Synergy program at the conclusion of the season.  We received a lot of great feedback, both positive and negative.  I thought I would briefly share some of what we learned with you.

Let’s start with the positive.  The vast majority of our families are clearly pleased with the direction of Synergy.   They also recognized the strong commitment to our skaters and work ethic of our coaches.  Skaters expect to be pushed hard and believe almost all of our coaches are making them better each and every practice.  The surveys also indicated that a spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship are central to our teams in large part due to the leadership of our coaching staff.  In addition, skaters trust and respect their coaches.

We do also have some areas that need attention.  The most consistent theme was a need for better communication at both the club and team level.  While some people saw some improvement in this area, there is a clear need for more communication in a timely manner.  There was also some concern about how well coaches made use of practice time.  Another concern was that rules were not always consistently enforced.  Finally, there was a concern that coaches and parents are not working together as well as they should.  This included a feeling by some that coaches distanced themselves from parents and did not always show respect for them.

What are we doing with this information?  First, the Board has reviewed a summary of the results and approved some changes for this season to improve communication.  For the first time, we will have a biweekly Synergy newsletter designed to provide more timely information to families.  We also had a formal team manager training that included website training and a discussion about effective communication.   Second, coaches have received summaries of their results and have been asked to review them carefully.  In addition, I will discuss these results with the staff at the next coaches meeting.   We will discuss ways to facilitate better teamwork between parents and coaches.

Thank you to all who participated.  We intend to conduct evaluations a bit earlier this season.  Please participate.  It is a great way to have your opinions heard.

Laura Arnold

SKATING 101

MEFSC Parent Seminar:
 Figure Skating 101
Saturday, September 10  8:30-10:00am
Webster Groves Ice Rink

Figure skating can be overwhelming for a parent or a skater.  There are so many things to consider from organizational memberships, selecting coaches, and finding ice to understanding testing levels and the rules of synchronized skating.   While we cannot promise to bring you up to speed on everything, this seminar is designed to give you a foundation with which to start.  In this seminar, we will discuss the skating governing bodies (ISI and USFS), the testing structure of each organization, and kinds of competitions held under each governing body.  We will also review the basics of synchronized skating, including team levels and basic elements.  A third topic will be how to find ice for your skater, including an introduction to our club ice program.  Finally, we will talk a bit about how to interact with your skater’s coaches, including what to consider in hiring a private coach or changing coaches.

Synergy Spirit Wear

We are pleased to roll out our 2011/2012 line of Synergy Spirit Wear during boot camp!  We have some great new designs this year!  We will also be taking custom orders,  and launching an on line store very soon!  Please visit our “shop” at the rink during boot camp,  one of these days/times:

Sunday,  Aug. 21  from 9-12 AM
Monday,  Aug 22 from 5-7 PM
Thursday, Aug 25th from 5:30 —7 PM
Saturday, Aug 27th from 10 AM – 1 PM

You may also contact:  Julie Latta  julie_latta@hotmail.com or Colleen Sosbey colleen.sosbey@centurylink.com  with questions!   

6 Synergy Girls Go to Ohio for Camp

Six Synergy members spent a fantastic week at the University of Miami-Ohio
synchronized skating camp.  With 160 girls in attendance, each team was
tasked with putting together a routine that matched the rock and roll theme
for the week.  Mary Carnal and Olivia Roseman led team "Journey" while
Bridget Oliver, Noel Walters, Katie Spears and Anna Mallas looked great
skating to AC/DC!

Juvenile Girls Kick-Off Party

The Juvenile Team had a great kick-off pool party on August 9th.  The theme
of their circus routine translated well into food -- the girls munched on
popcorn, cotton candy, corn dogs and caramel apples!  Coaches Bridgid and
Ali lead the girls in some get-to-know your games and we are all looking
forward to a terrific season!

Welcome to the Synergy Blog!

In an effort to keep you informed we are going to be using this blog to post important information.  The blog will be updated weekly with events, times and schedules for our skaters.