This email is being sent on behalf of board member Glen Mauldin:

Heatwave/Hearthstone Families, This year the Hearthstone Heatwaves Swim Team will be engaging in a number of fundraising activities to fund the replacement of equipment used by the team for swim meets. Our three biggest needs are: new starting blocks (about $7,500), new 10’ x 30’ canopies for both ends of the pool (about $2,000), and new lane lines (about $3,000). Starting Blocks: Without doubt, our biggest need is new starting blocks. Unfortunately, we are not able to install blocks that mount into the pool deck, so our only option is portable blocks. For many years the Heatwaves have used wooden blocks, built by parent volunteers that have an average life span of about 3 years. One disadvantage of these wooden blocks is the necessity for a timer or other swimmer to stand on the back of the block to provide the stability needed for the older swimmers on their starts. The Board has identified a product, PowerStarts Blocks that will eliminate the need to provide extra stability and have a life span exceeding ten years, with only the rubber pads needing replacement. Lead time on these custom-built blocks is 8 – 10 weeks so the existing wooden blocks will be repaired to last this season. Canopies: The original covers for the existing canopies degraded years ago and we have been using vinyl tarps since then as covers. The current tarps need replacing and the original frames have several parts that are bent, making the assembly and tear down process more difficult and time consuming. We will also need to purchase weights for the frame to hold it in place during gusts of wind. Lane Lines: The lane lines are beginning to show signs of wear in the cables. We fully anticipate they will last this season but will need replacing for next season. Fundraising: Last Friday we had a very successful Night Golf outing consisting of nine teams of five with an 8:30 pm shotgun start on the Wolf Corner course. We have another one planned for July 1st and we would love to see enough interest to add nine more teams on the Horsepen course. Tomorrow, May 10th, we will be having a swim-a-thon where team members will be swimming laps to help raise money for the items above. It is not too late to sponsor a swimmer, and if you don’t have a swimmer in your family, we would be happy to connect you with one! On June 11th we have our annual Bingo Night planned at the Hearthstone Country Club. This popular event promises to be as fun as always and is a great way to meet other families in the neighborhood without having to worry about making sure your kids get to the ready bench for their next event. Also, this season we are raffling off 2 VIP Parking Spaces and 2 VIP Tent Spaces for all home meets this season. Your $20.00 ticket enters you in both raffles so you could win both a parking space and a tent space. All events are open to anyone who wants to support our team. We have several families whose grown children are former Heatwaves still participating in these events. If you are new to Hearthstone and have very young children, or no children at all, swim team is one of the best ways to meet other families in the neighborhood. In addition to these events, we always accept donations and team sponsorships. Hearthstone Heatwaves, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization and your donations are tax deductible. For more information on the raffle and swim-a-thon please contact Mary Nowak or any other Board member. For other upcoming events, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest information.