It is with regret that I announce that Nancy Ridout has decided to retire from her position as Pacific Masters' Registrar later this year.  As a lifelong swimmer, Nancy remains in great health and could continue serving as our Registrar for many years to come. However, if [m1] there is anything more important to Nancy than Masters[m2]  swimming it is her family and she wants to play an active role in providing childcare for her first grandchild. For many of us Nancy is the face, heart and soul of Masters  swimming in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada and I suspect we will continue to receive the benefit of her service as a volunteer. In the future we will be recounting her many contributions to our local organization as well as to USMS. For now, let me say that it is with profound gratitude that I accept her decision to retire.

Nancy's position is being renamed the Pacific Masters Office Administrator, this is a more accurate description of Nancy's role as her responsibilities have expanded beyond registration and compilation of records and top 10. It is expected to be a part time contractor position. We hope to have a formal scope of responsibilities available in the near future and will begin our search and selection process shortly thereafter. If you are interested in the position or knowing more about it, please send an email to me at [email protected]. Position information and application requirements will be sent upon request.

Open Water Swims
As we enter July there is a bit of a lull in our open water season. Some of our most challenging opportunities take place in August with the two Santa Cruz events and the Donner Lake swim. These swims aren't for everyone and shouldn't be attempted unless you are fully confident of your abilities. However, emerging from the cold ocean waters or at the end of a straight 2.7 mile swim gives one a sense of accomplishment and pride regardless of place.

Pacific Masters Feature Articles
You may have noticed that articles are beginning to appear in the Pacific Masters Update. Over time we hope to present features on Pacific Masters clubs, members and events more frequently.  The goal of these articles is to present material of interest and inform members about the many aspects of the Pacific Masters Swimming community. If you would like to have your club, event or fellow member profiled, please send me an email at [email protected]

Just keep swimming,

Peter Guadagni

Chair, Pacific Masters