Attn:  All Buzzsaws Parents,

I send out periodic messages about subject that I think are important and timely.   Please at least browse the subjects which are underlined and highlighted.

GRIP Saturday Night - Our bi-weekly youth ministry run by Ty Moorhead is Saturday night from 6:00 - 7:30.  This is for kids of all ages and they are guaranteed to have fun with games, snacks and more.  They are encouraged to bring a friend.  No need to register - for more click here

Christmas/Holiday Buzzsaws apparel - Last year I was convinced to offer Buzzsaws apparel in time for the Christmas/Holiday season and one of the reasons I decided to begin using the Mindbody software is because it has the online store capability.  Starting this Monday, November 26th, you will be able to login to your account and place orders for Buzzsaws apparel.  Any orders received by December 7th will be ready by Christmas for pickup at the academy.  To place an order, login to your Mindbody account and click on "Payments and Packages" then the "Products" link.  You can walk through the process like most web-sites using the shopping cart and check out.  I just realized Monday is Cyber Monday, I promise we are not "that" organized.  But the company who does our apparel does a great job of making sure we have everything when we need it so you can be assured that the stuff will come in time. 

Meet the Coach - Each team will be able to meet their coach and other teammates some time in the next two weeks.   I am working with the coaches to set up a meeting at the academy for this to occur and a separate message will be sent to each team to announce the meeting.  

Night at the Races Fundraiser - For those who want to participate in the Night at the Races fundraiser, I have set up a sign up form.  Last year we had over 300 attendees and we raised over $6,000 which was distributed to the player accounts based on participation.  It is not mandatory to participate in this fundraiser but I need to know that we will have at least 25 active participants to make it a success.  Participants will sell attendance tickets ($25 or two for $40) which includes entry, dinner, open bar with beer and wine.  Also, we will need to sell various things in the program which includes selling horses, races and and sponsorships.  To learn more about last years event, click here.  A date for the event will be announced by the end of November.  To sign up for participation in the event, click here.

Account Payments explained - I am trying to learn and simplify the account payment process.  I have figured out how to change some of the language within the system to make it more intuitive.   I have also set up an instruction page for making an account payment which is under the "Using Mindbody" link on the left sidebar of the Playballohio site.  Click here to go there now.  Also, if you have questions about how to use the site, please send me an e-mail and I will update the help section with the most common questions. 

QuEST - I am getting excellent feedback from parents and players about QuEST.   Remember, there will be a test at the end of QuEST in order for the players to begin practicing in January.  If your son has been missing QuEST, make sure he knows how to go through the "movement prep" routine because we will be using a version of it for practices and games.

Practices - Remember that practices will begin in January (except for 15u which is already practicing).  Of course, I will communicate more about that before it starts.  In general, the boys will have the option of attending one of seven practices that will occur during the week.  The preferred time will be the one that corresponds with their age but they can attend any other practice that fits into their schedule without having to schedule it or let us know....just show up.  We want to keep it flexible for players who are playing other sports.  Please do not attend multiple practices as it could cause a crowd.

Facebook - As many of you know, we have a facebook page for the academy which is http://www.facebook.com/PlayBallOhio.  I will be setting up a Buzzsaws facebook page in the next week with the idea of creating some interaction between players and parents of all ages.  I trust that everyone will use good judgement with regard to keeping it a place for positive interaction.  There will be one site where all ages will be able to interact and post photos.  If there is anyone who has an interest in "administering" the site by setting it up for easy interaction and layout, please let me know and we can discuss it.  I also plan eventually migrate communications from me and our coaches to Facebook which will make it easier to receive communication in the most desired way possible. 

Lesson Opportunities - For those who would like to schedule private lessons with one of our instructors, here is an idea of some time slots that are available.
    Coach Jimmy - available Thursday @ 7:00 for pitching or hitting
    Coach Ty - available Tuesday from 6:15 - 7:00 for hitting.
    Coach Scott - available Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 for hitting.
    Coach Randy - available from 8:15 - 9:00 for pitching.