A Letter from the KMSC President

May 22, 2020

Dear Kemp Mill Swim Club Members,

As you already are aware, we are not opening Memorial Day weekend as has been long-standing tradition.  The official announcement from Montgomery County authorities did not come until early this week, but it was not at all surprising.  The handwriting had been on the wall for a while.

The current target for Opening Day is Monday, June 15th.  Although there still is no guarantee that Montgomery County will allow pools to open, we are continuing with pre-season preparations.

Among those preparations is determining how we can operate within social-distancing guidelines as recommended by health authorities.  At Wednesday night’s Board meeting, we took an initial look at procedures suggested by Lighthouse.  I would like to have a small group of members take a look at the proposed procedures and suggest where they may need to be adapted to KMSC.  If you are interested in reviewing the Lighthouse document (perhaps we’ll call the group the Social Distancing Committee?), please let me know by sending an email to kmsc-president@kempmill.org.

One of the starkest adjustments we will have to make is to limit the number of people at the facility at any given time.  We do not yet have a specific number – that may end up being decreed by the county – but clearly it would be a challenge to ensure that all of our members have access.  Among the suggestions from Lighthouse is having members sign up for time slots and limiting the length of visits.  Last night it was suggested that we revisit one-day passes, guest passes, and trial memberships.  Also suggested was setting aside time for older adult and/or adults only.  The Social Distancing Committee will have a lot to discuss.

Once we do open, I would like to extend our operating hours so that 1) we can be closer to the overall operating hours we had planned, and 2) members have more opportunity to use the pool while keeping appropriate social distance.  In order for us to be able to have those longer days, however, we must have the income needed to meet our budget.  If you have not already sent in a minimum of $100 as a down payment on your summer dues or as a summer waiver, please do so by June 1st.  For the waiver or full dues payment please go to https://swim.kempmill.org/membership-info/online-payments/. There isn’t a specific tab for the $100, but select “additional family member.”  If you’d rather send a check, please make it out to Kemp Mill Swim Club and mail it to 11501 Lovejoy Street, Silver Spring MD 20902.  If you’ve questions about submitting payments please reach out to Jonathan Bryson at kmsc-treasurer@kempmill.org.

If it turns out that we open later in the season than planned, or closed completely, the Board will discuss what the pro-ration and/or maintenance fees we’d need for 2020, and offer members the option to roll the difference into 2021.

The Montgomery County Swim League decided on May 21st to cancel the 2020 season.  This news also is not surprising.  We are exploring other ways for our ‘Roos and Joeys to develop their swimming skills and their connections as a team, which may include scheduling practices or other instruction outside normal operating hours.

Thank you for your patience and support during these uncertain times.  I will do my best to keep you updated.

Respectfully,

Cynthia D. Brandt Campagna