Bitten by the rowing bug, a founding group of approximately 25 rowers has launched a non-profit rowing club, purchased and refinished three rowing shells to start, and are ready to hit the water as soon as the spring allows.
"Weather permitting, we look to be on the water by mid to end of March," said the new cub's young president, Chloe Tong, who got her start with the youth program "Freedom Rowers" and extended her experience in a master's rowing club in Australia.
Now back in Easton, Chloe's infectious enthusiasm has been the mobilizing force for a whole new club. Under the heading of Rowing for All, Eastern Shore Community Rowing hopes to share the enthusiasm by inviting anyone interested to try out for this multigenerational sport, which promotes personal excellence and takes advantage of our wonderful waterways, underscoring the appreciation of preservation our natural resources.
As well as the early morning rows, to accommodate working adults, ESCR will offer scheduled Learn-to-Row Saturday mornings throughout the summer for anyone interested. "The only criteria," said Board Safety Officer and registered nurse, Terry Gleim, "is that you be able to swim and be able to properly hold an oar, which is about 14-years old, I'd say."
"ESCR is open to anyone interested in having fun, getting healthy, and appreciating our beautiful waters," said Penelope Dwyer, a founding member who is passionate about the environment as well. "The health of our rivers, as well as personal health, is an intrinsic element of our conversation."
As a non-profit, 501(c)3, Eastern Shore Community Rowers is raising money through private donations, grants, and modest memberships dues needed to fund the additional boats and necessary equipment for next year's rowing season.
Board Vice President, January White, expressed his gratitude to the organizations and individuals who have already participated: "We are deeply grateful to Evergreen.org for allowing us to use their property. We are also thankful for the donations from private donors who have contributed in several ways, as well as Atlantic Broadband, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime, East Point Marina and Stoltzfus Outdoor Living."
For more information on membership and Learn-to-Row schedules, please contact Penelope Dwyer, [email protected], or visit http://www.ESCRowers.org or Eastern Shore Community Rowers on Facebook.