Seattle Gator Club July 2010 Newsletter

Hello Seattle Gators,

I wanted to update you on what the Seattle Gator Club has been doing since our last game. I apologize if this newsletter is a little long this time but we have been very busy getting ready for the upcoming season and planning events.

Since our last SEC game, we have hosted the Sugar Bowl Game, 2nd Annual Skate and Bowl Night, Ski and Snowboard Day, International Gator Day and Lady Gator Night Out. Rich Rayos and I attended the January leadership weekend in Gainesville. We received a bronze (3rd place) metal for most improved Gator club. In June, Rich and I attended the Region 8 Leadership meeting in Austin, Texas hosted by the Lone Star Gator Club. We enjoyed meeting all of the Gators who attended and were able learn a lot from these meetings.

President-Elect, Treasurer Elect, New Board Members and Volunteers Needed

Rich Rayos and I have been your Treasurer and President for the last 5 years. The new UF Alumni Association rules governing club officers now have term limits of two years for officers. While Rich and I have very much enjoyed representing the Seattle Gator Club, it’s time to bring new blood into the club. If you are interested in being the President or Treasurer, please feel free to contact me, Rich Rayos or one of our board members. These positions are great learning experiences, give you a chance to give back to the Gator Nation and would look good on anyone’s resume.

We are looking for new Gators to join our team for the coming year. We have lots of events and projects during the year that can use the skills you acquired in Gainesville and in the work place. You’ll find we offer a great atmosphere to bring up new ideas and events. We have a need for people to manage our Eastside viewing location, plan and host events, write announcements to the club, develop a club video and help improve our club. If you are interested in helping out or being a board member, please feel free to contact me or one of our board members.

Our board meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 PM at Buckley’s in Belltown. Their address is 2331 2nd Ave., Seattle. Our next board meeting is August 19, 2010. Please let me know if you plan to attend a board meeting.

3rd Annual Picnic – August 21, 2010 – Light House Park – Mukilteo – 11:00 to 4:00

The picnic this year is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Light House Park in Mukilteo. Light House Park is located on the water next to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. We have reserved the two covered pavilions for the picnic so weather should not be a problem. The park is very kid friendly with a great play area and beach access. Bring a kite to fly. The park has a boat ramp, volleyball net, grills and restrooms. Ivar’s restaurant and the Diamond Knot brewery are located just outside the park. For more information on Light House Park, you can refer to the City of Mukilteo web site, http://www.ci.mukilteo.wa.us/. The address of the park is 609 Front Street, Mukilteo. If you can find your way to the Mukilteo ferry, you can find your way to the park. Turn left into the park at the last stop sign before getting on the ferry.

We will be providing hot dogs and hamburgers. Please bring a dish to share and any beverages you and your family will need during the day. We’ll also be drawing for lots of Gator Gear. We’ll be previewing our *NEW DESIGN* Seattle Gator Club T-shirts at the picnic. Be one of the first club members to purchase one of these new shirts. Shirts are still just $20 each.

Pre-Season Warm Up – Spitfire – Thursday - August 26, 2010 – 6:00 – 10:00 PM

We’ll be holding a Pre-Season viewing of the National Championship Games at Spitfire on Thursday, August 26, 2010 from 6:00 – 10:00 PM. We are officially kicking off the football season with this meeting. Come see our new Seattle Gator Club T-shirts. You’ll want to have one of these. They are awesome and come in two *NEW DESIGNS*. Are you ready for some Gator Football?

SEC Gathering – Jillian’s - Saturday – August 28, 2010 – 5:00 – 8:00 PM

The 3rd annual SEC Gathering is scheduled for August 28 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Jillian’s on Lake Union. Their address is 731 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle. This is a fun event. Come and get to know your SEC and southern school counterparts. Let’s have a good showing of the Gator Nation at this event (we want to scare the heck out of them). Please let me know if you plan on attending by emailing me at neilhang@comcast.net.

First Game – Miami (OH) - Spitfire Viewing Only – Sept. 4 – 9:00 AM

Come view our first game with us at Spitfire on September 4, 2010. The game starts at 9:00 AM. Spitfire will be opening at 8:30 AM for this game. Arrive early and get a chance to win a prize by guessing the halftime score. Spitfire will be having specials for us this year and has agreed to reserve the backroom for each of our games. It’s because of YOU that Spitfire enjoys hosting our club.

It won’t be long before you will be receiving Courtney’ game day announcements and they’ll be saying “Here Come the Gators!” at the Swamp.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events this year.

Go Gators!

Neil Hang
President, Seattle Gator Club