The End of the Arctic Outflow (must be near!)

Groundhog Day last weekend was supposed to bring hopeful news, but it didn’t. All the groundhogs I checked couldn’t agree one way or the other. They split their decisions down the middle. So is it 6 more weeks of winter or not?

The news about cancelling the Birkie this past weekend pointed towards more winter. If these sub -20° daily highs will ever break, we should have some great snow for skiing before the books are closed on this winter. And then we can get on with our outdoor cycling season …

Like the club’s annual Penticton Riding Camp

Surely the Arctic Outflow will have collapsed by the time we hold the camp. Keep the dates in mind: April 27 to May 5. Check the Event Page for all the details.

And make some Big Event Ride plans too

Racers should be looking at the ABA Calendar to plan their season. I see a few new events planned, including:

Our own club’s Spring Double-header with the St. Albert Criterium and Bon Accord Time Trial on the weekend of May 19-20
The Tour de Sask in Saskatoon on the weekend of June 1-2
And the revamped Alberta Masters Games, August 24-25 in Rocky Mountain House, now with cycling events for 30+ year-olds with Cat 3 (and lower) ABA licenses

And sport enthusiast club members should consider the MS Bike Ride from Leduc to Camrose (and back) on June 22 & 23, or the Tour de l’Alberta on July 28. If you’d like a basic 8-10 week training plan to get ready for one of these rides, please go grab a copy of my Ultimate Event Day Training Plan described on this page.

Still Accepting Your Survey Feedback

Currently the survey says:

About 80% of the membership are racers
And 2/3rds of the club are primarily road racers

But is that the full picture? We’d like to see some more input please!

Here’s your Google link to complete the anonymous Rider Engagement Survey:

https://goo.gl/forms/RmE5QUTfDHFi7YO33

Meanwhile, come to the club’s monthly meeting this week

We had to move our regular meeting to a Friday this month. Please check in with your clubmates this Friday, February 15 from 7-9pm, at our usual venue, the Community Boardroom in the MEC Downtown location.

And finally, your club needs all hands on deck next month to …

Please lend a fundraising hand

Every 2 years the club volunteers during 2 days at a local casino. In return, we raise nearly 6 figures in fundraising to support primarily the youth side of the club, as well as help pay some of the club’s ongoing general expenses.

Your club is committed to serve your cycling needs, please make this small commitment to help back. No prior casino experience is necessary.

It’s easy and very straightforward

Here’s the link to our volunteer sign-up sheet: https://volunteersignup.org/L3EQT

Each position is described below. If a position does not appear on the Volunteer Sign-Up sheet when you visit it, then other club members have filled that position already. Please make another selection.

Here are some important details that you need to know as a volunteer in the casino:

A volunteer General Manager from your organization will manage your casino event.
An experienced registered casino advisor will provide training, support and assistance in both the cash cage and the count room.
The Casino Games Manager and the trained professional staff will provide assistance to the volunteers as they carry out their various duties.
Upon arrival at the casino you will be greeted, signed in, and given a nametag to wear at all times.
You cannot fill any more than one position for the duration of the casino event; however, you can work as many shifts as you wish in the same position.
Dress is business casual (be wary of the air conditioning). No jeans, T-shirts, shorts or athletic wear.
Volunteering at the casino is safe, easy and fun.
You will get time for breaks and meals. The dining room is available for you to order snacks and meals (you will not have to pay for your order – your organization will be billed by the casino facility at the end of the event).
There is ample parking for volunteers.
The casino is protected by security systems including cameras and alarms. You will be walked to your car if you wish – just ask a security guard.
It is very important to arrive on time for you shift. Your presence at the casino is very important; however, if you will be late or need to cancel, for whatever reason, it is necessary to contact the General Manager.
No volunteers may play casino games or gaming terminals during their group’s casino event.
No volunteer may consume liquor or illicit substances before or during his or her shift.
The casino industry’s rules and regulations are very strict and must be followed at all times.
Enjoy your casino event fundraiser – the money is going to a wonderful cause.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our casino coordinator, Paul Ermantrout (our club Treasurer).

CASINO VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

GENERAL MANAGER (or ALTERNATE GENERAL MANAGER):

Working closely with the casino facility games manager, the role of the general manager is to supervise all aspects of the casino, ensuring the casino is conducted according to Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines (CTCOG)
Must be in the casino at all times.
Ensures that there are a sufficient number of volunteers for each day and each volunteer is on time for their shift.
Ensures that volunteers do not fill more than one position for the duration of the casino (volunteers can work as many shifts as they want to, but they cannot change jobs.)
Controls drop box keys.
Makes sure signed cheques are available on the second day to pay expenses.
For a more detailed description of all the duties, please review the CTCOG booklet that comes in the package from Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).

BANKER:

Controls the main Cash Cage chip and cash floats.
Assisted in all areas by the Cash Cage Advisor.
Busy times are during opening, volunteer shift changes, and closing.
Responsible for documentation of all cash/chip transfers from the main float. This information is recorded on the computer, therefore computer skills are an asset.
Some administrative experience and/or math skills are helpful in this position.

CASHIER:

This position can be quite challenging and requires concentration and accuracy.
Transactions include cashing out chips for players and making change.
You have your own float and do not share your cash/chip float with anyone.
Cash-handling skills and being a bit street wise are definite assets.
Not a job for colour-blind volunteers.

CHIP RUNNER:

You are a chip courier (runner) for chip orders to and from the table games.
You must be able to move around the gaming floor and carry chips in their delivery racks.
This position is busy at the opening and closing times of the casino.
You will always be accompanied on your chip runs by security.

COUNT ROOM SUPERVISOR:

Assisted by the Count Room Advisor, you will keep records of the cash and chip counts.
Some administrative experience and math skills are very helpful.
You are not required to handle cash or chips.

COUNT ROOM STAFF:

You sort, count, verify and amalgamate cash from the table games drop boxes.
At least one volunteer in the Count Room should have good cash handling skills.

February Update