[George A.]

OK, here's my annual "Things to remember about the NJ regional"

1) This is the first year in recent memory where the forecast doesn't call for snow this week. Which is awesome. That being said the weather here is kinda wonky. Combine that with the fact that we are playing in an ice rink, please dress appropriately. It's easier to take off an extra layer if you're hot, than to try to find extra clothes if you're cold.

2) Don't save seats. If you have a group of students then it's understood you want to sit to get together for safety reasons. But if someone comes and wants to sit with you, don't be so quick to shoo them away. If there is ONE person, and you blatantly have more than one seat just let them sit, you might go a long way to spread the good word of what this program is about.

3) Safety first. Remember to wear close toed shoes, and safety goggles. If you don't have safety goggles you won't be allowed into the pits. It's black and white, no goggles no pits. We don't have nearly enough for everyone, so make sure that for everyone that will have access to your pits, you have goggles to go around (that includes parents that are visiting)

4) Please be patient. This year is our first year doing a bag and tag event. So there are bound to be some hiccups. Combine that with the fact that we are a first week event, it's only natural to become hot under the collar. Just take a deep breath and we can all get through this together.

5) Thank a volunteer. We don't get paid, we do this job for the sheer fact that we love FIRST and want to see you kids have a good time. We pull long hours, are standing around all day and barely get time to go to the bathroom sometimes. A thank you and a hand shake go a long way!

That's all I can think of for right now, but I'm sure there are things I forgot. I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!