December 2008 Newsletter
By Marie Hutchinson and Harold Aune
“Can we all just Chill!” as some are wont to state when life gets too emotional for words. Yes, it’s Christmas and everyone in the world is feeling feverish over losses and gains that either have been lost or could have been made. It’s enough to make people into pugilistic know-it-alls or worse!
We at Whitehall want to wish you the best of the season and share our most positive of news with you as a counterbalance for the increasing “gloom” our mainstream news media is dishing out.
First, we were stunned by the caliber of the submissions to our “Why Rowing Makes Sense to Me” contest that came in by mid-November. They were humbling in their skill and sincerity. They were small in number, but that was not a surprise to us considering the political and economic shifts that were happening throughout those months.
It’s been difficult to decide on the winner, however we’ve chosen one as the best overall entry, because the photo submitted along with it was so brilliant. Stephen Hodges is the winner of a new Stormy Seas life vest for his contribution.
Here is Steve’s entry:
Why Rowing Makes Sense To Me
As silly as it may sound to some, rowing is metaphorical, and in this crazy, hot, crowded world, it gets more metaphorical every day.
Life is often difficult, and those accomplishments that we cherish the most are those for which we have worked very hard for. Rowing is hard, but the rewards are many. I love the sound of the splash of the oars, the smell of the sweat coming off my body, the swirl of the water off the stern.
As rowers, we know well how the oily power, arrogance, and throaty ease of motors churns the environment. In Florida, where I live, motors and props leave their signature scars on the seagrass beds which nurture fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, and on the backs of manatees. Many power boaters simply roar on by, their wakes washing the shores violently, while we rowers bob quietly waiting for the water to calm again.
We row because we are trying to escape the oil-fueled madness of modern life, the collapse of the American Empire, the meanness and vacuity of a vicious political campaign, and because we are trying desperately to slow down and rediscover ourselves. We are also trying to give our family a different set of memories so that they can remember that happiness is not measured in horsepower.
Rowing a Whitehall regularly will make you “Younger Next Year”
Since the last newsletter went out we’ve been hearing from many of our customers who are saying they will have to work for a few more years now before they can retire. What this says to us is that they will now need a rowing routine even more than they did before.
One of the main proponents of exercise for increasing health and performance even once you’re over 50, recently spoke at a fitness festival organized by the Hills, owners of a 17’ double slide model located in Missouri. Marilyn and Ron brought in Chris Crowley – Author of ‘Younger Next Year’, as their keynote speaker for this big event.
Here’s a note from Ron Hill regarding the event
Here are a few of the pictures we had taken. As soon as we get the finals together we will send them to you along with a write up of our story and our time with Chris.
Chris's book helped force a big change in our life and your boat has been a wonderful part of that change. We enjoy the boat, the exercise, and it being a different way to spend time with our friends.
Thank you Andrea, for being so informative and knowledgeable of your product.
Ron Hill, Euro World Design www.euroworlddesign.com
Chris Crowley, rowing Ron Hills Whitehall Spirit 17
Heres a link to Chris Crowley’s book website and personal website
www.crowcreative.com
www.youngernextyear.com
We have a special Christmas Newsletter that will be forwarded to you next week. And please don’t hesitate give us a call or send an email.
We love hearing from you..Season’s best! 
