Board Meeting - March 11, 2019
Call to Order: President Dolly Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:45 PM. Members in attendance included the following: Dolly Robinson, Mike Null, Joe Hinkle, Linda Williams, Laura Hunter, Liza Viplav, and USTA Florida representative, George English.Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by M. Null to approve the minutes of February 11,2019 as presented; seconded by J. Hinkle. The motion carried unanimously.Old Business: G. English reported he and L. Viplav visited Epiphany Catholic School to share USTA SHAPE PE tennis curriculum lesson plans. At this time, the principal is interested in having the tennis program after school. Summer Elementary is awaiting their USTA equipment for the after school program and D.Robinson will follow-up. D. Robinson recommended that our CTA volunteers demonstrate the USTA SHAPE PE TENNIS program to the schools and believes if we can get the program started at one school, the others will follow.New Business: G. English reported on behalf of Leigh Chak. He encouraged the group to continue Team Challenge events (register online and report the results to USTA Florida). A pilot USTA program will soon begin called Team Tournament. It involves 4-8 participants with one team playing another. It can be for both singles and doubles, and free substitution participants can come in to the game. An online webinar providing Team Tournament instructions must be completed by a representative of the CTA and feedback to USTA after each program is necessary. G. English said he would email the link.G. English also reported that LOVE TO LEARN/LOVE TO PLAY is an adult beginner (two-part) tennis program. It involves 6-8 weeks of play one time a week for each part. LOVE TO LEARN is the first part and it requires a certified tennis professional to teach shot basics and rallying, as well as court monitors/mentors to assist players with scoring, practice sessions, court etiquette,and other rules and procedures. LOVE TO PLAY is for those players who have graduated from LOVE TO LEARN to more advanced match play.L. Viplav observed this program in Gainesville and believes we need to focus on parents who have children also interested in tennis. It was decided L. Williams will advertise the program on our LCCCTA FB page to determine interest for September, when we can have volunteers available for 12 continuous weeks. With an estimation of 8 adults for both of the 6-weekprograms, a cost of $30 (advanced pay) per person (for each session) would be reasonable.L. Williams will look into creating a Calendar of Events to post on social media.L. Williams made contact with the Boys & Girl’s Clubs, as well as Richardson Community Center.Both summer programs begin the week of June 10th , with Fridays being the preferred day to conduct the summer tennis camps. L. Williams will make contact with both groups to provide specific days and times for the 4-week programs, as well as provide them registration and waiver forms. The participants will be coached in age level groups.M. Null reminded the group that Pierce Kelley of Youth Tennis Foundation (YTF) has expressed interest in providing grant money if LCCCTA should be interested in establishing Youth Team Tennis.Our association has benefited from the significant grant funding that Pierce Kelley & YTF have provided for our youth programs for several years.President Robinson believes we must grow young players (6-8 graders) before we can start a tennis team and she suggested we begin a junior intramural tennis camp in the fall, possibly named Fall Ball Team Tennis. This same team would be able to feed the high school tennis teams in the future.M. Null plans to draft our request on the YTF application and submit it for consideration.We are hopeful this fall intramural tennis camp will be eligible for YTF grant funding.L. Viplav stated there is a need for our CTA to hold an adult tennis event. It was recommended that a cook-out and tennis social event be held.L. Hunter recommended looking at having the event on a Sunday afternoon in May.D. Robinson asked the members to discuss and have a determined date/time at our April 8th meeting. J. Hinkle reported that he obtained a price of $350 each for 2 five-foot benches made from recycled material for the Fort White Community Center tennis courts. He plans to ask Pride if LCCCTA can donate money to their company if they will construct these benches.Treasurer’s Report: J. Hinkle reported that the account balance is $1,173.63, subject to the Fort White Chamber of Commerce check clearing in the amount of $20.00.President Robinson adjourned the meeting at 7:35 PM.
