Board Meeting — 3/11/24
Call to Order / Welcome
President Mike Null called the Board Meeting to order at 6:20 PM at the Young’s Park tennis courts. and asked the group to introduce themselves. He welcomed all guests. Members in attendance included the following: Mike Null, Laura Null, Joe Hinkle, Debbi Carter, Tara Bell and Linda Williams.
Guests: George English, Denrich Lumpkin, and Eshu Xi Amaru
Approval of Minutes
President M. Null made a motion to approve the Minutes of the February 12, 2024 Board Meeting; seconded by L. Hunter-Null, and the motion carried unanimously.
USTA FL Report
George English provided information to the group regarding the USTA FL grant program for tennis equipment. The cycle opened in mid-February and will remain open until mid-October.
M. Null acknowledged LCCCTA’s grant application was approved and the back ordered tennis equipment is expected to arrive in April.
Mr. English reminded the LCCCTA Board that USTA’s Net Generation Program is available to elementary schools for their PE curriculum. USTA FL provides Shape America National Standards grade level lesson plans for K-12, as well as all tennis equipment.
Also, after-school programs are provided tennis lesson plans and tennis equipment, along with a $250 stipend for the school staff member who conducts the tennis program for 7 weeks, one hour per week.
G. English reported that USTA Florida continues to sponsor the State Special Olympics, to be held in Orlando during the month of May. In addition, George English expressed his appreciation to tennis professional, Mark Mansbach, for his willingness to continue to volunteer his time twice a month to teach local veteran’s how to play tennis. USTA Florida provides the tennis balls each quarter for this tennis partnership program between Veterans Affairs and USTA Florida.
President M. Null provided gratitude to both George English (USTA FL representative) and Glen Howe (USPTA Master Pro/USTA FL) for arranging the 2-hour Community Tennis Training just prior to the monthly board meeting. Participants in LCCCTA’s geographical area learned dynamic teaching techniques for young/ beginner players through methods in teaching, drilling, and playing. It was informative, energetic, and fun. Mr. Glen Howe stressed how important it is to have participants begin playing just as soon as possible.
President M. Null reported LCCCTA By-Laws were recently amended to add three Ex-Officio non-voting members within the composition of the Board. In addition, a change to allow an officer to hold two or more offices at one time, except the office of President, was made. LCCCTA By-Laws will be posted on LCCCTA’s website.
President M. Null provided an update regarding the $18,000 center bleacher shade: it has already been fabricated by GameTime and awaiting the signature of the permit by the City of Lake City. M. Null expects the shade to be erected in time for the summer youth tennis camp.
President M. Null reminded the group that a large banner will be provided by LCCCTA to recognize the County’s generous contribution of a bleacher shade for our 501(c)(3) entity.
Secretary L. Williams provided information and dates for LCCCTA’s Spring Youth Tennis Camp The three-week youth tennis camp will be held at Young’s Park from April 2-April 18 on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 PM.
L. Williams asked for volunteers/coaches to assist with instructing participants divided into groups by ability levels. The cost will be $20 per participant and can be paid during registration on the first day, April 2, 2024. Waiver and Release forms will also be signed at the time of participant registration on April 2, 2024.
Treasurer J. Hinkle will be available to assist L. Williams with the registration process.
J. Hinkle provided a current financial report showing a bank balance of $3,780.94 with all checks clearing as of March 11, 2024. The general account has a balance of $1,875.71, the YTF account contains $1,748.00, and the Adult League account has a $167.23 balance.
New Business
L. Williams told the group a few local private elementary schools are very interested in having tennis taught to their students through USTA FL’s Net Generation Program. They are considering after-school programs and/or SHAPE lesson plans provided by USTA FL to their PE instructors.
L. Williams proposed the dates and cost for LCCCTA’s three-week 7th Annual Montgomery Summer Junior Tennis Program. To participate, children must be between 6-18 years old. The dates are June 4-June 20 (Tuesday and Thursdays) from 8:30-9:30 AM and the cost will be $25 per participant. Registration can be completed online soon, and waiver forms and payment will be due on the first day of the summer camp —June 4th .
Adult Tennis Programs
Debbi Carter said tennis interest remains great for Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the four courts being filled by players.
D. Carter said she is willing to continue organizing the 6:30pm Tuesday Socials, with the possibility of Anita Houston returning to provide some assistance. Stephen Ashton has recently organized a Men’s League (3.0 & up) on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM.
President M. Null expressed extreme appreciation to Debbi Carter for her efforts to increase our community adult tennis play. He also acknowledged we couldn’t do it without her, nor the efforts of Anita Houston.
President M. Null addressed LCCCTA’s 2024 Calendar. He said the LCCCTA Board will always hold its Annual Meeting in February of each year, and schedule tentative monthly meeting dates for the second Monday in each month. However, if no action is needed, or LCCCTA business can be conducted via email, it will not be necessary for the Board to meet in person.
Laura Hunter-Null made a motion to adjourn the Board Meeting; seconded by D. Carter, and the motion carried unanimously.
President M. Null adjourned the meeting at 6:40 PM.
