Board Meeting — 5/8/23
Call to Order: President Dolly Robinson called the Board meeting to order at 5:32 PM.
Members in attendance included the following: Dolly Robinson, Mike Null, Laura Null. Tara Bell, and Linda Williams.
George English of USTA-Florida was unable to attend, however, L. Williams reported that G. English contacted her via email and said he can provide a USTA-Florida banner to display with the other LCCCTA banner sponsors.
L. Williams also reported that prior to LCCCTA being featured in USTA-Florida’s CTA newsletter, she was contacted by the coordinator for the USTA Tennis Venue Services.
G. English said unfortunately, there was not enough space in the newsletter to include everything he originally submitted for the article.
Approval of Minutes: L. Null made a motion to approve the Minutes of the April 10, 2023 Board Meeting; seconded by M. Null, and the motion carried unanimously.
Welcome: President Robinson thanked Board Members and LCCCTA Volunteers. She specifically expressed gratitude to VP Null for his administrative role in multiple LCCCTA grant requests; his knowledge and research have been required to be successful in securing tennis equipment, supplies, and tennis court attachments.
President Robinson also thanked Secretary Williams for contributing to LCCCTA’s adult and youth tennis programs through a variety of publicity means (creating flyers, posting on social media, updating LCCCTA’s website, and contacting the local newspaper to advertise events).
In addition, the LCCCTA banner sponsorships have been very successful with 14 paid sponsors to date. The banners look attractive on the tennis court fences.
President Robinson and Board members expressed joy and pride knowing Anjan and Liza Viplav’s daughter, Lizanne, won the Gold Medal in tennis for the second time at the Florida State Special Olympics held in Orlando the weekend of May 5-6.
President D. Robinson said she plans to complete an inventory of all LCCCTA equipment and supplies in both the tennis pro shop and the adjacent shed. It was suggested that with the abundance of USTA Net Generation youth tennis rackets, young participants be provided tennis rackets to keep, if needed.
D. Robinson will contact Action Signs to order the sign for Court 3 sponsorship— The Powers-Walsh Family.
In addition, she plans to order two signs for each of the tennis court gates to read: COURTS FOR TENNIS ONLY.
D. Robinson suggested displaying a list of LCCCTA Tennis Sponsors for each year.
L. Null suggested getting a Lucite plaque with metal plates for sponsor names.
T. Bell added that it could be secured to the tennis pro shop.
VP M. Null received a check from Suwannee Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) to cover the cost of installing four bench shades will cost $650.00 each. He reported they have already been ordered and may take approximately 6 weeks to arrive.
Also, M. Null made a motion to submit a grant application with President Robinson’s signature on the cover letter, to the Board of Columbia County Commissioners, asking if discretionary funding may be used to provide a Bleacher Shade over the center tennis bleachers.
L. Null seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
Secretary L. Williams: Provided a summary of LCCCTA’s Spring Youth Tennis Camp: The camp was directed by Liza Viplav with 23 participants ages 6-18 years old. Six volunteers assisted with spring camp. There were several rain out days; unfortunately, we not able to conduct Tennis Challenges.
L. Williams also reviewed plans for the upcoming Summer Youth Tennis Program to begin on Tuesday, May 30th. It will be 3-weeks in duration (Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:00 AM)
Two groups to be divided by ages: 6-9 year olds from 8:30-9:15 AM and 10 years and up from 9:15-10:00 AM. The camp will be limited to 30 children and the cost will be $25 per participant. On the final morning of the camp (June 15th), Tennis Challenge Play will be conducted, and refreshments will be provided by L. Williams.
The summer camp has already been publicized, with Facebook and LCCCTA website links available to register.
J. Hinkle and L. Williams will be responsible for registration, liability waiver form completion, and collection of fees. The following information will be added on the registration links: “USTA tennis rackets available for participant use.”
L. Williams will direct the summer camp and two lead paid instructors will include Mark Mansbach and Adrienne Foreman. It is hoped that several volunteers will assist.
L. Williams obtained an initial quote for YTF/LCCCTA logo hats for summer participants. She will send an updated and reduced quote to Board Members via email for review and approval.
L. Williams reminded the group of LCCCTA’s Monthly Tennis Socials; the next event is scheduled at Young’s Park on Thursday, May 18th at 6:00 PM.
L. Williams has been asked that LCCCTA help publicize “Tuesday Tennis Socials” so community tennis players can gather to play doubles each week from 6:00-7:30 PM. The Board recommended that LCCCTA assist in publicizing and reserving courts; however, the weekly social events will not be led by LCCCTA.
L. Williams has hopes that local Adult Tennis Leagues will be initiated by having weekly tennis play.
Treasurer J. Hinkle was unable to attend, however he provided a current financial statement showing a bank balance of $1,948.70. Richard Johnson, CPA, is preparing the required tax documents for LCCCTA.
Tara Bell reported the spring Net Generation program at Belmont Academy is in week 5 of the 7-week program. There are nine children learning to play tennis and
Ms. Bell’s, son is assisting her with the program, using the USTA Florida curricula.
Next Meeting: Monday, June 12th
President D. Robinson adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM.
