2008/2009 Executive:
President’s Letter – January 2009
Greetings and HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
We are half way through the paddle season now and this letter is intended to bring you up to date on some of the discussions your Volunteer Executive Committee had at a recent meeting at the clubhouse.
Member News!
Congratulations to Paul Stulac, who along with long-time partner Scott McFaden won the APTA West Penn Open Tournament in Pittsburgh in early December. Paul and Scott are currently ranked 19th in North America by APTA.
Finances and AGM
Revenue/membership is about equal to last year and because we were unable to execute our planned court surface repairs in last year’s budget, we accumulated a surplus for the year. For more details, please plan to attend our Annual General Meeting, to be held on Thursday, February 12th at 8:30 pm in the Clubhouse. All members are encouraged to attend.
Maintenance:
Many thanks to our unsung heroes – our Maintenance volunteers - led by Mike Gallagher, Jeff Tkachuk, Dave Gallagher, Will Reinhart and the many others who have and continue to go above and beyond to keep the courts in great working order.
- Court resurfacing – as noted previously, we were unable to get the US based work crew across the border this past summer and will try again in May of 2009.
- Snow difficulties: we have purchased several new heaters and had many of the existing heaters in for re-conditioning. We have been able to re-connect with a reliable snow shoveling team of 2 years ago who, to-date have been doing a great job keeping up with the snowfall.
Communication/Promotion:
Suzanne Lanthier and Sonja Erskine are co-leading a sub-committee looking at implementing a number of initiatives to promote paddle and boost our membership numbers and re-energize our current membership. You will be hearing more about these initiatives in the coming weeks but they include: updated signage and promotional materials, website, advertising, junior programs and a more full social / events calendar for next season with free clinics and other programming elements. Thanks to Tim Hunter, Andrew Daw, Deb Gallagher, Mike Page and Jeff Tkachuk for assisting on this sub-committee. Sonja and Suzanne will be asking for assistance in various areas from the membership, so please, step-in and step-up when you can lend your expertise and assistance.
Clubhouse Improvements:
Our continued thanks are extended to Mary Angleson for her incredible work at keeping the clubhouse in great shape for the past number of years. There is no doubt that the Kingsway Paddle clubhouse is getting older. As an Executive, it is on our agenda over the coming months to look at the issue of major clubhouse improvements. In the short term, we are looking at a spruce-up – repainting, re-organizing trophies and display areas, etc. We are looking for a volunteer who has light carpentry tools and skills to do a few improvements in the month of January. Please reach out to Suzanne at slanthier@autismspeaks.org if you can assist.
Junior Program
Many thanks to Deb Gallagher and Mike Page who are spearheading a new Junior Program targeted at Grades 5-8 age groups from local schools and after school programs. A flyer is attached to this email and available in the clubhouse as well. This program is offered to members’ children as well so please contact Deb or Mike if you would like to have your children participate. The program begins on February 4 and runs for 8 weeks from 3:30 – 5 PM and is being offered at $30/child. As we know from past experience, a strong junior program is great way to attract new adult and family club members so please help us spread the word.
Private Lessons
Paul Stulac, who has extensive teaching experience in paddle, is offering his services to our membership. Fees are $40/hour for private (1:1) lessons and $20/person for semi-private lessons (2:1). 3:1 lessons are also available for $14/person/hour. Please email Paul or leave a written message for him at the club with your contact info and Paul will get in touch with you.
Equipment and Supplies:
Thanks to Ted and Anna Lis for taking over the Equipment and Supplies area from Jim Gilchrist who ably held the reins for many, many years. The Lis’ report that most of the 2007 racquets have been sold as well as all of the 2008 Ignite plus’. There is a good supply of other racquets as well as balls, winter gloves and baseball caps. Any inquiries can be directed to Anna or Ted Lis.
Court bookings:
Sonja Erskine is our point person if you want to use a block of courts for a special event. A phone call or email works for Sonja. (416-987-7949) or info@kingswaypaddle.com. Dropping in for a pickup game should not require any pre-booking.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to connect with me.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009!
Your President, Greg Hughes |
