Minutes for the June Leadership Team Meeting held on June 5th at the Aiken Library In attendance Joyce Noland, George Carr, Jody Madden, Jay Wilson, Lori King, Linda Blake, Brian Eberhard, and Harve Mobley.
Sally’s Memorial
The sudden passing of Sally Serago was discussed and our condolences went out to John, Tracey and family. It was decided that Aiken Pickleball would honor Sally with a $100 donation to FOTAS. In addition, a memorial plaque will be placed on a bench out at the Virginia Acres courts in her honor.
Feedback from Players’ Representatives
Brian indicated that new tape has been placed on the courts at Gregg Park and three new nets have been purchased. GP will lose playing time Tuesday and Thursday evenings June 17-30 and July 22-31. Brian also reported that usage of the facility for pickleball has declined significantly.
Lori reported that she was disappointed to hear new players are not being included in drop in play opportunities. One example was two new players attempted to play on the designated court at 10:00 and were told that the person there was waiting for friends and they would have to set up another court. Discussion ensued but without any type of monitor present the court designation protocols cannot be reasonably enforced. George was going to publish another reminder of current protocols and a reminder of standards of conduct. Linda advised that when she works with the new players at the practice session she will ask them to forward to her the names of any individuals who are not abiding by the current rules.
Odell Weeks
Due to a significant decrease in the number of players at drop-in play. Tuesday and Thursday mornings, there will be court reservations available from 845-11am on courts 456.
The next new player clinic is set for June 7 from 9:15-12:00. This will be followed by the new players practice session with Linda for June 14 from 12:00-2:00.
Drills will Little Mo are full and Harve is filling in for Mo while he is on vacation.
Smith Hazel
There will be no pickleball on Wednesdays from June 4 until July due to summer camp.
Gregg Park
No New Players Clinic scheduled for June.
Due to summer camp there will be no pickleball on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 17 - 26.
Palmetto Tournament
Currently we have 135 players signed up. Anyone interested in playing is encouraged to register now
Volunteers are also encouraged to sign up since we will need help in various positions for all three days.
Jay said that the medals have been ordered but does not have a firm shipment date. George encouraged him to think about a contingency plan in case the medals will not be received in time.
Harve & Mo - Nothing to report from the teaching pros. Mo should be back in the area June 12.
Skill Rating Session
Harve confirmed the date of June 28.
League Update
The awards party for league participants will be held June 14 at 5:00 pm. The location will be outside between the courts and the playground.
The fall league will start the week of September 8 and end just before Thanksgiving.
A survey was sent out to the players soliciting their feedback on May 31.
No treasurer’s report.
Aiken Pickleball Purpose and Direction.
Joyce has retired from playing and stated that her last meeting will be Wednesday, July 9. She will continue to assist with this year's Palmetto Tournament.
A discussion was held regarding coordinating another Groovy Tuesday type of event. GT was well received and brought many new people into pickleball. Raffle prizes were discussed. A date is yet to be determined. Harve agreed to coordinate the drills and said this event cannot be successful without numerous volunteers to assist.
Next meeting
Wednesday, 4pm, July 9th, at Gregg Park newly renovated Recreational Center (not the gym).