Minutes fr om September 2004 Meeting

Minutes from the September 9th Leadership Team Meeting 

Members Present:   Mo Garcia, Marian Garcia, Jordyn Balba-guest, Nichol Gregory-guest, George Carr, Joyce Noland, Lori King, Sally Serago, Gregory Wayne, Harve Mobley, Dean Cheatham, Cheryl Breidenbach, Christy Prichard, Kathy Reiter, Heidi Abele, Linda Blake, and Marcia Stivanson

1.  Introduction of New People:  Jordyn, Nicole and Greg were introduced by Mo as being new to AP but enthusiastic to become a part of the organization. 

2.  Feedback from Player Reps:    Sally stated that DIP courts are not being used.   Note:  Courts 4 & 5 are being converted to court reservations  on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11am for the next two months.  

Greg, who has been playing for six months had a couple of bad experiences with  playing inside at OW.  He was told by individuals that OP/Designated court play was not for new players.  Mo and George will address the individuals that were not welcoming.  This type of behavior is not what AP is about. 

There’s a handful of people who make newbies feel unwelcome.  This type of behavior will not be tolerated.

Cheryl brought up that Bill Bourbeau used to be a OW representative and asked if this is something he could handle.  Joyce responded that he has been out with injury.  George is looking for a new person to be the DIP rep.  Note: Rich Peterson has agreed to be our new player rep for drop in play.

Jordyn mentioned that Team Reach, a text medium, also has drama.  That problem has been resolved.

3.  Good Girls Social on Thursday, September 12-Joyce:    This will be an informal event from 5:30-8:30.  If you wear an Aiken pickleball shirt, a 10% discount will be given for food/beverage.

4.  Skinny Singles introduced and Pizza Social on Friday, Sept 27-George:  Members thought that this idea would be welcome and well attended.

5.  Benches-Ceremony-Mo:  There are 4 benches installed at Virginia Acres.  Two are in honor of Nelson Schwarzenegger and Mike/Loretta Beckner.  A little ceremony to thank Nelson and the Beckners could be held prior to the October Junior Tourney or some other time 

6.  Pacer Life Update-Kathy:   Kathy continues to work with the University.  Again, once initiated, she plans on letting the university staff members take over the Pacer Life program she has helped get started there. 

7.  Juniors’ tournament in Oct.-Mo:   Registration is still needed from CSRA youngsters. It will be a doubles only tourney, starting  at 9am.   Note:  Juniors tournament has been canceled.

8.  League - Mo:   Pickleball league will start with a 3.0/3.5 ladies league.  (There is interest in a  men’s league too.)   We want to avoid stacking (having all the top rated players on the same team).  Jordyn stated there’s a lot of enthusiasm for play. Ratings are going to be required.  There will be an abbreviated rating, according to Mo, for placement for league play.    Notification was sent out to Cedar Creek, Gem Lakes, Houndslake, Woodside, Reserve.  Captains are needed.  Will start in October.  6 week league.  Outdoor.  Matches can be played early.  Teams will be 8-14/16 people.   Mo will talk to the City and reserve courts for league play. 

9.  Ambassador Update-Mo:   We have talked about unacceptable  behavior on court.  Moving forward, the protocol will be to initiate an incident report within three days of the problem.  The OW front desk staff has necessary paperwork to get this process started.   A Code of Conduct article was posted on the website.

Mo is stepping down as Ambassador and head pro until the end of December.  He will still support Aiken Pickleball.   Harve will be taking over as head pro. 

10.  Closing comments.   Linda stated that there are various dates for clinics/practices in October.  Calendar will show the particulars. 

11.  Next meeting will be on Monday October 7th.