MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON

OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY GOLDEN RACQUETS

HELD AT PJ SKIDOO’S RESTAURANT, FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

OCTOBER 18, 2011

Members gathered at the restaurant at 11:30 am for socializing, and luncheon was served at 12 noon.

Attendees were treated to a musical presentation by our Golden Racquets member Jinny Marsh and her trombonist Sy Greene. Jinny has a Hot Kugel Klezmer Band and sings her way through their CD Klezmerika Eklectika Nostalgic American and Klezmer Classics. It was great fun entertainment. Sy, who is 91, spoke of his time playing with Irving Berlin and Jack Tiergarden during World War II.

Draw prizes were handled by Pat Jordan and winners were Mabel Hart, Gordon Causey, Henry DeHaan, Bob Nagel and—the brand new tennis racquet—Sy Greene.

The Annual Meeting of Golden Racquets was brought to order by Ed Byrne at 1:00 PM.

A motion to accept the Minutes of the 2010 Annual Meeting as written was passed.

The Outstanding Member Award for the year was presented to Bob Westall for his outstanding service as Treasurer and for the many extra tasks he has performed with loyalty and great attention to detail. Bob, for once, was speechless.

A Life Member Award was presented to Henry DeHaan who has been a member of Golden Racquets for eighteen years. Ed read a letter of congratulation and praise from a fellow Pitt Alumnus and Golden Racquets member, Don DiSpirito. In accepting the award Henry, who is 93, mentioned that he has been playing tennis since High School.

The Election of Officers followed with the membership voting for the Executive Board’s recommendation to elect Pete Koenig as Vice President for 2012, and for Bob Westall to continue as Treasurer for one year.

Ed Byrne continues as President and Ann Gratz as Secretary.

Executive Board Appointees are

            Larry Hyer as new Ratings Chairman

            Bob Roeder as new Social Chairman

            Fred Hart to remain as Chairman of Operations and Plans.

Ed presented the President’s Report.

Ed noted that Golden Racquets has a great group of volunteers serving both on the Executive Board and as captains of all venues. We aspire to provide the best possible playing experience at each member’s proficiency level. All other activities flow from that main objective.

This year we have taken initiatives in both direct and indirect ways to provide great tennis at a reasonable cost. A women’s venue did not have enough interest but a 3.8 venue was formed in the summer and another 3.8 in the winter from a merger with a splinter group. The Executive Board will be exploring the feasibility of offering weekend play in the future. A show of hands indicated about fifteen people present would be interested in some weekend play.

The age requirement for membership was lowered from 55 to 50 years.

This year a separate Membership Chair was formed. Joan Linthicum took the position and has done a great job of promoting membership through various media, word of mouth, etc. 46 new members have been processed with three more in the rating phase. Membership now stands at 281. We now have business cards (designed by Fred Hart) that members may use to hand out to potential members.

The Ratings Co-chairmen, Fred Hart and Larry Hyer, have rated or re-rated 49 people. There are a lot of people needing to be rated in one year and Fred has done an outstanding job. Thanks to Larry for taking over the job.

The Club is in good financial condition with a current balance of $24,344.02. Our bank account allows us to keep court fees at a reasonable rate.

Under the excellent leadership of Pat Jordan, we have had an enjoyable Social year including two very successful tennis parties, a bowling party and a picnic for captains and the Executive Board. Ed thanked Pat for an excellent job for the past two years.

Ed mentioned upcoming events including an informal tennis party at Fairfax Racquet Club on New Year’s Day from 2:00-4:00 PM, followed by socializing at PJ Skidoos.

A 3-day excursion to Capon Springs is planned from May 20 – May 23, 2012. Three tennis courts, golf, badminton, horseshoes, table tennis, volleyball, shuffleboard are available, plus hiking, fishing, swimming and night activities. There will be a drawing at Capon Springs that will cover a one-day stay for two people. Ed announced there were flyers available at the back of the room.

Ed discussed the problems that can arise with regard to getting good pairings at “open venues.” A committee under the able leadership of Charles Russo has been studying how the Club can accommodate players whose proficiency does not permit them to be paired successfully. The Committee’s final report will be presented to the Board Meeting in November.

Golden Racquets joined USTA as a group member. This carries prestige and may lead to further benefits.

Ed encouraged members to become more supportive of the tennis portion of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. Kelly McCaffrey participates each year and can provide information. Kelly and Joan Linthicum were very successful in this year’s doubles competition.

Ed noted his support for and thanks to our wonderful Caring Chair, Bill Summerson.

He asked members to let Bill know of any accident, illness or death of a member or member’s family.

There being no New Business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 1:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann F. Gratz,

Secretary