March 2008 Directors’ Message

We thank everyone for their continued faith in our leadership. We’d like to thank all of last year’s Board of Governors for keeping our club on track in 2007; Patty Cecere, Maura Laverty, Karen Lorence, Claire Miko, Jennifer Ringstad, Karin White, Laura Weinfield, and Mary Cassidy (whom we thank for doing our minutes too) all gave a group effort of advice and action. We welcome three new additions to our board: Pat Buono, Dot Hackett & Dave Steck. They each bring their own area of expertise to round out the Board in 2008.

Physical improvements were made in 2007 and included new windscreens, two new sets of net posts, pebble flex in the sprinkler pool, bowling lane refurbishment, improved lighting in the parking areas and painting of the patio, pool area balcony & fence. Larger purchases included a new beer refrigerator, bowling bumpers for the kids, a DVD projector, and a club banner on the court fence, all totaling almost $20,000 in expenditures. Sensible planning and a balanced spending/saving strategy provided the necessary foundation.

Our social calendar has been active throughout the year, with plenty of parties and activities for all age groups. Our Tennis Committee has kept the court calendar active as well; round robins, tournaments, lessons, clinics and a kids’ tennis camp have helped to get folks out on the tennis courts. Our pool has been run with precision by the Pool Committee – assuring everyone of a safe, clean place to swim. The Bowling Committee has headed up a campaign to get more members – including children – to take advantage of our lanes. The Bar Committee has tried several events – some quite successful – to get more people to come and socialize at the club’s bar, and the Playgroup has brought several new families through our doors and developed a network of their own. Our Communications Team keeps members up-to-date with timely emails, a monthly newsletter and an informative website. We must give special thanks to Mary Liberatore, who single-handedly takes care of club rentals – fielding phone calls, setting up appointments, booking parties, following up, handling problems…. These rentals provide the additional income that keeps our dues as low as possible.

We will continue to make needed repairs & improvements in 2008. A priority list has been prepared by the Board of Governors. Some projects slated for this spring: New lounge chairs and tables for the pool area, a new shed for the tennis equipment & roller, concrete & step repair to the pool area. If our membership drive is successful, incremental income will be applied directly toward other improvements on the “wish list”: A renovation of our club porch and entrance is being given serious consideration. Ad-hoc committees are being formed to handle assessment and estimates. Earmarked funds will be established in order to pay for some “pricier” fixes. We have already budgeted for $13,000-18,000 in basic capital improvements, which will be “flexed” with expenditures & income.

Membership has remained stable, but we are continually working towards our goal of growing our membership base. The Membership Committee is running ads in the Riverdale Press as well as holding our usual open houses this spring. Your support of our efforts will make all the difference. If you have friends that you think would enjoy our club, bring them to a party, for a day on the courts, or a swim in the pool. Our club grows one family at a time!

Our final appeal is for everyone to be an active club member. Two areas are especially in need of a “jump start”; we are re-instituting a formalized Social Committee. Our Grounds & Landscaping Committee will also be expanding and planning a long-term campaign to beautify the club. If you would like to join one of these (or any committee) please email the club at parkhillracquetclub@yahoo.com and our “point person” for that committee will get in touch with you. Thank you in advance for getting involved. All of our accomplishments are made through the efforts of individual members. We look forward to an enjoyable spring and summer!

Patty Gamba Jill Feldman Robert Moment