DRAFT
GREENWICH TOWNSHIP RECREATION ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
JUNE 5, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Greenwich Township Recreation Association was called to order at 8:36 p.m., Monday June 5, 2000, in the Township’s Municipal Building. The presiding officer was Joanne Cipperly. The following members were present:
Joanne Cipperly
Suzanne Martin-Esposito
Sue Dvorin
John Gallagher
Rick Gengaro
Mary Jo Brown
Bill Strausser
Chris Visconti
Absent: Janet Brewster
Also Present: Debbie Pasquarelli
Public Present: Steve Babula, Janet Comerford, Joe Baldassare, Brian Hodge, Lisa Grubbs, Jennifer Speigal, Cindy McCormick, Joe Trainor, and Joe Burke.
BASEBALL
Brian Hodge spoke regarding baseball. He explained that his team had been beat through out the year by approximately 20 runs per game. He noted that his concerns were about the fairness in preparation of the rosters at the midget level. John Gallagher explained the logistics of how the rosters are prepared and noted that several individuals specifically requested to be placed on Brian Hodge’s team. John also explained that the Rec department attempts to keep children on the same team as in the previous year if it is possible. The possibility of a draft was discussed in detail and numerous pros and cons were put forth. Brian Hodge then expressed his concerns and frustrations about this past season. He explained that he did not have an answer but that he does think the GTRA should look into this issue further. John voiced his concerns and explained that in his opinion we should have an in town league. The problems that arise with regard to honoring individual requests were also discussed. Janet Comerford suggested that a small evaluation (not a rating) be done before each child moves on. This might be helpful to the coaches and those who are preparing the rosters. Janet Comerford and Brian Hodge have volunteered to help administer this proposal. No further suggestions were offered by the public. Things like being right or left handed would be useful information in the form.
Joe Baldassare explained that a situation arose on Saturday because of his behavior with respect to his child. He publicly apologized for anything he may have done that offended anyone and agreed that he may have said things he wished he had not. He also requested that any additional comments be directed towards him.
Jennifer Speigal, a new resident, stated that she was very happy with how everything was being run and wanted that to be noted.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
The minutes for the regular monthly meeting of May 1, 2000 were distributed. A Motion was made by John Gallagher to approve the minutes; seconded by Sue Dvorin; approved unanimously.
MONTHLY FINANCIALS
Sue Dvorin distributed details to all chairpersons.
PRESENT ACTIVITIES
*Baseball
John noted that the season was coming to an end. The All-Star game for biddies is scheduled for 6/17/00 at Walters Park. The All-Star game for midgets is scheduled for 6/24/00 at Walters Park. John said that head coaches are needed for the traveling team. All children will be given a choice of Phillipsburg All Star team or Greenwich All Star team. Two additional dates will be set for traveling team tryouts. A second date may be set for tryouts at the midget level for the traveling team. Individuals will be notified through their coaches that there is a possibility they may be cut from the team. This will be explained to people in advance and put in the policy and procedures.
ACTION ITEM: John to place the fact that individuals must be notified if they can be cut from a team in the policy and procedures.
*Softball
Sue Dvorin reported that softball was going fine. She also explained that she was unhappy with the organization and that she was looking into the possibility of other leagues. The league is currently very unorganized, not good with scheduling umpires and terrible at returning phone calls. The current league is in Phillipsburg. Questions were raised about traveling if a change of leagues took place.
Sue also noted that pictures were going to be finished shortly. She will schedule two uniform returns at Stecker Field for 6/28 and 7/7.
*Dances
The last dance for the year was in May. 239 children were in attendance. The problem of getting chaperones still exists. A letter is going to be sent out with dates of dances for next year. Dances will be cancelled if the necessary number of chaperones is not obtained. Joanne explained that the question arose regarding guests attending the dances. She stated that she had only one problem with a child throwing a stink bomb and it was rectified. Joanne is not concerned with this issue, however, the 1 guest per 1 eligible child rule will be put into effect again. The first dance of the year will be for residents of Greenwich and Bloomsbury only.
*Golf Club
People are showing up and everything is going okay. Help is needed.
*Soccer
Rick had questions about whether the hotline had a date and time stamp on it. Suzanne looked into this issue and it currently does not.
Soccer sign ups are officially closed. Names are being taking for the waiting list. This applies to all levels except kinderkickers, which is still open. Over 300 children have signed up at this time. Someone will be recruited to help with soccer from Bloomsbury ASAP. Bob Morris is going to first league meeting. He is interested in starting a girl’s only league. This item is on the 6/20/00 league meeting agenda.
*Sports Picnic
Suzanne reported that everything is going along fine. Fewer numbers were recorded than expected.
*Field Hockey
One girl signed up who is older than the age required. However, it is being checked out whether she will be able to play. 9 children have signed up at this time. It is expected that they will have enough for 2 instructional teams. In July a motion will be made to accept the coaches.
*Field Maintenance/Planning
A date needs to be set to put up the batting cages. Joanne noted that the old posts need to be taken down because of the dangerous condition they are in.
ACTION ITEM: Debbie to follow up with Road Crew in getting the old posts for the batting cages taken down.
ACTION ITEM: Debbie to follow up on having stacked fence removed on school property.
All fields are being seeded.
ACTION ITEM: Debbie to follow up on getting basketball courts lined.
The possibility of needing a football field was discussed.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
*Basketball
Basketball is being moved from the gym to the municipal courts because too many children are being brought and are not being supervised. Adults will continue to play on Friday nights. A girl’s night is scheduled for Thursday night from 6:15 – 8:15pm. A newsletter was sent out explaining the details of the girl’s night. The attempt is to bring back the pick up game atmosphere. A discussion took place about placing a sign at the municipal field for information purposes.
Rick Gengaro volunteered to head the Adult Basketball. Steve formally requested that the PTO talent show night be moved due to space restrictions and basketball. The PTO is going to get back to us.
*Sports Banquet
The next sports banquet is scheduled for April 22, 2000. This is the first year the banquet did not cost any money.
Suzanne gave an update on the sports picnic. Not many registration forms have been received at this time.
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES:
*Snack Shack
The snack shack was cleaned by Joanne.
*Fundraising Committee
Suzanne has offered to organize all fund raising for the Rec department with Addie Josselyn assisting. This does not include the Snack Shack of Rec Wear. It only encompasses securing donations for those events that prizes and/or food is needed. A list all items needs to be submitted to Suzanne for all events including sports banquet, sports picnic, community day, Halloween parade, Easter egg hunt. Community day may not be covered this year by the fundraising efforts.
*Softball Game
Suzanne will follow up with Kevin Chandlee about specifics to see if other teams can be obtained.
At this time only one team has signed up.
OLD BUSINESS:
The possibility of cheerleading was discussed. It was noted that uniforms are in the shed. Debbie and Suzanne will help organize but will not coach. The possibility of having a summer camp was also discussed. This sport will be tabled until next winter with possible sign ups for April.
NEW BUSINESS:
New members were welcomed, Chris Visconti and Bill Strausser. Chris is full member and Bill is the second alternate.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
The following motion was made after the meeting by way of email:
John made a motion to spend no more than $400.00 for the following:
Hats for the All Star game at Walters Park
Hats and T-shirts for the Biddy Traveling Team
Hats for the Midget Traveling Team
4 yes votes were received.
Next Recreation Meeting to be held on Monday, July 10, 2000 at 7:30 p.m., at the Township’s Municipal Building.
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Suzanne G. Martin-Esposito, Secretary Joanne Cipperly, President