Attendance - Board members George Lehocky, Bob Burkitt, David Kent, Jim Krailler, Jack Dean, Mike Reilly and Bob Hiance were present. Jack Prather also attended the meeting.

Review of Minutes - The amended minutes posted on the website were approved.

Income / Expenditures / Current balance
Membership Report

David Kent
Jim Krailler

Income / Expenditures / Current balance - Current balance of the GCHA checking account is $ 10,488.79. Most of the month's financial activity was related to income from the membership drive and sale of merchandise, and expenses related to publication and mailing of the ShortLine.

Membership Report - Jim Krailler reported that the current membership roster is at 101 members.
A mailing, including a GCHA-addressed stamped envelope, was sent to 80+ non-renewals on November 29th; there were approximately 50 responses to that mailing. Board members agreed to make phone contacts with those who haven't responded. Jim Krailler will supply an updated listing via email. Other items relating to membership are detailed in the "New Business" section below.
During this report, President George Lehocky leaned back in his chair and experienced a major furniture malfunction, which sent him crashing into the bookshelves with his head and then tumbling to the floor. George received numerous bruises and abrations, but no beer was spilled.

3-Wall Court Maintenance
3-Wall Court Shelter
Pat Carnes
Owen Gloves sale offer
ShortLine, January 2004
Doubles Leagues
BlueBall 2004
Enquirer Article

Bob Burkitt
Mike Reilly
George Lehocky
Jim Krailler
Jim Krailler
Jim Krailler
Bob Burkitt
Bob Hiance

3-Wall Courts - John Allen has been in contact with Fred Schlimm, of the Green Township Park staff. John will prepare some preliminary information to forward to the township, including a proposed drawing and budget estimates for the shelter.

Pat Carnes - Pat has expressed appreciation of our support, and continues with his job search.

Owen Gloves Sale - Sale information was posted on the website. No GCHA members responded, so an order was not placed.

ShortLine - The January 2004 Winter Edition of the ShortLine was posted on the website on December 29th, with printed copies in the mail the next day.

Four-wall Leagues - The Friday night Fall league at the Athletic Club @ Waycross is nearing completion. The B-league was won by the team of Tom Gilday and Pat Lunn. A-league winners will be determined after completion of make-up games. Paul Baker intends to begin the Winter league in January.

2004 BlueBall Tournament - This annual GCHA New Year's Day event was a rousing success. Decent weather (40's and sunny when play began) resulted in the largest turnout to date. Bob Burkitt smirked as he presented a detailed financial breakdown to the Board, showing no income and no expenses.

Enquirer article - Bob Hiance has contacted Cincinnati Enquirer writer Shauna Scott Rhone about the idea of writing a story about a father/son handball duo, Bob and his son Trey, with the focus on sports and togetherness. Bob will continue to pursue this opportunity.

Kentucky State Handball Championship 2004
Youngstown YMCA Tournament
Circle City Handball Tournament
State of Ohio Handball Championships
Pete Mather Handicap Tournament
Caples 3-Wall, Date for 2004

January 23rd - 25th (Fri.-Sun.)
January 31st - February 1st (Sat.-Sun.)
February 13th - 15th (Fri.-Sun.)
February 20th - 22nd (Fri.-Sun.)
TBD (Sat.)
June 12th - 13th (Sat.-Sun.)

BlueBall Tournament - See report above.

Kentucky State Handball Championship 2004 - Information and entry form are on the GCHA website, with entries included in the Winter ShortLine.

Youngstown YMCA Tournament - Mario Dolciato sent an email notification with the dates of this event, with details to follow. The event was added to the calendar, but additional information has not been received.

Circle City Handball Tournament - The dates and contact information has been posted on the GCHA website calendar.

Ohio State Championship - 2004 State of Ohio Handball Championships will be held at the Severance Athletic Club in Cleveland over the weekend of February 20th - 22nd (Friday through Sunday.) Information has been posted on the web site and mailed in the ShortLine.

Pete Mather Tournament - Report below, in New Business.

Caples 3-Wall - Mike Reilly will pursue renting the shelter at Veterans Park for this event. The tournament will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. The base entry fee will be $ 40, reduced to $ 30 for entries submitted by June 1st. Second event and discounted fees will remain unchanged. This will be a USHA-sanctioned event, with an additional $5 added for non-USHA members.

Membership issues: Youth, ShortLine, fees
Other?

Jim Krailler
Board

Membership issues - In order to promote involvement of younger people in handball, the GCHA Board established a discounted "Youth Membership" at the $10 level.
There was little response to the USHA membership discount this year, but the opportunity will continue to be promoted in next year's campaign.
In light of one member's response, the Board considered some suggested options for raising the membership fee, but unanimously decided to stay with the current $25 amount.
For years subsequent to 2004, the Board voted to limit ShortLine mailings to only paid members. Hopefully this will reduce the money spent on printing and mailings, as well as reduce the workload of publishing the ShortLine in two different formats (web and print.) George will include this decision in an upcoming "President's Message" and it will be publicized in upcoming ShortLines.

Pete Mather Tournament and Spring Swing Dance - As no cost is involved with this activity, George Lehocky will pursue arrangements for this event to be held in the Spring at the Central Parkway YMCA. Bob Lohmueller is tentatively slated to set up the teams, draw and handicaps.
Though there seems to be waning interest in the Spring Swing Dance, the GCHA Board did agree to promote the event both on the website and personally, presuming that there would be no financial committment to the event.

Hoxworth Blood Drive - Bob Burkitt distributed a progress report on the Hoxworth Blood Donation project, with a detailed breakdown of 15 donors contributing 44 pint-units. The Board voted unanimously to continue the project.

Waycross Anniversary Party - Bob Hiance reports that some raquetball players have planned a surprise party at Waycross for the Bakers to thank them for all their hard work, and to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of ownership. The party is on Friday January 16th, and GCHA will also participate. The Board voted to donate a $100 gift certificate to DeSha's restaurant. Bob Burkitt will purchase to certificate, to be presented at the party.

USHA Mid-America Regional Update - Jack Prather reports that the Ohio Hall of Fame needs to be relocated. Bruce McCormick, coordinator of the Hall, intends to send out a letter to major state organizations to seek recommendations.
Jack will be attending the upcoming USHA Board Meeting during January. Agenda items will include: the USHA handball production; the USHA Pro Tour and and the developing partnership with the new Professional Handball Association; and the limited number of clubs with enough courts to handle national tournaments.

Next
Meeting

Scheduled date: Wednesday, February 4th, 7:30 pm
Location:

Board

The February GCHA Board meeting will be held at Quatmans, in Norwood, at approximately 7:30 pm on Wednesday, 2/4/04, after play at the Central Parkway YMCA.

Open to all members