The GCHA Annual Fall Meeting and Membership Appreciation Night was held on Monday, October 9, 2006, at the Athletic Club at Waycross.

Call to Order - George Lehocky

President George Lehocky called the meeting to order. There were 35 members in attendance.

Finance Report - David Kent

It was reported that as of the meeting date, the GCHA had $12,885 in the Treasury. The cash balance was down $1,088 from the previous annual meeting (Fall 2005) mainly due to the donations, the loss on the QC Tournament, and recent purchases of balls & gloves. David made a report indicating how $14,780 was spent during the past twelve months. Specifically, $6,676 on the Queen City Tournament, $4,144 on merchandise to be sold to members, $2,095 on the Caples, $376 for donations, and $1,138 on member related services. David indicated that Ron Rosselot would be taking over the Treasury function effective with the Annual Meeting.

Membership Report - Jim Krailler

Jim reported that we attained 110 members during 2006, down from 135 in 2005. He urged everyone to get there money in for 2007, citing the added perks of membership; specifically, the annual party, buying equipment at reduced prices, reduced entry fees for upcoming tournaments, a gift for rejoining (this year a toiletries kit), and a myriad of other benefits…and still only $25.

Queen City Tournament - Jack Dean

This year's tournament director, Jack Dean, discussed the tournament that will be held December 8, 9, and 10 at Waycross. He highlighted the entry form which was available for members to take from the meeting and which will be taken to the October 20th tournament being held in Cleveland. GCHA members receive a $5 discount from their entry fee.

Nomination/Approval of 2007 Board Members (effective 10/10/06) - Jack Dean.

Jack Dean also presented the proposed slate for the 2007 Board and asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Having heard none, the following officers were unanimously approved by the membership:

• President: David Kent
• Vice-President: Jack Dean
• Treasurer: Ron Rosselot
• Secretary/Webmaster: Jim Krailler
• At-Large Members: Bob Burkitt, Greg Fite, Chris Lazarovski, George Lehocky, Mike Reilly and Will Straw.

Other Business

Blood Drive - Bob Burkitt indicated that 13 people donated 69 units, an increase from 2005's 15 donors and 44 units. He will see that all donors receive Hoxworth t-shirts and our thanks for their efforts. A new Hoxworth donation center opened recently in Mason, adding to the locations where GCHA members, family and friends can donate. Please consider donating on behalf of the GCHA using donor code - HDB. Hours at Mason and directions for to all other centers are listed at www.hoxworth.org. An added benefit for donors is the availability of your blood cholesterol level following donation.

Gary Cruz Visit - Ralph Weil talked about Gary Cruz’s visit to Ohio, November 1-4, to conduct clinics on how to teach handball and ideas for new player development. Gary is the USHA Handball Development Director. Ralph said everyone is welcome and urged participation in these sessions.
Itinerary:

• Nov. 1, Court House in Madiera, from 6-9 pm
• Nov 2, in Columbus
• Nov. 3, Fairfield Y from 6-7:30PM
• Nov 4, Athletic Club @ Waycross from 10 am until 2 pm.

Veterans Park 3 Wall Courts - Chris Lazarovski informed those in attendance about requests for changes and maintenance to be done at the courts by Green Township. He mentioned the desire to have a shower near the courts, a drinking fountain and possibly a One-Wall court on the west end of the existing courts. This Fall, a new drainage system is planned for court #1 and all courts are due to be resealed for the winter.

3 Wall Courts/New Project - Marion Kollstedt asked to address the meeting to discuss West Chester’s plan to build 4-6 new 3-Wall courts at the Voice of America Park in their community. The City wants to promote tournaments and youth development programs at the facility and hopes to move on construction fairly quickly. The GCHA offered to cooperate with any requests from West Chester with regards to construction and/or lending their expertise in developing the site.

Recognition of Service - Prior to ending the meeting, David Kent took the floor to honor George Lehocky for his four years of service as GCHA President. George was presented with a crystal mantle clock bearing the inscription: In Appreciation, George Lehocky, GCHA President, 2003-2006. The presentation was greeted by thunderous applause.

Adjournment -

Having no additional business, the meeting was adjourned and the social hour continued.

YOUR GCHA IN GREAT SHAPE.

If the GCHA was a human body, it would be considered svelte, buffed and very healthy. Plus, the future looks very robust too. Why?

As past president of the GCHA Board, who presided over my last GCHA Board meeting at the annual fall meeting on 10/9 at Paul Baker's Club, I share with you my diagnosis of key health markers of GCHA.

1. Strong membership - well over 100. A record membership the last 2 of 3 years.
2. Solid financial balance sheet and financial controls. Membership still only $25.00 per year.
3. Extremely strong, experienced Board leadership with a vision/mission in place.
4. Promotion of handball to the new generation via colleges/universities in the area.
5. Maintenance of Veteran's Park 3 wall courts.
6. Continued sponsorship of great tournaments, social events (Reds Game, Golf Outing, Annual Meeting, Ireland trip, etc.).
7. A terrific GCHA website that informs and communicates daily.

This healthy profile just didn't happen, but resulted from great teamwork and effort. My deepest appreciation and sincere thanks are extended to each GCHA Board member who served with me and the GCHA members who supported our efforts.

I believe the GCHA is extremely fit now and will continue to be so in the future.

Very best regards.
George Lehocky

Ralph Weil