GREETINGS FELLOW SENIOR GOLFERS,                                                   March 2012

2012 TOURNEY SCHEDULE:

I have 37 tournaments planned for this year so it will be a very busy summer.   I did have some last second date changes and additions, so use the updated schedule attached, NOT the original sent out earlier.  River's Edge (formerly the North Platte Country Club) will be new on the schedule this year with a 2 man scramble.  Alma GC is really excited to host it's first CNSGA event this year.  We also arranged to play one of the new "elite" courses as a huge discount, The Prairie Club near Valentine will not be an actual tournament, but we will have some rewards for playing.  You can chose your own foursome, and play your own games.  We really do hope everyone will stay over to enjoy the Valentine & Ainsworth tournaments.  With this full schedule there will again be two tournaments the same week quite often.  I have tried to keep events spread out geographically, so there should be something in your area most weeks.  The UPDATED 2012 schedule is at the end of this newsletter, and is also on our website:  www.cnsga.com.

The Treadway Memorial will again be a ONE day event, with Cozad Country Club as the host.  Your association is again adding a $10 cash flag prize on each hole, plus a sleeve of golf balls or other prize at check-in.   FYI we do allow you to arrange your own foursome for this tournament; but this must be done when registering.  I'm working on several larger drawings at the Treadway dinner, and will make announcements as we get closer.

We will continue the $100 prize for a hole-in-one at each tournament, and still have the $1,000 hole-in-one prize at both the Treadway & Welch memorial tournaments.  We again have several events that allow you to pick your partner, as these have been very popular with many players.  All of the pick your partner events also allow you to sign up individually and the host club will assign a partner.   I keep encouraging more clubs to have a separate a “Super Senior” flight for those 75 and older; and these will be at several events this year.

The sign-up sheets for 2012 tournaments are attached to this mailing; they need to be mailed directly to the course NOT to me.  As long time members know, some tournaments fill within a few days of this mailing, so I encourage you to get your entries mailed immediately.  Most clubs do not cash your checks until just before the tournament date so it isn’t an immediate cash drain to mail all your entries early.  Tournaments will all include 18 holes of golf, cart, and a meal after golf.  The courses will also have morning coffee & rolls and a noon sandwich available.   The host clubs do have the right to charge a cancellation fee if you are a no-show or for last minute cancellations.  If you have to cancel, be sure to notify the host club as early as possible.

 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS:

Your association annually awards scholarships to high school seniors with the emphasis on golf participation.  We budget two $1,000 scholarships each year to a HS senior boy and girl.    

 This year we had a very clear winner in both girls and boys divisions.  Daniele Lemek of Doniphan-Trumbull HS and Reid Wiebe of Sutton HS were chosen as the $1,000 winners.  Because of  our current strong financial status, we decided to award 3 additional $500 scholarships.  These went to Britany Seda of St Edward (Boone Central HS), Tyler Dowling of Kearney Catholic HS and James Hannon of Hastings St. Cecilia HS.  Congratulations to all these student golfers.  THANK YOU also to the many who gave an extra donation, your generosity allowed us to expand the scholarship program to help out 3 additional students this year. 

TEES:

Again this year all players in a flight will play the same tees regardless of age or handicap.  The directors amended the policy on players over 75 using the forward tees, to ONLY IF in a separate flight.  I am encouraging all courses to have a super senior flight if at all possible, and these will be included at several events. 

FINANCIAL REPORT

In past years, I have tried to do a ledger style financial report, but it seemed a little confusing.  It was also a lot of work trying to get the columns to line up.  So this year I'm just doing a little narrative to keep members informed.  Your association is very healthy, financially.  We have increased membership from 468 at the end of 2005 to nearly 600 at the end of last year.  Many of you have also made voluntary donations which has allowed us to increase scholarships.  In FY 2011 we collected about $10,700 in dues, donations, and a few small merchandise sales.  Our host clubs also pay us $1 per player at each tournament, which was just over $2,000.  Therefore, we had a total revenue of a little over $12,700.  

Our major expenses are printing and mailing, merchandise giveaway's, office supplies, plus the board does give me a modest administrative allowance.  Overall it cost about $11,200 to run the association last year, and we gave $3,000 in scholarships for a total of about $14,700.  On the surface this looks like we lost over $2,000 and must be are poorly managed.  Actually, FY 2011 was extended to 13 months, so we could end on November 1st when we do not have revenue or much for expenses.  In addition the association does have a pretty nice reserve, and we have by plan been giving more back to the membership to reduce the reserve slightly.  Again, your association is in very good fiscal condition.

This year FY 2012,  the board did vote to increase dues by $5, with about 600 members this will generate around $3,000 more than last year.  With this increased revenue we plan more benefits back to the members.  We will have more drawings and we are working on doing some larger giveaways or rewards to those who play in a lot of events.   Additionally, this year I plan to send out tournament books electronically to those with email or web access.  Since about 75% of you do have email, this will be a fairly substantial savings.

HISTORY OF THE CENTRAL NEBRASKA SENIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION:

G.G. “Jerry” Treadway was a charter board member of the Nebraska Senior Golf Association which was formed in 1965 at Fremont.  Jerry later served as president of the NSGA in 1982.  During that time Jerry encouraged the NSGA to hold tournaments farther west in Nebraska with little success.  Serious discussions on starting our organization began during the summer of 1984.  On August 13, 1984 a group of senior golfers met at the Kearney Country Club, electing Jerry Treadway as acting President, Ted Richardson as acting Sec-Treas; and Dale Brownfield, Dean Candea, Wally Hopp, Al “Pug” Horn, and Lyle Teel as directors.  Treadway & Richardson then sent a recruiting letter to interested senior golfers, suggesting an initial tournament that fall, and 1-2 events per month the following year.  Interested golfers were to send $5 membership dues with the first 100 to be considered “charter members”, and a hope to get about 80 signed up.  A follow up letter stated “we have 181 paid members biting at the bit and ready to go”, so this group were considered as the “charter members”.  Charter members still on the 2008 membership roster include:  Charles Bourg, Dale Brownfield, Clint Hohnstein, Bob Lowry, Merlin Rathman, Gordon Reeves, Bob Sahling, Vernon Swanson and Norris Rusmisell.

The first tournament was held at Kearney Country Club October 2, 1984, with an entry fee of $25.00.  I could not find a list of tournaments for 1985, but charter members believe they had 6-8 one day tournaments.  There was also a 3 day tournament at Kearney CC on September 17-18-19, 1985.   The 1986 schedule shows 8 one day tournaments (Heritage Hills CC, McCook; Minden CC; Valley View CC, Central City; Deer Park, Valentine; Southern Hills, Hastings; Ogallala CC; Cozad CC; and Holdrege CC, plus a 2 day “state” tournament at Kearney CC.  Our current tournament schedule has grown to over 35 events in recent years.

 Our group originated as the Western Nebraska State Senior Golf Association in 1984.  However it was soon learned that a Panhandle or Western NE Senior Golf Association was being organized at about the same time, so in 1985 the name was officially changed to the present Central Nebraska Senior Golf Association.  At the board meeting April 27, 1987 the annual two day “state” tournament was officially renamed the “Jerry Treadway Memorial Tournament”, and continues as annual individual event.  Following the sudden loss of Don Treadway, a special board meeting held on April 22, 2010 renamed it the "Treadway Memorial Tournament" to honor both Jerry and Don Treadway.

In just over 2 years, the organization had grown to 458 members when Treadway and Richardson resigned due to health reasons.  Norris Rusmisell took over as president on August 25, 1986 with a treasury balance of $3,075.98.  Membership appears to have peaked at 653 in 1994, but suffered serious declines in the 1990's.  With the peaks and valleys came some financial short falls.  Long time board member often related a story of calling other board members for donations as he did not have enough money for stamps to send out the dues billings.   Fortunately we have rebuilt our membership numbers and 2011 with 594 paid members.  Along with the increase in membership and tournaments our finances have improved.  The association has a current budget of over $10,000 per year, and we maintain about one year's operating costs as a reserve. 

THANK YOU:

GOLF USA of Kearney has helped with the cost of publishing this booklet the past several years.  Please note their advertisement on the back cover and take advantage of the specials they offer.

 When you are in Kearney, please stop in their store and say Thank You to Maurie and Greg for their support. 

 SUGGESTIONS / COMMENTS:

The directors of CNSGA welcome your constructive comments and suggestions.  This is your association; we need your input and direction.  If you have suggestions on new tournament formats, new courses, ideas for recruiting new members, or other suggestions please contact one of the directors, or contact me at:  FA “Andy” Anderson, 6 Mallard Beach, Dr 19b, Johnson Lake, NE  68937, Cell phone:  308-325-2035 or E-Mail: lakeway@charter.net  Also remember the web page for contacts:  www.cnsga.com

Hope you enjoy the year.

ANDY

GREETINGS FELLOW SENIOR GOLFERS,                           December 2011

DUES RENEWAL:

Your renewal application is enclosed with this mailing.   We did increase dues to $20 for 2012, with a late charge increase to $25 if paid after Feb 15th.   Please send your renewal application and dues early, so you don't forget.   We ended the year with over 594 members, but we really do need to keep recruiting new members to keep the organization strong.   Please give an application to a friend.  Applications are also on our web site:  www.cnsga.com. Any golfer who will be 50 anytime this year is eligible to be a member.  It would also help me if you print clearly, and remember to include your check payable to CNSGA.  NOTE that I have added a space for e-mail addresses.  I sent regular updates last year via e-mails on tournament openings or changes.   Using e-mail also saves us a LOT on postage & printing expenses, so if you have access to e-mail please include it on your registration form.  Also please print very clearly, OR attach a printed copy of your e-mail address, OR just send me an e-mail at:     lakeway@charter.net

Our tournament booklets with the signup sheets will be mailed mid-March.   When possible they will be e-mailed, so again please give my your contact information.   Those not e-mailed will be BULK MAILED to the ADDRESS YOU SHOW on your membership renewal.  My mailing program only allows me to enter ONE address, so be sure to show the address to which you want your booklet mailed.  Bulk mail does NOT forward, so if you will not be at that address, please be sure someone will check your mail & get the booklet to you.  ALSO NOTE if you have a PO Box, but give me your street address, your bulk mail may not be delivered.  Each year I have several members who do not get their books due to incorrect addresses.  This causes a delay for you, and extra work, printing & postage for me.

DIRECTOR ELECTION:

CNSGA made a major change in the organization of our board this year.  We reduced the board to 12 members each with a 3 year term, but with no restriction on being re-elected multiple times.  Election of directors will still be held at the annual Treadway Tournament, and you MUST attend to vote.  Directors up for re-election or replacement in 2012 will be Ed Herzog, Roger Killion, Rus Morgan, and Larry Jess.  Anyone with an interest in serving on the board should contact me by the end of July so we can get your name on the ballot.  Other current directors are: Jim Brownfield, Orlan Grams; Duane Kuhnel, Gary Mason, Tom Reisdorph, Don Sackett, Max Staab, and myself.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR --- SECRETARY / TREASURER:

Along that line, at some point I would like to train someone to take over my job.  The board did rename this position to Executive Director, to better describe the overall duties.   I am still enjoying the job, but do believe in getting new blood and new ideas into the organization.  I'm available to visit with any of you about the duties and time spent, etc if you are interested in the job.  This is a modestly paid position, and you do get to meet a lot of fine senior golfers, BUT it also takes some time and commitment.  Again, I am in no particular hurry to be replaced, BUT if you know someone with an interest, please contact me. 

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS:

In 2011 CNSGA gave $3,000 in scholarships.    This year’s winners were Brooke Bolin of Albion; Shawn Rodehorst of Kearney; and Jesse Nissen of Hampton.  If you know of a high school senior who is active in golf, have them contact our scholarship chairman Don Sackett or their high school counselor.  With our current expected cash flow we will probably give at least $3,000 in scholarships again in 2012.

SUGGESTIONS / COMMENTS:

The directors of CNSGA welcome your constructive comments and suggestions.  This is your association; we need your input and direction.  If you have suggestions on new tournament formats, new courses, ideas for recruiting new members, or other suggestions please contact one of the directors, or contact me at:  FA “Andy” Anderson, 6 Mallard Beach, Dr 19b, Johnson Lake, NE  68937  Cell phone:  308-325-2035 or E-Mail: lakeway@charter.net