2024 AGM

SACTA AGM Minutes November 23rd 2024

Ross Memorial Library

Welcome: Mary welcomed all those in attendance.

Attendees: Mary Wobma, Keith Wobma, Mike Power, Susan Marpole, Gordon Johnson, Derek Stafford, Peter Lyman, Jenni Loudwell, Richard Bale, Ted Michener.

Apologies: David Robichaud, Wilf Young-Lai

Reports:

Treasurer. Mark reviewed the year's income and expenses. There was discussion around a non-profit or registered charity status being suitable for the association. Mary will look into the threshold for these. Mike reminded us that his credit card is still on the Microsoft record regarding the sign up sheet. Mark will investigate using a Visa cash card instead,

Adult lessons. Derek reported 20 adults signed up for the lessons. Two weeks were re-arranged due to weather. Ten people took the membership deal. Generally there was a good turnout. Players were in 3 groups which worked well.

Youth Tennis. · SACTA Tennis camp held week of July 8-12 with 10 youth attending and playing with the red, yellow and green balls. Registration for this Tennis event was rather low. Perhaps the Town's newly created recreation department involving children under 15 to participate in a one week of sport activities called “Sports Enthusiasts” could have contributed the decline in specific sports clubs’ lower attendance.

Town of St. Andrews “Sports Enthusiasts” one day tennis camp was held on July 22. The event was attended by boys and girls in the under 15 age group. They had no tennis skills and played with the first level RED balls. They had a great time, however no interest in continuing tennis. Youth Centre Tennis boys and girls’ group under 15 was held on August 19th. The attendance was significantly lower than previous years. 2025 Youth tennis camp is scheduled for July 7-11.

Social Tennis.Sessions were on Tuesdays. Some of the people taking the

adult lessons played. On a couple of evenigs 12 players took part, Visitors were welcomed – they were surprised that there was no fee,Two younger players came most weeks. The organised sessions finishe at the end of August.

Memorial Tournament. Wilf's report. The 25th Memorial Tournament and Barbecue had 24 players again this year. This event was open to all members, playing or non playing, and has become one of the highlights of the season. Next year's Memorial is scheduled the weekend after the Masters, August 17, 2025. Francie has generously donated her barbecue to SACTA so we now own two barbecues.Two additions to the Memorial list this year were Reed Haley and Donna Berlage.

Mixed Doubles Weekend Play. Wilf's report.The enthusiasm for MXD that we saw the past two years was not evident this year. Weather was not a factor like last year so family commitments and travel must have affected attendance. We never filled 4 courts and it was only one weekend that we filled 3 courts. Two courts were the norm for most of the summer and some weekends even that became a challenge. Next summer I will probably go back to a sign up system so we can get an idea of how many courts we will need instead of reserving 4 courts and only using 2. I would like to thank Mike and Jenni who covered for me during my absences in June and July.

TNB Masters Tournament.Jenni reported that the enrty numbers are declining.The same trend is evident at the other 2024 TNb Masters.It is of note that all other TNB Masters have an 'open' section as well as the regular tournament. It's a more competitive event but even this has not increased entry numbers. This year's event was a success. We received many compliments from the players – especially in regard to the salmon we served. Thank youi to our sponsors and everyone who made it a success; it's a small but energetic group.

Discussion. Should approach sponsors for products instead of money. Are the lower entry numbers an issue?

Membership. Jenni's report. 2024 membership – 69. Traditionallyfamily memberships have been counted as one membership.This year all individuals have been included.

Discussion.Ideas to incentivise new members. A SACTA shirt be offered

with membership, continue early membership discount, all nmember names be entered into a draw for a racquet. Suggested that we se social media promote family memberships as we need to increase the number of younger members. An Instagram acount should be opened. Also gift membership cards are available.

President’s Report ·

· Pickle Ball – Players played on Town courts 1&2 on Wednesday evenings, Friday mornings and Sunday afternoons. If courts were needed for tennis play during their designated times, they were very accommodating so worked out well.

Discussion regarding the progression of pickleball and what the plans for the future could be.

2025 – I’ve informed both Mervin Hanselpacker and Terri Atkins that our Masters is scheduled for August 8-9-10 so they are aware of our plans to host the event again for 2025.

My understanding is the Pickle Ball group have requested lines be placed on the courts and the Town Council will be discussing this option later. I’ve requested the Town keep me in the loop for future discussions on this matter.

Discussion regarding the progression of pickleball and what the plans for the future could be.

Courts were repaired in the spring by the Town crew which allowed safe play for the summer season. Mark Thibault commented that our courts were still in fairly good shape compared to others he has seen (Executive Director for Tennis NB)

At the budget meeting (still ongoing) a recommendation of $615,000 for court resurfacing was put forth. The list is long so only a discussion point but at least on the Town’s radar.

Masters Tournament – Sponsors received Thank you letters, and we were able to secure a contact for our salmon skewers so going forward we should be able to continue offering this little treat at our Masters. Rice Bowl from the Pita Pitt in St. Stephen still a great hit and with the rain delay (occurring conveniently at lunch time) we were able to feed all the players at once. Thank you to Christine Taylor for cooking our salmon skewers to perfection!!

NB-NS Challenge – 4 members from SACTA represented NB and although we were not successful in our challenge we will try again in April 2025 in Truro. Timed matches (75 mins) made it much easier to keep play on schedule. Players enjoyed knowing exactly when they would be on the court for their match (no waiting around).

Tennis Play – Need to keep “tennis activity” at the courts so tennis players are seen!!

Promotions Coordinator – 2025

Discussion. The position of a Promotions Coordinator should be added in order to promote and grow the association. Richard Bale will write a job description. Should we enlist a marketing student to review our situation and provide a report that would enable SACTA to grow membership numbers. Contact NBCC and/or UNB. Richard and Jenni will undertake this. Suggestion made that we reinstate the payment of $5.00 per member this season.

2025 Executive

Past President: Wilfred Young-Lai

President: Mary Wobma

Vice-President: David Robichaud

Secretary: Jenni Loudwell

Treasurer: Mark Clark

Youth Co-Ordinators: Keith Wobma, Derek Stafford, Wilfred Young- Lai

Members at Large: Mike Power, Richard Bale.

The meeting was adjourned at 12.15