CLUB & BOARD ELECTION / OFFICERS
The following are highlights from the first meeting of the newly reconstituted 2026 QATC Board of Directors, held on Monday, January 12.
We are pleased to welcome back incumbent Board members Mitch Stenger and Cindy Chynoweth, and to introduce our newly elected colleague, Doug Harty.
In accordance with QATC Bylaws, the Board elected the following Club Officers:
- President: Rick Phillips
- Vice President: Mitch Stenger
- Treasurer: Jim Griffis
- Secretary: Holly Lawson
Although Jim Griffis chose not to run in the most recent Board election, QATC Bylaws allow for the Treasurer to be appointed from outside the Board. The Board is grateful that Jim has agreed to continue serving the Club in this important role.
To ensure the continued smooth day-to-day operation of the Club, the Board also made the following designations:
- Communications / Reservations: Matt Czechowski & John Bush
- Supplies: Pete Ryan
- Board Nominations / Party: Carl DiNatale
- Club Membership: Cindy Chynoweth & Carl DiNatale
- Rules & Regulations: Mitch Stenger
- Buildings & Grounds: Doug Harty, Rick Phillips & Carl DiNatale
- Court Utilization: Rick Phillips & Holly Lawson
We look forward to another great year at QATC in 2026 and encourage all members to stay engaged and involved. Thank you for your continued support—let’s make this season a memorable one!
WINTER PARKING
During periods of snow and ice accumulation, we ask that members please park a few feet away from the building. Ice can fall from the roof and may cause damage to vehicles. We also kindly ask that members refrain from parking in the space directly in front of the main entrance to ensure safe and accessible entry for all.
If you notice that the parking lot is icy and may need to be salted, please contact a Board member and we will make sure it is addressed promptly.
COLD & FLU SEASON
As a courtesy to fellow members, we ask that anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms please arrange for a substitute and refrain from playing until symptoms have fully resolved. This helps keep everyone healthy and enjoying the courts throughout the season.
CHANGE INTO TENNIS SHOES BEFORE ENTERING THE COURTS
As winter sets in, we kindly ask all members to change out of their street shoes and into clean tennis shoes before stepping onto the courts. Snow, salt, and moisture tracked in from outside can damage the court surface and create slippery, unsafe conditions for everyone.
Thank you for helping us keep our courts in great shape and safe for play all season long!
GUEST POLICY
Guest fees are $10 per person for up to 2 hours of court time per session. Guests may only play a maximum of 5 times per year (September through August) regardless of who invites the individual to play. Please advise your guest(s) of current Club policies.
PLEASE SIGN IN!
Members are required to sign in before using the courts; this documentation is essential for both:
- Liability & insurance purposes
- QATC Court Utilization Analysis
Please make sure to follow proper procedures by:
- Registering all players on the available sign-in sheet
- Registering any guests in your playing party
- Please be sure to legibly write the player’s first and last name
- Cancelling any reservation at your earliest opportunity so that the court becomes available for use by your fellow members
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Please join us in welcoming Mark and Jill Schulte to QATC! We’re excited to have them join our club and look forward to seeing them on the courts and at club events.
Welcome to the club, Mark and Jill—we’re glad you’re here!
IN MEMORIAM
The QATC Board is saddened to share the news that our club member and friend, Derek Acker, recently and unexpectedly passed away.
Derek and his family have long been beloved in the Southtowns and throughout the Western New York tennis community. He will be remembered not only for his love of the game, but also for his kindness and the positive impact he had on those around him. His full obituary may be viewed through Comfort Funeral Homes.
Derek is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their children. For those who wish to offer support, a GoFundMe page has been established for the Acker family. Donations in Derek’s memory may also be made to Immaculate Conception School in East Aurora.
Please keep the Acker family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the QATC Board will be held at the Club on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:30pm. Members are free to attend our regular bi-monthly Board Meetings and become more involved with the Club.
Play Well & Be Well
QATC Board of Directors
Quaker Aurora Tennis Club 