Quaker Aurora Tennis Club

COVID-19 UPDATE 

Erie County has announced a mask mandate for all indoor public locations.  All members & guests are required to wear a mask from the car to the court and from the court to the car.  In the facility, masks are not required on the court; however you may wear a mask on court if you feel it necessary.  Congregating in the club is prohibited until further notice

Members who bring a guest into the club will be responsible to ensure said guest is aware of and abides by the QATC policies and CDC/NYS/ Erie County guidelines.  Thank you for your continued cooperation in navigating and following these regulations, which has allowed the Club to remain open to date without any issues!
The board continues to closely monitor the CDC’s & Erie County’s guidelines.  Any changes to the current regulations affecting the use of the club will be communicated to members immediately.  

BOARD NOMINATIONS

There are five new candidates (Jeff Breidenstein, John Bush, Rick Phillips, Ken White and Patty Widmer) and one incumbent (Nancy Montone) nominated to fill three open board seats.  Current board members Andrea McGrath and Bobby Mathew have chosen not to seek a second term.  The board is very grateful for their dedicated service.  Ballots will be out within the week.  Single members will have one vote and family members will have two.  Please watch for the ballot email & be sure to vote!

WINTER TOPICS

QATC has an agreement with Queen City Snow Plowing to handle our plowing needs.  We will see a significant savings over what we were paying in the past.  While Queen City is responsible for the plowing, our members are responsible for shoveling in front of the door.  It is appreciated if all members ensure the entry way is cleared and salt is sprinkled as needed.

We are asking that members park a few feet away from the building once the snow & ice accumulates as ice does fall from the roof and may cause damage to your vehicles.  If you are at the club and feel the parking lot is icy and needs to be salted, please contact a board member and we’ll reach out to Queen City.

NEW FENCING

The board would like to thank our neighbor Mark Kaczmarek (Kaz) for reaching out to us & offering to install a wooden fence enclosure for our wastewater disbursement tank behind our parking lot.  The project is now complete and is a great improvement over the snow fence that was there previously.  We’re lucky to have Mr. Kaczmarek as a friend to our club.

NEW MEMBERS

A few individual and family memberships remain available, please encourage your tennis friends at other clubs to consider membership at QATC — applications are available online — and prospective new members can be directed to Elaine Idzik or Cindy Chynoweth for further information.

We are happy to announce the addition of our new single member Pratyush Sunkara and family members Paul & Alyssa Scilingo.  Please welcome these new members and include them in your league play.
 
ODDS & ENDS

We are aware that the cups for the water coolers don’t fit in the attached dispensers.  The company has apologized and said that they are having problems getting the correct cups from their supplier. 

With the influx of so many new members, we have prepared an updated membership list which will be posted on the website within a few days.  One will also be posted at the club.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the QATC Board will be held AT THE CLUB on Monday, January 10th, 2022 at 6:30pm.  All members are encouraged to become more involved with the Club, and are welcome to attend.

Play Well & Be Well!
QATC Board

COVID-19 REMINDERS 

In accordance with current US CDC Covid-19 guidelines and adopted by the NYS Health Department [see, https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-reference-guide], the QATC Board has agreed that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face masks while in the club including while socializing in the club room.  Per the guidelines, unvaccinated members should continue to abide by the club’s previous policy requiring mask-wearing in all areas of the club except when on the courts, and continue to maintain 6 feet of distance with others.

Members who bring a guest into the club will be responsible to ensure said guest is aware of and abides by the QATC policies and CDC/NYS guidelines.  Thank you for your continued cooperation in navigating and following these regulations, which has allowed the Club to remain open to date without any issues!

The board will continue to closely monitor the CDC’s guidelines regarding the new Delta variant of the virus.  Any changes to the current regulations affecting the use of the club will be communicated to members immediately.  

BOARD NOMINATIONS

If there is anyone interested in running for the QATC board in the coming election, nominations need to be presented to a board member by November 8, 2021.  There will be three seats up for re-election.  The three board members who’s terms are coming to an end are Nancy Montone, Bobby Mathew & Andrea McGrath.

CANCELLATIONS

Club members are asked to make every effort to cancel their court if they are unable to play.  YourCourts.com can be used to cancel courts as well as for making reservations.  Cancelling as early as possible insures your fellow members have the opportunity to pick up the unused time slots.

ROGace LOOKING FOR TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS

The ROGace program runs under 12 tennis instruction at the South Towns Tennis Club. They are growing and are constantly looking to expand their coaching team. As it’s a small part-time job with unique time commitment requirements, they are looking for tennis enthusiasts who love tennis and would be interested in mentoring the next generation of tennis players, who are e.g. retired, teachers, stay-at-home parents, etc.  For more information, please refer to their website at www.rogace.com.

NEW MEMBERS

A few individual and family memberships remain available, please encourage your tennis friends at other clubs to consider membership at QATC — applications are available online — and prospective new members can be directed to Elaine Idzik or Cindy Chynoweth for further information.

We are happy to announce addition of several new members:

• Martin Denysschen                                  
• Jacob & Salah Griffis                                    
• David & Michelle Gwozdz                           
• Nick Ortiz                                                      
• Christopher & Mary Ann Tingley      

Please welcome these new members and include them in your league play.

CELL SERVICE / WIFI

It has been brought to the attention of the board that some members would like something done about the poor cell signal at our club.  The board would like to improve cell signal without incurring additional monthly charges.  If you have any suggestions on the matter, please pass it on to a board member.  Creative solutions are welcome.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the QATC Board will be held AT THE CLUB on Monday, November 8th, 2021 at 6:30pm.  All members are encouraged to become more involved with the Club, and are welcome to attend.

Play Well & Be Well!
QATC Board

COVID-19 REMINDERS 

In accordance with current US CDC Covid-19 guidelines and adopted by the NYS Health Department [see, https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-reference-guide], the QATC Board has agreed that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face masks when entering/exiting the tennis club.  Per the guidelines, unvaccinated members should continue to abide by the club’s previous policy requiring mask-wearing when not on the courts.

Fully vaccinated members may socialize after play in the kitchen area, without wearing masks or social distancing.  This policy will rely upon an “Honor System” so, if you are NOT yet fully vaccinated, for everyone’s protection, please continue to wear a mask and maintain your social distance from other members.  It is encouraged for any members with pre-existing conditions or who still have Covid concerns, to continue wearing face masks as they deem appropriate.

Members who bring a guest into the club will be responsible to ensure said guest is aware of and abides by the QATC policies and CDC/NYS guidelines.  Thank you for your continued cooperation in navigating and following these regulations, which has allowed the Club to remain open to date without any issues!

The board will continue to closely monitor the CDC’s guidelines regarding the new Delta variant of the virus.  Any changes to the current regulations affecting the use of the club will be communicated to members immediately.  

The Board will continue to ensure that frequently touched surfaces and common areas are sanitized regularly.
 

ANNUAL INVOICES

Invoices for annual club dues will be mailed out in August.  The club is happy to announce that again, there will be no increase for the year!
 

GUESTS

Guest fees are $10 per person for up to an hour & a half of court time per session.  Guests may play up to 5 times per year.

Please ensure any guests are signed in and advised of current club policies regarding Covid-19.
 

 INDOOR CLEANING SERVICE

As of August 1, 2021, the shower will be reopened to club members.  Bieler has been instructed to include the cleaning and sanitization of the shower room with the rest of their weekly cleaning duties.    

Members should continue to be vigilant in using hand sanitizer upon entering club as well as following CDC guidelines.

If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding the cleaning of the club, please let a board member know and it will be passed on to Bieler.

CLUB MAINTENANCE

Please remember to clean up after yourselves when using the facility.  The plastic water cups are recyclable and can be put into the blue bins courtside. 
 

NEW MEMBERS & MEMBERS ON LEAVE

A few individual and family memberships remain available, please encourage your tennis friends at other clubs to consider membership at QATC — applications are available online — and prospective new members can be directed to Elaine Idzik or Cindy Chynoweth for further information.

Now that the CDC guidelines have eased up, we’d like to invite those who are taking a leave of absence for Covid reasons to consider reactivating their memberships.

We are happy to announce the return of Bob & Sharon Mampe, Mike Dotton, Peter Lane, Vicky Gmerek, Mary Ann Graziano and Gene & Evie Kleinberg!  We look forward to seeing you on the courts!
 

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the QATC Board will be held AT THE CLUB on Monday, September 13th, 2021 at 6:30pm.  All members are encouraged to become more involved with the Club, and are welcome to attend.

Play Well & Be Well!
QATC Board

COVID-19 UPDATE 

The QATC Board recently met and revisited our current Covid Safety Policy, with the following results:

Based upon recent changes to Covid-19 guidelines by the US CDC, now adopted by the NYS Health Department [see, https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-reference-guide], the QATC Board has agreed that those members who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear face masks when entering/exiting the tennis club.  However, as per the guidelines, unvaccinated members should continue to abide by the club’s previous policy requiring mask-wearing when not on the courts.

Those who are fully vaccinated may also resume socializing after play in the kitchen area, without wearing masks or social distancing, assuming all involved are in fact fully vaccinated.  Obviously, this policy relies upon an “Honor System” so, if you are NOT yet fully vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask and maintain your social distance from other members — for everyone’s protection.  We encourage all who have pre-existing conditions, as well as those who still have Covid concerns, to continue wearing face masks as they deem appropriate.

In the event you bring a guest to the club, the member is responsible to ensure that the guest is aware of and abides by the QATC policies and CDC/NYS guidelines.  Thanks to all the members for their continuing cooperation in navigating and following these changing regulations — everyone’s compliance has allowed the Club to remain open to date without any issues!  

The Board members will continue to ensure that all frequently touched surfaces are sanitized on a bi-weekly basis going forward.

SANITIZING

The club has set up a routine disinfection of frequently touched surfaces 2x per week on Sunday and Thursday along with the weekly cleaning on Tuesday by Bieler.  

Members should continue to be vigilant in using hand sanitizer upon entering club as well as following CDC guideline (stated above).

SPRING CLEANUP

Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in our annual Spring Cleanup.  Because of the hard work by our members, the club looks beautiful inside & out.

INDOOR CLEANING SERVICE

QATC has been in contact with Bieler Cleaning Services to discuss our expectations going forward. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding the cleaning of the club, please let a board member know and it will be passed on to them.

NEW MEMBERS & MEMBERS ON LEAVE

A few individual and family memberships remain available so, now that the Guest Policy has been reinstituted, please encourage your tennis friends at other clubs to consider membership at QATC — applications are available online — and prospective new members can be directed to Elaine Idzik or Cindy Chynoweth for further information.

Now that the CDC guidelines have eased up, we’d like to invite those who are taking a leave of absence for Covid reasons to consider reactivating their memberships.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the QATC Board will be held AT THE CLUB on Monday, July 19th, 2021.  All members are encouraged to become more involved with the Club, and are welcome to attend.

Play Well & Be Well!
QATC Board

Covid-19 Update 

The QATC Board recently met and revisited our current Covid Safety Policy, with the following results:

The Board approved reinstituting the Club Guest Policy, so long as all members follow the pertinent Rules & Regulations and, moreover, ensure their Guest(s) are aware of and abide by all Covid Safety Policies.

QATC Guests (and host members) must (legibly) sign in to the Registration Book; this is essential not only for billing purposes, but for any subsequent necessary contact tracing.

Host QATC Members and their Guests must also comply with current Covid Safety Policies:

• Sanitizing chairs, tables, and other hard surfaces of concern after playing.
• Using hand sanitizer and washing your hands.
• Staying away from the club if experiencing symptoms or having been in contact with COVID-19.
• Maintaining social distancing and not sharing personal items.
• Leaving immediately after play; no social activity.
• Signing everyone in legibly (first and last name) is critically important for contact tracing requirements.
• Making a reservation through YourCourts.com (no walk-ins) so we have another record for contact tracing.
• Wearing a mask when entering and exiting the facility.

It’s especially important to sign in and to stay away from the club if you or someone you’ve been exposed to are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (whether you’ve been diagnosed or not):

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or funny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you have been in close contact with a positive (or suspected positive) case, you cannot enter the club until you have met the requirements of ECDOH:  

https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=ecdoh-covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-documents

The foregoing Covid Safety Policies remain in full effect at this time.   The QATC Board considered, but rejected, permitting socializing or congregating in the club kitchen after play — regardless of the vaccination status of those present.

CDC and ECDOH guidelines still require that masks be worn indoors at all times, and that social distancing regulations be maintained, even assuming those members (from different households) have been fully vaccinated.  
See, i.e., www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=covid-19-vaccine

Club members ARE permitted to socialize on the lawn area outside of the kitchen door if they (& the weather) are agreeable; however, those Club members should bring their own chairs, etc., as the Club will not yet equip the kitchen area to accommodate or encourage indoor socializing.

Naturally, we are continuing to monitor this fluid situation, and we look forward to revisiting & relaxing these restrictions in the next six to eight weeks.  However, in the interim, we request that the membership continue to comply with these temporary measures for the general safety of all concerned.

SAVE THE DATE:  Spring Cleanup!

We have scheduled our annual Spring Cleanup for Saturday May 15th, 2021, from 9am to 12pm; the purpose of same is to clean & weed the flower beds and generally spruce up the outdoor areas..

In recent years (especially last year), we benefitted from a dedicated crew of volunteers who accomplished many aesthetic improvements to the club’s appearance — & we hope to once again tap the resources of those green-thumbed members!  Further info will be forthcoming as the date approaches.

INDOOR CLEANING SERVICE:

QATC has been contracting with Bieler Cleaning Services re: the inside of the club and, since the onset of Covid, these services have been “spotty”.  The Board intends to re-evaluate this arrangement and, if members have specific areas of concern in this regard, please feel free to reply accordingly to this email.

Please also note we will soon be switching to less expensive recyclable plastic water glasses,  and we request that members make an effort to discard these cups (along with other recyclables) in the bins just installed court side.

NEW MEMBER:

Please welcome new individual member Nancy Baker and include her in your league play.

A few individual and family memberships remain available so, now that the Guest Policy has been reinstituted, please encourage your tennis friends at other clubs to consider membership at QATC — applications are available online — and prospective new members can be directed to Elaine Idzik or Cindy Chynoweth for further information.

NEXT MEETING:

The next meeting of the QATC Board will be held via Zoom at 6:30pm on Monday, May 17th, 2021.  All members are encouraged to become more involved with the Club, and are welcome to attend/monitor the next Board meeting, by simply replying to this message to request the link information.

Play Well & Be Well!
QATC Board

Board of Directors Election Results 

Congratulations to Matt Czechowski, Carl DiNatale, and Tom Siener who were elected to the Board of Directors.  Thanks to everyone for voting.  All members are encouraged to get involved in the operation of the club; you don’t need to be on the Board to help out!

The following officers were elected for the upcoming year at our Annual Meeting:

• President:  Tom Siener
• Vice President:  Mitch Stenger
• Treasurer:  Jim Griffis
• Secretary:  Nancy Montone

All contact info for your Board is on the website here, along with an updated membership list.  If you want to update your contact info, please follow the link at the bottom of this email.

Covid-19 Update

We have changed the QATC safety plan and you should now exit through the front door once the room has cleared and the new players have entered the courts.  Remember to wear your mask and no guests are allowed at this time.

Important Winter Reminders

• Remember to park away from building to avoid falling ice
• Keep the bathroom doors slightly open so that they stay heated
• Remove and leave your outdoor footwear in the meeting room to protect the courts from damaging salt and water
• Also, when turning the lights off, please remember to note the time in the sign-in book so members arriving right after you know if the lights have cooled down sufficiently.  It’s best to wait at least 15 minutes before turning them on again.

New Members

Audrey Cohn has upgraded to a family membership with her son Bjorn Nordenflycht.  Cathy Thomas has also upgraded to a family membership with her husband Mike.

We have many members on leave this year so there are memberships available.  Please encourage prospective members to fill out a member application and/or contact Elaine Idzik OR Cindy Chynoweth.  Copies are posted at the club as well as on our website here.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 22nd at 6:30pm on Zoom.  All members are encouraged to attend and can get the link by replying to this email.

Board of Directors Election
The election of three directors for 3-year terms (2021-23) is now active. Candidates include Matt Czechowski and Carl DiNatale, running for their first terms, and Tom Siener, our current president running for re-election.  Please submit your vote before Friday, Dec. 11.
 
COVID-19 Update
Since we are owned by our members and are not a public gym, business or place for social gatherings under COVID-19 protocols, we will leave the decision of using the club up to each individual member, even if we are designated a red zone.  While it is up to you and your leagues to decide if you are comfortable playing, you cannot play if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has symptoms, and you must follow our COVID-19 protocols, especially by signing in for contact tracing requirements.  Sign-in is mandatory and strictly required so we can continue to remain open.  If you decide not to play, please cancel your court so others can use it.
 
New Members
Please welcome our newest members and include them in your leagues:  Peter Sorgi and Christina Sorgi. 
 
We have many members on leave this year so there are memberships available.  Please encourage prospective members to fill out a member application and/or contact Elaine Idzik OR Cindy Chynoweth.   Copies are posted at the club as well as on our website here.
 
Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 25 at 6:30pm on Zoom.  All members are encouraged to attend.

Since tennis clubs are not considered gyms, the Quaker Aurora Tennis Club and other local tennis clubs will remain open at the present time.

However, due to the increased level of cases in our area, it is critical to follow our COVID-19 protocols:   

• Sanitizing chairs, tables, and other hard surfaces of concern after playing.
• Using hand sanitizer and washing your hands.
• Staying away from the club if experiencing symptoms or having been in contact with COVID-19.
• Maintaining social distancing and not sharing personal items.
• Leaving immediately after play; no social activity.
• Not inviting guests; they are not allowed at this time.
• Signing everyone in legibly (first and last name) is critically important for contact tracing requirements.
• Making a reservation through YourCourts.com (no walk-ins) so we have another record for contact tracing.
• Wearing a mask when entering and exiting the facility.

It’s especially important to sign in and to stay away from the club if you or someone you’ve been exposed to are exhibiting any symptom of COVID-19 (whether you’ve been diagnosed or not):

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea 

If you have been in close contact with a positive (or suspected positive) case, you cannot enter the club until you have met the requirements of ECDOH: https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=ecdoh-covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-documents

If you have traveled out of NYS, you must abide by the quarantine requirements under the NYS travel advisory: 
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

Thanks for abiding by these state regulations so we all stay healthy and the club can remain open for our collective enjoyment.

Board of Directors
There are three board seats up for election with only two of the three incumbents running for reelection.  Therefore, we need additional club members interested in getting more involved with the club.  Ideally we would like up to four more candidates for the three year terms that begin next year.  If interested, please contact Mitch Stenger who heads our Nominating Committee. 
 
COVID-19 Update 
Thanks to all members for following the protocols in our COVID-19 Safety Plan.  Everyone’s adherence to the established COVID protocols will enable the club to remain open and available to our members to enjoy during the pandemic.  However, the one item that will risk our status is signing all players in legibly for contact tracing requirements.  This is a normal club rule that is critically important for us to stay open.  As a reminder, here are the protocols:

• Sanitizing chairs, tables, and other hard surfaces of concern after playing.
• Using hand sanitizer and washing your hands.
• Staying away from the club if experiencing symptoms or having been in contact with COVID-19.
• Maintaining social distancing and not sharing personal items.
• Leaving immediately after play; no social activity.
• Not inviting guests; they are not allowed at this time.
• Signing everyone in legibly (first and last name) is critically important for contact tracing requirements.
• Making a reservation through YourCourts.com (no walk-ins) so we have another record for contact tracing.
• Wearing a mask when entering and exiting the facility.

New Members
Please welcome our newest members and include them in your leagues:  Mary Pat Ruh and Kathy Burr.
 
Our updated membership list is on the website here.  As you can see, we have many members on leave this year so we still have memberships available.  Please encourage prospective members to fill out a member application and/or contact Elaine Idzik OR Cindy Chynoweth.   Copies are posted at the club as well as on our website here.
 
Our next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 30th at 6:30pm on Zoom.  All members are encouraged to attend and can get the link by replying to this email.

Hello to returning and new members!  We hope you are having a great summer.  The indoor season officially starts the day after Labor Day (9/8) when our leagues start, and reserved court time goes into effect.  Remember, we are a “do-it-ourselves” club so we rely on all members to pitch in to help keep it clean, especially in the age of COVID-19.  Please remember the protocols in our COVID-19 Safety Plan.  They include:

• Sanitizing chairs, tables, and other hard surfaces of concern after playing.
• Using hand sanitizer and washing your hands.
• Staying away from the club if experiencing symptoms or having been in contact with COVID-19.
• Maintaining social distancing and not sharing personal items.
• Leaving immediately after play; no social activity.
• Not inviting guests; they are not allowed at this time.
• Signing everyone in legibly (first and last name) is critically important for contact tracing requirements.
• Making a reservation through YourCourts.com (no walk-ins) so we have another record for contact tracing.
• Wearing a mask when entering and exiting the facility.

Membership Dues
Invoices will be emailed soon.  If you are taking a leave of absence due to injury or COVID-19, it is critical that you contact Jim Griffis, our Treasurer, in writing immediately. 

Your membership payment is due upon receipt (but no later than September 20th).  If payment is not received by October 1st, membership privileges will be suspended. If you don’t receive your bill, please check your spam folder and/or contact Jim.

New Members
Please welcome our newest members and include them in your leagues:  Sally Briggs and Bill Heiler and family.

Many leagues are looking for additional players, especially the Monday 7:30pm and Thursday 6pm groups.  You can see all the leagues and their captains on the Schedules tab of the website by clicking the Master Reserved Schedule link.

We still have memberships available, so please encourage frequent guests and other prospective members to fill out a member application and/or contact Elaine Idzik OR Cindy Chynoweth.  Copies are posted at the club as well as on our website here.

Board of Directors
We will have an open board seat this fall so please consider getting more involved with the club.  We elect three directors and only two incumbents are running for re-election (Tom Siener and Lynn Martin; Fred Bristol is not running for re-election).  That means we’d like four members to consider running for a three-year term.  If interested, please contact Mitch Stenger who heads our Nominating Committee.

Our next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28th at 6:30pm on Zoom.  All members are encouraged to attend and can get the link by replying to this email.