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Subscribe to our NewsletterAnthracite Little League Meeting Minutes 2014-2015
By League's Secretary: Mirna P. (Patty) Gledhill
November 16, 2014
In attendance: Tom & Tammy Smith, Brian & Dianne Binder, Patty Gledhill & Ronnie Yuricheck.
-Winter fundraiser was discussed. Spaghetti dinner at the SummitHillRecreationCenter for a flat fee of $20 ($100 refundable deposit), Nesquehoning Fire House $125.
-Registration fees discussed: $35 including 3 clinics, Feb. 22, March 1 & 8. $5 discount for additional child. Early registration Jan. 4, 11, 31, and Feb. 1.
$40 registration from Feb. 2 through the 22. Registration Feb. 23 through March 5 is $45. Last day of registration March 14-15.
- Anthracite Little League Meetings will be held every 2nd Sunday, at 6 pm.
December 14, 2014
Present: Tom & Tammy Smith, Brian & Diane Binder, Patty Gledhill, and Jeff Jewels.
-State and Federal Fingerprint Background checks will be mandatory on July 15. It will cost about $50, and be good for 3 years.
-Breakdown of groups was discussed: Majors children age 9-12 years of age, Minors 7-11, Rookies 6-8, and T-ball 4-7.
-Spaghetti dinner fundraiser was set for Saturday January 10, 5-7 pm, at the S.H.RecreationCenter. 7 volunteers are needed, to arrive at 3:30pm to set up.
-Drafts methods were discussed, and blind draft was chosen.
January 11, 2015
In attendance: Tom & Tammy Smith, Brian & Dianna Binder, Patty Gledhill, Jeff Jewels, Missy, Michael & Mason Mattrazzo, John, Roobhenn Smith, Dave & Theresa Kokinda, George Caffrey, & Ron Hood.
-Uniforms will cost $15.50, including embroidered hats, no stickers.
-Motion was accepted to buy soft hands for T-ball use.
-Coach's clinic to be held on Sat March 21, at 10 am for 3 hours. Valley Athletic will pay the fee. Open to other towns ie. Tamaqua, Lansford, Towamensing, Jim Thorpe, Summit Hill, Weatherly, etc.
-Draft methods were discussed and voted upon, the Blind Draft method was picked.
- Regarding All Stars team it was discussed that voting is recommended to select team: Players vote, coaches vote, managers vote, and board members vote. It was decided that the coaches will be picking the All Star team.
-Coaches to be considered for All Star team coaching need to watch 2 games each level for 7-8 and 9-10 teams. The board will vote for All Star Coaches.
-All background checks and clearances must be turned in by May 15th.
-Reimbursement for coaches clinics approved.
-It was decided to shop around for photography packages.
-Registration dates are Feb. 22, March 1, and March 8. Try outs March 14 and 15.
-Next meeting will be 2nd Sunday of February.
February 8, 2015
I wasn't present and don't know who took the minutes.
March 8, 2015
Present: Tom & Tammy Smith, Brian & Dianna Binder, Missy & Michael Mattrazzo, Roobhenn Smith, and Matt. (I was not present, Missy took the minutes, the following was from my discussion with Tom to update me about the meeting.)
-Spaghetti Dinners were ruled out as an effective fundraiser. Only $80 profit from 2 events after all expenses were taken into consideration.
-3 Coaches from other league are going to be brought in to judge at the try outs.
From Missy's notes:
Judges for try outs. William Hut, and Matt Taras.
-Try out dates:
11:40-1pm Rookies, 1:30-3pm Minors, 3:10-4:50pm.
-There will be a Walmart fundraiser bake sale.
-Dollar Dine Out at Russo's and Batter's Box discount was discussed.
-Opening day is April 25th. 1st pitch by Jim Thorpe bank. 9 am. There will be face painting, magician, parade. Chief Smith for firetrucks.
-Bleachers to be donated and the donor's names will be on them.
-Another clinic/open gym was scheduled for March 29.
- May 9 & 19 Towamensing games will be held at the Summit Hill and Nesquehoning fields as they are not able to use their fields.
-Spending vote from directors took place.
-9/10 district tournament, 28 games throughout 1 week. 7/8 tournament weekend of 5/13-5/20.
-Need blue prints for Summit Hill field work.
-Field clean up days: 4/11 & 12, and 18 - 19
-Bake sale at Redners April 4th.
-3 hours Coaching clinic March 21 at the Eckman Lumbar Bldg. 10am in FranklinTownship.
-Picture day, April 30th at the SummitHillRecreationCenter.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Special meeting called to vote for and appoint new league president.
Present: Sheila and Jeff Kattner, Billy, Tim, John, Tom Smith, Patty Gledhill, Brian and Dianna Binder, Lori and Dave Kokinda, Michael and Missy Mattrazzo, Brian, Tiffany A. Harakal, Shawn Hober, Wally, Lynn Arner Pavlik, Roobhenn Smith.
- Missy made motion to appoint Roobhenn as president to avoid conflict of interest between treasurer and president positions held by the Binder's if Brian was to step up to president. The motion was supported by the majority of those present by show of hands.
- Relationship with Lansford Little League was discussed.
-Fields conditions and maintenance was discussed.
-Number of teams was discussed.
- Roobhenn discussed some fundraising ideas and possible grants.
- Posting pitch counts and player stats on the Anthracite LL website was voted against.
- Next meeting will be held at the VFW on April 12.
- There will be another meeting on April 19th to be held at the Summit Hill Hilltop Community Center/Diligence Fire Company.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Present: Roobhenn Smith, Dianna & Brian Binder, Patty Gledhill, Tiffany A. Harakal, Brian Rehrig, Tom Goida, Melissa & Michael Mattrazzo, Theresa Kokinda, Shawn Hoben, Jason Gardiner, Jeff Kattner, Anthony Rashard (Andy Poli), Ron Hood.
- Any purchases will be requiring 2 signatures, and invoices and receipts are required for any reimbursement requested from the league.
- Current league funds are $7,000.
-Fundraising ideas discussed: Zumbathon, Dollar Dine Out.
-Attendees voted for the purchase of dry wall and paint for the Summit Hill field bathroom.
-Doors are needed in the Summit Hill field.
-Locks for concession stands will be re-locked with only one master key, and copies not authorized for duplication. Brian Binder will take care of this.
-The water will be turned on in Nesquehoning tomorrow.
-We owe $70.20 to District 18.
-Contacting CCTI was discussed for labor regarding construction in the Summit Hill field. League president and vice-president were advised to attend their board meeting on Thursday 4/16, 6 to 8 pm.
-Teri Kokinda suggested that the links for the background checks and child abuse clearances be posted on the league's website.
-Plaques for sponsors to recognize their donations was suggested.
-Roobhenn suggested starting awards and plaques on behalf of the people that have been instrumental in the advancement of the league and children nominated to All Stars. (Certificates of participation).
-Parent concession stand assigned (per player) food item donations will be send out by email shortly.
-Board voted to allow a late player's registration.
-Picture day changed to April 23.
-Some game times got changed.
-Parents to bring canned goods/dry food donations for opening day to donate to food pantry.
Sunday, April 19, 2015 7:06 pm
Present: Roobhenn and Harmony Smith, Patty Gledhill, Jeff Jewells, Chris Rehnert, Brian Rehrig, Mike and Missi Mattrazzo, Brian and Dianna Binder, Tiffany Harakal.
Expenses updates: Lowe's $355, hot water heater $491.77. Sam's Club $1,136. Waiting for quote for Summit Hill doors. Fencing around retaining wall need to be addressed. Electricity for the scoreboard needs to be figured out.
-Fundraising: 'Night at the races' would need to be postponed until Saturday September 5th, 2015, instead of doing it in May. It was voted on and decided.
-Freezers in Nesquehoning are not working. And the one in Summit Hill might be on its way out as well.
-Keys to be replaced. We quoted a few places for re-keying the locks, and PV Lumber gave us a $3 dollar per lock price which is the less expensive quote we received.
-Roobhenn is going to look into CPR/1st Aid classes for coaches. Each team should have at least one person that is trained.
- Picture day is now on April 23rd at the HilltopCommunity Center. If ten players miss picture day, we could have a make up day. Otherwise, they can go to Lansford LL where PSP will be at on May 2nd.
-Roobhenn brought up he wants to start using the new A logo as a watermark on our letter head communications. Miner watermark on the middle of the page and the new A logo on the top corner.
-Hit-A-Thon to replace the Home Run Derby: A dollar per inch for the longest distance the ball was hit. Basket raffle with donations from each team. June 14th.
-Zumbathon to have a basket raffle as well, date to be decided. Sunday June 7th is the tentative day.
-August 9th there will be an end of year celebration banquet. Exhibition game to be held that day-Coaches against Major graduates.
-Roobhenn suggested that June 6 is a tentative day for a T-ball game against another team outside of the league as a fundraiser for a charity (LS, Cancer, MS etc.).
-Due to lack of meeting participation the co-concession manager has been voted out, and Melissa Mattrazzo is now the full concession manager.
-Next meeting is May 17th, at the Nesquehoning VFW. 6pm
Sunday, May 17, 2015 Meeting started at 8:05 pm
Present: Roobhen & Harmony Smith, Patty Gledhill, Josh Black, Jeff Jewels, Teresa Kokinda, Tammy Smith, Missy Mattrazzo, Jason Gardiner, George Caffrey, Dave McAndrew, Brian Rehrig, Brian Binder, and Ron Hood.
-Zumba-thon to be held June 7th, at the NesquehoningCommunity Center. $10 to participate. We'll advertise on the newspaper, and make flyers to post at bingo night this wednesday.
- Hit-a-Thon to be held on June 14th. Raffle baskets to be donated by each team.
-Tournament for the 9/10 starts on June 27.
-Nominations for volunteer recognition have been presented for award. Volunteer award is going to be renamed Perry Shelton Sr. award and Joan Yuricheck award for male and female volunteer awards respectively.
-Carnations are to be given by majors graduates on the Memorial Day weekend.
-Memorial Day Parade is going to start in Nesquehoning at 9 am, teams are to be there around 8:30 am. Parade in Summit Hill will start at 11am, the league will meet in front of the Fell St Deli. Players could wear shorts if the day is hot, and their uniform shirt and hat.
-Combining the 11/12 with Towamensing was discussed.
The prospect of players committing to playing both District and Valley tournaments was discussed as a condition to be part of the All Stars in a combined division. Also commitment to traveling to Towamensing for practices. A letter will go out to all families to gauge the interest and commitment in a joint venture.
A motion to send letter was approved first by Terri Kokinda and seconded by Missy, Harmony, and all in favor.
-It was agreed that the tournament fee needs to be paid by Weatherly in order to be entitled to playing and winning the championship.
-Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm
June 7, 2015. Meeting started 7:34 pm
Present: Roobhenn Smith, Dianna & Brian Binder, Patty Gledhill, Melissa and Mike Mattrazzo, Jodey Mertz, Brian Rehrig, Tiffay Harakal, Stacy and George Caffery, Matt Machalih, Chris Jones, Ronnie Yuricheck, Dave Boyle, Chuck and Jen Byers, Marie Boyle, Ken Weaver, Shawn Hoben, Jeff Jewells, Tim Goida, Jerry Snyder, Matt Taras, Terri Kokinda, Ron Hood, Dan Polak, Wally Breiner, Dave McAndrew, Josh Black, Stephen Kryrieck, and Kelly S.
-Treasurer's report. Balance on the account is $14,780, and there's $1000 still to be paid out on outstanding bills. Funds received from the Hit-a-thon as of today is $3,520.
-We need the cooperation of everyone to keep the fields clean and pick up trash.
-The concession stand needs to be open in all games. We need the total cooperation of all parents and team moms for a smooth and effective coverage.
-August 9 will be our end of season Banquet. Raffle basket winners will be picked that day.
-Night at the races was postponed to a later time again.
-Summit Hill field needs and concerns: bathrooms need to be finished, a ramp to access the bathroom needs to be built, need a PA system, a fence for the retaining wall, doors for equipment and storage room, infield dirt, sign underneath the scoreboard.
-Nesquehoning needs: scoreboard, batting cage net, infield dirt, PA system. Bathrooms need to be cleared of stuff in them and moved to the Summit Hill storage shed. Donating the old score board to Lansford was discussed. Mentioning it to Franklin Township who donated it in the past was suggested, to see if they would need it back.
-We will be buying material from Lehigh Asphalt at $13 or $16 a ton to finish the ground in front of the Summit Hill field bathroom, we need to see about drop and pick up, we need a roller to level it out and maybe Hiles or the Summit Hill borough might be able to lend us one.
-T-ball tournament will be on Saturday June 13, and will have soft pitch for 3 times and then batting off the tee. 3 teams from Towamensing will participate. Weatherly is not participating so far.
-Playoffs start tomorrow.
-Selection of coaches. All coaches interested in All Star season need to have their clearances by July 1st. A meeting will be held to decide All Star team coaches after the general meeting is adjourned.
Wally and George will be coaching 7 and 8 team for All Star. Josh Black, Mike Mattrazzo, Chris Jones and Steve will be assisting.
9-10 Level, Brian Binder, with other coaches.
11-12 Level, Ron Hood has the best record, and has the first right of refusal. He won't take the 11-12 team to stay with his 2 children at the 9/10 level. Bryan Rehrig is willing to coach that team.
7/8 All Star players will also receive the district pins.
All Star teams will be announced on Jun 12.
-To provide balance to the Board of Director the following individuals will be part of the decision making process:
Jerry Snyder, Matt Taras, John Horvath, Bill Hutt, and Tim Goida.
Motion to adjourn made by Wally Breiner, and seconded by George Cafferty at 8:34 pm
August 23, 2015 Meeting. Summit Hill Fire Company 7:30 pm.
In Attendance: Mike & Melissa Mattrazzo, John & Donna Evans, Leigh Ann Kruslicky, Alicia Christianson, Brian & Dianna Binder, John Orsulak, Patty Gledhill, and Roobhenn Smith.
-Treasurer report: $8003.05 in checking, $2,627.05 in savings, maintenance account balance is $2,775.48.
2 savings accounts, one account is to keep funds separated for special projects.
-Fall baseball: The season will start after Labor day. Cost increased by $5 to provide an extra shirt. One will be a home shirt and the other an away shirt. Black pants.
We will have certificate of participations for all players next year to be given at the end of year picnic. Sunday,August 14, 2016 has been reserved for the end of year picnic at Mauch Chunk, but it will be re-scheduled for the 7th to avoid conflict with the Nesquehoning Fire Company barbecue fundraiser weekend.
The first Saturday in May 7 will be our opening day. Memorial day games will be May 28, with a raindate of the 29th.
· 2016 Calendar
o Parents & Players will be provided with a calendar upon registration
o Calendar will include important fundraising events, tentative start & end dates to the season
· End of Year Picnic / Celebration
o Need to get / make certificate of participation for ALL players
o Awards will be ordered through Del Rose Awards
§ Which will include
· Best Batter
· Best Pitcher
· Most Home Runs
· Gold Glove (Best Fielder)
· Madison Arner Spirit Award
· Lenny Lutz Memorial Award
· Zwiesdak Award
· Home Run Gloves
· Zabroski Award
· Plus others to be tabled for future consideration
· Opening Day
o Anthracite will have opening day games played in Nesquehoning the first weekend in May
· Memorial Day
o Anthracite will play all Memorial day weekend games in Summit Hill
o Awards will be given to the top male & female volunteer
§ Perry Shelton Sr. Award
§ Joanie Yuricheck Award
· Fundraising
o Events will include:
§ HIT – A – THON (last weekend in April) – which will include individual winners as well as team winners
§ Lottery Calendars
§ Wal – Mart Canvas (in March prior to Easter)
§ ZumbaThon (sometime in January after New Years Resolutions)
§ Home Run Derby
§ Memorial Day Saturday evening Casino Night?
§ Other prospects to be discussed
§ Little League Canvas (yearly mailer) Discussed the prospect of renewing our bulk mail permit rather than using the Fire Company's permit. Also, discussed the possibility of actually delivering the letters ourselves by hand.
2016 Spring / Off - Season
o Open Gyms will have a greater focus on player development
§ Breakdown will include more position specific drills
· Infield; outfield; pitching; catching; hitting
· Coaches will begin to get together with Coaching Coordinator, Player Agent & President to for a productive format
· Speed & Agility will also be a component of off – season workouts as well
o Meeting will take place sometime in Feb. with other organizations to discuss Inter- League play & rules
o Organizations included will be:
§ Tri – County
§ Towamensing
§ Weatherly?
§ Jim Thorpe?
§ FranklinTownship?
· Ideas / Planning from the board
o The board has explored options regarding better team development / better understanding of the game with the following to include:
§ Bus trip to go to the Little League World Series in Williamsport
§ Visit a Minor League game:
· Iron Pigs
o 1. Group Pricing = $10 / person with a $2 credit for food (which is through the purchased ticket
o 2. Group Pricing = $27 / person would be a Picnic Patio which includes a 2.5 hour buffet with unlimited drinks
o Field of Dreams is an opportunity for all kids to run on the field
· Reading Phillies
o 1. $5 general admission / person
o 2. 20 or more option:
§ Green Box = $8
§ Yellow Box = $9
§ Blue Box = $10
o 3. Pool area which is $24 / person with 2.5 hour buffet, bounce house, slide, putt pad
· Wilkes – Barre / Scranton Railriders
o Group Discounts
§ $11 / person for infield box
§ $9 / person field reserved
§ $8 / person bleacher seats
§ In 2015 all games in April priced at $5 / person
· 2016 registration would include this in the price upon deliberation / vote at consecutive meetings*
Coaches Meeting Review / Notes:
1. Tee – Ball
a. Implementation of Coach Pitch (Soft Toss) – player would be given 3 soft toss throws
b. 4th ball would be placed on the T-Plate for the player to them put the ball into play
c. Exploration of T-Ball playing inter-league?
d. Roster: minimum of 6 plays with a benchmark of 7 (idea number) but Maximum of 8 players on one team
2. Rookie
a. Introduction of Kid Pitch earlier on the level
b. Breaking down the importance of Catching earlier on this level
c. REMINDER THAT THE LEVEL IS INSTRUCTIONAL
i. During Regular Season Play no player can play the same position for more than six consecutive outs (2 innings)*
1. *Safety concern would be the only reason
2. ** All players would be required to play both the infield & the outfield
3. *** No player can play the same position they started following their six consecutive outs (2 innings)
ii. During All Tournament Play (including All – Stars) – the above rules do no qualify
3. Minor
a. No Coach Pitch (?)
i. Coach would possibly intervene in the event that a player would walk based loaded to prevent walking in a run
ii. No Bunting During Coach Pitch
iii. A player can steal from 2nd to 3rd during Coach Pitch
1. If on the throw down from the catcher would over throw the third baseman, the runner cannot score on the overthrow
4. Major
a. Roster: NO more than twelve (12) players on a team
b. Balance of Pitching / Catching must be preserved in order to maintain competitive balance
5. Discussed topics during the meeting included the following:
a. Head Coaches selecting Assistants – debate of loading one team
b. Try Outs for All Stars?
c. Contacting Rich Evanko about Clinics
d. Joint Practice:
i. Discussed having each team an opportunity to practice with another team on a rotation basis
ii. Another thought was to partner teams together for this concept / idea
iii. Selection of All – Star Coach
1. Best Regular Season Record?
2. Open Ballot?
Other Items for Discussion include:
· Women’s Aux. reforming within the league & designated with specific task
· Seeking interest in Softball for Anthracite –
o Parkland League
o LehighValley League
· Spoke with Ron Steigerwalt about getting more information . . . must reach out but would need commitment and team(s) to field at the various levels
o U8
o U10
o U12
o U14
· Prospects of converting the practice field to a Softball Field
o Spoke with Tim Hoben and he expressed interest in coaching – was involved with the Hiller program in Summit Hill for years.
· Committees:
o Develop committee’s within each of the board operations to insure success such as:
§ Fundraising (Friend Raising)
§ Merchandise (both pre-season / post season orders)
§ Player Development (clinics)
§ Concessions (menus, product to sell, coverage)
§ Others to be announced / discussed as needed
· Picnic: Discussion with Whitewater Rafting Adventures in Nesquehoning about 2016 picnic
o Steve said they would not be able to provide a discount for us in July / August as it is peak season. May / September possibly.
§ Cost for an adult would be $42
Next meeting September 13th, VFW at 6pm. Nomination and/or appointment of some positions in the board.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19pm.
VFW Nesquehoning Little League Meeting, September 13, 2015
Meeting started at 6:13 pm
In attendance: Roobhenn Smith, Patty Gledhill, Dianna & Brian Binder, Angela & Phil Coniglio, Ron Hood, Jeff Jewells, and Betsy Arner.
Treasurer's report: Savings $2627.73, Maintenance $ 2675.65, checking $6598.05 with approximately $1,000 deposited recently.
-Women's auxiliary group will be reinstated and would be in charge of the fundraising, merchandising, and concession stand, etc.
-Uniforms are in. Fall season has started. T-ball will start next weekend.
-May 7 will be the opening day for Spring season.
-End of year picnic has been re-scheduled to Sunday August 7th, 2016
Fundraising:
- Hit-A-Thon is scheduled for Sunday, April 24, 2016, rain day of May 1st.
- Lottery Calendars are due May 28th, 2016
- Walmart Canvas, Zumbathon & Home Run Derby (June 18 or 19th)
Field Maintenance: We need bug spraying at least at the S.H. and Nesquehoning fields. Practice field could be addressed at a later time.
-Meeting with League's President and the Board of Directors is scheduled for October 4th to discuss Anthracite L.L. by laws.
-Executive Board Meeting scheduled for October 11th at 5 pm and regular league's general monthly meeting to follow at 6 pm at the Summit Hill Fire Company.
-We need to decide where to apply the Len Lutz donation money.
Pushing back the field's fences is being considered, and other field improvements such as parking around the Summit Hill field, and lights for the fields.
-Vote was taken to re-start the Women's Auxiliary with majority consensus; Betsy Arner was appointed as the leader, and Angela Coniglio as co-leader. Dianna Binder will assist with the start of their bookkeeping.
-Vote was taken to appoint Melissa Mattrazzo as the new league's secretary. The Concession Stand Manager position has been discontinued as the Women's Auxiliary will take over that function.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm
