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1st Edition January 14th 2010 This is the launch of the first monthly newsletter from the Santa Monica Lawn Bowls Club. The aim of the newsletter is to help keep members informed about what is happening at our club. All members are invited and encouraged to participate in this forum by sending their written thoughts to the editor. Annual General Meeting Our club held its 61st AGM in November and it was a very well-attended meeting. After 3 very successful years as President, years that have seen the club in the best financial shape ever, Ray Spiro decided it was time for some new blood. He was modest on reflecting about his time as President and was quick to thank his many helpers. He paid particular thanks to his very popular and respected Vice President Dixie Vanderloop. He also thanked the hard-working board and committee members and all the volunteers that have put in their valuable time and effort to help make our club run smoothly. He made special mention to Dave Lambert and Bill Wolff for their tireless efforts to get our club looking the best in the southwest. In a first for our club it was agreed that we would have co-presidents for 2010. This should prove a bonus to our club as both members Phil Dunn and Stuart Bell are very keen to continue with the successful platform that has been put down by the 30 other previous Presidents. They came to the meeting well-prepared and set out some of the goals they wanted to implement over the next 12 months. They stressed that the club belonged to the members and that the personal enjoyment and fun they got out of the club was dependent upon members' effort and input. They also mentioned they wanted to continue to focus on maintaining and recruiting new bowlers like Joe, Richard (Dick), and Terri. Visitation to at least 2 or 3 other clubs was also suggested. The meeting ended with some excitement and the promise of a great year for the bowlers at Santa Monica. Christmas Party On the 5th of December we held our annual party and prize-giving day. It was a wonderful day with jokes, singing, socializing and loads of fun. Highlights included Phil Dunn as Master of Ceremonies, the presentation of trophies and the club awards for tournaments and our success in the Winter League. In a very touching moment, Ray Spiro was recognized for his long support of SMLBC and in particular his service as President for the last 3 years. He seemed surprised but it was obvious his efforts have been very much appreciated by everyone involved with the club. Winter League Results In the first round of the Winter League, the defending champs were expecting a big challenge from our good neighbors at Beverly Hills. Both teams were at full strength. In the rinks BH got off to a good start, winning the first 5 ends easily and then sharing points the next five. The score board was 7-9 to BH after 10 ends; BH then got a big 4 on the 11th to make the score 7-13 to BH. The boys from Santa Monica then rallied to make it 13-13 after the 14th. On the 15th end, Santa Monica picked up 2 shots and 6 points to turn the game; final score: SM - 7 BH - 3. In the pairs the experience of Joe and Neville got BH off to a good start to take an unbeatable lead but Todd and Marty won the last 5 ends to finish well. In the other game Bill and Harry were getting good results in the first half but Phil and Stuart came home very strong, picking up some big multiples in the final ends to win; final score: SM - 8 BH - 2 The day was perfect for bowling and BH probably thought they were robbed by the visitors with a SM win, 17 to 13, but it was terrific bowling by both sides. From Santa Monica's point of view it was a good result under tough conditions and we were very pleased with our strong finish in all 3 games. In The Development League our players struggled in very difficult conditions, having a bit of trouble getting the consistency they would have liked. On the day they were outplayed by the locals but the players were able to take a lot out of the experience. Well done Shirley, Amo, Jackie, Chris and Barb - the season is still early. Thanks to Noreen and Ray for the support. We look forward to the next round. Go Santa Monica Bombers! U.S. Team Selection If you would like to play in a World Championship without waiting to be selected by the U.S. Team Selection Committee, then you should join the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA). You can contact Frank Souza to join. His phone is number is 623-388-6160. Frank runs the PBA in the U.S.A. Once a year the PBA has open tournaments all over the World to see who will represent their respective countries in the Championships that are held in England, Scotland & Wales. Play is on a fast indoor blue carpet. Congratulations this year goes to SMLBC member Phil Dunn who will be representing the U.S.A. in Wales. Phil is leaving soon and will be playing the current World Champion, Billy Jackson, on January 30th. We wish Phil good luck in the World Indoor Bowls Championship Tournament. Board Meeting Update We had our first board meeting after bowls on Wednesday, January 6th. The meeting was attended by Phil, Stuart, Jackie Fleming, Marty, Alan, Christina, Ray, Jackie Stanley, our and hard-working treasurer John. It was decided that our club would be supporting the USLBA and SWLBA financially as a commitment to lawn bowling. The fees for this support will come from the membership fees already collected; for each full member (not dual) $10 will go to USLBA and $20 will go to SWLBA. This means that our club will retain $60 (of the $90 membership dues). The members that have been involved with the catering are doing a fantastic job and we thank the following people: Jackie Fleming, Marty, Cris, and Joe. They have spruced the servery up and have started using portion control items and fresh fruit in an attempt to safeguard our health. Marty has suggested an awning to cover the servery from the hot sun. We have also, after a vote, decided that we should return to wearing whites on Sunday bowling. We will also be writing up a survey to present to our members so we can gain valuable feedback from everyone. We also agreed that it is important that everyone participates in the set-up and pack-up of equipment. It has been noted that the same members are carrying the load; please make sure if you have not helped set up that you allow extra time to put some gear away when the game is finished before leaving. This is all part of becoming involved and participating in your club; remember, many hands make light work. The President of Holmby Park, Tom Seres, has sent a letter inviting our members to join Holmby as a dual member; the cost would be $50. We belive this is an offer to foster goodwill and friendship amongst other lawn bowlers in our neighborhood. For those who wish to be dual members, our club fully endorses this proposal. We will also be offering the same invitation to toour friends at Holmby and Beverly Hills. Our club policy is that we want all bowling clubs to be healthy with as many members as possible to be able to survive into the future.
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