April 2019 Bocce Newsletter

Presidents Message

It’s that time again… Many of you have returned or are getting ready to return to your northern home for the summer.  There are some full-timers who will continue to play Bocce over the summer months.  If you are interested in morning summer play contact Randi and Bob Newbery at grendelbear@gmail.com

The league schedule will be removed from the message board for the summer and posted again in October leaving all courts available for open play during the summer.  If any league is playing during the summer contact Norman Manchevski at nm@visionor.com

Beginning November 1, 2019 Barbara Kasdorf will be taking pavilion /court reservation for next season.  Call 239-947-7773

We want to give special thanks to Morna Fournier and Jim Marchessault who have served their terms are leaving the board.  Their time and talents given during their tenure are very much appreciated.  We would also like to welcome two new Board members, Dave Kozlowski and Ken Zegel to the Board.

Please take the time to read the minutes to the April 5, 2019 annual Bocce meeting that are included in this Banter. 

Thank you from the entire Board for helping to make the 2018-19 a success.

We look forward to seeing you at the courts next fall!

Diane Sweeney

2018-2019 Bocce Board of Directors

new Board members, Ken Zegel and Dave Kozlowski 

2019 Bonita Bay Bocce Club

League Challenge

On Saturday, March 16, 12 teams participated in the single elimination 2019 League Challenge.  The games began at 12:00 noon and ended at 4:00 p.m.  Anyone watching the tournament would have to agree that we have some very talented Bocce players in our club.  Craib’s Crossing Guards (Cameron & Kathryn Craib & Tom & Eileen Covelli) earned First Place and Wachee Bocce (Lynne Michaud, Bob Faherty, Larry Brenner, & Mary Visconti) Second Place. The winners were each presented with a commemorative medal and the First Place winners also received a gift card.

Thank You to:

Morna Fournier, our Tournament Director and her helpers, for organizing the tournament.

Dave Williams, our Facilities Director and his helpers, for having the courts in great shape for play.  

Mary Calabrese, our Social Director and her helpers, for organizing a great pizza party following the tournament.

And, our faithful referees:  Max Selig, Jerry Hoerner, June Cousineau, Neil Albert, Bob Ross, Joe Calabrese, and Steve Jess who kept our games running smoothly.

 

Social Committee News

by Mary Calabrese

The recent League Challenge tournament stirred up the appetites of players and spectators alike who really seemed to enjoy the free pizza and caesar salad that was provided afterwards. Every last piece of pizza and blade of lettuce was eaten with gusto!   Black Jack Pizza seemed to be the fan favorite.  Special thanks go to Mary Ann Galluccio, Randi Newbery, and Anna Schwerer for their help in setting up, serving and clean-up.  Many hands made light work.

A little rain (and threat of more!) did not deter the 70 hardy souls who showed up for this year's beach party on April 9^th.  The surf was definitely up but the partygoers stayed dry (mostly) as we listened to the mellow sounds of Johnny and the Ghost Riders.  Heavy rains held off long enough for us to enjoy Haney's barbeque buffet which got got rave reviews.  Special thanks go out to the Social Committee members who helped to make this event so special: Pat Gallagher, Jane Johnson, Randi Newbery, Cynthia Slack, and Jeanne Winiecki.

Planning 2019-20 Season

Tournaments:

Battle of the Sexes w/Potluck-Sat., Feb. 1

Women’s Tournament-Wed., Feb. 12 & Thurs., Feb. 13

Men’s Tournament-Wed., Feb. 26 & Thurs., Feb. 27

“Gonzo Bocce” w/Pizza-Sat., March 21

Social Events:

Welcome Back Party “Ice Cream Social”-Fri., Nov. 1 @ 4PM

Winter Social-Mon., Jan. 27

Pizza at Gonzo Bocce-Sat., March 21

The social committee will help with the Potluck following the Battle of the Sexes on Feb. 1. It was decided that there would be no Beach Party.

_______________________________________________________________________

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BONITA BAY BOCCE  

HELD ON APRIL 5, 2019 AT 11:OOAM AT BACKWATER JACK’S

Attending: Board Members: Diane Sweeney, Norman Manchevsky, Morna Fournier, Mary Calabrese, Dave Williams, Jim Marchessault, Tom Covelli, and Carol Pytlarz.  Absent: Bob Switzer. Guest: Joe Calabrese.

 Bocce Leagues Represented:  Bay Rollers, BiPolar Rollers, Bocce Belles,  Champaign Men’s, Close Encounters, Cocktail Wienies,  Court Jesters, Crossing Guards, DaBoccery,  Dinkers, Funatics, Gatorbacks, Hodge Podge, Illinois, Incrediballs, Keck, Late Bloomers,  Low Rollers, Men’s Open, Misfits, National, New Gang, Other Gang, Primo Bocce, Rammers, Remarkaballs, River Rollers, Rock N Rollers, Stars, Survivors, Wachee Bocce,  Wisconsin Winers, Women’s Open-Thursday, Women’s Open-Wednesday, Women’s and Zoomers.

After President Diane Sweeney’s welcoming remarks and the introduction of league coordinators, each board director gave their report.

Membership Relations-Norman Manchevsky

Norman thanked the coordinators for their help in managing their leagues and responding promptly to questions and requests. The club has added over 50 new members and all who wanted to be part of a league have been accommodated. Norman emphasized the importance of keeping him informed of changes in coordinators and league rosters. He explained that the board has decided to eliminate the free name tag for new members due to workload and lack of name confirmation, and the website and welcome letter will direct new members to a supplier in Naples with pre-negotiated price and design. League times will remain the same next year with the 5^th week open to the public.  With plenty of open times, reservations can be made on the schedule posted on the message board. Norman will look into reserving electronically. Barb Kasdorf (#239-947-7773) will be taking evening court reservations beginning Nov. 1, 2019.

Membership Records -Norman Manchevsky

Norman reported for Bob Switzer. Wild Apricot has been very successfully implemented. More than 95% of the members have adapted to using it with a few insisting on paying by check. Wild Apricot has made it simpler for members and board members for events, payments, maintaining member information, emailing notifications and newsletters, handling responses, and having a good-looking website. Since coordinators do not have admin privileges, coordinators should let Norman know of changes in their league. Next season will be even smoother on membership renewals since we have cleaned up the member database, and we can start using other features of the software we haven’t implemented yet (such as the store).

Tournaments-Morna Fournier

Morna reported that all the tournaments were enjoyed by those who participated: Feb. 2- Battle of the Sexes, Feb. 15 & 16 Men’s Tournament, Feb. 26 & 27-Women’s Tournament, and March 16-League Challenge. Dave Williams agreed that the Men’s Tournament was successful. The League Challenge went smoothly with 12 teams (down from 15) and a single elimination. She allotted an hour for each game, starting at noon and ending with the pizza party.  Some suggestions for the League Challenge next year would be to mix veteran members with new members and make it a community/league challenge.  Morna announced that she is resigning from the board due to outside responsibilities.

Social Events- Mary Calabrese

Mary reported that this year the club supported 4 events: Nov. 2- Welcome Back Party “Hot Dog Cook-Out”, Jan. 23-Dinner Dance “Sock Hop”, March 16-League Challenge Pizza, and April 9-Beach Party “Surfs Up”. She mentioned that the Dinner Dance buffet did not get good feedback, but she would order pizza from Black Jack’s again. There are 70 registered for the Beach Party. Attendance at social events seems to be dropping from previous years. It was suggested that next year we have of a picnic at Estero Bay Park rather than the beach party.

Facilities-Dave Williams

Dave thanked the coordinators for educating their league members about grooming the courts as the courts are in great shape. He provided two hand-outs: “League Coordinators’ Responsibilities” and “Some Bocce Court Maintenance Tips”.  Dave reminded everyone to make sure the club equipment is locked up: balls, paddles, and measuring tape. He is looking into a larger cabinet for next year so even the night balls can be locked up. Dave also reminded us to “Respect the Courts”. The rules for bocce are posted on the message board.  A sign for ‘East’ and ‘West’ court was suggested. Dave and his crew were acknowledged for using the shop vacs on the courts after rains so tournaments could play.

Communication-Jim Marchessault

With Jim’s term ending, this month will be his last newsletter. He thanked everyone for their contributions to the newsletter.

Treasurer-Tom Covelli

Tom displayed a graph and pie chart of the Projected 2018-2019 Actuals. He explained that membership was budgeted at 600, but actually 583 paid.  Tournaments, maintenance, social, and administrative costs were all under budget. Under admin costs are the coordinator’s luncheon, insurance policy, and filing fee. Wild Apricot, which has greatly enhanced club communications, membership records, and event registrations, was over budget; but that was due to costs being paid for two years. Tom reported a surplus of $5,000 for 2018-2019 that we can move to reserves and a $30,000 CD @ 2.75% for the restroom appeal.

BREAK FOR LUNCH

Other Reports

Survey-Tom Covelli

With the new Wild Apricot, we have the capability of putting together a survey.  Tom will be heading the survey which will question our members on activities and various things. The suggestions from the coordinators will be incorporated into the survey.  We will be offering some new events to  promote new members and improve bocce skills.

Handicap Parking -Diane Sweeney

A proposal for widening the street in a section for 4 handicapped parking spaces is needed. The club will continue to work with pickleball on parking when either has large events at Riverwalk Park.

Restroom Project-Diane Sweeney

This is an opportune time to ask for a restroom for the community. Joe Calabrese explained that it costs $120,000 for one restroom and this will not be an easy sell to BBCA.  We have 3 BBCA board members that support bocce, but the club will need to make a good presentation.  Barb Kasdorf can provide info on public use of courts and photos of other neighboring community bocce courts with adjacent restrooms should be included in proposal. The club has been reserving $30,000 for this project to encourage BBCA. A meeting for the proposal will be Friday, April 5 at 9AM at the bocce courts. Coordinators volunteered to take petitions getting 24 or more signatures supporting restroom and to return them in provided stamped, addressed envelopes in two weeks.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The nominating committee consisting of Norman Manchevsky, Diane Sweeney, and Dave Williams reviewed the two vacancies (Morna Fournier and Jim Marchessault) and presented the nominees: Ken Zegel and Dave Kozlowski. Ken, who loves bocce, was a school administrator and has computer skills. Dave, who volunteers on court maintenance, was an attorney with a financial background. Motion to elect Ken Zegel and Dave Kozlowski to fill these board vacancies was made by Neil Albert, seconded by Roger Stedronsky, and approved.

Meeting was adjourned at 1PM.

Respectfully submitted,

 Carol Pytlarz, Secretary

 

2019 Bonita Bay Bocce Club

League Challenge

On Saturday, March 16, 12 teams participated in the single elimination 2019 League Challenge.  The games began at 12:00 noon and ended at 4:00 p.m.  Anyone watching the tournament would have to agree that we have some very talented Bocce players in our club.  Craib’s Crossing Guards (Cameron & Kathryn Craib & Tom & Eileen Covelli) earned First Place and Wachee Bocce (Lynne Michaud, Bob Faherty, Larry Brenner, & Mary Visconti) Second Place. The winners were each presented with a commemorative medal and the First Place winners also received a gift card.

Thank You to:

Morna Fournier, our Tournament Director and her helpers, for organizing the tournament.

Dave Williams, our Facilities Director and his helpers, for having the courts in great shape for play.  

Mary Calabrese, our Social Director and her helpers, for organizing a great pizza party following the tournament.

And, our faithful referees:  Max Selig, Jerry Hoerner, June Cousineau, Neil Albert, Bob Ross, Joe Calabrese, and Steve Jess who kept our games running smoothly.

March 2019 Bocce Newsletter

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 20th in Riverwalk Park. This is our largest event of the year and we expect attendance to be close to 1,000 participants. Due to this, we ask for your assistance with the following:

Due to the Good Friday holiday and city inspections, the large event tent will be set up on the Thursday, April 18th. Please do NOT park in the center section of the park on Thursday morning (this area will be marked with cones).

On Friday, April 19th, please DO NOT park in the coned areas (these areas are needed for event set-up).

There will be NO play (Bocce or Pickleball) on the day of the event (Saturday, April 20th) prior to 11:30 a.m. (Pickle ball courts will be locked until event is over at around 11:30 a.m., then play may resume as normal).

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and support for this “eggs-cellent event!”

Presidents Message

Greetings,

We enjoyed two great tournaments in February.  Be sure to read the details below and find out who won.  The League Challenge is the last tournament of the season and it is not too late to sign up.  Your league could have bragging rights for being #1. Check out the details below.  Don’t forget the pizza and salad being offered after the games.  All you need to do is sign up on the web site so they know how many pizzas to order.  Our last event of the season is the Beach Party so while you are on the bonitabaybocce web site sign up for a fun time at the beach with your Bocce friends.

All of the Bocce events are possible because of our volunteers.  We are fortunate to have so many who offer to help.  We welcome any who would like to volunteer.  You can sign up below.  I guarantee you will have fun and make new friends. I would like to recognize volunteer, Barbara Kasdorf.  She is the lady who makes sure the schedules are posted on the message board and she also takes calls to reserve the pavilion.  Oh, and what about Walter Slack?  He worked tirelessly on membership records before we transferred or records to Wild Apricot.  He still prints out our entire season’s schedules and checks to makes sure there is always a pen at the message board….. he tells me he replaces pens weekly if not more often…. so if you have some extra ball point pens give them to Walter!.

Coordinators….Save the date…..The annual meeting luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 4 at 11:00 AM at Back Water Jacks.

I look forward to seeing you again at the courts!

Diane Sweeney

 ____________________________________________________________________

2019 League Challenge

Here are the details you need to know:

* It is a one day single elimination tournament.

* Each league decides which of their members will form a team to

represent them in the tournament and who will be the team captain.

* Tournament details and the schedule will be sent to the team captain once registration and the schedule are completed.

* If a league has less than 16 members, one team of four may sign up from that league.

* If a league has 16 or more members, two teams of four may sign up from that league.

* Tournament teams must consist of two women and two men.

* A league member may only play on one tournament team. So, if a member plays on two or more leagues, they can only participate on one team in the tournament.

Registration begins on Monday, February 25, 2019 and will close on Monday, March 11, 2019.

*Go to: www.bonitabaybocce.com 

*Enter your e-mail and password

*Choose Events

*Choose League Challenge

*Enter your league name

*Enter the captain's name

*Enter other team members as guests

*Come and join in the fun on Saturday, March 16, 2019!

Men's tournament

The 2019 Men’s Tournament took place Friday and Saturday, February 15th and 16th.  24 men participated in this double elimination, single player event. Perfect bocce weather on both days and perfectly groomed courts led to a great time for the participants and spectators alike.  

The 24 competitors played a total of 47 games as Neil Albert edged out Tom Covelli in the final two rounds to take home his winner’s trophy.   It was great entertainment to watch both of these talented players as they played off for the title. 

Neil was presented with his winner’s trophy, and both he and Tom received gift certificates to Backwater Jack’s.

After the final championship match, competitors, volunteers and spectators enjoyed the hotdog roast and picnic at the court pavilion. 

Our thanks to the Men's Tournament director, Dave Williams and his “executive assistant" (and spouse), Nancy Hayden, for all of their long hours of planning and hard work.  Dave wants to thank the following bocce club members for their help and time refereeing, cooking and grooming the courts for play:  Diane Sweeney, Morna Fournier, Jerry Hoerner, Bob Switzer, Joe Calabrese, Hank Gempeler, Bob Ross, Sonja Ross, Will Rymar, Sheila Rymar, Tom Covelli, Max Selig, Jim Plesh, Dave Zaun, Bob Newbury, Bob Faherty, Roger Stedronsky, Jim Baird, Dave Kozlowski, Jim Dillon, June Cousineau, Pat and Mike Gallagher, Karen Thompson, and Gloria Johnson. It takes a large group of volunteers to pull off an event like this, and their help is greatly appreciated by all!

Bocce Court Maintenance News - Dave Williams, Bocce Club Facilities Director

 A bag containing a set of bocce balls was missing from the storage closet at the courts for several weeks. We want to thank the individual who “borrowed” them for finally returning them this week!

Please remember to keep the speckled balls in the new bags (bright blue and yellow) and LOCK THEM UP in the lockable cabinet!

Women's tournament

On February 27th and 28th, twenty women participated in the 2019 Women’s Tournament.  This is a double elimination tournament and the two person teams are created by a random draw.  There was a lot of great bocce played on those two mornings as witnessed by interested spectators. First place was taken by Karen Bothwell and Marianne Galluccio with Nancy Hayden and Gloria Johnson coming in second.  First place winners received an engraved jewel as a trophy and a gift card.  Second place winners received a gift card.  On Thursday, an end- of-tournament celebration luncheon was enjoyed by the women at the 55th Hole. 

Thank you to Dave Williams and his team for getting the rain water off the courts for us and having them perfectly groomed.  And, a big Thank You to all of our referees for doing an outstanding job!

BBB League Coordinators

Once again, thanks to all of you for serving as coordinators!  In your league play every two weeks, you are the invaluable link between the BBB Club Directors and our 600 members.  Particular thanks are due to all of you who kept us informed of changes in membership and league participation so that our Wild Apricot data base can be kept current.

Earlier this month, I sent a note to some of you including a list of members who had not paid their 2019 dues.  I asked you to contact them and let us know if they had dropped out.  Since then, a few have informed us that players have left the club and a few have renewed their membership.

As of today, there are still 135 lapsed members.  Please let me know of any others that have indicated their intention to leave or settle their accounts.  All those not paying their 2019 dues will be removed from our active data base on March 10^th, 2019.

Thank you again for your ongoing support.

 

Bonita Bay Bocce, Island pond Ct. Unit 1201 Bonita Springs,  FL 34134

 

December 2018 Bocce Newsletter

It’s hard to believe that 2018 is coming to a close !!!  We have much to look forward to in the New Year.  In January the Bocce courts will be very busy with members returning from the holidays or just arriving for the season, all will be ready to play Bocce, not only for the love of the game but for renewing friendships  Please be sure to check details below for other fun events that are planned for you.  

This is a reminder to send a letter or email to Robin Leete at BBCA and explain to her your need for handicap street parking. I want to thank those who have already taken time to write their letters. 

The Pickleball members have agreed not to park in the first 6 parking spaces closest to the street (4 on the left and 2 on the right) so that for Bocce players who are less mobile can use them. 

Members are responding showing interest in volunteering.  Thank you.  We are looking for an IT person who is interested in working with our new Wild Apricot software.  We also need photographers.  Hope to hear from more members and indicate your interest area.  To volunteer, just click on "Volunteer Sign Up" at the end of the newsletter.

From the Board of Directors:  Dave, Morna, Kelly, Carol, Bob, Tom, Norman, Jim and yours truly…..We all wish you a very Merry Christmas season.

See you at the courts!

Diane Sweeney

___________________________________________________________________________________________

                    Bonita Bay Club

          Wednesday, January 23, 2019    

                     5:00 -9:00 pm

 

Jitterbug, twist, and stroll the night away!

Enter the “crazy sock” contest and win a prize!

Italian buffet dinner, $40 per person.

Dress in “country club casual” or your favorite 50’s garb.

Reservations and payment must be made through our website: www.bonitabaybocce.com  

Please click on “Events” and then “Dinner Dance”.

Limited to 150 attendees.

Reservations will be accepted until Jan. 15^th or until our limit is reached.

No checks, please.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

TIME TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM

FOR

“THE BATTLE”...

BATTLE OF THE SEXES THAT IS!!

 

Get a team of four women or four men together, create a name for your team, and log onto our bocce’ website, bonitabaybocce.com to register your team.  This one day tournament on Saturday, February 2, 2019, is played at the Riverwalk Park bocce’ courts.  If you’re a new member or have been a member for many years, or.....if you have little experience or years of experience; it doesn’t matter!  Every member is encouraged to come and join in the fun of our club’s largest and most enjoyable tournament.  This tournament will be followed by a potluck dinner.

 

If you have any questions regarding the tournament, please feel free to contact:

 Diane Sweeney (Women’s Teams) @ dsigney@aol.com

Joe Calabrese (Men’s Teams) @ jcalabrese1948@gmail.com

Morna Fournier (Director of Tournaments) @ morna_rinn@hotmail.com

 

Hope to see you at the courts on February 2nd!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Coordinators’ Meeting – January 9, 2019

 

Our beginning of the season coordinators’ meeting will be held on January 9^th at the Bonita Bay Community Center at 10 a.m.  Please try and ensure that all leagues are represented by the coordinator or a designated replacement.

In advance of the meeting, please review the list of your league members on the www.bonitabaybocce.com web site.  To see the names of your league members:

·        Sign in to your account

·        Click on the text – “DIRECTORY” – in the blue bar near the top of the home page; then

·       Click on “Advanced Search” – to the left of the page.  This brings up a page that looks like this:

·        Scroll down the list of leagues and click in the box next to your league name; then

·        Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Search” and a list of the players currently registered in your league will be displayed

·        Email Norman Manchevsky – nm@visionor.com with any additions or deletions that are required and the list will be adjusted.

If you have any problem in doing this, email Norman – nm@visionor.com and you’ll be provided with a list of the members on your league.

 We look forward to seeing you or your designate at the meeting on the 9^th January.

__________________________________________________________________________

Bocce Court Maintenance Tips - Dave Williams, Bocce Club Facilities Director

We are losing several of the long needle pine trees around the courts- thanks to Hurricane Irma.  After a windy day, there is usually a good deal of pine tree “litter” on the courts.

 

DO:

Pick up as many of the fallen pine needles as you can before grooming. If needles get stuck in the fingers of the grooming device, pick them out of the tines and discard off the court. This will help eliminate “grooves” in the HarTru clay on the courts.

 

DO:

Use the small broom and dust bin to remove debris from the ends of the courts.

 

DON”T:

Sweep debris into the gutter at the end of the court. This can block proper drainage of rainwater.

 

DON’T:

Don’t add extra HarTru clay to the court surface. If the court looks “bare”, contact Dave Williams.

 

DO:

There are now 3 sets of “Night Play” bocce balls for evening leagues and parties. Do use them. They make it easier to distinguish the colors in low light conditions.

 

DON’T:

Do not mix “Night Play” balls with the regulation bocce balls. They are slightly larger and mixing them can affect play.

 ____________________________________________________________________

Save the Dates!

Men's Tournament

February 15, 2019
February 16, 2019
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

Women's Tournament

February 27, 2019
February 28, 2019
8:00 AM to noon

Riverwalk Bocce Facility

League Challenge

March 16, 2019
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

Beach Party

April 09, 2019
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bonita Bay Beach Park

_________________________________________________________________

Volunteers Needed

We are always looking for help with various events. If you'd like to help please Sign up here Volunteer sign up

Bonita Bay Bocce, Island pond Ct. Unit 1201 Bonita Springs,  FL 34134

 

 

November 2018 Bocce Newsletter

If you are wondering about the date that your league starts we ask that you contact your league coordinator.  Some leagues start in November while other leagues wait until January to start.  If you are interested in open play check the schedule at the court or on line for court availability.  A reminder…… League starting times have changed.  Leagues that started last year at 3:30 will now start at 3:00. Please check the schedule for what time your league starts. 

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

In a one day tournament on Saturday, February 2, 2019, teams of 4
women will play against teams of 4 men at our Riverwalk Park bocce’
courts. If you’re a new member or have been a member for many years,
or.....if you have little experience or years of experience; it doesn’t
matter! Every member is encouraged to come and join in the fun! If
you don’t have a team, we will find a team for you. Sign up information
is available on our bocce’ website. Be sure to get your team signed up,
so you don’t miss out on our club’s largest and most enjoyable
tournament followed by a potluck dinner.  See you at the courts! 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM 
________________________________________________________________

Save the Dates:

Men's Tournament

February 15, 2019
February 16, 2019
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

Women's Tournament

February 27, 2019
February 28, 2019
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

League Challenge

March 16, 2019
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

Beach Party

April 09, 2019
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bonita Bay Beach Park
_______________________________________________________________________

In spring 2018, the Bocce Club Board decided the club had outgrown its use of spreadsheets for maintaining membership records. They voted to purchase a software package to automate many aspects of operating a club with over 600 members.  After many hours of review, testing and evaluation, the board selected a membership management application named Wild Apricot. Wild Apricot is web-based software that automates and simplifies the management of club membership.  Wild Apricot consists of several integrated modules that work together through a user-friendly website:

•   Membership Management
•   Event Management
•   Financial Management
•   Communications Management.

The board worked over the summer to migrate our membership records to the new system, create a new website, and set up the software for member use. Our objectives included improved management of club operations and making life easier for club members.  Our new membership management website is now ready for your use. You may sign on to the new club website to perform online functions such as:

•   Paying your annual dues with a credit card
•   Reviewing  and updating your personal profile
•   Finding substitutes, league members
•   Checking out the schedule of club events and registering for an event
•   Finding information about the sport, the Bocce Club, & league schedules
•   Viewing photos from past club events and tournaments.

If you used "www.bonitabaybocce.com" or "www.bonitabaybocceclub.com" as bookmarks for your web browser, you may continue to use those addresses to access the new website. Many of the communications you receive from the club will contain links that will take you directly to the new website. For example, the invoice email you received contains links that will take you to the new online payment system.

Once on the new club website, look for the Sign In button in the upper right, a square with a silhouette. Click on the button, and the sign in dialog will pop up. The first time you sign in, you will not have a password, so click on the "Forgot Password" link, enter your email address in the form, and a password reset email will be sent to you. Follow the directions in the email to establish your sign in password for the Bocce Club website.

Once you are signed in, you can find a detailed Member Guide on the "Resources" page that explains the basic functions you can perform on the website, with instructions and illustrations.

If you need further assistance, the Bocce Club will hold several help sessions at the BBCA offices for members. Look for the schedule of help sessions on the website "Events" page.

Volunteer??

We are always looking for help with various events. If you'd like to help please Sign up here Volunteer sign up

 

Presidents Corner 

Welcome to Bocce Season 2018-19 

The new Bocce season has begun!  You recently received information introducing you to the Bocce Club’s new software.  Last season the board appointed a committee to research software that would serve our club’s needs.   After extensive research the committee recommended software named ‘Wild Apricot’ (strange name) but it was a good match.  Members will find the software provides information related to the club including membership renewal.  Over the summer Board director Bob Switzer along with other Board directors had the task of getting the software up and running.  A big thank you to all involved, especially Bob Switzer.   It might take us some time to get comfortable with the new software but we believe it will serve us well. 
The directors have some information they would like to share with you below…. so please keep reading! 

Looking forward to seeing you at the courts!

Diane Sweeney  

Bocce Club Welcome Back Party !!!!

 

When:    Friday, November 2, 2018   4:00-6:00 pm

Where:   Riverwalk Park Bocce Courts

What:      Hot Dogs and more...

Cost:       Free

BRING YOUR OWN BEVERAGE!

Note: Street parking on Riverwalk Way is no longer allowed. Please try to carpool and park only in the parking lot.

Seating is limited, bring your lawn chairs.

 

 

Leagues

If you are wondering about the date that your league starts we ask that you contact your league coordinator.  Some leagues start in November while other leagues wait until January to start.  If you are interested in open play check the schedule at the court or on line for court availability.  A reminder…… League starting times have changed.  Leagues that started last year at 3:30 will now start at 3:00. Please check the schedule for what time your league starts. 

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A court update from Dave Williams, our Facilities Director:

The Bonita Bay Maintenance Department has done a excellent job this Fall in Riverwalk Park. Several of the Hurricane Irma-damaged trees near the bocce courts were taken down this summer, so  there should be fewer pine needles littering our courts this season. The Maintenance Department also leveled some of the uneven pavers around the courts and should be restoring the sod that was in such poor shape last year. The courts are playing well now and we will be doing more work on them the first week in November.

For those members who like to play in the evening, we have purchased  new “night play” balls to replace the brightly painted ones we experimented with last year. The painted ones were a big hit because of the better visibility in the evening, but the paint wore off too quickly. The new orange and white night balls are a solid color throughout but are slightly larger by 3mm, so please don’t mix them with the regulation Bocce Club balls. Store them in the bags marked for night play only.

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Save the dates

Bocce Club Dinner Dance

January 23, 2019
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Bonita Bay Club

Battle of the Sexes

Join in the Battle 

Saturday, February 2, 2019

8:00 AM - 6:30 PM 

Teams of 4 men will face off against teams of 4 women in the largest and most enjoyable tournament sponsored by Bonita Bay Bocce.
 
We encourage you to join in the Battle by forming a team of 4 men or 4 women.

Men's Tournament

February 15, 2019
February 16, 2019
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

Women's Tournament

February 27, 2019
February 28, 2019
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

League Challenge

March 16, 2019
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Riverwalk Bocce Facility

Beach Party

April 09, 2019
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bonita Bay Beach Park
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In spring 2018, the Bocce Club Board decided the club had outgrown its use of spreadsheets for maintaining membership records. They voted to purchase a software package to automate many aspects of operating a club with over 600 members.  After many hours of review, testing and evaluation, the board selected a membership management application named Wild Apricot. Wild Apricot is web-based software that automates and simplifies the management of club membership.  Wild Apricot consists of several integrated modules that work together through a user-friendly website:

•   Membership Management

•   Event Management

•   Financial Management

•   Communications Management.

The board worked over the summer to migrate our membership records to the new system, create a new website, and set up the software for member use. Our objectives included improved management of club operations and making life easier for club members.  Our new membership management website is now ready for your use. You may sign on to the new club website to perform online functions such as:

•   Paying your annual dues with a credit card

•   Reviewing  and updating your personal profile

•   Finding substitutes, league members

•   Checking out the schedule of club events and registering for an event

•   Finding information about the sport, the Bocce Club, & league schedules

•   Viewing photos from past club events and tournaments.

If you used "www.bonitabaybocce.com" or "www.bonitabaybocceclub.com" as bookmarks for your web browser, you may continue to use those addresses to access the new website. Many of the communications you receive from the club will contain links that will take you directly to the new website. For example, the invoice email you received contains links that will take you to the new online payment system.

Once on the new club website, look for the Sign In button in the upper right, a square with a silhouette. Click on the button, and the sign in dialog will pop up. The first time you sign in, you will not have a password, so click on the "Forgot Password" link, enter your email address in the form, and a password reset email will be sent to you. Follow the directions in the email to establish your sign in password for the Bocce Club website.

Once you are signed in, you can find a detailed Member Guide on the "Resources" page that explains the basic functions you can perform on the website, with instructions and illustrations.

If you need further assistance, the Bocce Club will hold several help sessions at the BBCA offices for members. Look for the schedule of help sessions on the website "Events" page.

Volunteer??

We are always looking for help with various events. If you'd like to help please Sign up here Volunteer sign up

In spring 2018, the Bocce Club Board decided to purchase a software package to help the club manage the many aspects of operating a club with over 600 members.