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In last month's newsletter I shared the strong health of our Club as we enjoy record profits, savings, membership numbers, and opportunities for our members to enjoy our Club. I also made a case for the importance of reinvesting so we can ensure our Club remains strong. In this month's newsletter we have some important updates related to opportunities to reinvest, and the support we need from membership to decide upon these opportunities. I am looking forward to sharing more with you in the next months as we progress down this path and seek your support.

As always thank you in advance for your input, participation, and support as we all work together to honor our past, celebrate the present, and build for the future.

Tom Holleman, President

2024 Facility Renovation Update

During the membership meeting in January, President Tom Holleman gave an update on Club renovation plans. The Club has engaged an architectural firm that has developed plans to update the Club's facilities under the board's guidance. The proposal includes renovating the restrooms and enabling access to both the women's restrooms and coat room when the bar is closed, expanding the sightlines so that the courts are more visible from the bar, and upgrading the bar and cardroom areas so they have a more modern Italian look and feel.

While the Club has been careful with its expenses and has developed a plan to ensure that our facilities are well maintained -- it has been almost 15 years since the Club has made a significant capital investment. With strong finances and an engaged and enthusiastic membership, the board believes now is the time to reinvest in the Club so that it continues to be a welcoming and attractive space for future generations.

As the expenditure would be substantial, approval will require a vote of the membership. The Club will hold two information sessions and conduct a secret ballot vote to ensure that as many members can share their opinions as possible and that the decision reflects the will of the membership.

Information Sessions

Two information sessions, which will include an update on the Club’s financial situation, the estimated cost of the project, and conceptual drawings will be held:

• Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 24, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Voting

An Email with voting instructions will be sent on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to all members with an email address on file. Members without email addresses will receive a mailing. Information will also be posted at the Club. Members can vote by Email or in person. In person voting will be held:

• Sunday, March 24, 2024, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Club

Results

Results will be tallied after the close of voting on Sunday, March 24, and will be shared in an email as well as on the bulletin board at the club.

Construction

If approved by the membership, construction will begin in June and is expected to run through August at the latest. Leagues and court play will not be impacted and we will have a temporary bar when that is under construction.

Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 p.m.

Club Renovation Information session, Dining Room

Friday, March 22, 6:30 p.m.

Member Dinner and Comedy Night*

Sunday, March 24, 12:00 p.m.

Club Renovation Information Session, Dining room

Sunday, March 24, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In-Person Voting at the Club for Renovation vote

Sunday, March 31, 12:00 p.m

Easter Cocetto

Friday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.

Elvis in the House Member Dinner*

*For Dinner Reservations contact Bruce 847-910-9011

Buzzybaby246@msn.com

Bank Lane Construction Underway

The entrance to our Club/Metra parking lot from Bank Lane will be closed at times during the next few weeks due to construction. It will be open in the evening and periodically during the day, but the safest way to access the Bocce Club over these next few weeks will be through the Metra lot, either using the alleyway north of Nite & Gale or the Walgreens Parking lot.

This is the beginning of the City of Highwood's project to reconstruct Bank Lane and install an improved sanitary sewer system to increase capacity and reliability as well as to resurface it once the underground work is completed. This first phase will take four weeks and started last week with sanitary improvements on Sheridan Road.

These improvements will benefit our Club and members as we rely on this sanitary and road infrastructure. Please be patient and supportive of this work while it progresses.

Green Text = Open to Membership, Fills shortly before league

Red Text = Full, limited spots by team invite only

Membership Renewal

Membership Renewal Begins May 1, 2024

Now that membership has approved a cap on our membership number it is more important than ever that you do not let your Club membership lapse. Not paying on time will cause you to lose your membership. If you later decide to rejoin, you will be put on our waitlist and will have to pay the initiation fee. The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30.

We will accept payment for the 2024-2025 membership year from May 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024.

Amounts are:

• Individual - $125
• Couple - $200
• Senior (80 years old +) - $25 (previously 85 years old)
• Junior (12-24 years old) - $50

Please look out for future communications and be ready to make your renewal payment starting May 1st.

Code of Conduct

A reminder to all of our members, we have a code of conduct that we enforce. Please show respect for the Club, fellow members, and our guests.

All members and their guests will abide by the Club rules and the Bylaws of the Highwood Bocce Club. Members are responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests. The conduct of all members and their guests shall be in the best interest and welfare of all members, administration, guests, and staff while on the Highwood Bocce Club’s property.

Misconduct shall include but not be limited to:

1. Any action causing physical damage to the Club and its property.
2. Inappropriate or abusive language or physical actions which directly attack a person and/or group.
3. Default in payment of dues, initiation fees, or any other money owed to the Club.

Also a reminder no drinks are allowed on the courts at any time. Members are also forbidden from bringing their own liquor due to liability risks. Lastly, players must wear flat, clean, rubber-soled shoes other than the ones they came in with.

There is a waitlist in place for our membership now that there is a membership cap in place, and there are many individuals currently on this waitlist. The board is working to determine the criteria for admission off the waitlist. That criteria will be presented at the next membership meeting in April. Until then new memberships are on hold.

The Club honors the memories of our members and their loved ones.

The bulletin board in the card room has space to place memorial cards, and

news of a loss can be shared with Peter Pieracci who will share the information with our members.

Marisa Bernardi Frecska

Rose Ann Simpson

Officers

President

Tom Holleman

Vice President

Mary Ann Pedersen

Treasurer

Heidi Peddle

Recording Secretary

DeeDee Niebling

Trustees

Frank Bacci

Bruce Bertucci

Lenny Innocenzi

Frank Lomoro

Peter Pieracci

Miles Russell

Steve Thornberry