WELCOME TO THE NAPA SONOMA USBC NEW BOWLING SEASON!

Meeting called to order at 11:05 am

16 Association members present, including 6 Board members – President Patrick Havens, Vice President Steven Lederer, and Directors David Bezayiff, Kelly Bezayiff, Troy Emard and Staci Havens.

Minutes

President Havens had everyone read the minutes from the 2025 Annual Meeting. With no questions, or discussion, a motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes as presented.

President

President Havens talked about a new electronic registration system that USBC will be rolling out soon. It will be more comprehensive than the existing online registration, with the ability to sign up for specific leagues at specific centers, which should remove much of the sign-up work for the secretary at the beginning of league. It was asked how that will be set up since league applications aren’t due for 30 days after league starts. President Havens stated that it would likely be done by accessing the previous year’s league submissions, or the manager submitting a list of the expected leagues for the season.
There was also a brief discussion about getting a device to put in place at Napa Bowl strictly for league registration.
Lane certifications were brought up, with a tiered rating list coming out soon so that bowlers can see how well a center ranked.
It was also confirmed that the linage for the upcoming season would be going up $1 for all leagues.

Manager

Manager Kelley presented the membership numbers from the last 4 seasons, financial statements for the past 2 seasons, and a budget for the coming year.

There was a very slight decrease in memberships this year. Steven asked if there was a record of the demographics for that decrease, and was told no. President Havens did suggest that it might be with the youth bowlers who are not returning to bowl adult leagues after aging out of the youth programs. Director Emard mentioned the economy as a contributor to the drop. There was also discussion about running short-season leagues as well, as many new people are a bit leery about the commitment of a full-season league.

No outstanding issues/comments regarding the financial statements or the budget except an added cost for email blast software.

Committees

Troy Emard reported on this year’s convention. Rule changes to allow online/remote voting and allowing bowlers to switch hands were both voted down. Troy also talked about the success of the national tournaments over the last few years, which means that National will not have any need to raise dues for at least 5 years. He also brought up the possibility of posting flyers at various local businesses that would be willing to post them.

VP Lederer talked about the tournaments held last year. All comments seemed positive. One request was for brackets, so that will be looked into. Also mentioned that the Association needs to do a better job of posting results and celebrating the winners, so that will be worked on.

David and Kelly Bezayiff talked about the BVL tournament. They were unable to get anything scheduled with the center last season, but will try and get something set up right away for a November 8 tournament.

President Havens discussed the suggestion from USBC about promoting league/association happenings on social media platforms. The association has a Facebook presence and website, but other popular platforms to be explored are TikTok and Instagram.

Unfinished Business

none

New Business

Online registration testing – our association was to be participating in a new online registration process for the youth league. The system is not yet in full use through and is still in testing. We got dropped from testing as they hadn’t been able to add us until October last year, well after our start.

Election Results

President (2 year) – Patrick Havens
Directors (2 years) – David Bezayiff, Kelly Bezayiff, Staci Havens
National Delegates – Troy Emard, Patrick Havens
State Delegates – Troy Emard, Patrick Havens, Steven Lederer

With no further business to discuss, President Havens adjourned the meeting at 12:28 pm.

Click image to follow standings

Text Rob Forloine at 707.337.7759 for a spot.Or sign up on the Big&Slim presents string pin handicap doubles Facebook Page.

Sunday, June 28 at 11am.

Well talk about last season and get feedback if you wish to present it. We’ll also update everyone on the new season and the Tournaments we plan to run.

Finally as part of the business we’ll need to vote to approve Board Members and President.

Up for election this year:
President
3 Returning Directors plus openings

If anyone wishes to join the Board as a Director or a Volunteer please fill out a form and direct it to Lonnie.

Wrapping up the 2025-2026 Season, the Napa Sonoma USBC is holding a 1 day Doubles-Singles Tournament.

Sunday April 26th with 10:30 and 12:30 squad times join us for a fun time and perhaps win some money.

Register Online by 4/22 to save.
(Late Registration is an additional $10 per squad)

Find more info at TournamentBowl.com or at Napa Bowling Center inteself!

Entry Form | Rules

We are wrapping up last season and start next season with an All Association Meeting (all members welcome) Sunday August 3rd at 11am in Meeting Room 1 at Napa Bowling Center. We’ll be voting for Board Members and Officers and going over plans for the new season. If interested please reach out to Lonnie Kelly or a Board Member for an Application.

We’ll review the previous year, discuss the coming year, and will be holding an election for officers and directors. Your participation will be truly appreciated.

Love bowling? Want to help out as a USBC board member? Send me an email and I can send you an application.

We will be wrapping up last season and preparing to start the new season I’ve scheduled a General Membership Meeting to vote for Directors and Officers, plus updates on Napa Bowl’s conversion to String Pins.

The Meeting is Saturday August 12 at 10:30am.

Also Lonnie will be running the League Officer’s Meeting directly afterwards for the new season.

YOUTH LEAGUES

Bantams & Combined Youth Bowlers
Sign Up / Team Formation Saturday September 3rd starting at 10:15
League Bowling starts Saturday September 10th at 10:15