Super Sunday – May 5, 2013
Please join us for Super Sunday which will be held on Sunday, May 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Pool. Super Sunday is the first time you will be able to sign up for all the exciting camps and teams the WRA has to offer including Tennis Camp, Basketball Camp, Baseball Camp, Sandbox Tots and Tennis Team. These camps are in high demand so arrive early to ensure that you are able to get the week(s) you want. Registration for the Dolphins Swim Team can be done online. Click on the Swim Team page of the website for details on how to register. Representatives from the Swim Team will be present to answer questions and Dolphin swimsuits will be available for purchase.
WRA campaign to go PAPERLESS!!
One of the major initiatives of the Board for 2013 is to see the WRA go paperless. Sending correspondence via the U.S. Postal Service costs the WRA upwards of $1,500 each year as well as requires hours of time by Board members to fold, stuff and stamp 515 envelopes. Going paperless will save the WRA money, streamline the process of sending correspondence to Members plus having the added benefit of saving a few trees!
If you are willing to receive all future correspondence (including meeting announcements and annual dues notices) via e-mail, please contact the Business Manager, Leslie Schoeffel at gro.cerdoowenyawnull@rgmssenisub. By providing your e-mail, you are agreeing to no longer receive correspondence via U.S. mail. Your e-mail will be used solely for official WRA communications and will not be given to any other organization or used for any other purpose.
Important Changes to WRA Membership Policy
At the February 11, 2013, semi-annual membership meeting, the membership voted to accept the following proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation (Articles) and By-laws. The actual text that was deleted and/or added to the Articles and By-laws can be found in the Membership Policy Review Committee’s Report.
Nearby Residential Area Membership Restriction
Future memberships are restricted to residents in “nearby residential areas” which is defined as street addresses on both sides of the following streets: Collingwood Road to the north, West Boulevard (extended south to Fort Hunt Road) to the east and Fort Hunt Road to the west and south. Those members currently residing or later moving outside of these boundaries are grandfathered allowing them to keep their memberships.
There has been a long standing practice which is not guaranteed in the Articles or By-laws that allows members selling their homes to convey their memberships to the buyers. Since the By-laws specifically state that memberships are non-transferrable, this practice effectively allows the buyer of the home to “jump to the head of the line” on the waiting list and purchase a membership. Anyone holding a membership outside the newly established boundaries will not be able to take advantage of this practice since the buyer will no longer be eligible to become a member since their residence will be outside of the WRA’s boundaries.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The statement the WRA “shall not discriminate in any manner prohibited by law” was added to the Articles and By-laws.
Joint Tenancy
Extend to adults other than spouses the ability to hold a membership in Joint Tenancy. This change eliminates the requirement that the adults must be married, but does not alter the requirement that the adult must be a bona fide resident of the household.
Associate Member Definition
Revise the definition of “associate member” in the Articles and By-laws to say “bona fide residents of the household of an active member” replacing the former definitions in both which stated that associate members must be part of the active members family, related by blood or marriage. This does not alter the requirement that the associate member be a bona fide resident of the household.
Automatic Termination of Membership Upon Death
Added to the By-laws the provision that “Where a membership is not held in joint tenancy and the active member dies, the membership slot shall be offered to adult associate member(s) of the household ahead of the waiting list.” This codifies the long-standing practice of allowing the surviving spouse (or other adult associate member) to take over the membership slot (not the membership itself which by law is not transferrable) of a deceased active member not held in joint tenancy.
New Member Application and Approval Process
The requirement that applications for membership must be filed with the Membership Committee, which has not existed for years, has been replaced with the requirement that applications be filed with the “Membership Chair or the person serving as the Association’s Membership Manager.” This brings the By-laws in line with current practice.
A second amendment to the By-laws that would have given the authority to approve membership applications to the Membership Chair or Membership Manager instead of requiring a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors present was tabled. Members present voiced their concern that they did not want one individual to be given the authority of approving membership applications. There was also discussion to revise the proposed amendment to state that “a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors is required to deny an application.” The Board will take these recommendations into consideration and, if deemed necessary, bring a revised amendment to the membership for consideration at the September 2013 semi-annual meeting.
Committees of the WRA
The WRA Board currently has four Committees to help in reviewing membership issues, updating the long range plan, creating a mid-term plan, conducting a financial asset and policy review, and creating a document retention system. Visit the Board section for more information.
Keep the WRA Beautiful, RECYCLE!
Please be aware that blue recycling bins have been placed in and around the pool, tennis courts, basketball courts and playground to collect cans, bottles, plastics, and paper.
You can also recycle your Capri-Sun drink pouches and chip bags in the green and yellow containers near the eating area in the pool.
It just takes a second to recycle these items and it can make a big impact on our global legacy. Thank you for your support!
Site last updated May 22, 2013 @ 9:27 am