Minutes

WBL Board of Directors Meeting

October 25, 2000

In attendance: Barb Doran, Kathy Kruskal, Barbara Rothkin, Steve Robinson, Don Berman, Bob Bell, Dave Ruderman, Dick Wegman, Bill Cole, Jim Allen, and Michael Carroad.

The meeting was called to order at 7:45 pm by President, Barb Doran.

Without objection, the minutes of the September 20, 2000 meeting were

approved as amended.

Treasurer's Report: Robinson reported that we have $7,915 in the operating accounts. In addition, there is $44,219 in savings accounts (the "Nationals Fund," and "Surplus Money, which includes $2,000 earmarked for the 2001 Fourth of July Regional"). Without objection, the Treasurer's report was approved.

President's Report: Doran reported that she appointed Barbara Ames, Don Berman, and Ann Lindley to the District 6 Appellate Committee.

Committee Reports:

Web Site (Berman): Berman deferred to Wegman who suggested that we find a mechanism via our web site for people without partners to form partnerships in advance of the Unit games. Berman will work with Wegman to see how this may be accomplished.

Berman reported that we might consider renting space on a server for our web site. The cost is approximately $25 - $35 per month. Berman will investigate this further.

Directory (Rothkin): Rothkin reported that NVBA/WBL survey showed that most members prefer a Directory in the same format as the January 1998 Directory. NVBA would like to limit their expenditures to not more than $1,000 from general funds in excess of estimated member purchases.

Rothkin moved and Robinson seconded that we produce a new Directory in the same format as the January 1998 Directory, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of members, but not email addresses. Motion passed.

Rothkin moved and Allen seconded that we produce and distribute a Directory at no charge to members. Motion passed, nine in favor and one abstention.

Rothkin and Berman will get prices for separate Directories for WBL and NVBA to determine cost effectiveness.

Unit Game (Ruderman): Ruderman wishes to hear any complaints regarding

refreshments served at the Unit Games.

Ruderman stated that Christ the King Church worked well, but expressed concern that it may not be large enough for Thursday night Sectional Events.

Carroad stated that the Church has sufficient space. Carroad has spoken to the Secretary at Christ the King Church and was told that no agreement has yet been reached with Ohr Kodesh for using the Church when Ohr Kodesh undergoes renovation.

Education (Allen for Burke): Allen stated that elementary school students at Highland View Elementary School in East Silver Spring are being taught by Frances Burke. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the students, and Burke has ordered tee shirts and books for the class from the ACBL.

Novices (Cole): Letters were sent to all 0 - 49 point players in WBL and NVBA announcing a special two-session 0 - 49er game to be held on Saturday, November 11, 2000. Players may choose to play only one session. Leslie Shafer will direct the game. Cole will ensure that entry forms ask for email addresses in order that he begin a data base of email addresses for novices. Verbal announcements will also be made requesting email addresses.

Clubs (Cole):

Cole moved and Robinson seconded that beginning in January 2001, WBL use one of its Unit Championship Sanctions on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, and that any area club be eligible to participate whether they have a scheduled game that night or not. The Unit will collect the sanction fee from the participating clubs, and the participating clubs will retain the balance collected by their club. Motion passed, nine in favor and one abstention.

Cole moved and Ruderman seconded that a Thursday morning game be added to WBL Sectionals, such game to be held at clubs. Motion passed, eight in favor and two abstentions.

Cole reported that at the District 6 STAC (probably to be held in April) the profits will be shared equally between the District and the participating clubs.

Bulletin (Kruskal for Coleman): The WBL Bulletin will be mailed by Friday, October 27, 2000, and will have the schedules for both the November and December WBL Sectionals.

Club Breakfast (Rothkin): The Club Breakfast will be held on Saturday

morning, November 11, 2000 at Chef Ferrari's La Promenade Restaurant.

Approximately 70 invitations were sent either by regular mail or by email. The cost of the breakfast will be approximately $7.00 per person plus tax and tip. Doran asked to be contacted if anyone would like to speak.

Old Business:

Cole is investigating the feasibility of using a "Hand Dealer." These

machines are used by the ACBL for National Events at the Nationals. The machines are made in both Sweden and Australia. Cole is getting information on both machines. It is estimated that the cost of the machine would be approximately $3,500 plus an additional $3,500 in supplies such as playing cards with bar codes and special boards. We would use the Hand Dealer to save time at the Unit Games, and may be able to rent out the machine to other organizations.

New Business:

Carroad announced that Tim Crank is joining the permanent staff of Directors at the Unit Games. Ted Ying will substitute as necessary.

We received a request from a new WBL member asking for help in getting to our Unit Games. This member has some handicaps. The matter was referred to the Charity Committee, and Don Berman will attempt to find help for this person.

The November Board meeting will be held at the home of Michael Carroad on Wednesday evening, November 15, 2000.

The December Board meeting will be held at the home of Jim Allen on Tuesday evening, December 12, 2000.

The January Board meeting will be held at the home of Kathy Kruskal on Wednesday evening, January 17, 2001.

Doran thanked Dick (and Alice) Wegman for their hospitality.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Rothkin

Recording Secretary