Minutes

WBL Board Meeting

September 17, 2003

In attendance: Barbara Doran, Barbara Shaw, Ron Zucker, Steve Forsythe, Dick Webman, Steve Robinson, Ben Laden, and non-voting members Michael Carroad, Donna Rogall, Kathy Hilbers, and Kitty Gottfied.

The meeting was called to order by President Dick Wegman.

The minutes were approved as submitted.

Steve Robinson presented the Treasurer's Report and said that there was $10,093.96 in the checking account. $3,109.51 is money from the Alexandria Regional. Dick Wegman asked for a budget in December broken down into categories. The treasurer's report was approved.

Sectionals:

Our sectionals for this year will be held at the Newport Mill School Cafeteria on Saturdays and Sundays in Dec., Jan., March. The Thursday and Friday games will be at the Church. The cost will be $2250.00. The October Sectional will be at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in October. The cost of the Fairgrounds is $4200.00. January 15 - February 1 is the window for scheduling additional tournaments. Donna Rogall was asked to put directions to the school in the December bulletin. Kathy Hilbers wants to put a sign at the entrance to the Fairgrounds but we need a permit from the City of Gaithersburg. We can not cook food in the kitchen but we can sell food. At the Newport Mill School we can not sell food at all. Barbara Doran wants us to beef up hospitality at the sectionals. Steve Forsythe mentioned that there are no prizes at sectionals in Missouri and Ohio. Steve Robinson said that we spend about $6-700.00 for prizes and suggested that we cut out the prizes and spend the money on food for the Sunday Swiss and other food for the tournament. The novices will still receive trophies. Michael Carroad said that Virginia Beach and Richmond provide food at their sectionals. Barbara Doran moved and Steve Forsythe seconded that we discontinue prizes and spend money on hospitality. The motion passed with 7 in favor. We will provide food for Friday and Saturday afternoon and there will be a 45 break for sandwiches. Kitty, Ben and Kathy will decide on the type of food. Michael Carroad suggested that potluck food is a possibility. We need to bring our own ice. There will be a new start time of 10:30 on Sundays. The ACBL is raising their tournament fees starting the first of the year. Michael Carroad said that the cost will be about $200.00. We have to provide table and chairs at the school. Start times on Friday night is &:00 and 8:00 for the October Sectional. In December Friday start time will be 7:30 with Saturday 1:30 and 7:00. The partnership coordinator Charity Sack needs to be there 1/2 hour before the event. Sherrie Schrama was also suggested as an assistant partnership coordinator with Andrea L'Hereaux as a possibility. Ben Laden needs help with parking and Lee Biggs with the tables and chairs. The parking signs from the Kensington Armory are in Dave Ruderman's basement.

Donna Rogall was asked to put an announcement in the bulletin asking for volunteers to help with the secionals. Kathy will make an announcement on Thursday night. Stevie will e-mail members asking for volunteers. Steve Forsythe will be the volunteer coordinator.

Donna Rogall reported that the survey is about 3/4 done. She was asked to publish in the bulletin a note as people to bring a person who you haven't seen for a while.

Dick Wegman reported that Alice has completed a draft of the brochure which we wish to distribute to Doctors offices, newcomers groups, real estate companies, etc.

Leslie Shafer doen's want to d the novice column in the bulletin. Vince Wilmont has volunteered to do it.

Steve Forsythe will be teaching the Instant Bridge Player Learn to Play Bridge in One Day class on Saturday for 10-4 at the October Sectional. The coast will be $20.00 and $10.00 for students which includes lunch and booklets. The advertisement is flyers only. Barbara Doran moved that we approve the Instant Bridge Player program at $400.00. Ron Zucker seconded the motion. The motion passed with 6 in favor.

Dick Wegman asked Francis Burke for the In and Out report. Francis will send in the report to nationals. Ben Laden will be the information coordinator.

Dick Wegman asked if we had letterhead stationary. Francis said that we had some. Donna was asked t help design a new letterhead.

The new recorder policy passed and will be added to the existing policy. 7 were in favor.

The Unit growth report was presented by Dick in Fred King's absence. The programs have been started in the schools. Ron Starr is the sponsor at BCC where 50 students signed up for the after school program. Clyde Kruskal will be sponsoring bridge at Blair. Barbara Summers is sponsoring Richard Montgomery. We need a sponsor for Walter Johnson. The NVBA already has a program at Jefferson High.

Publicity and Marketing:

Ron Zucker said the City paper will publish bridge colmuns. Jim Allen said that the Washington Times will print stories and columns if we provide the articles. There will be a meeting of the committee at Charity's place on October 1.

Directory:

It was reported that the NVBA wants to do their directory by internet. Co-chairperson, Ron Zucker, will get quotes on 1000, 1500 directories.

Dick thanked Francis Burke for hosting the meeting.

The next meeting will be at Michael Carroad's on October 15, 2003 with the November 12^th meeting at Ben Laden's and December 17^th at Dick Wegman's.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Shaw, Recording Secretary