Minutes

WBL Board Meeting

May 17, 2006

The meeting was held at Fred King’s house.

In attendance: Barbara Ames, Don Berman, Ellen Cherniavsky, Richard Ferrin, Fred King, Clyde Kruskal, Shlomit Rind, Steve Robinson, Dick Wegman, and non-voting members Donna Rogall and Kitty Gottfried.

President King called the meeting to order at 7:50 PM.

Secretary’s Report

The Board approved the minutes as amended, without objection.

Treasurer’s Report

Steve Robinson reported that the WBL’s checking account was $12,111.02. $15,000 has been moved from the checking account to an account at A.G. Edwards. Now the WBL has approximately $35,000 in an investment account.

Dick Wegman noted that Michael Chelst, on behalf of Fidelity Trust, agreed to donate $2,000 for the Round Robin event this year.

The Board approved the Treasurer’s report, without objection.

Committee Assignments

Fred King discussed various changes in committee assignments. A revised list will be posted as soon as possible.

Goals for the Next 12 Months

Fred King discussed suggested goals for the WBL in the next 12 months. First, we should try to increase WBL membership by at least one percent. Currently, membership count fluctuates between a static number and small losses. Don Berman stated that there are about 1,700 WBL members now. Dick Wegman emphasized the need to establish more novice games to bring in more new members, as well as the importance of the guaranteed partner program to welcome newcomers. Don added that if the WBL improves tournaments and the unit game, more people may retain/renew their membership.

Fred identified as a second goal surveying the membership about what they like and what can be improved. Richard Ferrin agreed, adding that it is important that such surveys be broader than the portion of the membership that currently attends the Unit Game.

Finally, Fred stated that the WBL should focus on its finances, including maintaining and improving its assets. Richard Ferrin recalled a member at the 2006 Annual Meeting asking about the WBL building fund. Steve Robinson suggested establishing an “earmark” to begin a building fund, and publicizing it. Perhaps one or more of the members would be willing to make a large contribution or bequeathment. Fred agreed to put this on the agenda for the next meeting.

Calendar of Obligations

Fred King noted the need to publicize the nomination and selection process for the new Machlin Trophy for sportsmanship. Fred will prepare a note for insertion into the next WBL Bulletin.

ABA/ACBL Unity Game

Fred King reported that the ACBL and the American Bridge Association (“ABA”) will co-host a “unity” game on June 24. The WBL has been unable to get a response from the local ABA chapter regarding the possibility of participating in a joint effort. He understands that the Laurel Bridge Club is participating. Fred also will check with Bernie Oetjen to see if his Saturday afternoon Northern Virginia game will be participating. We will announce the local joint games at the next Unit Game.

Bridgemate

Fred King did some internet research regarding the Bridgemate automatic scoring system that the Board discussed in the April meeting. Bridgemate’s website showed prices in Australian dollars. He commented that the price looked expensive, but we need to get more information. Richard Ferrin volunteered to call ACBL for details regarding the price.

Collection of Historical Data

Richard Ferrin reported that Nadine is continuing to go through Carol Geagley’s collection of past minutes and related WBL documents. Dick Wegman reminded the Board of the need to put together WBL memorabilia for its upcoming 75^th anniversary. Dick also noted that as part of the anniversary, the Eynon Trophy will be awarded again, after having been retired many years ago. He said that the cup would be mounted on a plaque, in order to allow for more names to be etched on the trophy.

Fred King commented that Andy Gabrilovich knew many of the historic figures of the WBL, and his assistance would be invaluable in connection with preparation for the 75^th anniversary. Dick agreed, noting that the WBL has an unusually long history, having been established four years before the ACBL itself.

Larry Galvin’s Game

Fred King reported that Larry Galvin, who runs three club games, is again not paying his sanction fees. Barbara Summers previously helped him catch up, but now Larry is again falling behind. Fred asked whether the WBL should send Larry a letter in connection with his difficulties complying with ACBL requirements. Dick Wegman opined that there is no reason to raise this sensitive issue with Larry. Fred agreed, stating that he saw no positive purpose in the Board getting involved. Don Berman, however, observed the fact that Larry’s games are located in the WBL’s and District Six’s jurisdiction automatically gets the WBL involved. Fred King replied that he did not see a reason to take any affirmative action, and added that perhaps other people might be interested in running those games.

Steve Forsythe’s Sunday Novice Game

Dick Wegman reported on preparations for the new novice game to be held Sundays at the Methodist Home, in the District on Connecticut Avenue just south of Nebraska Ave., N.W.. The facility is excellent, well-lit, with plenty of parking. The Methodist Home will make the space available for free, and will set up tables and chairs. The WBL will provide boards and boxes. The Home will make food available and charge for it at cost. Winnie Farah, a WBL member who lives at the Home, will coordinate. Steve and Sandy Forsythe will run the game, and Steve will lecture before the game. He plans two sections: 0-20 and 0-300 masterpoints. The game will start June 4. Saul Penn will substitute as director as needed.

Fred King stated that Steve has suggested a fee of $2 per person for the first 25, and $1 per person afterwards. Residents of the Methodist Home would play for free. Steve would charge $10 per person for the lesson, game, and lunch. The idea is for the WBL to subsidize the game initially. Fred estimates that this could result in about a $75 per week commitment from the WBL. Steve Robinson asked if it might make more sense to subsidize the game for a guaranteed minimum income for Steve Forsythe. Don Berman asked if this would be Steve Forsythe’s game, or a WBL game. Dick Wegman replied that this would be a WBL game. Barbara Ames asked whether it would be possible to get an advertisement subsidized by the ACBL. Fred thought this was a good idea, and Barbara volunteered to call ACBL headquarters. Don Berman noted that the Board should get feedback on the first two games by the time of the next WBL Board meeting.

Help for Nadine

Fred King asked if anybody could suggest someone to help Nadine with shopping before sectionals, preferably on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Badges

Don Berman reported that new badges have been ordered for the new WBL board members, and would be available shortly.

Guaranteed Partner Program Note in Bulletin

Dick Wegman suggested a modification to the note in the bulletin regarding the guaranteed partner program to the effect that the program is designed to help people who occasionally need a partner for the Unit Game. Steve Robinson commented that the partnership desk can face an awkward problem when a novice and an expert show up alone. Shlomit Rind suggested arranging for a separate novice volunteer every week, in addition to the more advanced volunteer. Shlomit agreed to discuss the possibility further with Barbara Doran.

Caddies

Kitty Gottfried reported that one of the WBL’s regular caddies is soon leaving for college. She asked if there is any reason why the WBL can’t try to get adults as caddies. Steve Robinson pledged to send an e-mail to his general WBL mailing list, soliciting caddies. Kitty commented that the WBL pays $35 for “refreshment caddies” because they have to arrive by 6:30 PM. All other caddies are paid $25 apiece.

Microphones

Ellen Cherniavsky asked the reason why there was no microphone for the annual meeting on May 11. Steve Robinson explained that Doug Grove borrowed the microphone because the NVBA’s microphone was broken.

Lighting

Dick Wegman noted that at the annual meeting, Ellen Klossen raised the issue of poor lighting at the Unit Game. Fred King replied that some of the lights are not turned on. Dick added that about one dozen of the overhead light bulbs are burned out. Dick will call the Church. He added that the WBL needs to purchase at least four more lamps. Barbara Ames said that the WBL needs to make sure that any lamp shades are plastic, because of the risk of breakage.

Donna’s Compensation

Don stated that the committee looked at competitive rates for Donna’s services in connection with putting together the WBL Bulletin. He estimated that it takes approximately 40-50 hours of her time per month. She has asked for a raise to $17 per hour. Based on the committee’s informal survey of rates, Donna’s proposal appears to be reasonable.

Don Berman the moved to raise Donna’s compensation to $17 per hour. Steve Robinson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Fred King reported that, according to Ted Ying, assistant directors have not had an increase in compensation in four years. Currently, the WBL pays directors $65, $75, and $100, depending on the number of directors or experience level. (Don Berman promised to investigate directors’ compensation more for the next Board meeting.)

Next Meetings

The next WBL Board meeting will be held on June 21, 2006 at Barbara Ames’ residence. Shlomit Rind will host the following meeting, on July 26, 2006. The Board thanked Fred King for hosting the meeting.

Whereupon, the open meeting adjourned at 10:08 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Ferrin, Secretary