Minutes
WBL Board Meeting
June 27, 2007
The meeting was held at Barbara Summer’s home.
In attendance: Carole Banks, Don Berman, Richard Ferrin, Fred King, Clyde Kruskal, Linda Marshall, Steve Robinson, Ellen Rosenthal, and non-voting members Donna Rogall and Nadine Wood.
President King called the meeting to order at 7:50 PM.
Secretary’s Report
The Board approved the minutes from the May 2007 WBL Board meeting, without objection.
Treasurer’s Report
Steve Robinson reported a balance of $10,651.42 in the WBL’s checking account. This does not include an additional $2,000 allocated to the WBL for the July regional. The WBL has $36,405.32 in a money market account. The Board approved the Treasurer’s report, without objection.
Preparation for Regional
Nadine Wood noted that she is still trying to resolve an issue regarding prices at the snack bar. Supposedly the hotel has agreed to reduce the prices, but that still is unclear. She also noted that she has gotten many calls from novices (particularly people who are not yet members) asking about tournament details.
October Sectional
Fred King recalled that the Board had agreed to introduce a bracketed team game. Nadine Wood questioned whether that would be an appropriate format for the October tournament, since that team game would award the Eynon trophy. She suggested moving the bracketed team game to January. Fred agreed, suggesting a regular Swiss for the Eynon trophy in October, scheduling the bracketed team game in January, and the BAM for March or August.
Donna Rogall confirmed that the Friday night event will be an IMP pairs. Between sessions on Saturday, there will be a panel show and presentation of the Machlin award.
2009 Nationals
Nadine Wood updated the Board on organizing activity for the 2009 Summer North American Bridge Championships, which will be held in Washington. Currently, we are looking for an advertising slogan. There will be no need for additional fundraising, unlike 2002, because we have $30,000 in reserves from 2002. Margot Hennings will chair the tournament.
Committee Assignments
Fred King reported that all three persons elected to the Conduct & Ethics Committee (Peter Boyd, Jim Geist, and Noble Shore) agreed to serve.
Three non-board members are on the list of various WBL committee assignments, and Fred will confirm that they will serve.
Bridge at Schools
Fred King commented that he had conferred with his counterparts in the Atlanta area, who have informed him that the Bridge at Schools program in Atlanta has been very successful. He suggested that we examine what lessons could be learned from their experience. Barbara Summers stated that she will confer with the person who was instrumental in obtaining funds from the Bill Gates foundation for bridge programs in New Jersey schools.
Bulletin
Donna Rogall reported that the next Bulletin will be received toward the end of July. For the following issue, she needs the President’s letter, and a report on Leslie’s bridge festival. She raised the issue of the suspension of the Sunday Bridge Fiesta, and asked whether a note should be inserted into the Bulletin. Also, she suggested adding a note about nominations for the Machlin award. The deadline for submissions to the following Bulletin is August 6.
Unit Game
Fred King raised the issue of the need for additional directors to assist Ted Ying in the Unit Game. Carole Banks suggested having one director focus on the non-life-master game, where less director experience is required. Fred said that he would check with Millard Nachtwey about possible new directors who are taking his upcoming director course. Steve Robinson explained that Ted needs permanent more-or-less “permanent” directors, not people who only want to be occasional directors.
Calendar of Obligations
Don Berman reported that the only upcoming item on the agenda is the beginning of the cycle for the WBL/NVBA trophy race.
Elections for District 6
Fred King noted that the election forms require providing Memphis with an up-to-date list of the Board Members. The list of WBL Board Members is correct as of today, but Shlomit is moving, which will create a vacancy before the WBL votes on the District 6 director. He also discussed the schedule: the election materials will be mailed by August 15, and the ballots must be received by ACBL headquarters by October 4. This means that the Board can vote during its September meeting.
Steve Robinson suggested that the Board invite the candidates to the August board meeting. After discussion, Fred noted that there appeared to be a consensus in favor of that approach. Therefore, the vote will take place at the September 19 meeting, to be held at Donna Rogall’s house.
Report on Bridge Festival
Fred King reported that Leslie’s Bridge Festival went well. There were 20 tables Wednesday night, and 19 Thursday morning. The WBL should compensate them if the event does not break even.
There were a few minor glitches: the Adventures in Duplicate Bridge books were not delivered in time for the Festival. There was also some confusion with ACBL regarding the nature of the sanction for the event, although that will be cleared up.
Carole Banks asked if there were any plans for a pro-active follow-up with the students. Fred King noted that Leslie will send out a follow-up letter to the students.
Sunday WBL Bridge Fiesta
Fred King reported that Steve and Sandy Forsythe are moving out of the area, probably in July. He asked for ideas on replacing them: (1) find replacements for the Thursday and Sunday novice games; (2) possibility of holding the Sunday game with one person conducting a lesson, and another person running the game; or (3) doing nothing. The Board discussed possible replacements. Mike Henderson is a possibility, but he travels frequently. Leslie and Charlie Shafer would be good, but may not be interested. There is also the issue of the location; some of the current attendees strongly prefer the Sunday game continue to be held in the District.
Donna Rogall suggested contacting the American Bridge Teacher’s Association. Fred replied that Leslie Shafer is President of the Association, and she did not have any immediate suggestions as to a replacement. Steve Robinson said that he would send out a broadcast e-mail seeking volunteers. Donnar Rogall asked if we should put something in the Bulletin (the issue going to the printer this Monday) regarding the Sunday game. The Board agreed that it was difficult to put in much information, since the plans were up in the air. Donna also suggested adding a note of appreciation in the Bulletin for all of Steve and Sandy’s contributions, to which the Board agreed.
Other Business
Don Berman reported that club director Carol McNeill complained about inaccurate information on the clubs in the directories. Don said that he would create an insert sheet listing clubs, and update that insert monthly.
Next Meeting
The next WBL Board meeting will be held August 1 at Ellen Rosenthal’s residence. Donna Rogall will host on September 19.
The Board thanked Barbara and Jim Summers for their hospitality.
Whereupon, the meeting adjourned at 10:33 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Ferrin, Secretary
|