Minutes

WBL Board Meeting

December 19, 2007

The meeting was held at Ellen Cherniavsky’s home.

In attendance: Don Berman, Carole Banks, Ellen Cherniavsky, Richard Ferrin, Jim Geist, Fred King, Clyde Kruskal, Linda Marshall, Steve Robinson, Ellen Rosenthal, and non-voting member Donna Rogall.

President King called the meeting to order at 7:55 PM.

Secretary’s Report

The Board approved the minutes from the November 2007 WBL Board meeting, without objection.

Treasurer’s Report

Steve Robinson reported a balance of $13,517.74 in the WBL’s checking account. The WBL has approximately $37,300 in an investment account. The Board approved the Treasurer’s report, without objection.

Bridge and Bowling

Fred King stated that the date for Bridge and Bowling will stay February 2. Although a different date would have been better to avoid a conflict with the Baltimore sectional, the alternative January date did not work because a bowling alley was not available. 10 lanes have been reserved for 2 PM. We need to let the bowling alley know if will not have enough people to fill 10 alleys. Don Berman will take care of the dinner (at Sullivan’s) and the bridge part.

Bulletin

Donna Rogall stated that January 22 is the next deadline. Steve Robinson noted that some advertisers still have not paid. Fred King stated that we need to make a better effort to collect. Ellen Rosenthal suggested adding a half-page ad to announce a school-wide tournament at the end of spring. Fred said that we will make room for it. Donna reported that Ted may do a unit game manager column. Clyde Kruskal suggested adding a historical column, such as an old column from Machlin or Cole.

Unit Game

Don Berman reported that the final unit game schedule for 2008 has been finalized and published. Copies are available for pickup at the unit game.

Calendar of Obligations

Don Berman noted that the Lovenberg, Cohen, Tubbs, and Woolridge trophies will be awarded at the January sectional. Steve Robinson noted that the Unit Knockout will begin in January. The format will be the same as last year.

Bridge in Schools

Ellen Rosenthal reported that she is checking with schools that did not begin programs in the Fall if they would be willing to begin programs in the Winter or Spring. There will be a county-wide tournament next Spring. She has gotten positive feedback in anticipation of the tournament. Fred King noted that there are two schools in southern Virginia that have a program; perhaps a joint tournament in Richmond should be considered.

Fred asked if all of the participating schools were in Montgomery County. Don Berman noted that one of the schools, Eleanor Roosevelt, is in Prince George’s County. Ellen then commented that we need a coordinator for the Bridge in Schools efforts in Prince George’s County. Clyde Kruskal suggested Brad Tash, who teaches at Eleanor Roosevelt and occasionally plays at the unit game (along with Howard Tash).

Ellen stated that the program needs a scholarship fund, entries for tournaments, and teaching materials, including textbooks. She noted that ACBL is no longer providing books. Jim Geist asked whether District 6 could be asked to provide funds for winners from the local tournament to attend the national youth tournament in Atlanta. Barbara Summers is trying to contact the people associated with the Bill Gates foundation for bridge.

Cheer and Sympathy

The board considered revision of the WBL’s cheer and sympathy policy. The existing policy is as follows:

Seriously ill members should be sent a card. The Chairperson is responsible for mailing such cards. In the case of the death of an active WBL member or anyone deemed appropriate by the Chairperson or the Board, the choice of a tribute not to exceed $50.00 should be left to the discretion of the Chairperson. Congratulatory cards are also sent to active WBL members or anyone deemed appropriate when brought to the attention of the Chairperson, i.e., weddings, new arrivals, etc.

Revision was suggested in previous board meetings. Linda Marshall summarized the suggested revision as follows:

Seriously ill members and members experiencing the death of a close family member should be sent a card.  The Chairperson is responsible for mailing such cards.  When appropriate, such a card may be brought to the unit game to give those in attendance an opportunity to add their good wishes to the card. In unusual cases involving the death of a WBL member who has contributed in a particularly significant manner to WBL, the Chairperson will send a tribute the value of which is not to exceed $___ [amount subject to further discussion] upon the approval of a member of the Executive Committee.  Congratulatory cards are also sent to active WBL members or anyone deemed appropriate when brought to the attention of the Chairperson, i.e., weddings, new arrivals, etc.  

Fred King relayed a recommendation from Ted Ying that sympathy tributes should not be limited to WBL members per se, but should reflect persons, WBL members or not, who contributed in a significant manner to the WBL. Fred and Ellen Cherniavsky jointly proposed that the cap on the tribute be set at $100. Richard Ferrin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The new policy reads as follows:

Seriously ill members and members experiencing the death of a close family member should be sent a card. The Chairperson is responsible for mailing such cards. When appropriate, such a card may be brought to the unit game to give those in attendance an opportunity to add their good wishes to the card. In unusual cases involving the death of an individual who has contributed in a particularly significant manner to WBL, the Chairperson will send a tribute the value of which is not to exceed $100 upon the approval of a member of the Executive Committee.

Congratulatory cards are also sent to active WBL members or anyone deemed appropriate when brought to the attention of the Chairperson, i.e., weddings, new arrivals, winning the Spingold, etc.

New Business

Regarding the upcoming January sectional, Don Berman stated that Nadine Wood will order the cake for new Life Masters. Linda Marshall suggested having a third cake saying “Welcome ABA”. Fred King noted that the first Saturday session will be a joint game with the ABA. We should promote the event and encourage WBL members to play in the event with ABA members. Carole Banks stated that we are having trouble getting an ABA member to participate as a panelist in the panel show between games. She will ask an ABA representative to speak before or after the session, to discuss the ABA, its schedule, and promote its games.

Membership Directory

Don Berman stated that the NVBA proposes a joint directory with the WBL. Lucy McCoy sent him a list of NVBA members. The board then discussed the split of expenses. Don will check on the prices for the directory and send an e-mail to the board. Fred King proposed a 50-50 split for the cost of generating the joint directory.

Building Fund

Steve Robinson promised to send materials to the board concerning this issue.

Compensation for Donna Rogall

The board considered Donna’s request for an adjustment in compensation for preparing the Bulletin. The Board agreed to adjust Donna’s compensation to $202 plus $19 per page. The Board will review this compensation every two years.

Next Meeting

The next WBL Board meeting will be held January 23, 2008 at Clyde Kruskal’s house. The February meeting will be hosted by Carole Banks on February 20.

The Board thanked Fred King for his hospitality.

Whereupon, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Ferrin, Secretary

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