THE VILLAGE CARD CLUB
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
April 8, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Cecil Grattafiori at 9:00 am.

Attending: Cecil Grattafiori, Cathy Bertrand, Jim Bicknell, Peg Birzer, Ginna DeThomas, Lillian Estes, Pam Harris, Teri LaBove, Becky Rice, Richard Robertson.

Absent: Cathy Irving

Guests attending: Andy Cosby.

Jim made a motion that the minutes for the March 17, 2008 meeting be approved. Ginna seconded the motion and all approved.

Lillian made a motion that the minutes for the March 28, 2008 meeting be approved. Teri seconded the motion and all approved.

Board member reports:
Becky reported table count for the month of March up by 4.5%. The Grand National Pairs which were held at our club in March totaled 50 tables (two sessions) but table count was up 2+% without the GNP tables. Becky thanked Vicki Jennings, Ginna DeThomas, Nancy Luehring, Fran Bazemore, Teri LaBove and all the VCC members who brought baked goods. She also thanked Gene LaBove for doing a great job in directing this large event.

Jim reported a good month in March. The financial statement has been posted on the bulletin board and the web stie. There was some discussion of teacher’s pay for the winter session.

Cathy B. said winter classes are finished and the Education Committee will meet re: summer and fall classes. There was some discussion of needed classes and Play and Learn classes. Cecil asked that the board move on and classes will be discussed by the committee.

Teri reported seven new members this month. Total members: 778.

Lillian reported the the student desk can’t be returned, however she has plans for its use. She has cleaned bidding boxes and inserts. Prices for new inserts were discussed. She also noted that more storage space is needed in the kitchen and she and Rita will be working on that.

Cecil asked that Robbie leave the room and then asked that the board approve Robbie’s appointment as Club Manager. Jim so moved, Ginna seconded and approval was unanimous.

As the new Club Manager, Robbie said he has nothing to report.

Pam reported that the committee for teacher’s pay will be meeting next week. Jim asked for a list of committee members and Pam will get it to him when it is finalized.

Cecil then distributed a memo from Dick Johnson, chairperson of the committee to study the previous board’s table of a package including financial security policies and job descriptions. It was the committee’s opinion that only a few changes need be made and this should be referred to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee who will work on these changes. Teri asked that the secretary look into the past year’s board minutes for the possible change of job description for a Payroll Clerk. Jim made a motion to delete this item from the agenda until action is taken by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. Teri seconded and the motion passed.

Ginna made a motion that the club accept the donation of $1000 from Phyllis Tryon for the John Tryon Memorial Fund to be used towards the purchase of the Dealer 4 machine and two more sets of 36 boards with carrying cases. The remaining cost of the machine and any additional expenses will be paid through donations or fund raisers, so no money will be taken out of the VCC funds. The co-chairs for raising the additional money for the purchase of the Dealer 4 will be Sheila Cosby and Ginna DeThomas. Once the money has been raised, we will purchase the Dealer 4 machine from the authorized dealer, Playbridge UK, and two more sets of boards from Baron Barclay. Becky seconded the motion. After much discussion Jim called for a vote and the motion was defeated, with two members in favor, four against and one absention.

Teri made a motion to start an Intermediate Learn and Play program. This will be held once a month on the 4th Thursday at 6:30 pm. It would be for players from 300 - 1000 points, with a sign up as we have in the Mixer game. Players would be matched with players over 1000 points. This would be a practice night, with a mini-lesson done by volunteers, then a play session. There would be no charge and no free plays. A volunteer club member would head the program, who would be chosen by the Education Chair. The program would be held in June, July and August for a trial period, to be reviewed by the September board. Peg seconded the motion and discussion followed, including Cathy B.’s request that the President appoint the club member to head the program, as she felt this should not be under the Education department, but should be part of the Mentoring Program. The motion was so changed, and passed unanimously. Cecil asked that Teri and Becky co-chair the program.

Jim recommended that the President send a letter to Phyllis Tryon, thanking her for her offer of a donation in memory of John Tryon. Cecil will see to it.

Upcoming events: The pizza party is in the works, with Nan Mecalf and Ginna heading the committee. They will ask for donations of salads and dessert and have decided to add a 0 - 49 game. Last year there were a total of 41 tables for the Club Appreciation Day.

Lillian questioned the plans for the Christmas party. Cecil has reserved the rooms and Nan Medcalf will head the committee.

Questions regarding next year’s Sectional Tournament were brought up. Do we have a sanction and who will chair the event? Cecil will check on this. It was also noted that the club will be closed during the upcoming Regional Tournament, although the rubber bridge game, Better Bridgers and Men’s Duplicate will still be held.

Cecil noted that everything is running smoothly and complimented the board on their actions. It was decided to hold the next meeting on May 2, due to the Regional Tournament. Peg made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, Teri seconded and with all approving, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 am.

Submitted by: Peg Birzer, Secretary Subject to Board Approval