THE VILLAGE CARD CLUB
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
September 12, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Cecil Grattafiori at 2:15 pm.

Attending: Cecil Grattafiori, Jim Bicknell, Peg Birzer, Ginna DeThomas, Lillian Estes, Pam Harris, Cathy Irving, Teri LaBove, Becky Rice, Ed Hamparian and Barbara Stiff.

Guests attending: Dick Condon, Andy Cosby, Cindy Devish, Cathy Harris, Gina Doss, Ray Banks, Ned Irving, Marilyn Biegler.

Cecil asked that the Board approve the temporary appointment of Ed Hamparian as Club Manager. Peg so moved, Jim seconded and all approved.

Cecil told Peg that the Old Business should come before New Business on the agenda.

Board member reports:

Becky reported on the table count for August: 674.75, with a total table count of non-ACBL games of 84. There has been a 4.2% increase from January through August from last year. The free mini lesson for September 3rd was cancelled due to flooding in the Village. Becky also reported that the ACBL has advised that we have earned our 2nd upgraded Club Championship for this year because of recruiting 10 more new ACBL members. This game is to be scheduled on Monday, November 17th in the open and 49er afternoon games. The August 6th ACBL membership game was not run so it is rescheduled for Wednesday, September 24th.

Ginna had no report.

Teri reported that with two new members, the total membership is now 797.

Cathy reported that the game results in the Village Voice will now have only first initial and last name due to space constraints. She said the paper would give us more space if we ran ads.

Pam reported that summer classes have had a total of 224 people with a gross income of $1879. The profit should be approximately $900. She thanked the teachers who had contributed to the program: Vonna Fischer, Ray Banks, Andy Cosby, Barbara Stiff, Teri LaBove, Gene LaBove, Ned Irving, Betty Schultz, Denny Penticoff, Frank Matthews and Nancy Luehring. Jim had a question as to the amount turned in by teachers. His paperwork does not show the same figures. Pam will get him what he needs. Fall Orientation has been scheduled for Tuesday morning, September 24th.

Lillian has ordered ten new ACBL rule books for the directors. She also ordered other supplies including both short and long travelers for a total of approximately $600.

Jim reported that he will be posting the end-of-the month report. There was a loss for the month of August. Becky had questions regarding the amounts posted on the web site. Cecil noted that training receipts were down, however all teachers have not yet made their deposits.

Ed had a question regarding what Program Expenses include. Jim noted these were prizes and gifts -- coffee -- party expenses.

Old Business:

Ned Irving reported that a sanction for the 299er tournament has been received from ACBL. The tournament will be held at our club on August 28, 29 and 30, 2009, with Ginna as co-chair. There was some discussion of numbers and Cecil asked for the board’s approval. Becky moved that we approve the August dates, Teri seconded and all approved.

Dick Condon reported that a sanction for the 2010 Section tournament has been received and passed out flyers for this spring’s sectional. The flyers are ready for distribution at tournaments.

Teri said that the board had agreed to re-visit the Mentoring Plus program. There were only three people signed up last month. Some discussion was held and after the discussion, Teri made a motion that the program be given another three months trial, Cathy seconded and all approved.

Teri said that the board had also agreed to revisit Bridge + attendance at this meeting. Becky handed out a sheet showing attendance for this year versus last year. The average for this year has been 3.37 tables, with two accredited teachers. Cecil said there would be no further discussion since Pam is working on the program and will submit suggestions next month. There were some further suggestions from board members, but Cecil said the subject was closed.

Cecil then announced his choices for the Nominating Committee. He asked for approval of the five names; however it was noted that the new election laws called for a diverse committee from all stratas and this committee did not fit that criteria. There was a very heated discussion, with guests also giving their comments. Jim made a motion that we accept the committee, Teri seconded and one board member approved. Cecil asked for a recess while he checked for other possible committee members. The meeting was recessed at 3:15 pm.

The meeting was called to order again at 3:20 pm. Cecil asked for approval of the committee with an appointment of a lower strata member and after further discussion Jim called for a vote, Ginna seconded and one board member approved the committee. Lillian made a motion that we approve each committee member, Teri seconded. Four committee members received 4 approvals and 4 disapprovals.

The President then announced his selection for the Election Committee: Estelle White, Ellen Weber, Bob Ingels and Glory Brewer. Becky felt that we must have names for the Nominating committee first. The board approved the President’s selection for the Nominating Committee, subject to the consent of the prospective member. The Nominating Committee will consist of Martha Parry, Chair; Alicia Fetters, Micki Johnson, Ken Pyles and Linda Smith. Pam noted that the board was not adhering to the By-Laws regarding diversity, as from approximately 700 members, 170 are above 300 MP and with 65% under 300 MP, the committee does not meet the guidelines.

Becky then made a motion that that we add another Individual Game to the 2008 calender on Monday October 20th at 6:30 pm. Pam seconded and all approved. Becky than made a motion that we add a STAC week to the calendar for the week of December 15 - 21, as Districts 10 and 7 are having the tournaments. Cecil asked if travelers could be added for the Christmas party.

Becky noted that in her survey on that subject, 89% of all scheduled games use travelers. The addition of STAC week was approved.

Lillian noted that the board voted last year to leave the game times as they currently are. Becky said that Teri had asked that she put the subject in front of her Games Committee, which she did and all were unanimous that it would be a good idea to change the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon games to 1:00 pm, but the Board should get input from the membership. The reasons the Games Committee came up with for the possible change in time are as follows:
1. This would give the members of our club the opportunity to play golf, tennis and other necessary appointments in the morning and still have time to play bridge in the afternoon.
2. If we add another game on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning, the end of this new game would not conflict with the start times of the afternoon game.
3. If the times of all afternoon games were 1:00 pm, then people could car pool if they played in two different games.

There was much discussion with Cathy suggesting that the board survey the members, as the board needs statistics to make a decision. After another heated discussion, Becky moved that a written survey of all 12:30 games be made, Teri seconded and six members approved.

Becky then made a motion that Standing Rule #14 be amended as follows: The Game Director shall approve all announcements to be made that are requested from VCC Club members and ensure that they be kept brief and to the point. In addition, Game Directors shall make announcements from any Board members concerning Club business, such as special games/events, classes or other necessary information that needs to be communicated to VCC members.

Pam seconded the motion and with many questions from the Club Manager and again a very heated discussion of the subject, the motion was approved with one opposed.

Cecil questioned the need for a budget discussion and Teri said that the club should have a budget for next year’s board, as we are running in the red every month. This should include projected income and projected expenses. Jim said that a budget was sent to all board members in April and that should be sufficient. There was again a heated discussion with no resolve.

Peg presented a proposal to use an Easybridge game on Thursday mornings starting on October 16th as publicity for the club and an attempt to draw new members. After presenting some reasons that she and other members of a committee, which had been meeting ex-officially, felt this could draw new members, she made a motion to include this game. Ginna seconded and all approved.

Ginna asked that before we adjourn, we consider a policy against the behavior that was seen at the meeting today. Cecil disagreed. Cathy felt that 90% of the meeting was unacceptable and that some order must be kept. There was more heated discussion and accusations. Teri made a motion that the meeting be adjourned and all agreed.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 pm.

Submitted by: Peg Birzer, Secretary Subject to Board Approval