THE VILLAGE CARD CLUB
MINUTES OF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
December 11, 2009

The meeting was called to order by President Dick Condon at 2:17 P.M.

ATTENDING: Richard Condon, Pam Harris, Doris Waugh, Lillian Estes, Cathy Irving, Nancy Luehring, Alicia Fetters, Pat Bertnolli, Sheila Cosby and Vonna Fischer

GUESTS: Shan Merritt, Chuck Stofer, Mary Kay Stockford, Richard Robertson, Peg Birzer and Andy Cosby

AGENDA APPROVAL: Pat Bertnolli moved to accept the agenda as written. This was seconded and approved.

PREVIOUS MONTH’S MINUTES: Cathy Irving moved to accept the previous month’s minutes. This was seconded and passed.

DIRECTORS REPORTS: Vonna Fischer reported there have been some director re-assignments.

Pat Bertnolli said she enjoyed being on the Board.

Lillian Estes reported that the second server for the BridgePads has been shipped but not yet received. She has also ordered new boards and carrying cases.

Nancy Luehring reported 525 paid memberships so far. Her e-mail reminders were successful and she would like to have more e-mail addresses.

Pam Harris reported that the Play Plus program was successful. The Club Series finishes next week.

Alicia Fetters stated that the total table count for November was 705.5. Total count from January through November was 9,174. This represents a 7.8% increase. She noted that there have been two changes to the 2010 calendar. The 0-99 game on 1/22 is cancelled due to the Little Rock 299’er tournament and the club championship for this game was moved to 1/15. She also noted that if the VCC could have 826 tables for the month of December, we would reach 10,000 tables for the year, an incredible accomplishment. She stated that she enjoyed being on the Board.

Cathy Irving requested a sanction for the Tuesday morning games. She feels that after the Play of the Hand class and the Play Plus class, it would be nice to actually play a sanctioned game. She is planning to have a bidding class on Monday evenings commencing 1/11. More details to follow on this.

Sheila Cosby reported a total income of $7,048.51 for the month of November and total expenses of $7,986.16. This resulted in a net loss of $937.65 for the month. The year-to-date net income was $3,320.69 over the previous year. The card fee income will be less next year due to the club being closed for the Little Rock Sectional tournament and the 299-er tournament. Also, there will be a Regional tournament in Hot Springs next year. The Finance Committee will bring a recommendation to the Board regarding reserving a portion of tournament fees in a capital account.

CORRESPONDENCE: Various letters of solicitation were received and given to the Treasurer.

Peter Smit wrote to the president expressing his dislike of the “computer” hands. However, after Gene LaBove explained the dealing machine to him and showed him that they truly are random deals he is satisfied that they are not “computer” hands.

The president received a letter from Fran Banks announcing her retirement effective December 31.

OLD BUSINESS: Dick Condon reported that the club expense for the Spring Fling, which is scheduled for March 26, 27, 28, has gone up due to an increase in the cost of liquor. He also thanked Jerry and Cathy Bertrand for their donation of the copy machine. He will have a service call on it soon to find out exactly what it can and can not do. There is to be absolutely no personal use of it.

Vonna Fischer asked that all out-going board members turn in their keys to the office.

The Christmas party next year will be on December 16. Lillian requested that someone make the reservation with the office to secure the extra rooms for that day.

Pat Bertnolli presented the guidelines for naming events in honor of members. This was tabled until the next meeting.

The BridgePads will not be used at the Christmas party because of the large number of tables expected.

Gift certificates are available through Ginna DeThomas and Cathy Irving if anybody is interested in purchasing them.

Next year, 2010, is the 40th anniversary of Hot Springs Village. The club will check with the POA to see what other clubs and groups are doing to celebrate the event. Regardless, the club will be doing something for the event.

NEW BUSINESS: The Game Manager’s report is now on the club website.

Vonna Fischer received a letter from Larry Cohen, a bridge professional, stating that he would be in our area the around June 16 next year and wondered if we would like him to stop by for some workshops, classes, etc. This is during a STaC week and the club could not accept his offer.

Sheila Cosby moved to accept the changes to Standing Rule 29, Salary and Fee Schedule. This was seconded and passed.

Additional duties for the computer manager are to educate and assist, as needed, Game Directors and Teachers on proper operation of the BridgePads, Dealing Machine, computer, software and printer. A motion was made by Pam Harris to accept these changes, seconded and passed.

All parties, announcements, banners, etc. at the club games must first be approved either by the president or the club manager.

Lillian Estes has asked that donations be collected for a plaque in honor of Jan Farnsworth. She estimates it will cost at least $400. Richard Robertson, our webmaster, will post this on the website also.

Dick Condon thanked the nominating committee and the election committee for all their hard work. He bade farewell to the departing board members and thanked them for all they had accomplished this year.

Alicia Fetters moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:57 P.M.

Submitted by Doris Waugh, Secretary