Fort Western Unit 183
Board Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2008

Present: Max Jackson, Tom Hughes, Tom Nute, Byron Taylor, Mary Hoger, 
              Katye Kowierschke, Steve Shirey, Margot Hirsch, Laura Nash (guest),
              Sonja Fair (guest)

Byron Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Margot Hirsch presented the December
minutes that were approved as written. Mary Hoger presented the Treasurer's Report for 
November and December. The Omni CD matured in December. Mary is renewing it at Washington 
Mutual at 5.1% for seven months. She will put approximately $13,000 in the money market. 
She and Byron will be on the signature card for the checking account. Mary's report was 
approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Margot reported that AT&T is researching how soon a high-speed internet line can be 
installed at the studio. She will inform the board once she receives the information.

Awards Night will take place on April 2, 2008. Mary will order the Mini-McKinney 
medallions. The Pro Am Game will take place on May 7, 2008.
The 2008 STAC Week is June 23-29.

All directors are expected to remind players about the studio's Zero Tolerance Policy and 
Cell Phone Policy at the beginning of each game.

NEW BUSINESS

Laura Nash is chairing the 2008 Directory Committee. She is putting a system in place that
will enable all Unit 183 players to keep the directory current. Margot will begin sending 
the ACBL In/Out Report to Laura for updates. Laura and the board are asking all directors 
to assist in gathering correct, current Unit 183 player information for the new directory. Also, Laura and her committee will update the names and dates of all Unit 183 games. All updates are due no later than February 29, 2008.

Sonja Fair proposed that the studio engage in a Green New Year. Specifically, Soni 
suggested that the studio use paper plates and plastic forks only on special occasions. 
Most of the time finger foods could be served. Over time the studio would save money and 
be more environmentally friendly.  Also, the suggestion was made that cans be collected 
and recycled more systematically. Byron will discuss these suggestions with the directors 
and report back to the board.

Penny Mixon and Lauren Brown will begin teaching Easy Bridge! on  March 8, 2008. 
Diane Washabaugh will assist them. Byron will check on the status of the instructors' 
certification.

Byron led the discussion about committee chair assignments.
Katye Kowierschke is in charge of door prizes for special studio games. Byron will ask 
Lauren Brown to chair the Prize Committee for tournaments. Max Jackson will be listed as 
Chair of Photography and the Trailer. Margot will chair Partnerships.

Additional assignments are:

Relocation: Diane Washabaugh
Decorating: Diane Hoksbergen
Housekeeping: Judy Staser
Help is needed for keeping the stock room and cabinets orderly and clean. Mary Hoger will 
have the carpet cleaned during the June Tournament. Byron will clean the windows and wants some assistance.
Facilities: Kay Jones
Kay will take care of the kitchen sink restrictions. Katye will help with the outside 
lights.

Byron will ask Grady Fuller and Stewart DeJournett to routinely post The Alert on the 
website.  

Tom Hughes will chair the Audit Committee. The committee's report is due at the next 
Board Meeting.

The board sends its sympathy to Ted Webb's family. Also, the board sends its sympathy to 
Liz Hutchison for the recent loss of her son. Margot will contact Janet Jordan. The 
Sunshine Committee Report will become a standing agenda item, effective the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Margot Hirsch