Fort Western Unit 183
Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2008

Present: Mary Hoger, Tom Hughes, Kay Jones, Tom Nute, Max Jackson, Byron Taylor,
              Katye Kowierschke, Steve Shirey, Margot Hirsch

Byron Taylor, the President, called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Margot Hirsch confirmed that the approved April minutes were posted. Mary Hoger presented the Treasurer's Report. She alerted the board that withdrawing from the money market will be required soon if the revenue does not increase. The expenses exceeded income for the Awards Night Game. The annual insurance premium was paid. The report was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Tom Nute reported that the new directory draft is ready to send to the printer. He recommended using an online printing service. The cost is more reasonable, the quality is good, and the shipping fee is less than $10.00. He will secure the vendor's assurance that the directory will not be sold as a mailing list to anyone. The deadline for beginning to sell the directory is the June Tournament.

Tom Nute reported on EasyBridge! About 5.5 tables played last Saturday. Tuesday night classes/workshops are running 2-3 tables. The 0-20 Game has been held separately once so far.

The GNT Flight C had 6 teams and GNT Flight B had 14 teams play to qualify for the District 16 Qualifying Games according to Steve Shirey. Steve also announced the North American Pairs Unit 183 Qualifiers will take place September 28 and
October 26. Lockheed may not be available as a playing site. Arlington is a possibility.
The Pro Am Game was a success. The Co-chairs, Byron Taylor and Diane Washabaugh, did a great job. However, if players need to cancel after having signed up, they will be encouraged to notify the studio in advance of the game.

The upcoming Fort Worth Sectional was discussed. In the future, the city of Fort Worth will appear on all the schedules and promotional documents. Byron stated that all of the caddies are confirmed except for one. Katye announced that all the details are set with Pulido's. Millie Williams will provide the snacks and candy. The trophies and $2.00 bills are ready. Mary will take care of the free plays.

The STaC games will occur June 23-29.
 
NEW BUSINESS

Steve proposed that the Non-Life Master Tournament occur November 1-2, 2008 in Arlington at the Arlington Studio. He will work with Chuck Burke. The caterer may change.
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Byron provided some feedback on committees. On behalf of the board, he thanked Jerry Gladysz for his marketing contribution. Jerry is beginning some new client projects and will no longer be available to chair the Marketing Committee. A new chair is needed.

The board approved the purchase of a new, cosmetically imperfect refrigerator. Margot will shop for the appliance.

The board did not approve the purchase of a new bookcase.
Issues of Bridge World will be displayed on a card table. Players are encouraged to sign out, read, and return all issues so that many players may enjoy the publications.

The board approved a fuel reimbursement fee due to the high cost of gasoline. The driver of the Unit's trailer will be reimbursed at the rate of $1.00 per mile. The driver will present the beginning and ending odometer reading for each trip to the Treasurer. Also, other clubs that benefit from the use of the trailer including, but not limited to, Dallas and Arlington will also be charged this reimbursement fee to reimburse the driver.

The procuring of supplies for the Fort Worth Studio was discussed and tabled for the next meeting.

The Wednesday Night Irving Game is temporarily not being held. After discussion about giving a free play, it was decided that Byron will write a note to each regular Irving player inviting him or her to join the Wednesday Night Game in Fort Worth.

Byron reminded the board to notify Janet Jordan about all sunshine needs.

The gift certificate draft was discussed. The board agreed to reduce the size of the certificate and sequentially number each one. The vote on adding an expiration date was tabled.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Margot Hirsch