Fort Worth Unit 183 DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Meeting Minutes

Fort Western Unit 183
Board Meeting Minute
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

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April 16, 2008

Present: Kay Jones, Byron Taylor, Mary Hoger, Tom Nute, Max Jackson,
              Katye Kowierschke

Byron Taylor, the President, called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Kay Jones, in Margot Hirsch's absence, indicated that the approved minutes were posted on the studio bulletin board and the website. Kay also took the meeting minutes. Mary Hoger presented the Treasurer's Report. It was approved as read.

OLD BUSINESS

The board approved deferring an upgraded internet connection until the studio has relocated.

Tom Hughes will consolidate the correction lists for the new directory.

The total of Easybridge! participants has dropped from about seventy (70) to around thirty-five (35). The classes meet on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. The group can play a 0-20 game on Monday mornings or Tuesday evenings. Tuesday evenings could include a workshop.

The GNT Flight B is Sunday, May 4.

The StaC Games will take place during the week of June 23-29.

For future Awards Night Games and the upcoming Pro Am Game, free plays and mugs will be given rather than door prizes.

Byron reminded everyone to notify Janet about all sunshine needs.

NEW BUSINESS

Byron will design gift certificates. Players want to purchase them for gifts.

The unit received a check in memory of Joe Bruce Cunningham. Byron, on behalf of the board and the unit, will send a note of gratitude. The board tabled how to use the gift.

Jerry Gladysz was unable to attend the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
 

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March 19, 2008

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

Byron Taylor, the President, called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Margot Hirsch presented a draft of the minutes from the February Board Meeting. The draft was approved as written. The minutes will be posted at the studio and on the website.
Mary Hoger presented the Treasurer's Report. It was reviewed and approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Tom Nute will present an update on the dedicated computer line at the April meeting.

Tom Hughes reported on the new directory. Typing and editing are progressing. The directory will go on sale at the June Sectional Tournament for $4.00 per copy.

Byron reported on Easybridge! in Tom Nute's absence. Seventy participants attended the first session and at least sixty-four attended the second session. The schedule is being studied to find a game time for the Easybridge! players.

Byron reviewed significant upcoming events and dates:

Grand National Teams: Flt. C: March 30 and Flt. B: May 4
These events will take place at the Fort Worth Studio. Pizza will be served.
Awards Night: April 2, 6:00 p.m.: Snacks, 6:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony,
7:00 p.m. Game Katye is in charge of hospitality and door prizes. New Life Masters will be recognized.
Heart of the Metroplex Sectional: April 4-6, Grapevine Convention Center
Pro Am Game: May 7, Fort Worth Studio
Players are encouraged to sign up.
Fort Worth Sectional: June 6-8
StaC Games: June 23-29

Byron led the discussion about the Memo to Unit 183 Directors. He will revise the memo as necessary, incorporating the board's input for approval.

NEW BUSINESS

Byron will send out the letters for Awards Night. Margot will help contact individuals to encourage them to attend Awards Night.

Tom Hughes will send out the tournament announcement by this Friday night. Byron will ask Mel Bason to get the two-dollar bills for tournament prizes. Lauren Brown will obtain the other prizes. Millie Williams will shop for the snacks and candy. Katye will get the section markers and balloons. Byron will talk to Jerry Gladysz about making and installing tournament signs for publicity in all of the studios. Byron is arranging for caddies. Margot will do partnerships.

The lecturers at the Sectional will each receive $50.00. Mary Hoger will take care of the free plays.

The board congratulated Darlene Shirey. She was named a District 16 Texas Star at the recent Houston Regional. Darlene has generously given much service and time to Unit 183 and the Fort Worth Studio.

Janet Jordan is Sunshine Committee Chair. Byron will send all board members her email address. If a board member learns about a player's need for sunshine due to illness or loss, the board member will contact Janet as soon as possible.

OTHER BUSINESS

Margot will resend her email that contained thoughts and ideas that were feedback to the Publicity Paper. At the April Board Meeting, the relocation will be discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Margot Hirsch
==========================================
February 27, 2008

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

Byron Taylor, the President, called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Margot Hirsch confirmed that the approved minutes were posted in the studio and on the website. Mary Hoger gave the Treasurer's Report. She moved $7000 from the savings account to the money market. Also, the money market includes $4475 in interest. The report was approved.

OLD BUSINESS
Margot checked again recently with AT&T to order a dedicated computer line. No high-speed internet is available in the studio's immediate area. Tom Nute will research other options and report to the board.

Work continues on preparing a new directory. The deadline for new listings and corrections to existing listings is February 29, 2008. Laura Nash will prepare a draft for the board's review after that date.

Plans for Easybridge! are progressing nicely. Lauren Brown and Diane Washabaugh are certified instructors. Penny Mixon and Tom Nute will assist them in delivering the program. The program is being widely publicized and will begin Saturday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Worth Studio.

The board was pleased that the annual audit was successful. Mary Hoger does a great job balancing the books. The audit committee consisted of Tom Hughes, Chair, Dave Pollard, and Tom Nute.

Byron reported on the Green New Year feedback. The studio will continue using plates and plastic ware. However, the studio will begin a formal recycling program. Steve Shirey will provide a container for recycling aluminum cans. Max Jackson will obtain a container for recycling paper. Steve is in charge of the recycling. Byron will ask Grady to publish an announcement to explain the recycling effort.

Significant Dates:
Grand National Teams: Flight C: March 30, 2008 Flight B: May 4, 2008
Awards Night: April 2, 2008
Heart of the Metroplex Sectional: April 4-6, 2008
Pro Am Game: May 7, 2008
Fort Worth Sectional: June 6-8, 2008
StaC Games: June 23-29, 2008
Fort Worth Fall Sectional: October 10-12, 2008

Margot will send out a Unit 183 request immediately for volunteers that can be recognized at Awards Night. Byron will choose the Goodwill honorees.
Max Jackson will work with the Arlington Club to deliver tables and bidding boxes.
Byron asked for feedback about the draft for the Pro Am Game.

Tom reported on the Fort Worth Sectional. The tournament fees will be $11.00 for ACBL members and $12.00 for non-ACBL members. The Swiss Team fee will be $96.00 and include a meal catered by Pulido's. A free 0-20 Game will take place on Saturday afternoon. Tom will email the board a rough draft of the schedule. All evening games will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Kay Jones reported on the upcoming Fall Sectional. It will take place at BJ's Catering on University Dr. since Will Rogers is not available. There is ample free parking at BJ's Catering. Kay will ask the Omni Hotel for a bid for the 2009 Regional Tournament.

Progress concerning Zero Tolerance was discussed. The board encourages players to call the director immediately when unacceptable behavior is taking place. Unacceptable behavior may occur between partners and/or opponents. The director may be in another room when the infraction occurs and may only become aware of an uncomfortable situation if a player calls. The board wants the studio to be comfortable for all players whether they have been playing for years or are participating in their first game.

All directors are expected to remind players at the beginning of each game about the cell phone policy and the zero tolerance policy.

NEW BUSINESS
Byron asked the board to review the Directors' Memo (3 November 2005) and give him feedback. All directors must make sure that all areas of the studio are clean after each of their games. This includes sweeping and vacuuming the floors as needed. Also, the coffee pots must be cleaned thoroughly.
Also, Byron wants the board to provide feedback concerning publicity plans.

Diane Washabaugh is chairing the Relocation Committee. Jeri Quinton and Dave Pollard will serve on the committee. Shawn McCormick will chair the Mentoring Program.
Janet Jordan, the Sunshine Committee Chair, should be notified when a player is ill or a loss has occurred.

The board approved purchasing a shelf for the microwave oven. Max will install the shelf above the ice machine.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Margot Hirsch
============================================
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