Rhode Island Bridge Association, Inc

Minutes of Unit 145 Board Meeting

August 6, 2008

Present: Joe Brouillard, Bob Erwin, Lois DeBlois, Judy Biegner, Brenda Iemma, Sue Erwin, Bill Shockley

Excused:  David Prentiss, Lou DiOrio, Chris DelSesto

Absent:  Nancy O’Donnell, Bill Niemi, Bill Lang

President Joe Brouillard called the meeting to order at 5:55 p.m.

Secretary’s Report

Sue Erwin’s report of the April board meeting was read, amended, and accepted by the BOD.

Treasurer’s Report

Brenda Iemma presented a treasurer’s report which was accepted.

Tournament Manager’s Report (Joe Brouillard)

June Tournament

· The June tournament was well attended. Having the World Wide Pairs on Saturday afternoon was a definite plus. RIBA made a profit on the weekend games.

 September Tournament

· Notification will be sent out by email shortly. Notification will also be made in the Bridge Bits and by an ACBL email notice.

· Board Members:  Please bring an item for the hospitality table and ask another person attending to also bring something, too.

· Saturday will be a double session game, which will increase points for those who place. People may play a single session if they wish.

· Joe asked for assistance from members of the BOD to share the workload.  (Of course, general help is also appreciated.) 

· A water cooler would be much easier use in neatly providing water. Lois DeBlois may have one we can use. Otherwise, the Unit will purchase one.

Survey

· People at the June tournament overwhelmingly voted “yes” on having knockouts; however, the Johnston Senior Center is now holding Bingo on Friday nights, precluding our ability to have early knockout sessions then.

Gala

· The dinner cost for the gala has increased slightly.

· There was discussion on how much to charge for RIBA members. It was motioned, seconded and unanimously approved that the cost will be a $22 charge for RIBA members and $30 for non-RIBA players.

Old Business

The 2008 Annual Report was filed with the Secretary of State during June. 

New Business

· Donna Lamparski was recommended as a new Board of Directors member. It was so moved, seconded and unanimously approved.

Bridge Bits

· Sue has nearly finished constructing Bridge Bits

· Joe Brouillard will email Bridge Bits/Gala notice to those who have email. Sue Erwin will mail the rest.

Nashua

· There will be a District Scheduling meeting for the 2010 year at Nashua

· Joe plans to request the following dates: Jan 30/31; March 27/28; June 12/13; and Sept 26/27, and the 2010 Gala on Oct 23. These dates do not conflict with any known holiday observances.

Club Visits

· Bob Erwin and Bill Shockley recently visited Peacedale and Westerly clubs. They met with attendees a half hour before play and presented information on RIBA and answered questions. Refreshments were provided by RIBA. They will continue to visit clubs in the state.

Mentoring

· The Unit would like to do more with mentoring, perhaps combining it with club visits. This will be discussed more at a later time.

Nominating Committee

· A nominating committee will be necessary to provide the slate for a President, Vice President and Secretary at the upcoming election at the Gala.

· The nominating committee was formed, consisting of Bob Erwin (chair), Judy Biegner, Lois DeBlois, Bill Shockley, Sue Erwin, and Ida Farnworth.

Nationals

· The Fall North American National Championships for 2008 will be held in Boston in November.

· Kathy Benjamin and Frank Lombardo will speak about this at the Gala.

· Volunteers are needed

· Bob and Sue Erwin are Hospitality Chairs.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Erwin

Secretary