Rhode Island Bridge Association, Inc

Minutes of Unit 145 Board Meeting

February 25, 2009

Present:     Joe Brouillard, Judy Biegner, Lois DeBlois, Bill Shockley, Bob Erwin, Sue Erwin, Nancy O’Donnell, Bill Lang, Brenda Iemma, Nancy Rosenbaum

Excused:    None

Absent:     Lou DiOrio, David Prentiss, Diane Lamparski, Chris DelSesto

President Joe Brouillard called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m.

Secretary’s Report

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

Treasurer’s Report

Brenda Iemma presented the treasurer’s report, and the report was accepted.

Tournament Manager’s Report (Joe Brouillard)

February Tournament

1. Excellent turnout for 6/7 February Sectional:  101 tables on Saturday, 34 teams on Sunday.
2. This constituted a 13% increase on Saturday and a 9.5% increase on Sunday compared to the previous tournament, and 35% and 62% increases, respectively, from the tournament a year ago.
3. Joe plans to speak to the facility manager about the following:

• Use of the exercise room
• More chairs
• The cleaning crew
• Paper and plastic supplies

4. The facility has informed Joe, that we must use ONLY blue masking tape on the walls.

Old Business

• Annual charitable contribution: The RI Food Bank was chosen as this year’s charity; however, Brenda Iemma will confirm that the funds get distributed statewide. Based on the statewide economic situation, a motion was made to increase the unit’s charitable donation to $1000 for 2009 only. Following a brief discussion, the motion was seconded and unanimously carried.
• Club Visit: A visit was made to the Portsmouth club in January. There were 5 tables of bridge that evening. Joe reported that the attendees were interested and enjoyed the visit. A visit to the Cranston club will be scheduled later in the spring.

New Business

March Sectional

• The March Sectional in 2009 shall be named in memory of Bob Starr. A plaque will be presented to Sandy Starr at the sectional
• Due to increased costs, taxes, etc., the cost of sandwiches will increase by $1.00 beginning at the March sectional ($6.00)
• A request will be made that Kevin begin selling entries by 9:00 AM

BridgeMates

• Clubs have shown a limited interest in using BridgeMates.
• Payoff, if we purchased them, would be in 2+ years.
• Cost for usage would be approximately $33/month per club.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Erwin

Secretary, Unit 145