Attendance:

Ruth Bernstein, President
Glenda Calkins, Vice-President/Tournament Chairperson
Rachel Prior, Administrative/ Recording Secretary
Frank Grunebaum, Treasurer
Joe Adamo, Prizes/ Pairings Chairperson
Arnie Bergen, Webmaster and Player of the Year Chairperson
Gerald Goodman, Budget/District 3 Representative
Andy Lohan, Pro Am Chairperson
Elaine Meyers, Pro am
Andy Muenz, Bob Johnke Chairperson
Paul Nickerson, Annual Dinner/ Conduct and Ethics Chairperson
Harris Schenker, Education/Novice Chairperson
Tod Thorgersen, Reitman KO Teams Chairperson
Jo Ann Van Delft, Club Coordinator
Helen Wallach, Unit Wide Chairperson Betty Price

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 9:25 a.m. by the President, Ruth Bernstein

Minutes: Accepted (on file)

Treasurer's Report: Accepted (on file)

President's Message:  Ruth mentioned that Julian Schulman suggested not having the minutes posted on the web page until they are ratified.

She also stated that the nominating committee has presented a slate of 10 potential board members. Eight members are incumbents and 2 new people, Jeff Manis and Jean Mazouat are running. They will be replacing Rachel Prior and Jesse Reisman, who are not seeking re-election. In addition, the two positions vacated by Laura Brown and Richard Lighton need to be filled. Ruth informed the board that Betty Price has agreed to edit the newsletter. The board voted and elected Betty to fulfill the unexpired term of Laura Brown. There was a discussion regarding the unexpired term of Richard Lighton.

It was decided that an exploratory committee would be established to assist in filling the vacancy caused by the loss of Richard Lighton. Ruth for called an Executive Session. Following the session, Ruth reported that the nominating committee will announce its' recommendations at the next board meeting.

Ruth informed the board that the local bridge clubs have been collecting donations for the family of Richard Lighton. The board also donated $100 to the family. A motion, made by Tod and seconded by Jerry, passed. The motion stated that the literary award be renamed the Richard Lighton Literary Award and a perpetual plaque be established in his honor.

A motion was made and passed to inform the family of this award at the October 24 memorial service for Richard.

Committee Reports:

Treasurer's Report:  The May 9, 1992 minutes indicate that $1500 was set aside for club rebates offered to clubs sponsoring novice programs-with a maximum of $200 given to each club per year. As a result of some clubs not utilizing their allocated amount, other clubs in the unit, who so wished, could reapply for a second grant. Ruth reminded everyone that the ACBL also has a novice program whereby dubs can apply for a $250 annual grant. A motion was made by Arnie, seconded by Elaine and amended by Ruth. The motion calls for a committee to determine the total funds in the novice programs for this year and the amount apportioned for the future. Further, she wants the Budget Committee to delineate the year 2000 novice budget line items to include club rebates, events, educational programs etc. Glenda suggested a letter be sent in January to each club reminding them of the $200 novice dispersion for the year.

Administrative Secretary: The ballots and fliers for the Annual Dinner have been mailed. Invitations have been issued to Joan Gerard and to the district president, Dr. Gerald Goodman.

Annual Dinner:  Paul announced that this year's dinner, to be held on 12/19 at the Park Ridge Marriott, will follow the same format as last year, with two minor changes:

1. the cocktail reception is extended to 1 hour and 15 minutes

2. the bridge week-end prize was replaced by a playing session with a champion bridge player - identity to be announced at the dinner.

Paul requested that board members circulate and welcome newcomers.

Bi-Unit Wides:  Helen informed the board that the fourth and final round was held at Bergen and Rockland Bridge Clubs. Unfortunately, participation was not greatly improved from last year.

Bob Johnke:  Andy briefed the board regarding this year's turn-out which wasn't as good as expected. The date for next year's event is June 10. Andy thanked Arnie for his help in ratings and point awards. Arnie noted that no one had seem to know the correct event rating and corresponding point awards. He recommended that it become standard procedure for the special event chair to know the event’s point category and see that the director award and submit proper point totals. Improper awards were made, and not correctly changed, at several of our past Bob Johnke Events.

Andy Lohan stated that the ongoing events should be grand fathered in and events should continue as sectionally rated. Joe suggested that the committee include four teams for the knock-out finals in order to equalize the field.

Andy will make his recommendations at the next board meeting.

Conduct and Ethics:  Paul informed the board that the two incidents which had occurred this year were handled as follows:

1. One individual decided to speak to the recorder in lieu of a hearing

2. Julian Schulman and Ruth were thanked for intervening in the Ari Eisenberg dispute (see 2/99 minutes). As a result of their mediation the board has been relieved of all responsibility and was not challenged. The issue is resolved. Jo Ann agreed to act as recorder for the next sectional.

Education/ Novice:  Harris informed the board that 63 bridge students attended easy bridge lessons in Glen Rock. He will advise the board when the district reimburses the unit.

Mailings:  Although Mike Brown is not on the board, he is continuing to direct labeling.

Membership:  Cornel Ferat will fulfill Richard Lighton's term as membership chairperson. Ruth recommended that all new members receive a letter of welcome. Jerry and Harris contributed their time in making phone calls in an attempt to reactivate members.

NAOP:  Many thanks to Joe Adamo for a job well done. The district finals were held on 9/17 and the results are listed on the web page. The Bergen Bridge Club hosted 20 tables for the unit qualifying round.

Newsletter:  Glenda emphasized the need for better communication between board members. She stressed the importance of giving input when it is sought, stating that it is impossible to run an organization without feedback. She expressed particular distress about the newsletter published one month late and said that this is unacceptable. Ruth was in agreement with Glenda.

Good luck to Betty Price, who agreed to be the newsletter editor. Paul and Wayne will be on her committee and Cornel consented to handle the lay-out.

Nelson Reitman KO Teams: There are three remaining teams in the final and they will be playing a round robin. Ruth suggested that the conditions of contest be included with the mailed forms for this event and for the Johnke. A motion made by Tod and seconded by Helen passed. This motion stipulates that there will be no restrictions on participation in the event due to unit membership. The game will be open to any team who wishes to participate.

Novice:  Jo Ann suggested that club manages contact her via email in order to expedite the dissemination of information.

Player of the Year:  Arnie recommended that someone else take over so that another member would be placed in a position to learn how to use the program while Arnie was still on the board.

Prizes/ Pairings:  Joe stated that only sectional tournament novice winners will get trophies. Joe must be advised of anyone becoming a life master after Nov. 1. This information is vital if these individuals are to be included in the Annual Dinner presentation.

Pro-Am:  Three clubs had a total of 47 tables. Andy thanked C. Porter, B. Garofolo, 1. Cohn, G. Calkins and F. Grunebaum for all their help.

Publiciiy:  Kathy Benjamin agreed to handle the tournament fliers for next year and Cornel accepted the task of making posters.

STAC:  The club sectionals, which were subsidized by the unit, were successful.

Tournament Committee:  Postcards adverting the upcoming tournament (November 12-14) have been mailed. The novice event will take place at the tournament on Saturday morning. Ruth reminded board members of the good behavior policy and the need to be good role models. Elaine suggested that all board members wear name badges at the tournaments.

Web site:  Ruth thanked Arnie for his contributions to the site and reminded everyone of the necessity of getting information to Arnie in a timely manner. Arnie made a motion, seconded by Paul, to create the position of an expediter to assist in disseminating information promptly to the newsletter and web page chairpersons. The motion was denied.

New Business:

*A copy of the by-laws was distributed

*Glenda Calkins declared her candidacy for board president.

Next Meeting:   Annual Dinner Meeting, December 19 - Park Ridge Marriott. Meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,