BRIDGE CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD, MINUTES, DECEMBER 8, 2002 

Present:  George, Janice, Ralph, Julie, Mary Anne, Chuck, Marty. 
 Ann, Jim, Liz, Ron, John, Frank 

President George called the meeting to order and asked that the minutes of the Sept. 7 and 
Sept. 25 meetings be approved, which they were. 

Treasurer:  George thanked Ralph for his good work as treasurer.  It was moved,
seconded, and approved to ratify the addendum to the “sublease” contract.  Ralph 
announced that he has filed the first ever tax return for  the Club.  It must be filed between 
June 30 and Nov. 15. 

Publicity:  Julie will send to the State J-R the names of those players who have made life 
master, bronze life master, or silver life master since the last publicity release. 

Membership.  Janice has a list of people wanting to start easy bridge classes.  It was 
suggested they be contacted to come at 9 a.m. on Sat. mornings to receive one half hour 
of instruction before integrating with the ongoing easy bridgers who come at 9:30.  The 
Board authorized Jan and Ann to purchase up to 40 books for the group and also to pay 
for the cost of mailing, flyers, etc.  The books will be given to the new group starting. 

Tournament:  Chuck and Liz were thanked for their successful tournament which netted 
$1800 for the Unit.  They received lots of compliments and reported that we run the most 
successful tournament in the district.  Chuck would like to use a larger facility for the 
game on Fri. night. 

President:  George has asked Ann to take over the treasurer’s job after the first of the
year.  He announced the need for new directors.  Barry, Liz and Frank are interested in 
studying for the exam, which will probably be given on a Sunday during the regular game. 
To cover for Ralph when he leaves town, Ann will direct the 4th Wednesday game, Chuck 
the 5th Wednesday and George the 4th and 5th Monday games.  George stated that he 
will not be running for reelection. 

Schedule:  Ann will prepare the next quarter schedule.  She will include one junior game in 
Feb. with the club picking up the extra fee.  There can be an ACBL wide senior game on 
Monday afternoon, Feb. 24, also an international fund game on Sat. afternoon, Jan. 25.  If 
directors can be found for these games, we will have them.  It was suggested that the
Decatur club be contacted to perhaps combine to have larger turnouts for these events. 
Ann announced that Marsha Kent will have a New Year’s Eve party for anyone who
wishes to come.  It will be a pot luck and there will be a sanctioned game. 

New Business:  Janice has contacted Ace Sign Company about a new sign.  It was moved, 
seconded and approved to order a new sign to be lighted from above.  The landlord will 
pay for the lights and the electricity.  The cost for the sign will be $490. 

Smith Upholstery Company will reupholster the chairs, using the material we buy, for $20 
for the front of the chair only, or $40 for the entire chair.  The fabric to be used will match 
what is already on the chairs and will cost $22 a yard, making the total cost for each chair 
approximately $31 for the front and $62 for the whole chair.  Only those chairs needing 
reupholstery will be done.  They will also be asked to repair the seats and bottom covering 
as needed.  The Board voted to authorize a maximum amount of $1500 to repair the 
chairs in need.  If more money is required, it will be requested at a later date. 

Sylvia Lowry requested that the Board consider giving a donation to Kumler Methodist 
Church for their food pantry.  This idea was rejected but we will collect canned goods for 
the pantry during STAC week, after the first of the year.  Ann will put it on the calendar.

Ron Sholes suggested that the data base for members’ points be updated.  Janice 
volunteered to do this through the Internet.  Ron also suggested that the directors meet 
and dispense information to the membership on situations that might be resolved without 
calling a director.  He volunteered to work on the project. 

Ralph submitted his resignation, effective the end of the year, which was accepted.  He 
will take care of all the year-end financial reports and taxes. 

The next meeting will be March 23, after the Sunday bridge game. 

Respectfully submitted, 
Marty Stutz, secretary