July 28, 2023

Minutes Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club

The meeting was called to order by David. In attendance by phone was Lois. In person attendance of board members David, Alverna, Millie, Dion, Dee, Adelle,  Kathy, Carleen, and Jean as manager. Two ADBC members also attended, Melinda and Bonnie.

The first order of business was selecting a new secretary. Kathy volunteered.

Dion moved to accept the minutes from the last meeting.  David 2^nd and all approved.

Jean handed out draft calendars. It was noted that there is little on the calendar for September except for a couple of Unit Games. Bridge in a day will be held in September. Our 499er will be held in September. We have had up to 4.5 tables on Saturday with the 199er NAP game.  499er strats will be 499, 200, and 50. There is a circulating library of bridge books located in the back of the building. They are meant to sign out and return once used. There will be no separate 0-50 section at the 499er tournament in September.

Dion went over the financial report. We have two checking accounts at the present time. Chase with a balance of $6,507.70 and First Horizon with a balance of $3,189.09. Our money market account balance is 13,560.34. It was noted that table count was down significantly in April but came back up in May and June.

Dion brought up the mortgage renewal due in 2024. We had a profit of $3,500 this year. He then made a motion that we pay $2,000, one time payment, to the principal on the building. Jean seconded the motion.

David is still looking for someone certified to install a handrail outside. Andrea is scheduled to come and repair light covers. He will also replace A/C filters.

We are to use the honor system on vaccinations and to use the thermometer.

Dion reported that Learn Bridge in a Day had 7 people attending. Three new members joined ADBC. He is following up the LBD with beginning bridge lessons starting last week. There will be six lessons in this series.

Old Business

Melinda inquired about the number of membership in the club and the number of voters.  She wants to know the ratio of the voters per membership and how those votes were disbursed. Itemized results of the election. She also wants to know how the follow up on the rewriting of the by-laws are coming. Jean said she was gathering information this summer on writing new by-laws. Dion said he had copies of by-laws of a couple of clubs in the area. By-laws should include the American Disabilities Act.  Melinda recommended a personal apology to each person. Dion made a motion to put on website a public apology and write a letter from the board to the people offended. Kathy 2^nd.  All were in favor except one abstention.

Jean will write that we make accommodations for all people with a disability.  Counseling will be made to those who made the offense. The public apology will be written by Jean. The personal letter will be written by David.

New Business

Bonnie submitted her proposal for upcoming classes.  She proposed teaching 2/1 at the club.  The class would be $72 per person and $10 for a book with 15% going to the club.  Her time slot purposed is from 10:00-11:50 on Thursday. There is a conflict with Dion’s Thursday morning class that was board sanctioned. No resolution was made. Dion made a motion of a fee change of 15% from 30% for use of the club.  Jean 2^nd. All were in favor. Suggestions were made for classes to be held every other week sharing Thursday morning or to have night classes. Melinda suggested a few people get together with Bonnie and Dion to discuss the problem of the scheduling issue. Millie made the motion to table issue a later date. Lois 2^nd.  All were in favor.

No arguing

No disagreement

Play Nice

A suggestion was made to document going forward those members who have had adjusted scores and a folder for rulings

Dion made the motion to document zero tolerance violations. Kathy 2^nd All were in favor. We already keep a folder with rulings.

Dion moved to adjourn.

July 19, 2023

Minutes Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club – Special Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m. by David.  In attendance by phone were Lola, Alverna, Jean, and Dee. Those attending in person were Kathy, Millie, Carleen, David, and Ginger.

The minutes from the last meeting were not approved. Jean made note there were still changes to be made that we approved the mortgage by making a one-time payment of $2,000.00 unanimously.

The club voted to withdraw Melinda from the Unit Board since she is no longer a member of our club. We talked about asking Laurie or April. Dee nominated April. Jean volunteered as she would like to be more informed about the Unit. We voted and approved Jean.

Next on the agenda was the Fall classes. Dion current classes end September 7.  Bonnie made a written proposal at the last meeting to start classes September the 14^th. Dion voiced he wanted to continue but the board has not received a proposal at the time of this meeting.  Millie made a motion to give Bonnie the time slot and allow her to teach 2/1 starting September 14.  Carleen seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Ginger’s proposal for the board was to follow up with Learn Bridge in a Day with classes on beginning topics continuous and chronological from A to Z based on Zerky’s lesson plans The proposal is for there to be 4 teachers per block of classes teaching two lessons each.  Then starting a second book. These classes are to be at no charge or minimal charge for printing copies of each lesson. Ginger volunteered as coordinator. The class will be held on Tuesday afternoon. The name of these classes was suggested The Club Class. Jean thought it would be worthwhile to offer the class on Saturday afternoon. No one seemed to want to give up Saturdays to commit to teaching.  Dion is still working with the library to hold class before the 199er game on Saturday’s. It was discussed that Dion has a 3:00 class.  Millie made the motion that were have a 12:30-2:30 class on Tuesday’s called The Club Class moving forward with Zerky’s lesson plans.  Kathy seconded.  It was approved unanimously.

It was stated that Dion needs a deadline for his lesson plan by August 15.  We are interested in knowing the cut-off for the library date and which library the classes will be taught.

Alverna said UL Professor Jim Nichols is trying to help Dion with advertising at UL.

A motion to close was made at 3:30 by David.

Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club

Board Meeting Minutes

May 10, 2023

2:30 PM

Attendees:  Adele, Alverna, David, Dion, Carleen, Millie, Kathy, Jean, Millie, Lois (Phone).

Absent:  Dee

Guest: Catherine McDonald

Welcome                        President David

Minutes of 4/12/23        Secretary Jean; Approval Millie; Second Lois

Financial Report            Treasurer Dion

Agenda

Maintenance David:  The hand rail is complete Repair on ceiling lights is complete.

The 99ers Alverna: Use Saturday, June 10^th for BBO training.  This replaces regular game day.

Bridge in a Day Dion:  Purchase the official materials and license.

Ad Campaign begins August 1.

September 30 is date of event.

499 Tournament:  Date is set for Sept 14-16

Sessions are set for 10AM and 2:30PM

Lunch will be served

Dion and Bonnie might provide short training sessions

Prizes will be awarded to event winners

Jean offered to use some of her cups for the purpose

Fees are set for $12/session + $4 for non-ACBL mbrs Covid restrictions were not settled on.

Next Meeting                 TBA

Motto: No arguing          No yelling         Play nice

Alverna Champion, Secretary

ACADIANA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

April 12, 2023

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 2:52 p.m. Board members present were David, Dee, Millie, Carleen, Dion, Kathy, Alverna and Jean. Adele was absent and Lois joined a little later by phone.

President’s Report: David reported the results of the election for Board members as had been announced earlier at the membership meeting. Dion and Kathy were reelected and Alverna Champion was elected to a three year term, replacing Mary Hooper. Officers were elected for the coming year: President David Friedrichs, Vice President Kathy Young, Secretary Jean Kiesel and Treasurer Dion Dubois. Jean moved that by-laws of the Club be amended to make the Treasurer a board member ex-officio. Dion seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The matter will be brought to a vote of the membership at the next general meeting.

Minutes: Kathy moved that the minutes of the March 1 meeting be accepted as submitted. Millie seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Club Manager’s Report: Dee announced that she is retiring as Club Manager as soon as a replacement can be chosen. Jean expressed an interest in the job and was promptly elected. Alverna offered to replace Jean as Secretary. Dion so moved, Kathy seconded; passed unanimously. Jean moved that the club hold a party to honor Dee for her many years of service. Seconded by Dion and passed unanimously. A date has not yet been set.

Dee announced that the club has a sanction to hold an Intermediate/Novice tournament on October 12-14, but that Metairie is also holding their I/N tournament on those dates so she is trying to reschedule our tournament for September. Jean added that Festivals Acadiens et Creoles will also be held October 13-15.

Dion acquired copies of the by-laws of the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles clubs which he passed on to Jean. Jean will study them and see where our by-laws might need updating.

Treasurer’s Report: Carleen reported that we began March with $8,972.62 in checking and $13,539.38 in the money market account. Income was $3,865.26 and expenses were $2,519.54. Ending balances were $10,318.04 and $13,545.13. The table count for March was 111.

We also received a donation of $800 for advertising. ACBL offers a matching grant of $500 for online advertising. Dion is working to develop a Facebook advertising campaign in conjunction with our plan to offer Bridge in a Day to new players. The student newspaper at UL Lafayette, the Vermilion, no longer carries advertising, but he is trying to identify other ways to reach students and faculty.

Other Business: Some members have recently learned that their ACBL dues are in arrears. As soon as she is registered as Club Manager Jean will look into how dues notices are sent out and find a way to notify our members in a more timely manner.

David reported that gravel has been spread in the gap between the lawn and the parking pad that had been scoured out and made muddy by traffic. He is trying to get a handrail installed on the ramp by the door, but this will need a licensed contractor because of liability issues. He is also getting estimates to replace the fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. Carleen has a contact who could do the work; she will ask him to submit an estimate. The work needs to be scheduled for a day when the building is not in use.

Lois suggested that the club’s statement on donations in memory of loved ones be included on the website.

The election ballots included a vote on changing game times to 12:30. The responses were decidedly in favor of keeping the 10:30 game time.

The ballots also asked for members’ emergency contact information. Kathy volunteered to add the information to a copy of the club directory for Directors’ use, should anything happen to a member at the club.

Dion said he had been asked about including pictures of recently lost members on the wall with the advanced life masters. He said the wall was current as of the date of the January party honoring people who had recently attained higher ranks. Jean suggested we hold an annual memorial program for recently deceased members, like the excellent one arranged by Cecelia Hoyt after the covid break.

The Board revisited the policy for teachers holding lessons at the club. Many Board members feel charging 40% of revenue was too high, given that the club benefits from lessons bringing in new members. The issue was tabled until Bonnie is back from her surgery, as she is the teacher most affected.

In accordance with the policy, Dion submitted the syllabus for the series of beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons he is offering in April and May. Approved.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kiesel, Secretary

ACADIANA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

March 1, 2023

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 2:42 p.m. Board members present were David, Dee, Millie, Carleen, Dion, Mary and Jean, with Lois joining by phone. Absent were Adele and Kathy. Melinda Voorhies was also present to observe.

The meeting began with a discussion of the upcoming annual meeting and election for board members. It was agreed to hold the meeting on Wednesday, April 12. The terms of board members Dion, Kathy and Mary expire this year. Carleen, Millie and Jean’s terms expire in 2024, and David, Adele and Lois’s terms in 2025. Several people been nominated or expressed an interest in serving on the board.

Dion moved that the minutes of the January meeting be accepted as submitted. Dee seconded; passed unanimously.

Club Manager: Dee reported that after all the big games in February there were none scheduled in March. Dion asked about Unit games and the Senior Pairs game. Also, the clubs in Lake Charles and New Iberia have Club Championships scheduled every other Friday. Dee said she would look into these games and add them to the calendar if possible.

Treasurer: Carleen reported that Dion sent out the January financial report on February 10 as requested at the last board meeting. Cecelia Hoyt will do our taxes this year. Our bank balance is $8972.62 with an additional $13,000 in the money market account. She and Dee are finishing up the club directory and hope to have it out soon.

Maintenance: David is working to have a handrail installed by the door. He is looking into replacing our ceiling lights with LED bulbs. Millie moved that we get an estimate to have this done. Lois seconded; passed unanimously. Dion moved that the board budget $1500 to have this done if the estimate comes in within that amount. Dee seconded; passed unanimously.

David asked about Zero Tolerance. Millie and Jean reported as directors that players are behaving well; penalties have been imposed only twice. However, there has been some backsliding recently and a stern reminder is probably in order. ACBL’s policy is ¼ board penalty for the first offense during an event; a second offense during an event results in ejection from the game with no master points and no refund.

David reported that we have been offered a gift of $500 to promote the club. Dion added that ACBL offers a $500 match for digital advertising. This can be used to recruit new members, publicize free lessons or offer Bridge in a Day. He has advertised on Facebook before and agreed to do the ad and teach Bridge in a Day. It was agreed to offer Bridge in a Day on June 3 to attract students who would be looking for something to do over the summer. We will also start a campaign to attract new members; that can start right away. Mary so moved, Millie seconded, and it passed unanimously.

Dion moved that we budget $300 to run an ad in the Vermilion at USL, which appears both in print and online. Dee seconded; passed unanimously.

Old Business: some members of the club have asked to have games start at 12:30, at least some days. Dion moved that a poll be added to the ballot for board members. Mary seconded; passed unanimously. Millie has drawn up a sample ballot for this.

Bonnie has told some board members that she will no longer be teaching lessons at the club.

Further Business: Dion asked if the club could hold a fall tournament for 499ers. A general discussion followed on the low turnout for our last tournament in 2021. This was shortly after the club reopened after covid and masks were required. It was felt that there now there were many more eligible players in our area and it could be successful. Dee said she could look at the calendar and find a suitable date. Jean tentatively offered to direct. Dion so moved and Jean seconded. Passed unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kiesel, Secretary

ACADIANA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Jan. 11, 2023

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 3:43 p.m. Board members present were David, Dee, Millie, Kathy, Dion, Mary and Jean, with Lois joining by phone. Absent were Adele and Carleen. Several club members were also present.

David invited Melinda Voorhies to speak to the Board. She had several questions about the organization of the club and individual members’ ownership rights and liability.  She also inquired about the club’s articles of incorporation and had several suggestions for improving the by-laws. She also suggested we compile a code of conduct.

Alverna Champion next spoke to the Board about the 99ers (players with less than 99 master points). She has been working with Millis and Dion to develop games just for novices. There are ten who play regularly and sixteen who are new members. An additional seven players have 99-199 MPs. For the present they would like to keep the Saturday invitational game limited to 99ers. She would also like to revive the blue cards that let non-Life Masters get every fifth game free. And she would like to see the club encourage the 99ers to go to the NABC tournament being held in New Orleans in March where several events are scheduled for novices. The Board agreed with all these ideas.

No one else asked to address the Board.

Minutes: Kathy moved that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted as submitted; Millie seconded. Mary asked that her name be added to the list of members not present. The correction was accepted and the minutes were approved unanimously.

Club Manager’s Report: Dee reported that the February calendar will have special games all month to support ACBL’s Education Fund. Dues for 2023 are being collected. Melinda asked that the club prepare a packet of information for new members, including the club’s by-laws and rules, and links to information on the ACBL website.

Treasurer’s Report: In Carleen’s absence David summarized the financial report. The club has $5600 in its checking account and $13,000 in its money market account. An insurance payment of $3000 is due. The mortgage on the building is $13,300 at 4.25% and is due in the spring of 2025. Paying down some of the mortgage early would save the club $100-200 per year. (All figures approximate.)

Melinda and Dion asked that the Board share the financial report with the members including details of income and expenses and table counts. Mary moved and Dee seconded that the Treasurer should submit a financial statement within ten days of the end of each month. Passed unanimously. Dee added that Ginger is preparing the end of year financial report.

New Business:

1. Robert’s Rules of Order. Mary volunteered to serve as Parliamentarian. Dion so moved. Kathy seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
2. 2023 membership dues and club directory. Dues are due by the end of January; Dee will have the new directory compiled sometime in February.
3. Dion inquired about the Club Manager’s role and responsibilities. Dee listed quite a few: compiling the Directory; supervising the Directors; communicating with ACBL; scheduling special games; supervising the cleaning person; compiling reports on the membership including the Master Points list; notifying the membership of a member’s death or serious illness; ordering cards and bridge supplies; updating the ACBLScore and BridgeMate software; cleaning the BridgeMates. Much of this activity occurs after hours and is not visible to the membership, but is vital to keeping the club running smoothly. Dion reported that other clubs in our area do not pay their managers a monthly stipend but only free plays. He moved and Mary seconded that the club discontinue the manager’s monthly stipend. Motion failed.
4. Web page. Dion suggested that the club’s web site be used more frequently to communicate with members. Dee has administrative privileges as well as Dion and can easily send out messages that way.
5. Social Bridge Game. Participation has declined since this monthly game was first offered in June. The director does not have to come early to make boards or set up the game in the computer, and does not need to rule on irregularities as in a duplicate game. Dion moved and Mary seconded that the director be changed to a coordinator and be paid a flat rate of $5 per table. Motion passed. After more discussion is was agreed to continue the social games at least through March as had been decided in our last meeting.
6. Ways to cut expenses. Dion had some suggestions for cutting expenses. Dee and David agreed to follow up on some of these suggestions.
7. Bridge lessons. Jean moved and Dion seconded (with several friendly amendments from other Board members) that lessons offered in the club should be open to all and either free or the club gets 40% of the fees. Anyone wishing to use the club for lessons should submit a written proposal to the Board, including a syllabus, at least one month prior to the start of lessons. If approved the syllabus should be posted on the club’s web site. Students must become members of the club for a $5 student membership fee. The teacher must submit a financial report at the end of the series of lessons. After much discussion the motion passed unanimously.
8. The new practice of having someone available to play if a member comes to a game without a partner is working well. We’ve had as many as four people needing partners for various reasons although usually it’s only one or two. However, people needing a partner must come 15 minutes before game time in order to be accommodated without disrupting the game setup. The Directors also remind all players to get to the club ten minutes before game time so games can start on time. Calling if you are going to be late is a poor second best, and arriving after game time (even if you have called) may result in a No Play.
9. Zero Tolerance. Our behavior at the table has declined from acceptable practices, and the Directors accept much of the responsibility for not enforcing Zero Tolerance policies. The Directors will prepare a statement for club members regarding what is proper behavior and what is not, what the penalties should be for transgressing. Once this is disseminated they will begin assessing those penalties.
10. There will be a party at the club on January 18 to celebrate members who have attained a rank of Bronze Life Master or above in the past year. This will be an annual event. Also, Dion has offered to supply 8x10 frames so all everyone who has attained a rank of Silver Life Master and above will have their pictures permanently displayed on the wall.
11. Board elections will be held at the game on Wednesday, April 5. Please let David know if you want to run for the Board, or if you want to nominate someone.

Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kiesel, Secretary

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 2:23. Members present were David, Dee, Carleen, Millie, Kathy and Jean. Lois joined by phone. Absent were Dion and Adele.

Kathy moved to accept the minutes of the last meeting as submitted. Passed unanimously.

Club Manager's report: Dee reported that there were big games with extra points throughout this month. Others are scheduled for December.

Bonnie Angers joined the meeting as we discussed how to increase participation in the social bridge games she runs once a month. The $25 membership fee is necessary for players to be members for insurance purposes. It was agreed that any memberships sold now will extend through 2023. We also discussed decreasing the table fee since we do not pay the ACBL fee and we want to encourage participation. Carleen pointed out that the club hardly makes a profit on these games now. Bonnie also suggested allowing foursomes who want to practice among themselves to do so apart from the regular game. Jean moved and Millie seconded that the table fee be reduced to $5, and the club provide some small snacks to support the social aspect of the game. We will also allow separate tables. Motion passed, with the stipulation that the board will revisit the subject in March.

Treasurer's report: Carleen reported that the club has a balance of $9005.66 in checking and $13,520.99 in the money market account. However, our insurance premium is due the first of the year. Our table count is under 100 per month. While we are operating in the black our margin is small.

Kathy reported that she is leaving the Unit board, being term limited from serving again. Also, with the Alexandria club closing there may be more seats opening up. Anyone interested in serving please let her know.

Lois suggested that we invite Alexandria players to come to our games. Dee has already spoken to Susan Menache about it, but will ask for their membership list so she can contact them directly.

Lois asked about birthday cakes, and asked anyone who wants to bring a cake to contact her.

The Christmas party is scheduled for Wednesday December 14. Kathy will coordinate. We need volunteers to set up, decorate, and clean up after. She will put out a sign-up sheet for food. Cash donations can be made to Kathy.

Sunday team games will start again in January. Saturday games may begin again after the holidays if there is enough interest.

We will have a Thanksgiving party Wednesday November 23, with sandwiches and soup. Meeting adjourned at 3:32.

Respectfully submitted, Jean Kiesel, Secretary

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. Members present were David, Dee, Carleen, Mary, Kathy, Millie, Dion, and Jean. Lois joined by phone. Absent: Adele.

Dion moved that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted as submitted. Seconded by Lois and passed unanimously.

The main business before the board was a proposal by Bonnie Angers to hold a social bridge game once a month at the club. Before covid she had been part of a group that met once a month at the Petroleum Club for dinner and bridge. That venue has become too expensive and the size of the group has diminished. She would like to invite them to play at our club along with her beginner students. After much discussion regarding liability issues, fees, and masterpoint limits, Dion moved that the club hold a social bridge game on the fourth Sunday of each month beginning in June. Players must join the club and pay the $25 membership fee but their first game is free. They will also pay a $7 table fee. Kathy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Dion then moved that the club hold a game for players with 0-49 masterpoints as a second section on Saturdays beginning in June. Millie seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

David suggested that the club manager meet with the game directors to adjust games rather than have the entire board discuss these issues. The directors present agreed to do so.

Melinda Voorhies, a new member of the club who was observing the meeting offered to donate seed money to buy memberships for new players who find the $25 dues a financial hardship. She will meet with Carleen to make arrangements.

David reported that some club members have asked to have one afternoon game a week. The board discussed the possibilities but decided to keep game times as they are.

Mary asked about a 499er game. Millie reminded her that the Thursday game used to be for 499ers and it was difficult to get enough players for a game. The Mentor/Mentee game is much more successful. 499ers can get help finding a mentor if they need one. Dion offered to poll the 499ers to see how much interest there was in a limited game.

Kathy moved that the meeting adjourned. Jean seconded and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 3:15.

ACADIANA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

BOARD MINUTES

April 6, 2022

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. Members present were David, Dee, Kathy, Millie, Dion and Jean. Absent: Adele, Lois and Carleen.

President’s report: There were no nominations for new Board members. David and Adele agreed to continue to serve. Millie nominated Mary Hooper to fill the vacant seat and Dee seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Dee will contact her.

Treasurer’s report: The checking account has a balance of $6119.75. Table count for January was 94.5, February 110 and March 101. David added that repairs to the HVAC systems were $800.

Club Manager’s report: The Club will celebrate Ben Bowie’s 100^th birthday with a party Wednesday April 13. David is grilling burgers and onions; others are bringing chips, potato salad, desserts, and a cake.

Dee raised the issue of non-members playing in our games. After some discussion of practices at other clubs, Dion moved that the Club charge $1 per game for non-members beginning May 1. Kathy seconded. Motion carried.

There being no further business, Dion moved we adjourn. Dee seconded. Motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

ACADIANA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

BOARD MINUTES

February 9, 2022

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. Members present were David, Dee, Carleen, Bill, Dion and Jean; joining by phone were Lois and Kathy. Absent: Adele.

President’s report: the mortgage has been refinanced, reducing our monthly payments substantially. The table count remains steady, so the Club is in good financial shape again.

Dion moved that the minutes of the December 8, 2021 meeting be accepted as submitted; Dee seconded. Passed unanimously.

Club Manager’s report: Dee had no report.

Treasurer’s report: Carleen distributed a report comparing account balances at the time of the last three board meetings: Aug. 18 and Dec. 8, 2021 as well as today. Her report also showed our monthly fixed expenses for the mortgage, insurance, utilities and maintenance, totaling $1466.75. Variable expenses include supplies, ACBL table fees and directors’ fees. We need 52 tables per month to meet fixed expenses; for the last five months table counts have ranged between 71 (December) and 94.5 (January). While we had substantial losses in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, we are now on a stable financial footing.

53 members have paid their dues for 2022. The Club has received additional donations totaling $598.00.

Dion moved to accept the Treasurer’s report; Dee seconded. Passed unanimously.

Maintenance: David asked if there were any maintenance issues. Both front heaters are not working, only the one in back. He will see about getting them repaired. Jean asked about a first aid kit. Dee said we used to have one at the front desk, she will see if it is still there and replace it if needed. Dion asked about the wireless internet connection. Dee will see if it needs to be reset.

Playmor: The Club’s newsletter has been superseded by the new website www.acadianabridge.com. The website is being visited; Dion reported he has gotten responses when he posts that he needs a partner. We will not post game results since ACBL Live for Clubs does that and alerts players when results are available.

Birthday parties: Lois asked when the Club will begin providing birthday cakes again. It was decided to hold off until we allow eating at the Club. That will be the end of March.

Special games: The Club is holding team games on the third Sunday of each month. January’s game drew five tables and everyone earned points. A discussion of the starting time followed. Dee moved that the Sunday game time be moved to 12:30. Dion seconded; passed unanimously.

Dion asked about perhaps holding a Tuesday game for novices sometime in the future. Bill stated that the Club has sanctions for two games on Tuesdays, a novice game and an open game.

Old business: David suggested that the Club’s annual membership game be held April 6. At the meeting we will elect new Board members. Nominations should be submitted two weeks beforehand.

David has had some posters printed to advertise the Club’s games and lessons. Members are encouraged to distribute posters around town. Assisted living communities, churches, gyms, hospitals and various locations around the UL campus are possibilities. It was agreed that someone will need to keep track of where the posters have been displayed to avoid duplication. Dion has placed ads in the Advertiser and the Vermilion (UL student newspaper), and he has been contacted by the Honors Program about starting a bridge club on campus. The ACBL Education Fund will reimburse the Club for some of our expenses.

There being no further business, Jean moved that the meeting be adjourned. Dion seconded; passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned 12:03p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kiesel, Secretary

President David Friedrichs called the meeting to order at 2:40 p.m. Members present: David, Dee, Carleen, Dion, Jean and Millie; Bill joined by phone. Absent: Adele and Lois. Observers: Wayne Colvin, Unit President, and Jana.

Dion moved that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted as submitted, Millie seconded; passed unanimously.

Dee had nothing to report.

Carleen submitted the treasurer’s report. The current balance in the checking account is $4515.27, down about $335 from mid-August. Balance in the money market account is $14,514. Balance owed on the mortgage is $15,405. We continue to lose money every month as our table count has fallen off drastically since the covid shutdown. We need to average eight tables a day four times a week in order to meet expenses.

David has talked to the bank about refinancing our mortgage. That can reduce our monthly payments by more than $750 but still will not balance the budget. After lengthy discussion the board voted to increase playing fees to $7 and membership dues to $25 beginning in January 2022. These fees have not been raised for nine years.

In other business, David proposed having posters made to publicize the bridge club, and posting them around town to attract new members. The posters should list game times as well as contact information for teachers. Specific information about lessons can be added as needed. Jean will work with her daughter, an artist, to create a prototype. Dion wants to offer intermediate lessons and Jean and Dee will look into offering beginner lessons, coordinating with Bonnie.

Lois had asked about birthday celebrations and volunteered to continue getting cakes each month. The board agreed this needs to be done.

Jean moved that the club hold a party in January to honor our former directors, Bonnie, Phyllis and Jean Cook. Millie seconded and it passed unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

Jean Kiesel

Secretary

Board President David Friedrichs called the membership meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. Dion Dubois moved that the bylaws be changed as of 2011 to allow voting by written ballot and by email. Seconded by Jana Ahneman. Passed. Dion then moved that the minutes be amended to state that a board member cannot be a member of the board of another club. Seconded by Jana. Passed.

The meeting was recessed for the game at 12:40.

The meeting of the board was reconvened after the game. Present: Adele Blue, Dion Dubois, David Friedrichs, Jean Kiesel, and Carleen Sandoz, and Dee Daigle, Manager. Absent: Lois Boagni, Millie Ortego, and Kathy Young. One seat vacant.

The board elected officers for the coming year. President: David, Vice President: Adele, Treasurer: Carleen, and Secretary: Jean.

Karen Jennings has resigned from the board. Dee nominated Bill Freeman to fill the position, seconded by Jean. There were no other nominations, and Bill was elected.

The results of the election for board members are as follows: elected to three-year terms were Carleen, Millie and Jean. Elected to two-year terms were Dion, Lois and Kathy.

Dion reported on the survey results received thus far. The majority of responses favored games starting at 10:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12:30 on Saturday. Only 6 of 20 responses were interested in Tuesday evening games. Dion moved that games start at 10:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning July 1. Carleen seconded. Passed.

David reported that Barbara Bernhard has offered to provide pizzas for lunch on Fridays to encourage attendance. The board voted to accept her offer, beginning July 2.

Bill raised the question of scheduling tournaments well in advance to get the dates we want. The club will not hold any tournaments in 2021, but will have a 499er tournament in October 2022. Jean will chair the committee and Bill will direct. The club will not hold an open tournament unless it includes a Gold Rush tournament.

David mentioned that if we average 4 tables a game 4 times a week the club will break even. Thus there is room in the budget to offer incentives to attract more novice players. Jean moved and Dion seconded that novices receive a free play for every 5^th game. Passed. Dion will design a card to record games, and directors will date and initial each game.

Dion has created a Facebook page for the club.

Meeting adjourned at 5:00.

Jean Kiesel, Secretary

Acadiana Duplicate Bridge Club Regular Board Meeting

January 10, 2024

Meeting called to order 2:50PM.

In attendance were David, Dion, Adele, Kathy, Millie, Laurie and Jean.  Tanya, Lois and Barbara joined in by phone. No guest were in attendance.  We are still in need of one more member.

Dion moved to approve the minutes from November.  Lois seconded and the membership approved unanimously. Dion moved to approve the minutes from December. Laurie seconded and the motion  passed unanimously.

Jean gave an update to the calendars for February having Educational Games. STaC games are scheduled for the week beginning February 5.  March has no fund games but one week of Club Championships. Senior Pairs ( March 11) will start in the afternoon as well as all ACBL-wide games. We agreed to hold the Instant Matchpoint  in October but not in July.

Dion gave his report. December was down $3900 because we paid our insurance for the year.  June were paid down the mortgage $2000. We lost $925 in 2023. May 9^th 2024 we will need a new mortgage.

We need to stress cleaning up around the tables. We are paying $45 per day for cleaning 2 times per week.  We talked about whether we need to have the club cleaned twice a week. The conssensus was that we do.

We discussed whether there is a dollar amount we can spend without prior approval from the board. We decided to put this in the policy and procedures manual for new expenses that aren’t regular expenses.

Thirty-six people have paid their dues so far. Some are being sent in the mail.

Some suggestions were made to make a regular newsletter.  Newsletter will be posted on the web-site. This will include big games. During the year we want to send out contact information of new members with their approval.  It was decided that frequent emails highlighting big games and upcoming events would be more effective.

Learn Bridge in a Day follow up lessons  began with 15 students. They are doing six lessons on Play of the Hand. Barbara Finley has 3-4 interested in bridge lessons.

Election of Officers are as follows:

David Friedrichs – President

Kathy Young – Vice President

Laurie Godshall – Secretary

Dion Dubois -  Treasurer

We discussed having the Club Championships and Club Membership games as needed for special parties to encourage people to attend. We will have a special game when the Mini-McKinney winners are announced. Fund games ACBL wide Instant Match Point are expensive. $8 -$12 for a table to ACBL. We decided we could afford to pay the extra fee our members to get extra points. A regular game is $1.15 per table for the $7 games.

We discussed letting the membership vote on three different charities to make donations to. The one that gets the donation will not be eligible next year and a new charity will be put on the ballot for next year’s vote.

Tanya reported that not much luck has happened with the 299er on Wednesday and 199er Saturday. Tanya will be out of town for February and Dion offered to line up the games.

Dion moved to adjourn at 4:10PM and Millie seconded.

The meeting was called to order at 2:50pm.  In attendance was Dion, David, Jean, Dee, Millie, Carleen and Kathy. Lois and Alverna joined by phone.

Carleen made a motion to approve the minutes from both June and July meetings.  Jean seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

David commented on our new handrail Dion had installed. We all agreed it was a great addition.

Dion reported on our finances.  We had $521.72 in donations to the tournament.  $315.01 in expenses and income of $1,343.50. The overall income after expenses were $1,550.21.  Using Square was a good idea as many of our out of town guest used credit card.  Dion gave his financial reports.  It was noted that our insurance will come due at the end of the year.  Our games were running at a loss April-August as table count was down.

Learn Bridge in a Day had 6 people.  It was well advertised through Facebook and The Morning Advocate.  The people that attended are interested in continuing classes.  It is thought that it will bring dividends to the club in the long run.  Lessons run from 10:00-12:00 on Tuesdays.

There are Club Championships this month.  If there aren't enough 199ers to hold a game on the 21^st it is recommended to change to a 499er. The games are at 11:30 on Saturdays and the players like this time. There is a Special Event on the 30^th at 10:30.  It is our Halloween party.

The tournament was good.  Next year we will ask for a 0-750 to try to include more people.  Our 050 people did not attend.  It is recommended that we change the stratification to 0-100.  Dion did a good job with advertising.  We had pairs from Baton Rouge, Gulfport and Shreveport attend.

Jean sent to the board proposed new by-laws.  Dion  moved that we change to a fiscal year.  Get nominations and vote to be held prior to Christmas Party and announce new board members at the party to take office January 1.  Kathy 2^nd all approved.

Dion made a motion to change the By-Laws to return vote by Halloween party on October 30. Kathy 2^nd and all approved.

It was noted that the policy manual should contain the duties of the officers.  The board should do rather than membership. The question was brought up to define good moral and standing.  Carleen motion any person is eligible for membership. Dion 2^nd all approved.

There were other suggestions made on wording. 

Kathy spoke about the use of fragrance at the club.  It was noted that this is covered under the American with Disabilities Act as the right to breath.  Jean and Millie agreed to announce prior to the games for new members who are not aware.  Also to be announced is the phone policy and deductions of a ¼ board are to be assessed.  Zero Tolerance Policy needs to be in policy manual.

Dion made a motion to close the meeting at 4:15.  All approved.