October 29, 2021
East Texas Bridge Association
Unit 225 Board Meeting Minutes
The Board of Directors met virtually, via Zoom, with the following members present: Rathnam, Sandra O’Bannon, Susan Ford, Mary Ramsey, John Hamilton, and Carol Kinsey.
The minutes of the October Board meeting were approved by voice vote. There was no Treasurer’s Report.
The first item of discussion was the December Awards Luncheon. Rathnam confirmed that Jack Blumenthal was not a current member of Unit 225 and would not be receiving an award at the December meeting. All the life master awards are on order. Next the Board discussed the menu options. Since the luncheon follows so soon after Thanksgiving, it was decided to “step out of the box” and do something different this year. Sandra O’Bannon, Hospitality Chair, was given the go ahead to arrange for a fajita bar from Salsaritas.
A meeting with Club Managers will be held on Nov, 13, at 11:15, prior to the monthly Unit game. The meeting is being held face-to-face so ideas can be brainstormed on:
(1) How we can encourage participation at the club level and
(2) How to increase membership in our Unit.
Focus will be given to how the Board can support the local clubs in their ongoing efforts. Mary Ramsey and Lisa Looney, co-chairs of the Club Promotion and Membership effort, will be present. Board members were encouraged to attend the meeting.
Rathnam and Sandra O’Bannon are still investigating possible locations for a 2022 sectional tournament. Susan Ford is working with ACBL on a regional NLM tournament sanction to be held in tandem with the proposed sectional tourney. Rathnam reported that it was suggested that we look at having vendors at future tournaments to help offset our operating expenses. The Board will continue to discuss the feasibility of holding a 2022 sectional tournament at its next meeting.
The Board voted to award the Texas Star Award to Sandra O’Bannon. Tom Spradlin has made a nomination for the Texas Good Will Award and will be asked to submit this nomination in writing.
The meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by,
Carol Kinsey
