Board of Directors Meeting Minutes ACBL Unit 503
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, via Zoom
Directors Present
Liz Koh, Marc Cervellino, Dan Thatte, John Schwartz, Geraldine MacDonald, Dana Shelley, H. Paul Davis, Allen Simon and Dianne Giancarlo.
Directors not Present
Alex Narasin Stephanie Youngquist
Others Present
Alan Templeton
M/S/P = Moved/Seconded/Passed
Call to Order
Liz Koh, President of the Board, served as Chair of the meeting, called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and announced that a quorum of the Board members was present and that the meeting, having duly convened, was ready to proceed with business. Dianne Giancarlo served as Secretary of the meeting.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Gerry M. announced that the minutes of the May 12, 2026, Board Meeting were approved via email.
Financials Update
Marc C. reported that table count has been strong since our May Board meeting, and we are seeing a healthy trend up since December. The Unit experienced its largest weekly table count since post Covid. This was in large part due to the Golden Club Championship held on Saturday, June 6th, which the ACBL awarded to the Unit in appreciation of the online game that Paul Davis and Allen Simon offer on Wednesday nights along with their regular face-to-face game. Our increased table count is also attributed to the Monday EZ games which have settled into about an average of 5-6 tables.
Despite strong attendance, Marc C. reported that the Unit is still operating at a loss. The Unit experienced the lowest weekly table count in May since post Covid probably because it overlapped with the Sacramento Regional which was attended by many of our Unit members. Also, our Celebrity Lectures are not attracting as much attendance as some have in the past. The Board discussed the need to promote Barbara Seagram’s upcoming seminar.
Firecracker June 24-28
Marc C. noted that the Firecracker will be significant in determining the financial outcome of the Unit for the year. Since we are using only the bridge center, we have been advertising that players must sign up in advance to guaranty a seat. Allen S. has agreed to add a waitlist on the Firecracker registration on our website. Marc C. has obtained permission from our neighboring day care center to use their parking over the weekend of the Firecracker.
Marc C. made a motion that we cap the number of tables at the Firecracker at 50. M/S/P
Bridge Center updates
Water consumption-Marc C. reported that the toilet flow issue has been resolved.
RV parking in front of Bridge Center- Marc C. reported that both he and our landlord have called the Mountain View police to enforce the 72-hour parking maximum in front of the bridge center.
Trash carts previously in front of Bridge Center – Marc C. reported that the trash carts are now being kept in the back which has been a great improvement in the appearance of the bridge center.
SiVY kids climbing trees on Friday nights – Marc C. reported that he spoke to Amber Lin about this and she will talk to the children and their parents.
Pro-Am games as Unit games?
The Board discussed whether we should hold a Pro-Am game as a Unit game on a Saturday. H. Paul Davis will discuss this with Paul Davis. H. Paul Davis will also meet with Sandy Lee Chen who is coordinating the Mentor Program along with her husband Bill Chow, on about whether to possibly combine the Pro-Am games with mentor/mentee games.
Mentor Program
Liz K. reported that Sandy Lee Chen has volunteered to be a Coordinator of the Mentor Program with Bill Chow. Several Board members have been interviewed by Sandy and were quite impressed with her approach. Sandy and Bill will provide a report to the Board at a future Board meeting.
Volunteers recruitment
Liz K. reported that David Merenbech has taken over the responsibility of preparing Heart of the District reports for our Unit. Liz also reports that we still need more volunteers.
Next Celebrity seminar: Barbara Seagram Sat. 6/20 on Zoom
The Board agreed that we need to continue to advertise this. Barbara Seagram usually draws a large crowd to her lectures.
Status on new initiatives (to increase F2F play)
Golden Club Championship on Sat. 6/6 (Allen Simon) – The Board recognized Allen S. and Paul Davis for coordinating a very successful Saturday game.
Special event game: Summer Fun celebration – Fri. 7/31 – Stephanie Y. is organizing a special game at the bridge center on July 31. She is still working out details.
Special Unit game to celebrate Team Ge’s USBC win – Sat. 10/3 (Liz/Marc) This game has been set for October 3rd. Details to be worked out.
Status of new EZ game on Mondays (Dana/Alex) – Dana S. reported that the Monday EZ games have been well attended. Chris Chung has been giving short lectures before the games which have been well received. Liz also reported that Chris is interested in developing the limited game on Fridays by perhaps offering free lectures before the game, which could tie into him buying into this game as an owner. The Board discussed the various ways that this could work.
Next Pro-Am game to book date (Denise Pitsch/H. Paul) – No date has been chosen yet.
Next Free Lecture to book date (Ken Rosenfeld/ H. Paul) — Debbie Rosenberg will provide the next free lecture. A date has not been selected.
Local units Team game competition: Palo Alto vs. San Mateo vs. Silicon Valley on a Saturday – on hold
The Board meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.
Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
To be held by video teleconference
For information about how to join the call, Unit members may contact Liz Koh
Tuesday, June 9th at 4:00PM via Zoom