Board of Directors Meeting Minutes ACBL Unit 503
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, via Zoom
Directors Present
Liz Koh, Marc Cervellino, Stephanie Youngquist, DanThatte, Dana Shelley, H. Paul Davis, John Schwartz, David Merenbach, Geraldine MacDonald and Dianne Giancarlo.
Directors not Present
Alex Narasin
Also Present
Dede Barsotti
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
Liz K. announced that the minutes of the May 13, 2025 Board Meeting were distributed for approval via email.
Celebrity Seminars Update
Dede Barsotti, coordinator of Celebrity Seminars, reported that for the first six months of the year we have had three very successful Celebrity Seminars. The most recent was held in May by Barbara Seagram on Defensive Magic. We had a total of 120 sign-ups. All lectures have been held on a Saturday online. Barbara’s seminar attracted 59% of attendees from outside of Unit 503 compared to 46% for the two former celebrity speakers this year, Amber Lin and Adam Parrish. Upcoming Celebrity seminars will be presented by Michael Berkowitz on August 16 and Robert Todd (live) on October 18.
Financials Update
Marc C. reported that table counts at weekly F2F games continue to be strong. The limited games are picking up thanks to the Tuesday morning games directed by Prue Saunders. Also, Board Director Alex Narasin brought in some new players to a game whom we hope will return to the Club to play again. Marc also noted that our membership increased by five people which is the first in quite a while. Although we are above budgeted revenue, we are still operating at a loss and will incur a sizable loss for the year.
May Sectional
Marc C. reported that we had 191 tables at our May Sectional. Attendance was less than at our April Sectional but it is up from one year ago. Marc noted that players with fewer master points tend to play fewer sessions.
Firecracker
Gerry M. reported that plans are moving along for our annual Firecracker tournament which will take place in only one room this year. For that reason, players are being urged to sign up early to guaranty a spot. Gerry has asked for Board members to help by volunteering to take charge of set up, clean up or putting out food for one of the days of the tournament. Dana S. reported that she is close to setting up a food option to offer lunches during the tournament.
Status with IFES
Marc C. and Liz K. reported that discussions with the IFES are ongoing.
Bylaws Amendments
Dianne G. reported that she will distribute to the Board a full copy of the Bylaws marked to show amendments. The next step is for three Board members to sign a petition to propose this amendment which will then be presented to the President, at which point Liz K. will set a time and date for the Board to act on the amendment. Once approved by the Board, Liz K. will then set a time and date for a special meeting of the Unit members to approve the amendment.
New Alan Cummings Lecture Series
Stephanie Y. reported that the next speaker for our Alan Cummings Lecture Series will be Frank Smoot on July 22. The Board discussed possibly pairing these lectures with a discounted game for limited players.
Status on new initiatives (to increase F2F play)
Liz K. reported that our next Find-a-Partner game will be on June 11. Currently we have five tables signed up.
H. Paul Davis reported that he has been making announcements at various Club games and events about the upcoming Pro-Am game on June 19. There are many signups particularly among pros so we should encourage more ams to sign up.
Stephanie Y. reported that the special 50th anniversary event for the Club will be held on September 30. She has asked for people to send her any old photos and memories that they may have.
The Board meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.