Michigan Blind Athletic Association

Board of Directors’ meeting minutes

March 10, 2010

Directors present: Sue Fluri, Rob Wall Emerson, Frank Wolf, Scott Ford (by telephone) and Sherry Gordon

Gordon called the meeting to order. It was noted that we do not have a quorum present at this meeting.

Gordon asked for comments regarding the February 2010 Board meeting minutes. No corrections were noted. Wolf did note that the minutes were very thorough.

Treasurer’s report. Hulsebus had e-mailed the treasurer’s report to Board members last week. There were no comments on the report which Hulsebus had sent.

Gordon indicated Hulsebus has a new job and therefore has not been able to attend our MBAA Board meetings. Hulsebus had given Gordon his new e-mail address and requested the new e-mail address be utilized for MBAA correspondence. Hulsebus indicated he is in Plainwell on the weekends; this is when he would address MBAA snail mail. The question was raised as to whether it would be feasible for Hulsebus—with his new job—to remain as MBAA treasurer. Wolf will speak with Vance regarding this question.

We also spoke about our budget, indicating that without our treasurer being present, we have not yet determined this year’s budget.

Gordon reported that the Kalamazoo goalball tournament had gone well. There were 14 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams. Gordon expressed the emotional difficulty the tournament committee had in administering the tournament this year, namely in Sue Ponchillia’s absence. Only now do we really realize all the “little things” which Sue did for all of the different MBAA sponsored events.

Gordon indicated she had spoken with Luke Patterson, Director of the Kalamazoo goalball tournament. There is a big discrepancy in the amount which the MBAA was charged for facilities rental. Luke is trying to work this out with the facilities manager. Notation was made that the initial amount of money which was requested for the Kazoo goalball tournament may need to be altered, meaning MBAA may need to consider a revised budget for the Kazoo goalball tournament.

Gordon indicated that at sometime in the near future, we need to consider the election of a new MBAA Board Chair—since John Boes has retired.

Gordon indicated the New Jersey goalball tournament will be held April 9-11. At this time the exact costs are not yet known. Gordon indicated she will plan to distribute the funding request by e-mail and will request an e-mail vote once expected costs and number of players/volunteers is known.

Wolf encouraged Board members to begin thinking about this year’s annual report—although the annual report from last year has not yet been completed. Wolf noted that when a grant request is submitted, the usual practice is to give the grantee a copy of our annual report. Wolf encouraged upcoming reports to include how many persons were served; how many volunteers were present; and how teams/participants finished in any competition.

Ford reported that so far there are 45 senior campers, 13 of which are new campers, and 23 junior campers for the SEC. Ford noted that the mailing costs are actually much less than they have ever been, due to the fact so much correspondence is done via e-mail.

Meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 14 at 4:00 pm at the MCB Training Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Gordon, MBAA Secretary