Larry Rich welcomed everyone on the board and introductions were made. The following members were in attendance: Larry Rich, Barbara Heller, Mary Ann Bateman, Sandy Barrow, Josie Mitchell, Liz Swanson, Charlie Ogburn, Bob Heller proxy for Joe Sherwood, Nancy Hetsko, Ann Hedden, Tom Carter, Linda Greene, Bill Burks, Len Perkins, Ken Parker, and Dennis Cherry.

Len Perkins moved and Sandy Barrow seconded that the minutes be approved.

Mary Ann gave the Treasurer’s report. Presently, we have a checking account balance of $7480.03 with a balance of all accounts as of 2/2002 of $130,668.74. She announced that the money in the Dreyfus fund is paying a mere 1 ½%. Bob Heller moved that we invest up to $40,000 of that money into the same type of account as the other monies are in. Len Perkins would handle the transaction. Liz Swanson seconded. Motion carried. Len Perkins moved and Charlie Ogburn seconded that we accept the treasurer’s report. Motion carried.

Dennis Cherry made an appeal to the board on behalf of Paul McNeer, who requires a lung transplant because of cystic fibrosis. He is asking all clubs to run charity games to benefit Paul’s efforts to raise money. The National Transplant Association will match all funds raised in his behalf. Dan Plato of the Atlanta DBC has raised $2000 at this point. It was suggested that Dennis arrange a STAC and he volunteered his time to do so. Nancy Hetsko moved and Len Perkins seconded that we sponsor the STAC. ACBL states that an ACBL Director has to oversee it and deducts their salaries but all other proceeds will go into the fund. Motion carried. Dennis will coordinate the STAC with the District coordinator, Bob Heller to acquire the best dates. The Unit wants to encourage all clubs to host Charity games for Paul.

Sportsman of theYear nominations were read. We received three letters. Sandy Barrow read one from Jimmy Turner and the Macon Club nominating Edna Kaney. Larry Rich read a letter from Bob Heller nominating Barbaneh Borah, and Linda Greene nominated Jean Middleton from Warner Robins. Ballots were cast and Barb Borah was named our new Sportsman of the Year. Edna Kaney was named runner-up.

Tournament Coordinator Bob Heller reported on our tournament schedule for next year.

Next year Macon will be May 30-June 1 when there is no other sectional. March 16, 2003 is Greensboro at the High School, Peachtree City is Sept. 19-21 and Valdosta will be October 24-26, 2003.

Barbara Heller reported on BridgeAtSchools-the nationwide pilot that is looking for funding to develop curriculum and set us the program. She stated that she will not be submitting a proposal at this time but will bring forth a proposal for funding when Unit schools become involved.

Nancy Hetsko asked that a list of accredited teachers in our unit be prepared and placed on the web. She wants to know what they specialize in, where they teach, and a listing of any future classes are. She asked that if the unit will reimburse her for any long distance phone calls then she volunteers to construct the list. Barbara Heller moved, and Mary Ann Bateman seconded. Motion passed unaminously.

Nancy Hetsko presented a proposal to teach mini-Bridge with adults. This approach teaches them to play without bidding. Then once they have mastered the play she would instruct in the bidding. Sandy Barrow questioned if we do one should we do for all. Nancy Hetsko moved that the unit reimburse 25% of the advertising for this program up to $250.00. Tom Carter seconded. Discussion followed. Advertising would include running ads in neighborhood newspapers, a post card mailing, and fliers distributed throughout the area closest to the lessons. Liz Swanson offered an amendment that we offer this as a pilot program. Nancy accepted the amendment. Josie Mitchell suggested placing the ad in church bulletins and asked that Nancy be required to report back to the unit on the program’s results. Ken Parker amended the motion to have Nancy come back in six months and give a report. Nancy accepted this amendment. Motion with amendments passed unanimously.

Nancy then presented a motion to pay two teachers reimbursement for $20 per session to teach the lessons. That would be a total of $280 per teacher for a total of $560. This motion died for lack of a second.

Barbara Heller moved that we set up a committee similar to the one that the District has. It will be called Entitlement. She moved that the Vice-President is officially the chair of this committee. Motion passed. Sandy Barrow, Len Perkins and Josie Mitchell will serve on this new committee.

Ann Hedden reported that she is sending out NAOP letters to clubs requiring sanctions earlier.

Old Business: Our next meeting will be in Peachtree City on September 21, 2002 after the afternoon session.

The committee that addressed the issue of ending financial aid to sectionals that are in the red gave a final report. The Unit will no longer give aid to sectionals as of Jan. 1, 2003. Mary Ann Bateman seconded. There was an amendment to make an exception for first time tournaments that submit a budget and have it approved by the unit coordinator. Motion passed with the amendment with one no. Barbara Heller will be notifying each tournament chair to make them aware of this.

New representatives are still needed for the Eatonton, Greensboro, Madison and Millegeville area.