Potomac Division Board Meeting
October 24, 2009
The
Potomac Division Board meeting was convened at Bill Demas’ house at
12:50 PM by Superintendent Marshall Abrams. Also present were
Bill Day, Tom Brodrick, Mike White, Brian Sheron and Russell Forte from
Chesapeake Division.
Paymaster’s
Report – Mark Andersen’s submitted report stated the Division had a net
balance of $4638.21 after income and expenses and includes a balance of
$526.26 for the Module Crew. This reflects a net increase of
$12.68 from the last report.
Clerk’s
Report – Bill Demas reported the Division had an active paid NMRA
membership of 370. This number includes 4 new and renewal for a
net decrease of 2 since the last report.
Newsletter
– The deadline for the next Flyer is January 1, 2010. A motion to
adjust the publication schedule with the calendar quarters was passed
unanimously. The current deadline for the winter (Jan-Feb-Mar) issue is
now Jan 1. That deadline would be moved back to December 1,
etc. The winter issue would now be Jan-Feb-Mar, spring issue
Apr-May-Jun, and so on. Suggestions to continue upgrades to the
publication included author’s pictures, a backlog of pictures to fill
white space, more activity pictures spread throughout the publication,
with a request going out to the membership to submit activity and
layout pictures as well as more items for the “Neat” and “Tips” items,
and an increase in the number of pages in the Flyer. The “Neat ‘n
Nifty” and “Tips and Tricks” columns may be expanded to contain one in
depth ‘nifty” or “trick” each issue. The resulting increase in
the size of the Flyer will only increase the postage by 17 to 34 cents
per issue for the mailed copies.
Program
Coordinator – Tom Brodrick reported the next open houses will be the
Baltimore Society of Model Engineers on November 1 and Steve King in
Germantown, MD on December 6. Tom will work the door
there. There will be only one open house next summer during July
and August.
A
P Program – Brian Sheron reported one new certificate application from
Matt Thompson for Scenery since the last meeting.
Computer Clerk – Mike White reported a new “Helper Service” page was being created.
He
and Brian will refine/define AP requirements and solicit volunteers in
specialty areas of the hobby who agree to be included in a directory to
serve as a resource contact for the membership for answers and advice
to problems in their area of expertise.
Russell
Forte and Mike will exchange information about upcoming activities and
news within each Division for posting on their respective web
pages. The By-Laws page is posted; the Board Minutes page is
posted, and the “Tips ‘n Tricks” page has been added. Mike will
set up a page devoted exclusively to the Mini-Con.
Module
Crew – Mark Andersen submitted a report the Crew was set up at the
Greenburg Show today and tomorrow in Fredericksburg. Scheduled
upcoming appearances will be November 7 & 8 at the Rockville Lions
Club holiday show; December 5 & 6 at Fairfax Station holiday show;
December 12 & 13 at Herndon Days Town Celebration; and January 2
& 3, 2010 at the Greenburg Show at the Dulles Expo Center in
Chantilly.
There was no report on the proposal to set up in vacant storefronts in shopping malls for the upcoming holiday season.
Old Business
Tom addressed the question of public meetings/clinics that would begin
after the Mini-con that will alternate monthly with open houses.
The Board agreed that Saturdays from 10am to 1pm was a good time frame,
since it will allow for both a clinic and a time for socializing
afterward to increase fellowship and engagement among the Division
members, and Tom will explore the possibilities of either choosing
alternating sites or settling on one permanent venue. The first
meeting would take place next May.
Outreach – The expansion of the Flyer and web pages serve as one
component. The open meetings/clinics will serve as another.
Howard County members will continue to be on our mailing list as well
as Chesapeake Division. Bill Day will continue to remind local
area Scout troops that we are ready to serve as a resource, and we’ll
continue the placement of our pamphlets in hobby shops and libraries.
Mini-Con
Clinics – Mark has 11 of the 12 slots filled.
Volunteers – Members of both Divisions will be encouraged to bring
display-only as well as contest entries. Tom and Russell will
solicit the participation of area module groups. A member from
each Division will work side by side at the door.
Publicity – Mike will continually update the web page. Tom will
create posters for display in hobby shops. Reminders will appear
in the Flyer.
Catering – Bill Demas reported that the Church youth group will provide refreshments and lunch.
Budget – A budget of $750 has been established. There will be a $10 admission to the mini-con.
White elephant – Clint Hyde will work the table, with volunteer
support. The Divisions will realize a 10% commission on all sales.
Contests/Judging/AP – Members will have the option of entering for
contest judging for AP points, or for popular vote entry and/or as a
“dry run” to learn what needs to be improved for future contests The
judges will be available after the close of judging to critique the
entries, so members may receive input on how they may improve their
modeling skills. Certificates will be awarded.
Chesapeake Division will hold a mini-con in November in Havre de
Grace. The specific date will be posted on the web site.
New Business – None.
The next meeting will be at Marshall Abram’s house at noon on Saturday, November 21.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Demas, Clerk
Potomac Division