Chesapeake Figure Skating Club General Membership Meeting
June 10, 2006 at Ice World
Called to order at 6:15 p.m.
In attendance: Brenda Amrhein, April Dickerson, George Kropp, Nick Kohut, Richard Dennison, Susan Dennison, Molly Gallagher, Jennifer Dennison, Katie Krulock, Lee Jones, Amy Wright, Sam Ketterman, Crystal Chester, Savannah Chester, Sarah Sigwart, Donnie Sigwart, Casey Leppo, Donna Kropp, Shelby Kropp, Natalie Blagowidow, Suzana Balasubramanian, Susan Findley, Hannah Balasubramanian, Tara Balasubramanian, Meera Balasubramanian, Kaitlin DiRocco, Kathleen Wright, Michael DiRocco, Becca DiRocco, Dawn DiRocco, Marian Ripetti, Mary Nunnally, Leah Findley, Lynn Powell, Melanie Wright, Rhonda Mahaley, Linda Gettier, Laura Gettier, Katie Gettier, Rose Rochester, Samantha Rochester, Amanda Baker, and Heather Cywinski.
Secretary’s Report: Brenda Amrhein thanked Susan Dennison for her help with membership. She also thanked April Dickerson for writing the newsletters last year.
Membership Report: Susan Dennison reported that there were 84 members and ten associate members for a total of 94. Membership renewal applications were sent out with the voting ballots. Club membership rates did not change, although the USFSA fees went up. The new Board will determine the Club rates for next year. Susan asked that skaters get their applications for competitions in early. Susan thanked the nominees for election to the Board. There are eight new Board members.
Treasurer’s Report: Available funds are $2,932.57. Linda Gettier cautioned Club members to keep an eye on the money. Linda reported that we started the year with $5,963.38 and ended with $2,932.57. This decrease happened because of Club ice. Rates for ice rental were low in Spring 2005 and were higher in Fall 2006 when the Club had ice on Saturday nights. Linda would not recommend that the Club purchase Club Ice in the Fall. Linda explained that dues are used to subsidize test sessions. Test sessions are not profitable. The Club conducted a skating seminar last June, but did not do one this year. Membership revenue amounts to $8,000.00. Linda said that there are a large number of skaters in the Basic Skills program who will be ready to join the Club in the Fall.
Fundraising Committee Report: April Dickerson reported that the major fundraising event this year was the Log Cabin Easter Candy sale. Only 13 of about 90 members participated. The Log Cabin fundraiser made a profit of $579.67. The fundraiser helped cover a portion of the ice rental for the Spring Show. The sale of United States Figure Skating remembrance bands was not a fundraiser. The bands were sold at cost to the members who purchased them. The Club took a loss on the sale of license plate frames, but April noted that the license plate frames make great picture frames. A basket raffle was held during the Spring Show: three baskets were given away, the first prize basket included a t-shirt signed by Kimmie Meissner. The raffle profit was $68.00. April asked that Club members make every effort to support future fundraisers.
Events Committee Report: April Dickerson reported that 124 people showed up in costume for our Halloween Party. This year there was a Jack-o-Lantern contest; prizes were awarded for the scariest, funniest and most original pumpkins. In the Fall, the Club hosted 12 weeks of discounted Club Ice. Members were able to purchase freestyle sessions at half the cost of Ice World freestyle sessions. Due to lack of participation, the Club Ice was discontinued after two six-week sessions. Our Spring Show was held on April 29, 2006. Thirty-four members participated and presented 28 programs and a finale. One hundred sixty guests watched the show. A tape of the show is being aired on the Harford Cable Network every Thursday in June at 8:00 p.m. DVDs of the Spring Show can still be purchased. The Youth Committee held recruiting events on May 16 and 20, 2006 when they set up a display table and talked to group lessons skaters about the Club. There are three events in conjunction with tonight’s meeting: an awards ceremony, the end of year Bring A Friend party and a used skating apparel sale. April is stepping down as the Events Committee chairman.
Adult Skaters Committee: Heather Cywinski’s report was read by George Kropp. Heather reported that Lee Jones and Andrea Cooper took second place at Adult Nationals. Natalie Blagowidow, Blaise Sedney, Mika Smith, Debbie Shapiro, Lee Jones and Heather Cywinski passed tests. Lee passed Adult Gold Moves and Freestyle. Many adults have begun competing for the first time this past season. Heather hopes for another successful year.
Publicity Committee Report: Jerry Rochester’s report was presented by April Dickerson. Jerry reported that this year we did more advertising than ever. Articles on our members were featured in various local newspapers. We ran advertising on the Harford Cable Network and ran a spot on a Harford County radio station. During June, the Harford Cable Network is airing the Spring Show every Thursday evening at 8:00.
Youth Committee Report: Molly Gallagher reported that this is the Youth Committee’s first year. The Youth Committee held recruiting events. They helped plan the Bring a Friend party. They decorated for the Halloween Party. They also provided the music for the Bring a Friend party.
Old Business: A Rubbermaid shed is located in Rink B and it belongs to the Club. Jennifer Dudley contacted Blades of Bowie to set up a skate sharpening station on a monthly basis during the time that the Pro Shop was closed. Richard Dennison noted that Blades of Bowie no longer comes to Ice World. Linda Gettier was able to have Ice Magic come to Ice World to sell skatewear and accessories. The Club has not purchased a decal or other item with the logo for purchase by Club members because we have been pursuing a long discussion about updating the logo. The Club did purchase license plate holders that say “Iceskaters have better figures.” People liked the exhibition style of last year’s Spring Show, so this year’s Spring Show followed the same format. Molly Gallagher suggested that a youth skater be named as a liaison to the Board; the Club formed the Youth Committee and voted Molly as chairman. The Youth Committee met several times during the year and Molly attended Board meetings to present the youth’s ideas.
New Business: The Club has applied to participate in the Bel Air Fourth of July parade. We will be following the Ice World Olympia. Skaters participating in the Parade are encouraged to wear skating apparel. This event is limited to Club members. No new business items were taken from the floor. The new Board members were announced. Susan Dennison is returning to the Board for two years. Brenda Amrhein and Richard Dennison are returning for one year. Elected to the Board for a three year term are Natalie Blagowidow, Suzana Balasubramanian and Linda Gettier. Elected for a two year term are Nick Kohut and Sam Ketterman. Elected for a one year term are Silvia Petrik, Lee Jones and Heather Cywinski. Board officers will be elected at the meeting in July. Linda Gettier passed out copies of “The Skating Parents’ Survival Guide Vol.2”, which is published by United States Figure Skating.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35