Directors' Notes

May 13, 2002

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Resource Center on May 13, 2002. Present were Messrs. Bovaird, Buoy, Cohen, Greger, Neary, Ostergren, Pearson and Scheef. Jim Scheef, President, presided. Larry Buoy, Secretary, kept the record of the meeting. The minutes of the meeting held April 8, 2002 were approved. Treasurer Charlie Bovaird reported total cash and bank accounts of $21,009.18, less prepaid dues of $8,983.33, a net of $12,025.85. Current membership was reported being 470. President Scheef noted that the latest News-Times ad appeared on the day of the General Meeting instead of its usually scheduled Monday placement, and suggested that future ad placement keep this new schedule. It was further suggested that ads continue to stress the fact that visitors are more than welcome to attend. Also discussed were the effectiveness of the ads at General Meetings and emailings of meeting notices to the membership. The meeting next addressed the logistical problems of the June 11th "pot luck" General Meeting. There was agreement that the meeting be limited to approximately six "presentations" (time overruns being expected, but controlled); that presenters prepare Power Point graphics where possible; that the stage area be prepared with table(s), projector, etc.; and that any demonstrations be preloaded to a laptop. Known probable presentations included a screen capture program to create a single file of a web page or part thereof, a Windows emulator for Linux, current stock quotations, conversion of proprietary graphic file formats and, possibly, a demo of iMac features. Also considered was properly preparing for publicity on this meeting. This was followed by a discussion regarding the filling of open General Meeting dates with presentations by and on various SIGs. Next considered were revisions to the format of the newsletter, principally the cover. Several alternative formats were suggested and discussed with the consensus that Allan Ostergren and others directly involved with the production of the newsletter develop alternative styles for consideration. The subject of the "Voice for Joanie" program was opened and it was explained that Shirley Fredlund was keeping abreast of the transition thereof to the responsibility of the Connecticut ALS Society, by establishing a local phone number where she could be contacted, which should be referenced in our Web Site. Addressed next was the need for a projector with the capability of producing the clarity needed for both General Meetings and SIGs with attendance of more than four or five people. Investigation of comparative costs of XGA resolution projectors, including their replacement lamp costs and rent to purchase arrangements, was authorized. — Larry Buoy

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