BOARD BUZZ

At its meeting on November 16, the Rebels’ Board discussed the following topics:

NYE: Rick and Lisa shared updates on the Mafia Wars New Year’s Eve Party. Tickets are $40 in advance ($50 at the door). This includes party favors, dinner, drinks, and lots of dancing. This is a West Coast event. Please buy your tickets early to help us get an approximate count for dinner. Maximum attendance 200.

PROS: Heather is continuing to schedule Pros for next year’s workshops. Matt and Crystal are planned for January 9 and Doug for July 31. Ben and Melina have decreased their fee for privates from $80 to $60 just for the Rebels, no date has been finalized yet. Heather is still talking to John Lindo, Angel, Kyle and Sarah, and Jason and Erica.

NOMINATIONS: Board nominations are still open. Elections will be in December and the new board will begin in January. Two of the many board responsibilities are attendance at our monthly board meetings and Friday night dances including opening/closing and register duty.

Following a very successful event, Penny has been reappointed as the MMISL Event Director. Because contracts need to be in place early, she has already prepared the budget for the 4^th MMISL West Coast Swing Dance Championship.

We were sorry to hear that Lisa has decided to give up her position as Webmaster, so we are seeking someone with skills and an interest in this area.

MEMBER BENEFITS: The board voted to reinstate sponsorship for attendance at some out-of-town events. Ten popular events have been identified. Members will receive a discount of $10 - $25 (depending on location) off the early registration fee. Two upcoming sponsored events are Spotlight Dance Celebration in Milwaukee-Dec. 31-Jan. 3 and America’s Classic in Houston-Jan. 14-17.

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Keith is planning several club activities, including Six Flags Day possibly May 15, a float trip either June 12 or 19, and a “mega-bus” rental for transportation to one of the out-of-town events.

QUESTIONS FROM THE MEMBERS MEETING: MMISL occurred on a weekend with other popular St. Louis events, such as the Balloon Race. Unfortunately, we are locked into that weekend with the hotel for next year and we are constrained by NASDE qualifying requirements.

Other MMISL logistics, such as registration conflicts and monitoring entry doorways, will be discussed by that committee in preparation for our next event.

Our DJs try to keep up with the current music played at other West Coast venues around the country and are happy to take suggestions for additional songs.

Please help us make new dancers feel welcome.

Rumors and concerns about improprieties should be brought to the attention of the board.

FEEDBACK FORMS: We apologize to those members who did not appreciate walking through a smoke-filled bar to attend our last Saturday dance. We were instructed by the Stratford management to use that door for entry.

—St Louis Rebels Board/lmg

To review the approved minutes of any Board meeting, please contact one of the Executive Board Members. Board meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Stratford Inn. We welcome comments and concerns. These can be presented to the Board by completing the questionnaire available at the front table of the Friday night dances.

Keep on dancing!