WEST VIRGINIA SYMPHONY LEAGUE

Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 – 12 p.m.
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences

CALL TO ORDER – Beth Ann Surber, President 

President Surber called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.

ATTENDANCE

Polly Diller, Julie Frost, Rosalie Gaziano, Emily Hopta, Janice Lessley, Helen Lodge, Sallie McClaugherty, Shelia Neal, Jane Powell, Beth Ann Surber, Yolanda Tam, Barbara Knight Warren, JoEllen Zacks.

SECRETARY’S REPORT – Emily S. Hopta, Secretary

Secretary Hopta presented the minutes from the October Board of Directors meeting.  Yolanda Tam motioned to accept as presented.  Jane Powell seconded.  Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Jane Powell, Treasurer

Treasurer Powell circulated financial reports and tax-exempt forms.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Beth Ann Surber, President

President Surber reported the following:                                                                     

  • Symphony Ball

The annual Symphony Ball will be November 30 at the Marriott.  President Surber circulated a flyer for the event.

REVIEW OF FUNDRAISING EVENTS

  1. Fashion Show – Sallie McClaugherty

Final tallies have not been recorded, but to date the event has raised $884 over projections.

  1. Symphony Ball

No additional report.

  1. Teddy Bear Tea – Shelia Neal

The second annual tea, a combined fundraiser for the League and the Charleston Ballet, will be held on Sunday, December 2 at the Marriott.  Reservations are needed.  The event will run from 2-3:30 and will include photography by Courtney Bell, Story Time with First Lady Gayle C. Manchin, tea and a performance from the Nutcracker by members of the Charleston Ballet.  There will also be grab bags, a Build-A-Bear raffle and Homer Laughlin teacups for all guests to take home.

  1. Golf Tournament – Beth Ann Surber

We still need a League member to chair this event.

  1. Symphony Sunday – Shelia Neal & Helen Lodge

The committee will meet following the board meeting.

  1. Kroger Cards

No report..

  1. Melonious Merchandise – Shelia Neal

Sales are strong!

  1. Chocolate Sales – Sallie McClaugherty

Twelve boxes of chocolates remain and are available for purchase.

  1. Cello Endowment – Helen Lodge

Remember that you may honor or memorialize by donating to this fund, and help the WVSL meet its goal of seat endowment.

  1.  Young People’s Concerts – Yolanda Tam

The performances were sell-outs yesterday and this morning.  The February 14th concert will be for middle and high school students; the March 18th and 19th performances will be for kindergarten through grade three.

OLD BUSINESS

Membership – Janice Lessley

The listing for active members has been updated, and the new member list is compiled for the December event at Patti Carnemolla’s home.  Yolanda Tam will work with Patti on mailings and personal calls.  The list includes all new members from January 2007 forward.

Three inactive members have returned to active status.  There have been two deaths of League members; information will be shared with Treasurer Powell for donations to the cello fund.  President Surber has sent notes to the families of the deceased.

After some discussion, Yolanda Tam moved the By-Laws be changed to direct contributions and memorials be made to the cello fund.  Shelia Neal seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Roster – Yolanda Tam

President-Elect Yolanda Tam announced rosters are available and can be picked up from the WV Symphony Orchestra office.  Board members were encouraged to hand deliver rosters to League members as well.

NEW BUSINESS

By-Laws Changes – Julie Frost

Julie Frost reported that she has met with President Surber and Treasurer Powell, and changes to the By-Laws will be proposed for final review at January’s general membership meeting.

The Score – Emily Hopta

Secretary Emily Hopta circulated draft copies of The Score and invited board members to provide input prior to printing.  The Score will be posted on the League’s website, emailed to members and mailed in hard copy to members who do not use email or Internet.

Board Meeting Attendance – Beth Ann Surber

President Surber asked for suggestions as to how board meeting attendance could be increased.  Helen Lodge suggested consistency with meetings in time and location.  Janice Lessley suggested all board meetings be held at the Clay Center.  Shelia Neal moved that all remaining board meetings be held at the Clay Center at 5:30 p.m.  Julie Frost seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

 Cello Endowment  – Helen Lodge

Helen Lodge shared concerns about the slow pace of raising funds, and suggested the board consider holding a special event or altering the WV Symphony Orchestra that the League is unable to endow the chair.

Fundraising Concerns – Beth Ann Surber

President Surber asked board members to think about redirecting our fundraising efforts.  Should we focus on one major event?  How could we do things differently and bring in the same or additional dollars?  Should we consider one major event that happens on one evening?

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to come before the league, President Surber adjourned the meeting at 1 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily S. Hopta

Secretary