Location:           South Windsor Library

Attendees:        Rick Frechette, Kieran Curtis, Doug Cadiz, John Sawka, Al Cusson, Ed Murphy, Rick Owen, Phil Richards, Casey Morris

Meeting was called to order at 6:15pm.

1. Opening Remarks / Housekeeping Issues:

Rick Frechette informed attendees that he and the new Treasurer, Jose Flores, completed the forms at Webster bank transferring signature rights.  It was noted that both Casey and Rick Frechette owe letters welcoming members to the 2008 season to Phil for posting on the web.  Treasurer’s note – as of 3/1/08, Casey’s letter is posted on the web.

1. Approval of January 9, 2008 Meeting Minutes:

A motion to approve the minutes was made by Doug Cadiz and seconded by Phil Richards.

1. Tournament Committee:

Al Cusson presented the proposed 2008 Tournament Schedule for Executive Committee approval.  A discussion ensued with the following highlights:

1.  “Hate Em” – Participants will pick three holes prior to starting the round that they will record as pars.  On each of these holes the players will play the hole but regardless of the actual score made, par will be the score recorded.
2. 2 Man Alternate Shot – Details on how handicaps will be included in the tournament payouts will be determined at a later date prior to the actual tournament.  Each team will be required to post a minimum of six drives per player for the round.   In the tournament each player will drive and the alternate shot format will proceed after the drive of choice is selected.
3. The new Team Ryder Cup Event (18 hole) will be played with a proposed two 12 Man teams.  Entrants will pay a $10 fee to enter the tournament qualification. The specifics on how players will be picked for each team has yet to be decided but qualification will be based on individual scores posted through July.  The intent is to give each qualifying player a specific team shirt prior to the event. Since this is the inaugural event, a minimum number of players entering to qualify is needed to collect sufficient funds to pay for the shirts and cover any additional expenses.  If an insufficient number of entrants is received, the tournament will be cancelled and all qualifying money will be returned.
4. The Blackledge 2 day Interclub event is confirmed and scheduled for June 28 and 29.  A $10 lunch voucher will be given to all players.
5. Individual tournaments played in July will require all Club Championship flighted players (handicaps 0-6) to play from the blue tees in preparation for the Club Championship which will be played from the blues by this Championship flight.  All other players will play from the whites.
6. An 18 hole Senior, Super Senior and Legends tournament will be played on 8/23.  All players not in these events will play a 2 man best ball event.
7. A motion to approve the Tournament Schedule as presented was made by Rick Frechette and seconded by John Sawka.

1. Member Communications / Web page Administration:
1. Kieran informed attendees that the second South Windsor Life Topstone Men’s Club will be going out shortly.
2. 2/18th is the last day for returning members to sign up prior to the general public’s applications being accepted.
3. A hard copy letter will be sent shortly to all members from 2007 and any new members accepted for 2008 reminding all of the Spring banquet on 3/12 as well as providing a description of all the new Tournaments that are currently planned.
4. 3/5th is the last day for members to inform John Sawka of their intent to attend the Spring Banquet.
5. The 2008 Executive Committee and individual Board member photos are now on the web page.
6. Phil Richards asked to be informed if there are any problems with the Men’s Club web page as soon as they are known so he can investigate the source and make timely corrections to fix any problems.

1. Membership Report:

Rick Owen reported that as of today there were 189 membership applications submitted which included 14 new membership applications.  A comparison to last year was unavailable.

1. Handicap and Rules Report:
1. Handicap Certification Classes are being conducted by the CSGA.  Topstone must send someone to be certifies prior to the end of 2011.  The Men’s Club will sned someone to accompany Topstone’s representative.
2. CSGA Rules School will be held on 3/15 and 3/16/2008 at the Grassy Hill Country Club.

1. Treasurer’s report:
1. No report was presented.  However, there was a discussion regarding the timeliness of pickups at the Club’s PO Box.  The discussion centered the roles of the Treasurer versus the Membership Chair. Details will be worked out between both Chairs with the help of the Club President.
2. A need to discuss “low participant’ event payout structures such as those held in early spring and late fall  was tabled till the next meeting.

1. Professional report:

Casey informed attendees of the following:

1. Rates for Greens Fees and Carts will remain at the 2007 level.
2. He is accepting special orders for 2008.  Members interested should call the pro shop or email him.
3. Steve Barrett has opted to not return as Assistant Pro for 2008.  Casey is hopeful that a new Assistant will be named shortly.  Secretary’s note – in Casey’s 2/27 letter to the members posted on the web, he announced that Erik Ritchie has accepted this position.
4. The trial use of Senior Tees from the Fall did not provide enough feedback to decide if it should be retained on a permanent basis.  So the option will be extended on a trial basis through April, 2008.  However, anyone opting to play from the Senior tees will not be able to enter the skins and closet to the pin events. To qualify as a Senior a player must be 65  or older during the 2008 season.

1. Old / New business:

The following items were brought up or discussed:

1. Plans are still underway to install Hitting Nets to the side of the back side putting green.  Details will be provided as they become available.
2. The Spring banquet is 3/12/2008 at Maneely’s Banquet Hall.  This will be a “Social Hour” with hors d’oeuvres and serving stations in lieu of a buffet.  A 50/50 raffle and a prize based raffles will be conducted.
3. First Tee donations will be accepted.
4. A motion to approve Jared Albert to fill the vacant Board position was presented and approved unanimously by the Board.
5. A short discussion was held regarding the need to explore options to solicit new Executive Committee members and assign Committee work to assure the long term vitality and knowledge of Executive Committee members.  A more in depth discussion will be held at a later date.

1. Adjournment:

A motion to end the meeting was made by Rick Owen and seconded by Kieran Curtis at 8:15pm.

Next meeting date: 

1. Wednesday 3/5   (SW Library Children’s Rm.), 6pm
2. Spring Banquet 3/12 at Maneely’s, 6pm

Respectfully Submitted by Ed Murphy