Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Diamond Club Meeting

October 2, 2007

Secretary: Karin Wessberg

 

 

Members present:  Bob Harris, Randy Reichert, Mike Blumer, John Hoffman, Ken Porten, Joe Bothwell, Milissa Tallarico, Jennifer Dickison, Craig Dickison, Jim Hoyme, John Evangelist, Gordy Eicher, Coach Mark Downey, Karin Wessberg

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05 by Randy Reichert

 

Minutes from September  meeting:

Coach Downey requested one correction be made to the minutes.  Under the item, 2007/2008 Budget, the minutes read as follows:  “2007 actual expenses were $18,638.  For 2008, the coach estimated expenses to be $18,747.  Of these expenses, $13,358 are funds provided by the district for coaches salaries.  The difference between estimated expenses and funds provided by the district will be needed from the Diamond Club.”  The minutes should have read that the $13,358 is monies IN ADDITION TO the $18,747 needed to cover 2008 expenses. 

 

Bob Harris made a motion to accept the September minutes with the one correction.  The motion was seconded by Joe Bothwell. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:

John Hoffman reported that the $99 yearly fee for the web site was paid out in September, leaving a current balance of $4901.

 

Coach Downey’s update:

The following items were shared by Coach Downey:  game schedule, summer tri-city legion baseball program, SAYB, field update, and miscellaneous items.                 

 

Game Schedule

            The 2008 game schedule is almost complete, with 20 games planned for all 4 teams.  As part of the Suburban East Conference, our games have moved from a start time of 4:00 to 4:15 PM.  The schedule is listed on the web site and will be updated as it is finalized. 

 

            Summer Tri-City Legion Baseball Program   

            Coach Downey and Irondale coach, Chris Fink, met with Jeff Larsen.  At present, there is no plan to add legion teams.  Jeff is open to SAYB taking ownership of the 16-18 yr old program for players not on the Tri-City Red legion team.  Mark Downey has talked with Mike Anderson from SAYB about taking this on.  The initial indication was that SAYB could do this, but they would need to have volunteers step up and offer to work with them.  It’s not thought that we need a legion to sponsor this, however, one could be found if necessary.  Mark feels strongly that we need an overall program to support our kids.

 

 

            SAYB

            A 2-hour clinic was conducted by MV coaches and senior players for the SAYB Fall Big League Baseball Program on September 15.  Approximately 30  players participated. 

 

            Field update

            The proposal for an on-campus field was finalized.  Overall, things are moving in a positive direction, but specific information cannot be divulged just yet.

 

            Miscellaneous

a)      Spring trip

The plans have been finalized and no more kids can be accommodated.  Questions about any aspect of the trip can be directed to coach Downey.  Practice for students not going to Florida will be held over Spring Break.  The 9 week season begins March 17.  Indoor practices will be held, although the exact location(s) is unknown at this point.

b)     November meeting date

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 13^th, the second Tuesday of November.  This is a change due to election night being the first Tuesday.

c)      Diamond Club Documentation Manual

Mark Downey asked if anyone has this.  Randy Reichert will check with last year’s president, Mark Anderson.

d)     Game announcer

Gerald LeGarde, senior field-goal kicker, has requested to announce the games this spring. 

 

Old Business:

Spring 2008 Disney Trip

31 students, 15 parents, and 3 coaches will be heading to Florida, leaving on March 16^th and returning on the 22^nd.  Airline tickets with Air Tran for $350/roundtrip are pending, awaiting final confirmation this Friday, October 5.  Payments for the full trip price will be accepted in 3 installments over the next 5 months.  Fundraising events will be held with the hope to offset some of the costs.  The boys will be housed 3-4/room, with input from the coach as to who will be rooming with whom.  The kids will be expected to follow a specific code of conduct as set forth by coach Downey.

 

New Business: 

2007-2008 Committees

1.  Grocery bagging – Randy Reichert has confirmed 2 bagging opportunities at Cub Foods in Arden Hills (Lexington Avenue @ Shannon Square ).  They are Saturday, October 27, from 10 – 5 and Saturday, February 2, from 10 – 5.  There will be 2 or 3 shifts with 2 adults assisting/shift.  Randy is also hoping for some dates in February at the Cub in White Bear Township (Centerville Rd and Hwy 96), but has nothing confirmed as yet.

2.  Pizza Pals – Gordie Eicher and Jennifer and Craig Dickison have offered to take this fundraiser on.  In 2006, 100 coupons were bought in the fall and sold at basketball and hockey games, with good success.  The coupons are for Old Chicago and are bought for $6/coupon and sold for $11/coupon, giving the Diamond Club revenue of $5/coupon.

3.  Banquet/Silent Auction – Randy Reichert, Mike Blumer, Bob Harris, and Jennifer Dickison are already on board to make this fundraiser even better than last year.    Randy has contacted North Oaks, Jimmys, and Kozlaks as possible banquet sites.  His preference is to go back to Kozlaks and has tentatively held the restaurant for Sunday, January 28th.  They can accommodate 225 people; last year we had about 160 in attendance, which was cozy.  Randy will ask Kozlaks to provide a separate room for the bar and auction items.  The key note speaker will be ROD CAREW.  He will come to our event for 1/3 of his normal speaking fee, and he’ll already be in town for Twins Fest.  We need a lot of people to get involved, with a strong need for silent auction items.  Please contact Randy to help make this an evening to remember.

4.  Game Day Experience – John Hoffman has agreed to announce the underclassmen games.  We’re looking for a parent of a varsity player to help with varsity games.  As mentioned in the coach’s report, a senior student has been identified as a potential game announcer.

5.  Captain’s practices – Teacher, and former coach, Scott Oberg, will monitor practices.  They will start in early January and be held in the school gym.  Having a couple of dads there would also be beneficial.

6.  Year-end Banquet – Karin Wessberg and Diane Hershey will coordinate this year’s banquet. 

7.  Player Apparel – Joe Bothwell, and family, will work with coaches and captains to provide the boys with MV apparel.

 

 

 

A motion was made by Jennifer Dickison to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm; motion seconded by Joe Bothwell.

 

The next regular Diamond Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13th, at 7:00 pm in the Mounds View Forum.  NOTE:  This is the 2^nd Tuesday of November.  November 6^th is election night so we have moved the meeting back one week.

 

Your attendance is welcome and highly encouraged!