Diamond Club Meeting

June 3, 2008

Members present:  John Hoffman, Mike Blumer, Bob Harris, Jessica Hagemann, Ben Gallagher, Dave Stacy, Jeff Hershey, Diane Hershey, Gordy Eicher, Joe Bothwell, Randy Reichert, Allen Barkve, Dan Nickols, Marquetta Nickols, Bob Freed, Coach Downey, Karin Wessberg

Meeting called to order by Randy Reichert at 7:05.

Minutes from May meeting:

The following correction should be made to the minutes regarding the panoramic picture.  It was noted that the picture was not taken; that was in error. 

Motion made by Dave Stacy to approve May minutes.  Motion seconded by Allen Barkve.  All in favor; motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:

John Hoffman reviewed the checkbook activity for May.  The balance from May 5 was $9,197.50.  The disbursements in May covered expenses for team picnics, an ad for the Lions All-Star tournament program, a silent auction item refund, MVHS coaching expenses, and year-end banquet costs.  Total disbursements were $12,350.76.  There was $12,369.00 in revenue for pizza pals and year-end banquet tickets.  This leaves the current balance to be $9215.74; a net change of $18.24.   The goal, at the beginning of the year, was to pass along $6000.00 to the next year's Diamond Club. 

Coach Downey's update:  (his complete report can be found on the website)

The following items were shared by Coach Downey: new field; high school season; summer baseball; summer fun program; panoramic pictures; and diamond club.                  

New field

            The City of Arden Hills has given the green light to proceed.   Construction will begin in mid-June.

High school season

The request for an additional week of practice was voted down.

Summer baseball

            There will be 2 16-year old VFW teams, as well as a 16-year old team and 2 Senior Babe Ruth teams to be sponsored by SAYB.

            Summer fun program

            60 kids are registered thus far.  Jon Nuss will coach the pitching program with assistance from Dan Reichert and Seth Rosin (MV '07).  Coach Downey will use proceeds from the summer program to pay for a storage shed for the equipment used throughout the summer.

            Panoramic pictures

            The Athletic Office is holding about 10 pictures for players who ordered them.

Diamond Club

            Special thanks to Randy Reichert, Diamond Club President, for his outstanding leadership.  The funds raised this past year is an outstanding accomplishment!  Thanks to all who helped make this happen!

Old Business:

1.  Pizza pals:  Gordy Eicher reported that all monies have been turned in.  Proceeds from this were approximately $5800.  One thought for next year is that the coupons are paid for up front, perhaps even at the first parent meeting. 

2.  Game day experience:  John Hoffman was very positive in his assessment of this season's activities.  Unfortunately, the weather didn't always cooperate for team picnics.  Feedback on the varsity announcers was positive.

3.  Player apparel:  Joe Bothwell reported that he had a couple of shirts left.  Coach Downey will take them and hand them out as he sees fit.

4.  Year-end banquet:  It was another well attended event.  We planned for 170 and had 168 there.  Heard good comments, again, about the location and the food.  It ran a bit long and we'd like to see it kept to 2 hours for next year.  Coach Downey may entertain the idea to bring back some MV alumni to speak.

5.  Picture update:  Coach Downey reported that about 30 players ordered the panoramic picture. 

New Business:

1.  '09 MV game on cable TV:  Diane Hershey presented the idea.  She will be taking a class this summer to get more information.  Coach Downey will send an email around to find out what other parents may have an interest in helping with this.

2.  Officer candidates for '08-'09: 

     President - Mike Blumer

     VP - Mark Anderson

     Treasurer - John Hoffman

     Secretary - Jessica Hagemann

President Randy Reichert asked for any other nominations.  Hearing none, a vote was taken and these individuals were voted in unanimously. 

3.  The larger group expressed thanks to Coach Downey and his staff for another good season.  In addition, Bob Freed expressed his thanks to Randy Reichert, on behalf of the underclass group of parents, for his leadership as President.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 with a motion by Dave Stacy, seconded by Ben Gallagher.  All in favor.

The next regular Diamond Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September  2^nd at 7:00 PM in the Mounds View Forum.

Your attendance is welcome and highly encouraged!