· Call to order: President Jim Cadieu welcomed the members and called the meeting to order at 8:20 AM
· Owner/Golf Pro Comments:
o Lyn Young briefed on the progress in upgrading the course. He discussed the unusual cold winter and challenges with new greens and protection measures. He indicated that a push would be made this year to improve sand traps and in some cases change to grass bunkers on the back nine of Creekside. He explained why bathrooms were shut down during freezing periods to prevent in-wall pipes from bursting as happened at the Linkside half way house last year. He thanked the Golden Boys for their support and welcomed suggestions from us for course improvement.
o Bradley Hughes complimented the Golden Boys on our self sufficiency and pledged to support our programs, particularly regular golf day play.
· Secretary’s report: Gene Witherspoon offered to read the minutes of the 2009 annual meeting which were available at each table but a motion was made and seconded to forgo reading and accept the minutes. The motion passed.
· Treasurer’s report: Bob Arnold briefed the members on the 2009 year-end financial report and particularly the surplus to be addressed by the President under new business. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was seconded and approved by the membership.
· Golf Chairman’s report: Ron Teevan briefed on the interclub schedule and particularly the elimination of home-and-home with Etowah Valley at their request. Ron described a new policy to ensure sufficient players for home matches (Carolina interclub, Mountain interclub and Cummings Cove) which will give priority for away matches to those who play at home.
· Dine Around Chairman’s report: Curt Irish briefed on the dine a-round schedule and indicated that it is going well.
· Social Chairman’s report: Dave Postlewaite announced the establishment of a Golden Boys library of golf books and magazines that might be helpful and of interest to the members. The first books were donated by Dennis Barbare and others may want to contribute? Dave also briefed on availability of physical therapist Lance Owens after golf on 7 April to discuss various stretching exercises to prevent injury to us old folks. Lance works with several of the tour pros who make Thornblade their home course. Finally, Dave announced that he is planning a wine & cheese party at the Clubhouse Grille in July, a month when there is no dine a-round.
· Old Business:
o Ron Teevan discussed the interclub sign up procedure and need to submit checks to him or Dave Postlewaite 72 hours in advance of date of play to preclude replacement by an alternate.
o Jim Cadieu welcomed new members who were present: Rocky Sponseller, Perk Perkins, Marvin Andersen and Jay Gaskin.
· New Business:
o Black Tees: Dave Postlewaite announced that Lyn Young had agreed to support establishment of separate black tees on both courses. The new black tee locations have been marked by Chuck Hite and Marvin Andersen, and stone markers placed which are to be buried soon. The yardage reduction from white tees’ distance is about 500 yards on both courses. Black tees can now be played but, until they are rated by the USGA, scores posted may not reflect a true handicap. Golden Boys will no longer be allowed to use red tees which will not be rated for men.
o Member-Guest Tournament: Gene Witherspoon briefed the details of this years’ Member-Guest tournament and introduced the committee members (Merv Moeller, Conde Sargent, Chuck Hite, Larry Clee, Stan Berry, Dick Davis, Don Stewart and Len Lipowicz). He discussed changes from last year which are use of full handicap (instead of 90%), credit toward entry fee reduction for every sign sold and assignment of nearest the pin holes by flight with some reserved for guests. Stan Berry passed out sign sales’ folders to those who sold last year and additional folders for those who want to participate.
o Reduction of Treasury Surplus: Jim Cadieu briefed on the Board’s decision to reduce the treasury surplus which has built up over the last four years and was over $5,800 at the end of 2009. The first step was free breakfast today which will cost approximately $700. The Board also decided to further subsidize the Christmas party this year by reducing the per person attendance fee. The total additional subsidy will depend on attendance. The Board considered several suggestions from the membership and decided to go with two of them. First, we will purchase a portable PA set to be used at functions such as the annual meeting and at interclub events. This will cost about $400. Finally, Bob Siddens suggested that we buy a bulletin board to replace the one he built many years ago. We will spend about $800 to purchase an aluminum framed, sliding-door bulletin board later this year.
· Adjournment: There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn which was approved at about 9:20 AM.