Ravens Roost 115

Meeting Minutes, October 24th, 2011

Meeting Minutes

The October meeting of Ravens Roost 115 was held on Wednesday, October 24th, 2011, at Rafael's Restaurant. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 by Sergeant at Arms, George Colburn. George led the Roost in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a “Go Ravens”.   A roll call of Officers and Board Members was conducted. Present were Officers:  President, Scott Albright, Treasurer, Tina Thomas, Secretary, Lori Blake, Sergeant at Arms, George Colburn.  Board of Directors, present were Dawn Geigan, Steve Rutzebeck, Raul Eusantos. 

Missing were Vice President, Chris Frantz, Board of Directors, Chad Tracey, and Tony DeLeonardo (all excused due to date change).

We issued temporary name tags for members so we can get to know one another better.  Official name badges will be issued soon.  We had a great crowd and filled the deck with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. 

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer, Tina Thomas reported that she is in the process of refunding crab feast tickets and has received many due renewals so the exact balance will be reported once these items are reconciled.

President’s Report:

Scott Albright attended the Baltimore Council meeting on October 21st.  He reported the following:

-The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge, and then a moment of silence for Pat Modell.  -A Roost roll call was conducted.

-The annual Council Red Cross blood drive will be held on Saturday, November 26th from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.  It will be held at the Embassy Suites (213 International Circle, Hunt Valley, MD  21030).  We were given flyers and it is now posted on our Roost website.  This is the single biggest drive for the Red Cross in the area. We would like to have some of our Roost members show up to donate blood.  All participants will have a chance to win a pair of Ravens home game tickets and an autographed jersey.  Raffles for other football themed prizes will be held throughout the day.  For appointments visit our website or call 1-800-733-2767.  Make sure you mentioned Roost 115 if you donate. 

-The Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, will be on January 28th. There is a new tailgating and alcohol policy. We can piggy back our tailgating efforts with the Council.  We would like to get a group from our Roost to participate.  This is the Council’s biggest charity event.  Should we organize a committee to help plan participation in this event?

-The Council Treasurer Report was $47,971 with donations totaling $17,125 this month.

-Bull Roast Tickets are now available.  We have a limited number of tickets to sell and this event always sells out.  The event is February 18th.  We need a transportation committee to plan bus transportation to the event.  We also have wagon wheel tickets for sale. This is a huge wheel barrel filled with snacks, alcohol and all kinds of great items.  Contact Tina for tickets to the event or for the wagon wheel.

- Plans are shaping up for the 47th annual convention in Ocean City in June.  Stay tuned for more details. 

 We want to really focus on the blood drive, Polar Bear Plunge and really make a good showing at the Bull Roast and Convention this year.

 

Committee Reports:

Charity Committee:    Nothing new to report. 

Entertainment/Events –  

Mike McGinnis will be getting a group together to begin planning for upcoming events.  A social mixer and a Holiday party are two priorities. 

Bonni Klein reported that the second annual Ravens Roost 115 Golf Outing will take place on Friday, May 18th at the Links At Gettysburg with a 2:00 p.m. start.  She will be getting a committee together to begin planning for the golf outing.  We need sponsors, golfers and volunteers.     

Membership

Dawn Geigan mentioned that Charter member dues are up for renewal.  Dues for the 2nd year are $35.00.  Charter member dues need to be paid by October 31st in order to keep your charter member status.  Dues can be renewed online or by sending a check to PO Box 2011, Westminster, MD  21158.  New membership discount cards to Rafael’s were distributed last night.  Anyone who has paid their dues and was not at the meeting will have their card mailed to them soon. The old discount cards (laminated ones) will no longer be valid.  The new cards have an expiration date which is a year from your dues renewal.  The cards are valid for a 10% discount at Rafael’s on Ravens Roost Meeting & NFL games.  Thanks Raf! 

Apparel

Several members are obtaining pricing for Roost shirts and other items.  We need to find someone who doesn’t require large quantities orders.  We would like to work with a local vendor if possible.  More to come on this. 

PR

Heather reported that we had a photo opportunity at the Hampstead Ravens field since we were able to sponsor two kids that would not have been able to play football this year.  The photo will appear in the Carroll County Times. 

New business:

We need to get a Council banner for events.  This is a requirement.  Heather will work on this.  We also want to have a banner that can be displayed with our contact information.  Heather will work on a design.  

We will create a suggestion box on the website for members to give feedback, suggestions and ideas. 

Scott reminded everyone to come out to Rafael's for football games.  A Halloween Hayride is also being held with several local bars.  See flyers at Rafael's for more information.  Thanks to Raf for providing the outdoor heated deck and snacks for our meeting.

Jamison Helmsly who is the Ravens Reporter for the Baltimore Sun and a NFL blogger will visit our Roost meeting on November 21st.  He usually charges $200 to speak, but will not charge us.  Thanks to Dennis Colson for putting us in touch with Jamison.  We agreed to make Jamison an honorary Roost member and present him with a gift certificate from Raf's.  We want to have a good showing so plan to attend.  

A 50/50 drawing was held and $100 split between the winner and the Roost. 

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned to watch the game.  Unfortunately it was a loss for the Ravens.  Better luck this week. 

Next Meeting:

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 21th at 6:30 p.m. at Rafael's Restaurant (32 West Main Street in Westminster).  Guest speaker Jamison Helmsly will be present so don’t miss it. 

Respectfully Submitted by Lori Blake, Secretary Ravens Roost #115

Check us out at www.ravensroost115.com and on Facebook

Go Ravens!