Minutes- Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Penn State Alumni Association Greater Jacksonville Chapter

Present: Josiah Pritchard, President, Danielle Howard, Vice President, Amy Latner Secretary, Bob Streightiff, Treasurer, Bill Dusack, Immediate Past President, Judie Crabb, Social Chair.

Absent: Rich Holtz, Athletics Chair

The meeting was called to order at 7:16 pm by Josiah Pritchard, President.

The minutes of the August 31, 2005 meeting were reviewed and approved 6-0.

The purpose of the meeting was to set up locations for Dining with the Lions, to discuss potential volunteer opportunities and to discuss plans for the upcoming spring banquet. It was decided that due to poor attendance at the 2005 banquet, this year one will not be scheduled. Instead, a monthly happy hour will be added along with the monthly dinners to allow people more opportunities to get together to spread their Penn State pride. Locations to follow in the Social Chair Report. Volunteer opportunities are still pending. Information will follow via email or the PSUAA Jax website.

President’s Report: Josiah reminded us of the Daytona Area’s Upcoming Banquet. On March 25th in Ormond Beach, Dr. Graham Spanier, our PSU President, will be the guest of honor/speaker at their banquet. Cost is $30 per person. Drinks start at 6:30 pm with dinner following at 7:30 pm. On Friday March 10th the Lady Lion Gymnasts will be competing at the University of Florida. According to GoPSU Sports, the competition starts at 7 pm. Also on March 10th, the PSU multicultural choir, Essence of Joy, will be stopping by to perform a concert in Amelia Island during their spring break tour. Essence of Joy performs sacred and secular music from the African and African American traditions. If you would like to attend any of these events, contact a board member for more information.

Vice President’s Report: No report.

Secretary’s Report: Amy suggested a possible venue change for the upcoming football season. Although Player’s Grille has been good to the club, it can be frustrating to all to be relegated to the “back room”. Finding a new location central to all club members that will guarantee us a big screen and sound will also be a challenge. One possible location is Jerry’s Grille at the intersection of Atlantic and Hodges as well as a new Sneakers being built at the intersection of Baymeadows and 9A. Discussion with the owners as well as further research will continue. In the meantime, we will give Jerry’s Grille a “try-out” as the first location of Dining with the Lions. Amy will also be taking over the broadcast email job that Danielle has tirelessly been responsible for over the last few years. Thanks Danielle.

Treasurer’s Report: A copy of the 2004-2005 Fiscal Report was reviewed. The net account balance is $4112.82. As of today the number of paid member is 108. This has surpassed the board’s goal of 100 paid members as of the last meeting. It seems as the mass mailing as well as the broadcast emails were successful. We, of course, will continue to try to attract new members. A dues reminder will be sent out in the Summer Newsletter. Athletic Chair Report: No report.

Social Chair Report: Judie came with many great suggestions for the upcoming Dining with the Lions events. After much discussion the board decided on a monthly dinner and happy hour event. The first few events are planned as followed:

Saturday February 18th: Dinner at Jerry’s Grille
Friday February 24th: Drinks at Fionn MacCool’s

Friday March 17th: Drinks at Casa Marina’s
Saturday April 1st: Dinner at McKenzies

Friday April 14th: Happy Hour Saturday
April 29th: Dinner Friday

May 12th: Happy Hour Saturday
May 20th: Dinner

Further information to follow on the dining opportunities. Also, discussion arose concerning volunteer opportunities. Some suggestions include the Children’s Home Society, the Jacksonville Zoo and NCAA Mens Tournament Championships in Jacksonville. Broadcast emails will be sent with more information.

The next meeting will be held April 20, 2005 at Danielle house.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Amy Latner, Secretary