| 12-23-15 NCCA News You May Not Have Heard By NM Leland Fuerstman As was shared with me by a CCC sympathizer a few weeks ago, it now appears that the report was accurate. Tom Kabasakalian has indeed resigned his position as Secretary/Treasurer of the NCCA. (Effective when, we're not exactly sure). Membership numbers notwithstanding, the NCCA treasury was well protected under his watch. - According to the Admin page of the NCCA website, the new Secretary/Treasurer listed is Sara Walsh! Congratulations to Sara who represents the East coast. In fact, this remarkable appointment surely deserves attention, yet I have not seen one single word mentioned on the NCCA website? Not only does she represent the often neglected East coast, but she becomes one of the few woman in some time to hold an official position. And, that is newsworthy... yet that news was totally neglected by the editor, VP Jeff "Pig" Jones, nor was it even mentioned by one person on their Forum? Only after accessing the Admin page did I notice that the change had been made. I also found the minutes of the 2015 meeting! At first glance, the document appears to be properly prepared, however, upon closer observation, a few very pertinent facts were curiously omitted; such as the number of actual members present at the meeting, so as to make sure they had a quorum and the names of all of the officers present? Considering the paucity of their actual membership numbers, they could probably have listed all of the current members who attended by name. Anyway, what good is a meeting where the members have no right to vote nor power to disagree with the designs and decisions of the Board of Directors? Furthermore, I was very surprised to see that they decided to hold the 2015 North Carolina Invitational Championship after all! In fact, it is stated in their minutes that "The invitational will be held in the Raleigh/Durham area from December 4-6. Invitations are being sent." Wow, I didn't even know that it actually took place? Where did they have it? Who was invited? Who is the Champion? Or, in the final analysis, did the president once again fail his responsibilities and not even report it? What is their website for if not to communicate all that goes on in North Carolina chess. Furthermore, why have they not replaced the current editor with a more competent person. They certainly have the money to do it, considering that the NCCA now has over $24,000 in it's coffers! And, what plans do they have for that money? None to be reported. I could think of a dozen things they could do with it! And, finally, they make the following confusing statement: "It was also noted that the bylaws were fluid and the board of directors could make changes with having the members’ vote." Don't they mean to say, "without having the members vote?!" It does make a difference. Yet the president signs off making it appear to be official... and the beat goes on. And, though this is not meant to offend those of other religions, I'm gonna' go out on a limb and say, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to Everyone!! NM Leland Fuerstman Charlotte Chess Club |