Meeting Place: Mexico Chiquito
Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m.
Date: September 7, 2002

Ray Sexton called the meeting to order.

Secretary's report was read and accepted.

Treasurer's report was read and accepted.

Communications report (Gina Maynard) - All articles for the next newsletter should be submitted by Sept. 18. The next newsletter will be out on Sept. 27. All newsletters will be delivered via email (in color), unless members request otherwise.

Membership Report (Libby Sexton) - it's renewal time and everyone needs to get dues in.

Road Trips (Kevin Figley) - The tickets to the Red Wings-Stars game are available for pickup today. The bus is available if anyone still wants to ride. Kevin will take money that morning for those who are taking the bus. Meet at McCain Mall for pickup (time and exact place will be emailed) and get there at least one hour before the game. Bring whatever snacks or beverages you want for the trip. Riverblade road trips - we plan on going to every Jackson game and Oct. 19 is the first Jackson away game.

Junior Boosters (Amanda Wylie) - The junior boosters are coloring in the welcome posters for player apts.

Player Apartment Commitee Report (Vickie Shearhart) - We still need some pots and pans and assorted items. Everything is ready to go and is in a box for each apartment. Anyone who is interested in helping, see Vickie after the meeting. 10 apartments. should be set up before Sept. 27.

Goalie Mask Fundraiser (Ray Sexton) - Jason selected a design with bear coming over the top of the helmet, fangs and blood. We have secured a sponsor for this. We'll have a raffle each game for sub-prizes and all tickets will be put back in for the big prize.

AR Hockey Assoc. (Ray Sexton) - We'll have reps there on Sunday with an info table. We'll be there to visit and support their program.

Tail-Gatoring (Ray Sexton): We've purchased 20 lbs. of gator meat and we'll have a witch doctor to sacrifice gator to the hockey gods. Trying to get a pep band from a local high school to fit in with the festive atmosphere before the game. We'll probably get started that day around 3 p.m.

PARS (Kandy Boor) - We have the list of requirements for the families. It's $15 indiv. $25 for family (all within one household). Training will be next Sat., 3 p.m. at Mexico Chiquito and we'll have another one in Oct. Must be 21 years of age to work the table or at least be with your parent. Can be removed from the program at any time if a player brings a situation to light. The host families will only be responsible for a small amount of gifts while the snacks will be taken care of by the club.

Banner committees (Christye Figley) - Need a big logo to put on the banners this year. Christye is sketching out the banners as names are released. Need a list of volunteers to help out with painting. These can be laminated at 33 cents a square foot.

Events (Ray Sexton) - if you have an idea on an event or project, send these to Ray or Gina and we'll post these on the web site for voting. Then we'll work with coach on what we can schedule. We're working on a booster game watch party at Embassy Suites Athletic Club when the games are on tape delayed after a Fri or Sat game (maybe once a month).

Coach Cichocki participated in a question and answer session with booster members. Coach mentioned that we should have an affiliation in place soon with an AHL team and their parent NHL team. We should see 3-4 players sentto us and he hopes to announce the affiliation soon. He's very disappointed but is doesn't look like we'll have an exhibition game at the arena. Hoping to have an open scrimmage though. Coach said it had not been announced yet but Mike Sandbeck, Ernie Hartlieb, Buddy Smith, and Mark Scott have signed. He is also looking at a couple of guys during training camp who will vie for the backup goalie position. Practices will be in the morning and afternoon during training camp. They'll be playing an exhibition game on the road Oct. 4-6

Andy Haskell was also in attendance and fielded questions. He reminded us that it's only five weeks today for the first game. Ticket books and pocket skechedules will be proofed next week. Season ticket sales are on the upswing. The Arena will send the season tickets in the mail and Andy mentioned the he isn't sure how comp tickets for STHers will be handled. Equity is helping out and looking forward to the season. Equity is pleased with the work the booster club is doing. We already have RiverBlade commercials started on television and radio.

Next Meeting October 5, 2002, 1 p.m. at Mexico Chiquito, Lakewood Village (NLR).

Meeting Adjourned

Respectfully submitted by Gina Maynard