Great News from Baltimore County and Thanks

First, it was great to see about 60 of us at the banquet last night at Casey's in Parkville. Good way to end the season with good food and friends, and the best-looking, basketball-shaped cake I've ever seen. Thanks to all those who attended and to the folks at Casey's for hosting us.

Those in attendance got the first opportunity to hear the good news from Baltimore County, as relayed by President Gary Stewart. BCPS Coordinator of Athletics Ron Belinko has approved the renewal of our contract for 2009-10. So we will be officiating boys' high school and middle school games in Baltimore County next season. A round of applause followed the announcement.

In 2005, BCPS and Board 23 signed a three-year contract for officiating services that also called for two one-year renewals at the option of BCPS following the original three-year term. At a meeting yesterday morning with Gary and me, Mr. Belinko praised Board 23 and our quality of officiating and thanked us for a great year. We thanked him as well, and he said he is exercising his option for the one-year renewal for 2009-10. This is the second of two one-year renewals, so we will obviously be looking at developing a mutually beneficial new contract with BCPS following the 2009-10 season.

Congrats, thanks and keep up the good work in Baltimore County.

-PK

Banquet Approaching Sellout

There are approximately 10 tickets remaining for Thursday's IAABO Board 23 banquet at Casey's Restaurant and Bar, 1742 E. Joppa Road, Parkville, MD 21234. Tickets for Board 23 members cost $15 each. For guests, the price is $40 per ticket.

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact President Gary Stewart at garyastewart@verizon.net.

Tip-off time for the banquet is 6 p.m. Hope to see you there!

-PK

Penny for Your Thoughts?

The Board 23 Executive Committee would very much like to hear your thoughts about our annual banquet. We've developed a very brief (10 questions, yes/no answers) online survey for members to take. It took me about 75 seconds to complete, which just happens to be the length of a full timeout in college ball.

Your participation in the survey will be very helpful. Please take a minute or two to complete the survey.

Visit the Current Members Section of the Board 23 Web site to find a link to the online survey. Thanks.

-PK