I want to say Thanks for the invite Kevin.  It's been so long since
I've talked to any of us from the 1 st team back in 1987.  I've got to
sound like an old guy with that statement.  I'll be there! I wouldn't
miss it for anything.  I remember when Newington Wrestling was just an
intramural thing some of did with Coach back in 86. Can't to see you
guys.

Darren Finnegan
class of 89

In case you didn't receive the evite for the Alumni Meet, Dedication,
to Rich Hastings, and Alumni Dinner for December 30th.  Please RSVP to the dinner so
that we can get an accurate head count.  We look forward to seeing you
there.

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/kman101@hotmail.com/123006_alumni_meet_and_dinner
 
Kevin Zoeller
860-335-7157
kman101@hotmail.com

• Here is a link to our Mission Statement - www.newingtonwrestlingalumni.org/mission.htm
• Here is a link to our leadship contacts - www.newingtonwrestlingalumni.org/contacts.htm  

VERY IMPORTANT... if anyone IS telling people their contributions or dues or ANY
monies to the NWAA are tax-deductible, they need to STOP doing so.  We NEVER
said they were, and never told anyone in our group to say that they were.

Again, as I mentioned before, there are lots of local civic
organizations that offer scholarships that do not enjoy "official"
charitable status.  It was in that context that I replied to Jason.

When I described to the CPA that we were, in fact similar to a local
team "booster club," he suggested that we avoid the hassles, liability
and most importantly - the expense - of becoming an official charity.
He suggested the filing fees and accounting costs, etc would not be worth it.

The $25,000 threshold I mentioned has to do with a federal form (I don't have
the number, sorry) that has to be filled out if we exceed taking in more than
$25,000.  The accountant, did say that triggers some other accounting
necessities as well. (This has nothing to do with the tax-exempt charitable
issue.)

Is the status of being a true "charity" worth it?  How many things do you buy on
behalf of a local civic or team group that are tax deductible? Unless it is
advertising for a business, probably none.  I would suggest that
tax-deductiblity will have very little effect on most of our fundraising
efforts.  Does tax-deductibility make a difference to the person who is buying a
$25 ticket to a fund-raising dinner?  Does it make a difference as to whether or
not someone pays their dues?  I can't imagine anyone who was interested in our
organization turning down the chance to join because their $20 was not tax
deductible.

A local business already CAN deduct their $50, 75, or $100 for
advertising as a business expense in a wrestling program booklet or
on the website.  And to do this we don't need to take on the expense of official
charitable status. A business person can deduct our advertising right now. 
(That's why so many similar groups do the "advertising thing" on calendars,
program booklets, etc...) And even in this regard, we should not say ANYTHING
about "tax-deductibility."

The Friends of Football, the Newington Baseball Association, the Friends of
Soccer... these are all groups that exist, thrive, give
scholarships... all without forming complicated business entities and,
more importantly, without the complicated ramifications of
tax-deductible status. We are not a "public" organization.  Neither are any of
these other groups. If you could bring us 20 people who each wanted to give
something like $5,000 and would only do so on a tax-deductible basis, then we
MIGHT want consider it at that time.  But even then, I would first want to
evaluate the ramifications, the hassle and the expense involved in maintaining
such a status.

For where we are right now, I think our theme should be keeping things
simple.  First of all, I don't see us needing to exceed that $25,000
mark in a given year to accomplish even our loftiest goals. So that figure
shouldn't be a concern for now.  Secondly, to take on charitable status sounds
like we would be doing a lot of fund-raising just to keep the accountants and
attorneys in business.

I also think that keeping things simple allows the guys to concentrate on
supporting each other as alumni and remembering the memory of Rich, rather than
the "business" of maintaining a formal charity.  I think we risk losing a lot of
good-will momentum if we take on too much.

If you feel strongly that this should be done, I think you need to bring to the
table the exact costs and the added duties that would involved the organization
so we could decide whether or not the ends justify the means.

Just my 2 cents.

Bruce


--- In newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com, JonDKehl@... wrote:
>
> Bruce-
>
> I have spoken with two attorneys, and there has to be some entity. You
can
> not run a business, collect money, and operate without establishing
some type
> of entity. Either a sole prop, partnership, corporation, some type of
LLC,
> or a non-profit status. The only way donations can be deductible
legally, is
> if we are a non-profit. If not, monies brought in that are not given
out in
> a particular year would be subject to tax. Bank will open accounts
either
> as personal accounts, or businesses. If a business, there must be some
legal
> entity. Your figure of $25,000 may pertain to certain types of state
tax
> filing. I do not know. I know of no way to run an public operation
without
> some type of formal, legal entity. If you are aware of something
other, I think
> the alumni association should see the documentation. We can not assume
> things. We can not allow people to think their donations are
deductible because
> we omit to tell them that their donations will not meet the regs as a
> charitable donation.
> If you have any comments or questions, please call. 953-5546
> Jon Kehl
>

Just curious as to why the tax status is an issue.

We did the research on this earlier through a CPA.  He strongly suggested that
we we do NOT attempt to take on any special tax status because it is a very
large expense and a huge hassle to even begin the process.

You will find that most local groups and organizations simply take out a
checking account and run their funds through according to their own private set
of by-laws. We can do this as long as we are not running more that $25,000
through the books during a year.

As far as the school goes, it is not an issue.  Most of the other local groups
(grange, the masons, etc.) all do the same thing and offer all sorts of
scholarships.

Jason... If you have any questions on this, call me.

Bruce

-----Original Message-----
From: newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ajmartin81380
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 7:24 PM
To: newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [newington_wrestling] Scholarship Update

For those of you interested, the scholarship committee is hoping to give
away 3 scholarships next year. The first two will be camp scholarships of
about 300-400 bucks. One being the Richard C. Hastings III Memorial
Scholarship while the other will be the the Newington Wrestling Alumni
Association Scholarship. The booster club gave away the Hastings Scholarhip
this year to get the ball rolling and it is our hope that we can keep it
going. The third award will be an academic award given to a student going on
to college in Rich's name. We are hoping to give away 1,000-1,500 dollars.
The committee has put together a rough criteria and an application process
that is still in the works.
As soon as we are sure of our tax status as an organization I will be going
to see Dr. Swanson at the high school to find out the next step in the
process.








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________________________________

For those of you interested, the scholarship committee is hoping to
give away 3 scholarships next year. The first two will be camp
scholarships of about 300-400 bucks. One being the Richard C. Hastings
III Memorial Scholarship while the other will be the the Newington
Wrestling Alumni Association Scholarship. The booster club gave away
the Hastings Scholarhip this year to get the ball rolling and it is our
hope that we can keep it going. The third award will be an academic
award given to a student going on to college in Rich's name. We are
hoping to give away 1,000-1,500 dollars. The committee has put together
a rough criteria and an application process that is still in the works.
As soon as we are sure of our tax status as an organization I will be
going to see Dr. Swanson at the high school to find out the next step
in the process.

Jason,

Our deep regrets to you and your entire family on the sudden passing of
your uncle.  I am sure I speak for the entire wrestling family with
words of sympathy to you, your family, and especially your Dad.  I am
sorry I could not make it to give my wishes to the family this
morning.  I was out of town.  Please call if there is anything any of
us can do.
Sincerely,

Jon Kehl, Jarrod, Eileen and all the rest of the Newington Wrestling
Family.

From my existing photography business, I've already got some great
photos taken over the past season. I was thinking of creating
some "wrestling art" that incorporates some of Rich Hastings'
sayings into the "artwork", and sell them on line.  I already have
the "infrastructure" of the online gallery/payment system in place. 
Other than covering my expenses, the remaining profits would go to
the NWAA.

Also... I already have alot of the legwork done on mugs, t-shirts,
etc. (Part of what I offer....)  Maybe we can keep
the "wrestling/motivation" theme going on them.

Once we have our banking all squared away and set up, we can set up
Paypal to sell the stuff directly off the NWAA website.

Bruce F.

--- In newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Cunningham"
<rh_cunningham@...> wrote:
>
> Jon,
>
> I was talking to Jason Martin last night about scholarships and
> fundraising for the NHS Wrestling Alumni and he said that I should
> shoot you an e-mail. 
>
> Back in college I was a captain and treasurer for our school's
rugby
> team, and one way that we always made a ton of money was through t-
> shirt and other merchandise sales to alumni.  There's nothing that
> ex-athletes love more than stuff with their alma mater and their
> sport plastered all over it.  Most of the stuff is pretty cheap to
> get made (t-shirts, key chains, mugs, etc.) and it can be sold at
> matches as well as over the internet. 
>
> Anyway, let me know if you like this idea or have any other
> thoughts.  I'm living out on the west coast, but I'd like to help
> out in any way that I can. 
>
> Talk to you later,
>
> Ryan Cunningham
>

From my existing photography business, I've already got some great
photos taken over the past season. I was thinking of creating
some "wrestling art" that incorporates some of Rich Hastings'
sayings into the "artwork", and sell them on line.  I already have
the "infrastructure" of the online gallery/payment system in place. 
Other than covering my expenses, the remaining profits would go to
the NWAA.

Also... I already have alot of the legwork done on mugs, t-shirts,
etc. (Part of what I offer....)  Maybe we can keep
the "wrestling/motivation" theme going on them.

Once we have our banking all squared away and set up, we can set up
Paypal to sell the stuff directly off the NWAA website.

Bruce F.

--- In newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Cunningham"
<rh_cunningham@...> wrote:
>
> Jon,
>
> I was talking to Jason Martin last night about scholarships and
> fundraising for the NHS Wrestling Alumni and he said that I should
> shoot you an e-mail. 
>
> Back in college I was a captain and treasurer for our school's
rugby
> team, and one way that we always made a ton of money was through t-
> shirt and other merchandise sales to alumni.  There's nothing that
> ex-athletes love more than stuff with their alma mater and their
> sport plastered all over it.  Most of the stuff is pretty cheap to
> get made (t-shirts, key chains, mugs, etc.) and it can be sold at
> matches as well as over the internet. 
>
> Anyway, let me know if you like this idea or have any other
> thoughts.  I'm living out on the west coast, but I'd like to help
> out in any way that I can. 
>
> Talk to you later,
>
> Ryan Cunningham
>

From my existing photography business, I've already got some great
photos taken over the past season. I was thinking of creating
some "wrestling art" that incorporates some of Rich Hastings'
sayings into the "artwork", and sell them on line.  I already have
the "infrastructure" of the online gallery/payment system in place.
Other than covering my expenses, the remaining profits would go to
the NWAA.

Also... I already have alot of the legwork done on mugs, t-shirts,
etc. (Part of what I offer....)  Maybe we can keep
the "wrestling/motivation" theme going on them.

Once we have our banking all squared away and set up, we can set up
Paypal to sell the stuff directly off the NWAA website.

Bruce F.

--- In newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Cunningham"
<rh_cunningham@...> wrote:
>
> Jon,
>
> I was talking to Jason Martin last night about scholarships and
> fundraising for the NHS Wrestling Alumni and he said that I should
> shoot you an e-mail.
>
> Back in college I was a captain and treasurer for our school's
rugby
> team, and one way that we always made a ton of money was through t-
> shirt and other merchandise sales to alumni.  There's nothing that
> ex-athletes love more than stuff with their alma mater and their
> sport plastered all over it.  Most of the stuff is pretty cheap to
> get made (t-shirts, key chains, mugs, etc.) and it can be sold at
> matches as well as over the internet.
>
> Anyway, let me know if you like this idea or have any other
> thoughts.  I'm living out on the west coast, but I'd like to help
> out in any way that I can.
>
> Talk to you later,
>
> Ryan Cunningham
>

Jon,

I was talking to Jason Martin last night about scholarships and
fundraising for the NHS Wrestling Alumni and he said that I should
shoot you an e-mail.

Back in college I was a captain and treasurer for our school's rugby
team, and one way that we always made a ton of money was through t-
shirt and other merchandise sales to alumni.  There's nothing that
ex-athletes love more than stuff with their alma mater and their
sport plastered all over it.  Most of the stuff is pretty cheap to
get made (t-shirts, key chains, mugs, etc.) and it can be sold at
matches as well as over the internet.

Anyway, let me know if you like this idea or have any other
thoughts.  I'm living out on the west coast, but I'd like to help
out in any way that I can.

Talk to you later,

Ryan Cunningham

If anyone is interested in joining the scholarship committee please
email me. I would like to get 4-5 people together before the next
Executive meeting. Jason Martin

To any wrestler who made it to opens - I saw Anthony Kaponis' name in
the paper yesterday (Sunday 2/19) - BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEET
NEXT WEEKEND.  I hope some of you will be able to make it and cheer
Anthony on.  If you can't make it, perhaps you can post a message and
someone can get the messages to him or coach Rossi.
Jon Kehl

Hi,  I will be able to man the table on Saturday for the duration if needed.
   I cannot make it Wednesday night due to a prior engagement.  I will arrive
around 11:30am on Sat to help set up the table.  Are we sure that the
cafeteria will be unlocked to grab a table and chair from?

See you soon!

Paul Gallant


>From: "bruce.fairclough" <brufair@...>
>Reply-To: newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com
>To: newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [newington_wrestling] IMPORTANT upcoming events this week...
>Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2006 13:52:34 -0000
>
>We have two important events for Newington Wrestling coming up this
>week.
>
>On Wednesday, Feb. 8th, there is the big match at Newington HighSchool.
>This is being called "Newington Wrestling - past, presentand future!"
>Why?  Because we hope to have MANY alumni there(past)... of course, the
>regular team will wrestle against Wethersfield(present)... and there
>will be some exhibition matches with theBlackhawks youth wrestling team
>(the future)...
>
>For Wed. night (2/8), the festivities start with the Blackhawks at 5:00
>PM.
>
>Also... On Sat. Feb. 11th, at noon is the last home match of theNHS
>wrestling season. (vs. Simsbury) This is being designated as"Alumni
>Weekend..." We want to get as many wrestling alumni out to thismatch as
>possible, because after the match will be the official first
>organizational meeting of the Newington Wrestling Alumni Association.
>
>IMPORTANT:  We should have an informational table for theNewington
>Wrestling Alumni Association set up at each of these twomatches.
>Someone should man the table before, during, and afterthe matches...  We
>should have informational hand-outs for anyonewho wants them...
>applications... and receipts if someone wantsto pay their $20 to join.
>
>I will take care of the following items:
>1) A sign for the table and the wall...
>2) Printing informational handouts (flyers)...
>3) Printed applications... (by the way, I will have these posted on the
>web site later today)
>4) Receipts booklet... (I already have one to contribute to the cause)
>
>What we will need someone else to step up with is the following:
>1) One or more people to man the table on Wed. the 8th...
>2) One or more people to man the table on Sat. the 11th...
>3) Table and chair to put in the hallway when people come in... (maybe
>from the cafeteria...?)
>
>Please coordinate with Kevin Z. / Bruce F. (me) and John U. on this...
>
>Looking forward to 2 great events for NHS Wrestling!
>
>Regards,
>Bruce F.
>
>

Hello everyone.

I hope you have had a chance to look over the web site.  We are
looking for your input.

The prospective membership list has been posted here on our Yahoo
Group and is itthere for all the members to look over.  We are looking
for as much contact info on these people as possible... If you know
the contact info that is missing, please submit it to the group.
(newington_wrestling@yahoogroups.com)

Also... we are looking for new names to ADD to this list.  Do you know
of any other former wrestlers, coaches, or interested parents...?  Let
us know who they are!

You will also find the copy of our proposed by-laws under "Files."
Please look them over and make any input you feel appropriate.

Thanks,
Bruce Fairclough
Webmaster

Hi All,

If you check out the database, you'll see we have 123 contacts listed,
but we are missing many email addresses, phone numbers, and YOG's.

If you have any of the missing info or know of other wrestlers that
are not listed, please post a message here with the info and we will
incorporate it.

Take care.