April 2015

MINUTES

April 7, 2015

The April Board Meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm at the home of Gloria Friedman.

PRESENT: Officers: Barrett Wilson, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Andrew Hines, Trustees: Grover Kemble, Allan Kugel, Joanne Cronin, Lindsey Meyer, Lois DeRitter, Barrett Wilson, Bob McNally; Jay Wilensky, Deborah Graham; Committee Chairs: Gloria Friedman, George Otto, Lori Falco, Andrew Hines, Barrett Wilson, Eddie Roffman, Pat Brangs, Mike Agranoff, Christine DelVecchio, Leigh Walker, Paul Fisher; Mike DelVecchio, Mark Schaffer; ABSENT: Treasurer: Chris Riemer; Committee Chairs: Scooter Ferguson; Rachel Streich

MOTIONS THIS MONTH

Passed:

• Motion to accept the minutes was seconded and passed unanimously.

• Motion to Adjourn was seconded and unanimously approved.

ADMINISTRATION:

PRESIDENTS REPORT: See report – The motion by Barrett at the March meeting, and tabled until the April meeting, regarding the sound grant was held over until the May meeting. Barrett asked for discussion on several subjects; Appropriate and safe display of the Morris Arts Award, and Guidestar; A service presenting a “snapshot” of Non Profits; Like the D&B of Non Profits. The Board agreed that our profile should be updated, and by the President. Barrett also thanked Michael Agranoff for his work in improving strategic communications with performers to streamline the setup for the Sound crew. The Volunteer/Tick use sign-in sheet at the door is also an improvement.

SECRETARY: The March 2015 minutes were accepted. Moved to accept; seconded and passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT – See report - Operating Account - P & L by Dept. - Chris Riemer was ill but reported cash on hand as of 3/31 at about $16,340 in checking, $21,600 in Money Market and $230 in cash boxes, totaling $38,170. Advance receipts from Getaway & Paxton helped.

NEW BUSINESS

Grants – Mark reported that Stephanie will be working on the effort in a week or so, having been delayed. Eddie Roffman will forward some past grant information on to Mark.

Valentines Show - Lois DeRitter brought up a topic that was discussed at the last meeting regarding the 2/15 Valentine’s show. Specifically, some people had shared with Lois that the fundraising was too heavy handed and the admission was too high. Mark responded as last month, that he felt “charged & challenged” by past remarks to make money on the show. Lois noted the timing was within two months of two other fundraisers. Healthy discussion on topics such as fundraising, food and Messages from the Heart has this being examined for next year. Discussion also noted that the upcoming Summer Song show will be $12.

Mike Agranoff asked that the committee members try to file reports earlier.

Bob McNally suggested that the Board consider some means to identify Board members at our events. Elizabeth added that perhaps we should note staff members as well.

OLD BUSINESS

AD HOC TECHNOLOGY – See Report - George Otto indicated the comprehensive report will be ready for the May meeting, but that certain challenges surfacing are to BRAND all of the FP media across the social media spectrum such as; Facebook, website advertising and such. Discussion ensued regarding Trade/service marking, copywriting, etc. Bob McNally has offered to look into this. Barrett will be reporting on this next month.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

MERCHANDISING: Gloria indicated that she resigned as the committee Chair. This was news to all. There was some discussion involving a replacement, but no action was taken pending its being properly presented for discussion at the May meeting.

SPECIAL CONCERTS: – See report Scooter not present. Mark Schaffer spoke about the May Summer Songs Special Concert. The audience is invited to bring instruments and sing to projected words. In response to a question, Mark stated this is not billed as a fund raiser. Admission will be $12.00, no ticks may be used, and refreshments will be provided. There won’t be a creel, or messages sold.

HSNOI: See Report - Volunteers are adjusting to the new staff. Gerry and Olga are appearing at the next show. Stilll need volunteers in the graphics area.

SWINGIN’ TERN: See Report – Best month financially in a couple of years. Anniversary dance usually one of the best, but this year…SNOW STORM. Attendees have been donating in the jar, knowing we need support to maintain the level of callers and musicians. It would be great if all FP'rs would join our MeetUp.

PUBLICITY: See Publicity Report Tell us early about items such as special concerts, etc.

MINSTREL STAFFING: – See report

E-COMM: - See Report

MEMBERSHIP: – See report – Eddie Roffman stressed that the use of rosters should always be carefully considered by all. Use good judgment AND common sense.

NEWSLETTER: George Otto informed the Board that, "We have a newsletter".

COMMUNITY SERVICES: – See report – Dave Kleiner signed FP up for Bloomfield Earth Day on Saturday April 25^th. Noon to ?. They could use booth staff. Come out if you can.

MINSTREL BOOKING: – See Report - As of 3-30-15 there were 60 Paxton tickets sold to volunteers. Since opening up registration to the FP & Sanctuary general population on 3/30, there are now (4-7) 184 sold. Total tickets sales limited to 425. This is Paxton’s last scheduled career performance. Grover Kemble asked how the Open Mike went, holding it in the Garden Room. Michael responded that it went SO well…that he intends to repeat as it saves about $200 in rental. The logistics functioned smoothly. It was mentioned that latecomers took seats around the door making ingress/egress difficult. Michael will watch for that.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS: – See Report

SOUND REINFORCEMENT: – See report – We have gotten prices on monitors.

GETAWAY: – See Report – SOLD OUT ! ! ! In record time. BUT…because they were all Early Bird enrollees, we lose about a $1,000 in discounts. Roster was more expensive because we were fortunate to add Lucy Kaplansky. We will examine the entire process for the fall Getaway.

Barrett capped the meeting by stressing the need for nearly everything to carry its weight and earn some money. Even though we are a Non Profit, we still need to have a positive cash flow to stay in existence.

Motion to adjourn was seconded and passed at 10:10 PM

Next Meeting: 8 PM on May 5th, 2015, at­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ the home of Amy & Brian Livingston at 229 South 11th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904