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MINUTES
June 2, 2015
The June Board Meeting of The Folk Project™ was called to order at 8:05 pm at the home of Jay Wilensky and Marie Trontell.
PRESENT: Officers: Elizabeth Lachowicz, Chris Riemer, Andrew Hines, Trustees: Lindsey Meyer, Lois DeRitter, Jay Wilensky, Deborah Graham, Bob McNally, Joanne Cronin; Committee Chairs: George Otto, Lori Falco, Eddie Roffman, Pat Brangs, Mike Agranoff, Christine DelVecchio, Leigh Walker, Paul Fisher; Mike DelVecchio, Mark Schaffer, Scooter Ferguson; ABSENT: President: Barrett Wilson, Grover Kemble, Leigh Walker, Ken Brody; Guest: Stephanie Macias
MOTIONS THIS MONTH
Passed:
Motion to accept the minutes was seconded and passed unanimously.
Motion by Mike DelVecchio to spend up to $2,600 on sound equipment
Motion by M. Agranoff that Bob McNally should further investigate Trade Marking
Motion by Andrew Hines to purchase Tee Shirts for Minstrel 40th Anniversary
Motion by Ed Roffman for Deborah Graham to assume Membership Co Chair
Motion to Adjourn was seconded and unanimously approved.
ADMINISTRATION:
PRESIDENTS REPORT: Barrett not present. – See report. http://bit.ly/1fff6O7
SECRETARY: The April 2015 minutes were accepted. Motion by Elizabeth to accept; seconded and passed unanimously.
CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION to these minutes: Let the June minutes be clarified to reflect that the votes against Deborah Graham’s appointment as Membership Co-Chairperson were NOT any reflection on Deborah. Rather, they were all a statement that 5 board members were against keeping a dual Chairpersonship. All present agreed with this restatement of the prior meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT – See reports: Chris reports that Folk Project finances are moving in the right direction. http://bit.ly/1LeHVEs
OLD BUSINESS
Mark Schaffer introduced Stephanie Macias to the Board. She has experience in applying for grants, and will be assisting us going forward. Mark & Stephanie attended a Morris Arts workshop and will be applying for grants from them. Stephanie addressed the Board and has been instrumental in securing millions of dollars in grants. Other areas may be explored; even possible funds to supplement NERFA attendees.
Mike DelVecchio proposed the purchase of sound equipment. In concert with discussions heard over the last few months, Mike D. made a motion as follows: The Board will authorize the expenditure of $2,600 for sound equipment as per the proposal circulated to the board. Yeas 17, 1 Abstention (Mike DelVecchio)
George Otto passed out a report on Social Media for consideration by any Board members who wish to participate in this matter. Discussion should be next month, including how many social media channels should we have…and which?
Bob McNally reported on his research regarding Trademarking, and how it might relate to Folk Project properties. Mike Agranoff made a motion that we authorize Bob McNally to proceed towards investigating registration of The Folk Project as a trademark, and authorize $300 or so towards that end. Bob will report back to the Board in July. The motion was seconded, voted upon, and passed unanimously. http://bit.ly/1LdHEou
NEW BUSINESS
Andrew Hines suggested that perhaps there should be commemorative Tee Shirts sold for the 40th Anniversary concert to be held at the Sanctuary featuring Tom Paxton. There was discussion and a sketch passed around. Andrew made a motion to design & produce a short sleeve tee shirt principally associated with the Minstrel’s 40th Anniversary. Voted 15 Yea, 3 nay and 1 abstention.
Eddie Roffman reports that Carl Croce has decided to step aside from the Membership Committee. Eddie made a motion that Deborah Graham take Carl’s place and be able to fill in when Eddie is not there due to having moved 50 miles away. A vote was taken as to whether Deborah Graham would become Carl’s replacement as co-chair of the membership committee. 13 yea, 5 opposed, 1 abstention.
Chris Riemer reported regarding the legality of email voting. “Jay’s opinion is that we cannot just interpret our bylaws, but that we would need to amend them.” Chris’ opinion is that we should not amend our bylaws.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PUBLICITY: See report – Paul received a request from Morris Arts for Hi Resolution photos of Folk Project events for Morris Arts use in new website. http://bit.ly/1MZSaxA
MINSTREL STAFFING: See report – Barrett not in attendance. http://bit.ly/1dIujGi
E-COMM: See report – Nothing to add. http://bit.ly/1Bksl9W
MEMBERSHIP: –See report – Nothing to add. http://bit.ly/1ekJsi4
SWINGIN’ TERN: See report – Leigh not in attendance. http://bit.ly/1fffFrf
HSNOI: Ken not in attendance.
MINSTREL BOOKING: See report – Mike Agranoff raised the full house situation from last week’s Minstrel and noted that procedures are being put in place to avoid future confusion regarding the closing off of sales. http://bit.ly/1ekJZR8
SPECIAL CONCERTS: Scooter states we have sold a dozen or so tickets for Calan, and 7 are registered for Uke Fest.
NEWSLETTER: See report – The Newsletter survey is ongoing and he responded regarding the 42 responses. http://bit.ly/1BgftSI
COMMUNITY SERVICES: See report – Pat not in attendance. http://bit.ly/1CbwAzO
INTERNAL AFFAIRS: See report – There will be a 4th of July party at Eddie Roffman’s. http://bit.ly/1JS3ai4
SOUND REINFORCEMENT: Nothing to add to report. http://bit.ly/1fffvQz
GETAWAY: See Report- Mark Schaffer announced that he is quitting the Getaway and other managerial positions he is currently handling, mostly due to controversies seemingly directed at him personally. Citing topics such as not getting the poor, paying small stipends to musicians when making $1,000 (Valentine’s Day Show), and other negatives…he decided that the personal attacks on his judgments and character were too much. He indicated that the Getaway is well organized and will function well without him. Mark also was upset about proposals regarding upcoming G&A charges, charges that had never imposed since their inception over 30 years ago. He will run the Fall Getaway and train anyone taking over. Elizabeth Lachowicz stated that she is deeply saddened and was hurt by these attacks on Mark when she was President. Bob McNally responded in support of Mark and reported observing the vituperative attacks. “We” (The Folk Project) have interacted with a couple in a way that has made it deeply uncomfortable for them to continue, and I think we should own this. Joanne Cronin stated that we tend to have a history of “eating the Festival Chair alive” and we need to reflect on this. Scooter offered that ‘is has been remarkable and disturbing to him to see what has happened. Even more fascinating is that Mark’s events are so impressive and so profitable against the backdrop of much critique.’ Scooter says, “has only lost money and still receives only support and encouragement.” Lois DeRitter mentioned that emails sometimes hurt feelings and create conflict. Many more sentiments were expressed as well. http://bit.ly/1G0yHYI
Motion to adjourn was seconded. GOTO followed. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM
Next Meeting is at the home of Mark & Robin Schaffer at:
196 Mt. Pleasant Ave Rockaway, NJ
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