December 2017

The annual meeting of the Folk Project Board, followed by the December monthly meeting, was gaveled to order at 8:03 p.m., at the Chimney Rock Inn, in Gillette. The meetings were preceded by a bountiful, Board-subsidized dinner, attended by 38 Board and non-Board members.

ROLL CALL

Present: Steve Humphreys, Kathi Caccavale, Jay Wilensky, Mike Agranoff, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Bob McNally, Ken Brody, Allan Kugel (Officers and Trustees); Mark Schaffer, Sandie Reilly, Peter Glenn, Pam Robinson, Leigh Walker, Lindsey Meyer, Pat Brangs, Christine DeLeon, Joanne Cronin, George Otto, Paul Fisher (Committee Chairs) Absent: Evelyn McNally, John Mahon. Guests: Lori Falco, Robin Schaffer, Jean Scully, Dave Heistand, Mitch Radler, Evelyn Maurer, Bob Safranek, and most dinner attendees.

MOTIONS - ANNUAL AND MONTHLY MEETING

During the annual meeting, the membership, via the unanimous vote of 35 members present and 9 by proxy, adopted the new Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation previously approved and recommended by the Board.

The membership also unanimously elected three new Trustees. Following adjournment of the annual meeting and commencement of the December monthly meeting, the new and continuing Trustees elected three people to the Board who were then appointed (along with Steve Humphreys, already a Trustee) as Officers for 2018. The newly-constituted Trustees and Officers then elected 14 members to the Board, who were in turn appointed to positions as Committee Chairs or Co-Chairs, including three new standing Committee Chairs.

Trustees elected: Steve Humphreys (continuing); Christine DeLeon; Dave Heistand. Officers appointed, after each person's election to the Board: Steve Humphreys, President; Kathi Caccavale, Vice President; Jay Wilensky, Secretary; Chris Riemer, Treasurer. New Committee Chairs appointed, after each person's election to the Board: Lois DeRitter, Community Services (co-chair); Jean Scully, Event Hosting and Minstrel Staffing; Mitch Radler, Open Stage (new Board position). All other Trustees carried over in their posts, and all other standing Committee Chairs were re-elected to the Board and appointed to the same positions.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Mike Agranoff announced, to applause, that the Project was $8,000 in the black for the past year. Guardian of the Gelt Chris Riemer’s report noted that the Project’s Profit and Loss statement for the 12 months ending November 30, 2017, reflects [a very healthy, sec’y] positive balance of $11,271.

Vanguard Account: WRITTEN REPORT

Andy Koenig reported an account balance of $141,646.50, with $115,740.14 earmarked for future Getaway subsidies, a gain of 15.81% over the past 12 months. Andy cautioned that the growth represents a “tear” in the markets which will end eventually. However, his report reflects his belief that the account represents “a reasonable balance between risk and reward with a minimum of fuss.”

President:

Steve H. added that the Project had nearly $25,000 in net operating income during that period, and is also well in the black in FFUs (“Fungible Fun Units”). Steve reported on the accomplishments of a good year for the Project, and outlined goals for 2018. Those accomplishments included improvements to the Project’s insurance coverage spearheaded by Lori Falco. The changes result in greater liability coverage and the addition of Directors and Officers coverage, at less cost than our current coverage. Steve led the applause for Lori’s yeoperson efforts and results. Andy Koenig raised questions concerning situations which may or may not be covered by the Project’s new insurance. Lori responded that such situations are necessarily fluid, and are often resolved among involved insurance companies.

Steve also announced the drafting of a revised Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, to bring the Project into compliance with applicable laws and regulations while preserving as many traditional Project methods and procedures as possible. [Sec’y note: As noted, the new governing documents were unanimously approved and adopted. Steve and Lori’s efforts, aided by pro bono counsel Kent Hansen and Isabella Wezdecki, were necessary and heroic.]

Other accomplishments include the strengthening and growth of Project venues, and new initiatives, particularly the immediately-successful launching of Open Stage as an independent venue, championed by Mitch Radler. New initiatives on the President’s’ plate for 2018 include increasing the Board’s efficiency; recruiting an advisory Board from other arts organizations; defining additional metrics for Project success, including attendance and performer feedback; increasing participation of youth; and working with Morristown government and local arts organizations.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chairs Mark and Robin Schaffer reported on the resounding success of the year, highlighting that Getaway continues to attract first-timers to Getaway, and to Minstrel and the Project as well. Survey scores for overall experience and community spirit registered 4.7/5, and earnings exceeded the annual target by $827. An impressive collection of performers graced the Main and Live In The Lounge stages. In response to popular demand, opportunities for performances by members were increased, both at the Lounge and new Open Stage settings. Open Stage represented a joint effort by Getaway and Open Stage committees. Mark also noted that 50-60 people volunteer for Getaway, representing a community effort. Special thanks were extended to Elizabeth Lachowicz and Pat Brangs.

The first Getaway Day, designed to attract new Getaway attendees, was also highly successful, with 50 people attending the event, and six newbies signed up for2017 Getaway and 5-10 more added to the e-mail list. Mark promises an “excellent and varied” lineup for Spring, including Terre Roche [who was kept from Getaway Day by weather, sec’y].

Mark and Robin stressed that Getaway “crystalizes what [they] love about the Folk Project community.”

Minstrel Staffing:

Outgoing Chair Peter Glenn extended thanks to Amy Livingston for her assistance, and to incoming Chair Jean Scully and Lori Falco for their support. Peter noted that Minstrel has 63 active volunteers, including 25 who volunteer regularly, although filling the bookkeeper position remains difficult. Jean added that assuming the Chair will be easy because Peter has worked so hard.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff reported that Minstrel attendance has declined, from an average attendance of 90 to 74.6, which he attributes to difficulty in booking high-drawing acts. Nonetheless, Minstrel was $1300 in the black for the year. Mike does not believe that the price increase from $9 to $10 had a significant impact on attendance.

Mike reported that the new sound board is working well, and a number of competent operators have been trained. Relations between Minstrel and MUF remain “fine.” Concert Window has received “minimal” response, and has occasional tech glitches, but Mike expects both to improve. Mike also began a new scheme of booking artistically strong opening acts, to be re-booked as feature acts based on audience response. Butch Ross, opening for Tom Chapin, received a standing ovation and 55 audience commitments to return for his resulting feature booking.

Upcoming bookings include the Mari Black World Fiddle Ensemble in combination with Swingin’ Tern and featuring dance demonstrations, and Christine Lavin, Joe Crookston, Toby Walker, Beppe Gambetta, and Kirsten Maxwell. Mike also noted a 90% possibility that Frank Vignola will recover sufficiently from his recent accident to do a Minstrel show in the coming year.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker reported a “decent” year, finishing “slightly in the red.” Leigh noted that Tern continues to have good dancers and good volunteers, despite the loss of 6 to 8 key volunteers, who are being replaced. Leigh looks forward to the December 16 Holiday Dance, followed by a party at Doug and Brian’s home, and the January 6 Anniversary Dance. President Steve noted that he and First Spouse Christine Golis recently attended Tern for the first time, and will return.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Sandie Reilly reported that although HSNOI’s long-time venue is no longer available because Cablevision has been bought out, Horses has found a new home at Mendham TV, and she has great hopes for the future. Responding to a question from Kathi Caccavale, Sandie stated that although HSNOI does not have a contract with Mendham TV, a studio has been granted to the station by the town on a long-term basis, and thus will be dependably available. Responding to Olga Alvarez, Sandie reported that Mendham TV has scheduled HSNOI programming in “many slots.”

Sandie reported that new equipment is needed, and the Committee is working on that. She hopes that the equipment that is obtained will be mobile, so that Horses will not be tethered to a particular location. Sandie thanked Ken Brody for his hard work, including representing HSNOI at Board meetings.

Community Services:

Chair Pat Brangs hopes to send fewer condolence and get-well cards, and more baby and wedding cards, in the coming year. She proudly noted that the Memory Café has begun to schedule musicians directly, and thanked Café performers.

Archives: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Lindsey Meyer reports that in January, the Committee will survey Project members and begin to collect historical items for donation to an appropriate institution. She noted that starting a new archive entails a learning curve, and that she has consulted practicing archivists in devising the project.

Lindsey added that the next step will be to obtain a secure place for storing and processing items that are collected, and asked for suggestions. Lindsey thanked Lori Falco for placing the member survey on Constant Contact.

Special Concerts: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson reported that the ten events held in 2017 to date under the Special Concerts umbrella involved over 1000 performers, volunteers, and audience members. Pam noted the Project’s Loving Hearts Club Boogie Band concert as an especially enjoyable event, and the great success of Mitch’s first Open Stage. Pam extended special thanks to the Uke Fest committee and volunteers, and the Project Web team. Future Special Concerts will include Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Sharon Goldman, and Doolin’.

Steve congratulated Pam on a “great year,” and Chris Riemer’s report mentions Special Concerts as one of the Project’s most profitable activities.

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-chair John Mahon was unable to attend, and no developments were reported.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

The presentation of Chair George Otto followed in the tradition of Liz Pagan: “Hi. Any questions?” The presentation was met with rousing applause.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin rested on her report, which showed the Project, as of December 3, 2017, having 350 memberships, totaling 520 people.

Event Hosting: WRITTEN REPORT

Outgoing Chair Christine DeLeon rested on her report, noting her resignation from the Chair “with a big case of the teary eyes.” She thanked Evening of Music hosts and attendees, as well as

incoming Chair Jean Scully. President Steve extended particular thanks to Christine for her hard work.

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report, and thanked everyone who works hard to publicize the Project, and the Web team in particular. Noting that the Publicity Committee expands as new outlets become available, Paul stated that the Committee can always use more help.

OLD BUSINESS

As noted, the new Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws were adopted, by unanimous vote, during the annual meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

As also noted, three new Trustees were unanimously elected by the membership during the Annual Meeting. During the December meeting, a slate of officer candidates was elected by the new and continuing Trustees, all unanimously. The newly-constituted Board then appointed the Officers to their positions. The voting Boards, at that time comprised of the carryover Trustees and newly-elected Trustees and Officers, then elected all Standing Committee chair candidates to the Board. The Full Board then appointed the newly-elected Board members as Standing Committee chairs.

An issue arose as to the fact that under the new Bylaws, Committees will have one voting Chair, even if it has a co-chair arrangement. Evelyn Maurer noted the potential unfairness of such an arrangement to the non-voting co-chair; President Steve and Trustee Bob McNally noted that the limitation in the Bylaws is necessitated by governing State law, and that bringing the Project into legal compliance was the purpose of adopting the new governing documents.

President Steve extended the thanks of the Project to the outgoing Trustees, Officers, and Chairs.

ONWARD!

To congratulations and sighs of relief, the festival of governance and gluttony was adjourned at 9:47 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 8:00 p.m. on January 2, 2018, at the home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary