January 2017

The January 3rd meeting of the Folk Project Board of Directors was regally gaveled to order at 8:00 p.m., at the New Providence home of Bob Safranek and Pam Robinson, by new President Steve Humphreys.

Present: Steve Humphreys, Barrett Wilson, Jay Wilensky, Mike Agranoff, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Ken Brody, Allan Kugel, Bob McNally (officers and trustees); Sandie Reilly, Peter Glenn, Pam Robinson, Christine DeLeon, Joanne Cronin, George Otto, and Mike Del Vecchio (committee chairs).

Absent: Kathi Caccavale, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Leigh Walker, Pat Brangs, Paul Fisher, Evelyn McNally, and Lindsey Meyer.

Guests: Linda Sierenberg, Sandy Jackson, Bob Safranek.

MOTIONS THIS MONTH

Because issues arose at December’s Annual Meeting concerning whether newly-elected Trustees should be eligible to vote on the following year’s slate of officers, we voted to form an ad hoc committee concerning succession procedures. The committee will be charged to find and explain the available options, and to make non-binding recommendations.

We also voted to offer a $400 subsidy to Sandie Reilly for attendance at the Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

Secretary

The minutes of the December, 2016 monthly and annual meetings were accepted, with a minor correction.

Treasurer

New Treasurer Mike Agranoff stated that outgoing Treasurer Chris Riemer will remain the “mind” while Mike learns the details of the job. Mike distributed an annual Profit and Loss statement, that showed the Project to be comfortably profitable. Mike noted that donations to Minstrel for the previous year totalled over $400, and that donations were also received by Getaway and Swingin’ Tern.

President

Steve delivered the President’s Report, noting that his overarching concern is determining and ensuring the long-term viability of the Project, and suggested that plans be made with that goal in mind.

Steve also intends to address “legal housekeeping,” meaning ensuring that the Project is doing everything necessary and appropriate to keep the organization in compliance with applicable law and to insulate the Project and its officers from liability He suggested forming an ad hoc committee concerning those issues.

Steve plans to use Survey Monkey to solicit member opinions, and welcomes help in devising questions in that format.

OLD BUSINESS

Steve is awaiting details concerning use of the $2000 grant to the Project from Morris Arts obtained by Barbara Moo.

Lori Falco has obtained a quote for the liability and directors’ and officers’ insurance previously authorized, and will make the quote available to the Board.

NEW BUSINESS

Vice President Barrett Wilson temporarily resumed the gavel for discussions concerning the uncertainties about the Project’s leadership noted above. Mike A. noted that the bylaws do not speak to the issue, and Mike, Jay W. Bob M., and Allan K. noted the importance of knowing the facts before a decision is made. Steve H. noted both that common corporate procedures should be followed if possible and that ample time exists to study the issue. The result was the vote to form a committee to report on the issue. The Board voted to create an ad hoc Leadership Succession committee to report on the issue, chaired by Steve Humphries, with Mike Agranoff and Peter Glenn as additional members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Getaway Written Report

Mark Schaffer was absent.

Intentions and Resources (ad hoc committee)

Bob McNally reported that the committee has been in temporary abeyance because of his health issues, but will resume. Bob’s recovery was cheered by all.

Minstrel Staffing Written Report

New Chair Peter Glenn reported that he will ask for opinions of volunteers concerning existing procedures, and will look for ways to involve audience members, including via weekly announcements at the concerts. He noted that the change in the Minstrel admission price to $10 will require a change, actually a simplification, in the cash box procedures.

Peter noted that difficulties in filling the bookkeeper and kitchen positions continue. Ken Brody noted the difficulties posed by no-show volunteers, and the importance of communicating absences to the Head Staff. Christine DeLeon noted that kitchen positions involve many tasks, and the importance of clear communication with volunteers about the requirements of the position. Olga Alvarez suggested that volunteers receive instructions on use of the coffee pots. Mike A. suggested holding a meeting for all volunteers.

Minstrel Booking: Written Report

Mike A. noted that January highlights will be the April Vertch Band and Tim Grimm and the Family Band. He also noted that MUF has taken sound-absorbing panels down from the stage area, and that the sound is now brighter, for which sound operators need to compensate.

Swingin’ Tern: Written Report

Chair Leigh Walker had reported that three excellent but not financially-successful dances were held in December. Allen Kugel noted the ongoing support of the Board for Swingin’ Tern, and Mike A. added that S&T finished last year well in the black.

Ken B. suggested dedicating proceeds of this year’s Holiday Show to Swingin’ Tern. Pam R. noted that the current practice of dedicating the proceeds to Morristown Unitarian Fellowship enables the show to be produced rent-free, and discussion was deferred.

Publicity: Written Report

Paul F. rested on his report.

Community Service

Pat Brangs was absent.

Archives Written Report

Lindsey was absent.

Event Hosting Written Report

Christine D. rested on her report, and stated that the committee will focus on selecting a new location for the annual July 4 picnic after February.

Newsletter

George O. noted that the Minstrel’s new starting time and price will be reflected in the newsletter’s Minstrel’s display, and encouraged people to write and submit articles and community-type classified ads. Bob M. suggested that articles for the newsletter should be actively solicited, and Allan K. noted George’s “There’s An App For That” as the type of article that should be sought.

Membership: Written Report:

Joanne Cronin also reported that transition of Committee functions from Eddie Roffman to her was going well, and should be completed by March.

Horses Sing None of it: Written Report

Sandie Reilly also noted that Ralph L. was having difficulty with confirmation of a long-term commitment by Cablevision after its recent purchase, but was working on the issue and had a commitment through June.

Sandie gave a spirited account of HSNOI’s activities and impact. She noted that HSNOI obtains a large percentage of its bookings from NERFA, and that doing so increases the Project’s profile there. She also reported that she is working with Graham and Barbara Dean of Great Barrington, Massachusetts to convert their folk radio program to public-access TV; she intends to to show their programs on HSNOI, and that she directed a show featuring Reggie Harris for the Deans. She expects her efforts with the Deans and other producers nationwide, to increase the amount of available programming and to make the Project known nationally.

Sandie also noted that Cablevision’s equipment is antiquated, and that HSNOI would greatly benefit from new equipment, including equipment that would allow for recording outside of the studio. Steve suggested that Sandie develop a wish-list of equipment.

Sandie stressed that public-access folk television is a “gem” that the Project needs to “claim.”

As noted, we voted to offer a $400 subsidy to Sandie for attendance at the National Folk Alliance, in Kansas City. The purpose of the subsidy is to aid Sandie’s efforts to raise the Project’s profile nationally.

Special Concerts: Written Report

Chair Pam Robinson added that the Holiday Show produced a great sense of community, and the desired warm fuzzies. Pam also raised the issue of whether the MUF stage could be made accessible for wheelchair-using performers, and Mike Del Vecchio noted that lifts are available to rent.

Sound Reinforcment

Mike D. reported that all is well and so is he. All applauded his return to health.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. The next meeting will be held on February 7, at the Whitehouse Station home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky.

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary