July 2017

The July 11, 2017 meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m., in the home of Yolanda Fundora and Pamela Zave. President Steve Humphreys presided.

Present: Steve Humphreys, Jay Wilensky, Mike Agranoff, Kathi Caccavale, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Allan Kugel, Elizabeth Lachowicz (officers and trustees); Pat Brangs, Christine DeLeon, George Otto, Paul Fisher, Joanne Cronin, Mike Del Vecchio, Lindsey Meyer, Peter Glenn (committee chairs).

Absent: Mark Schaffer, Sandie Reilly, Evelyn McNally, Bob McNally, Peter Glenn, Pam Robinson, Leigh Walker, Ken Brody.

Guests: Nancy Kelner, Lori Falco.

MOTIONS

The minutes of the June, 2017 Board meeting were accepted with minor amendments.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President: Steve H. noted that compliance with previously-discussed guidelines for e-mail communication between Board members is “slipping.” Steve reminded the Board that if a communication needs to be made that is potentially derogatory, it should be made by telephone, or through the committee chair, and that in extreme situations, he (Steve) is available to mediate. An apology was made and accepted for a recent breach of the policy.

Secretary Jay W. stated that, as previously suggested, Board members have increasingly confined the distribution of e-mails to people who are directly involved in or affected by the subject, with greater efficiency and less misunderstanding as the result. Joanne C. recommended, to general approval, that everyone “think twice” before sending an e-mail to “Fullboard.”

Steve stated that he will write a Newsletter article stressing the need for volunteers for Project activities. [Article appeared in August ‘letter, sec’y].

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Treasurer Mike Agranoff, citing Chief Green Eyeshade Chris Riemer’s report, stated that FP is in “good shape financially.”

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Minstrel Staffing:

Chair Peter Glenn reported that, following discussion with Booking Chair Mike A. he is in the process of culling the database of volunteers, to identify and target the people who actually do volunteer. Peter is considering sending a short survey to people in the database who have not recently volunteered; Kathi Caccavale suggested using Survey Monkey for that purpose. Olga Alvarez and Jay suggested that the focus should be on welcoming people in the database to volunteer.

Peter also urged Board members to volunteer. It was noted that many Board members do so.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike A. noted the ongoing problem of low attendance at shows featuring quality performers who are not well-known, and that booking such performers to open for high-drawing feature acts has not had the desired results. Mike announced a new “scheme”: the MC will ask the audience during such pairings whether they liked the opener enough to return to hear the opener as the feature, and to put a check on the performer’s mailing list if the answer is “yes”; twenty-five such checks will result in a feature booking. Mike noted that Butch Ross will be the (willing) first subject of the experiment.

Jay noted the role of Board members as ambassadors for the Minstrel, and that members are in a good position to recommend performers whom they especially like; Jay pointed to Heather Pierson as one.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker was unable to attend, and rested on his report.

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report. Paul also noted the need for a Merchandising volunteer, specifically to “get rid of” existing supplies. Mike A. stated that a job description is needed for the position, and Kathi Caccavale volunteered to speak to Gloria Friedman. Secretary Jay recommended that the existing stock of FP bumper stickers be given away, suggesting that the increased exposure would justify the lost revenue.

Community Services: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pat Brangs’ report noted the passing of Project stalwart Jim King, and that the Committee had sent condolences to Jim’s son and granddaughter. The Committee also sent a get-well card to long-time member Jean Scully.

Event Hosting: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Christine DeLeon, to applause all around, thanked and congratulated Steve Humphreys and family for hosting a successful and enjoyable FP Fourth of July picnic. Steve replied that hosting the event was a pleasure and an honor. Christine also noted the generous contributions of food and supplies by Bob Cole. Lindsey Meyer added thanks to the volunteers who contributed to the event.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto renewed his suggestion that August be adopted, in the manner of a “change the batteries in the smoke detectors” date, as an annual time for venues to update their boilerplate language and lists. Mike A. suggested that the date also be used as an occasion to check performer lists, to make sure that only current Project members are included. Archives Chair Lindsey Meyer suggested that the date could be noted in the Back Office calendar, and that Chris Reimer could be approached about sending reminders to the responsible people.

President Steve endorsed the general idea.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Mike A. noted that total membership has declined from 550 to 515. Chair Joanne C. acknowledged the decline, but stated that she is not concerned as long the Project continues to gain new members.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

In the absence of chair Sandie Reilly and representative Ken Brody, Pat Brangs noted that although Horses has a list of 20 volunteers, only eight people volunteer on a weekly basis; although the venue has always had enough volunteers to produce the broadcast, the margins are close. Pat did note that Comcast, the host studio, no longer requires that volunteers live in the immediate area of the studio, broadening the pool of available volunteers.

Pat also noted that the studio will be closed in August and possibly September.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson was unable to attend.

In Pam’s absence, Mike A. described Eric Schwartz, scheduled as an R-rated Special Concert on September 23, as “Jon Stewart with a guitar,” adding that he is “sharp, blue, and funny.” Steve H. asked what “R-rated” means, to which Mike gave the time-honored answer, “You know it when you see it.”

Christine D. raised a concern about the sensibilities of MUF members; Kathi C. replied that MUF has presented controversial material in the past, and that the Schwartz concert should not present a problem.

Archives:

Chair Lindsey Meyer reported no developments, but requested assistance in locating former Project members who might have materials to donate.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Co-chair Elizabeth Lachowicz answered questions concerning a new event, Getaway Day, a one-day sampler of Getaway activities. Elizabeth noted that the event is aimed toward attracting new members and growing the entire Project; for that reason, as noted in the report, 30 of the 50 attended slots will be reserved for non-members. Elizabeth further noted that attendance at Getaway is slowing somewhat, and this event is aimed at making potential attendees comfortable with committing to a weekend by introducing them to Projectiles as well as Getaway activities. President Steve noted the potential of the event for attracting new Project members.

Elizabeth added that the Committee will reach out for potential attendees through Meetup groups and musician friends of the Project.

Elizabeth reported that the expected charge for the event is $28. Steve and Archives Chair Lindsey Meyer stated that expected costs of Getaway should be specified, and Lori Falco cautioned that surplus funds generated by a venue belong to the Project as a whole. Mike A. stated that while a cost estimate is a reasonable expectation, the expenditure is a reasonable way to promote Getaway and should fall within the discretion allowed to a venue chair. Publicity Chair Paul F. suggested, “Let’s try.”

Intentions and Resources:

Chair Bob McNally was unable to attend, and no developments were reported.

Sound Reinforcement:

Chair Mike Del Vecchio reported that a manual for operation of the MUF sound system has been completed. On Elizabeth L’s suggestion, he will forward it, and the manual for operating Concert Window, for posting in the Project’s Back Office Web pages.

OLD BUSINESS

Legal Housekeeping: President Steve H. reported no developments.

Morris Arts Grant: Steve noted that the Morris Arts grant application for the coming year will be filed shortly. Barb Moo, who prepares the applications, has requested that committee chairs provide her with information and materials to keep Morris Arts apprised of our activities. Steve noted that plans for using the anticipated grant should be formulated. Lindsey M. suggested digitizing records for the archiving project as an appropriate future use of funds.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:13 p.m. The next meeting will be held on August 1, 2017, at the home of Steve Humphreys.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary.