May 2017

The May 2, 2017 meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m., in the home of Gerry Hazel and Olga Alvarez. New Vice President Kathi Caccavale ably presided, while President Steve Humphreys covered for convalescing Secretary Jay Wilensky.

Present: Steve Humphreys, Mike Agranoff, Kathi Caccavale, Allan Kugel, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Ken Brody, Evelyn McNally (officers and trustees); Pam Robinson, Leigh Walker, Pat Brangs, Christine DeLeon, George Otto, Bob McNally, Peter Glenn, Paul Fisher, Joanne Cronin (committee chairs).

Absent: Sandie Reilly, Mike Del Vecchio, Lindsey Meyer, Lori Falco, Jay Wilensky.

MOTIONS THIS MONTH

• • The minutes of the April, 2017 Board meeting were accepted as amended.

  • The Board authorized President Steve H. to spend up to $100 for covering for the floor of his home during the Project 4th of July party, which he and spouse Christine Golis will host.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President: Steve applauded the efforts of Minstrel Booking Chair Mike Agranoff and volunteers Bill Hall and Evelyn McNally in launching the Concert Window project [with a successful Webcast of the May 5 Jack Williams concert, sec’y; see MB report below.]. Steve also extended a Presidential invitation to Board members to attend the Project’s May 5 Volunteer Appreciation Party [a fine afternoon of fellowship and music, championed by Deborah Graham, sec’y].

Speed the Meeting: As decided last month, the agenda order was experimentally switched, with Committee reports considered before New and Old Business.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Treasurer Mike A. and power-behind-the-till Chris Riemer reported a year-to-date net income of $32,122. A discrepancy between the figure announced by Mike at the meeting and Chris’ spread-sheet reflects a positive contribution from Swingin’ Tern. Mike noted that the Project’s membership in NERFA will be renewed in May, and that NERFA is seeking representatives from member organizations; as a result, up to 8 Projectiles will be eligible for membership, and a discounted rate for the NERFA and FAI conferences, under the Project umbrella.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Services:

Chair Pat Brangs reported that the Project has been invited to participate in this summer’s Meet Me In Morristown event. Mike A. and Paul Fisher noted logistical problems with last year’s event, including that the location, on a busy street in front of a restaurant, was not conducive to playing music. Pam Robinson noted, however, that our participation was successful in terms of handing out flyers and raising awareness of the Project. Steve stated that a champion is needed to address the issues, and Pat will seek a volunteer to fill that role.

Special Concerts: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson presented a schedule of events and fees for Ukefest. Pam noted that signings and negotiations for Ukefest performers are progressing.

Pam reported no developments for Special Concerts [a strong schedule is in place, sec’y].

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike A. reported on his extensive efforts resulting in the Concert Window launch. Mike’s report noted that project champion Bill Hall has devised operating instructions and procedures, and volunteer Evelyn McNally has posted updated schedules and contacted performers.

Mike’s report noted that April Minstrel attendance and revenues were down, highlighting the difficulties of presenting performers who are worthy but not well-known. However, although Minstrel lost $163 in April, it shows a disappointing, but still in-the-black, profit of $345 for the year-to-date.

The report also notes that Minstrel favorite Frank Vignola, scheduled for June 2, was injured in an auto accident. Mike has re-booked Frank’s sideman Vinny Raniolo [he’s excellent, sec’y], for that date.

Getaway:

Co-chair Elizabeth Lachowicz reported that 7 full-weekend attendee openings remain, and that interested people should contact her.

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher added that work is progressing on many fronts, and that Mike Rauchwerk has joined the Committee. He noted that the usual print and Web outlets have promoted the Project’s events. Also, the Committee extensively discussed the appropriate use of the Project’s Facebook Group page [see New Business, below].

Trustee Olga A. noted that, given the size of the Committee and that few Project events are sold out, room for improvement exists; at Olga’s suggestion, a separate meeting of the Committee will be held.

Allan Kugel noted an issue with the Web site, that notices to AOL addresses from the project are often bounced. Allan added that the Publicity function is complicated, and requires many individuals doing discrete jobs. George Otto and Joanne Cronin stated, to general agreement and applause, that the Committee, and Paul, are doing a great job.

Newsletter:

No developments were reported.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Co-chair Ken Brody rested on the report.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin noted that approximately 15 new members were added during the past month. Mike A. stated that membership has generally held steady at approximately 550.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker added that Swingin’ Tern would hold a double-dance in May. Leigh also noted that the Volunteer Party conflicted with a Tern event; Mike A. gently noted that care should be taken in scheduling.

Archives:

No developments were reported.

Sound Reinforcement:

No developments were reported.

Intentions and Resources (ad hoc):

See Future Planning [New Business, below].

Minstrel Staffing: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Peter Glenn added that although the current list of volunteers contains over 300 names, only about 37 people actively volunteer. Mike A. stated that the discrepancy is not surprising, given that many people sign up without carefully considering the obligation. It was noted that the previous chair, Deborah Graham, had updated the list. Peter suggested that a survey be sent to the people remaining on the list.

Elizabeth L. asked whether any legal issues would be raised by a sixteen-year-old who wishes to volunteer. Mike A. suggested that problems might be taken care of with a parental waiver. Steve will discuss the issue with counsel.

Event Hosting: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Christine DeLeon announced, to widespread tossing of verbal confetti, that President Steve H. and Christine Golis have agreed to host the FP Fourth of July party at their home. Christine moved, and the Board approved by acclamation, see above, that Steve be awarded up to $100 to purchase covering for their carpet.

OLD BUSINESS

Legal Housekeeping: President Steve H. reported that the pro bono attorney reviewing the Project’s insurance has found that our coverage is generally appropriate, while noting a few gaps and suggesting increasing automobile liability coverage. The Project’s broker, K&K, will be contacted. Also, the review of the Project’s documents for legal compliance by another pro bono attorney is under way.

Future Planning Committee: The Committee has incorporated Bob McNally’s ad hoc Intentions and Resources Committee, and Bob will lead the planning effort. Bob expects the work to take 6-12 months, and envisions putting minds together to find new areas for Project growth. Olga A. noted that expanding interest in the Project should be a focus. Mike A. noted that increasing the number of activities sponsored by the Project might lessen its ability to focus on those activities; Steve H. noted that the ability to focus could grow along with the Project. Current IRC member Lois DeRitter and Olga volunteered to serve on the new Committee.

Member Concerts/MUF Liaison: Chair Elizabeth L. noted that she is seeking a champion for the Valentine’s show, and has a lead on a possible co-chair. Elizabeth reported that Sandy Jackson will coordinate with MUF on its upcoming fundraiser, but that a formal liaison position may no longer be necessary.

NEW BUSINESS

Use of Facebook Group Page: Following extensive discussions within the Publicity Committee, prompted by repeated postings by one person advertising his music-related business, the Board reiterated that although announcements for performances by members of the Project and the folk community are appropriate uses of the page, commercial advertisements are not. Mike A. stated, to general agreement, that performance announcements, by both Project and non-Project performers, are acceptable under the policy.

The Board concluded that the existing statement concerning use of the page is adequate, and stressed that page moderator Pam R. has full discretion to manage

compliance.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 6, 2017, 8:00 p.m., at the home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, secretary.