November 2017

The November 14, 2017 meeting was called to order at 8:41 p.m., at the home of Howie Goldman. Under the benevolent gaze of President Steve Humphreys, major issues were aired and mostly resolved.

ROLL CALL

Present: Steve Humphreys, Jay Wilensky, Mike Agranoff, Kathi Caccavale, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Allan Kugel, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Bob McNally, Ken Brody, Evelyn McNally (officers and trustees); Peter Glenn, Pam Robinson, Lindsey Meyer, Pat Brangs, Christine DeLeon, Joanne Cronin, Paul Fisher, John Mahon (committee chairs). Absent: Sandie Reilly, George Otto, Leigh Walker, Mark Schaffer. Guests: Mitch Radler, Lori Falco.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The minutes of the October, 2017 Board meeting, as modified, were accepted.

The Board voted unanimously (19 members present) to approve a revised Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws for the Project, subject to minor modifications to be made before distribution of the documents to the membership, and to recommend approval of the documents by the membership at the December meeting.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the slate of candidates for the Board and certain non-Board positions recommended by the Nominating Committee.

The Board voted unanimously to award a subsidy of $400 each to Pam Robinson and Bob Safranek for attendance at the 2018 Folk Alliance International conference.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

President Steve Humphreys’ report primarily consisted of presentation to the Board of the new Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, which Steve has drafted during 2017 with the able assistance of pro bono counsel Kent Hansen and Isabella Wezdecki.

The meeting was preceded by a spirited question-and-answer session concerning the documents with Steve, Kent, and Isabella. Following additional discussion during the meeting and recognition that, as noted by Mike Agranoff, minor modifications remain to be made, the Board, with Vice President Kathi Caccavale temporarily assuming the gavel, enthusiastically accepted the new governing documents.

Steve also commended Mitch Radler for the “overwhelming success” of the October 13 Open Stage, the first hosted by Mitch.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Mike Agranoff added that the Project’s financial situation is “great.”

Legal Housekeeping/Insurance:

Lori Falco, who has worked throughout the past year reviewing and updating the Project’s insurance coverage, announced, to applause all around, that our improved coverage, including Directors and Officers liability insurance, will take effect on February 1, 2018.

Specific questions were raised by Board members. Lori replied that the party/parties liable for injuries to attendees at Evenings of Music is determined by the nature and cause of the injury; that insurance for loss of members’ data if stolen (“cyberliability”) is available but not recommended because the Project does not store members’ data; that a ransomware attack would be covered by the Project’s general liability insurance; that theft of property by volunteers is not covered by our liability insurance, but that the value of property that could be stolen is small enough that self-insurance is adequate; but, that funds in the Treasury are substantial enough to warrant looking into a stand-alone policy for embezzlement. Lori also noted that pro bono counsel has blessed the Directors and Officers coverage that we are adding.

Nominating Committee (ad hoc):

Chair Jay Wilensky announced that the Committee has chosen a strong slate of candidates, to be voted on by the membership at the December annual meeting. The Board accepted the slate enthusiastically. Jay commended the Committee members for working conscientiously and choosing well.

A table detailing the proposed nominees and changes is appended to these Minutes.

COMMITTEES

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORTS

Co-chair Elizabeth Lachowicz announced that after consideration of the Warwick Conference Center as a new site, Getaway would remain at Camp Bernie. Elizabeth added that the reason for declining Warwick is that the Reformed Church of America, which sponsors Warwick, advocates against gay marriage; she noted, however, that RCA is willing to discuss the issue, and that the committee considers the issue “open.”

Concerns were raised by Board members that discussions of moving Getaway had progressed as far as they did without notification of the Board. Elizabeth stated that Co-Chair Mark Schaffer had intended to notify the Board at (this) November meeting, but was away. Bob McNally noted that Mark has let it be known that he is always looking for a better venue for Getaway. And, President Steve stated that such a move is within the discretion afforded to committee chairs.

Concerns were also raised about statements contained in correspondence to Warwick that could be construed as moral or political positions asserted over the Project’s signature. Given Mark’s absence, issues concerning the proposed move were tabled until a later meeting.

Newsletter:

Chair George Otto was unable to attend, and no developments were reported.

Minstrel Staffing:

Chair Peter Glenn reported no developments.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff reported that Minstrel did not have a good October, losing $324 for the month. However, Minstrel remains $2000 in the black for the year to date.

Mike added that no clear conclusion can be drawn concerning the effect on attendance, if any, of the rise in the Minstrel’s admission price to $10. Mike also noted that technical problems with Concert Window remain.

On a positive note, Mike noted that Minstrel now has its own storage space at MUF, with a lock that we are declining to use, and that “good stuff” upcoming includes Joe Jenks and the Lords of Liechtenstein.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

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

Community Service:

Chair Pat Brangs reported no developments.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin reported that the Project now has 355 memberships, comprising 532 souls. Seven new members joined in October, including four via Open Stage.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Representative Ken Brody reported difficulties within HSNOI.

Ken stated that the new home for Horses will be Mendham TV. However, Horses needs new recording equipment and a contract with the studio. Pending these issues, no new tapings have been scheduled.

Ken continued that although a quotation for equipment was obtained by Ralph Litwin, additional information and consultation among members of the Committee will be required in order to finalize a proposal.

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-Chair John Mahon reported ongoing technical issues with Concert Window, which the soundies are “sorting through.” Pam R. noted that other venues are experiencing similar problems with CW.

Archives: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Lindsey Meyer reported that the survey of members concerning items suitable for archiving is ready, and has been loaded onto Constant Contact by Lori Falco. The survey will be sent in January, to avoid overloading members while the vote concerning adoption of the new Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws is pending.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest/Open Stage: WRITTEN REPORTS

Chair Pam Robinson rested on her reports. She noted that the director of the Ukranian-American Cultural Center has left that position; however, Uke Fest will be held at that location again in 2018, although the facility’s charge has not yet been decided.

Open Stage Chair-to-be Mitch Radler reported on the success of the October Open Stage, the first to be run by him. Mitch noted that “phenomenal new talent” attended; that the total attendance was 66; and that a new band, “The Green Planet,” has been booked as the feature performer for December.

Pam noted that Mitch’s written breakdown of the October OS revenues, which showed net income of $19.95, did not include charges for insurance and BMI licensing.

Mitch noted that his metric for judging the success of Open Stage will be new Project memberships resulting from Open Stage. [Membership Chair Joanne Cronin reported that four October open stage attendees became members.].

Event Hosting: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Christine DeLeon rested on her report

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report.

NEW BUSINESS

Pam Robinson suggested that the Board consider adopting “Giving Day,” November 28, as an opportunity to solicit donations to the project. However, the consensus of the Board was that the Project does not need donations, and does not want to infringe on members’ charitable giving.

Pam also requested that the Board again subsidize her and Bob Safranek’s attendance at the Folk Alliance International convention in 2018. Jay Wilensky noted that Pam and Bob worked “tirelessly” at the recent Northeast Regional Folk Alliance convention, raising the profile of the Project there, and Bob McNally noted that their attendance at FAI contributes to the bookings for Special Concerts and Uke Fest. The Board unanimously awarded a $400 subsidy to each for FAI attendance.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m.

The Project’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 8:00 p.m., at the Chimney Rock Inn, 342 Valley Road, Gillette, N.J. The meeting will be preceded by a Board-subsidized dinner at 6:00.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary