October 2017

The October 3, 2017 meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m., at the home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky. President Steve Humphreys presided, avuncularly, over another spirited gathering.

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

Absent: Sandie Reilly, Pat Brangs, Joanne Cronin.

Guests: Cecilia Rowedder, Deborah Graham, Mitch Radler.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The minutes of the September, 2017 Board meeting were accepted.

Open Stage will be placed under the jurisdiction of Special Concerts for the remainder of the year, and will become a separate venue, with its own Board seat, as of January, 2018.

The Board will again subsidize members’ meals at the annual dinner meeting in December. Members will pay $15, and the remainder will be paid by the Board.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

Steve Humphreys advised that he has accepted the request of the Nominating Committee that he continue as President for 2018.

Mike Agranoff noted that the Nominating Committee has determined the composition of the Board for the past four years, and the system is working well.

Steve reported that he is still working with pro bono counsel on the Legal Housekeeping report, and expects to circulate a draft of proposed new Bylaws shortly. Allan Kugel noted that the issues of the permissible length of Trustees’ terms and when Trustees become eligible to vote in Board elections became issues at last year’s annual meeting; Steve reported that the draft bylaws will address those issues.

Steve commended Special Concerts chair Pam Robinson for the highly successful Uke Fest, and the recent and excellent Eric Schwartz and Folk Project Loving Hearts Club Boogie Band concerts

Steve also commended Getaway chair Mark Schaffer for presenting a first Getaway Day that exceeded all expectations.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

[Lord of the Lucre Chris Riemer reported the continued financial health of the Project, with year-to-date net income of $37,400 and all venues in the black. Sec’y].

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Services WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pat Brangs was unable to attend, and no developments were reported.

Newsletter WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto thanked his staff of proofreaders and helpers, and reported that with the assistance of talented people, the Newsletter operation is working well.

Membership WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin was unable to attend, and rested on her report.

Horses Sing None Of It WRITTEN REPORT

Representative Ken Brody Ken noted that HSNOI is scouting for new equipment and taping locations. Ken apologized for the premature submission of a request for funding for HSNOI, and stated that the venue will return to the Board with a fully-developed proposal that will include a range of expected costs for equipment and insurance. Pam Robinson noted that if the proposal is not submitted for the November meeting, consideration of the request before January, 2018 would be unlikely.

George Otto noted that he will be recommending that new lighting equipment for Getaway be purchased, which may reduce funds available for HSNOI. Elizabeth Lachowitz queried whether new lighting could be shared by Getaway and Horses, and George was receptive to considering the idea.

Event Hosting WRITTEN REPORT

To applause, chair Christine DeLeon thanked Evelyn McNally for agreeing to host the January Evening of Music, completing the scheduling through February, 2018.

Publicity WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson described the two recent Special Concerts, the Loving Hearts Club Boogie Band and Eric Schwartz, as “great.” Attendance for the Boogie Band was better than expected, and the energy of performers and audience – including many dancing attendees - was remarkable. Mike Agranoff described the Schwartz event as “killer,” while expressing concern over the scheduling of two SCs within two weeks; Pam will take Mike’s concerns under advisement.

Pam noted the upcoming Ted Yoder house concert. Additionally, she has finalized the annual Holiday Show, to benefit MUF, featuring Carolyn Messina, Sharon Goldman, Kevin Coughlin, and Gordon Thomas Ward. The show will also include a reading, by Liz Pagan, of poetry authored by the Project’s dear, late friend Jim King.

Pam also noted that, as the result of attendance at Folk Alliance International, she has booked the French Celtic band Doolin’ for a Special Concert on April 20, 2018.

Pam further noted that Uke Fest has been scheduled for August 24-26, 2018, and that she has begun a Facebook group and secured the venue.

Minstrel Booking WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike A. reported that September was a “lackluster” month for Minstrel attendance, although still profitable. However, he has booked guitar whiz Jacob Johnson because of positive audience response to his recent opening performance. And, George Wurzbach has been booked as an opener for Bob Malone, with the possibility of a feature booking based on audience response.

Mike also noted that new hosts for Minstrel performers are needed. Efforts to cross-promote attendance with Swingin’ Tern by each offering free tickets to the other were disappointing, with Mike reporting that eight tickets for Swingin’ Tern were taken at the Pete’s Posse concert and S&T chair Leigh Walker reporting that no Minstrel tickets were taken at an S&T dance; nonetheless, President Steve suggested that such cross-pollination efforts are worthwhile and should continue.

Swingin’ Tern WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker reported that long-time supporters Don Flaherty (moving to Maryland) and Tom Banwell were honored at the first October dance. Leigh reported that attendance is improving at Tern and other dance venues, and that people are willing to drive 60 miles to dance.

Leigh reported that the venue broke even for the month, and that “a bunch” of new sound volunteers are being trained.

Allan Kugel expressed the Board’s continuing support for S&T.

Sound Reinforcement

Chair John Mahon reported no developments. Mike Agranoff reported that Vice President and MUF member Kathi Caccavale has suggested that MUF install sound panels at the rear of the hall.

Archives

Chair Lindsey Meyer reported that she has sent a proposed members’ survey concerning collectable historical items to fellow archivists for comment.

Getaway

Co-chair Mark Schaffer reported on changes/improvements to be instituted at the [extremely successful, sec’y] Fall Getaway. Those innovations included opening the afternoon concerts with singalong master Nick Page; having last-Spring’s audience favorites perform “Live In The Lounge” [winners Chris Bukata, Jerry Krantman, and Tim Weinrich were excellent, sec’y]. A major innovation was Mitch Radler’s reinvention of his workshop as a coffeehouse-open stage [The music lasted until 4:00! Sec’y].

Another innovation announced by Mark is a songwriters’ workshop, featuring Maura Kennedy and two Project members, in which problems cropping up during the songwriting process will be discussed. Also, to address the problem of overcrowding at late-night round-robins, simultaneous circles were scheduled at the (adjacent) Terrell and Jacqua cabins.

Minstrel Staffing

Chair Peter Glenn reported that he has contacted inactive volunteers, most of whom had moved out of the area, and that a dozen have indicated an interest in volunteering again. Peter noted that staffing the Kitchen and Bookkeeper positions remained a problem. Mike Agranoff replied “no chance” to a suggestion that the bookkeeper be paid.

Nominating Committee

Ad hoc Nominating Committee chair Jay Wilensky reported that Nomcom’s work was nearing completion, and announced, to widespread applause and general relief, that Paul Fisher will remain as Publicity Chair. [A recommended slate of candidates has been adopted by the Committee, and will be presented to the Board at the November meeting, sec’y].

OLD BUSINESS

Legal Housekeeping: President Steve Humphreys noted that “snags” delaying completion of the LH project include determining the legally-required revisions to the Project’s governing documents, and procedures for making changes to documents and practices. However, a report is expected in time for discussion at the November meeting.

Parliamentarian George Otto noted that Constitutional changes must be introduced at a meeting prior to the meeting at which they are voted on. Steve, noting the magnitude of the job and the contribution of the pro bono attorneys who worked on the revisions [while modestly not noting his own herculean efforts, sec’y], and the need for the project to be completed, reiterated that he expects for the proposal to be ready for introduction at the November meeting and a vote at the December annual meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Open Stage

Proposals for a substantial revamping of Open Stage advanced by new OS impresario Mitch Radler were the subject of spirited and candid discussions. Administratively, the primary proposal was for Open Stage to become a separate committee, with a Board seat. Minstrel Booking chair Mike Agranoff stated that Open Stage should remain under Minstrel’s ambit, noting the substantial overlap in facilities, scheduling, and personnel among the two events. Bob McNally observed that the number of Open Stages that will be held – 10 or 11 annually – militates in favor of separation. Mark Schaffer, noting the possibility of friction between the Minstrel and Open Stage managing positions, stated that a formal committee and chair position should be created in order to confer independence on Open Stage and support the energy and creativity that Mitch has displayed as the champion of OS. George Otto recognized the need to support champions, but noted the tendency of the Board to add positions and the possibility that separate Board seats for Minstrel and OS would overlap and conflict.

President Steve stated that the Project is fortunate to have Mitch interested in the position, particularly given his knowledge of the music business [and connections to other local venues, sec’y], and, conversely, that “it would be a shame to lose him.” Elizabeth L. later noted Mitch’s dedication of his time, energy and expertise, and added that the Project is “blessed” to have someone committed to making OS grow,

Asked whether he would accept the Open Stage position without a Board seat, Mitch replied that he would “have to think about it,’ but would “take better offers,” adding, “to apply myself, I need independence” in operating OS.

Mike stated that he is in agreement with Mitch concerning all aspects of his proposals for OS other than Mitch’s intention to not charge admission to OS performers and to keep some discretionary performance slots rather than having a definite signup procedure.

After additional discussion involving nearly all attendees, the Board, in a secret ballot, voted, 15-5, to adopt Pam Robinson’s proposal that Open Stage be placed under the jurisdiction of Special Concerts for the remainder of the year, and become independent, with its own Board seat, beginning January 1, 2018.

Annual Meeting

President Steve invited all Projectiles to the annual dinner meeting in December. The Board voted to continue its practice of subsidizing members’ meals by paying all charges above $15 per member.

Halloween Show Benefit for Hurricane Relief

Halloween Show producer Deborah Graham, who had suggested, to enthusiastic approval by the Board, that the proceeds from this year’s show be dedicated to hurricane relief, led a discussion of appropriate charities. Deborah agreed to investigate further and report back to the Board. [Global Giving was selected, sec’y].

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. The next meeting will be held on November 14, 2017, at the home of Howie Goldman. The meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m., but President Steve will hold a question-and-answer session concerning the proposed new bylaws, at 7:00.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary