April 2018

The April 3, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom of Mitch Radler’s home.

ROLL CALL

Present: Steve Humphreys, Christine DeLeon, Dave Heistand, Ken Brody, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Kathi Caccavale, Jay Wilensky (officers and trustees); Lois DeRitter, Mark Schaffer, Sandie Reilly, Jean Scully, Joanne Cronin, Mike Agranoff, George Otto, Paul Fisher, John Mahon, Pam Robinson, Lindsey Meyer (committee chairs).

Absent: Leigh Walker, Allan Kugel, Bob McNally, Mitch Radler, Evelyn McNally, Olga Alvarez, Chris Riemer.

Guest: Pat Brangs.

The meeting was made possible by the heroic snow-shoveling efforts of Mark Schaffer and Rowan Groth, and the parking savvy of Ken Brody.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The minutes of the March 6, 2018 Board meeting were accepted. Kudos to Chris Riemer for splendid pinch-scrivening.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

Steve Humphreys presented his ambitious initiatives for 2018. His organic goals for the Project are to support our venues, increase membership, and recruit new volunteers. The Future Planning Committee is working diligently under Chair Bob McNally’s firm but benevolent guidance and will issue its report within two months; Steve will consider the Committee’s findings in relation to those goals.

Steve’s other goal is to increase the Project’s integration with the community – Morristown and Morris County, and beyond - by coordinating with local officials and other non-profit arts organizations. He presented concepts and statistics drawn from his attendance at the “Americans For The Arts” presentation held last October at the Mayo Center, and a report distributed at that presentation, “The Economic Impact of the Arts in Morris County.” (See attached files at the end of this page.)

Statistics show that “arts tourism” has a tremendous local impact: In fiscal year 2015, the arts accounted for 759 jobs and $12 billion in revenue in the County; moreover, 2/3 of the people who drive into Morris County report that they do so to attend arts events. In FY 2015, in Morris, 1,000 volunteers donated 87,000 hours to non-profit arts activities, a total to which the Project surely contributes significantly. And, Morris has a higher percentage of musicians among its population than surrounding counties, again with a likely boost from the Project. Steve further noted that Morris’s rate of attendance at non-profit arts events is higher than that of surrounding counties, but that Morris lags behind the national median for expenditures by all audiences. The takeaway is that Morris County is fertile ground for non-profit arts activities and that ample room for growth remains, which the Project can both spur and reap.

Ken Brody suggested that the Project interact with the realty and travel industries. Jean Scully, a realtor, noted that Morristown real estate values have “exploded,” in part because millennials value cultural opportunities within walking distance – again providing opportunities for the Project.

Steve, with the Board’s enthusiastic assent, intends to meet with state and local officials and arts-organization chairs. He plans in particular to meet with Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, who is a jazz guitarist; Mike Agranoff suggested, to general approval, that the Project invite the Mayor to the upcoming Frank Vignola concert. Possible results of such outreach are receiving more state funding for the Project and the development of paying venues for Project performers.

Steve will also explore forming an Advisory Board with leaders of other arts organizations, to coordinate efforts and inject new ideas. Elizabeth Lachowicz noted that fresh eyes will expand the Project’s thinking, and Dave Heistand suggested that input from other organizations would be useful in solving administrative problems.

Steve also noted that the Project will participate in the upcoming New Jersey Folk Festival, on the Rutgers (New Brunswick) campus. However, a number of Board members noted that prior involvement with the Festival has not significantly benefitted the Project. Pat Brangs suggested that the Project look into involvement with other colleges.

Steve’s vision and efforts were applauded by the Board.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Treasurer Chris Riemer was unable to attend, and rested on his report.

COMMITTEES

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin rested on her report.

Sound Reinforcement:

Chair John Mahon reported that an ad hoc committee of MUF, chaired by Kathi Caccavale, will soon meet to

discuss the re-installation of sound-deadening materials in the hall.

Archives: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Lindsey Meyer was pleasantly surprised to discover a “deep and broad” collection of Project historical materials that have been transferred to the archive at Rutgers. Those materials include financial records, Minstrel tally sheets, information concerning Festival [for newbies, the proto-Getaway, sec’y] between 1989 and 1997, and Project newsletters between 1979 and 2000. Four hours was not enough to inventory them, and Lindsey shall return.

Lindsey also reported that the Committee will re-send its survey and contact those who have responded, and seeks contact information for former Projectiles, and former Board members in particular.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Sandie Reilly reports that all of the new equipment is in the Mendham TV studio, behind a new locked door. She happily reports that the show is now airing [cabling?, sec’y] at 9:00 p.m. on Sundays, and is thus “almost prime time.” Towns where the local-access TV carries HSNOI, and the times and shows presented, are listed on the Project web page, Sandie added that the public can ask cable providers to carry the show.

Elizabeth added that insurance coverage for the new equipment is particularly important; Steve replied that coverage has been addressed.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson reported that she is finalizing plans for Uke Fest, which will present four performers. She also noted that the Morristown Inn has increased its rates slightly, and she will provide for that in the Fest budget.

Pam added that the Jay Ungar-Molly Mason Concert netted $558 (excluding insurance, etc.), and that the Doolin’ Special Concert is upcoming [it was a financial success and an artistic triumph, sec’y]. Mark Schaffer reported that following on the roaring success of the Toby Walker afternoon that combined a house concert with an open stage and jam with Toby, he is beginning a new series, “Jammin’ With The Stars,” using that format. Australian singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow, with superb guitarist Mark Punch, will perform on April 22 [the afternoon was another triumph, sec’y], and Project favorite and Al Stewart guitarist Dave Nachmanoff will follow on May 12.

Minstrel Staffing:

Chair Jean Scully reported that all is well, but she is seeking more volunteers and considering consolidating some positions, particularly Head Staff with Bookeeper. To increase interest in the Project, she has begun giving packages of information to first-timers and is considering making a photo display of Project events. Secretary Jay noted that President Steve compiled a terrific slide-show of Project-related photos for the Annual Meeting that could be made available.

Jean thanked Mike A. for helping to set up a screen for Concert Window in the counting-house, so the bookkeeper can enjoy the show while tallying the loot – significant for making the Bookkeeper post more attractive. She also thanked John Mahon for ensuring that the show is piped into the lobby.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mark Schaffer added that plans for Spring Getaway are on track.

Mark also reported that the planned Kids’ Getaway (KG) has been cancelled due to lack of interest. Mark described KG as a Thomas Edison-ish good idea that didn’t work, and he and Mitch Radler ain’t givin’ up on the concept.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff added that MUF has purchased, and will pay half of the cost of, a new computer which is expected to eliminate technical glitches in Concert Window. The computer will be installed in the near future, although not immediately.

Open Stage: WRITTEN REPORT

Mitch was unable to attend and rested on his written report.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

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

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher relied on his report.

Pam R. suggested that the Board hold a sweepstakes, with tickets to the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival as the prize, open to people who sign onto various Project lists. The Board informally approved the idea, and Pam will try to obtain the tickets.

Community Services:

Co-chair Pat Brangs reported no developments.

Event Hosting:

Chair Jean Scully reported that hosts have been found for Evenings of Music through May, but hosts are needed for later dates.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto relied on his report.

Misc:

Jean Scully noted that long-time Project friend Jacquie Manning of Small Potatoes is having health issues and lacks insurance, and asked the Board to consider holding a benefit event.

Elizabeth L. added that a producer for the annual Halloween Show is needed; past-producer Deborah Graham needs a break, but is willing to train a volunteer. Jean Scully expressed interest in the post.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m. The next meeting will be held on May 1, 2018, 8:00 p.m., at the home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary.