August 2018

The August 7, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m., at stately Schaffer Manor.

ROLL CALL

Present: Steve Humphreys, Dave Heistand, Allan Kugel, Evelyn McNally, Olga Alvarez, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Bob McNally, Kathi Caccavale, Jay Wilensky (officers and trustees); Lois DeRitter, Mark Schaffer, Sandie Reilly, Joanne Cronin, Mike Agranoff, George Otto, Paul Fisher, John Mahon, Pam Robinson, Mitch Radler (committee chairs) .

Absent: Christine DeLeon, Ken Brody, Chris Riemer, Jean Scully, Leigh Walker, Lindsey Meyer. Guest: Pat Brangs.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The minutes of the July 3, 2018 Board meeting, as amended, were accepted.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

President Steve Humphreys did not make a report, causing widespread malaise throughout the Board.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher primarily relied on his written report.

The Board complimented Paul on his particularly comprehensive monthly report. Paul noted that the data contained in the report is compiled by John Lamb. At President Steve’s request, Paul will look into whether pertinent statistics can be automatically loaded into an Excel spreadsheet.

Pam Robinson noted that she had made contact with two of the three winners of Falcon Ridge tickets which the Project offered in a sweepstakes open to new signups to FP mailing lists. She reported that the winners had a “fine time,” and that one would not have been able to attend FR otherwise.

Community Services: WRITTEN REPORT

Co-chair Pat Brangs reported no developments.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto added that Pat Brangs and Kathi Caccavale coordinated their efforts well, and last month’s newsletter went out as scheduled.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin, to widespread applause, noted 19 new memberships in the past month. Ten arose from Uke Fest; three others from the discount offered for membership by Morris Arts; three joined to perform in the Birthday Show; and three more were recruits from OpenStage. [Steam on, Joanne! Sec’y].

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-Chair John Mahon reported that Concert Window is now working well; he believes that problems are related to traffic on the local network. Mike Agranoff reported that CW viewership, while generally numbering six to fifteen, is beginning to increase. Jay Wilensky noted that Christine Lavin, during her recent performance, had said that having a moderator for CW simulcasts is very helpful, since that person can respond to any comments posted during the simulcast; however, the consensus, led by Mike A., is that the size of the viewership does not yet justify allocating a volunteer to moderate.

John noted that discussions with MUF concerning the sound-panels and other sound-dampening items are ongoing, and that banners hung by MUF in the back of the hall have caused “some improvement.” Kathi Caccavale noted that carpeting recently placed on the stage “helps.” John cautioned that re-hanging the sound panels is a “tough sell” to MUF.

Archives:

Chair Lindsey Meyer was unable to attend, and reported no developments.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Sandie Reilly noted that HSNOI has recorded three shows with the new facility and equipment, and that the audio quality is very good and the video “exceptional.” Several Board members suggested that the show’s opening montage should be eliminated or modified, and discussions will continue. Sandie encouraged attendance at tapings, and noted that the room could accommodate 20-30 people. Sandie stressed that Horses is willing and able to train volunteers in camera operation.

Olga Alvarez suggested that Horses ask host Mendham TV to place an advertisement for HSNOI on its Facebook page.

Sandie’s report was warmly applauded by the Board.

OpenStage:

Chair Mitch Radler reported that the July show was “terrific,” and included many new faces. President Steve noted that one of the acts, Purple Haze, “brought down the house.”

Mitch noted that new Project members are signing up from OS, and he has “big plans” for the fall, although he needs additional volunteers. Additionally [and importantly, sec’y], six OpenStage performers have been booked as Minstrel opening performers. And, Morris Arts has approved a one-year grant for OS. Mike A suggested that volunteers for OpenStage be recruited from OS performers.

Mitch’s report as well was heartily applauded.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mark Schaffer noted that Robin Schaffer had surveyed people who don’t come to Getaway, and that the survey resulted in 20 people being added to the Getaway mailing list, and contact with 60 more. He noted that non-attendees are particularly interested in community, a strong suit for Getaway.

Preparations for the Fall Getaway are well under way, and the lineup has been strengthened by the addition of Joshua Davis, a “folkie with cachet” who was a finalist on “The Voice” and has performed a duet with Sheryl Crow.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson reported that ticket sales (including, for the first time, concert-only tickets), and Fest plans in general are “moving along.” Pam noted the beautiful new Uke Fest logo and merchandise, designed by Yolanda Fundora. Pam noted with thanks that merchandise donated for the silent auction includes four ukes, one donated by McNally Strumstick.

Pam also reported receiving other merchandise for the auction, and “64 pounds of uke mags.”

Minstrel Staffing/Event Hosting:

Chair Jean Scully was unable to attend, and reported no developments.

Elizabeth Lachowicz noted that new member Arlene Harcar will be hosting her first Evening of Music in August, and that her back yard is large and conducive to the event.

Board members discussed whether the amplified Open Stage that was a part of the Fourth of July party [generously hosted by President Steve, sec’y] was compatible with other purposes of the party, including schmoozing and selecting performing groups for the Birthday Show. The issue will be revisited in the spring.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff noted that average Minstrel attendance over the past year has been 67. He is working to put the proverbial “butts in the seats” by having booked high-drawing performers Susan Werner, Cheryl Wheeler, and Tom Chapin, and is working on booking John Gorka and James Hill. Mike noted “poor participation” in this year’s Birthday Show, and plans to ask past regular participants to be available for next year’s.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker was unable to attend, and relied on his report. [The report shows an improving financial trend, sec’y].

NEW BUSINESS

Board Retreat:

President Steve, with Dave Heistand and Elizabeth Lachowicz, are investigating holding a retreat for board members in the near future, including a professional facilitator, to address strategic planning and group-dynamics questions, along with the ongoing issues of collegiality, cohesiveness, and communications skills among Board members. Steve noted that his impression of the Project has been that it consists of “loving, accepting people,” and that he does not want it to lose that character.

While details remain to be formulated, the Board, in a straw poll, unanimously supported both the concept and ongoing research into how best to formulate the event.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 8:00, at the home of Steve Humphreys.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary