December 2018

ROLL CALL

Present: Jean Scully, Dave Heistand, Steve Humphreys, Mark & Robin Schaffer, Bob McNally, Leigh Walker, Margaret Crowl, Dave Levenson, Mike Agranoff, Steve Wexler, Pam Robinson, Bob Safranek, Cecilia Rowedder, Chris & Judy Riemer, Mitch Radler, Joyce & Gary Pratt, George Otto, Lindsey Meyer, John Mahon, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Allan Kugel, Olga Alvarez, Gerry Hazel, Lisa Hallman, Paul and Gloria Fisher, Lori Falco, Lois DeRitter, Todd Dennison, Christine Del Vecchio, Joanne Cronin, Kathi Caccavale, Ken Brody, Pat Brangs, Dara Diamant. Deborah Graham, Sandie Reilly.

Absent: Mike Del Vecchio

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Meeting began with a singalong, Homeward Bound, led by Bob McNally. Bob noted it only took us 40 years to realize we should start meetings of a music organization with music!

December monthly meeting called to order at 7:58 p.m. by President Steve Humphreys. Steve explained the new procedure for voting using colored index cards, and the change in the voting process from years past, designed to clear up a previously somewhat arcane process.

Motion to amend the Article IV, Paragraphs 1 & 4, that FP president no longer must be a trustee as well. The motion carried. Monthly meeting adjourned at 8:06, Annual meeting began.

Steve's annual report covered financials, the state of our venues and 2017-18 board initiatives aimed at keeping FP healthy and growing in the years ahead, financially and emotionally. Highlights: Lori led the effort to upgrade our insurance. We changed the bylaws to make them conform to NJ State law. The past 2 years have been the best in 10 financially. We are a non-profit; goal is to have fun and support our venues, not make a big profit. As 85% of our revenue comes from admissions, we must keep our venues strong. Strategic investments were made in a new studio space and equipment for HSNOI and making Open Stage its own venue, both of which seem to be paying off.

Robin Schaffer is studying our e-mail usage and aiming for greater cross-pollination among venues that are now completely separate lists. Steve will be stepping down as Trustee due to family health issues. He was given a well-deserved standing ovation for his great guidance during his two years as FP president.

Paul Fisher, Presidential nominee, hopes to continue to work on professionalism, collegiality, and be more outward-looking and bring in more people. FP must work to stay relevant and get a bigger presence in the Morris County Arts community.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

TREASURER: We're a lean, mean music machine. 2018 was okay, not as good as 2017, but we're in the black.

GETAWAY: 2018 was a great success, with some exciting changes coming in 2019, including a beautiful new venue at Stony Point, NY, one hour north of Morristown. Mark & Robin thanked the steering committee. Getaway's $3000 profit will be plowed back in to get even more wonderful performers and to continue building community.

MINSTREL: Big slump in the first half of the year, but ended $602 in the black after a strong slate in the last 6 months. Mike is hopeful that a very strong slate in 2019, including booking Getaway favorites, and initiating advance sale tickets beginning with Susan Werner on 1/4/19, will continue to build revenue, with Gary Pratt helming the advance sales effort. Concert Window earned $800 for the year, with half going to performers and half to Minstrel, an unexpectedly large windfall.

SWINGIN' TERN: Leigh thanked his large slate of stalwart volunteers who make the dance happen, and thanked FP for its continued support. Revenue was down somewhat this year, but several sponsored dancers helped the overall bottom line. The New Year’s Eve dance is coming up and is always well-attended, and there are several special dances coming up.

COMMUNITY SERVICES: Highlights shared by Pat Brangs included several FP members volunteering to make music at a Memory Cafe in Morris Plains, for people struggling with dementia and cognitive issues, and a request for performers at a similar venue in Summit. Many cards for condolence, congratulations and get well were also sent to various members.

NEWSLETTER: George continues to encourage careful proofreading BEFORE sending articles to the newsletter. He received thanks for setting up another successful annual dinner meeting.

MEMBERSHIP: We have 315 memberships, 491 people, down from last year's 350 memberships and 520 people. Joanne thanked Deborah Graham for her help throughout the year.

HSNOI: Big thanks to Andy Dunn from Sandie for his great help as HSNOI adjusts to live in their beautiful new studio in Mendham. They've wrapped 13 shows since July. Anyone can be in the audience for the taping of the shows; contact Sandie to get the schedule.

SPECIAL CONCERTS: Pam had another successful year, including a stellar Uke Fest which also raised $1100 from a silent auction. A great close to the year is expected from the Tony Trischka concert on 12/8.

PUBLICITY: Paul Fisher reported there have been many changes in personnel, including him stepping down as Publicity Chair, and Elly Faden as the new nominee. Although new to FP, she is not new to publicity and brings lots of new energy to the position. Lori Falco is stepping down from e-communications and Lisa Hallman is taking over. Kathy Caccavale will be taking over the FP Facebook page from Pam.

SOUND: John Mahon was thanked for another successful year of sound reinforcement at Minstrel. Couldn't live without him! Jean noted that having a speaker in the lobby so volunteers working in the lobby could still hear the show has been a real benefit.

ARCHIVES: Lindsey is searching for space to be able to sort through the FP archived material, and incorporate the new material expected to come in from her outreach efforts; she has inspected the holdings at Rutgers, and they are already larger than she'd expected. She will be having more time to devote to this project after the spring.

After Steve H explained the board election procedures again, the annual meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m. and the December meeting was resumed.

ELECTION OF THE NEW BOARD, OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES:

The full slate of nominees as printed in the November newsletter was elected, using the new system of colored cards to indicate who could vote for what positions. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

The January meeting will be held at 8 p.m. at the home of Mark & Robin Schaffer, 196 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Rockaway. Parking will be tight, as the backyard will probably be too muddy for overflow parking, so please carpool if possible!