February 2018

The February 6, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:01 p.m., at President Steve Humphreys’ Northern White House.

ROLL CALL

Present: Steve Humphreys, Dave Heistand, Christine DeLeon, Ken Brody, Allan Kugel, Evelyn McNally, Olga Alvarez, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Bob McNally, Kathi Caccavale, Jay Wilensky, Chris Riemer (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, Mitch Radler (committee chairs). Absent: Leigh Walker. Guests: Lori Falco, Tom Taylor, Pat Brangs.

MOTIONS

• • The minutes of the January 18, 2018 Board meeting were accepted.

  • The Board formed an ad hoc committee, chaired by Dave Heistand, to make recommendations for improving civil discourse by the Board, internally and externally.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

The Board entered a Committee of the Whole, and rose without submitting a report.

President Steve noted that he is preparing initiatives for 2018, to be presented at the next meeting. They include pursuing opportunities for growth, capitalizing on a resurgence of interest in folk music; and continuing to improve the quality of discourse. Steve noted a general improvement in the level of civility and constructiveness of Board interactions, but noted that some “rocky” instances continue to occur. Steve proposed that the noted ad hoc Committee on civil discourse be formed, and that Dave Heistand chair it in light of his experience and expertise in the area. Dave accepted the proposed task, and stated that he would do a study and make recommendations.

Treasurer Chris Riemer noted that a committee had previously studied the issue and had issued recommendations that essentially consisted of “Play nice and don’t be a jerk." The key is implementation. Steve replied that the issue warrants closer study.

The Board voted unanimously to form the committee, with Dave as chair.

Legal Housekeeping/Insurance:

Lori Falco reported that the Project’s new general liability policy, effective February 1, will provide increased coverage at an annual cost savings of $400. Also, Directors and

Officers coverage has been in effect since January 1. Christine DeLeon led applause for Lori, for her “wonderful” work.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Treasurer Chris Riemer rested on his report.

COMMITTEES

Future Planning:

Chair Bob McNally reported that the Committee is halfway through its work. Its essential task is to suggest options for the survival and development of the Project over the next 5-20 years, should the Project choose to remain in existence.

The Committee’s insights thus far include that the basic structure of FP is a “confederation” of committee chairs and event champions supported by volunteers, pointing to the necessity of supporting those champions. President Steve endorsed that observation and conclusion. Bob continued that that the Project’s survival will depend on connections made between existing and new members, and how well the Project anticipates and serves the interests of new members. On a more practical level, Bob also noted that the demise of Sanctuary Concerts leaves an opening for a high-end series that the Project might consider filling.

Bob noted that innovations Mitch Radler has brought to Open Stage (and Mark Schaffer to Getaway) represent movement in the direction of attracting and meeting the expectations of new and younger members. Jean Scully noted the “wonderful vibe” of Open Stage, and Mark added that the “synergy” of Open Stage has increased attendance at Evenings of Music by 50%, and attracted ten new attendees to the Valentine’s show.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest chair Pam Robinson pointed out that the concert series, and Uke Fest in particular, have also introduced many innovations and attracted new and younger members, and felt that her venues don't get the credit they deserve. President Steve agreed that Uke Fest was a “star turnaround” program, which attracts new and young members, and extended kudos to Pam. Elizabeth Lachowicz added that Uke Fest has developed a significant following.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mark Schaffer added that a new Family Program will be held on the Sunday and Monday following Spring Getaway. The program will include technical instruction sessions, a children’s concert, and a contra dance workshop. Mark has drawn on Mitch Radler’s connections with schools, and is sure that the program will meet his minimum attendance goal of 20 children and parents.

Open Stage: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mitch Radler added that “OPEN STAGE ROCKS!”

Archives: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Lindsey Meyer added that she has received 13 responses to the survey of members concerning items of historical interest to the Project, and that she will re-send the survey.

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-chair John Mahon reported that the installation of new software in the MUF house system has solved many ongoing problems.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Sandie Reilly added that HSNOI’s new hosts at Mendham TV are “thrilled”’ with its improvements to the studio, to an extent that the station wants to reimburse HSNOI for expenses such as paint; that $1200 is left from the Board-authorized purchase of new equipment, and will be saved for future use; that it will institute a new program for young people, called “Project 21”; and that Horses has oral commitments from many new artists, including songwriter Julie Gold.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

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

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin added that the small reported decline in membership is the result of technical difficulties in recording and normal fluctuation, and is not a cause for concern. Pam Robinson noted that overall membership has in the past varied between 450-600 souls, and is down.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto rested on his report, and added particular thanks for the proofreaders. [The Secretary adds his particular gratitude].

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff added that the Christine Lavin show, which was canceled because Christine was ill, has been rescheduled to August 20. Mike noted the small turnout (38 admissions) for the show in which he headlined as Christine’s replacement, adding that he “took it hard.” Jean Scully and Lois DeRitter commended Mike on the quality of his show.

Pam Robinson noted that the Frank Vignola comeback show, which Mike scheduled for June 16, 2018, conflicts with a Swingin’ Tern dance. Mike replied that the conflict was taken into consideration, but that his options were limited.

Minstrel Staffing:

Chair Jean Scully rested on her report, adding, “It’s great!”

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report. He expressed thanks to Olga Alvarez, who cannot continue on the Committee, for her “big contribution.” Paul also noted that designing the new Folk Project cards took 20 hours.

Community Services: WRITTEN REPORT

Co-chairs Lois DeRitter and Pat Brangs relied on the Committee’s report.

Event Hosting:

Chair Jean Scully added that hosts have been scheduled for the February, March, April, and September Evenings of Music, but that the remainder of the year is open. President Steve strode up to the plate and volunteered to host in May.

Christine DeLeon noted that average attendance at Eves O’ is 30, but that 50 attended a recent Eve O' held at Pamela and Yolanda's home.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson relied on her report.

NEW BUSINESS

Committee Chair-Board Communication:

Long-time Board member Lois DeRitter expressed concern that committee chairs are not sufficiently apprising the Board of their plans and decisions. Lois stressed that her interest was not in stifling the chairs, but rather in ensuring that chairs keep the Board apprised of major decisions. A [lively and productive, sec’y] discussion concerning Board-chair relations ensued.

Lois stated that in the past, the Board would be kept informed of what was occurring in the venues, and would discuss issues and decisions and vote on them. Lois recalls a “warmer and fuzzier time,” and hopes for a return to it.

Lois pointed to recent efforts [not consummated, sec’y] by Getaway to move to a new venue as an example of the Board not being kept informed, while stressing that she was not singling out Getaway for criticism. Archives chair Lindsey Meyer added that she was “taken aback” by how far planning efforts had gone before the possible move was presented to the Board, and Treasurer Chris Riemer understood why Board members may have felt “blindsided," since the first mention of the possibility was so detailed and thoughtful, that it made the move seem like a done deal.

Getaway chair Mark Schaffer replied that the possible move was researched by four or five Getaway Committee members; that the Board was notified by memorandum of the possible move before any commitments were made; and that Board members were asked for feedback at the earliest possible time. Mark also noted that he has a 40-year record of success in staging Project events.

Lois expressed a general belief that the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of autonomy for the committee chairs. Secretary Jay Wilensky respectfully disagreed, noting that substantial conflicts have occurred recently between the Board and the chairs, and that because it is the chairs who primarily do the work, they should be allowed to exercise their discretion.

[The discussion goes on, sec’y].

Board Decision-Making:

Trustee Allan Kugel expressed discomfort at the speed at which the request for substantial funding by Horses Sing None Of It was approved at the January meeting. Allan added that “it takes time to make good decisions.” Because of time constraints, the issue was tabled for future consideration.

Valentine’s Show:

The meeting closed with rousing applause for the efforts of rookie producer Chris Bukata in making the Valentine’s Day Extravaganza an artistic and financial success. Jean Scully, Head Staff for the event, noted that the bank deposit from the show was $1,200.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m. The next meeting will be held on March 6, 2018, at the home of Mitch Radler.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary.