January 2018

The January 2, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m., at the home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky. President Steve Humphreys presided over a spirited meeting in which the Board made a substantial endorsement and investment in our Horses Sing None Of It cable television venue.

Present: Steve Humphreys, Kathi Caccavale, Jay Wilensky, Chris Riemer, Bob McNally, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Olga Alvarez, Evelyn McNally, Allan Kugel, Ken Brody, Dave Heistand, Christine DeLeon (officers and directors); Lois DeRitter, Sandie Reilly, Joanne Cronin, Mike Agranoff, George Otto, Paul Fisher, John Mahon, Pam Robinson, Mitch Radler, Pam Robinson, Lindsey Meyer (committee chairs).

Absent: Jean Scully, Leigh Walker, Mark Schaffer.

Guests: Tom Taylor, Judy Felton Storey, Evelyn Maurer, Ralph Litwin.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The minutes of the November and December, 2017 meetings were accepted.

The Board voted to allocate up to $20,000 to Horses Sing None Of It, to purchase new equipment for production of HSNOI programming.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

[Sec’y note]: Treasurer Chris Riemer’s report depicted net income for the Project in 2017 of $25,147. The “lion’s share” of profits was amassed by Special Concerts, followed by Minstrel and FP General (including the Morris Arts Council grant and dues).

President: Steve welcomed the new Board members, and encouraged members to volunteer to host meetings.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Horses Sing None Of It:

Chair Sandie Reilly presented HSNOI’s request for substantial funding for new equipment that will enable Horses to both use its new home at Mendham TV and record programs off-site. Sandie noted that Horses has produced 700 shows of folk music on local-access television over 28 years, and is now being shown in 254 towns. And, after its loss of the use of the Comcast studio, HSNOI has found a well-suited new home at Mendham TV. The studio is a bare room; Mendham TV has broadcast facilities, but not production equipment.

According to Sandie, HSNOI will have access to that facility 24/7, and accordingly will be able to book more performers and do so farther in advance. The studio will be available to Horses for as long as Mendham TV owns the studio.

Sandie, noting that HSNOI currently has 20 volunteers, continued that the studio will provide increased opportunities for training volunteers and to involve young people in production and in the Project. President Steve noted that a strong and growing HSNOI venue will provide a major opportunity for the Project to become involved with the Morris and State Arts Councils, and, along with our newly-revamped Open Stage, boost youth involvement in the Project.

Sandie presented a detailed proposal, prepared by Ralph Litwin in consultation with B&H Photo Video, to obtain the necessary equipment. The total projected cost, including three Canon XA30 Camcorders, six microphones, and necessary attachments, is $18,177. Sandie described the proposed equipment as professional grade, but not top-of-the-line. She noted that Horses wants to do studio-quality production, and that used equipment is of lesser quality than the equipment in the proposal. Sandie also noted that B&H will set up the equipment and train operators.

An extended discussion took place. Mike Agranoff, as a self-described “curmudgeon,” expressed reservations about the proposed cost. Chris Riemer stated that the Project can afford the proposed purchase if the Board decides to proceed; Mike noted that the sum requested represents 40% of the Project’s available funds. Sandie expressed willingness to contribute $2,000 of her own if necessary. George Otto offered to have the proposal evaluated by knowledgeable contacts of his, and Ralph was amenable to the suggestion; however, George concluded that the proposal is “the best we can do,” and recommended approval. Additionally, Bob McNally endorsed B&H as a vendor.

Olga Alvarez asked whether it might be possible to realize profits from the purchase. Sandie stated that Mendham TV would be open to using the studio for training purposes, but noted that the venue must remain non-commercial. Lindsey suggested that a special meeting be held to consider the proposal. Allan Kugel, noting the cost of the proposal, suggested that the Board “sleep on it.” However, both Kathi Caccavale and Lois DeRitter stated that the issue has been pending for some time and should be resolved.

Ultimately, and with applause for Sandie and Ralph, the Board accepted the proposal by a vote of 16 to 1, allocating $20,000 to cover minor overruns. Sandie warmly thanked the Board for “entrusting” HSNOI.

Getaway WRITTEN REPORT

Co-chair Elizabeth Lachowicz noted that the lineup for Spring Getaway has been announced.

Minstrel Booking WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff added that the booking of Andy Cohen for April 27 is as the opening act.

Archives: Chair Lindsey Meyer reported no developments.

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his report.

Community Services:

Co-chair Lois DeRitter reported no developments.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin rested on her report.

Event Hosting: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Jean Scully was unable to attend, and rested on her report.

Special Concerts: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson rested on her report.

Minstrel Staffing: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Jean Scully was unable to attend, and rested on her report.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

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

Intentions and Resources:

Chair Bob McNally reported no developments.

Newsletter:

Chair George Otto reported no developments.

Open Stage:

Chair Mitch Radler reported no developments.

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-chair John Mahon reported no developments.

OLD BUSINESS

President Steve announced that he has prepared a guide to the intricate election procedures required by the new Bylaws, noting that the complications were necessary to bring the Project into compliance with pertinent laws and regulations. Steve noted that “hiccups” arose during last month’s election because it is illegal to allot a second Board vote to a Committee, and Committee Co-Chairs may not have been aware of that prohibition. Steve clarified that a committee co-chair is an honorary, non-voting position. Responding to concerns raised by Evelyn Maurer, Steve noted that the present co-chairs, Mike Del Vecchio and Pat Brangs, have agreed to serve without a vote arising from the position, and that the Board now has the 25 directors allotted in the Bylaws.

Steve also gently repeated his prior request that Board members moderate their comments about fellow members, and in e-mails and public forums such as our Facebook page. The operative words are “play nice.”

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 8:00 p.m. on February 6, 2018, at the home of Steve Humphreys.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary