July 2018

The July 3, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:07 p.m., in Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky’s Western Outpost and Saloon.

ROLL CALL

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

[Low turnout probably due to pre-holiday date of meeting, sec’y].

MOTIONS

• • The Board approved the June, 2018 minutes.

  • The Board authorized Open Stage chair Mitch Radler to apply for apply for a general (non-matching) grant available from Morris Arts, to be used for Open Stage.

  • The Board congratulated Project member Katherine Rondeau on her selection to appear in the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artists Showcase.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President: WRITTEN REPORT

Steve Humphreys reported on a brief survey, responded to by 51 members, which he floated in connection with the ongoing discussions about the state and the future of the project. Results show that a significant majority attend Project events frequently, are satisfied with the events and the Board, and perceive a “good” or “satisfactory” level of collegiality between Board members.

Nonetheless, Steve has noted a recent increase of fractiousness among Board members, and stated that he has devoted significant time and effort recently in mediating personal issues between Board members. Steve particularly noted that recent improvements in the level of e-mail communications have eroded, and urged members to “police” their language in e-mails.

A particular point of contention has been the use of various e-mail lists by venue chairs. Steve has appointed an ad hoc committee, actually a continuation of a previous committee chaired by Robin Schaffer to address the issue. Additionally, Dave Heistand is working on a separate report concerning the Board’s internal communications.

Steve stressed the importance of everyone on the Board receiving a full, fair and welcoming opportunity to participate in the Board’s brainstorming and decision-making functions, and stressed that the ultimate issue is civility and respect among Board members. In a separate discussion, Elizabeth Lachowicz noted the existence of separate “camps” within the Board as a particular problem, and Steve noted the necessity of support by the entire Board for decisions that are made.

Steve also noted that a perception among the membership of discord on the Board could affect participation in Project functions. Steve suggested that a Board retreat be held to address communications issues, and the idea will be considered at the next meeting.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Sultan of Swag Chris Riemer relied on his report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Future Planning: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Bob McNally reported that the Committee expects to issue its report soon. The Committee has identified approximately 30 separate resources available to the Project – most importantly its volunteers and the individual champions of its activities - and is concentrating on how best to use those resources to ensure the future of the Project. Bob noted that the Project has done well at planning individual events, but envisions the Committee’s report as a basis for strategic planning and strategizing by the Project as a whole, and for the Project as a whole.

Bob summarized the areas which the Committee is looking into are the Project’s sustainability and growth, as well as refinement of its activities and the cultivation and support of [event and venue, sec’y] champions. The Committee will also consider enhancing the Project’s mission statement.

Open Stage:

Chair Mitch Radler was unable to attend, and no developments were reported.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mark Schaffer reported that Getaway is “going great,” and that plans to move to upscale accommodations at Stony Point are steaming ahead. Mark noted with particular pleasure that Gary Pratt, a member of the Stony Point Board, came to our Summersongs event, “fell in love” with the Project, and is renegotiating our agreement with Stony Point; Mark’s hope is that the Committee will be able to present “the same Getaway” without cutting into the budget for performers.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson was unable to attend, and relied on her report.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff’s report noted a relatively good month at the Minstrel, with the Frank Vignola Trio and Jacob Johnson shows drawing particularly well. Mike was especially pleased with the Jacob Johnson show, because J.J. was chosen as a headliner by audience vote after performing as an opening act, and because a significant part of the audience came to see the opener, the Project’s own Chris Bukata.

Mike noted that Mike DelVecchio and Mitch Radler have offered to assist in the booking process, although that has not yet occurred.

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.

Horses Sing None Of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Sandie Reilly was unable to attend, and relied on her report.

Minstrel Staffing and Event Hosting:

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

Elizabeth Lachowicz reported the news that [relatively new Projectile, sec’y] Dara Diamont will produce the annual Halloween show; Elizabeth was happy to see Dara step forward. Paul Fisher noted the importance of providing new champions with guidance and support, and suggested that Dara speak with Chris Bukata [Rookie of the Year for his production of this year’s Valentine show, sec’y].

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin is concerned because total membership has dropped below 500. She does not know the reason, but notes that difficulties with the e-mail list could be the culprit. She plans to send another “time to renew” e-mail blast.

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-chair John Mahon reported that “gremlins’ have begun to creep back into Concert Window transmissions. He suspects that the cause could be an issue of network-traffic with MUF.

Archives:

Chair Lindsey Meyer reported that it is likely that the historical materials to be collected by the Committee will be organized and housed at Rutgers, which already has six boxes of Project materials. Lindsey added that no facility in Morris County has sufficient space for the undertaking, and Bob McNally noted that association with a university would be advantageous.

Community Services: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Lois DeRitter rested on her report.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto was unable to attend, and rested on his report.

NEW BUSINESS

ASCAP/BMI:

Mike Agranoff reported that from now on, he will produce ASCAP reports for all events held at MUF, and that BMI will be raising its rates “slightly” as of July. Mike also reported that Folk Alliance International has negotiated an exemption from licensing fees for house concerts, and is also negotiating for a lower rate for member organizations; Mike has presented data about the Project to FAI, in hope of receiving that discount.

Morris Arts Grant Application:

President Steve reported that Open Stage chair Mitch Radler attended a grant-writing workshop sponsored by Morris Arts, and learned of available grants. Mitch would be willing to apply for a grant to be used for Open Stage. The Board authorized application for a general (non-matching) grant.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:29. The next meeting will be held on August 7, 2018, at the home of Mark and Robin Schaffer.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary