June 2018

The June 5, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m., in Steve Humphreys’ Presidential Palace. The meeting was particularly productive, congenial, and applause-filled [sec’y].

ROLL CALL

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

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

• • The Board approved the May, 2018 minutes.

  • The Board allocated $100 to Steve Humphreys for floor coverings for his home for the July 4 picnic.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

Dear Leader Steve Humphreys reported that all is quiet in Lake Wobegone.

Treasurer: WRITTEN REPORT

Lord of the Lucre Chris Riemer was unable to attend, and relied on his report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Services: WRITTEN REPORT

Co-chair Lois DeRitter noted that Jim Gartner’s brother recently passed away, but that Jim was able to participate in a service at the Soldier’s Heart Conference in his memory. Elizabeth Lachowicz asked for good wishes for Jim West, who, for medical reasons, missed his first Festival/Getaway in 40 years this Spring.

Mike Agranoff noted that, at Kathi Caccavale’s suggestion, he broached the idea of having Project performers play at MUF services, and that MUF, and its new acting music director Stearns Matthews, were very receptive. The idea is still in its early stages, but is very promising, and was met with enthusiastic approval by the Board. Mike made the suggestion in connection with his wider efforts to involve MUF members in Minstrel.

President Steve noted that it is his “dream” to increase cross-fertilization between MUF and the Project. Kathi noted that the Project performer(s) can be noted in the Order of Service, and CS Co-chair Pat Brangs observed that such increased visibility for Project musicians would dovetail with her and FP’s efforts to attract new musicians.

Pat also mentioned her efforts to expand the Project Performer Directory. Jean Scully noted that Open Stage Chair Mitch Radler could use listing in the Directory as an incentive for OS attendees to join the Project, and Mitch agreed.

Event Hosting:

Chair Jean Scully noted that she had been recruiting for new Evening Of Music hosts at Getaway, and that two new volunteers came forward. Jean is trying to balance the Eve O’ schedule geographically. Jean also noted that President Steve will graciously host both the June Eve O’ and the July 4 picnic, and that the July Eve O’ will be held in the riverside outdoor pavilion in Mike Agranoff’s neighborhood.

Mike noted that some long-time Project jammers have lately not been attending the Eve O’, and Jean suggested that they be asked to host.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto reported that Newsletter operations are proceeding as usual. George, noting that a strength of our Newsletter is that we include coverage of events staged by other organizations, asked that people keep him updated on new venues in the Northern NJ-NYC area, for listing in the newsletter.

Mark Schaffer praised the Newsletter’s inside continuation of front-page articles, allowing two or three items to receive front-page placement.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin was unable to attend, and relied on her report.

Horses Sing None Of It:

Chair Sandie Reilly reported that although the Committee is still readying the studio, the venue is close to operating again. She noted that the video quality with the new equipment is “great.” Horses will offer studio tours and will have room for 15 audience members. Mike A. noted that the larger audience will produce more substantial-sounding applause.

The idea of charging admission to Horses tapings, or accepting donations, was broached. Sandie is not opposed to the idea. Allan Kugel suggested that, in light of the new studio, a new opening sequence for Horses shows be filmed. Sandie noted that “nostaligia” is a factor, and a reason for keeping the original opening.

Sound Reinforcement:

President Steve led a round of applause for Chair John Mahon, for the “excellent” sound at Getaway. Additionally, Jean Scully thanked John for piping the Minstrel concert sound into the lobby every week.

Mike Agranoff mentioned that he has prepared revisions to the manuals for the MUF operating systems.

John noted that there have been issues with the sub-woofers at MUF, but that the problems are fixable.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mark Schaffer, to more applause, reported another “great” Getaway. He thanked the volunteers, and the sound volunteers in particular.

Spring Getaway wrapped up $2-3,000 in the black. Mark plans to use part of the surplus to fund Getaway Recording Day, in which Project members can record a multi-tracked song at Mix-O-Lydian Studios; singers will be accompanied by a house band led by Todd Dennison, and the recording cost will be discounted to $1,000 by Mix-O-Lydian sound maven Don Sternecker. Mark added that the recording project is particularly aimed at “newbies,” and that he hopes that it will produce two or three “lifers.” He hopes to repeat the project annually.

Elizabeth described the project as a “dream come true” for aspiring musicians, and Steve hailed it as an incentive for joining the Project.

Mark thanked Robin Schaffer, Yolanda Fundora, Liz Pagan, and John Lamb for creating and posting a “beautiful” permanent symbol for Getaway on the Project Web page.

Mark also noted that Getaway is always looking for a better location. [See below].

Mark noted that he has obtained stage flats for use at Getaway from the Morris Museum.

And, Mark and Open Stage chair Mitch Radler floated the idea of a Project Open Stage tent at the Falcon Ridge festival. The idea met with immediate approval, and President Steve offered to spearhead the effort. Experienced Falcon Ridger Sandie Reilly noted that staking out a space is informal and easy, and that it would be possible to make it happen this year.

Archives:

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

Special Concerts/Uke Fest: WRITTEN REPORT

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

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher was unable to attend, and relied on his report.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff reported “continuing” poor attendance and disappointing revenues at Minstrel. He will attempt to remedy the problem by having Mitch Radler book some opening acts from Open Stage and involving Mike DelVecchio in the booking process. Mike will also book and personally subsidize some high-profile acts, and is close to landing [the brilliant, sec’y] Susan Werner.

Minstrel Staffing:

Chair Jean Scully reported that staffing is going well, although Minstrel is still short on volunteers during some weeks. She plans to discuss tapping Open Stage attendees to volunteer with OS Chair Mitch Radler, who notes that some OSers have already volunteered. Jean is still considering combining the Head Staff and Bookkeeper positions; Ken Brody, however, noted the demanding nature of the Head Staff job. Jean also noted that at the last show, eight first-timer passes were redeemed, and six were given out [a nice sign of growth, sec’y].

Jean suggested that new tri-fold Project brochures be prepared. It was noted that Paul Fisher is actively working on that, and is looking for new photographs to include.

Trustee Dave Heistand noted that having many volunteers for Minstrel is a key component of the Project’s “community experience.” Mark Schaffer noted that the policy of a free admission for volunteers can help people financially. Jean added that the Project’s “fellowship” aspect has diminished, and that encouraging volunteering at Minstrel could rekindle it.

Open Stage: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mitch Radler rested on his report.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker added that May was a good month for dances but not for finances

NEW BUSINESS

A producer is still needed for this Fall’s Halloween show. Past producer Deborah Graham is willing to train a volunteer.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 9:49. The next meeting will be held on July 3, 2018, at Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky’s Western Outpost.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary.

POST MEETING BUSINESS

In an email sent after the meeting, Mark Schaffer presented plans to move the Getaway to a well-appointed camp in Stony Point, New York.

In response, president Steve Humphreys called an emergency meeting of the board, which was held at his home on June 12. At that meeting, the board voiced enthusiastic support for the proposed move, and a willingess to subsidize the higher cost of the facility. Correspondence related to this decision can be found here. [The contract is in the mail, and we expect to see you in Stony Point, May 17, 2019. (the week before the usual date). Yahoo! Sec’y]