Embedded Files
The Proposal
From: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 1:41 PM
To: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>
Cc: getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Dear Board,
Christine Deleon and I visited a potential Getaway site this Tuesday: Stony Point Center. We believe it will be the best and most-suitable festival site ever. Two other groups are interested in the site, so:
• We scheduled a tour for this Sunday, June 10, at 1:00 pm.
• Anyone interested in joining the tour, please RSVP.
The advantages are:
• Private rooms with two adult beds for 170 guests with sheets, blankets and llinens
• 11 rooms (22 guests) with private baths.
• A pleasant rural business campus one hour from Morristown
• A compact layout - shorter distances on flat grounds between all activities
• A dedicated auditorium and a large, easily navigable dining room
• More and better places for workshops, late night activities and jamming
• An adequate room for a contra dance
• Stony Point's mission and management are generally aligned with the Project's
The disadvantages are:
• Availability - The weekend before Memorial Weekend is the only weekend available
The new date is acceptable, maybe even better at this point in our success
Columbus Weekend is currently available
• Timing - We should decide ASAP
All other spring and summer weekends are rented and unavailable
Two other groups visited since Christine and I. They requested the weekend we pencilled in.
• Price - It is more expensive. We will have numbers by Tuesday.
The price of this better site with private adult accommodations is very reasonable
Unfortunately, we haven’t raised our price in seven years. This jump will be larger than it should have been.
Creative planning will reduce the increase. We’re working on the numbers and strategies
• Tenting and RV parking is not available
Unless we build a site from scratch to our own specifications, no site will be a perfect site. After inspecting 20 sites or more, Stony Point is the best we’ve ever seen.
See you Sunday,
Mark & Robin
From: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2018 10:37 AM
To: fullboard@folkproject.org
Cc: Mark Schaffer <getaway@folkproject.org>; Diane Polledri <dpolledrislp@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Board,
The Stony Point tour begins a 1:00 pm.
Robin and I will be having lunch there at 12:00 pm.
You want to see this place.
Here are direction links:
Stony Point Center Directions:
Google Map Directions from Morristown:
Emergency Board Meeting
From: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 2:57 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
All - I just spoke with Mark to get some clarification on what he meant by by his use of the term “ASAP.” The urgency has to do with the unfortunate fact that someone else is seeking to claim the time slot, requiring that we move quickly on this before losing the opportunity. I am therefore calling for an emergency Board meeting at my house Tuesday night to consider the matter further.
Given the time constraints and I view of our previous discussions regarding venue changes for Getaway, I want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to get information and provide any input. Accordingly, please feel free to use this email chain to ask questions and offer productive, reasonable input.
Best,
Steve Humphreys
From: Dave Heistand <dheistand@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 3:16 PM
To: sh50984@gmail.com
Cc: getaway@folkproject.org; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Steve - Sounds good. I'll be there and look forward to hearing those numbers.
- Dave H.
From: Patricia Brangs <pbrangs18@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 4:29 PM
To: Dave Heistand <dheistand@comcast.net>
Cc: sh50984@gmail.com; getaway@folkproject.org; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
I’ll be there.
Pat
From: Joanne Cronin <joannelcronin@optonline.net>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 8:15 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
I will still be out of town on tour day and I can’t make the Tuesday emergency board meeting. Please be detailed in Board reports, thanks!
Joanne
From: George Otto <g_otto@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 8:40 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Cc: getaway@folkproject.org; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; George Otto <GeorgeOtto@mac.com>
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Unfortunately, I will be down in Maryland during the site visit. However, I hope to be back for the emergency board meeting.
From: Paul Fisher <paul.folk.fisher@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2018 9:28 AM
To: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
HI Steve,
Please post a time for the meeting. I should be able t make it.
Paul
From: Lindsey Meyer <lmeyer123@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2018 10:33 AM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Hi All,
Can't make it to the tour but will try to attend the Tuesday meeting.
From: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2018 10:10 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
All - Just a reminder that we will convene a meeting of the Board (and anyone else who is interested) at my house tomorrow night at 8 p.m., to provide information and solicit input regarding the Getaway Committee's tentative plan to relocate Getaway to Stony Point, NY.
My address is 6 Penn Rise Court, Randolph, NJ. You can reach me at (973) 476-6792 with any questions.
Regards,
Steven Humphreys
Issues for Investigation
From: Bob Safranek <rjs@benevue.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 2:45 PM
To: fullboard@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Two things to look at since it is in another state:
1) insurance (does our company offer insurance in NY, if so, are the rates different?)
2) non-profit status - we are registered in NJ, does it transfer to NY or do we need to register there as well.
--bob
From: Andrew Koenig <ark@acm.org>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 6:32 PM
To: fullboard@folkproject.org
Subject: RE: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
3) Do we need workers’ compensation insurance for NY (probably)? How do we get it? (Not a clue)
From: Lori Falco <lwfalco@optonline.net>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 8:24 PM
To: ark@acm.org; fullboard@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
These are really good questions, Bob and Andy. The only one I can address is the question about our Liability Insurance. Moving to Stony Point will definitely have an impact on that, because our policy states that it is underwritten with the proviso that all of our activities take place in NJ. At this time, I do not know what the impact will be, but I will send an email to our agent tonight to inquire.
Lori
From: Lindsey Meyer <lmeyer123@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2018 10:33 AM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Hi All,
Can't make it to the tour but will try to attend the Tuesday meeting.
Stony Point sounds fantastic and just what we need. However, a couple of concerns and a question:
1. I'll be interested to hear the cost difference, as the higher price may cost us some attendees. I'm not sure I 'd be able to afford it, especially after I retire next year.
2. The drive during rush hour will be more like 2 hours for some of us, and that may affect people's decisions to attend. For example, it takes me 1+ hours just to get to Morristown on a Friday.
3. Does a "private room" with 2 beds mean that single attendees get a room to themselves? Or are they sharing with another person?
I'll be very interested to hear reports and answers to insurance etc. questions.
Lindsey
From: Lois DeRitter <lderitter@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2018 2:43 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Folk Project <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
I will be joining the tour. I have the concerns re cost increase Lindsey does, particularly because it appears there are no lower level accomodations like cabins, dorms or camping (personally, I'm perfectly happy with the accomodations at Bernie and was at all (4?) the other camps in the last 40+ years as well, though I certainly appreciate others are not and I could potentially have cause to be among them at any time). Also, would we have the whole center to ourselves, or might this depend on the number we could guarantee and, if so and this were a significantly higher number than currently, would it change the nature of the experience (not necessarily for the better)?
In any case, looking forward to the tour.
Lois
From: Bob McNally <bobmcnally@me.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2018 3:59 PM
To: Lois DeRitter <lderitter@gmail.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Folk Project <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Many good and useful questions by all!
Bob
General Commentary
From: Bob McNally <bobmcnally@me.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 2:59 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
58 minutes north of MUF. 6 minutes from Hudson River (Haverstraw Bay. Nice area...)
Bob
From: Bob McNally <bobmcnally@me.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 3:15 PM
To: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Reminder that the Festival/Getaway has moved 5 or 6 times in its history, always with good reasons. I hope any discussion about moving would be about the improvements and advantages of the new location (and any disadvantages) and not about change itself. The familiar is always comforting, and people often dislike change. I for one am looking forward to real beds in private rooms. Especially when I tuck in for my 5 hours of sleep after jamming until 3 AM.
Bob
From: Olga Alvarez <alvarez.olga@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 5:04 PM
To: Bob McNally <bobmcnally@me.com>
Cc: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>; Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
All for comfy-er accommodations
Olga Alvarez
From: Mike Agranoff <mike@mikeagranoff.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 11:47 PM
To: 'Board FP' <fullboard@folkproject.org>
Subject: RE: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
I find it ironic that I could comfortably afford to spend $300 to attend Getaway, and yet I have no complaints with the current sleeping accommodations at Camp Bernie. I wonder how many others are in my financial circumstances.
Mike Agranoff
www.MikeAgranoff.com
From: eroffman <eroffman@optonline.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2018 3:05 PM
To: Lindsey Meyer <lmeyer123@gmail.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Over the years there have been lots of problems and compromises at Camp Bernie. We’re used to it, but we deserve better. But even the best solutions aren’t perfect.
Mark (and the committee) have done a great job at building the Getaway back up to real success. (Remember that the old Festival model that they took over from wasn’t selling out, and often lost money.) I trust Mark (and the committee)’s judgement. They know their market and they are good at analyzing and coming up with excellent plans. If they say this is the best alternative that they have found for our audience, we should take their word for it.
Sent from my Phone, so please accept my apology for any phone generated errors, misspellings, or mistranscriptions due to incorrect auto-correction!
Eddie
From: bluesq5555 <bluesq55@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2018 10:36 AM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org; Marie Trontell <mtrontell@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
I'll pass on the tour, but given that our main problem with Bernie is the lack of good jamming spaces, I'm all for a location that solves that problem.
Jay, yer faithful Suckerterry
From: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2018 11:02 AM
To: Jay Wilensky <bluesq55@gmail.com>
Cc: fullboard@folkproject.org; Mark Schaffer <getaway@folkproject.org>; Marie Trontell <mtrontell@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Board,
Jay’s point has an addendum:
One big, positive impact on everyone's overall Getaway experience is better late night activities.
The large number of commuters who don’t tolerate camp conditions will now participate.
Mark & Robin
Personal Endorsements
From: Christine De Leon via Fullboard - Current and some former board members <fullboard@folkproject.org>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 5:42 PM
To: fullboard@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
I regret I will not be able to attend the emergency Board Meeting, but here I will gladly offer my thumbs WAY up for Stony Point Center.
The layout of the camp with the number of buildings and their close proximity alone is worth the move. Not to even mention the spacious dining room and well-appointed auditorium with padded seats, built-in raised stage, lighting similar to the Minstrel and air conditioning. There will be absolutely no crowding or lack of space in any meal, concert, workshop or jam at Stony Point because there are more indoor spaces than we have ever hoped for. Even if we get tired of being inside, the buildings surround a giant flat courtyard for the delight of sunbathers or a game of Ultimate and the dining room opens to a large patio with picnic tables. The dancers will be overjoyed with two large buildings sporting beautiful wood floors. Parking is close and there is never a worry about grass, gravel, ruts or giant potholes to swallow you whole. People staying in most of the lodging can navigate well without a flashlight.
The camp staff is friendly and ever striving to make our time there smooth and enjoyable. Need to type some workshop materials on a word processor and print them out? Done. Want to find a quiet place outside of the big jam for a small breakout musical project? No problem. Need to arrive late on Friday evening and still grab a meal before the inaugural concert? What would you like? Need to use the restroom during the concert? It's the first left after you step out of the back door of the auditorium.
One word ...
MATTRESSES! In every room! No bunks, no vinyl. This is the big time folks.
The longer drive is easy to swallow when taking into consideration what's waiting there. Ever arrive at Getaway and, between the parking and hauling your instruments up the stairs, you were already exhausted before the action started? Not at Stony Point. Drive up to the front door of your lodge, toss your stuff onto your bed (next to the camp-supplied linens), move your car to the paved lot and then stroll (for a minute and a half at most) to the dining hall. It's the same ease of process when we have to pack up and depart. Imagine an entire weekend Getaway where the only climbing is the one step onto the stage if you win the Vocalotto.
Even though I have stayed at Stony Point before, touring the complex with Mark was like seeing it all over again through the eyes of our Getaway and I couldn't stop smiling. I was wondering if some celestial intervention guided the builders to prepare the camp for The Folk Project. Stony Point is definitely the way to make our beloved Getaway even better.
Best,
Christine
From: Margy Capacelatro <millennium.margy@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 6:42 PM
To: fullboard@folkproject.org; fullboard@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
SP also has a farm and the farm to table food is great! Frank has been to SP with Christine and agrees with her on every point she just made. He wanted all of you to know about the food!
Margy
From: Frank Sole <franksole18@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2018 11:27 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Hi Mark,
FYI: The food at Stony Point is wonderful. They have their own farm and everything is farm to table.
Margy and I are planning to stop there for lunch at noon on Sunday on our way up to Woodstock. If you or anyone else would like to sample the food I suggest you meet us there. You can buy lunch at the front desk and enjoy a really good meal.
The staff is amazing.
LMK
Frank
The Decision
From: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 7:49 AM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
All - At last evening's meeting concerning the possible relocation of the Acoustic Getaway to Stony Point, New York, Robin Schaffer presented the attached PowerPoint comparing the various pros and cons of a move to the new location. (Note that the meeting was not an official Board meeting because, due to time constraints, advanced notice of it could not be provided within the 10-day minimum notice period required by the By-Laws.) The following people were in attendance: Board members: Steve Humphreys, Christine DeLeon, Dave Heistand, Jean Scully, Mark Schaffer, Lyndsey Myer, Evelyn McNally, Lois DeRitter, George Otto, Paul Fisher, Olga Alvarez, Mike Agranoff, Pam Robinson, Mitch Radler and John Mahon; FP members: Robin Schaffer, Frank Sole, Margie Sole and Jeff Loy.
Robin's presentation included a side-by-side appraisal of advantages and disadvantages of Camp Bernie and Stony Point and analysis of pricing that Robin and Mark said worked through with the oversight and endorsement of Treasurer Chris Reimer. Although the move will entail a price increase, Robin and Mark developed a structure that would effectively eliminate any impact on pricing for people who qualify due to ability to pay, as compared with modest price increases that would have been necessary in any event at Camp Bernie. Robin pointed out that Camp Bernie has gradually increased its price to Getaway over the past 7 years even though Getaway has not increased its prices to attendees during that entire period.
All15 Board members and 4 FP members present at the meeting supported the move in a straw poll taken at the end of the presentation and a question and answer period. In addition, I received input from 2 other Board members not in attendance indicating a strong thumbs up in favor of the move. (My own personal view, expressed at last night's meeting, is that the value and long-term benefits to securing Getaway's continued future success derived from the move is worth the cost and can be viewed, in that respect, as an investment.) There are, of course, other financing options to further moderate the need for price increases, but these will have to await future Board action.
As Mark will need to commit to the move by this Thursday in order to secure our spot, please contact Mark or Robin with any questions/input by today, if possible.
Regards,
Steve Humphreys
From: 'Robin Schaffer' via Fullboard - Current and some former board members <fullboard@folkproject.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 8:55 AM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
HI all,
From me... thanks so much for the active engagement and great questions from those who were able to join. As you know, I'm usually on the sidelines in terms of the Board processes. I felt warmly welcomed and I appreciate it.
The committee devotes countless hours to strategizing on, planning, and executing the Getaway. .
It is gratifying to have the commitment of the Board to make it the event we believe our community truly deserves at this stage of the Folk Project's evolution.
Thanks again!
Robin
From: Paul Fisher <paul.folk.fisher@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 9:03 AM
To: Robin Schaffer <robinjs19@yahoo.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Hi Robin,
And you did a great job with the presentation of the well thought-out argument.
Thank you
Paul
From: Frank Sole <franksole18@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 9:10 AM
To: Robin Schaffer <robinjs19@yahoo.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Great job!
From: 'Robin Schaffer' via Fullboard - Current and some former board members <fullboard@folkproject.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 3:27 PM
To: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Cc: Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Steve,
I just re-read your message, and I think it's a bit unclear.
The nature of the straw poll was the Board's willingness to invest in the program-- in order to keep the prices at the target rates presented on the slides.
Just wanted to make sure that was clear to everyone.
From: Steven Humphreys <sh50984@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 3:56 PM
To: Robin Schaffer <robinjs19@yahoo.com>
Cc: Mark Schaffer <markschaffer100@gmail.com>; Board FP <fullboard@folkproject.org>; getaway@folkproject.org
Subject: Re: Getaway Invitation: New, Improved Site Tour
Thanks, Robin. I do recall Mark framing that as the question prior to the poll.
- Steve
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