May 2018

The May 1, 2018 meeting was called to order at 8:01 p.m., at Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky’s Western Outpost.

ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Bob McNally, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Sandie Reilly.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The minutes of the April 3, 2018 Board meeting were accepted.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President:

Steve Humphreys noted that his push for civil discourse is showing results, and awarded the Board a gold star for April.

Treasurer:

Chris Riemer stated that because some figures remain outstanding, his report was not completed by the time of the meeting. However, he reported that all is well financially.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Horses Sing None of It: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Sandie Reilly was unable to attend. Representative Ken Brody reported that all of the venue’s new equipment is in place, and HSNOI intends to begin scheduling shows for taping within the next month. President Steve suggested holding an open house to display the new setup, and intends to attend the first taping of the new era. Steve asked that the Folk Project name be displayed on the backdrop to the Horses set, and Ken agreed.

Joanne Cronin reported that she had received a note from a Project member who was concerned about the amount of the expenditure for HSNOI’s new equipment. Joanne suggested inviting that person to the open house, and Ken offered to do so. Steve stated that he has been in touch with that member.

Special Concerts/Uke Fest: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Pam Robinson reported that the two April Special Concerts events, the Doolin’ concert and “Jammin’ With the Stars” with Jackie Bristow and Mark Punch, were financial and artistic successes. Doolin’, says Pam, “blew the roof off,” and Jackie and Mark earned a performance slot at Fall Getaway. Pam has scheduled a Special Concert with Toby Walker in September, is working on the annual Holiday Show to benefit MUF, and hopes to schedule one more Special Concert this year.

Pam noted that she has begun to include information about HSNOI with Uke Fest performer’s contacts, and that [uke whiz, sec’y] Victoria Vox has contacted Horses. Pam hopes to be able to use the new HSNOI equipment to record Uke Fest. Pam also noted that the UF Committee is working on vendors and sponsors, and the Kala instrument company has donated two ukes for the silent auction.

Chris Riemer added that the follow-up e-mail sent to attendees of the Doolin’ concert, advising of the band’s Web site and other scheduled dates, was a “nice touch,’ and a good example of the use of social media as conversation.

Getaway: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mark Schaffer reported that Spring Getaway has sold out [as always – and as always, a tremendous success, sec’y], and that an extension through Monday will be offered. Mark noted that freelance writer Bill Nutt plans to write an article about the Project for the Morristown Record, and that he will present Getaway and Jammin’ With the Stars to Bill as crystallizations of FP: entertainment, education, and participation.

Mark also noted that the Bristow/Punch date came about because their tour fell through and the artists contacted Mark through the Project’s Arizona ambassadors, Andrew and Barbara Hines; they contacted us “in desperation,” and then said that it was the best date on their tour. [Really nice that we can not just present performers but help them as well, sec’y].

Open Stage: WRITTEN REPORT

President Steve announced that Open Stage is beginning to show a small profit, and Chair Mitch Radler noted that the Bunk Bed [house] Band is “coming together and doing great.” Mitch also reported that in May, OS will welcome a group from Rose House, for people with disabilities; Mitch hopes to host a similar group each month, and asked for help locating such groups from Board members with connections to social services. Lindsey Meyer praised this community outreach, and President Steve noted that it would be “great’ for the Project to be known as a service-oriented organization.

Mitch also announced that this year’s “Summersongs” show will occur on June 22. The theme will be “The Summer of Love,” and the event will feature dancing, and performance with the house band by new and long-time Project members and Open Stage regulars. Kathi Caccavale asked whether Mitch had considered the possibility of/need for a dance floor, and Mitch said that he would look into it. The Board applauded Mitch for his remarkable achievements with OS.

Swingin’ Tern: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Leigh Walker reported another strong month, and the addition of two new volunteers, Sacha Forgotson and Andrew Warner, to replace two long-time volunteers who have moved on. Leigh also reported that the April increase in the admission price to $12 has not hurt attendance.

Minstrel Booking: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Mike Agranoff reported that the special June 16 Frank Vignola show is likely to sell out, and an overflow room is being considered. Windborne, a superb young harmony trio, will open for Vignola.

Mike was pleased to announce the booking, for April 16, 2019, of RPR, which includes three alums of [the late, Project favorite, sec’y] Tanglefoot.

Mike also noted that the lawsuit involving MUF and its neighbors has been resolved, although details of the settlement have not been released. Mike accordingly expects that the planned renovations to MUF will proceed, although the timing is not known. Mike still plans to hold Minstrel concerts at Chatham Presbyterian Church during the work.

Publicity: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Paul Fisher rested on his amended report.

Newsletter: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair George Otto requested that submitted articles not have two spaces after periods. [A fascinating conversation ensued and continued on e-mail, sec’y].

Community Services: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Lois DeRitter relied on the Committee’s report.

Sound Reinforcement:

Co-Chair John Mahon reported that MUF has installed a new computer that has resolved ongoing technical issues with Concert Window, and added that he received a comment, concerning the Doolin’ concert, that Minstrel has the best audio/video of any Concert Window venue that the commenter had seen. Mike Agranoff noted that “very few” venues actually use CW; it's mostly a platform for individual bands and performers.

Minstrel Staffing:

Chair Jean Scully reported that it’s “coming along.” She noted that Minstrel has a huge surplus of dishes and utensils, and so much tea that quantities had to be thrown out; so, generous members should check before donating such items. Jean added that Head Staff should be aware of the amount of such items on hand, as well as to remember to print out the volunteer list for shows.

Event Hosting:

Chair Jean Scully noted that a host for the June Evening of Music is still needed. Jean [enthusiastically] reported plans to hold the July Eve O’ at the Pavilion in Oak Hills, an outdoor facility on a riverbank in Mike A.’s neighborhood that features a covered area, a swimming pool, and kayaking. Neighbors will be invited, and a pot-luck will be held.

Steve Humphreys will again host the Fourth of July picnic, and burgers and hot dogs will be provided. An astute observer noted that the picnic will occur one week before the Eve O’, and Jean will consider moving the Pavillion event to August.

Membership: WRITTEN REPORT

Chair Joanne Cronin rested on her report.

Archives:

Chair Lindsey Meyer reported that she will re-send the questionnaire concerning items appropriate for archiving which members may have or know of, and asks that members respond on the form contained in the mailing.

NEW BUSINESS

MUF Sound:

Kathi Caccavale reported that discussions with MUF concerning sound quality in the hall are ongoing. MUF recognizes that problems exist, but has many other concerns and projects; additionally, aesthetic concerns may affect the ability to address the issue.

Treasurer Office:

Treasurer Chris Riemer reported his concern that the Treasurer position is becoming unmanageably large. "Too big to fill," in his estimation. Lively discussion ensued, with Mark Schaffer suggesting that the term be lengthened, particularly given how well Chris is doing the job; however, legal guru President Steve noted that the two-year term limit is required by law. Secretary Jay stated that particularly given the successful effort to bring the Project’s structure into legal compliance, any solution should comply with the law as well, meaning that the Treasurer’s essential functions should be performed by the person who actually holds the post. A consensus emerged that the post should be divided into multiple positions reporting to the Treasurer and that one of those sub-posts should be used to train the next Treasurer. The possibility of hiring a part-time bookkeeper, and obtaining volunteer expertise concerning restructuring the position through the Pro Bono Partnership, were also discussed. Chris will consider the issue and report back within in a few months.

Chris also noted that Lori Falco, who has been serving as the Project’s PayPal administrator, wishes to step down. Chris stated that although George Otto is the owner of the account, the administrator’s function probably falls under the Treasurer’s purview.

Misc:

Pam R. noted that a fall occurred after a Minstrel show in the parking lot, in the area where the pavement and gravel meet. The Project contacted the person who fell, and she was very grateful for the concern.

ONWARD!

The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 5, 2018, at president Steve Humphreys’ Northern White House.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, Secretary.