Embedded Files
Meeting called to order at 8:03 p.m. on March 5, at the Chatham-Summit Friends Meetinghouse, 158 Southern Blvd, Chatham, NJ. Mike lead a singalong of the Star-Spangled Banner, “because it wasn’t controversial.” Jean will lead next month’s song.
MOTIONS MADE
January minutes were accepted; February minutes accepted as amended by corrections by Mike A and Bob M.
The board accepted Mike Agranoff's recommendation to change the name of the Minstrel Concert Series to "Folk Project Friday Concerts."
The board accepted the final recommendations made by Robin's eCommunications committee.
The board accepted the final recommendations of Bob McNally's Future Planning committee.
ROLL CALL
Present: Trustees: Elizabeth Lachowicz, Todd Dennison, Lois DeRitter, Bob McNally, Dave Heistand, Christine DeLeon, Ken Brody, Allan Kugel, Evelyn McNally; Officers: Paul Fisher, Jay Wilensky, Jean Scully; Committees: Lindsey Meyer, John Mahon, Elly Faden, Pat Brangs, Mark Schaffer, Sandie Reilly, Jay Wilensky, Gary Pratt, Mike Agranoff, Lisa Hallman Guests: Wendy Keilin, Lori Falco, Steve Humphreys. Absent: Chris Riemer, George Otto, Mitch Radler. Pam Robinson, Leigh Walker
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Sanctuary Concerts donated $323 and stipulated it should go to Getaway. It was agreed that in all cases, past, present and future, a donor’s wishes should be honored as to where their gift is applied. Gary noted that the board’s only discretion should be as to whether to accept the gift or not; once it is accepted, the donor’s wishes should be honored.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
4/5: David Stoddard opening for Cheryl Wheeler; Mike will be promoting him as a main act. 6/7: Jean Scully will be opening for Small Potatoes. 8/16: Andy Dunn opening for Richard Shindell. Parking Lot issue: Tabled motion from last month was passed to use Morris Museum’s parking lot when MUF’s is being paved; total project may last 3-4 months as it is also redoing drainage, etc.; no starting date yet. Jean will look into getting volunteers for ferry service/walking help if necessary. Many logistics still TBD. Minstrel Name Change: Recent events refocusing the nation’s attention on the racist history of the blackface “minstrel shows” has unfortunately made it uncomfortable for MUF to host our concert series with its present name. A delegation from the board met with the Rev. Alison Miller last week to discuss the issue; although Mike was initially reluctant to lose our 40-year brand, reading a post by an African-American MUF member later changed his mind. Mike’s proposed new name of the Folk Project Concerts was met with a mix of acceptance, wailing/gnashing of teeth and muffled screaming, and suggestions to take our time to find a more creative name. Many committees and subcommittees will be affected and must take action to promote the new name, whatever it is. After lengthy discussion, a motion was carried to accept the new name Folk Project Friday Concerts. Bob M thanked Mike for his work on this emotionally difficult subject. Mike will coordinate the work to change the name across the universe.
MINSTREL STAFFING
Jean will work to recruit some more folks to do the Head Staff position, typically a harder position to fill. Responding to a question from Ken, Gary noted that he is in communication with Amy regarding advance ticket sales so that extra staff can be in place for big shows. Gary has volunteered to be the second Door person for large shows as our process is still being tweaked.
Anyone wanting to host an Evening of Music or the 4th of July Picnic, please contact Jay. He is also open to new events under Event Hosting; bring any and all ideas.
SOUND REINFORCEMENT
John traveled to the new Stony Point Getaway site with several other FP staff to check out the sound situation.
Robin asked for any comments regarding the committee’s amended report. It was accepted as presented, with a round of applause for the committee’s work.
BUSINESS ITEMS
Bob McNally presented Recommendations 3 and 4, involving the importance of our volunteers and basic guidelines for successful activities respectively, and asked that they be accepted by the board. Bob noted that all the work of Future Planning gives a gift to future boards, laying a foundation for future controversies and decision points. Paul noted that the second recommendation was especially useful to codify what has heretofore been instinctual. Mike asked how this will be kept accessible and not lost in a Spielbergian-sized archive, and suggested it be given to new board members. Bob M noted there have been discussions of a new board member “orientation packet”; Lindsey noted it should go on the Wiki page with the constitution and by-laws. Wendy noted they could be used in committee reports as well. Motion to accept was passed.
NEW MEETING VENUE
The April and May meetings will be held at the Chatham-Summit Friends (Quaker) Meetinghouse, 158 Southern Boulevard in Chatham, just down the road from the former site of the Sanctuary concerts. It is fully accessible, with an ADA-compliant bathroom as well! What to do about refreshments will be discussed before next month’s meeting, with several members proposing to bring pizza or pick up snacks.
ADJOURMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m. As noted above, future meetings are planned to be in the Chatham Summit Friends Meetinghouse, 158 Southern Boulevard, Chatham.
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