October 2020

The October 6, 2020 meeting was called to order at 8:10 pm, via Zoom, by President Paul Fisher.

ROLL CALL

Present: Trustees: Elizabeth Lachowicz, Todd Dennison, Lois DeRitter, Dave Heistand, Paul Fisher, Allan Kugel, Evelyn McNally; Jeff Canter; Officers: Paul Fisher, Jay Wilensky, Peggy Karr, Jeff Canter (acting); Committees: Elizabeth Lachowicz, Mark Schaffer, Jay Wilensky, Gary Pratt, Mike Agranoff, George Otto, Todd Dennison, John Mahon, Lee Walker; Jean Scully, Sandie Reilly

Guests: Eitan Grunwald

Absent: Christine DeLeon, Lindsey Meyer, Evelyn Maurer

MOTIONS MADE

• Motion made to accept the September minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

  • Motion made to accept the amendments to the Bylaws presented during the September meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

  • Motion made that the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee be accepted by the board. Motion passed unanimously.

TREASURER'S REPORT (written report)

Treasurer Peggy Karr mentioned that she is still working on the refund checks. She also stated that Pat Brangs had to withdraw from bookkeeping due to family issues and Gary Pratt had to withdraw from ecommerce due to other responsibilities. Chris Riemer stepped in to help temporarily. She needs help with the bookkeeping and asked for volunteers. She also talked to an accountant to see what it might cost to get consultant services.

OLD BUSINESS

S863 Committee update

The committee met with Senator Sweeney's Labor Committee legislative aide Mark Ward, who said he would pass our concerns on to Senator Sweeney and that the bill is not presently being worked due to other priorities. Other actions include starting a letter writing campaign and considering a meeting with Republican State Minority Whip Bucco.

Proposed amendment to the by-laws on Board meetings.

President Paul Fisher recapped the two issues addressed by the amendment; that Zoom meetings could be held and that meetings could on less then a 10 day notice. See Motions Made.

Report from the Nominations Committee (slate)

Nomination Committee Chairperson Gary Pratt stated that he published the slate as produced by the nomination committee. See Motions Made.

Board email distribution lists.

Gary Pratt asked that people be cognizant of to whom they are sending emails. Further discussion tabled until next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Date for November Board Meeting

Date for next meeting will be November 10th (the following week) as is customary for Election years.

Planning for December meeting(s)

Paul described a time crunch traditionally seen in the December dinner meeting. This generated some discussion including a suggestion to tentatively schedule a second December meeting and cancel it if not needed. Another suggestion was to meet earlier or stay later. However, since the meeting this year is virtual, it would likely require less time than the traditional dinner. Final resolution was not to make any changes.

A further discussion was held as to how to invite members. Newsletter Chairperson George Otto said that the newsletter is traditionally used to invite members to the December meetings. Todd Dennison added that a mechanism could be added for members to register which could be used to ensure that only current members could attend. Other suggestions included using Constant Contact or creating a webpage. Further discussion occurred as to how a registration mechanism would work. Gary Pratt said he would consider all suggestions and he and Todd would handle the registration.

Recognition for Ralph Litwin

The board determined that Ralph's recognition mechanism would be handled by Community Services Chairperson Evelyn Maurer, and any one who wished to volunteer to assist her were encouraged to contact her.

Folk Project P.O. Box

The issues that were discussed were who would take over the P.O. box management after Ralph's departure and whether or not to move it from its present Mendham location. Gary mentioned that there are pay mail services which will provide a virtual P.O. Box, and would forward all mail to a designated address. Peggy volunteered to contact the Post Office to see what options they might have available. Further action will be taken when the results of the enquiries are known.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Publicity/Web (written report)

Stand on Report.

Sound Reinforcement

Nothing to report.

Archives

Open Stage (written report)

Stand on Report.

Troubadour Booking (written report)

Stand on Report.

Community Services (written report)

Swingin’ Tern

Dances have been postponed indefinitely. Dances will likely resume when the Governor allows medium/high risk activities.

Newsletter (written report)

George finally got his computer back, and has sent out both the electronic and paper copies.

Membership (written report)

Stand on Report.

Horses Sing None Of It

Nothing to report

Special Events (written report)

Special Events Chairperson Mark Schaffer announced that he has booked Tom Chapin for a Friday Stayaway. He also thanked everyone who has provided new ideas to the Stayaway.

Troubadour Staffing

Nothing to report

Event Hosting (written report)

Monday song circle is moving along well and Chairperson Jay Wilensky thanks Mark Schaffer for the idea and Todd Dennison for technical support.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Next month’s meeting is Tuesday, November 10, at 8 p.m in cyberspace via Zoom.

Submitted by Jeff Canter.