Northwest Choral Society Minutes, August 9, 2011
Attending: Penny Perles, Candy Mealer, David Martin, Diane Szuberla, John Morrison,
Noreen La Valle, Mary Jane Matecki, Alan Wellman.
Penny called meeting to order at 7:10 according to Mickey at Mary Jane’s house.
Refreshments and open, breezy windows pleased all.
In spite of diligent, spirited and nearly combative search, no one could find anything they could justify changing from the minutes of the last meeting. Noreen, summoning her
highest praise, moved to approve the meetings as perfect for July 12. Approved.
Treasurer’s report
May cash disbursements and receipts discussed and approved.
July cash disbursements and receipts discussed and approved.
The budget distributed and labeled “July 2011” is actually the proposed budget for the entire 2011-2012 year. Approved.
Noreen reported that the Cincinnati insurance company is no longer represented by our current insurance agent. The current best bid from this agent for nonprofit liability
insurance through another underwriter is $275 higher. Noreen is seeking a different agent who still works with Cincinnati. Alan suggested looking at Chorus America’s
resources.
Interlude
All around praise for how Mary Jane’s dog was surprisingly well behaved, given that he
is no longer on drugs. Still, assorted elbows and toes were gleefully licked.
Corresponding Secretary Report
Candy updated status about mailing efforts, e.g. thank you cards.
Music Director Report
Concert venues planned as follows. December: Friday rehearsal / Saturday night at Grace Lutheran in River Forest, Sunday at Edison Park Lutheran. March: Trinity
Methodist on Golf, June: TBD. Many possibilities proposed.
Generally
Meet and Greet invitations have been sent, the event is August 23, 7:30pm.
Alan has the CD of the June concert from Hedroom. Penny complained that it was a bit
noisy. We discussed how Hedroom was not hired to do a professional studio mix, but
rather to make an archival recording. There was acknowledgement that some people do mutter during our concerts.
David Lee is still working on the video, and has already emailed us the photos from the June concert. Grateful acknowledgement of David’s work and longing for his return as a
singer.
Handbook revisions for 2011-2012 are in progress:
Alan expressed desire to revise the mission statement for the handbook, focusing on why we do rather than what we do. General agreement that this is not a mere agenda item and will take some effort.
Alan will be designated Artistic Director rather than Music Director.
Lori also got a well-deserved raise, but it was agreed that no one has told her.
Much largely incomprehensible talk about blouses followed. What is “winter white” anyway? David could not understand why Palazzo pants should be in the bylaws. It turns out the handbook contains more than just the bylaws.
Karen will make the actual changes to the handbook.
Ticket prices for 2011-2012: $15 discount /$20 normal. Approved.
Board members will reach out gratefully to thank donors from the past year.
There will be a donor’s reception following the March concert.
Mary Jane agreed to arrange a piano tuning with Richard Schwinn. NWCS will pay for this tuning. NWCS will ask St. Martin’s to pay for a January tuning. If we can
remember, we will repeat this pattern yearly: NWCS pays for summer tuning, St. Martin’s pays for winter tuning.
Discussion of need to update web site more frequently, and desire to distribute that responsibility more evenly throughout the board so that no single member is expected to
do all of the work.
Next meeting: September 16 at 6:30 at St. Martin’s.
Noreen triumphantly moved to adjourn the meeting. Approved.
Respectfully submitted,
David Martin