Present: Fiona Solkowski, Susan Meyer, Amber Challifour, Jessica Glendening, Phil Coleman, Ed Paynter, Tony Gregory, Ellen Burke, Barry Levitt, Harry Walker, Lisa Ornstein, and Sandy Miles

The regular board meeting of the Indianapolis Traditional Music and Dance Group was held on April 09, 2002, at Bazbeaux Pizza on Massachusetts Avenue at 6:30 PM. 

 

Representatives from the board were Fiona Solkowski, Susan Meyer, Amber Challifour, Jessica Glendening, Phil Coleman, Ed Paynter, and Tony Gregory.

 

Minutes:

 

Fiona began by insuring that all Board members present had had the opportunity to review the minutes of the Feb. 21^st meeting, and passing around a copy to members who wished to review it.  It was moved, seconded and passed unanimously that the Board accept the Minutes of the Feb. 21^st meeting.

 

 

Financial Report:

 

Susan Meyer then delivered a financial report on the Group, and passed out copies to the attendees.  She noted that there had been strong weekly attendance, and the group had more than met costs on every dance except the Tuesday following the Beach Party Saturday dance (when the weather was also miserable).  There were no questions on the group’s finances.

 

 

June Saturday Dance:

 

The Board then proceeded to a discussion of the June 22^nd Saturday Dance, which would be called the “Midsummer’s Night Dance”.  Fiona stated that she had arranged to use the gymnasium at the Harrison Center, downtown.  There was a discussion of the requirements for the sound system, which Tony is supplying.  There was a discussion on how much spend on the Band, and it was concluded to request all 5 available musicians for Peter Martin and Friends.

 

There was a discussion of whether to do a “pot luck” or snacks, and it was concluded to do only snacks, due to limited availability of a kitchen area.

 

 

Scheduler:

 

The discussion then moved on to the need for a new caller, since Ardath had asked to resign that position.  John Teskey has volunteered for that assignment, and Lisa Ornstein stated that she was available to back up John if he was not available.  The Board determined to get a thank-you gift for Ardath, in recognition of her efforts.

 

 

Gypsy Moon Ball:

 

On the subject of the Gypsy Moon Ball, the principal concern is still that of the venue, since the hall at Camp Belzer will be torn down.  It was determined to ask group members for suggestions of alternate venues.  The hall needs to be available both days, affordable, and allow outside food to be brought in. 

 

There was further discussion of possible groups to play for Gypsy Moon Ball.  Callers have been lined up, as has one band, but the group is still negotiating for the other two bands. 

 

 

Not for Profit Mailing Permit:

 

It was determined that the group was not eligible for this permit, according the USPS, and in any event does not meet the minimum mailing size.

 

 

Other Dances:

 

Fiona announced that the Indiana Historical Society does want the group to do an exhibition contra on July 27^th, in the Grand Hall, for one hour.  The group will need to obtain a caller, and the Historical Society will pay for this.

 

Jeff Bates has asked for the group to do an exhibition dance for his neighborhood street party on the last weekend of June or the first weekend of July.  The Board agreed to schedule this, and Fiona will contact Jeff and confirm a date.

 

The Board decided not to do the State Fair exhibition dance, because the dates did not work out.

 

 

Other issues:

 

It was suggested that we ask callers not to do the Spiral Snake dances on Tuesday night, as it is far too time consuming, and not terribly engaging for experienced dancers.  Fiona agreed to convey this request.

 

Ellen Burke suggested that the group needed to establish a bit more of a teaching opportunity during the evening, in which we could show new dancers specifically how to do the finer points of one or two moves each evening.  The Board requested that members list ideas for what needed to be worked on.

 

Fiona showed a new membership form (with type large enough for middle-aged eyes to read) which the Board approved.

 

 

Next Meeting:

 

The next meeting of the Board was set for Tuesday, June 18, at Bazbeaux Pizza, 6:30 PM.

 

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,
Tony Gregory