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Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Community, Inc.
Membership Annual Meeting
December 5, 2004
Present: Kshama Ananthapura, Paul Butler, Jeff Colby, Jan Dreschler, Nicholas Edwards, Amy & Sheldon Finlay, Kelly House, Peter & Anna Maria Irvine, Kitty Kagay, Andrew Magee, Katie Mahoney, Linda Shea, Kate Richardson, Jenna Strizak,Lydia Vernon-Jones, Kelsey Wessels.
Regrets: Eliza Cavanaugh, Rosie Wojcik
REPORTS:
1. Kelly House read the President's Report. Special appreciation was noted to Peter Irvine for many hours of pro bono legal work around our incorporation and non profit status, Rosie Wojcik for her mindfulness and diligence in keeping the Board on schedule and in compliance with our Bylaws, and to Kelly Taylor for maintaining our website. Kelly also thanked all members of our singing community who volunteer time and effort in so many ways.
2. Kate Richardson presented the Clerk's Report.
3. Jenna Strizak presented the Convention Officers' Report.
4. Kelly House presented the Treasurer's Report on behalf of Eliza Cavanaugh.
Peter Irvine pointed out that WMSHC, Inc. for the records should start 2004 with a balance of zero, and the assets of the old WMSHC be transferred into it as a deposit.
Other questions about the summary were attributed to the learning curve of a new organization.
Suggestion that both Travel Grant and Convention lines of budget should be increased.
Q: How and where are CDs sold?
A: At sings and the Convention, by several individuals, and through CDBaby.
Q: Who did we make donations to?
A: The largest to Sacred Harp Publishing in consideration of all the CDs we have sold. This is the first such contribution we've made to them; it is a courtesy, not strictly royalties, but one we feel should be observed. We also donate to Country Dance and Song Society, who loan us books for the Convention and through whom we get insurance. Other donations were to organizations that have hosted sings: Edwards Church, Laurel Park Association and the Fiber Arts Center.
Q: Does WMSHC, Inc. expect the Convention to meet all its expenses?
A: In principle, yes, but in practice that may not always be possible. The organization provides a buffer in case we don't cover expenses, and allows us to average over time.
NEW BUSINESS
5. (Kitty Kagay) Request for more communication throughout the year from Board to the Membership.
Kate Richardson reported that the email list of members is now complete and current, and she has begun using the website more effectively. The Board resolves to post reports of their meetings on the website. The Annual Report, and minutes of this meeting will also be posted.
6. (Peter Irvine) Ensuring a good relationship with Helen Hills Hill Chapel, so that we can continue using it for the Tuesday sing, Discussion brought out the following points:
WMSHC, Inc. should plan to regularly recruit Smith students
The Sing can be presented as a Smith student and alumnae activity
WMSHC, Inc. or the Sing could present a certificate of appreciation to the Dean of Religious Life.
The Tuesday Sing may need to form an ad hoc group to research and make a pitch to the appropriate people at Smith, to formalize our use of the space.
WMSHC, Inc. should facilitate this in any way it can, but not act as proprietor of the Sing.
Anna Maria Irvine agreed to bring up the idea of an ad hoc group at the Tuesday Sing.
7. Singing Schools: WMSHC, Inc. sponsored five singing schools this past year, including the demonstration singing at the Pelham Historical Society. Those present agreed it would be good to have more than that in the coming year.
WMSHC, Inc. could form a Singing School Committee.
8. Election:
The slate of Convention Officers was approved. Congratulations to:
Kelsey Wessels (chair), Kshama Ananthapura (vice chair), and Katie Mahoney (secretary)
The contest for the two Board seats was close enough to merit a recount.
The Board of Directors welcomes Rosie Wojcik and Paul Butler as new members.
Much appreciation is due to all those who are willing to run for office. Also thanks to all the members who took the time to vote.
Respectfully submitted by Kate Richardson
December 6, 2004