NIBGA board meeting minutes 11/18/2012

   Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - November 18, 2012 at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:20 PM

  Officers present:                                          Board Directors:
    President Jim Winger                                   T J Collins
    Vice President Joe Steiner                            Paul Saurborn
    Secretary Barbara Collins                             Pam Keiper (via phone)
    Treasurer Linda Winger

   Others present: Chris Cooperrider - Special events chair; Al, Leslie & Michael Ellis - Associate Co-gate captains,  Carolyn Bacon - Band Hospitality Room; Tonia Bacon - Merchandise; Jenna Bacon.

• The October minutes were emailed to all officers Oct 30, by Secretary Barbara Collins Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T J Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• October Financials were emailed 11/14/12 to all officers by Treasurer Linda Winger. Linda reviewed with the board. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded. All say  yes. Motion carried. 

OLD BUSINESS 

• 501C3 - President Jim Winger reports that the 501C3 reviews are up to November. It will be a few more months before they get to NIBGA's application.
• Friday all day Workshops F13 - Chris Cooperrider suggest we use bands that would be at the festival for the workshops. Chris will prepare a budget for the workshops TABLE FOR JANUARY MEETING
• Band Hosting -  The band hosting will not be promoted this year but allowed. Chris Cooperrider will make a list of bands wishing to be hosted and a list of those wanting to host a band. They will be matched up closer to the festival time. There will be no publicity re: band hosting.
• Band Scramble - Tonia Bacon Chairperson; Tonia suggest a $5.00 entry fee per person for the band scramble participants.  Linda suggested giving each participant a NIBGA  Can Cozie. To be decided later. It is suggested the wining band get $250 prize money. Paul Saurborn motioned to give the winning band $250.00 prize money. Joe Steiner seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• Guitar raffle - Discussion. Would need a permit to run a raffle. It was decided to not do a instrument raffle since the income and expense is not easily determined. 
• 50/50 drawing - Pam Keiper motioned to do a 50/50 drawing at the Spring 2013 Festival. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.   TABLE - For January 2013. To work out details later.

NEW BUSINESS

• Web Sites - BluegrassUSA.net site = 18,808 hits; Events page = 5,289; Web site Fee $135.00 per year; Peak day was Aug. 30, 2012 with 383 hits; May 24, 2012 was 101 hits; Average in summer was higher. Renewal of Evernote with annual fee of $45.00. Allows posting on web. 1, 849 hits last year. Barbara Collins motioned to renew the web site and Evernote. Joe Steiner seconded. All agree. Motion carried.
• Golf Carts - The "NO GOLF CARTS"  at festivals policy was reviewed. It was reviewed why we can not afford to allow carts in the fairgrounds during the festival. For more information on this, see the Dec 12/Jan 13 NIBGA newsletter. It explains in detail 'why not'.  "We are a private function and have the right to disallow golf carts."  T J Collins motioned to continue the 'No Golf Cart' policy. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Postage rate increase -  The postage rates will go up 1/27/13. US stamps go from .44 to .45. Canada goes up from .85 to $1.10. For mailing newsletters in the US it will cost the club $4.95 per year. (Plus printing newsletters) Canada's postage will cost $12.10 per year. Barbara Collins motioned for Treasurer Linda Winger to purchase 1,000 Forever stamps before the price increase.  Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• 4-H Club Horse Show - May 17 -19, 2013 there will be a horse show at the Horse & Pony ring at the Noble Co. fairgrounds. They will use the horse ring and the Log Cabin. This is the week before the festival. The meters will not be read until after this event, May 20 instead of May 16. This will save us some on the utility bills. The horse show rigs will try to group together near the pony ring. NIBGA is invited to watch the show.
• Tent Rental - Usually we get a 10% discount for early advance rental payment. Paul Saurborn motioned to pre-pay if we can. Barbara Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Band Hiring - Band Chairman Joe Steiner has contacted some bands. He is working on the band line up for 2013 festivals. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn the meeting. Pam Keiper seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 1:20p
Sincerely, Secretary Barbara Collins

NIBGA board minutes Oct. 21, 2012

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association meeting at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46809
The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:10 PM
Officers present:                                Board Directors:
  President - Jim Winger                         T.J. Collins
  Vice President - Joe Steiner                  Pam Keiper
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                   Absent: Paul Saurborn (he had a family event)
  Treasurer - Linda Winger
Others present: Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair, Chris Cooperrider - Special events, Leslie Ellis - Co-gate captain, Dave Keiper, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, Jade Bacon, Charles & Sandy Carnes

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:

• The  Aug/Sept Secretary report by Barbara Collins was e-mailed to all officers on Sept 13, 2012.  Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded.  All say yes. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

• The August and September Financial statements were e-mailed to all officers (10/18) prior to the meeting.  Statements were reviewed. No corrections or additions. Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS 

• 501C3 application  status. No information; Chris Cooperrider will check on the status. Jim W. via e-mail 10/23/12 says; It looks like we have another 6 months before we will know anything based on IRS web site information.

OLD BUSINESS

• No old business. 

NEW BUSINESS

• November is election month. All officers accept for 2012/2013. 
• Review of Labor Day financials including festival history report. Attendance has trended down. Expenses up. Review of comparison list years 2005 to 2012. NIBGA Festival History was reviewed. Review of Account Balances from 2005 to 2012. 
• Discussions of; 
• 2011 and 2012 festivals were a loss. What do we do to resume profitability?  
• Obtain 501C3 status and apply for 2013 grants. Grants for 2013 are closed for the year or grants for events through June 30, 2013 are closed. Will have to wait until we are approved to apply for grants. 
• Ways to increase attendance?
• Reduce advertising - which kinds?
• Reduce other expenses - which ones?
• NCCFC contract coming up. Jim Winger will work on negotiating. 
• Reduce utility expenses - HOW?
• Reduce band budget? Have fewer bands, lower cost bands, or have fewer days of festival? Board chose to stay with the 4 days of music but will adjust bands schedules and include a band scramble.

• Board set a budget at this time for the Band Chairman to use for 2013. Joe Steiner motioned. Pam Keiper seconded.  5 Yes - 1 No. Motion carried. 
• Saturday Bands/shows will be  reduce from 7 to 6 and add band scramble. Two sets for each band. Joe Steiner motioned. Linda Winger seconded. All agree. Motion carried. 
• Sunday shows - keep 6 bands. Pam Keiper motioned. T.J. Collins seconded. All agree. Motion carried. 
• Discussion on Electric bill at Fairgrounds during the festivals. Because of increase in usage and increase in rates it has been decided we need to increase the charge for electric. T.J. Collins motioned to raise the electric charge from $5.00 to $10.00 per camping unit.  Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

TABLED FOR NOVEMBER MEETING;

• Friday workshops
• Band hosting
• Discuss possible raffles
• Band schedules: Extend band times from 45 minute sets to 50 minute sets. (Includes set up time)

Joe Steiner motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins seconded. Time adjourned - 3:30 PM
Sincerely - Secretary Barbara Collins

First winter jam/meeting

Today is the first winter meeting/jam. All are welcome. Come join us at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46809 260-747-4677. 

Newsletter assembly at noon, jamming starts around 1p. 

The kitchen opens for breakfast at 9a. They have great food. 

Oh, the room only holds 100 so get there early.

NIBGA board meetings at Labor Day festival

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - August 26, 2012 Noble County Fairgrounds - Kendallville, IN

 The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 2:00 P.M.

Officers Present: 
 President Jim Winger              Board Directors:
 Vice President Joe Steiner       TJ Collins
 Secretary Barbara Collins        Pam Keiper
 Treasurer Linda Winger          Paul Saurborn

Others Present: Chris Cooperrider, Jeanette Young, Richard Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, Jade Bacon, Dave & Marianne Vogie, Sandra & Charlie Carnes, Al & Leslie Ellis, Jan & Don Meade, Maggie & Gary Bilby, Fred Hagel, Julie Goldsmith.

The secretary report by Barbara Collins was motioned to accept by Paul Saurborn. Second by Joe Steiner. All say yes. Motion carried.

The Treasurers report was reviewed by Linda Winger. July Financials were reviewed. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T J Collins second. All say yes. Motion carried. 
INFORMATION ITEMS

• 501c3 -- No activity.

OLD BUSINESS

• Linda Winger - Reviewed S12 Festival Expenses and Income.
• Pres. Jim Winger reviewed NIBGA Festival History from May 2000 to May 2012. Each officer was given a spread sheet to read and follow along. 
• Pres. Jim Winger reviewed the NIBGA Emergency Procedures:
  Subjects are: Vehicle Accident, Spill and Release, Lost Child or Person, Evacuation, Guidelines for Handling the Media in a Crises, Fire, Explosion and Bomb Threat, Nartural Disaster, Medical Emergencies, List of Emergency phone numbers, Zone of Buildings numbered - Zone's 1 to 8. 
• Portable stage rules. We are within guidelines. 
• Paul Saurborn will do the September newsletter mailing.

NEW BUSINESS

• Current attendance at the F12 festival is good as of today 
• Merchandise/Membership table -- Jeanette Young and family will do Thursday 8/30 & Saturday 9/1. Tonia Bacon and family will do Friday 8/31 & Sunday 9/2.
• Golf Carts - Added one cart for Tonia Bacon (merchandise table) and one 6 seater and one 4 seater for taxi use. 
• Vendor Chairman Jeanette Young. Some of the vendors coming are 'Pizza by the Slice', Lemon Shake-Up, Ice Cream, Elephant Ears, Mexican foods, Harold Jones 'Jones Music', Instruments, Bake Sale, Pulled Pork, and possibly others. Wood will be $5.00 per bag and $2.00 per bundle. 
• Band Hosting Program: 5 bands have host matched up and 3 more would like a Host but not signed to a family yet. 
• Band Review: Joe Steiner. Bands are all set. Arrival times are fairly set. Parking spots are designated. 
• Grounds: TJ Collins. Plenty of parking yet. Grounds are set and going fine. 
• Gates: Pam Keiper. Our new Gate Captain Fred Hagel was introduced. Some time slots are filled as of now.
• Taxis: Chris Cooperrider. Signs need put on the golf carts. Taxi dispatch station is at the Log Ice Cream stand. Need drivers. 
• Kids Korner: Julie Goldsmith. Home Depot is donating craft supplies. 12 tables and 36 chairs needed for the Sat. 9/1 craft event. Julie would like to be set up on Monday 8/27. Need Volunteers.
• Don Moore will be here today at 4:00 to distribute garbage cans. 
• Meeting Thursday 8/30 at 1:30 at Wingers campsite. 
• Barbara Collins asked for O.K. to purchase flowers for the stage. Approved. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Joe Steiner seconded.  Meeting adjourned 2:55 PM

Secretary - Barbara Collins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association -- August 30, 2012 Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:30 PM

Officers Present: 
 President Jim Winger                  Board directors: 
 Vice-President Joe Steiner          TJ Collins
 Secretary Barbara Collins           Pam Keiper
 Treasurer Linda Winger              Paul Saurborn

Others present: Jeanette Young, Leslie Ellis, Jan Meade, Tonia Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Richard Bacon, Dave Vogie, Fred Hagel. 

• Gate report: Going alright.
• Merchandise - Tonia Bacon - Ready
• Hospitality Room - Carolyn Bacon - Ready
• Vendors - Jeanette Young - Pizza stand not coming. Bake sale setting up for Thursday and Friday. Moose stand to open Thursday. Special is Beef & Noodles. Burrito/Taco stand on the way now. Day Spa Booth set up. 
• Log Cabin pre-sale tickets for the Dinner tonight are $7.50. $8.50 at the door. 
• Grounds - TJ - Good shape. Plenty of parking left in the handicap. 
• Stage is ready.
• Bands are ready. 
• Some folks are having problems with their radio and batteries. Jim W. will handle
• Every band has a host family now. 
• Lonesome Meadows will go to Avilla nursing home Friday at 2:00 PM
• There are two new fans for the stage. They will be boxed back up and left on the stage after the shows. 
• Linda Winger saw Mayor Handshoe at Scott's Grocery. She will be coming to the fairgrounds and on stage at 1:30 Saturday 9/1/12. 

Meeting adjourned at 1:45 PM
Secretary Barbara Collins

Gordon "Pete" Peterson, 82

GORDON "PETE" L. PETERSON, 82, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, at La Hacienda Nursing Home, Harlingen, Texas after a short illness. He worked for IBM as an Electronics Engineer for over 30 years. In 1988, he retired and moved to the Fun & Sun RV Park, in San Benito. He was an accomplished musician and especially loved Bluegrass music. He had a passion for woodcarving and was a member of the woodcarving club at the RV Park.

Pete was responsible for introducing Linda and I to bluegrass music. In 1972 Pete convinced us to attend a "bluegrass" festival at Aunt Minnie's farm in West Virginia. Listening to his new tape of Will the Circle Be Unbroken by the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, Linda, I, our young son James and Pete drove east to the festival towing our 16' RV. We had a great time.

Thereafter, Pete encouraged us to attend a close by festival in Ohio called Ottawa. We made occasional visits but each time we became more enthused until finally we learned to play instruments and join Pete as he played banjo. We started attending festivals with Pete and would hit as many as 15 in the summer season.

One festival we attended was hosted by NIBGA in Columbia City, IN in the late '80s. There we met Don McFarland, president of NIBGA. We started attending winter meetings and eventually, Linda became club secretary and I vice president. In 1990 Don resigned and I became president. The festival needed a new home and Kendallville was found.

The Kendallville festival is a direct result of Pete's love of bluegrass music.

RIP good friend.

Lynsford "Lee" Adkins, 79, of Erie, MI

Lynsford "Lee" Adkins, 79, of Erie, MI, died Sept. 21 after a long illness. He and Nancy attended many festivals at Kendallville. They parked their motor home on the concrete by the ball field.  You would see both Lee and Nancy working the gate.

In the winter they would travel to Arizona.

Congratulations Matt!

Hey Jim
I had planned on talking to you during the fest, but it seemed the time escaped me, and when I did get up to the stage, I saw that you were busy, so I thought an email would be easier. :)

I wanted to update you on a couple happenings. First, The Sunday before the fest started, I was on the way home from Ann Arbor, MI, where I became a certified Mark O'Connor Method teacher. The Mark O'Connor Method is a series of books for violin, viola, cello, and orchestra, and is the American version of the Suzuki Method. The certification was a 15-hour class (which counts as a college course at some places) taught by Pamela Wiley at the School for the Performing Arts. In the 15 hours, books 1 & 2 were looked at piece-by-piece and what technique was being taught in each. The session closed with a presentation by O'Connor himself. The experience was great, and the knowledge gained was immense.

Here's a group pic of all the participants
And here's a scan of my certificate

Also, a little older news, but still something I wanted to bring up is about one month ago around this time I released my debut album, Going Places. It's a solo album of me multi-tracking the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, dobro, dulcimer, and some of the banjo parts, with John Lee, Bill Landow, & Elizabeth Loring helping on vocals, and Larry White on banjo featuring 12 bluegrass tracks.
You can check out/stream the album here:

Thanks, 
Matt Scutchfield

PS: Enjoyed the fest like always. It was extra great seeing some new food vendors.

Labor Day weekend Bluegrass festival

We are at the Tri-State Bluegrass festival in Kendallville, IN.  The hurricane is bringing wet weather which will impact our Labor Day weekend attendance. We do have two large tents and a shelter for the audience.

How to keep cool at a festival

Just add water. The relief is almost immediate, and will last for up to one hour or more.

• Drink water frequently. Your body will feel cooler if you are hydrated. Try drinking eight ounces of water at least every hour. Adding mint leaves, or orange, lemon or cucumber slices to your water makes it more refreshing.
• Keep the back of your neck in shade (wear a cap backwards, or raise your collar) or put a wet handkerchief on the back of the neck. The sensor for our body temperature control system is in this area, and so with this method you can make the rest of your body think that you are "cool".
• Place or tie an ice pack behind your head.
• Wet all your hair, or just all along the hairline in a pinch. The evaporation of the water will cool your head (though it may make your hair a bit frizzy if it's curly!).
• Wear a bandanna with water soaked on it and put it on your head. Or you can relive the 80's and wear a wet terrycloth headband on your forehead.
• Try using a water misting fan. These portable devices are battery operated so you can take them with you wherever you go. As you mist and fan yourself, the water is evaporated on your skin, giving you an instant cooling sensation.
• Soak a t-shirt in the sink, wring it out and put it on. Sit in a lawn chair (or other chair that lets air through to you) in front of a fan. Re-wet as it dries. Use lukewarm water for this so you don't "shock" your system with cold water.
• Wear a short sleeved shirt and put water on the sleeves only. If there is a breeze or fan blowing on you, you can actually get cold! Use a squirt bottle, the sink or hose if outside to keep your sleeves wet. If you are outside and wearing long pants and you put water on your legs, the water will cool your legs. Long skirts are also good for this. Just sprinkle the hemline with water.
• Run cold water over your wrists for 10 seconds on each hand. This will reduce your temperature for roughly an hour.
• Soak your feet in a bucket of cold water. The body radiates heat from the hands, feet, face and ears, so cooling any of these will efficiently cool the body. Kids wading pools are great for adults feet too.
• Fill your bathtub with cool water and get in. Once you are used to the temperature, let some water out and refill with cold water. Keep doing this until you are sufficiently cold. Your body will stay cool for a long time after you get out. For a fast cool-down, add ice!

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki building the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on Cool Yourself. Content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Common License.

Musicians wanted for a play

Hello! I’m looking for a fiddle player and a steel guitar player for a limited engagement of “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline”. This IS a paying gig – I don’t know how much it pays but could probably get that information for you. If you have some names you can give me, that would be great! 

Please feel free as well to pass along both my E-mail address and / or my phone number to anyone who might be interested. Please contact me if you have any questions!

Thanks!

Jay A. Heare
Director Of Music
St. John Lutheran Church (Fort Wayne, IN)
260.249.8229

Jackie Ester - RIP

Just received a sad call, Jackie Ester passed away this AM. She was a strong supporter of the club. She and Walt ran the sound for many festivals. In the last few years she has been in poor health and in the last few months in a nursing home.

RIP Jackie

Board minutes from the Memorial 2012 festival

The May 20, 2012 meeting of the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was held at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN.

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 2:00p.m.

Officers Present:                                         Board Directors:

 President – Jim Winger                               T.J. Collins

 V. President – Joe Steiner                           Pam Keiper

 Secretary – Barbara Collins                        Paul Saurborn

 Treasurer – Linda Winger

Others present were: Chris Cooperrider – Special Events, Patty (gate) & George Page, Julie Goldsmith – Kids Craft Chair, Jeanette Young – Vendor Chair, Sandy Carnes, Dave Keiper, Jan Mead – Gate Co-captain, Richard & Carolyn Bacon – Band Hospitality, Tonia Bacon – Band Scramble Chair, Jade Bacon, Jenna Bacon, Leslie Ellis – Gate Co-Captain.

• Secretary Report: April 15, 2012 minutes were e-mailed to each officer in April by Sect. Barbara Collins. The motion was made by Paul Saurborn to accept. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Treasurer’s report: April Financial report was e-mailed to all officers by Tres. Linda Winger in early May. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Motion carried.

 INFORMATION ITEMS

• The streets in the fairgrounds will be swept Wednesday or Thursday.
• 501C3 application has been sent. Check cashed. No new information on progress.

OLD BUSINESS

• Pres. Jim Winger passed out Emergency Procedures to all officers. It was reviewed and advised to read and keep. Spend time reviewing all procedures.
• Honey Wagon Schedule: Wed. PM RV only.   Friday PM RV and Port-a-jons.  Saturday PM RV and Port-a-jons. Monday 7 AM RV only.    Fee for servicing RVs remains at $10.
• Hosting program update. All bands that desire a host have been matched.  Bacons have two bands.
• Joe Steiner:  Review band vehicle requirements. Parking space is reserved. All set.
• NEW BUSINESS
• Festival attendance report: As of Saturday PM. Down from previous dates at this time of the week. Linda Winger
• Kids Korner Chair:  Need 28 chairs. Parkview Noble donated Shirts that say, “Don’t Text and Drive”. All set for Sat morning. -Julie Goldsmith
• Vendor Chair: Many vendors scheduled to arrive. Some are – Ice Cream, Cotton Candy & etc, Pulled pork and variety of Hot Dogs, Lions opening early and also Moose. Haden’s Honda with custom gold carts, Elliot’s Golf Carts, Rhonda’s leather goods, Man who makes metal arts, Variety Stand, Wood for fires (2.00 per bundle) - Jeanette Young
• Gate: Several volunteers have signed up to work the gate but need more. Still early yet but expect plenty to volunteer. Pam Keiper & Paul Saurborn:
• Water leaks: Need to check the water in the Pony Barns and Rest Room. - T.J. Collins & Dave Keiper:
• Hospitality room for Bands: Bacon’s will take charge.
• Merchandise & flowers for stage - Barbara Collins:
• Port-a-jons: Coming in on Monday
• The glare from the stage logo will be taken care of says Dave Keiper.
• New keys for the Merchants building.  No key for the Maintenance Shed.
• Golf Carts: Some golf carts will need to be shared between Thursday on to Saturday.         Associate Gate Captains will share. Hospitality needs one.
• Suzuki Fiddlers: Will arrive on Saturday afternoon. They do not need tickets.
• Attention Gate: No Radio free tickets were given. News Sun was given 50 passes. If a Pass is presented, stamp and sticker the car.
• Entertainment permit: New enforcement but NCCFC has a blanket permit for 2012.
• Portable stage rules review: no problem this festival but review possible changes for Labor Day.
• NCCFC issues – Kids tables, water leaks, electrical (make list of ones that need fixed), garbage, move dumpsters, trash pickup, track, CBs in front of Paul, bad 30a by Jim, picnic tables.  Dave Keiper fixing water leaks, Scouts will put out bags for empty metal cans, Not sure if track opening will be cleaned. Picnic tables will be placed where needed.
• Summer Newsletter Mailing Schedule:  June – Pam Keiper; July – Jeanette Young; August – Barbara Collins; September – Leslie Ellis.
• Nurshing home: Pickin’ Up Speed Band will be going to Sacred Heart Nursing Home Friday 5/25/12 @ 2:00p.m. Paul will escort the band. 
• Notice gate; Two tickets per band member at the gate. Need to sign for tickets.
• Sheriff Schedule; Thursday & Friday PM. All day Saturday.
• Single point of contact is NIBGA NCCFC Jim Winger.

Short meeting at Wingers  campsite on Thursday 5/24/12 @ 1:00 p.m..

All officers and chairs on stage at 1:30 p.m. Saturday for introduction.

Approval of expenses

Barbara Collins motioned to adjourn. Paul Saurborn second. President Jim Winger adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m..

Secretary – Barbara Collins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday May 24, 2012 Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association meeting at Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, IN

Meeting called to order by Pres. Jim Winger at 1:00 p.m.

Officers present:                             Board Directors:

 President Jim Winger                        T.J. Collins

 V. President Joe Steiner                   Pam Keiper

 Secretary Barbara Collins                 Paul Saurborn

 Treasurer Linda Winger

Others present: Chris Cooperrider – Special events chair; Jeanette Young – Vendor chair; Dave Keiper, Leslie Ellis, Dave Vogie, Jan Mead, Dave Smith, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon.

George Page went home earlier in the week feeling ill. Feeling normal now. Came back later. Sandy Tedford coming Saturday.

• Attendance: 1709 units.
• Plenty of parking and camping space left.  There is a 50 amp left.
• Gate: Have enough volunteer help today and for Friday.
• Taxi: All right for Thursday. Need more for later.
• Stage Manager: All fine
• Grounds: T.J. & Dave say:  Water and electric all right. Lost a little power.
• Merchandise: Jeanette Young and family will be doing.  Barb and Leslie inventoried all new merchandise on Tuesday 5/22.
• Band Scramble: Tonia reports that only one band is signed up so far.  (Ended up with 4 good bands)
• Hospitality Room: Carolyn Bacon reports all is ready.
• Wood: Jeanette Young reports that there is plenty and more will be coming later.
• Vendors: Jeanette Young reports that all vendors that she is expecting are here except two.
• Friday Guitar Workshop:  4 signed up.
• Saturday a.m. workshops - D. Vogie
• Nursing home: Paul will be going to the nursing home with the band at 2:00 tomorrow.

Linda and Jim remind the board and all to Hydrate and use sun screen. The weather is to be HOT.

Motion to adjourn. Paul Saurborn. Second Joe Steiner.  Meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Next meeting of the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association board will be August 26 at the Labor Day festival.

Secretary – Barbara Collins

Memorial Day Festival Extended Guitar Workshop

Don’t forget about the special 2 hour extended guitar workshop being held at the Memorial Day festival. It will be conducted by Dan Miller, the editor and publisher of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine (FGM), a bi-monthly periodical dedicated to presenting all aspects of the art of flatpicking the acoustic guitar. FGM has been published non-stop since September 1996. Each issue contains interviews with top performers (which include tablature of their favorite licks and breaks ) as well as a wide variety of columns written by an impressive group of contributors. Since September 1999, a 68-minute companion audio CD has been available with each issue. Dan has authored or co-authored many publications, including the  popular eight volume Flatpicking Essentials guitar course and the book, The Guitar Player's Guide to Developing Speed, Accuracy, and Tone. Through FGM, Dan has published many of his own instructional materials as well as many written by other notable performers and instructors. Through the related FGM Records, he has also released many recordings from such notable performers as Brad Davis, Tim Stafford, Jim Nunally, Robert Bowlin, and John Carlini.

The workshop will focus on how to use efficient left and right hand technique and mechanics to increase speed, improve note clarity and fluidity, and develop good tone and volume. Dan said, "After interviewing over 200 professional guitar players for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine I took all of the information that I had gathered about developing speed, accuracy, and tone and worked with my good friends Brad Davis and Tim May to develop a book, DVD, and workshop presentation that would help players of all levels break through playing barriers and improve their tone, volume, speed, fluidity, and note accuracy." 

The workshop will be held at 2 PM on Friday afternoon and is well worth the $25 registration fee, but registration is limited so sign up early. You can register by calling 419 721 8016, or emailing bands@nibga.com.

Jammers wanted 8/18-19

I am the site naturalist at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site in Rome City. I am in the process of planning our annual Chautauqua Days festival Saturday August 18^th & Sunday August 19^th from Noon to 4pm both days. We are looking for musicians willing to come to the site and play for our visitors. We have had the Fike Brothers out here in the past but due to budget restraints this year, we are unable to use them. Any musician or group who wants to come out and play is more than welcome to. There is no cost to them to participate and they can bring out any product they might have to sell. I picked up a flyer for the bluegrass festivals in Kendallville and found this email on the bottom of it. If you could share this information with the rest of the association that would be extremely helpful. Thank you in advance for your help.

Tiffany Conrad

Interpretive Naturalist

Gene Stratton-Porter SHS

tconrad@indianamuseum.org

260.854.3790

Ralph Bondy, very ill

May 2, 2012
Lorraine called to say Ralph is in the University hospital, London, ONT after a triple bypass operation 2 weeks ago. Ralph has been a fixture at the festival and can be seen driving the taxi's around the fair grounds.

Lorraine was hopeful that Ralph would be transferred to a hospital closer to home in Windsor, Ont. soon.

She wanted the Kendallville festival folks to know that they might not make it down this spring.

Ralph Bondy

10588 CR 42 RRH 3

Maidstone, ONT   N0R 1K0

Canada

New Album from "The Mid North"

Hi,

I am Scott from the band "The Mid North" out of Australia.

Just a quick note to let you know that our debut 15 track bluegrass album 'you were right about the stars' has been released. I am hoping that you might be able to post something about us and the album on your blog or newsletter.

The album is all original music and features players such as Mick Albeck (fiddle), Jenny Shimmin (Banjo), Pete Fidler (Dobro), Nick Dear (Mandolin) Kat Mear (Fiddle), Ross Nickerson, Mark Miracle, Peter McLaughlin and more. The album is available to listen to and buy at:

www.cdbaby.com/themidnorth It is also available for digital download on itunes and other digital music sites. Hard copies of the cd are available for $20 plus postage via the band website.

The band can be contacted and friended here:

www.facebook.com/themidnorth

The band website is www.themidnorth.com

ABC radio in Australia has picked up the first single 'Rosewood' and has been playing it for the last month. Very exciting. 

If you require or would like any further information please do not hesitate to call or email. 

with warmth

Scott Collins
www.noiselab.com.au
ph: 02 6655 2591
mb: 0410 242 033

May 26 events at Tri-State in Kendallville

Saturday events
Instrument Workshops by Detour
Bass	Jack Grant	10:00	-	10:30 AM
Guitar	Scott Zylstra	10:00	-	10:30 AM
Mandolin	Jeff Rose	10:35	-	11:05 AM
Fiddle	Peter Knupfer	10:35	-	11:05 AM
Banjo	Kevin Gaugier	11:10	-	11:40 AM
Kids Korner		10:00	-	11:30 AM
Intermediate Jam w Bilby and friends		noon	-	1:30 PM

NIBGA April board meeting minutes

The April 15, 2012 meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was held at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Jim Winger NIBGA President called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM

Officers Present: Board Directors: President – Jim Winger;  T.J. Collins – director; V. President – Joe Steiner; Pam Keiper – director; Secretary – Barbara Collins;  Paul Saurborn – director;  Treasurer – Linda Winger

Others present were: Chris Cooperrider – Special Events; Jeanette Young – Vendors; Dave Keiper; Richard Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, Jade Bacon.

Secretary report: March 18th minutes were e-mailed to all officers by Secretary Barbara Collins and posted on the NIBGA blog March 25 by Pres. Jim Winger. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.

Treasurers’ report: The financial report was e-mailed to all officers on April 11 by Treas. Linda Winger before the meeting on 4/15. Linda reviewed the financials and short discussion followed. Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Memberships: About 50% of renewals have included SASE. Very few changed to e-mails. No Canadian renewals yet.
• The Port-a-jons are ordered.
• 501C3 application has begun. Nothing new to report at this time.
• News Sun: We have been giving them vendor passes. Will send them 50 vendor passes for the advertisers in the wrap. The wrap is printed by News Sun and passed out at the festivals with advertisement and band schedule inside. For the 50 passes they will credit us $300 against the cost of the wrap.

OLD BUSINESS

• TABLE: Emergency procedures. Do at May meeting at Kendallville.
• Band Hosting: All bands that want hosted are matched up at this time except one. Henhouse Prowlers have not responded yet.
• Saturday workshops: Dave Vogie and Detour. Detour agreed, schedule being worked out. Friday – Dan Miller will lead Friday workshop. Paul Saurborn motioned to charge $25 for the Friday workshop. Joe Steiner second. All agree. Motion carried. This workshop will be in the Log Cabin.
• Review band vehicle requirements – Joe Steiner. Greg Cahill will have a small unit. Some will be in Vans. Some will stay at the Motel. Reserve spots close to the stage for these bands bringing instruments to the stage area.  Vernon McIntire will have a big van and will probably park at the gate in the first stall so he can vend.
• Band Schedule-Band Scramble. Tonia Bacon. There will be a sign on the hill at the Bacons advertising the band scramble and where to sigh up. Bacons will be looking for participants.
• Vendor report: Jeanette Young reports that Rhonda and Russell will not be coming. Fish guy not coming. Ice Cream stand – Yes.  Lions and Moose hopefully. Wood man – Yes. Others have inquired but no others are committed at this time. Room for more vendors.
• Social Media: President Jim Winger reports he would like to see more post on the blog and NIBGA facebook.

NEW BUSINESS

• Clarification of multiple members at one address membership fee: In the past we have charged the third or more members at the same address a “single” membership fee each. Two adults and one 17 year old would be $25 under the current practice. There are no written rules regarding this procedure. Suggestion was made as follows: Proposed rule: US memberships are same as last year, $10 for single and $15 for two at the same address. Each additional membership at the same address with one newsletter is $5.
  
  If the change is implemented, two adults and a 17 year old would be three memberships at $20.
  
  President Jim Winger proposed the change. Joe Steiner made a motion to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All agreed. Motion carried.
• Labor Day workshops; Band Scramble – None for Fall.  Discussed fees for classes and who will manage. No fall Friday workshop. Just Saturday standard workshop. Co-coordinator – Dave Vogie. Lonesome Meadow will play at the Avilla Nursing Home.  Sunday schedule – all bands will play 45 minute sets. Mail Fall fliers in May newsletter.
• Labor Day band schedule sequence. The line up was reviewed and suggestions for the line up were made. Joe will finalize before the festival so fall fliers can be available.
• WAWK radio advertising: Joe Steiner and Chris Cooperrider will work up a add to be announced on the radio right before the Spring festival.
• Kids Korner: Julie Goldsmith director. No report today but there will be a craft class at the spring festival as usual.
• Nursing Home: There will be a band going to Avilla Nursing Home on Saturday during the spring festival.

Approval of expenses.

Next meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be Sunday May 18, 2012 at 2:00p.m., after a carry in dinner provided by the officers and volunteers at the Noble Co. Fairgrounds. All chairs and former board members are invited. We will prepare the newsletters for mailing after the meeting. Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn the meeting. Joe Steiner second. Meeting adjourned at 1:40pm.

Sincerely – NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

May 25 Guitar Workshop at Tri-State

Dan Miller, the editor and publisher of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, will conduct a two-hour all-level flatpicking guitar workshop that will focus on how to use efficient left and right hand technique and mechanics to increase speed, improve note clarity and fluidity, and develop good tone and volume.  Dan said, "After interviewing over 200 professional guitar players for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine I took all of the information that I had gathered about developing speed, accuracy, and tone and worked with my good friends Brad Davis and Tim May to develop a book, DVD, and workshop presentation that would help players of all levels break through playing barriers and improve their tone, volume, speed, fluidity, and note accuracy."

J.D. Crowe to hang up his banjo

Another banjo milestone is about to be passed. The great J.D. Crowe has announced his intention to retire from performing at the end of 2012. He will turn 75 years old this summer.


More at: http://bluegrasstoday.com/40267/j-d-crowe-to-hang-up-his-banjo/

Memberships due 5/1/2012

Many thanks to those of you sending SASE with your memberships. It makes the job easier and faster plus it saves the club money.

Also a big thanks to those signing up new members on a gift subscription. This is a good way to introduce folks to the bluegrass life.

It won't be long until we'll be kickin' up our heals at the Memorial Tri-State.

Linda Winger
Treasurer

Resonator Guitar fund raiser

World renown luthier Frank Harlow has donated on of his Jumbo Cherry guitars to the Fayette County (Ohio) Humane Society for a fundraising raffle, which will be held in early May 2012.

Similar to drawing instrument

The mission of the Fayette County Humane Society is to protect and preserve the welfare of the domestic animals in Fayette County Ohio, and to honor the human-companion animal bond. We only care for domestic animals, mostly dogs and cats. All proceeds from the raffle will be used to care for abused, neglected, injured and abandoned domestic animals.

The Harlow Resonator Square Neck Slide Guitar features: 60 year old Jumbo Cherry Body with Curly Maple Neck, Ebony Fret Board and Pearl Binding. Comes with Hard Shell Case. Value $4000.00

Tickets are $20.00 each. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

Registration begins March 1st, 2012.It will end when either 500 tickets are sold, or April 30th, 2012. Get your tickets soon, as we expect this to sell out quickly. Drawing date is early May, and will be updated (see below)

For instructions for purchasing tickets either through U.S. Postal Service or online, please go to this website.

Thanks Jim, Dan Simon -- Allegan Michigan

Earl Scruggs - 88 Mar. 28, 2012

One of my first years on the IBMA board was held at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. The Chamber of Commerce had a welcome reception for the board on the Sunday evening before the World of Bluegrass. At the reception was a who who in bluegrass but what caught my eye was Earl and JD Crowe setting in a couple over stuffed chairs trading banjo licks. They were just a couple of pickers enjoying the music.

We never had the pleasure of having Earl perform at a Tri-State festival.

Here is a blog that has info about Earl.

Earl & the Chieftains bring home Sally Goodin'

You can find Earls' biography on his web site. An obituary is here.

Earl will have a proper send-off with a full-fledged funeral service at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday (April 1). 

NIBGA board minutes March 18, 2012

The March 18, 2012 meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was held at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, Indiana

 

Jim Winger NIBGA President called the meeting to order at 1:20pm

 

Officers Present:                                               Board Directors:

President- Jim Winger                                         T.J. Collins

V. President- Joe Steiner                                    Pam Keiper/via phone

Secretary- Barbara Collins                                 Paul Saurborn

Treasurer- Linda Winger

 

Others present were: Chris Cooperrider, Special Events; Jeanette Young, Vendors; Michaela Gerken; Richard Bacon, Carolyn Bacon, Tonia Bacon, Jade Bacon.

 

Secretary report: February 19, 2012 minutes were e-mailed to each officer February 20 by Sect. Barbara Collins; Motion was made by Paul Saurborn to accept. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.

 

Treasurers report: February 2012 Financial Report was e-mailed to each officer by Treasurer Linda Winger before the meeting in March; Barbara Collins motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.

 

INFORMATION ITEMS:

•  Maggie B. – as of Feb. 26 says; Sonny Thompson doing good right now. Still having trouble with his voice, Joe Creech - he is undergoing chemo, has lost weight and is 'hanging in there'.
•  May 24 dinner at NIBGA festival. Open to the public. All You Can Eat Fish and Tenderloin, Green Beans OR Corn, Applesauce, Bread & Butter, Ice Cream, Drink. Serving from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Presale tickets are $7.50 per adult, $4 per child 6 thru 12 yrs of age. At door: $8.50 per adult, $5 per child 6 thru 12 years of age. Kids 5 and under are free. Janie Meyer. 

OLD BUSINESS:

• TABLE: Emergency procedures at festival – April meeting
• 501C3 - via email the board approved hiring Jeffry Tracy to fill out the forms
• Hosting program update. Chris C. is still working on listing for host and guest bands.
• Joe Steiner suggested changing the dissolution clause of the club rules to read "In case of dissolution assets of the club would go to The Foundation for Bluegrass Music, 2 Music Circle South – Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 – 651-256-3222, a 501C3 organization.  Paul Saurborn made the motion, Pam Keiper second. 100% approved. Motion carried.
• Joe Steiner motioned to change the wording of the articles of incorporation such that changes to the articles  and bylaws require a majority of membership present, striking the words "a quorum being present".  Linda Winger second. 100% approved by vote of membership present.  Motion carried.  
• Joe Steiner motioned to change the words in the articles of incorporation regarding membership dues for members 16 yrs & over to say "$5 or as otherwise directed by vote of the board."  Paul Saurborn second. 100% approved by vote of membership present.  Motion carried.
• Saturday work shop bands. Dave Vogie and Joe Steiner will handle this.
• Joe Steiner band schedule report: All bands for Spring 2012 are scheduled. Just one spot left for a fall band.  The Freight Hoppers have been hired for Labor Day.
• Band Scramble. Tonia Bacon- Chair – She and her family will find participants and do scheduling. Tonia has an article to submit for the next newsletter about band scramble.
• Golf Carts – Ordered for festival. At this time we will not have a 6-seater available for use. For fall there should be 1 available. We will be getting the same discount even though we reduced carts by two.
• Port-a-Jons – Reviewed placement at fairgrounds. There will be 5.  Placement was decided as 2 @ Michigan Hill area, 1 @ Swine barn along US6, 1 @ tent city, 1 @ old campground = 5 down two from last year.  

NEW BUSINESS: 

• Canadian postage changes: Unfortunately the cost of mailing to Canada has become prohibitive. $ .85 for one ounce. Mailing 11 newsletters and their membership cards cost $10.20 per year. Starting with this year's membership we are raising the dues to have your newsletter mailed to a Canadian address from $10 to $15. E-mailing newsletters to Canada would be $10 for one and $15 for two members, no change. This would include up to two members. Joe Steiner motioned to change the Canadian membership to cover the rise in cost of Canada postage.  Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Security at festival: Same as in the past. Thursday 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Friday 6:00 PM to 12:00 PM,
• Saturday 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. (Actually 12: would be AM Sunday).
• Scholarship request for Jonathon Demers. Jonathan thanked NIBGA for the $500.00 scholarship. Wondering if he qualified for a second one. After discussion of the board it was decided to not give a second since Jonathan is out of our area. Our money is limited so we agreed to limit his to a one time award. Paul motioned to deny the request for second scholarship. Joe Steiner second. All agree. Motion carried. Jim Winger will send a reply to Jonathon.
• New membership cards & renewals are available. April newsletter has the renewal form.
• Due to her health Gloria Merrill will not be doing the Hospitality Room at the festival. Sandy Tedford plans to do it for the spring festival. The Bacons have offered to do it if needed.
• Joe Steiner will work with Bill Merrill to schedule announcers for the Memorial festival stage.
• Tweeters are needed for NIBGA comments. Joe Steiner and Chris Cooperrider will 'Tweet' on Mondays.
• Gate Captains Paul S. and Pam K. need to contact their associate gate captains to see who is helping for sure.
• Vendors: Jeanette Young requested permission to change some of the vendor's fees to attract more merchandise vendors. Food Vendors using electric will still pay: $150.00 for trailer vendors, $175.00 for Moose and Lion's booths or any permanent fairgrounds booth. 
• Merchandise Vendors using 110 electric will pay $75.00 down from $125.00. This will include their camping from Thursday on and one 110 electric outlet. Early camping will be a charge same as other campers. The board unanimously accepted Jeanette's recommendations. Jim Winger will change the Vendor forms as required.
• Motion to adjourn by Joe Steiner. Paul Saurborn second.     Meeting adjourned at 2:38 PM

 Sincerely – Secretary – Barbara Collins