NIBGA Board meeting April 19, 2015

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc. board meeting 

South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Our Mission: The purpose of this organization shall be to educate the public to, and promote
the awareness of, Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music.

Pres. Jim Winger called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m.

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

Others present: Chris Steiner - Workshop and Taxi Chair; Sandra Carnes - Past Vice-President ; Jeanette Young - Vendor chair & Merchandise/Membership table; Greg & Brenda Aldrich - Co Gate Captains; Leslie Ellis - Co Gate Captain; Dave Keiper - Grounds/Maintainance

• Secretary Barbara Collins: The March minutes were emailed to all on March 22, 2015.   Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer Linda Winger: The March financials were emailed to all on April 13, 2015. Linda reviewed the financials with the board. The totals are as of 3/31/15. All bills are paid as of now.  Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• eBay ad - Chris Steiner gave a update. She is working on the ads. All needs to be posted within 2 weeks.
• S15 Video by Dave Crabill - Dave Crabill has offered to video record the Spring 2015 NIBGA Festival. He has permission from most of the bands that will be performing May 21 - 24. Also he will video campground jamming, camping, plus many other activities going on that 4-day week end. The board has agreed to this. Dave will give the NIBGA a copy. These may be available for purchase later. 
• Security during the festival. The schedule will be as in the past for Thursday 5/21, Friday 5/22 & Saturday  5/23. 
• The Tents & Stage Floor will be installed on Wednesday 5/20. It was purposed and agreed to put steps on both sides of the stage. Chris Vogie will be stage manager. 
• WAWK - A 59 second radio ad-Video MP3 made by Dave Crabill will be played on the air. 
• Vendor Update: Jeanette Young - Vendor chair:  
• Mexican Burritos, Tacos, etc., 
• Soup, Chicken & Rice, Chicken Strips, 
• Buffalo burgers, 
• Hawaiian & Volcano brats, 
• a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches, French fries, Ribbon fries, Pulled Pork sliders, Fried pickles, Pickles on a stick, 
• Lemon Shake-ups, 
• Kettle corn, 
• Shaved Ice, Cotton candy, Ice Cream, 
• Mini donuts and Funnel Cakes. 
• Concession trailer will serve biscuits and gravy and other breakfast items and will open at 8:00 a.m.. 
• Avilla Masons @ the Lions Building will serve food and sell ICE. 
• A new restaurant will be serving at the stand by the Floral Hall. They are a Church group. 
• Merchandise will include craft items, jewelry & scarves, handmade Jewelry, kids's toys & novelties, and wood craft items. 
• Jeanette will fire wood for sale from the wood vendor at her camp. 
• Planned arrival dates at Kendallville fairgrounds for the officers and captains:  
• Jim & Linda W.  5/12:  
• Joe & Chris S. 5/15:  
• TJ & Barb C. 5/14:  
• Pam & Dave K. - early week:   
• Paul S. 5/14:  
• Jim M. 5/14:  
• Greg & Brenda A. - Not sure:  
• Leslie E. - in and out but back by Friday 5/22: 
• Dave S. ?:  Jan M. - ?.  R. & C. Bacon ?  Tonia - Later in the week. 
• Tim Addis was notified that the contract between the Fairboard and NIBGA needs to be discussed and renewed soon. Jim W. also addressed a list of items that need to be taken care of at the Kendallville Fairgrounds before the festival. 
• Cheri Franz will be cleaning the restrooms as usual. There are a couple of 'back ups' just in case. 
• WAWK placemat  15,000 to be distributed ; Bluegrass sponsorship is renewed. 
• Jim W. and Joe S. will go to WAWK on Tuesday May 19th @ 9:20 a.m. to talk about the upcoming festival events.  "Behind the Mic". 

OLD BUSINESS 

• Vice-Pres/Band Chairman Joe Steiner reviewed the band lineups. All contraacts are signed. 
• Some will be arriving in buses or RVs. There was a review of the band budget. 
• It was noted that Dennis Narker shared many good ideas with the board on ways to attract more attendance to the festivals. All have read this list. Pres Jim Winger suggested we review the list. 
• Linda Winger passed a list of names of those to be allocated a Golf Cart at the festival. 
• It was reviewed and accepted to be correct.
• Long discussion on credit/debit card machine use at the Merchandise/Membership table. Maybe will do. Will review possibilities. Possibly only will use at the Mds/Mbship table. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Festival fliers are printed & mailed. *Note* There is one (1) error.  Open Highway will NOT be playing at the Fall 2015 NNIBGA festival.
• Facebook and Google ads need created and scheduled. 
• Merchandise status: Jim and Linda will be going to the 'Shirt Shop' on Tuesday 4/21 to look at the colors and styles available and choose for the 2015 festival merchandise. 
• Summer Newsletter mailing schedule:
• May - Jim & Linda Winger
•  June 21 - Barbara Collins
•  July 19 - Paul Saurborn
• August 16 - Joe & Chris Steiner
• Sept 20 - Pam Keiper
• Pres. JIm W. & Joe S/ need to be prepared to negotiate a new contract between the Noble County Fairboard and Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at the festival in May. 
• Workshop List: Chris Steiner:  1-1/2 hr. 
• Workshops. Kids Corner at 10:00 a.m. Saturday 5/23. 
• Intermediate Jam with the Bilby's and Friends at noon (both in the Mini Barn). 
• Beginning Guitar, Mountain Dulcimer, Bluegrass Banjo for beginners, Clawhammer/Frailing Banjo for beginners, and Old Time Dancing. More details are in the May newsletter. 
• Friday 5/22 Square Dancing in the Log Cabin in the evening. Time to be announced later. 
• There will be 50/50 drawings. Pam Keiper in charge. 
• Paul Saurborn motined to adjourn. TJ Collins seconded. Pres. JIm Winger called the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
• Everyone is advised to charge their club radios, discharge and then recharge. Checking to be sure they work. 
• Festival organizational meeting Sunday May 17, 2015 after the Carry-In Dinner  Noon/1:00p.m. 

Next Winter Meeting is October 18, 2015
Secretary - Barbara Collins.

NIBGA Board meeting, Oct. 19, 2014

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Board Meeting at South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:05 P.M.
  Roll Call: Officers present are:
    President - Jim Winger                                     Board Directors:
    Vice-President - Joe Steiner                                   TJ Collins
    Secretary - Barbara Collins                                     Pam Keiper
    Treasurer - Linda Winger                                        Paul Saurborn

Others present: Chris Steiner, Sandra Carnes, Dave Keiper, Greg Aldrich, Brenda Aldrich

• Secretary - Barbara Collins emailed minutes of the August 24th & 28th meetings at Noble Co. Fairgrounds,  Kendallville, IN. to all officers on September 12, 2014. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer - Linda Winger reviewed August and September Financial reports that were emailed to all officers on November 14, 2014. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. all say yes. Motion carried.
• Linda also reviewed the Fall 2014 Preliminary Festival Tally as of this date. More is being done to complete totals. 

INFORMATION ITEMS

• President - Jim Winger reviewed with the board, analysis of Income 2014 vs 3 highest previous years 2003, 2004, 2005

OLD BUSINESS

• Pam Keiper reports: A new merchandise second chair person is needed for the NIBGA festival merchandise table.  Louise McClouth has expressed interest in taking the job. She might do 2 days and Jeanette Young would continue doing 2 days. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Officers and Directors for 2014/2015. All current officers have agreed to continue their positions. No one else has shown interest in a position. 
• Review of stage set up @ Labor Day Festival: What will we do about the stage in 2015? Jim Winger listed 5 options to consider. After discussion, Paul Saurborn motioned we continue with the same set up we used for Fall 2014.   TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• TABLE =  For Nov. meeting. Katelynn Lowe, a High School Senior has requested a NIBGA Scholarship to help with Bluegrass music lessons. Also Doug and Any King have applied for music Scholarships for their 3 Elementary school age children. Due to shortage of time at the meeting, there was no decision made.
• TABLE = Nov. meeting" 2015 Advertising - Strategies: Review results of 2014. Which methods to use for 2015? There are many options to study. 
• Band Budget:  If we don't buy a new stage, should we/could we expand the band budget? 2014 was $15,000 with a cap of $17,500. 2013 was the same. After discussion Vice -President Joe Steiner purposed $22,000 with a cap of $25,000. Joe purposed more bands with each day different.. Joe Steiner made a motion for $22,000 with a cap of $25,000 for 2015 for Band Budget. Paul Saurborn second. all say yes. Motion carried. 
• TABLE = Suzuki Fiddlers Scholarship for 2015.  Yes or No?
• Grants for 2015 = Who will lead? Chris Steiner says, "We need Grants large enough to hire a good A Band to attract the crowd." Another suggestion was to use a Grant to subsidize the Thursday evening show. Another suggestion was a Grant to subsidize the Nursing Home Shows when we send a band to do a Friday show. Also it would be good to have a grant to help give back to the community. (Jim Miller's son is a Grant Writer.) 
• TABLE = Discussion and decisions on All Day Workshops at the festivals. 
• Expense: One expense receipt submitted for postage. Joe Steiner. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Pam Keiper seconded. President Jim Winger called the meeting adjourned at 2:45 P.M.

Sincerely - NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins
   Sent Nov. 22, 2014

NIBGA festival organizatnal meeting May 18, 2014

Organizational meeting of Northern Indiana Blue Grass Association ~ May 18th, 2014
At the Noble County Fairgrounds ~ Kendallville, IN.

The purpose of this organization shall be to educate the public to, and promote the awareness of, Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music.

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: Past Pres. Sandra Carnes, Chris Steiner - Special events/Taxi chair; Tonia Bacon - Merchandise/Memberships & Band Scramble; Carolyn & Richard Bacon - Band Hospitality Room; Dave Keiper - Grounds; Leslie Ellis- Co Gate Captain; Greg & Brenda Aldrich - Co Gate Captains; Jan Meade - Co Gate Captain; Jim Miller - Co Gate Captain; Julie Goldsmith - Kids Korner Crafts; Jay Winger;

• Secretary's report - The minutes of the April 20th meeting was sent via e-mail to all officers on 4 - 21 - 2014.  Motion to accept - Paul Saurborn. Seconded - T.J. Collins. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer's report - Financials as of 4/30/2014 were emailed to all officers in early May. It was reviewed and Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• A Thank You was given to Paul Saurborn and Jim Miller for making the new signs for Ticket Prices for the festival gate.

INFORMATION  ITEMS

• WAWK - Behind the mike @ Noble Co. Fairgrounds will be 5/21 Wednesday @ 9:30 a.m.. 
• Avilla Nursing Home schedule - 5/23 @ 2:00 p.m.. Paul Saurborn will be escorting the band. "Buck and Company. 
• Grounds has been wet preventing leaf pick up and mowing. Work release group came in and raked along the fences. Contact is Ron Richards. Frank Morton is not to be used. Tim Addis daughter was injured and is on a walker.
• Service schedule for Port-a-jons & RV's is:  Wed pm RV only, Friday pm -RV & Portajons; Sat pm - RV and Portijons; Monday 7 am RV only. Propane for guest will be $12 for 20# tanks and $15 for 30# tanks. RV pumps will be $10 each. 
• Portajons will be delivered Monday PM on 5/19. 
• Randy Moore will deliver the rental stage to Kendallville on Wed. 5/21, set up, then take down on 5/26 and take away. 
• Garbage pickup: AM on Thurs., Fri, Sat, Sun & Tues. 
• Security Schedule: Thursday  5/22 - 4 to 11 p.m.: Friday 5/23 - 6 p.m. to midnight: Saturday 5/24 - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. No Sunday. 
• 2014 Summer Newsletter mailing schedule
  June 15 - Barbara Collins
  July 20 - Paul Saurborn
  August 17 - Sandra Carnes (needs mailed week before festival)
  September 21- Joe & Chris Steiner

OLD BUSINESS

• Emergency procedures were reviewed for the fairgrounds. 
• Review of ATC stage 

NIBGA Board minutes March 17, 2013

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - March 17, 2013 at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:55 P.M.

Officers Present:                                     Board Directors:
  President Jim Winger                              T.J. Collins
  Vice. President Joe Steiner                     Pam Keiper (via conference phone call)
  Secretary Barbara Collins                        Paul Saurborn
  Treasurer Linda Winger
Others present: Chris Cooperrider - Special Events; Tonia Bacon - Co-Merchandise  and Band Scramble Chair; Carolyn Bacon - Band Hospitality Room; Jade Bacon; Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair; James Miller.

• Secretary Report - Barbara Collins e-mailed to all officers Feb. 20, 2013. One addition was made by Jim Winger. The Festival T-shirt design was chosen at the Feb meeting. (Windmill design.)  Motion to accept by T.J. Collins. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurers Report - Linda Winger emailed the Feb report to all officers on Feb. 13, 2013. The Feb Financials were reviewed. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T.J. Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Reminder: 4-H Club Horse Show, May 17-19, 2013
• Security: same as 2012 except Fri. until 1 a.m. instead of midnight. Jim W. emailed their chair.
• Port-a-jons: Ordered and verified. 
• Address replacement is live. This month we are mailing to 365 former members asking them to renew. Working copies will be sent to Barb & Joe soon. 
• Charlotte, MI festival will go on 2013. Charlotte was bought by Wes Pittenger. 
• Marshall, Mi festival will happen on schedule per Jeremy Cole. 

OLD BUSINESS

• NCCFC contract not due until 2016 but 2014 rate is $12,500 and 2015 is $13,000. If 2013 is a loss, these rates need to be renegotiated - TABLED NO ACTION
• Friday Workshops-Memorial week end. Update - Chris Cooperrider. One more has been added totaling 16 workshops. Chris will make up fliers. Chris will also make up a workshop description for the next newsletter. 
• Band Scramble - Need detailed times for next newsletter. Those wishing to participate need to meet 1 hour before starting time (2:40 p.m.) to get their name in the drawing. $5 fee and perform 3 songs.  Band scramble will start at 3:40 p.m. on stage. Tonia Bacon will write up the article for the next newsletter. 
• Joe Steiner - Joe reviewed the band listings and other items pertaining to the bands. All bands are hired for the Spring festival and almost all for Fall. Joe will give Jim & Linda a list of the band addresses so they can mail them festival fliers.
• Research Grants - Jim Winger reports. Jim contacted Robin Wenger who writes grants for a living. Robin is Research Director for the City of Elkart. Mr. Wenger has consented to help NIBGA with searching for grants. 
• Advertising strategy. Jim Winger talked about Facebook and Google. Officers discussed how each works. Adds on Google - $50. Adds on Facebook $100. It was decided to use Google. Paul Saurborn motioned to advertise with Google. Barbara Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• 50-50 logistics. Pam Keiper - Chair. Order tickets. How many drawings? Who will sell? When to draw etc.. 
• Vendor report - Jeanette Young. Jeanette has received 3 applications. She keeps getting request and reports from potential vendors. She will check with the Moose and Lions to confirm. She will check with the wood man but sure he will deliver again. 

NEW BUSINESS 

• Advertising B.U.G. (Bluegrass Under Ground) Jade Bacon will post on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks. B.U.G. is the After Hours Jam that will take place on Friday night of the festival after the stage show finishes.  
• Mini Barn setup - Tables and chairs need to be set up on Sunday before festival. Kids Korner supplies will be set in and secured. Need security during workshops and B.U.G.  Clean up after B.U.G. before Kids Korner on Sat. a.m..
• Review "TASK LIST for Fair board" at Bluegrass festival. 
• TABLE: Decide on how late to keep the gate open on Friday P.M. of festival. How to handle the ones coming in for B.U.G.  Pam will decide on how early to open and how late to close. 
• New 2013/2014 membership cards are available. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn at 1:50 P.M. T.J. Collins seconded.
Next meeting of NIBGA is Sunday April 21, 2013
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

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.

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.

Vern McIntyre's Appalachian Grass

Hmm, how do you say s**t I screwed up? I forgot Appalachian Grass on the front page of our flyer. I reprinted it today and sent Kitty the new version. I also, update the web site. 


I am so sorry for missing this band. They are on the schedule correctly on the back of the flyer. 


Again, they are appearing at Tri-state this Memorial weekend.


Jim

Russ Carteaux 88

Russ ran the Avilla Lions Food booth at the Tri-State Festival for many years. The booth is located just north of the stage area.

While his wife was still alive, she would come by our trailer on Sunday night and give us the soup that was left over from the food booth. It made a great Monday dinner.

Russ has been in declining health and had not worked at the booth for the last couple of years. He died Monday Dec. 26, 2011.

NIBGA Board minutes at Memorial 2011 festival

Sunday May 22, 2011
Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association meeting; Noble County Fairgrounds ~ U.S. 6 & Fair Street Kendallville, Indiana
Meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 2:15 P.M.
Officers Present:                        Board Directors:
  Pres. Jim Winger                        T. J. Collins
  V. Pres. Joe Steiner                    Pam Keiper
  Sect. Barbara Collins                 Paul Saurborn
  Treas. Linda Winger
Others present: Chris Cooperrider- Taxi Chair/special projects; Jeanette Young-Vendor Chair;
Leslie Ellis-co-gate captain &(Michael); Sandy & Charlie Carnes; Dave Keiper; Patty & George Page; Tonia Bacon; Jenna & Jade Bacon; Richard & Carol Bacon; Julie Goldsmith-Kid's Korner Chair & Maggie Goldsmith; Jay Winger .

• April Secretary's report was sent by e-mail in April to all officers, by Secretary Barbara Collins. V. Pres Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.
• April Treasurer's report was sent by e-mail in mid May by Treasurer Linda Winger.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Pam Keiper second. All approve. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Summer mailing of newsletters will be done and sent by officers. List was reviewed and stands as is. 
• WiFi on fairgrounds is up. Pointed towards the Hotel to the East works best. Also can pick it up at the Merchants building. 
• Streets in the fairgrounds will be done Thursday morning. 
• Honey Wagon and Trash pick-up schedule was reviewed.

OLD BUSINESS

• Taxes were submitted by May 15 which was on time.
• 501c3 – Encourage E-mail addresses on membership sign ups. 
• IBMA – Fall 2011. Joe Steiner suggest that who ever attends the IBMA conference this year does not stay the entire time. NIBGA will not be having a Showcase room or sponsoring a showcase  in the ball room. Paul Saurborn motioned to give Joe Steiner and Jim Winger authority to make the decision on the amount to spend and how much time to attend IBMA Conference. Pam Keiper second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Gate Captains will share golf carts during the festival. They will make the decision among themselves. 
• Workshop schedule; See 'Hand out' All set to go. Tables and chairs will be set up for each workshop spot. 
• Advertising; 5 radio stations, place mats in Kendallville and Fort Wayne restaurants. 3 stations give 2 daily tickets per call in. 3 x 3 = 9 tickets. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Single point of contact for festival problems are Jim Winger / Don Moore.
• Weekend tickets have been distributed to all officers. 
• No band buses coming in as of now. Possibly Lonesome Travelers later. No 50 amp needed.
• Chris C. - All bands that wanted hosts and Host have been paired. 
• Joe S. - Notify all bands that there will be two tickets per member at the gate. They need to sign for their tickets. 
• HillBenders will be playing a show at the Sacred Hearts Home on Friday at 4p.m. Channel 15 might cover this.
• L.W. - Announcers for Thursday thru Sunday; Cheri McKinley, Terry Gratis, Chris Vogie, Terry Thacker.
• Gate:  Pam K. / Paul S. - Some gate volunteers signed. – Radio stations will get 9 pair day passes - Linda Winger.  
• Grounds: TJ / Dave K. – Most electric all right. Some wires will be fixed. Plenty of parking space.
• Kids Korner – Home depot gave 50 kits for kids to work on. Need 13 tables and 36 chairs in the building by Wednesday p.m. or Thursday a.m.  so Julie can set up. 
• Merchandise: Barb Collins says she will do inventory today. Jeanette Young and girls will help. 
• Jeanette Young, Vendor Chair – Some have dropped out this week. Others hopefully are still coming. No Bake sale vendor could be found. Ones for sure as of now are Ice Cream Stand, Lemon Shake-Up, Moose Food Stand, Lions Food Stand, Dog House.
• Chris C. – Taxi sign up sheets will be at the Log Ice Cream Stand. Sheriff schedule. Thursday eve., Friday eve., Saturday all day, no Sunday. 
• Security Systems in log cabin and merchants building require deactivation. JW has codes
• Introduction of Board and Chairs on stage Saturday 5/28 @ 2:15p.m.
• Jim & Linda's phones have been reported to 911 as an emergency contact. 
• All chairs report – off grounds schedules. 
• Stage will be brought in Monday by Paul & Dave K.

Motion to adjourn; T.J. motioned, Paul S. second.        3:15p.m.
Next board meeting , Thursday 5/26 --  1p.m. --   @ Wingers trailer.
Sincerely Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Secretary – Barbara Collins


Thursday May 26th, 2011 at Wingers trailer – Kendallville Fairgrounds
Meeting called to order by Pres. Jim Winger at 1:00p.m.
Present:
Pres. Jim Winger                                     TJ Collins
V. Pres Joe Steiner                                  Pam Keiper
Sect. Barbara Collins                             Paul Saurborn
Treas. Linda Winger
Dave Keiper, Dave Vogie, Jeanette Young, George Page, Leslie Ellis, Jan Meed, Chris Cooperrider, Dave Smith, Marannie Vogie.

• Chris C. – Need more taxi drivers for later in the week. Have plenty for now.
• Jeanette Y. – Vendors – One coming yet. Hand bag lady/not sure. The rest expected are here.
• Joe S. – Nothing changed. Lonesome Travelers are here in a bus.  [Need 30amp for Bull Harmen]
• Gate: Need more volunteers for Saturday.
• Grounds: TJ says – Going good. 
• Barb C. – Inventory was done on Sunday 5/22. Will set up Merchandise in the Merchants building due to heavy rain and muddy ground in tent. 

Meeting adjourned @ 1:11p.m.
NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

Propane sale during Tri-State festival

Amerigas, located just west of Kendallville, IN on US6 (5695 East US Highway 6, Kendallville, IN 46755 260-347-2266) will fill 20# for $10 and 30# for $15 if you bring canned goods for the local food bank before 3p each day. You can register to win 100 gallons of propane.

On Friday, May 27 from 11a-2p WAWK broadcasting with free pop and hot dogs. The propane drawing will be during this time.

Propane special at festival

Praxair Distribution, 801 Commerce Dr, Kendallville, IN 46755  (260) 347-5908, is offering a bluegrass special for 20# propane tanks, $16. 

Show your bluegrass ticket to get the discount.

DISCOVER BLUEGRASS DAY - May 27, 2011

DISCOVER BLUEGRASS DAY

A Full Day of Workshops Presented by Professional Musicians

We are excited to present a full day of workshops on May 27, the Friday of the Memorial Day Festival.  These workshops will be free to all festival attendees.  If you would like to just come for the day, the cost of a Friday daily ticket is $8 and will allow you to attend all workshops, plus all other activities and concerts on Friday night. 

           

Workshops will be 2 hours in length, including time to pack up and move to the next workshop.  Preregistration is not required…just show up at the door!  You will find schedules posted on the bathroom doors and at the merchants’ building, but if you want to start planning your day now, here is the preliminary schedule.  You can attend one session per time slot.

Choices are:

10am until noon – Song Writing, Banjo, Dobro, or Guitar

Noon until 2pm – Mountain Dulcimer, Fiddle, or Bass

2 pm until 4pm – Mandolin or Harmonica

4 pm until 6pm – Harmony Singing, Beginner Bluegrass Jam, Old-Time/Bluegrass Dancing

In addition to the above FREE sessions, we will be offering a workshop from 2pm until 6pm (yes, FOUR hours!) with Bull Harmon.  This will be geared towards the more advanced players, and there will be a $25 fee for this class.  You must preregister in advance with Chris Cooperrider as there is a limit of 12 students in this class. Call 260-302-1555 for more information or to preregister.

The Saturday morning workshops are being replaced by this Friday spectacular. There will still be the “Slow Jam” on Saturday from 12-1:30p in the Mini Barn along with the Kids Korner at 10:00 to 11:30a.

Memorial Showcase bands

We have 2 showcase bands signed up for the 2011 Memorial Day festival -- the Matt Scutchfield Band @ 6:20 and Lost Road Ramblers @ 6:40. The bands will perform on Thursday May 26.

NIBGA Board Minutes March 20, 2011

March 20, 2011 Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:55 P.M.
Officers present were:                             Board Directors:
President - Jim Winger T.J. Collins
Vice President - Joe Steiner Paul Saurborn
Secretary - Barbara Collins
Treasurer - Linda Winger
Board director Pam Keiper in Texas, could not be reached by phone.
Others present were Chris Cooperrider - Taxi Chair/ Special Activities chair, Sue Saurborn, Tonia Bacon & Carolyn Bacon

Minutes of last meeting:
• Minutes of the February meeting were e-mailed to each officer by Sect. Barbara Collins on Feb 21. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
Treasurer Reports:
• February Financial reports were e-mailed to each officer by Treasurer - Linda Winger in March. The report was reviewed at the meeting. T.J. Collins motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried. 
Information Items:
• NIBGA Taxes due May. 
Old Business:
• 501c3 investigation:  Chris C. / Joe S. report the subject has been revisited and they are taking action. There are three choices on how to approach this subject. Joe Steiner recommends we continue research. Further investigation of the Proxy method as a legitimate procedure.
• Band Updates: Joe Steiner/Band chairman.  All bands are hired. Schedule is set. Ready to go!
• Workshops: Chris Cooperrider. Workshops and directors are scheduled. Ready for spring. 
• For Taxi service during the festival, use Phone number (260)302-1555. This is a Kendallville number.
• Advertising: Jim Winger.  News Sun. We will continue and pay fee if ad sales are under $1,500.
• Radio Stations: - Nothing committed. Jim passed out information sheets for Radio station adds with THUNDER Country WTHD/105.5 Lagrange, IN.; Country WLZZ/104.5 Bryan, O.; and WBET/99.3 Sturgis, MI.  The Fort Wayne market very expensive. T.J. Collins motioned to go with advertisements with the three stations listed above. (WTHD, WLZZ & WBET) Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Joe Steiner will update band web pages with our link. Encourage people to go to the Facebook. 
• Facebook / Search - Tri-State
• Suggested reminder; Collect email addresses from attendees at the festivals. 
New Business:
• Review on memberships;  Who needs paid memberships and who is included in family membership. Two adults per family membership. No limit on children 15 and under. One newsletter per household address. Two tickets per family membership. 
• Discussion on list of Complimentary newsletters & Canadian mailings. Should we only do e-mails. Decided: Continue as is. Suggest emails but do not restrict to just emails. 
• Golf Carts for festival. Six seater not available, will be using two four seaters. Chris has a golf cart 'Google Voice number' for Taxi phone number:  260-302-1555. Golf cart price is the same. Delivery price up a little. 
• Port-a-Jon: Cost is the same. Delivery service price is up a little. 
• Festival fliers - 5,000 printed with Memorial & Labor Day on front and Memorial schedule on the back.
• TABLE --- for April.  Should we attend IBMA fall 2011? If so - who? Joe S. will check with Dan Hayes on  Open IBMA Board spots, IBMA cost and such. Joe recommends that NIBGA remain visible at IBMA. Wise to keep our relationship.
No expenses to approve. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Meeting adjourned at 2:05PM

Submitted by NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins

Next board meeting/Jam Sunday April 17, 2011. This is the last meeting of the winter and the last before the Tri-state festival.

The Christchurch Earthquake

Hello from Christchurch, New Zealand

You may not have been aware of us as a bluegrass/alt country band or even aware that we are based in Christchurch, New Zealand. However, we are sure you have heard of the city that we live in and love, as it has been in the news lately as a result of a destructive earthquake last Tuesday 22nd February. Many, many lives have been lost, many families are shattered, the city is without key infrastrcture and there is a long road ahead to recovery. The material loss suffered by some band members pales in comparison to the loss of family, friends, livelihood and property experienced by others.

Amongst it all, stories of heroism, bravery and a real sense of a united community are surfacing. Everyone is helping others out without asking for reward or recognition. This is a very humbling experience and reminds us why we love this city and this country.

As part of the rescue efforts we have received help and support from all around the world and as part of the process of rebuilding we need your help.

The easiest way to help is via donations to the newly set up New Zealand government donation page at http://www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz/  Any amount is appreciated.

May we also ask that you mention our city and its plight at any upcoming performances you may have to ensure this message is spread as far as possible.

Thank you

Regards

Sean Whitaker

Manager

The Johnny Possum Band

info@johnnypossum.com

+6421633592

Johnny Possum appeared in Kendallville Labor Day weekend 2007. They parked in the infield and created a youtube video of one of their songs.

REVISED - Bull Harmon Workshop

Due to numerous requests, the Bull Harman workshop for the Memorial Day festival will be geared more to intermediate to advanced players. Unique and original created chords, different styles of rhythmn techniques and appropriate use of them will be taught as well as creative "licks". Bull will be around the festival all weekend and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

This class is limited to the first 12 paid attendees. The fee for the four hours is $25 Contact Chris at cooperrider@yahoo.com or 260-302-1555

Indiana field fiddle recordings 1979-80

It is amazing what you can find on the web these days. I was searching for someone and came across this web site that has several fiddle player recordings. Those of you that have attended early Kendallville festivals will recognize some of the names such as Francis Geels playing fiddle along with his sisters Helen Loshe on guitar and Esther Mowrey on bass. 


Vic Rigsby and his parents play and sing old timey music.

Indiana Hoedown Field Recordings: Fiddlers by Paul Tyler, aka Dr Dosido

Field Recording Sessions, Indiana Arts Commission grant, 1979-80, 

Recordings in Archives of Traditional Music, Indiana University 

NIBGA facebook page for TriState Bluegrass Festival

Everyone has a Facebook page and we didn't want to be left behind. If you would like to help the club, let us know the best ways to use this new capability. Here is our Facebook page for TriState.

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