NIBGA board meeting Jan. 19, 2014

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting January 19, 2014  At South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:00 P.M.  The meeting was directed by Vice-President Joe Steiner due to Jim still having eye healing.

Officers present:                                Board Directors:
  President - Jim Winger                        T.J. Collins
  Vice - President - Joe Steiner              Pam Keiper
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                  Paul Saurborn
  Treasurer - Linda Winger
Others present: Chris Steiner - Workshop chair/Taxi chair/ and many other jobs. Jim Miller - Co-gate Captain.

• A letter was written by Special events/Merchandise-Membership chair, Tonia Bacon. Sent to Barbara Collins and shared with the board at Tonia's request. Tonia could not attend the meeting due to work schedule but wanted the board to know her intentions to continue helping.  Tonia plans to be at the March meeting.
• Secretary's report from Barbara Collins for November 17th, 2013 meeting was emailed to all officers on November 27th, 2013. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Jim Winger seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer's reports from Linda Winger were emailed to all on January 13, 2014 which included November and December 2013 Financial Statements. Also Linda passed out Bank Statement copies for 3 Rivers, and PNC Smart Checking and PNC Money Market. Linda reviewed each statement with the board. Jim Winger motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

• 501c3 Grants - Suggestions for possibilities - Noble County Community Foundation, ACP. Chris Steiner will create a template for grants. 
• Renegotiation of NCCFC rent. Jim Winger will contact Frank Morton and Tim Addis.
• Joe Steiner - Band hiring chairman - Band hiring status. Joe reported that the Stockdale Family are the headliner for Fall 2014. Joe is working hard on securing other bands for Spring 2014 and Fall 2014. The budget is a challenge. Spring 2014 is half way set. The flyer for SPBGMA will be available at the end of January Joe said.
• Special Events - TABLE for February. Tonia Bacon will be involved with planning.
• Board Possibilities/ Key festival managers: More help with festivals is desired. We would like to get more people involved in planning and managing. Stay mindful throughout the year of work to be done and share our progress and our achievements as a Association. Be prepared to explain the Associations goals and challenges. Encourage others to become involved in the work and progress of NIBGA. See List on Page 4 of the February 2014 newsletter.

NEW BUSINESS 

• President Jim Winger reviewed the 2013 Budget with the board. Jim also reviewed the 2014 projected budget with them. The budget needs to be followed closely and stay within our guidelines of spending. Adjustments that have been made: Gate ticket price changes for 2014, Fairgrounds price change and many other expenses. 
• Workshop budget - Chris Steiner will prepare a list for the board to consider for a 2014 Extended Workshop program. Estimate cost and research possible grants, and consider changes necessary. This is TABLED for review at the February meeting. Officers will vote on the Workshop Budget.
• Board is advised to pay attention to variable expenses and realistic expectations of income. 
• STAGE REPLACEMENT: Because of the fire and loss of the 'Stage on Wheels'. Gather facts. Further discussion to continue at February meeting.
  President Jim Wingers report to date:
  
• Insurance - Phone discussion with adjuster this past Monday
• Options for replacement. spread the word that we are looking.
• Draw up a summary of options and recommendations.
• President Jim Winger appointed a 'Stage Replacement Committee'.
• The committee is: Jim Winger, Joe Steiner, T.J. Collins The committee will report their findings and suggestions at the February 16, 2014 meeting.
• Linda Winger started a list of all items on the stage that were destroyed by the fire. Other officers were asked to make additions. We feel we have a complete list now of lost items.
• It was advised we have a committee to review the financial statements on a annual basis for auditing purposes. The financial committee will review to confirm that the bank accounts match treasures annual report to the board statements. The appointed committee is: Paul Saurborn, Pam Keiper, Leslie Ellis.

Linda Winger motioned to adjourn at 2:25 P.M. Paul Saurborn seconded.

The next meeting of NIBGA will be February 16th, 2014

Sincerely - Secretary Barbara Collins

NIBGA Board minutes April 21, 2013

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association board meeting at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:00 P.M.
Officers present:                         Board Directors:
  President Jim Winger                  T.J. Collins
  Vice President Joe Steiner          Pam Keiper
  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, Jenna Bacon, Greg & Brenda Auldridge - Co-Gate Captains; Sandra Carnes - past V. Pres; Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair and Merchandise; Sue Saurborn; Dave Keiper.

• The March Secretary report was sent via email to all officers on 3-22-13 No additions or corrections. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T.J. Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• The March financials were emailed to all officers on  4-16-13. Reviewed by Treasurer Linda Winger. No additions or corrections. Motion to accept was made by Paul Saurborn. Seconded by Pam Keiper. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Reminder of the 4-H Club Horse Show - May 17 - 19, 2013 at the Noble Co. Fairgrounds.
• Mini Barn setup - Need all tables and chairs placed and secured on Sunday 5/19. Need security during the workshops and the B.U.G.  Friday 5/24.
  The supplies for Kids Korner will be placed in the Mini Barn on Sunday 5/19.
  Kids Korner will take place on Sat. 5/25. 
• Avilla nursing home schedule. Friday 5/24. Band performing is Cumberland Gap. Paul Saurborn will escort the band to Avilla. Jim W. suggested someone take pictures and a short video to post on YouTube. Jenna Bacon will do
• 50/50 drawing. Pam Keiper - chair. Order tickets. Sell tickets all week previous to Sat. 5/ 25 drawing. Drawing to be Sat. P.M. Time to be determined later. Who will sell tickets?  $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. 
• Jim & Linda Winger will attend a meeting with NCCFC bluegrass committee on April 24, 2013 @ 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office in Albion, IN. 
• Discussed - carry-in dinner plans for Sunday 5/19. Officers and other festival workers will have a carry-in luncheon and a meeting. 
• Reminder to charge club radios in April. Report any problems to Jim Winger. 
• Charlotte MI Festival has been bought by Wes Pittenger
• Marshall, MI will happen on schedule per Jeremy Col.
• Next newsletter will have a red line on un-renewed members.

OLD BUSINESS 

• TABLED =  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. At 4/24 meeting, Jim will mention the need to consider rate change
• Linda W. gave an  update on last months mailing to old members. Several newsletters came back due to no forwarding address but serveral old members did re-join.
• Friday workshops at festival. Discussion. Chris Cooperrider - chair, will do a oral (show of hands) survey during the workshops to see who came just for the workshops, or who was there already for the entire festival. She will evaluate for future dates and times and study if the day and times should be changed. 
• Vendors - Jeanette Young. Lions not coming but other group will set up in that building. They will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. probably F/S/S only for breakfast & lunch. Other vendors will be Moose Lodge; a Mexican food stand; Open Kettle foods by Amish; Roasted nuts & Lemon shake-ups;  Saraha Grill - with chicken on a stick, pizza rolls, etc. Possibly few other vendors. Probably wood vendor. Jeanette will crate a newsletter note.
• Band Scramble - Tonia Bacon -Chair; Sign up will be in the Merchants Building on Sat. 5/25.  Drawing for the bands will be at 2:40 p.m.. Results will be posted. A more detailed report will be in the next newsletter. 
• Band hiring status; Joe Steiner; There is one more opening yet to fill for fall and Joe is awaiting a response.
• Advertising update; Facebook  report by Joe Steiner. Google Music Stores (93), Media 238 - J.W. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Advertising for Memorial Festival. Discussion - should we continue with the Wrap in the Kendallville paper? Cost probably $750. Other possibility - print our own. T.J. Collins motioned to print our own and not do the Wrap. Paul Saurborn seconded. Vote determined others were not in favor of printing our own and dropping the Wrap advertising. Motion Denied. We will continue with the Wrap for the spring festival. To be re-addressed for the fall wrap. 
• Advertising continued: Backstage Permotions is in circulation, WAWK place mat is free. -DONE, WAWK Terry Thacker is back and will do a Thursday remote from the festival.  $30 for 1 minute ad on WAWK; Continue with internet advertising strategy.
• Security; Short discussion. Stay aware of surroundings, and happenings. Paid Security will be present. 
• Due to illness Robin Wenger could not join us today discussing commitment and responsibilities of being a grant recipient. Robin plans to attend the May 19th meeting. 
• There will be a Wedding on Sat 5/ 25 on stage at the NIBGA festival. at supper break perhaps earlier if band scramble ends early. Sheri Thompson & Berry Markin. Harbortown is playing for the wedding. Joe will discuss with sound man. Belling? Golf Cart Parade? 
• Announcer status. Joe Steiner will take care of scheduling. 
• Summer 2013 newsletter mailings; June 16 @ festival - Pam Keiper, July 21 - Sue & Paul Saurborn, August 18 - Barbara Collins, September 15 - Joe Steiner  

Motion to adjourn by Barbara Collins. Seconded by T.J. Collins.  Meeting adjourned @ 2:20.

NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins

Next meeting, Sunday May 19, 2013 noon - Log Cabin - Kendallville fairgrounds.

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

Dave Hart, 73, over Jordan

We've received word that Dave Hart from Antwerp, Ohio passed away this afternoon, April 8 at home. He had been ill recently but was determined to come to Tri-State Memorial weekend.

Dave was on the board of NIBGA and has been an active member for many years. He will be missed by his many friends and family.

His obituary is located on Dooley Funeral home web site. The Fort Wayne newspaper published this:

DAVID HART, 73 of Antwerp, died Friday, April 8, 2011. Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, 5482 CR 424, Antwerp, Ohio, with viewing one hour prior. Viewing is also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church. www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

Published in Fort Wayne Newspapers on April 10, 2011

10/17/2010 NIBGA board meeting minutes

October 17, 2010       Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at South West Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809
The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 1:00 P.M.

All officers present were:                                Board Directors:
President – Jim Winger                                       T.J. Collins
V. President – Joe Steiner                                   Pam Keiper
Secretary – Barbara Collins                                Paul Saurborn
Treasurer – Linda Winger                       Acting for Joe Wyandt who resigned – Dave Keiper
Vendor Chair - Jeanette Young; Taxi Chair – Chris Cooperrider; Associate Gate Captain – Leslie Ellis;  and 4 Other members.  

• The minutes of the last meeting were e-mailed by Sect Barbara Collins on September 8th, 2010. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the minutes as read. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Treasurer Linda Winger e-mailed the August and September Financial  reports to the officers. It was reviewed at the meeting. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approved. Motion carried.
• There was a review of the Fall 2010 Festival Income and Expenses. Tres. Linda Winger handed each officer a copy of the Preliminary report (as of 10/15/10).   No action needed.
• Pres. Jim Winger gave each officer a copy of ‘Attendance and Income History. This is a history of May 2000 to Sept 2010. Covers = Weekend tickets sold, Electric sold, Friday/Saturday/Sunday daily tickets sold, Income, Expenses, Net Profit, % Profile, # of people total attendance. And a notation of the weather at each festival.
• Question- Why did we only make $10,000.00? Down about 700 people. Didn’t loose money. How can we increase attendance? This will be discussed later as the meetings go on through the winter. 

INFORMATION ITEM

      The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association’s contract for 2010/2011 with South West Conservation Club has been signed and paid as of 10/17/10.  This is where the meetings for Oct., Nov., Jan., Feb., March and April are held. The Jamming is open to all beginning about noon until 6:00 P.M. the third Sunday of each month of the meetings.

OLD BUSINESS

• International Bluegrass Music Association Convention reports by: Jim Winger, Chris Cooperrider, Joe Steiner & Linda Winger. Each gave a report of the events of the week, seminars they attended, what they learned and observed. Many bands were watched for possible entertainment for Kendallville festivals 2011. 
• Consideration of possibility of workshops with Bull Harmon in 2011
• NIBGA as an IBMA sponsor at the 2010 Convention in Nashville in early October. Report from Joe Steiner. NIBGA gained much attention and feel the sponsorship was worth while. 
• The Danny Bryant (limb on truck) accident was discussed. It will be taken care of by fairgrounds insurance
• 501c3 investigation will be continued by Pres. Jim Winger. Priority for this winter.

                                                                   NEW BUSINESS     
Board Officers for 2010/2011.  

• All officers have agreed to continue in their offices. Officers will be same as 2009/2010 except for the resignation of Joe Wyandt. Joe resigned due to health problems. His position will not be filled. The officers agreed to continue with 7 officers. All other volunteer help is welcomed and appreciated. 
• A band list composed by V. Pres./Band Chairman Joe Steiner was reviewed. These are bands being considered for the 2011 Festival season. 
• Band Budget was discussed. In 2010 Band Chair Joe S. did not use the entire budget allowed. Paul Saurborn motioned to set the 2011 Band Budget again at $30,000.00 cap per festival.. T.J Collins second the motion. All approve. Motion carried. 
• An email from a man at the festival mentioned the electrical problems close to his camper. The electrical repairs are considered fixed. Joe S. will contact the man on the subject. 

Reviewed;  

• Taxis – Will look at the problem with the 6 seat golf cart the drivers had at F10.
• Golf Carts for officers and Gate Captains. Will use the same amount as this year for the next festival. 
• Port-a-jons – Will order 7. Same amount as 2010. 
• Security – Will continue with the same hours on Thursday, Friday & Saturday. 
• Vendors – Jeanette Young Vendor Chair said some backed out because of lack of sales. It was agreed that there were enough food vendors. Discussion on what type of vendors would be successful at our Bluegrass festivals. Jim Winger gave a suggestion on ways to generate business for the vendors. 
• TABLE: Need discussion and decisions on wood vendors.  And -  how to attract new vendors. 
• Bass vendor said he didn’t sell any Basses. 
• TABLE for November: /Advertising for 2011, Find economical ways to advertise to the public. 

     T-Shirt project; Linda Winger is working on a project of gathering all the T-shirt designs that NIBGA has ever had. She will capture all the designs and post them on the web. Anyone having a shirt with a design prior to 1991 is encouraged to contact Linda. She has the ones from that date on to 2010. Suggestions are welcomed for the 2011 T-Shirt design.
     Dues renewal will be reduced starting now until April 30, 2011. The 2010/2011 membership will be $5.00 per single membership & $7.00 for family. The new 2011/2012 membership will begin May 1, 2011 and return to 10.00 per single membership and $15.00 for a family.  You will receive a membership card to carry and a newsletter each month of your membership (except Dec.)  Apply at NIBGA, 5034 Wapiti Court, Fort Wayne, IN. 46804-4946 (260) 918-4790 or Secretary Barbara Collins, 6731 State Road 8, Butler, IN 46721


The motion to adjourn was by Pam Keiper. Second by Paul Saurborn.     Time 3:20P.M.
Sincerely ~ NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

NEXT MEETING  --- November 21, 2010 at the SWCC

Breakfast is served!

The NIBGA meeting place (Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46809-2157) will be serving breakfast for the early birds next Sunday, October 17. The NIBGA meeting starts at noon but come early and enjoy a great breakfast at a remarkably low price. Sandwiches and drinks are also available.


The public is welcome. Bring your acoustic instrument or just come and enjoy the music. 

NIBGA Board meeting May 23, 2010

Meeting of the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association was held at the Noble County Fair grounds. Fair Street, Kendallville, Indiana beginning at 2:00 P.M.
After the Officers, Gate Captains, and other chair persons shared a Carry-In lunch the meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger.
Present were:                                               Board Directors:
President - Jim Winger                                   T.J. Collins                 
V. President – Joe Steiner                              Joe Wyandt
Secretary – Barbara Collins                           Pam Keiper
Treasurer – Linda Winger                              Paul Saurborn
Past Vice President: Sandy Carnes (& husband)
Associate Gate Captains: Leslie Ellis, Jan Mead (& husband), Patty Page (& husband).
Taxi Chairman: Chris Cooperrider. Vendor Chairman: Jeanette Young. Kids Korner Chairman: Julie Goldsmith. Also, other members were in attendance.

April Secretary report was E-mailed to all officers in late April by Secretary Barbara Collins.  No additions or corrections. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Jan Meed second. All approve. Motion carried.

April Treasurers report: No report sent. No report available until Thursday 5/27.  No action required at this time.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Billboard advertising postponed until fall 2010
• There is a new 80 gallon hot water heater in the women's RR at the Log cabin in addition to the 40 gallon mens.

OLD BUSINESS

• T.J. Collins: Port-a-jons. Review use and requirements for 2010 with Terry from Taylor Rental.
• Jim Winger: No change in the 501c3 investigation.
• Joe Steiner: Dan Hayes has NIBGA on the list for showcase sponsors for World of Bluegrass Convention in Nashville, Tennessee – fall 2010. There will possibly be no Awards Luncheon showcase this year.
• Possibly we will have a 5 year contract with Noble Co. Fair Board instead of the original suggested 3 year. This would cover 2011-2013. New contract available, not reviewed.
• Table until Fall: Extended workshops. Chris Cooperrider.
• Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association taxes have been filed. Leslie Ellis reports and she will investigate Indiana tax filing.
• Chris C. – Band Host Chair: Reports she needs 3 Band Host yet at this time. ( A couple more were pared up later after this meeting.)
• West Bound Rangers will perform at the Avilla Nursing Home @ 2:00 . Paul will take them. (Chris C., Joe S., Tonia B. went along also.)
• Mosquito spraying will be done at the Noble Co. Fair Grounds on Wed. p.m. or Thurs. a.m.. Paid for by Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association and sprayed by the fair board. (The spraying was done at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday 5/26/10.)
• Notify band that there will be two tickets per member at the gate. They need to sign for their tickets. Joe Steiner- band chairman.
• Joe Steiner motioned to tell the Fair Board that we are not interested in donating to the Electronic sign board at this time. Paul Saurborn second. All agreed. Motion carried.
• The 50 amp cable that the electrican installed in the past won't be needed. NIBGA will store it and install in the future.  Joe Wyandt.
• Vendors update: Jeanette Young: Several are coming. Jeanette gave a list of those agreeing to come. Others are expected to show up.
• Campers are allowed to set up a Garage Sale at their camping spot until noon Friday 5/28. No vendors fee charge. No garage sales after that time and date.
• Chris Cooperrider needs 3 club radios for the taxi drivers.
• 5 gate captains will share 3 golf carts. Leslie E., Al E., Patty P., Jan M., & Dave S..
• Security – one golf cart
• Cleaning/Cheri – one utility cart
• One 4 seat taxi
• One 6 seat taxi
• Remaining are for officers and taxi use.
• Security will be on the grounds:   Thursday 4:PM - 11:PM, Friday 6:PM - 12:PM, Saturday 11:AM – 12:PM
• Vern Tyree will be heading the Guitar workshop Sat. 5/29. All workshops are scheduled.

NEW BUSINESS

• If there are any Fair grounds problems, the contact person is Jim Winger who will contact Don Moore.
• Linda Winger shared letters to the club. There was a letter with a donation of $60.00 from Carl &  Marilyn Bryant in memory of 'Roger Schultz'. This is earmarked for the Kids Korner.
• The O'Bryan's from Kentucky sent a extra $10 with their membership for a donation also earmarked for the Kids craft Korner. This kindness is so much appreciated to help the club with it's craft activities for the kids.
• A little boy from Wilmington, Ohio wrote a very nice letter about his interest in Bluegrass music. Linda read the letter to those at the meeting. She sent him a package filled with Bluegrass information such as 'The History of Bluegrass', Fliers, a CD, and a DVD. and a note thanking him for his interest in Bluegrass.
• Linda W. reports: The 2010 new merchandise came with the new design on the front but no LOGO on the back. It had to be sent back to be added on. Hoodies are alright. The merchandise will be delivered to the fairgrounds on Monday 5/24. After that, inventory will be done to prepare for the festival sales.
• There was one out-of-state bad check from the last festival. It will be posted at the gate.
• The newsletter mailing schedule was reviewed; May – Sandy Carnes, June – Barbara Collins, July – Ellis family,  August – Paul Saurborn, September – Joe Wyandt
• A new security system has been installed in the Log Cabin  & Merchants Building. New keys will be marked. The merchants building can not be occupied without alarms or fire spotters.
• The EMS building will be moved in July to the handicap area close to the entrance.
• Julie G. reports: Suzuki to be on stage at 1:40 p.m. Saturday. All have letters and are to receive a ticket when they arrive at the gate. They will be with a parent. Put a sticker on their vehicle. They will need tables to set their instruments on before the performance.
• Board & Chairpersons: Line up behind the stage at 1:25. Go on stage for introduction at 1:30, Saturday 5/29.
• The back half of the track is very soft. Do not let anyone park on the track. T.J.Collins and Joe Wyandt will barricade to prevent campers getting stuck. (Done) It is O.K. to use the West side for parking.
• Linda's phone is registered with 911 for emergency contact. Hopefully it will shorten the response time if needed.
• Craft class will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. with Sandy Tedford in the Log Cabin.
• White Elephant Bingo is Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the Log Cabin with Sandy Tedford.
• There have been complaints of dogs bothering people. Jim will look into it.
• Insurance Issue: Our Insurance will be canceled if we have an incident with others using golf carts.                                      
• Discussion on Handicap transportation. What kinds of motorized bikes, carts so forth to allow?

All chairs report – off fair grounds schedule.

• Linda leaving early Tuesday. Back in afternoon.
• Joe Steiner leaving Sunday. Back early Wednesday.
• Chris Cooperrider back by Wednesday.
• Julie Goldsmith back here Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
• Pam Keiper back Wednesday night.
• Jeanette Young back late Monday or early Tuesday.
• Leslie Ellis not here Wednesday. Taking Nikki to school each morning.
• Al Ellis here evenings. Working days.
• Barb Collins gone Tues. 12p.m. – 10p.m.; Wed. same. Sunday p.m. 2:30/6:30.
• Joe Wyandt & T.J. Collins here the full time.
• Patty Page leaving today, back Friday p.m.
• George Page, Paul Saurborn, Jan Mead, Jim Winger here the rest of the time. (Some will need to go out for just short times during the week)

There will be a short meeting at the Winger's camp site on Thursday 527 at 1p to review festival status..
Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Linda Winger second, President Jim Winger called the meeting adjourned.

Time  -- 3:33 P.M., NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

NIBGA, April 18 is the last meeting until October 17

Come join us for our monthly meeting this Sunday, April 18 at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road , Fort Wayne, IN 46809 from Noon until 6p

They will be serving breakfast and lunches available. They are very good
meals and inexpensive.

Jim

501C3 for NIBGA?

There are several advantages to being a C3. NIBGA is currently a C4. Does anyone know how to convert?

TJ Collins, updates via comments

Dad was able to walk many time's to the restroom yesterday (Wednesday Aug 12) with holding onto the IV stand (only thing on there is food for feeding tube) and a small amount of support from someone else.

He's bugging mom to take him home and said she could give him his medicine's. Wish this was possible but, not yet.

Today (Thursday Aug 13) Mom said Dad ate 2 cracker's, some applesauce and some water. He passed the swallow test so he may be getting some lunch today, it will probably be light stuff I'm sure.

He had a little bit of a rough night last night he told mom, said his head hurt ( not surprising with all he's been through). They gave him some vicodin and he's feeling better.

Each day is something new he's doing and it's so exciting to see the progress everyday.

daughter Barb Ortiz

TJ Collins to have third surgery

We were told that TJ will undergo a third brain surgery around 5p Sunday, 8/2.

Updated: 8/5/09 2:56p
Brandy called. He came through surgery just fine. Doc is 99% certain that all the blood clots are out. TJ cannot speak and his right side is affected. He was VERY agitated this AM when he could not talk to a visitor. The family had him smiling and laughing today.

The doctor has requested minimal visitors since he gets upset since he cannot talk.

He will have to undergo therapy for speech and movement.

Overall, it looks somewhat positive.