March 24, 2011

ILTC Dinner Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2011

In attendance: Kelly Stone, Rick Vrooman, Dave Dellecese, Megan Dellecese, George Malavasic, Carol (last name?), Carole (new), Marie Scialdone, Elisa Welsh, Barb (last name?), Janice Nolander, Art Wilks, Margaret Neimeyer, Norm, Dave S., Ro, Char G., Bev, Cindy, Steve, Char & Paul.

Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 7:25pm.
- Past meeting’s minutes read by Megan. Art motioned to approved, Margaret seconded, all approved.
President’s Report
-Dave expressed frustration over how few members were willing to volunteer for the nomination committee and informed the group that the only individual willing to help was Julianne Allen. With all this in mind, he stated that there will be no place for complaining on how things are done or run if no one is willing to step forward and have a say in it.
- Dave also took the chance to mention how proud he was to be a part of the most recent show, “And Then There Were None”. Although there was a good-sized cast, he mentioned that there were a lot of new faces in the audiences and that the friends or family that came used director’s passes; lots said that they’d never been to the theater before, but being interested in the show, they decided to check the place out. He thanked Mary Lee for her hard work and gave Art credit for setting up his own Newstalk to promote the show. (Dave also clarified that he has no role in setting up newstalks and doesn’t have a say in them.)
- Dave gave a Seward update, informing the membership that, due to the state budget, all member items were nixed, and that the board agreed that it was a necessity to go ahead with the HVAC purchase, noting that perhaps the fundraising committee could come up with ideas to help pay it off. It was suggested from the membership to try a “Friends of” donation with different levels to help.
Vice President’s Report: Kelly reported that she had ordered all plays that had been requested and asked for individuals to let her know if anyone’s interested in directing.

Secretary’s Report: Megan mentioned that she’s still working on the newsletter and requested any additional information for it.

Treasurer’s Report: Char reported the following balances:
Current Checking Acct. Balance - $5,341.43 “And Then There Were None” Expenses/Takes:
Current Savings Acct. Balance - $5,035.17 - Door: $2,728
Current CD - $3,411.77 - 50/50: $293 (4 nights donated)
Current Petty Cash - $172.22 - Donations: $107.50, Basket - $150
- Expenses: $885.00
Dave S. requested to know the profits from prior shows of the season; Char said he’d email it.

House Report - Art reported that the codes inspector had no comments, but was very thorough and happy with what he saw.

Fundraising Report – Char reported that we made $150 on the basket raffle and that lots of items were donated, thanking everyone who offered and requested anyone interested in helping out with fundraising to see her. Margaret asked if the money from the baskets could be put towards the HVAC funding, which most agreed was a good idea. Marie mentioned that they couldn’t handle the basket without 3 people doing door; it was agreed that IF POSSIBLE, 3 people should be requested to do the door.

Old Business:
- Art gave a final wrap-up of “And Then There Were None”, showing off the sweatshirt he received proudly, and saying that the prior Sunday & Monday it was all he could do not to come down to the set (in a good way), thanks to the cast. He said that they took characters that he suggested and they built on them, and he couldn’t change much. It was one of the best theater experiences he’d had since starting in 1961; there were good audiences, no bickering or drama behind the scenes, they helped with the set, and there were some new folks involved (Jim Revenaugh felt welcomed and happy here). Bev did great on lights.
- Kelly looked into the cold air issue in the lobby, speaking with the gentleman who put in the HVAC. He said that he could put in new registers & duct work for around $200; we’ll look into it.
- Dave updated on Brooks’ BBQ, saying that he had looked into it and we would need to purchase a minimum number of plates (over $1,000). Right now, it doesn’t seem like it’s the wisest decision since we can’t be guaranteed that people would show up. Ro suggested having a number of tickets that people would be held responsible for.

New Business:
- Ro asked where “The Red Feather Ladies” went. She said that it’s a cute, less than 1-act show that might be good for an afternoon tea. Kelly said that postage is crazy for ordering another (but will if we have to). They would need 7 older women for it, and Ro would be willing to direct it (not during the winter).
- Art announced that the following Saturday at 9am, people would be working on taking parts of the set down, etc, if anyone could help out.
- Norm suggested a season of a retrospective/revival of classic shows, saying that it might be a good theme or gimmick. Several people loved the idea; George noted that it’d be great as long as the shows were relatively well-known. Art noted that a member is interested in doing a melodrama that might work with this.
- Ro noted that with the passing of Elizabeth Taylor and her connection to the area with “A Place in the Sun”… “Chester and Grace” revival?
- Dave S. gave an update on YAW, mentioning that 26 kids signed up and he chose a play for 20 kids that he expanded. The show would be put on during the first week of June.
- George M. gave an update on “Happy Birthday”, saying that it’s cast (just waiting to hear back on one part) and that the play is very funny. Since he had numerous new people try out, he’s cast them for 3 one-act short plays that will be put on prior to the show; here’s hoping they stick around for future auditions and shows.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:21pm – Art motioned to adjourn, Steve seconded, all were in favor.
Tables were left for the next meeting; Art said he’d help with set-up.

February 17, 2011

ILTC Dinner Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2011

Meeting called to order at 7:30.

In attendance: Char, Rick, Kelly, Bob & Jan, Steve & Cindy, Art, Jason, Dave & Meg, Margaret, Carol, Mary Lee

Minutes of January’s dinner meeting were read. Motion to approve made by Mary Lee and seconded by Margaret.

President’s Report

• Dave requested any members who want to have a say in the running of the theatre to volunteer as part of the nomination committee, needing to have a committee put together by the next dinner meeting so that they can start work on nominating people for next year’s board. He stressed what an important task volunteering for this committee is and reiterated how vital this is.
• To this point, Kelly said that she wants people who know how it’s run; people were asked “do you want to be on the board” who didn’t end up on the board. Mary Lee asked if it is possible to have more than 2 people run and have a vote. To clarify, Jan said that the committee is to ask people if they want to run again – then when the slate was given at the May meeting, people could elect themselves and then have a paper ballot vote. Dave reiterated that the hardest part is to get willing volunteers for the Nom. Com. In the first place. Jan noted that nobody has deliberately been slighted and that perhaps an addendum to the by-laws would be necessary – Dave said he’d bring this up at the board meeting.

Vice President’s Report

• Kelly said that we need directors for the next season, as well as ordering any scripts since it’s getting to be that time again where we need to piece together the season – really, we’ve gotta get going here.
  

Secretary’s Report

• Megan mentioned that she sent in a quarter-page ad (along with the check Char made out) to the B-Sharp Club for their scholarship performance program.
• She also noted that she was going to be getting the newsletter together and requested any additional information (other than the already-discussed items, such as informing folks that the newsletter will be mailed only to those who specifically request it from this point forward; otherwise emailed).

Treasurer’s Report (given by Bev)

• Checking $3,706.08
• Savings $5,034.59
• CD $3,409.84
• Petty Cash $93.55

A letter was received from United Way (giving $40.10) thanks to donations made by Dave Dellecese and “Anonymous”.

Jan asked about heating costs; Char said that they’re higher so far, but we need to analyze the year-to-year comparison. It was mentioned that the extra show may account for the additional cost.

HOUSE: Art Wilks said that he’d be checking the security the next day and would be meeting with the codes enforcer on Tuesday for the annual codes/fire inspection. Art noted to push all plugs in all the way. (He also gave a report as to how “And Then There Were None” was going, saying that it was going great and that he had a great cast. At that time, he was planning on painting the floor brown, Meg was working on the background, and that they had figured out the curtain issue. Bob B. asked about a missing sensor, which Art wasn’t sure about. Art also asked for additional help on the set on Saturday, if anyone could make it.)

ADVERTISING: Mary Lee said that she had mostly taken care of advertising (and that she’d be going to FL the following week); Dave had helped with the O-D and WKTV’s web site. She contacted the Ilion PD in writing for use of their sign and was attempting the same with Remington Arms. She was going to contact the Telegram to do an article. Also, she had gotten most of the supplies for the first week, but requested that someone check in after the Sunday performance for additional supplies and water.

POSTERS: Bob asked that the board give him a list of posters to frame and he’ll get them done; Dave said that he’d email it.

FUNDRAISING: Char hoped to set up a meeting for the following week. She asked, also, how anyone doing the doors felt about selling raffle tickets for the baskets. Discussion was that it could be tough on busy nights, but having 2 people tag-teaming it helps. It might also be wise to stay to sell tickets at the end of the shows.

MEMBERSHIPS: N/R

OLD BUSINESS
- Bob asked about the architect’s report on the building. Dave summed up that the architect came to meet with the board with a general overview: the main concern was structure issues (cracks, bricks wearing away) that may be an issue, maybe not; roof concerns. He discussed grants that are out there (which he could help us apply to, as a part of his fees.)
- Bob also asked how the Seward grant was working out. Dave said that it could be a year before we knew, making it March 1st, so he was trying to be patient but would call and nag by that date.

NEW BUSINESS
- The next month’s dinner meeting needed to be moved to the fourth week of March – Thursday, March 24th, due to a performance of the current show on the third Thursday.
- Kelly requested that people sign up for the door.

Next meeting is 3/24/11.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Motion to adjourn: Megan.
Seconded by Rick.

February 18, 2010 Dinner Meeting Minutes

Ilion Little Theatre Club

Minutes of February 18, 2010 Dinner Meeting

Those present were: David Dellecese, Art Wilks, Kelly Stone, Janet Biviano, Bob Biviano, Beverly Poznoski, Rick Vroman, John Gurtowski and Mary Gurtowski.

Meeting called to order 7:29 p.m.

In absence of Secretary, David read minutes of January meeting. With minor corrections, minutes were accepted. (Motioned: Art / Seconded: Janet)

President’s Report:

Ø Dave is working on keeping the website up-to-date

Ø Thanks to Bob and Norm for taking Senator Seward on a tour

· Sen. Seward was quite interested, wanted to see entire building

· Next step is to write a letter alerting him to our needs, which Dave has drafted

· A picture has been submitted to the OD for the “good news” section

Vice President’s Report:

Ø Update on Marge Moylan’s condition: doing better – she’s home now

Ø Reported there have been problems receiving plays from Samuel French lately. The scripts for Lie, Cheat & Genuflect are still not here.

Secretary’s Report: No Report

Treasurer’s Report:

Ø Although not in attendance, George M. left a report

· Petty cash: $213.50

· CD: $3,384

· Savings: $10,223

· Checking: $2,715

· TOTAL: $16,535.50

House Report:

Ø Art reported that he fixed a piece of wood in the basement to reduce the coal dust in the air.

Ø A programmable thermostat has been installed, can be changed 4 times in 7 days – he can show folks how to use it.

Ø Discussion of a new furnace: current one is inefficient. CO² should be 30 parts per million and it’s currently doing 800 parts per million (but is being released outside). One estimate is $4,600 installed (93% efficiency, 116,250 BTU/hr, all with possibility of installing A/C later on). Bob suggested we insulate the ductwork downstairs. Kelly asked if furnace installers are certified:yes. Bob asked about energy rebates but we’re non-profit and don’t file tax return.

Ø Update on basement plumbing issues: toilet had backed up – is now capped. Webers found roots in our drains. We can do the work on inside sewer drain but the town should be called for new shut off valve (cost $150) in spring.

Advertising:

Ø Dave reported that Mary Lee submitted notices for both upcoming shows

Ø George M. is booked for NewsTalk in the beginning of March.

Ø Dave Stritmater emailed Dave D. that auditions for The Dining Room will be March 11 and 12 with performances taking place the weekends of May 14^th and 21^st.

Posters: No Report

Old Business:

Ø Bob alerted everyone to a roof shingle that is loose on the right of the tower – perhaps call the town to see if they have a tall truck with a ladder.

New Business:

Ø John asked if there will be a spring cleanout: probably when weather is warmer: attic and basement need work and chemicals in basement need proper disposal. Art is willing to do drop off to Solid Waste Authority.

Ø Art discussed possibly doing more performances of each show (at least 6); and perhaps doing 4 productions a year to raise more money. Also, selecting shows that will draw the largest audiences.

Ø A discussion of fundraising resulted in the following suggestions:

· Kelly: do a cabaret

· Dave: Brooks BBQ, mentioned George’s friend donated a set of golf clubs to raffle off

· Mary: Dick Enders and partnering with area restaurants for a portion of proceeds on slow nights.

· “Pay for clicks” idea like the Orpheus Theater – Dave will email Norm to follow up

· Dave will add a “donate now” button to our website through PayPal.

· Jan: do popular shows that people know of, like On Golden Pond.

· Dave: possibly do a holiday show- “It’s a Wonderful Life” like Players’ do Scrooge

Door Committee: Kelly needs folks to work the door for both shows in March.

Meeting adjourned 8:15: Motion: Kelly.; Seconded: Rick

Respectfully submitted,

Mary L. Gurtowski

Past President

January 21, 2010 Dinner Meeting Minutes

Dinner Meeting Minutes
Ilion Little Theater Club
(January 21^st, 2010)

In attendance: Megan, George M., Kelly, Rick, Mary, Dick, Margaret, George L., Char G., Norm, Paul, Char, Bev.

Proceedings:
- Meeting called to order at 7:31.
- Past meeting’s minutes read by Megan. Mary motioned to approved, Rick seconded, all approved.

- President’s Report (Meeting was run by Kelly in Dave’s absence):
Dave sent a report stating that the Senator Seward tour would occur the following day (Friday, Jan. 22^nd) and that Bob and Norm were kind enough to give the tour.
Ro Scalise contacted Dave that she had given up doing memberships and subscriptions as of the end of the first show of the season.

- Vice President’s Report: Kelly reported that Marge Moylan was put into Presbyterian Home, that her condition was improving but that perhaps we should send something to her. She also brought up that Ron Fuhrer had passed away.

- Secretary’s Report: Megan mentioned the founding of a Fundraising Grant Committee to reshape the former Grant Committee’s focus on general finding of funds for the theater. She noted that she’d be willing to co-head the committee with MaryLee (since she had put in lots of grant-training time) and asked for people to sign up for it. Several members signed up after the meeting adjourned.

- Treasurer’s Report: George reported that Clue brought in around $5,000. The total funds were $16,964.85; it breaks down at approximately $3,100 in checking, $10,223 in savings, $256 in petty cash and $3,384 in the CD. The treasurer’s report was motioned to be accepted by Dick, seconded by Norm, and accepted.

- There were no committee reports.

*Norm brought up that the order of New and Old Business needs to be switched.

-Old Business:

Megan reported on the status of Young Actors Workshop in the absence of Dave Stritmater. They had had their initial meeting with well over 20 kids showing up and showing great interest. A show, Ukrainiacs, was ordered and will be read at their next meeting, in February.

It was reported that Dave Stritmater agreed to direct The Dining Room as the last production of the season.

-New Business:

Norm suggested something used on The Orpheus Theatre website, where every click brings you in a donation. He was going to look into something similar that might be used for ILTC site.

As discussed at board meetings, a question as to how to track soda/wine use (and deter free drinking) was brought up. Discussion ensued; locking it up (alcohol and un-opened sodas) seemed to be a general consensus.

George M. reported on “An Evening with Chekhov” and “Lie, Cheat & Genuflect”. The dates were set as Chekhov on March 5^th and 6^th and “Lie, Cheat & Genuflect” the last two weekends in March. “Lie, Cheat & Genuflect” had been cast except for a younger Avon lady character.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:22pm – Dick motioned to adjourn, Rick seconded, all were in favor.

November 19, 2009 Dinner Meeting Minutes

Dinner Meeting Minutes
Ilion Little Theatre Club
(November 19, 2009)

Present Members: Mary Gurtowski, Kelly Stone, Megan McCoy, Mary Lee Lynch, Dave Dellecese, Norm, Rick, Sharon Trodler, Steve Quackenbush, Cindy Quackenbush, Ro Scalise, Dave Stritmater, Jay Lynch, Robert Biviano, Jan Biviano, Paul, Charlene

Proceedings:
· Meeting called to order at 7:32p.m.
· Megan read minutes from previous dinner meeting. Ro motioned to accept. Art seconded.

President’s Report:
-Senator Seward has okayed meeting and is scheduled to visit December 2.

Vice President’s Report:
-Went to see “70 Girls 70” and saw the ad for Clue in their program.
-Sunday is covered for the added show of Clue.

Secretary’s Report: N/R

Treasurer’s Report: N/R

House Committee Report:
-Brown Randall said that any fire extinguishers older than 1983 needed to be thrown out.
-Five new ones have been purchased. Old ones placed upstairs.
-Calls were made for the fire inspection. Called twice with no answer. Still trying.

Advertising Report:
-Dave D thanked Mary Lee for all the work getting word out about “Clue” and Ro for all the work on program advertisements.
-Mary Lee contacted many people for Sunday’s added “Clue” performance including Mohawk Valley Express, Fusion, Observer-Dispatch, Evening Telegram. Dave mentioned taking care of online.
-Ro said we had 32 active/honorary members; 30 subscribers at this point.
-Topic was discussed of pro-rated ad sales for those who wish to buy ad space in programs after the start of the season.
-Ro pointed out that the Remington Society Tour article had made it into the Observer-Dispatch.
Dave Stritmater said that an ad exchange had been done between ILTC and the Mohawk Valley Choral Society. The cost difference is 4:1.

Poster Report:
-Bob said that all posters purchased are up and plaques have been purchased.

Old Business:
-Very successful clean-up day thanks to all those involved. Special thanks given to Jay Lynch for bringing the truck to haul away grass and foliage.
-Graffitti was found during cleanup on lobby door. Police were called and discussion was had. Police said they’d try to keep a better eye on the back end of the building.
-With such a successful cleanup outside, inside and basement cleanup was discussed. Many seemed interested.

New Business:
-George Malavasic has volunteered to direct “Lie, Cheat, and Genuflect.”
-Still looking for a director for “The Dining Room” at this time. If anyone wants to direct, let a board member know.
-Norm brought up the possibility of getting into the photo sections of the papers (where they just show a quick photo of something/someone going on in your community) for more exposure.
-Bob asked if we had heard about slate sales from the Remington Society. Nothing yet.
-Norm mentioned other groups have held chicken BBQs for fundraisers. Should we? It was mentioned maybe we should call Brooks and look into the possibility.
-With holidays around the corner, it was brought up that it might be nice for members of the organization to do Salvation Army bell ringing. Mary mentions some stores give the option of ringing inside.
-Bob suggest we keep the curtain closed for conserve energy and heat.
-$21 taken in from the bottle of wine raffle.

Norm motioned to adjourn, Rick seconded, all in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

September 17th Dinner Meeting Minutes

Dinner Meeting Minutes

Ilion Little Theatre Club

September 17, 2009

The Stables

Present Members: Dave Dellecese, Mary Gurtowski, Megan McCoy, Katie Drake, Mary Lee Lynch, Art Wilks, Norm Turner, George Malavasic, Sharon T, Pat Moylan, Marge Moylan, Bob Biviano, Janet Biviano, Bev Poznoski, Kelly Stone, Jim Mills, Phyllis Mills, Kelly Mills, Rick Vrooman, Dick Douglass

Proceedings:
- Meeting called to order at 7:14.
- Megan read May dinner meeting minutes. Dick motioned to accept, Mary Lee seconded.

-President’s Report:

- There was one inspection held with a private contractor to look over the interior and exterior of the theater. He has spoken with some specialists who are willing to offer their evaluations free of charge in their respective areas; the next walk-through will be happening the week of September 21^st.

- Web site updates were made throughout the summer, including a purchase of both domain names (www.ilionlittletheater.org and www.ilionlittletheatre.org). Mary Lee asked about web searching for the site since the old one still comes up. Dave explained that Geocities is shutting down October 26^th and those sites will no longer be searchable – so the new site will show up first when searching.

- There was discussion at the board meetings about a possible film project to document the history of ILTC as remembered by members of long ago. More information will be forthcoming, this is in its early stages.

- Since the fall clean-up day last year was so successful, we would like to have another this year. This time, we may have two days or two groups of people working on the interior and exterior; one comment from the contractor was that there is cracking caused by moisture which is held to the masonry by plants, so much of the overgrowth around the building will be taken care of. A sign-up sheet was passed for interested folks.

-Vice President’s Report: No Report

-Secretary’s Report: No Report

-Treasurer’s Report:

- We made around $2,500 on “On Golden Pond” which was then spent on insurance.

-House Committee: No Report

-Advertising Committee:
- Mary Lee discussed sending letters to local businesses to make them aware of our existence, and asked of any additional groups who should be notified. This is in response to local organizations using outside theater groups to man fundraising murder mystery shows.

-Poster Committee:

- Bob reported about the Remington Committee’s visit, including 20+ members who toured, money donated toward poster restoration, and a possible fundraiser offering roof shingles for purchase.

-Constitutional Review Committee:

- Mary (John was absent) spoke on behalf of the committee, and read the numerous proposed amendments. There was much discussion, including wordings, quorum definition, corrections, and ultimately whether or not the Board has too much control.

- Changes were made and will be sent to all active members the week of September 21^st in order to be voted upon at the October dinner meeting.

Norm motioned to adjourn at 8:19, Dick seconded.