TFMF Newsletter
From the Chair ~
As this is the first such article, we decided that it made most sense to make it the Chairperson’s viewpoint of the first year’s happenings as a combined non-profit-Festival entity. A lot has happened since I was asked to take this position – and Thomas is a hard act to follow!
The Festival had a good year, considering the worldwide recession and ‘flu pandemic’ at this time last year. We also launched the Foundation Membership program, allowing you a role in Foundation decision-making. With sponsorship from our friends at QVR, Inc. in July, we finalized a long-term lease for the Festival site that allows us to make new plans and improvements.
There have been some changes at the Foundation: Steve Carruthers has moved to the new Building and Grounds (BAG) Committee after many years with us; Steve Gillette also retired after many years’ service; and, we welcomed new board member Adams Kirkpatrick, and Larry West, Foundation Treasurer. Thanks to all those who have served as Board and Committee volunteers over the past year! Adams also agreed to serve as the BAG Committee’s chairperson - it is critical to assuring we tackle the right projects, using our volunteer and financial resources to the fullest!
The Kerrville History Project took on new life with first annual KerrCalendar, the team’s brainchild! Expect to see more in 2010! The Youth Camp continues to inspire young people who attend, and we continue to sponsor the Rice Festival, held in Fischer, Texas each November. Some of the 2009 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition winners helped kick off the sold-out event with this now-favorite part of their program.
Coming into 2010, we are fundraising for capital projects from corporate donors, Foundations and individuals, so you’ll see more activity there. With your support, the Festival can enter its 40th year with assurance that it will survive for 40 more. Please consider TFMF as part of your donation and estate planning, however small. The Festivals and the Ranch are a Public Trust, and we can and must collectively assure its continued existence for future generations with our labor, our effort and our donations! The Foundation depends on your continued generosity as Members and Sponsors.
Thanks for your support in the past year; we look forward to seeing you on the Ranch this spring! Peace, Michael.Charlie’s Corner ~
Winter at the ranch has been challenging. The frigid weather did a lot of plumbing damage, which will take time to find and repair. New plumbing technologies (PECS) are being used to replace broken pipes and are much more freeze proof – meaning less problems in future freezes.
The project to electrify much of the Meadow will be getting under way in late February and March. For more information or to volunteer, contact Charlie or the office. These projects are made possible by much appreciated, generous donations. Many thanks to camps around Energy Tree and Stupid/Taj Moo Hall, as well as QV Ranch.
At the February weekend retreat, the Boards will convene to discuss policies, make decisions about festival issues, and to energize the board members and others to focus on improvements that will bring more ticket buyers to the festival to secure a larger base of contributors that we can count on from year to year. We have been blessed to have a few large contributors in the past, but they won’t be there always, so we need to grow our base to assure that the festival will thrive for future generations.‘09 Summer Music Camp 4 Teens
Last July, 68 teens and 30 adult volunteers and staff from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas arrived at Quiet Valley Ranch full of excitement and eagerness to learn songwriting, poetry and make new friends. After settling in, the Music Camp started with a Staff Concert. Our staff performed and explained to the kids what it means to take PRIDE in your craft. The sessions lasted the week with kids learning how to find their own VOICE and SOUND.
During Open Mic nights, the kids performed in pouring rain and to loving hearts. We were joined by Dustin Welch and Chris Forbes, from Voices of a Grateful Nation, supporting returning veterans with music to help the healing process. Along with about 30 kids from active duty army parents, they wrote and performed a song in support of the troops; a great addition to the Camp. They were also treated again this year to a Canoe Trip.
Our staff included Sara Hickman, Billy Jonas, Jena Gesserman, Tim Mason, Darden Smith, Bill Oliver, Frank Meyer and Annie Wenz, joined each day by Dalis Allen. The teens call this Camp HOPE for the wonderful experiences they are able to enjoy.
Thank you for supporting us!Governance; or Who Minds the Store!
After the acquisition of the Kerrville Folk Festival by the Texas Folk Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501-c-3 organization, some may wonder what this means and who now runs things. Here are a few basic facts about governance:
The TFMF is governed by a Board of Directors as required by Texas Law governing nonprofit organizations. The nine board members each serve 3 year terms, staggered so that three members’ terms expire each year.
In accordance with TFMF bylaws, each year a nominating committee is appointed, with a majority of non-board members to nominate a slate of candidates to fill vacant or expiring terms. The nominating committee assesses the strengths and needs of the current board and recommends candidates accordingly. Board members may serve more than one term; however any board members who serve 8 consecutive years are not eligible for re-election.
The TFMF Board is comprised of long-term supporters of the various programs operated under the Foundation’s umbrella, including the Kerrville Folk Festival. Members have been added to the TFMF Board who have extensive experience in operating the Kerrville Folk Festivals, in light of the Foundation’s new responsibilities.
The TFMF Board sets policy, approves the entire budget, and is ultimately responsible for the operation of all Foundation activities including the festivals. It has delegated authority for daily operations of the Festivals to the KFF Operating Committee, chaired by Stuart Vexler (former Board Chair of the festival), and includes other key festival personnel and policy directors.
Charlie Land serves as the CEO of the festival, directing the daily affairs of operations. He reports directly to the TFMF Board, which relies on his direction and expertise (along with that of the Operating Committee) in essential decisions.Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch~
What an amazing Winter! We’ve had weddings, birthdays, funerals and memorials, Thanksgiving Music Feast, Christmas, New Year fireworks, much needed rain, freezing cold, and, meetings. Hope your resolutions are flexible this year! The Foundation is getting it’s feet wet in a big way. We’re already planning for our 40th Anniversary next year. This Spring we are concentrating on finishing Threadgill and the Staff Showers.
Important projects on our list include the Meadow Electrification project, and new benches, bricks and drainage in the Kennedy Outdoor Theater; and the recent freeze repair list keeps growing! The first official Work Weekend will be March 20th and all five weekends from Old Settlers thru Land Rush will be counted. Check the calendar for any crew-specific weekends.TFMF Supports the Rice Fest~
The TFMF is a supporter of the The Rice Festival held each year in Fischer Hall in Fischer, Texas. Now in its 7th year, the Rice Fest was created in memory of Rice Harrington, who passed away unexpectedly in 2003, to “keep a good man’s vibe alive”, and funds an arts scholarship in his honor.
The Rice Fest is a small, intimate festival with tickets limited to about 300 each year. Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Darrell Scott, Guy Clark, Band of Heathens, Sarah Jarosz and many others have graced the Fischer Hall stage.
As in the past 3 years, the Rice Festival will open with an in-the-round performance by this year’s Grassy Hill New Folk Award winners. The New Folk performance has become a signature event at the Rice Fest and is a direct result of TFMF’s support and involvement with the Festival. Get more information at www.cabin10.com.Fundraising Goals ~
The future of TFMF depends on our ability to raise funds from outside sources to meet our needs moving forward in 2010 and beyond. Your support of our new Foundation Membership program will help us to continue providing quality programs and services to you, our supporters. We have developed a tiered Membership format that allows everyone to choose their level of support.
We spend the money wisely! For example, the TFMF has already committed to some new capital projects including a new Point of Sale and ticketing system to save future operating costs and limit paper waste. We have corporate and private opportunities in our sponsorship program to put your name on one of many programs offered throughout the year. In addition, Members can solicit matching funds from many area employers. We thank those companies and their employees who already support us.
TFMF is in the initial stages of developing an Endowment Program to encourage Foundation Members and Friends to consider TFMF in their estate planning. Long term viability of existing Foundation programs is dependent on a secure ongoing source of funding. If enough devoted TFMF supporters include TFMF in their wills or insurance, it will be entirely possible, over time, to develop an endowment that generates income sufficient for ongoing support of many Foundation programs. If you have skills in this area or if you are interested in helping with this initiative, please contact Thomas Chapmond at: info@TFMF.org. Thank you for your continued support!Kerrville History Project ~
We’re continuing to grow! Highlights for 2010 will include a second edition of the Kerrville Calendar, increased interactivity in the “map room and listening area”, new stories, further refinement of the “memorial tree”, and continued gathering of recorded oral histories and other aspects of Kerrville Kulture.Plans are in the works for the final phase of the booth area; the hands-on “Kerriosity Museum”, which will display festival memorabilia and the timeline mural. We are cataloging collections and will be gathering more at the festival. Please bring your memorabilia to the booth where items will be scanned onsite. We will be looking for printed materials or objects such as:
1. Names, images, stories for the Memorial “Tree”
2. Photos of campsites, past and present
3. The location & dedication of memorial trees
4. Names of Kerrkids
5. Weddings
6. Energy Centers
7. Merry Kerrville Pranksters
8. Staff History
9. Construction Images – past and present
10. Pre-existing audio and video – of campground culture and other aspects of festival life. We need a few knowledgeable volunteers to help with interviews and booth coverage. If you have questions or memorabilia to contribute, contact Shannon at Shannon@touchablestories.org.Dalis Sez ~
TFMF and KFF are now moving forward together to preserve the legacy left to us from the last 3-plus decades of great music. Continued and enhanced support for emerging songwriters is the mission of the Grassy Hill New Folk Competition. Schools for Songwriters, Blues Guitar and Harmonica are just a few additional ways we are continuing to present opportunities to work with artists as faculty and keep raising the bar for the future. Thank you for joining us on this path! See you at the next Fest.Silent Auction Planned ~
Before we know it we’ll be packing our gear up for the Kerrville Folk Festival. Among the things to keep in mind, is TFMF’s Silent Auction. Three separate auctions are again planned, one during each weekend of the festival. Auction items will be on display and open for bidding during the evening concerts, at the TFMF booth (near the entrance, next to the t-shirt and CD store). Check the TFMF website for details on submitting an auction item.We’re BaaG! ~
The newly-formed Buildings & Grounds (BAG) Committee was approved late 2009. Our initial focuses are: create a master plan of the ranch, help monitor current projects, get your feedback, and organize. Our charter states: “The BAG plans, cost estimates, protects and provides project monitoring for the management, improvement, restoration, and beautification of the festival land, current and future buildings, and resources.” BAG includes members of TFMF & QVR boards, the Festival Operating Committee, Maintenance, Staff, Volunteer Coordinators, Sanitation Nation, Kerrmaculture, kerrverts and you. Everyone is welcome to join meetings, so please send in your ideas: bagcommittee@gmail.com. BAG will edit, compile, rank, and publish the projects list online before Fest to socialize at Big Folk with a draft map of ideas on the ranch.Get Involved: Volunteer for TFMF
The programs and services provided by the Texas Folk Music Foundation are, with few exceptions, volunteer-run. Those who have contributed their time know the great personal satisfaction and pure enjoyment of getting involved. We invite you to become part of these efforts.
To volunteer for work weekends or during the festivals, go to www.kerrstaff.org; a New Volunteer link will be posted on that page after April 1 (volunteers already in the database will get an RSVP email.) To volunteer for other Foundation functions (eg. grantwriting, fundraising activities, non-festival programs), email Theresa at ttod@tnoys.org indicating your interests and skills. Thanks in advance for your service!Support the TFMF and KFF with your Membership!
Become a Member of TFMF at the $100 level and pay only $75 when you renew on time. With the Basic Membership you will enjoy the following:
•You’ll be supporting TFMF in its support of folk music and singer-songwriters
•Vote for open TFMF board positions, to decide who provides leadership for the foundation**
•Receive a TFMF tee each year you join
• 2009/2010 Members receive a limited edition of the KFF live promotional CD
•Memberships purchased after Oct. 1st entitle membership through Dec. 31st the following year.
•Premium Member Packages include a variety of options for the Kerrville and Rice FestivalsBecome a member online at:
http://.kerrvillemusic.com/tfmf_member.htm
http://www.tfmf.org/friends.htm
For premium membership details, go to:
https://tickets.kerrvillemusic.com/buy.htmBasic Membership $100
Premium Membership $ _________
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