tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45501147344600364642024-03-12T23:40:43.579-04:00PCD Meeting NotesNotes from the various organizational meetings surrounding the creation, building, and maintenance of the Portland Community Dance organization.Portland Community Dancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940101238768729965noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-78663721129258785012024-03-12T22:08:00.010-04:002024-03-12T23:40:11.862-04:00Meraki Meeting: March 12<p> <b style="font-family: arial;">Meeting: </b><span style="font-family: arial;">March 12, 2024 </span><span style="font-family: arial;">7 - 9 Zoom</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Present: </b>John and Deb (co-Facilitator), Tasha (Ingathering), Shelagh (Vibe Checker), Blair (Timer), Tasha (Notes) and Kari, Lori, Jamie, Pika, Lily</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll</span></b></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Call for volunteers for roles</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Ingathering</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Summarize how we roll</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Summarize previous meeting </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Read draft agenda</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Assign times</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda items</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Schedule next meeting</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Evaluation</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda</span></b></p><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Capacity update - Deb, et al</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ update - Mellen</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">New DJs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ pay </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Subwoofer stand </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ location - Shelagh</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ pages on website - Tasha</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How do we respond when boundary issues arise - Deb </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD participation and support - Tasha & Shelagh</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Meraki participation - Tasha </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">General participation - Shelagh</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Long range planning - Shelagh</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Board member changes - Kari</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll update <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LozppUWRoRuIjkjw8UsQg6LRBG2KvYKlFNGBE6Wh1hM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">proposal </a>- John</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Capacity Update 15 min</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Strategy of not announcing dance hasn't had any noticeable impact. We're still getting lots of new people. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Smaller closing circle this past Sunday, a little over 80. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: Some people had a hard time finding parking. There's a second parking lot associated with high school. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Let's put up a sign at greeter's table and announce additional parking at closing circle. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Lori: The WIZ will take care of making people aware of additional parking. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Blair: Volunteers to count participants at closing circle so we have the "hard" data. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: Propose that people sign in and check a check box as to whether they're new.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: That feels too burdensome given the lines to get into dance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Several others in the community have expressed that they feel that omitting emails announcing dance is not a good solution to our capacity problem. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Agree that it doesn't feel good to not send out emails.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: How important is getting an accurate count at dance each week? General vibe is moderate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jamie: If most people pay, we can determine it by how much money we collect. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Greeting is now a big deal! The clicker is in one of the bags. Some people don't actually pay, e.g., the greeters don't pay. Some people do Venmo. Some people just walk by without paying. Suggest that there's already a lot on the greeter's plate so let's not add more to that job.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Let's write how many people are at dance each week. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: We usually count the heads at circle and add 20. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>WIZ will take on counting, writing down, and reporting on the number of dancers that come each week. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Brought up the proposal suggested last time that we sell tickets.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: What now stands between us and weekly dances?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We have volunteers for helping move equipment. Yay!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: We have added 3 dates in May and June. So as of May 12, we are going to weekly dances for the next couple months. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tasha: Propose that we send emails out again, especially given new weekly dances. </b></span></p><p><b style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">DJ Update 15 min</b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: We had a </span><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ meeting, we have 5 new DJ candidates in training, with 2 available now available for scheduling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Subwoofer cover has been purchased. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: DJ location, what are people's thoughts? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Pika: Because room is acoustically treated, we'd get best sound quality if speakers are on the stage. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Appreciated DJs at the back of the room, and when stage is available it supports better sound quality on the stage. Also the subwoofer off the ground was better.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: People have to move right in front of the speakers to get in, which can be hard on the ears, so prefers speakers on the stage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Liked Deb's position at the back of the room. Hard to dance on the stage with speakers on the stage given the wires, which are easy to trip on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Pika: Makes me nervous with speakers on the stage to have people dancing up there. Also there's a risk of people falling off the stage. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Just to note that we can't count on the stage being available at every dance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>GENERAL CONSENSUS seems to be to have DJs at the back of the room facing the stage. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: DJ pay. Mellen and Deb propose upping the pay from $175 to 200 per dance. It costs more to do things now than it did a while ago with DJs having to buy their own music. As part of the proposal, we drop the money we pay DJs who drive a long distance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>VOTE: DJ pay increase passed</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Please note that I'm not against DJ pay increase but just wanted to presence that a lot of people do a lot of things for PCD who don't get paid. Retreat committee, finance, WIZ, etc., etc., etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: This brings up the question: at what point to we consider paying other people in the organization? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, for those who aren't aware, it takes 10-20 hours to put together a set. Plus DJs supply their own equipment and music, which costs $, which is the source of this request. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Pika: Agrees that there's a considerable amount of time that goes into putting a set together. </span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b>Retreat 5 min</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Registration closed today and we are full at 60. Yay!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We will all be getting a new email asking for more information from Ferry Beach, which was a surprise to us. We'll all have to provide DOB, address, and phone number.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Special thanks to John for supporting the retreat planning committee.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b>Boundary/Safety Issues 15 min</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: Had an incident at dance on Sunday and sent an email to WIZ requesting a response. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Someone also brought up her concern with 3 people who had a similar experience recently. We've had this conversation over the years at PCD. What we decided back then was to bring up any issues to the WIZ, but that the WIZ didn't need to respond directly to the issue if more support was needed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: The broader scope about this issue is educating our community about 1) how to keep personal boundaries to stay safe, and 2) how to avoid creating situations that might become unsafe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: So there are two aspects: prevention and response. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: Safety is one issue, but another issue is personal discomfort. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: Had to address this last year, supporting someone who felt unsafe. In retrospect, he's not sure the input he offered was the correct response. He would like more guidance around how to respond in these situations, between discomfort and safety and being triggered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. We have a document that's quite specific that we used to give to new dancers. Are we still making that available? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. At other dances, I've seen people wearing a bracelet indicating they could be interrupted during the dance to intervene, as needed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Let get this information in people's hands <i>before </i>dance, not after. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4. Can we come up with more specific language that would encourage people to come forward with issues when they arise?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Kari: Lori and I are putting together a small handout on this topic which we'll bring to Meraki next time.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: In other dance communities, there's a warmup and then a circle where boundaries and safety are discussed every time. That way people hear it before they leave. Note that attention to reading material is limited, that is, we've given out those introductory sheets and we don't know if they're being read. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Suggests making a google form???</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: I would have appreciated something to refer to together when discussing an issue with someone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: At the end of dance, we could go to a spot on the stage to make it more obvious whom you can talk with about issues that come up. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: In addition to talking about how to stay safe and personal boundaries, we need a document that discusses the expectations on the part of dancers so people know what it means to respect others' boundaries. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Do we need a safety group? WIZ says they can handle it for now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Is the WIZ working on the document and procedural suggestions? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Lori: WIZ will come up with a proposal for a document around safety and consent, as well as procedural changes around safety and expectations of all PCD dancers. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jamie: Suggest that we make this document required reading for all members, maybe in video form? Please be responsible for yourself and ask for support AND there are expectations for everyone who comes to dance so everyone feels comfortable. Like going to Float Harder, for example. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: We used to have people who were assigned to new people during dance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(Phew, that's a lot of ideas!)</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><b>PCD/Meraki Participation 5 min</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Regarding sound equipment, sounds like that's been addressed. (Yay!) We did a survey and wonder if more people have stepped up based on that. Have heard from several people that it's hard to come to Meraki on Tuesdays and/or they don't</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> feel welcome or called to come for whatever reason. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Question: How important is it that we get more participation at PCD? Moderate</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">How do you feel additional participation has been going? Moderate/High</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">How important is it to get more participation at Meraki? High</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: When new people come to Meraki, we invest time in getting them up to speed with how we roll. So it feels important to me personally to get more people involved when it's for the long term, not just to meet a short term need.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Lori: There are ways that people can participate by taking more responsible for picking up for themselves, that is, making them feel like they're part of a community. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: I would still encourage new people to come even if they don't come back, because otherwise, how will they know what's it's all about? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Deb: Suggestion: at closing circle, let's set a goal to get 5 new people to commit on the spot to come to Meraki, which also models participation for others. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: What specific steps can we take to get more people to come?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Tasha: Propose that we experiment with a different day of the week for Meraki. </b>Propose that we allow people to offer their input by writing via a representative rather than requiring that people show up to Meraki, which might not work for everyone, for whatever reason. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Shelagh: Suggest that we announce our agenda at the end of closing circle. </b>Also Tues night is hard for many people. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Propose having a conversation with some people to talk about the issue of participation further to come up with some more actionable items for next time. </b>These people said yes to that conversation and/or giving input in writing: Shelagh, Tasha, Jamie, Kari, John, Deb.</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Long Range Planning 10 min</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shela</span><span style="font-family: arial;">gh: Given the short amount of time left in the meeting, want to drop into the pool the idea of having a broader, more visionary long-range planning discussion, which feels opportune given we've just reached our ten year anniversary. And of course it's related to lots of issues we've been discussing, namely our growing community, capacity, inclusion, participation, etc. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: We've taken a bunch of steps to address the "low hanging fruit" regarding capacity, but let's not forget the bigger picture/visionary ideas that were floated at the emergency meeting to address capacity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Deb: Let's think about scheduling a long term planning retreat! </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So...the idea has been officially dropped into the pool!</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tabled for next meeting:</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll Update - John</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Board Member Changes - Kari</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Next meetings</span></b></p><p></p><ul><li><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tues April 16 in person at Tasha's 52 Bellaire Rd, South Portland</span></p></li><li><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Monday May 13 on Zoom</span></p></li></ul>Portland Community Dancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940101238768729965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-83241084190530323252024-02-14T11:22:00.004-05:002024-02-27T19:38:49.556-05:00Meraki Meeting: Feb 13, 2024<p><b style="font-family: arial;">Meeting: </b><span style="font-family: arial;">Feb 13, 2024</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> 7-9 Lori Harley's house, 111 Alba, Portland</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Present: </b>Erin (Facilitator), Kari (Ingathering), Deb (Vibe Checker), Blair (Timer), Tasha (Notes), Rebecca, Kari, Jimmie, Shelagh, Lori, Mellen, John, Lily</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Ingathering</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda</span></b></p><ul><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c5RQBvx5ugNoYVwL_Dr5MczQrObSi8gO/view?usp=drive_link">Discussion: Addressing capacity challenges</a> - Deb</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rent self-storage unit for Roadie Crew - John</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaker covers - John 5 min</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Retreat update - Lily 10 min</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll update <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LozppUWRoRuIjkjw8UsQg6LRBG2KvYKlFNGBE6Wh1hM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">proposal </a>- John TABLED</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Board member changes - Kari TABLED</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ pay update - Mellen TABLED</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Self-Storage Unit 10 min John</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Proposal is to rent a self storage facility for our speakers. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">That way we can recruit more people to transport equipment and include more people in the process. And it would help support going toward weekly dances. Also it means we don't have a two dance commitment for moving equipment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There's a self storage facility one exit N on 295 with combo lock. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">5x10 is </span><span style="font-family: arial;">$90 / month. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Is the unit climate controlled? </span><span style="font-family: arial;">What's the term of the contract. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">No but doesn't need to be.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Speakers would have to be warmed up before using them at full volume. They've been cold in the past with no issues. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: What's the drive time? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Right off the highway. 125/136 exit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Are they covered under insurance?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Will look into adding it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Can we afford it?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Yes. There are two others storage units that are way more sketchy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John and Blair will start off doing it, then involve others as time goes on. One person has expressed interest in helping.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">VOTE: YES</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Speaker Covers 5 min John</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Proposal is to buy two nylon soft carrying cases for protecting the speakers during transport. Less than $300 for two. Not available for subwoofer unfortunately. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Is it worth the money?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: It would protect the speakers. Have seen them put face down on the pavement outside of dance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: If there's a handle, that would help carrying them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">VOTE: YES</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Additional related proposal: Last dance we experimented with raising the subwoofer off the floor, which was good for sound quality. If we could find one for < $200, could we get preapproval today?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: She's seen subwoofer stands. Will look into a folding stand. She'll check in with Deb, John, Jason, Blair before buying it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">VOTE: YES</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Retreat Update 10 min Lily</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Email went out with details about the retreat. Big changes from last year are two additional housing options and it's a little cheaper than it could have been due to Meraki's generosity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Will send a link to retreat committee for RSVP, please look at it. Also need to know what our refund policy is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: If you cancel by Mar 12, you get 100% refund. You can get back $110 up to 2 weeks before, maybe be able to refund more. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next committee meeting is Tues Feb 20 so if you have anything to add, bring it up before then.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Capacity 30 min</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: We had a special Meraki meeting to discuss things ahead of time and came up with a list of ideas. Would like to hear from some people who weren't there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: Appreciate the efforts. Don't like the idea of raising the entrance fee.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: As someone at the greeter table, we have so many new people every time; 20 at last dance! Glad we're addressing the issue.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Super helpful to read ideas ahead of time. Feel tension between inclusivity and wanting to keep the dance at the right capacity. Negative reaction to raising fee.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Staying at Waldorf with pre-registration sounds like an option. Raising fee doesn't sound good. Have we considered renting our own space that's permanently ours?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Buying a place means putting down 30-50K downpayment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We have one chair mover that could be used right away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: There are 4 categories of options to consider:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Dream options </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Buy a place, rent a place, put it out there now to get people thinking about it if we were to find something. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Get a different space</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That's an ongoing effort that hasn't yielded any results.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Low hanging fruit</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Things we can do now to test to see if they have any effect.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4. Harder issues</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Addressing the culture of our community, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: What do we most want to focus on now? She wonders what everyone's experience of dance was on Sunday. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">We cleared 100 people, the sound was good, the DJ table was in a new location, and the stage was open. So it felt better to me but I wasn't dancing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Others: Better but we still need to keep this as a hot topic. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: We've already started to address some of the low-hanging fruit ideas. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John is in the process of purging mailing list based on who has not opened the emails being sent out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Last dance email announcement didn't include the date in the email subject. They have to open it, and 100 people did. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We didn't post on the general PCD FB page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">AND we had 20 new people last week! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So those things haven't had any effect so far.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: The idea of owning our own place, maybe renting, would require so much administrative stuff to put in place to make that happen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: We'd need paid people to rent the space to share the expense, which feels like way too much to take on as an organization.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Propose that we do presales starting next dance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Two things that would help are 1) weekly dances and 2) preregistration. We'd need a lot of announcements in advance if we were to require preregistration. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: At Avant, we had 2 dance spaces, so maybe we could find a space with multiple smaller rooms. There are a number of dance studios that have that layout.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: What if we try a one-off dance at different spaces to give them a try. We're being pushed into thinking about the big dream. What about creating a committee to think about where we want to be in 5 years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Like the idea of closing the doors after 10:45 because it would be easier to administer than preregistration. We could give it a try.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: What about dancing in the room with the tables? No, probably not.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Closing the doors at a certain time doesn't feel good. Would rather know that you have to register ahead of time than being refused entry if you don't arrive in time. Being a bouncer would be a difficult job.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Preregistration feels stressful since I might not look at email in a timely way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: RSVP allows you to limit registration but it's expensive, costs 2.40 per ticket.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jimmie: Like the idea of limiting dance to members only because it would easier to administer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Someone: But how do you let new people become members then?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Let's consider four categories for now: Closing doors at 10:45, preregistration, limit entry to members, hold weekly dances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: Let'[s not forget about the PCD culture category described in the proposal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Let's keep the broad vision in mind: what kind of dance do we want? How do we create and protect the culture we love?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Some organizations offer two different options to different groups when they get too big. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Proposal to talk about the feasibility of going to weekly dances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Will weekly dances reduce the numbers? It's an unknown.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: What if we ask the community how they would respond to weekly dances?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Recommended immediate actions: First three items have already been addressed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Yay for us that we've created such an amazing community that so many people want to come!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Tension between inclusivity and keeping the dance within capacity. Let's move the chairs!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Proposal to not put the announcement on the PCD FB page, requiring people to look us up on our website and don't send out emails anymore. This would mean losing the DJ flyers, although perhaps these could be included in the calendar.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: Calendar has DJ name now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. No more DJ announcements through emails.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Dances are listed on calendar. <br />3. No posters by DJs. <br />4. No PCD FB posts.<br />5. We will do a FB post and email to announce these changes.<br />6. Entrust Lori et al to make it work on the calendar page of website.<br />7. Reevaluate at next Meraki.<br />8. We let closing circle know about changes at next dance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">VOTE: YES</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: This feels like a big change. Feel a lot of tenderness around it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: In the announcement email, we need to acknowledge that this is an interim thing we're trying due to overcapacity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Recommend in the email that people come to next Meraki to talk about it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Do we want or need to have a special committee for this or can we proceed with the changes through Meraki? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Proposal that we have a committee for longer term vision.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Proposal to create a focus group that addresses short term and long term and culture at PCD.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Feel resistance to "starting from scratch" with new people who haven't been coming to Meraki and so haven't been following this thread since so much work has already been put in by so many.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: Who will write this email? </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen and Deb. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: Do we need to see it before they send it out?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">No.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: What if go to weekly? There are logistics that need to happen. Let's prepare for this for next Meraki.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Can Lori please get dates for going weekly from Waldorf? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Need to talk to the DJs. When could we go to weekly? Maybe May?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: She will look into it with Waldorf. They do a floor refinishing every year in summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: How viable is registration option? Should I look into it?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Most: Let's hold off on it for now. </span></p><p><b style="font-family: arial;">Agenda for next time:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Capacity update - Deb, et al</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll update <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LozppUWRoRuIjkjw8UsQg6LRBG2KvYKlFNGBE6Wh1hM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">proposal </a>- John</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Board member changes - Kari</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ pay update - Mellen</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings</span></b></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">March 12 Zoom</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">April 16 In-person</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p>Portland Community Dancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940101238768729965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-68588097736201552142024-01-16T21:08:00.009-05:002024-01-16T21:18:32.671-05:00Meraki Meeting Notes January 16, 2024<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Meeting: </b>January 16, 2024, 7-9 on Zoom (rescheduled from in person at Lori's house due to snow)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Present:</b> Deb (Facilitator), Kari (Ingathering), Eva (Vibe Checker), John (Timer), Tasha (Notes), John, Mellen, Kari, Lily, Shelagh, Lori, Eva, Blair, Rebecca, Jamie, Julian, Sophie, Maiki (18)</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Survey results: Mellen 10 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">2024 Retreat planning update: Lily 10 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Retreat scholarships: Lily, John, Lori 5 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">DJ pay update: Mellen TABLED</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">DJ training update: Deb 5 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Waldorf sound system: Mellen 2 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Updates to Meraki "How We Roll": John 10 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How to manage future board member changes: Kari 10 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Request from dance: Shelagh 5 min</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Open Discussion</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Survey Results</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Received 30 surveys. Goal is to find out who might be interested in helping out in various ways at dance and beyond. Mellen will send emails to people with responsibility to get support from volunteers. She will keep circulating the survey at dances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Not much help with schlepping DJ equipment, alas.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A lot of greeter interest.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A lot of DJ interest, need to talk about with DJ committee as we now have lots of people interested.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Please be sensitive about sharing contact information more widely.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2024 Retreat Update</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Retreat is coming up last weekend of March. Do we want to offer additional scholarships. Last year we used $500, propose $750-800.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: What is the cost of the retreat? How did we give out scholarships last year?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Last year we had the whole Roland dorm available, plus camping and RVs. 180/person all inclusive for quads. More for doubles. Ferry Beach has increased prices. Proposal to increase rates by $20-30.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We said, if you're interested in a scholarship, contact us. She thinks we gave 5-6 scholarships, $50 each. We also got a couple donations for money toward scholarships.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Julian: Can we get info on the retreat? What kind of food? Can we park and sleep in cars? Lily will share info privately with him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Did we set aside $ ahead of time? YES but we didn't publish amount.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Eva: Since we're having a good year financially, could we consider not raising the rate? So then we could share the wealth across the whole community.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: We could offer two tiers: last year's rate and this year's rate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Goal was that we don't want PCD to lose $ money on the retreat. Do we want to subsidize the retreat or keep it break even?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We have $12,000 in the bank, so doing well. We've made up for deficit during pandemic. Retreat cost $10,000. We were basically break even. He would support PCD subsidizing the retreat. We want to keep a buffer for rainy day issues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: We need to know the cost tonight!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: What's the healthy buffer we want to have in the bank? If we drop below $7000, take action. If we go over $10,000, we would take action. We have since decided not to worry about the upper limit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Likes the idea of 2-tier registration and offering subsidy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: We need to keep in mind that we might be finding a new space that will be more expensive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: Defers to financial people about offering $750 scholarship totals.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Proposal: Offer $750 in scholarships. YES</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: 2-tier registration, last year's level and updated level. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Primary concern is about registration complexity with 2-tier system. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: Break even proposal, he wants to know what that amount is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: We had 4 people cancel, we gave full refunds because we had surplus. It really depends on who registers. We could just say, let's not raise the price. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">60 registrants x $28 increased cost = $1800.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jamie: Proposes raising it by $10. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Proposal: Raise rate by $10. YES</i></b></span></p><p><b style="font-family: arial;">DJ Training Update</b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: We have one person well on her way to being trained. Several others also interested. Chole has put together an idea for training but hasn't put it out there yet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Given the number of DJs we now have, we are about to be in a position to go WEEKLY DANCES!!!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Keiko was trained in being a DJ but she never did it, and she's expressed interest in coming back, which is great.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Julian: What does DJ training consist of?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Own a computer, versant with software, provide own music, building of the wave, dance with us for 6 months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Waldorf Sound System plus Moving DJ to Free Up Dance Floor</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're having conversations with Waldorf about whether we can do less equipment schlepping. That's all there is to say now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: This week we couldn't get up on the stage because they had equipment there. It's a nice dance space with so many people. Could we experiment with getting smaller speakers on the stage to encourage more dancing up there?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We can't really control what's on their stage, so we can't count on it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Nev mentioned having big speakers facing the stage at the back of the room with the DJ in between the doors. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Willing to experiment with it at the next dance when she DJs if people agree and someone would help her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Likes the idea of moving the DJs to the back of the room. It would free up space on the dancefloor. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Eva: Has anyone suggested that the DJ go on t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he stage?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: DJs started there, but now the stage is a nice dance space when available.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: If we block off entrances on either side of the door it would help DJs to hold the space. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: Would like to experiment with moving speakers to the stage to optimize space for dance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jamie: When we move the chairs, we have to LIFT the chairs otherwise they scratch the floors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: We could use more people for set up for Jan 28 to come at 9:30. Sophie, Maiki, and Kari will also help! Kari can also call some of the volunteers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: Do we need to vote on this per Meraki or is it something small to try? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: It's an experiment and a Wiz decision for now. When we make it permanent, then we can vote.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Blood on the Dancefloor</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: We have antiseptic in the first aid kit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><???> used water and paper towel. oooppss!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: When we have blood, we should use disinfectant given blood born pathegens.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: Alchohol would be better for floor than chlorox. Rebecca will buy.</span></p><p><b style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll Updates</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We're not really following the formal consensus process these days. He'd like to consider dropping saying that we "follow" the consensus model but rather we're "inspired" by it.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Proposal: Modify the document to remove reference to consensus process. YES</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He will come back with it next time.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha: What aren't we doing from consensus process?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Drop first sentence. Drop item 4. It's no longer the foundational document. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: John will updates the document in a way that reflects how we actually roll. Then maybe gather input from others.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Board Member Changes</b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Table it for now. Let's address it at the next meeting.</span></p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Open Discussion</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb: It's been a while since new people have joined us. But to have new people come who are also new to dance is very special. Propose that Julian, Maiki, Sophie check in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: How does the size of the group affect you? What's your experience with welcoming new people? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Maiki: Marc invited him. Dance is super healing for my soul. Going to weekly dances sounds great. Grateful for making it happen. Dancing at PCD for 7-8 dances. Big group is good. The lack of pressure to do anything in particular is good, the invitation is there, which is good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sophie: Discovered ecstatic dance and is hooked. Gratitude for our efforts in making it happen. Lives near Farmington. Dancing with PCD 9 months. Being pulled into dancing with others is new. Appreciate the greeters, feel welcomed. It's very welcoming to ask questions at the end without pressure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Julian: A friend introduced him to PCD. Feels very healing. Dancing at PCD about a year. Good size. Interested in hearing from us about how long we've been dancing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We each checked in. Many 10+ years, others 9, one officer (treasurer) only 1 year.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings</span></b></p><p></p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Tues Feb 13, 2024 7 PM In Person: Lori's house 111 Alba (Mardi Gras!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Tues Mar 12, 2024 7 PM Zoom</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tabled Topics for Next Time</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Board member changes - Kari</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ pay update - Mellen</span></li></ul></div>Portland Community Dancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940101238768729965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-89904599211278762872023-12-14T12:07:00.001-05:002023-12-14T12:07:59.487-05:00PCD Annual Membership Meeting Notes - December 3, 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Portland Community Dance held its annual Membership Meeting on December 3 2023 at Maine Coast Waldorf School, 57 Desert Rd., Freeport Maine</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quorum</b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of 154 members, 19 attended, meeting quorum requirements of 10% of PCD membership.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Introduction</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><li>Ingathering – Erin Powell</li><li>Circulated attendance sign-up sheet</li><li>Mellen and Kari entertained the membership with a skit</li></ul><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Reports</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><li>Summary of 2023 – Kari Prichard, President</li><li>Finance Update – Lori Harley, Treasurer / John Boynton</li><ul><li>PCD is in good shape financially, having weathered the pandemic with a surplus in March 2020</li></ul><li>Greeter Coordinator – Lily Nolan</li><ul><li>Lily is willing to continue as greeter coordinator indefinitely</li></ul><li>Wiz update – Jimmie Prichard</li><ul><li>The Wizengamot members currently are: Tim, Lori, Kari, Jimmie, and Lily</li></ul><li>DJ update – Mellen Deschenes</li><li>2023, 2024 Retreats – Lily Nolan</li><ul><li>2023 retreat was a success, and took in less than $200 more than spent</li><li>Planning underway for 2024 spring retreat, with 2 weekend possibilities: March 15-17 (St. Patrick's Day weekend), or March 29-31 (Easter weekend)</li></ul><li>Future Dance Location Committee – Lori Harley</li><ul><li>Nothing new to report on this front for a new facility that meets PCD's requirements</li></ul><li>Sound Equipment Sherpas – John Boynton</li><ul><li>He and Blair / Rebecca continue to share duties of transporting and storing sound system equipment</li><li>Solicited for others to assist in this work, requiring a commitment for 2 consecutive dances: one to pack up and transport, and the next to bring early for setup</li></ul><li>How to help PCD – Mellen</li><ul><li>We circulated forms for dancers to express their interest in how they can help</li></ul></ul><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Officer Elections</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><li>Thanks to outgoing officers/board – Mellen/Kari</li><ul><li>Kari Prichard, President</li><li>Lori Harley, Treasurer</li><li>John Boynton, Secretary</li></ul><li>New Officer/Board elections – Kari</li><ul><li>We elected the following new board of directors and officers:</li><li>Deb Grant, President</li><li>Jamie Schwellenbach, Treasurer</li><li>Tasha Salvo, Secretary</li></ul><li>Donning the Royal Regalia – Kari & Mellen</li><ul><li>Current officers ceremonially transferred hats to new officers</li><ul><li>Lori -> Jamie</li><li>John -> Tasha</li><li>Kari -> Deb (represented by Genevieve Levin, because Deb unfortunately was unable to attend due to illness)</li></ul></ul><li>Out-gathering – Erin Powell</li><li>Adjourn</li></ul>Portland Community Dancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940101238768729965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-74453848487896439652023-11-30T13:24:00.000-05:002023-11-30T13:24:08.076-05:00Meraki Meeting Notes November 14, 2023<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Present: Erin, Mellen, Kari, Jamie, Deb, John, Lori, Lily, Shelagh</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Facilitator- John</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ingather/Outgo- Erin</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Note taking- Deb</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Time keeper- Mellen</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ingathering</b>: </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Erin—something that brings you joy in the winter season</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">How we roll was reviewed</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Last meeting minutes were reviewed </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Where can we dance</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lori—Reiche 78x60, Riverton Community Center 98x98</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Discussed the floors of each, and other schools we have used in the past. Due diligence says keep researching these, and visit to get a feel. Recollection says these are not nearly as ideal as a place like Waldorf</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Anniversary Party</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Kari—Happy w/ the end results of our efforts!</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>2024 Retreat planning</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lily—Options are dwindling for 2025</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sentiment that we should have a retreat in Spring</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">March or June are possible dates at Ferry Beach</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For high season we could potentially subsidize</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We don’t currently have a cost/person we are aiming for</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Seize March (when it’s cold and heat is questionable in the buildings)? We have October held; Lily will call a 45 min meeting</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Annual membership meeting</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mellen—Kari and Mellen will co-facilitate</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mellen proposes approaching the meeting itself as perfunctory (aim for 45 min or so?), business-focused, short and sweet, especially as we recently had a chock-full and vibrant 10 year anniversary party. Potluck (rather than BYO meal). Agenda will be similar to the past. Hats/regalia will be employed</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">$200 Budget for Platters of food</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sign up sheet can be passed around for help for annual meeting: Set up, Clean up. Kari and Mellen will make the sign-up sheet(s)</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Raffle at the meeting?</b> Could do Royal River to entice people to join. We decided to table until next year.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Board and officers next term</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tasha is interested in being secretary- Kari will be in touch with her</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Deb is nominee for President<br />Lori did not say she doesn’t want to be Treasurer any more</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We discussed that we did not make an announcement to our community about officer election coming up. We need nominees. We need people to engage in our steering committee</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Next year, let’s focus in on recruiting Meraki peeps. Post dance social?</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What might we send out regularly to encourage participation</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We reviewed that any future officers need to have come to Meraki meetings</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Plan: </p><ul><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Email: annual meeting Dec 3; that we have candidates for Sec’y and Prez. That we need a treasurer. Option to meeet w/ interesteds after 26th Nov dance. Shelagh will write draft and send to John. Express your interest by Nov.25 by replying to sec’y. That you have attended Meraki meetings.</li><li style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Menlo; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>In closing circle Nov.26 dance, mention the email that was sent, reminding/educating others about what it takes to run the dance</li></ul><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>DJ Pay</b> tabled. DJ’s need to meet/discuss</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>NY Eve discussion</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lori will let Mellen know about Dec 31 dates;</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mellen will put out the date to DJ’s, see what’s available</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Get a read in a closing circle for a show of hands, a.m. or pm dance?</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Next meeting dates:</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Annual meeting Dec. 3</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">January 16 meeting at Lori’s 111 Alba Street, Portland</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br />Evaluation</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Future agenda items</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">How to get more engagement with Meraki</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-25724772615943933432023-11-11T13:27:00.002-05:002023-11-11T13:27:41.715-05:00Meraki Meeting Notes October 17 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Meeting: </b>October 17 2023, 7-9, at Maine Center for Taijiquan (Jason's studio), 500 Forest Ave., Portland</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Present:</b> John (Facilitating), Erin, Shelagh (Ingathering), Jimmie, Kari (Checking vibes), Mellen, Lori, Lily, Rebecca, Blair (Time), Tasha (Notes)</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Membership annual meeting</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dec 3</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need a facilitator. Mellen and Kari agreed to co-facilitate.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need a quarum of 150 people namely 15.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori will request extra time after dance on this date.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Potluck, members only. It can be short. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Board officers</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb has volunteered to be Prez. Others could step up. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari makes a case for being Prez. It's awesome to represent this community. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: "A turnip could do this job."</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John describes the other roles.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Treasurer keeps track of finances. Specifically, cashing out at the end of dance. John serves as bookkeeper and will continue with it.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Secretary: Takes notes, announces Meraki. John would like not to do it again, but would be willing to do it. John has it done it for 3 years. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">All these people are on Board, which has ultimate responsilbity for the organization. We are required to have a Board but doesn't have. Board is supposed to be held once a quarter, which often overlaps with Meraki. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need 6 people to have a Meraki quarum. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Board would be bottom line if we had to kick someone out of the organization. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: It would be great to get new folks in these roles and encourage that. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: People who take these roles should come regularly to Meraki. We should be encouraging/grooming people to start coming to Meraki so they can move into the Board roles. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Has some people in mind who she would like to encourage.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Tasha says she would be willing to be secretary if it starts after. Schedule zoom meetings. Delegate if not available.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori says she is willing to remain Treasurer. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance (Lori)</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mackworth Island is a new idea.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Reiche Community Center has no windows.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Riverton has a double gym.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Yarmouth space has poor sound quality and was too expensive. $367 for our dance at community centers, which is expensive.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">At Waldorf we have to schlepp equipment. Idea of making a cabinet at Waldorf. For now, we are staying at Waldorf. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ pay</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John proposes that we give DJs more money. We pay $175 now. Proposed $200 or $225. Also need to decide how to divide up the pay with trainees. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen will bring this back to the DJs.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jimmie: How was it decided how much to pay the DJs originally? It feels like part of being a DJ is volunteering like many of us. Some DJs don't come to dance. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We decided that we don't pay for music or equipment for DJs.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair: How much do we pay and take in per dance? 175 + 100 for the space + 100 for insurance. We take in about $500 per dance. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: DJs have to buy DJ software, mixer, and Spotify account. You now have to buy every song for $1.50 each. It takes more time to not link to Spotify. Some DJs use their own mixer. Most DJs spend about 10 hrs putting together a set. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Can PCD purchase a professional account? No. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Requests that Mellen take this discussion to the DJs. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: How much do DJs spend buying music? Average of 30 new songs per set. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Playing a pre-recorded set is always an option and DJs get paid less. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">10th anniversary celebration</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: A lot of outdoor activities planned but 50% chance of rain. If inside, cornhold, twister, wiffleball. Kari will find another twister. Planning for outdoor. Lots of fun ideas discussed for indoors.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: There will be a brief history of PCD by Deb and ice breaker for 30 min, dessert, then games until 3:30.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">2024 Retreat planning</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: There's no place other than Ferry Beach. We cannot camp in October though. March 29-31 is available, but it's cold and there's no heat in the rooms, just heat in the hallway and dance hall. Oct 18-20 is our current plan. Two night minimum. 2025 is already booked May - Oct 1 at Ferry Beach. Camping usually closes Memorial Day Weekend but not a fixed date. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily will put out a poll to PCD membership about how many people would come on these dates, esp given no camping in Oct and March is Easter.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Do we want to wait an entire year for our next retreat?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily will secure a 2025 date, Oct 3-5. She will ask if we can have the weekend before March 22-24.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Wiz update</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The Wiz: Kari, Jimmie, Lori, Tim, Lily, Rebecca (new member!), John (honorary member)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">They had a meeting recently. Reviewed safety/accident protocol established several years ago. We want to remember that our responsibility is only up to a point in terms of safety. Reminder that we announce that we are available and also can go up to people who look like they need support. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Nov 14th on Zoom</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No meeting in Dec due to annual meeting.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">RSVP requested for in-person meeting, text the host</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori volunteers to host in January for in-person meeting.</span></li></ul><p></p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-6670427204690120502023-10-10T11:24:00.003-04:002023-10-10T11:24:43.736-04:00No-Quorum Meraki-ish Meeting Notes for 9/19/23<span style="font-family: arial;">At the September 29 2023 Meraki meeting, we failed to reach a quorum of 6 attendees. We did however discuss Meraki topics, and notes of those discussions are worth posting.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Attending: Mellen, Deb (Facilitating), Lily (Timekeeping), Eva (Vibes), John (Notes) (No quorum)<br /></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: arial;"><br />Thanks to Deb for her notes, with edits by John:</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: arial;" /><ul><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2023 Annual Membership Meeting: Sunday December 3 after dance. We need a facilitator for this.</span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Board and Officers Recruitment for next term: We still need to recruit. <span class="il">Deb</span> is willing to be president and would enjoy. Historically the outgoing president has had the role in feeling out who might step in.</span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance update: Kari finally got a list of contacts for the area community centers and will get right on that tomorrow.<span style="color: black;"> She is s</span>ending a Use of Building Facilities form to the Westbrook School Department. Eva brought up Red Bank Center in SoPo.</span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sound system loudness update. The hand held and wall meter are fairly synched. Aiming for sustained limit of 85 dB on the wall. Went well so far, although it did pop up above 85 a few times….we’ll continue to note how this is going.</span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">10th Anniversary celebration planning. An announcement will go out 2 additional times.</span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2024 Retreat: Oct 18-20 2024. Prez needs to sign contract. Prices up a little bit but fine. Additional membership fee ($125) also. March 2024 we could do a full retreat in March but no heat in Rowland rooms, so that seems like a bad idea. Idea of doing a day-long “mini-retreat,” holding an indoors long dance + potluck: we will discuss this idea next time. </span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ update: We are taking a slightly different approach to training DJs than we have in the past, one that happens in phases. Starting with training people around creating setlists in the spirit of PCD's vibe, and following a five rhythms structure to some degree. When or if our core DJ trainers feel confident that the person is a good match for the job with song selection/ordering, etc. there would be a debut set alongside a PCD DJ who will mix your music if you don't know how (and show you some of the ropes). After that, if things are still looking good, and the DJ is following through, seems reliable, and is responsive to feedback, etc. there would be a second (solo) debut when ready. Followed by feedback from participating DJs and a determination about whether or how we are holding the new DJ based on need and ability.</span></li><li style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Add to agenda for next time, proposed by John in light of the increased costs to DJ’s to run their music and in light of our financial health: Increase DJ fee. </span></li></ul><div style="color: #181818; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></div></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-11742472662062881472023-09-15T19:12:00.002-04:002023-09-15T19:12:46.091-04:00Joint Meraki/DJ Meeting Notes for August 22 2023<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Location</b></span></h4><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maine Center for Taijiquan (Jason's studio), 500 Forest Ave. (rear), Portland</span></p></blockquote><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Attending</b></span></h4><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen D, Erin P, Shelagh R, Jamie S, Cueva G, Dena R, Jason A, John B, Kari P, Jimmie P, Rebecca B, Lori H, Chloe U, Parks M. Joining on Zoom: Deb G, Lisa H, Pika S</span></p></blockquote><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Agenda</b></span></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ enthusiasm and expansion</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Music volume during dance</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Can we use prerecorded playlists?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">When/how can we return to weekly dances</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">2024 Retreat planning update</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">10th Anniversary celebration update</span></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ Discussion</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We had a freewheeling discussion about DJ enthusiasm, the possibility of bringing on new DJs. Notes in somewhat raw form:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div>Possible new DJs: Sandra, Jamie, Nate, Dena</div><div>Lori: considered a hybrid approach where new DJ and seasoned DJ work together</div><div>Shelagh: Other DJs who aren't here: Mark, Kellie,</div><div>Frequency expectation: 4x/year minimum</div><div>Lisa: Contact 5Rhythms DJs (Willow suggestion)</div><div>Deb: Counter comment - when we discussed that before in DJ meeting, we want DJs to be community dancers. If we go outside, do we lose continuity?</div><div> What is the vitality of PCD? Have been a vibrant community, and are now, but perhaps Covid loss</div><div> Only group around here that does DJ our music that we don't set a playlist. Other groups provide playlists</div><div> We want to be careful not to be a group that just accepts playlists. Music that is not mixed is just different.</div><div>Beck: what's the difference?</div><div> Jason, John, Parks explanation</div><div>Kari: assumption was a playlist only an interim to tide us over until we have enough energy to dance every Sunday</div><div>Mellen: DJ in training would still be there</div><div>Cueva: the reason we're having this conversation: Not enough DJ juice</div><div> DJs part of the community and also be able to read a room</div><div>Deb: Put a few ideas together: Likes Lori's idea of seasoned DJ being there with trainee DJ</div><div>Shelagh: Agree with importance of music coming from the group. The collective is important.</div><div> Even if we have enough DJs, we don't have a steady location with storage, etc.</div><div>Jason make the point that we show the new DJ what the expectation. That's important to understand what a wave is and how the dance flows</div><div>Kari - Grateful for opportunity for the conversation. Learning a lot about what the DJs do. As member of search committee, life goal is to find our next permanent home so we can dance every Sunday.</div><div>Parks Speak to Shelagh/Kari: We hope that the organic moment of both space and DJ juice happens simultaneously.</div><div>Shelagh</div><div> John read Kellie's email to the effect: While she loves to DJ, she doesn't feel called to PCD the way she once did. She would like to see more DJs invited into the circle. Yes to: Get more Dj energy in. Require less to begin. Start with great music choices and flow, then later bring in the mixing and dj skills. YES! </div><div> Chloe: out of rotation because Covid + Dad sick. Interested in rejoining the rotation. A super passion</div><div> Parks: A little all over the map. Hard time getting the juice back with every other week.</div><div> Hardest thing: Spotify no longer links with DJ Pro any more. Buy all songs, then add to DJ Pro, then mix. Evolution of playlist to mixing: a want to do it better. Happy to be involved in the training. Have heard Dena set, it was fantastic.</div><div> Deb: Another challenge: the people who say they might do it. </div><div>Dena: goose bumps about an experienced DJ working with her playlist. Challenged herself to make a playlist. </div><div>Lori: Because DJs buy their own music, does PCD</div><div> John: PCD pays for</div><div>Lisa: Looking for DJs: if you're interested, come prepared</div><div>Jason - in favor of growing from within, rather than putting out a survey</div><div>Parks - seconds that, ("whose phone number")</div><div>Mellen - 3 or 4 current DJs said they would be interested in training. Deferring to one or two people who don't have the time</div><div>Deb - Old pattern. It will be important to have criteria, quality control. On DJs to be quality control. One hit wonders</div><div>Pika - All for bringing in new DJs. Fresh perspective would be beneficial. Doesn't think a playlist is right for Sunday Dances. Strive to maintain a certain level of quality and committment, concerned about diluting that with playlists. Anyone who's excited/interested, take time to learn software etc. Interested in setting up training crew. Doesn't want to lower the barrier to entry</div><div>Erin - Hard to say after that. Record sets as they're playing, for later playback.</div><div>Chloe - Wholeheartedly agree with Pika. Recorded set is better than a playlist. Excited to hear Dena's passion. Hell yeah!</div><div>Cueva - Appreciate our DJs for a minute. The attention/quality is so beautiful to listen to your integrity. Mixed sets (outside once or twice). Not about playlist, about DJ/Dancer interaction</div><div>Jason - possible solution: Getting DJs together with trainees. Tag team with instruction/feedback</div><div> Picker / mixer</div><div>Contact people, guage interest, from there, do training</div><div>Jason will reach out to Sandra and one other person</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">(Break)</h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Sound Level</h4><div>Lily researched, and the gold standard is what we already have: a handheld meter. However, a wall-mounted meter with a large display would be an aid for DJs to easily monitor sound levels. We've discussed this before, and decided to purchase one. We'll compare its readings to the handheld meter to give DJs a guidance to equivalent of 85 dB maximum.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">10th Anniversary Celebration Update</h4><div>Planned for October 22 after dance at MCWS. Attendees to bring their own lunch and utensils; PCD will provide some extras and a celebratory something. Games and activities available depending on weather.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2024 Retreat Update</h4><div>Planned for October 18-20, 2024 at Ferry Beach Conference and Retreat Center</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Next Meetings</h4><div>September 19, 7-9PM on Zoom</div><div>October 17, 7-9PM, location TBD</div><div><br /></div></span></div><p></p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-80071431753455996552023-08-20T11:46:00.001-04:002023-08-20T11:59:17.598-04:00Meraki Meeting Notes for July 18 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Attending: John B (Notes), Kari P (Ingathering, Vibes), Lori H, Mellen, Shelagh R (Fac.), Rudy G (time),</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Rebecca B, Lily N, Erin P</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance? Lori</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Nothing to report, except Kari - anything from your contact?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari - Gym at Talbot School - 1500 Forest Ave. They're in summer school program for the kids.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen - No DJ juice, even for playlists</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Are our standards too high? Mellen: it's complicated. Plan DJ/Meraki joint meeting</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion about DJ juice:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"> Mellen to schedule joint meeting Aug 22 in-person, perhaps Jason's studio?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"> Rebecca: suggest questions for DJs to consider</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">With OneDance Portland, there's a rotating cadre of DJs, more casual</span></li></ul><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Capacity - Kari</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: What about using the stage?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beck: Can we move the chairs out of the way?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Let's do both if possible</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori to check with Waldorf about both</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sound system loudness - Lily</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Wanted to get an accurate reading from the middle without using a handheld, which </span><span style="font-family: arial;">turns out to be the industry standard</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Also wanted to get a culture check on whether everyone is onboard with this idea.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Last time at UFF was reasonable sound level.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion: Shelagh likes the idea of something to mount.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: benefits us to have a policy, figure out where in the room, choose where we put the meter</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rebecca: Have already decided that we want to monitor, and we should have a sign "Please don't talk to the DJ"</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Sound level committee: John/Lili/Beck, invite Pika and Mark, and add to agenda for next DJ meeting</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Safety committee</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Review of what motivated this (other community: dress/excommunication)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: as physical safety is already handled by Wizengamot, a safety committee's mission should be emotional</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Also have distinct verbiage about consent and boundaries, etc.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily: make announcements at closing circle</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We don't just hand out the sheet to new dancers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Do we need a safety committee?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Posterboard also has principles. Keep in plain view</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen suggests for greeters: give the hand out, say "read when you can"</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Do we need a separate committee? Thumbs down</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(Break)</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Temperature - Kari</span></h3><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We've been asked for maximum cooling efficiency to keep the doors to the auditorium closed.</span></p></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">10th anniversary celebration</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Planned for after dance September 10th at Waldorf</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Bring your own food + utensils; PCD will provide celebration cake/cupcake/whatever, and decorations</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Have fun outdoors if weather permits</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Committee: Lily, John, Lori, Lily (John would like to bow out)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We can be there for 3 more hours</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beck: can supply games: cornhole, etc.</span></li></ul><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next Retreat</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily working on it with committee.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Ferry Beach: we cannot have Rowland Hall during the high season</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jo called Wavus, not suitable for a whole list of reasons</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Pilgrim Lodge? Rudy: Very expensive</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Other suggestions for 1 hour within Portland</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: When? May 1 through Oct 1 2024 - Summer not great because of summer vacations</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"> Also: what are the specific issues with Wavus?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: Camp Pondicherry? Mellen: No - no food service; tents or 16-person bunk rooms</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Grant restricts Wavus to renting for education</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: search "Maine summer camps" to turn up possibilities for off-season use</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Snowbird lodge? Too small</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy: may be small, but: Darling Marine Center (UMaine) in Walpole Maine. Can hold 60 meetings, 30-40 comfortably Beautiful facility in the woods on the water. Small: Would only want 30-35 people</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Retreat at Ferry Beach where they got Rowland Hall for dancing, other buildings for sleeping.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily will continue to follow up with Ferry Beach</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: Medomak looks good, a little far away</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Ocean Park Camp & Conference Center is a place in Ocean Park (Rebecca has more info)</span></li></ul><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Promotional Email message - Mellen</span></h3><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">SerenityMe of interest to community, holding Ecstatic Dances etc.</span></p></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Aug 22 possibly at Maine Center for Taijiquan, possibly joint with DJs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">September 19 on Zoom</span></li></ul></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Evaluation</span></h3><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-37648567737939513062023-07-15T13:29:00.008-04:002023-07-15T13:29:59.879-04:00Meraki meeting notes for June 20<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Meraki (PCD Steering Committee)</b> met in person at Jimmie and Kari's home, June 20, 7-9PM.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Attending:</b> Erin, Lily, Kari, Mellen, Jimmie, Lori, John, Jamie</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where can we dance (Lori)</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Every place we looked into has limitations for Sunday morning.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Get temperature about Sherpa-ing - with dwindling options, how is everyone holding up?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: UFF has been great. It might be possible to dance there on a once-a-month basis</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jamie: What about community centers? Response: We've tried them all.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">There are spaces, but many are too small.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Waldorf continues to be available (usually).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ juice still a challenge, so once a month at UFF might not be good</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need 2000 sq ft.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Places like UFF or 317 Main have refreshment bars</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jamie: what about Space Gallery, Aura, or other clubs that have a dance floor?</span></li></ul><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Sound meter</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Propose large meter visible from across the room, placed in the back</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion about placement of device / microphone. Center of the room would be ideal, but this would get in the way of dancing unless we could suspend it from above.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jimmie: Move speakers to offer loudness for some or not for others?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Purchase still comes back to Meraki for decision</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: work with Sweetwater?</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Capacity committee update - Jimmie, Kari, Rudy, Mellen</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John suggestion: use the stage at MCWS, clean the floor, make the stage available for dance</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJs like to be closer to the dancers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Scope it out next Sunday to see how do-able it is. We'd need more help with floors & setup.</span></li></ul></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">Vibe/food break</b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>10th Anniversary celebration</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">After dance September 10th</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Catering really expensive, not a lot of service</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Are we going to feel like we've spent money well?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Bring your own lunch, we'll have a cake/</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">There have been some picnics at Waldorf and UFF with people not trashing the place</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Moving towards people bringing own food/utensils, plus supplying cake and some platters.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Fun/relaxing day</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: what about a park outing separately w/ cookout?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Plan outdoor activities - badminton, cornhole, etc.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Committee: Lori, Jamie, Erin, Lily, Kari</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Next Retreat</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lili and Kari plus names signed up on board:</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Really: next Fall? Couldn't we do it sooner?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jo, Marion, Bart, ??</span></li></ul></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Dress</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A male-bodied person wants to dress in tight clothing - is that verbotten?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">There's a perceived double standard between female tight sports bra, etc., and male-bodied people</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: why wouldn't we affirm that we have no dress code?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily percieves vibe of double standard.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: What I love about PCD is being comfortable in my own skin. Be clear that we don't have a dress code</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: would be uncomfortable if women started to go topless. The more we bring it up, the concern is that if we say we have no dress code, someone would push the boundary.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">There are implicit lines, but we haven't articulated anything.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Suggestion: No specific dress code, please be conscientious about being respectful to others.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin: this segues into the next topic: sensitive issues</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Sensitive issues</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How do we handle sensitive interpersonal conflicts or issues?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">In another community, a member was "excommunicated" of someone who made someone else uncomfortable.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We have procedures in place to resolve issues. For really thorny issues, we have in the past formed a group of people to address the issue specifically with sensitivity.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">First question: do you feel comfortable talking to the other person you're having trouble with?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We have mechanisms in place, but haven't been as intentional about communicating the "Heartfelt no," dance-alone wristbands<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need to be mindful to announce at closing circle that there's a group of people that dancers can talk to for issues or concerns that arise</span></li></ul></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">Greeter volunteering</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How do we get people to step up to greet? Don't think we can resolve</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> it tonight - think about how we can address this in the future?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Solicit for a safety committee, Mellen: the committee needs a mission</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Put on the agenda for next time</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Please send me the written safety protocols</span></li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-32640092631929867412023-06-16T15:45:00.006-04:002023-06-16T15:45:44.900-04:00Meraki Meeting Notes for May 23, 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The PCD Steering Committee (Meraki) Met on May 23, 2023 on Zoom.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Attending:</b> Lily N (notes), Kari P (vibes), Lori H, Erin P, Rudy G (time), John B (facilitating), Lindy O.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Agenda:</b> </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Retreat recap.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Planning for the next retreat</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Volume/loudness</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Capacity committee update</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">10th Anniversary</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meeting </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Retreat recap (Lily</b>): all well with retreat. No additional feedback. Would go back to Ferry again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Next retreat</b>: no to autumn 2023, yes to spring or fall of 2024. Need to establish committee. Lily will put out sign up sheet at the greeter table and make an announcement at closing circle to form a retreat committee. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where can we dance (Lori)</b>:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Cannot dance at Waldorf in July; we don’t have dance scheduled for July. Possibly dance at Oddfellows in July? </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">317 Main Yarmouth: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Alan and Joe are full time and they have summer programs starting. They're going to talk and get back to us.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Waynefleet is a no.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Portland public schools are a possibility.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Erin to call Temple Beth El in Portland about availability. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lindy suggests a place in Brunswick.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We are dancing outside June 25th at Waldorf.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Loudness:</b> No movement on that. 80 dB still the limit and DJ’s seem to be onboard with holding that limit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Capacity committee:</b> nothing to report. (Ed: John: we could make use of the stage for additional room)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>10th anniversary celebration: </b></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori, John, Kari and Lily on this committee. No details set. Lily suggests the celebration be in early fall to maximize weather niceness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Next Meraki meetings:</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">June 20th at Kari and Jimmie’s</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">July 18th on Zoom </span></li></ul><p></p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-50700785204361922292023-04-28T14:25:00.001-04:002023-04-28T14:25:36.042-04:00Meraki Meeting Notes for April 11 2023<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Meraki (PCD Steering Committee) met at Mellen's home on April 11, 2023</span></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Attending</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari P (facilitating), Jimmie P, Shelagh R, Mellen D, John B (notes), Lori H, Blair F, Rebecca B</span></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda</span></h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">2023 Retreat updates (Retreat committee)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance update (Lori)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Sound system loudness update (Kari, Jason?)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Capacity committee updates (Kari, Jimmie?)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">In-person Hosting suggestion (Mellen)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD 10th Birthday celebration</span></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Retreat update (Retreat committee)</span></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Last registration day: Sunday</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John and Lily researched the sauna trailer idea with a Saco provider; after discussion Sauna trailer: vetoed due to logistics, cost, management</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">People slotted for checkin, may need more</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Covid: Masks required in lunch line area</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Ask people to test beforehand</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Will ask at checkin</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Will have some tests available</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Money: We have $800ish surplus</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Received $205 in scholarship donations - Refund excess</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: spaces</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">To add to email blast (after registration closes):</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Musical instruments</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Specialty activities like yoga, etc.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Whiteboard for activities/announcements (Blair will bring)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't announce availability of tests</span></li></ul></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance?</span></h4><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A group of us visited 317 Main in Yarmouth</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beautiful space, about the size of Waldorf</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Sound check with bluetooth: subwoofer probably needed</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We're not on the same page about price (they mentioned $2-300/hour)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Can do Waldorf ad infinitum, except for blocked out spaces</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Is Mechanics Hall a possibility? No: it's a wedding venue, frequently booked on Sundays</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari: Schools - only available is Westbrook</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"> Middle school - need to have staffer, need to make application</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Christian School:<br /></span></li><ul><li></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Bigger, storage not secure</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Not pretty - narrow walkin, dark corridor, no loungy-type space</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Big windows</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Echo a problem</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Smells like a gym</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We can do a test dance there</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen to check Waynefleet school</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Add to capacity committee discussion: Do we want a space that fits 100 people?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ juice still lacking. Weekly dance is pipe-dreamy</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jimmie - what about a different standard for DJs? Pre-recorded playlist</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beck seconds the idea</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: even so, there's tech, flow needed. It's more about how you craft a set than the equipment.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh: We've gone way out on the DJ track</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">-- break --</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Paradigm shift in DJ land. The passion around ownership has diminished.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need to make room for people to not feel the way they used to about control of the set.</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: Concerns about Urban Farm Fermentory (UFF):</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Hard, dirty cement floor</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The place is kind of run-down</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Chem-free dance is a little inconsistent with the venue, which serves beverages that contain alcohol.</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair/Beck: Support variety of places</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: We need majority of places with a decent, danceable wood floor. UFF not great.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">UFF held June 4 for us. Despite concerns, we plan to dance there June 4.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Volume/loudness</span></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: 80 dB seems to be where we want to stay. Mark was high 70s.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beck: 80 db was a good limit. Above that over time, can get hearing damage.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Spot checking is hit-or-miss. Research devices that can consistently monitor with a large readout or one that is easily visible to DJ with remote sensing location.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD 10th Anniversary</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John: October will mark the 10th anniversary of PCD's first dance as PCD. Let's do something special.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In-person Meetings</span></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen: Please text if you're coming.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John will publish number in announcements.</span></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next Meetings</span></h4><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">May 2 not needed for Meraki; can be for Retreat Committee</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">May 23 on Zoom</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">June 20 at Kari and Jimmie's </span></li></ul><p></p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-4334117264765592952023-04-07T09:16:00.003-04:002023-04-07T09:16:27.776-04:00Meraki Meeting Notes for March 21 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The PCD Steering Committee (Meraki) met on March 21, 2023, on Zoom</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Attendees: Lily N (notes), Lori H, Rudy G (timekeeping), Kari P (ingathering), Jimmie P, Jason A, Mellen D, John B (facilitation), Shelagh R</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: Eliminate free entry first dance</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jimmie proposed to eliminate free dance for first timers discussed and unanimously affirmed. No more free first dance. John asked: Is this really about a too-crowded dance floor? Yes; we'll discuss more later if we have time.</span></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Retreat update (John/Lily)</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">41 registrants</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Gross sales $7650.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Donations $185</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Platform tent requests 12</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">All DJs have registered already</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy would like to offer open music jam and will liaise with Ferry Beach about offering in the Rose Pavillion. Rose Pavillion has a wood stove according to Rudy.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily to contact Ferry Beach about reserving all 12 platform tent sites.</span></li></ul><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance update (John/Lily)</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">318 Main in Yarmouth: Kari and Lori trying to set up meeting with Yarmouth to determine what barriers Yarmouth has with contracting with us.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Waldorf is available indefinitely but not every weekend.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Urban Farm Fermentory open to having us but has cement floor.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Vote to hold occasional dances at Urban Farm Fermentory unanimously affirmed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari to confirm with UFF and contact Mark to be DJ</span></li></ul><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Sound levels update (Jason)</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jason measured at previous dance from 15 feet away from DJ table, estimates that 75% of measurements decibel level was at 85 dB or less, 15% of time 90 dB, 10% of time 93dB.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelagh asks if current meter could be on DJ table for DJs to use and if meter could be calibrated to reflect volume that listeners are actually experiencing.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Issue was not resolved.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Some ideas proposed were use of smartphone dB app, having more than 1 meter so volume could be measured at different locations.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Goal to keep volume at or below 83 dB affirmed to prevent hearing damage.</span></li></ul><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Crowd size discussion (group)</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Unanimous concern for crowd size.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion of whether to limit crowd size or not.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Suggestions to limit are to allow members only to dance or members have priority, increase cost to dance, having to pre register to dance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No resolution on this.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari, Jimmie volunteer to spearhead new "capacity committee" </span></li></ul><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">April 11th at Mellen's</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">May 2 so we have Meraki before the retreat</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">May 23</span></li></ul><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Evaluation</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We all agree that we're awesome and caring and really appreciate each other : )</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-85012828870875545262023-03-17T15:42:00.007-04:002023-03-17T15:42:58.390-04:00Meraki Meeting Notes for February 21, 2023<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">The Portland Community Dance Steering Committee (Meraki) met on February 21, 2023, from 7-9PM in person at Deb's place</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Attending: Deb, Jason, Kari, John, Jimmie, Mellen, Shelagh, Rudy, Rebecca, Blair, Lily, Lori</span></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Finances (John):</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">According to John’s flashy PCD income chart, after the protracted Covid valley, PCD’s coffers are steadily climbing to more comfortable levels. In part due to increased dancer participation (and payment); in part to the lower rental cost of Waldorf. It seems worthwhile to remind dancers to pay the admission fee (or portion thereof) at closing circles; Deb volunteered to do so at next opportunity. Rudy also game to do this as needed.</span></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Decibel Level (Kari):</span></h3><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD already has a decibel meter, and now it's functioning thanks to fresh batteries.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jason will learn use of same and facilitate its use during DJ setup and sound check.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">What is safe: 80 (Andrew)? 90 (Pika)? 70 (Rudy during meeting…according to the CDC, “Noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may start to damage your hearing.") seems the safest. Rebecca to look into this further.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJs don’t like to hear about volume critique from dancers during dances; instead, they’d prefer feedback from their peers during dances.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The above said, dancers always have the option to leave DJ feedback (of any nature) via the form on the PCD website.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ committee will monitor for a few dances after which, if it seems necessary, share at closing circle if/why we’re reducing sound levels: hearing health!sss</span></li></ul></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Facebook Page and Group Administration (Rudy)</span></h3><h3><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Official FB page (public) more clearly reflects PCD branding (logo and banner image)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dance community FB Group (private): Rudy has been letting new people in by hand; this and general monitoring/moderating has proven very easy. For the moment, at least, it no longer seems necessary to re-name or alter in any other way.</span></span></li></ul></h3><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Where Can We Dance? Update (Lori)</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">No movement yet on 317 Main in Yarmouth yet, so reiterating the following:</span></div><h3><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The preference for access to RCA and XLR has been shared with 317; not having this access will seriously curtail DJ ability and may even necessitate using our own equipment;</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If we do need to resort to continuing to use our own equipment, will there indeed be enough storage space available to us?</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As soon as 317 has enough knowledge of their technical offerings, we (including John and/or Jason) should do a site visit to better understand and assess the setup being made available.</span></span></li></ul></h3><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Meraki Meeting Format/Location</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Zooms are convenient</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Hybrid would be more work as well as require more equipment (Rudy vouches for Owl camera/system as viable after you get used to it)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">CONSENSUS: alternate between in-person (with roving hosts) and Zoom; keep an ear out for people who feel excluded from attending (because of) either format</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">May 5-7, 2023 PCD Dance Retreat pricing and registration logistics (Lily)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Pricing all-inclusive, and dictated by accommodation: Quad ($170), Double ($210), Queen ($250)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Buffer for PCD: $10 included in each registration.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Email notification to all, with all information covered so that people can form their plan so that they’re prepared once registration goes live, since registration will be first-come, first-served.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Committee to consider whether to offer any form of financial aid (scholarships? how many, for how much, decided by whom?) and therefore whether to also include an option in the registration process for people to give $ toward same. How will someone ask for aid?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">On the table for registration method: EventBrite, RSVPify, Google form. The former two have a cost per transaction; all snag a percentage of the price if paid via eFunds (PayPal, Stripe, et al).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Cancellation/refund policy? Covid policy? Ask for gender? Ask for snoring/sleeping habit info for placing people in quads?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Announce prices at next dance and take a straw pole for how many dancers might be interested in attending retreat.</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">DJs (Mellen & Deb)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Cultivating a coherence in the direction of DJ methodology and music choice.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Culling DJ list to winnow dead wood…if someone DJs 4 or more times a year, they get preference as well as greater voice in DJ issues.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Already, there have been discussions within the active DJ body…</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">sound levels (see decibels, above)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">music choice (Jason providing some reference to re-focus DJs to the original PCD intention of upholding/respecting/reflecting The Wave; a reminder that PCD is not intending to provide a Sunday morning rave, et al)</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As an aside the subject of Family Dances came up:</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div>Brian is interested in starting up a family dance. It was agreed that when Marin was organizing/facilitating this, it was in fact under the purview of PCD (i.e. on PCD website, covered by PCD insurance, utilizing PCD equipment)</div></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings:</span></h4><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">March 21, Zoom<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">April 11, in-person, location TBD</span></li></ul></div></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-73677332064783676912023-02-15T09:54:00.000-05:002023-02-15T09:54:19.185-05:00Meraki Meeting Notes for January 17, 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Portland Community Dance Steering Committee (Meraki) met on January 17, 2023, from 7-9PM on Zoom</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Attending: John B, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb G, Lori H, Mellen D, Shelagh R, Lily N, Lindy O</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Social Media Committee (John for Rudy):</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We've reviewed current social media vehicles for PCD</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Currently there are 5 vehicles for communication:</span></li><ul><li></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD Membership eMails</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD official Face Book Page: Private Group for PCD Members only for PCD announcements</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD sponsored FaceBook Group: Private Group for folks with interest in PCD, dance and related activity. ~800+ members. includes posts for non-PCD events that may be of interested (dance, music, art, theater, yoga) plus chat and videos. Some commercial advertisements (yoga studio, theater) Loosely curated.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">MaineDance Network: 1.5k members. not affiliated with PCD (so not really one of our 5 vehicles). Lots of dance related advertising and announcements. All kinds of dance, not just contact improv. We noticed some inappropriate non-dance posts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD Website. PCD only announcements and info. Tightly curated, no chat or comments. Ability to leave feed back for DJs, make Paypal and Venmo contributions.</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">In reviewing these five info venues, the committee determined that each meets a very specific need / audience, have value and should continue. There may be some confusion between the FaceBook page and the FaceBook group. So Lori did some rebranding of the official FaceBook "Page" so the look and feel is consistent with the PCD official web page. Rudy looking at the FaceBook "Group" to potentially put a bit more structure / curation around content and membership.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussed renaming the FaceBook group to better differentiate it from the page</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Suggestions (Deb):</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Hold the intention about being part of the community. Should be local and part of the community.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Add screening questions, e.g., "Why are you interested in joining this group?"</span></li></ul></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring 2023 Retreat (Lily):</span></h3></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: Have a special requirement for retreat attendance to have danced with us at least 3 times (instead of the normal membership requirement of 5).</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">After some discussion, the consensus was that this is a solution to a problem (low signup numbers) that we don't yet know exists.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Tabled until low attendance appears to be an issue closer to the retreat date. We don't need to figure this out now.</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Jo E volunteered to put together some written materials / email copy for us to give retreat participants before they get to FB and/or at FB on arrival. Info on the dorms, grounds, dances, the whole shebang.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Camping: campsites are $28 per night for a tent, $32 per night for a small RV.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Update on Ferry Beach registration: the first person signing up for a room, whether it be quad or double, will have to pay for the entire room. That's problematic for us.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori: we could manage room assignments with a spreadsheet.</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance (Lori)?</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Not much to report. 317 Main in Yarmouth is still the "apple of our eye", but we need patience because development of the space is slow.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Discussed DJ hookup requirements. They can offer a USB connection, but that doesn't work for a number of our DJs, who would interface either with RCA or XLR analog inputs. Lori to take this info back to 317 Main.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">They still haven't come up with a rental price. They want to support community organizations like PCD, but can't afford to "give it away." They're working on a contract that will work for anyone who uses the space.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Christian School in South Portland is still on the table.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We can continue to use MCWS until we find a preferable alternative.</span></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discussion about the gritty floor situation: We could buy dry mops and either bring them with or label them and keep them in the auditorium broom closet</span></span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When can we dance </span>weekly<span style="font-weight: normal;">? Discussion points:</span></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Equipment storage/haulage continues to be a limiting factor. If we have either on-site storage (better), or a killer house sound system (ideal), weekly dances are more possible.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">DJ juice is less of an issue now - we have 5 1/2 DJs for rotation, and are training new recruits.</span></span></li></ul></ul></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings:</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Feb 21 in-person at Deb's (or Mellen's as backup)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">March 21, venue TBD</span></span></li></ul></div></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-57992720043798615122023-01-08T16:18:00.001-05:002023-01-08T16:18:52.280-05:00Meraki Meeting Notes for December 13, 2022<p> <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Age Restriction & Associated Waiver Form Update (Kari)</b></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Proposal to restrict PCD dances to adults only (18 and older).</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Precipitated not only by the snafu during the 12.4.22 dance (synopsis: father arriving with 12-year-old daughter, not having found notification of age restriction via prior research on website and being miffed when this was spelled out; father subsequently submitted long email diatribe to which Mellen & Kari diplomatically responded).</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">A number of PCD members have wished for this restriction for a long time, noting that (put simply) minors might not only have questions about what they encounter on the dance floor, but also that the presence of minors may inhibit full expression by adult participants.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Concern about spatial and energetic awareness of minors.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Mellen pointed out that the inclusion of minors was more in response to the opportunity to dance outdoors after Covid hit AND that space is already becoming a concern (again!) as we reestablish ourselves post-Covid.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">And it’s really always been an adult event.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">18 is culturally/legally established as the cutoff for being an adult, so that cutoff feels non-arbitrary to society.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><b>Unanimous passage of proposal!</b></li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Effective immediately.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Greeter can inquire about age of new dancer if obviously necessary.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Waiver to drop bottom two sections referring to minors; re-print with changes, but still use BLUE paper to keep continuity…will change color at the end of the requisite three-year lifetime of the collected signatures.</li></ul></ul><div><b>Where Can We Dance? Update (Lori)</b></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Mellen, Kari, and Lori visited the Christian School in SoPo and view it as a contender (storage, amenities, kindness and cooperation of contact person), with the caveat that the dance space (gym) is rather boomy. Pricing TBD. Available January forward.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Looking forward to visiting the other strong contender, 317 Main Street in Yarmouth (storage, TBD plug-and-play hookup to 317 sound system, sprung dance floor, purpose-built, aligning with 317’s desire to create community). Pricing TBD. Not available until mid-February or possibly into March if there are snags on their end (the dance hall is part of an extension of their existing facility and is presently under construction). [Visit Wednesday following Meraki revealed square footage: 2061.]</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Option to try out one/other/both locations prior to signing a contract; WCWD committee entrusted with deciding upon any such activity.</li></ul></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>May 5 - 7, 2023 PCD Dance Retreat at Ferry Beach in Saco (Lily)</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Contract has been ironed out, signed, and provided to all committee members so that the facility's requirements are known by all.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Lily is in contact with Kathy and will convene the committee in January to continue planning:</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Marion K.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Sandra (?)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Joe E.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Shelagh R.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Krista O.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Rudy G. & Kari P. (available for consulting)</li></ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">4 DJs have already voiced interest, thereby covering the 4 dances!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">25-person minimum; maximum?</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">If people can begin signing up sooner rather than later, we’ll have a better idea of numbers and therefore whether or not or when to make membership requirement changes to encourage more signups.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">John will get proof of insurance to Lily pronto for Kathy.</li></ul></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Facebook Group Administration and Group Membership Approvals, et al (Rudy)</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Rudy has taken the bait and is taking this quagmire on.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Clarification: Page is official PCD business and is completely open for viewing, but only PCD admins can post; for the purpose of announcing dances, cancellations, and policies as needed. Group, however, is only accessible via acceptance into the group; it is possible for anyone in the group to post and is meant as a place for building (dance) community.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Committee of Rudy, Mellen, John, and Lori will figure out how to better define the above and then better visually and verbally communicate the same.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Determine any rules of engagement for Group admission.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Can the Group be a clearinghouse for dancing in Maine?!? Rename Group to something like “Portland Dance Hub”?</li></ul></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Membership Requirement (Lily)</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Would it be helpful for the 5-dance requirement for PCD membership be lowered since we’re only dancing twice a month presently and the retreat is on the not-too-distant horizon?</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Suggested: 3 dances.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Change would make the retreat available to more dancers.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">What is the retreat capacity?</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Note that annual meeting must be attended by 10% of the membership in order to make quorum; keep this in mind as we grow membership, but membership can be winnowed of dead wood.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Are 3 dances enough to grant benefits of membership: access to Meraki meetings and therefore decision-making, access to retreats, ability to serve as an officer?</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Do retreats <i>have</i> to be members only?</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Lingering concerns by some present: there is a group understanding, a holding of space around touch, boundaries, consent, power dynamics, body and gender issues. </li></ul></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Table for now.</li></ul><div><div><b>Next Meraki Meetings</b></div><div>January 17 - possibly @Deb G.’s, weather permitting; otherwise, on Zoom</div><div>February 21</div></div></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-48139496634510760632022-12-03T14:48:00.002-05:002022-12-03T14:48:42.009-05:00Annual Membership Meeting Notes - November 20 2022<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Portland Community Dance held its Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday November 20, 2022, from 1-2:15 PM at Ketcha Outdoors, Scarborough ME</span></p><h2><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Participants:</span></b></h2><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With over 13 members, we met our quorum requirement of 10% of our 132 current members. (Sorry, I didn't get an exact count - 20 to 25 people?)</span></p><p></p><h2><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda:</span></b></h2><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Ingathering - Rudy</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Icebreaker - Deb</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">How we Roll - John</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Summary of 2022 - Mellen</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Finance - John</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Wiz update - Kari</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Greeter Coordinator - Lily</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Future Dance Space - Lori</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">2023 Retreat - Shelagh</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank outgoing officers/board - Mellen</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">New Officer/Board selections - Deb</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari Pritchard, President</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori Harley, Treasurer (continuing)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John Boynton, Secretary (continuing)</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Crowning Cermony - Deb</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Out-gathering - Rudy</span></li></ul><h2><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Meeting:</span></b></h2><h3><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Ingathering</span></b></h3><p></p><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy offered music</span></div><h3><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Icebreaker</span></b></h3><p></p><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb facilitated icebreaker exercises.</span></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">How We Roll</span></h3><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">John summarized the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sNnubLNTiDM60FYna0HnsBtPReVobN-o9HOr6t_WgbI/edit" target="_blank">How we Roll</a> document.</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Summary of 2022</span></h3><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen gave highlights of 2022.</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Finance </span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">John interpretively danced a gradual decline in our account balance, and presented a discussion of our costs and income. PCD finances should improve with robust attendance we've seen in the last few dances.</span></p><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Wiz Update</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari summarized activities of the Wizengamot (Operations Committee), whose current members are: Blair, Jimmie and Kari, Lori, Lily, Sunshine, and Tim. The biggest logistics lift continues to be equipment cartage, storage, and setup/teardown.</span></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Greeter Coordinator</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lily has graciously offered to serve as Greeter Coordinator. We passed around a signup sheet for a "Let me know how I can help" list of names for anyone who would like to assist with any of the various PCD needs.</span></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Space</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori summarized our current space search for a new venue in 2023, and reported that Ketcha Outdoors might be available to us through the winter and spring months. Maine Coast Waldorf School is a regular possibility if a better option doesn't surface. There's <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vZG2-sLw1EeDuofXuuhdvL1DX0pmnYUu4Pv-MLWsPgg/edit#gid=0">a spreadsheet</a> of our research; anyone with ideas of possible venues, please contact Lori.</span></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Social Media Correspondent</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb mentioned our need for a Social Media coordinator / correspondent to take charge of our Facebook page and group.</span></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring 2023 Retreat</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We have a signed contract and have paid a deposit to Ferry Beach Retreat Center for a spring retreat for PCD members, planned for May 5-7 2023. If anyone wants to contribute to organizing the retreat, please talk to Shelagh.</span></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank You to Outgoing Officers</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We thanked outgoing officers Mellen, Lori, and John, for their service to PCD.</span></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Officer / board elections</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We elected the following officers and board members:</span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari Pritchard, President</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John Boynton, Secretary (continuing)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori Harley, Treasurer (continuing)</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Officer positions take effect immediately.</span></div></div><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Future Meetings</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We scheduled future Meraki meetings for December 13 and January 17 on Zoom and at Deb's place, respectively. More details by email to the membership.</span></p><p></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Outgathering/adjourn</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy performed a brief reprise of the ingathering music.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Meeting was adjourned at 2:15 PM.</span></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-48010859411166187672022-11-17T21:18:00.001-05:002022-11-17T21:18:27.601-05:00Annual Membership Meeting Sunday November 20; November 15 Meraki Meeting Notes<p><b style="font-family: arial;">Participating</b><span style="font-family: arial;">: Kari (Facilitating), Lori, Shelagh, John, Rudy, Deb, Mellen, Lindy</span></p><div><br /></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring Retreat update (Rudy)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The contract with Ferry Beach is signed and ready to go.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dates: May 5-7 2023</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next steps:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Send deposit check (John)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Hand the contract over to the retreat committee to begin planning</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Firm up committee membership</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Develop a list of tasks and a timeline (committee)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Publish a "Save the Dates" announcement (Mellen)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Deb to write up a handout ("if I get my act together") to post at dance</span></li></ul></ul></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">New Dance Venue (Lori)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Barring a miracle, we won't have a new facility (other than Waldorf) for January.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori and others are pursuing many leads, which we discussed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next steps:<br /></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Continue reaching out to facilities on the <a href="on the spreadsheet">spreadsheet</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Reach out to Portland Public Schools and Portland Rec. Dept. to see what facilities might be available.</span></li></ul></ul></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Annual Meeting (Mellen)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We'll set up tables in the room next to the dance hall for the post-dance potluck</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We discussed agenda items</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next steps:<br /></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Add potluck and meeting summary to next dance announcement (Mellen)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Publish meeting announcement details with agenda to the membership Friday-ish (John)</span></li></ul></ul></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Facebook Group Administration and Group Membership Approvals (Deb):</span></h4><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">It's not clear who all has responsibility for vetting new membership requests to the group, and what the criteria are for accepting or rejecting.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We do have some automatic approvals, if the person is in the Portland area and has one or more friends in the group</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Beyond that, it's not clear.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Nor do we have published guidelines for group posts and conduct.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No one present at the meeting was keen to take on responsibility for the Facebook group administration.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We discussed a response by one group member to a dance announcement post, that we decided to leave be.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need a Social Media secretary/coordinator to take on the responsibility for our Facebook and possible future other social media presences. (Right now, Facebook is it.)</span></li></ul><div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Meet in Person (John)?<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">We discussed the possibility of meeting in person at future Meraki meetings, and there were mixed feelings. The convenience of Zoom makes it easier to attend meetings, but the possibility of meeting in person, especially after such a long time meeting on Zoom, is appealing.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deb volunteered to host the January meeting at her home; we'll see how that goes.</span></li></ul><br />Closing Business</span></h4></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meeting dates after the Annual Membership Meeting: December 13, January 17</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We spent about 15 minutes in meeting evaluation</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-87651768603525906742022-11-01T20:15:00.016-04:002022-11-17T20:49:01.092-05:00October 11 Meraki Notes; Next Meraki November 15; Annual Membership Meeting November 20<div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Participating</b>: Kari, Jimmie, John (Notes), Rudy, Deb (Facilitating), Jason, Mellen</span></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring Retreat update (Rudy)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy created a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rtbyhAdyKxGGTT8-myfGxA3Dp5twvkQA/view?usp=share_link" target="_blank">deck of slides</a> that he shared with the group.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dates: May 5-7</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We'll be sharing with another group, but will attempt to get exclusive use of breakout rooms.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Housing:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dorms insulated but not heated, heat rises from below</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Heated cabins available, price chart on web site</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Food: limited menu, nutritious, vegan option available</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next steps:</span></li></ul></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Wrestle contract to reflect what's in the slides (Rudy)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A lot of logistics</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">They did agree to do registration</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We need an active committee - Rudy wants not to be involved in organizing</span></li></ul></ol></ol></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Masking (Jason)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Idea in Jason's mind: at some point we need to drop the masks</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">It's not about protecting each other; we're making our own choices</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We had a round-robin of each member present sharing their feelings, which were mixed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Make masking optional</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Revert to masking if surging, following Maine and U.S. CDC guidance</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">If not feeling well, don't come to dance</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discuss at the annual meeting<br /></span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal was adopted by consensus</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">New Dance Venue (Lori)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lori shared <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vZG2-sLw1EeDuofXuuhdvL1DX0pmnYUu4Pv-MLWsPgg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">the spreadsheet</a> she's keeping on prospective venues with input from members.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Cory at Maine Coast Waldorf School showed us a closet we *might* be able to use. She's using the slow drip process to encourage consideration of its use by PCD.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We discussed the various places</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Put in the meeting notes: Be in touch with Lori and/or Mellen about possible spaces</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We can always dance at Maine Coast Waldorf School</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Annual Meeting (Mellen)</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Kari volunteers for President; John and Lori to continue as Secretary and Treasurer.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy offered the possibility of serving as Vice President, but we didn't have any scope for such a role.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen will continue as Correspondence Secretary to monitor gmail account</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John to send bylaws link to Mellen and Deb</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We have the hall for the extra hour (until 2:30)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John to publish a Save the date message. Potluck (bring your own meal kit), indoors, done before 2:30</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John to send Mellen last year's AM agenda</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen and Kari comprise the Meeting Committee</span></li></ul></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Agenda for next time (November 15):</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Meet in person?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Retreat status/progress</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Where can we dance status/progress</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Annual Meeting planning</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD Facebook group: how do we decide not to admit a person who requests to join? (Deb)</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-57162737990220480462022-10-04T20:46:00.008-04:002022-10-11T18:49:42.465-04:00September 13 Meraki Meeting Notes; Next Meetings: Oct 11, Nov 15<p> <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Present at meeting: </b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">John, Shelagh, Rudy, Lori, Mellen, Kari, Marion, Lily, Deb</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2023 Retreat (Shelagh) </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Shelagh, Rudy, Krista, Julie, and Lily considering three venues: Ferry Beach, Pilgrim Lodge, and Wavus. Short story: If Wavus does not respond in another week or so, PCD will book Ferry Beach.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ferry Beach </b>(Rudy): A known entity, responsive, and more affordable</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Rowland Hall (same building as before) has been upgraded with heat downstairs (but heat may rise to 2nd floor!); floor re-finished</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">April 14/15/16 (off-season…all to ourselves)*</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">$500 down payment</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">The food off-season is "healthy and clean,” but very limited in scope</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">They do have a registrar, but it may be better for PCD to arrange registration for better service/efficiency.</li></ul></div><div><i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>*After Meraki, 9.21.22, Rudy learned of a May (4/) 5/6/7 cancellation open to us, with the only caveat that there will be a small group there at that time using a side room in Roland Hall…with the following details:</i></div></div><blockquote style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="ltr"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Ferry Beach total Cost per person for retreat.</b></div>Dorm style Rm* (2 Nights): $40-160** <br />Food*** (6 meals): $90 <br />Membership: $30…with alternative of PCD paying for a <i>group</i> membership<br /><div>DJ Costs: TBD</div><div dir="ltr"><div>=================</div><div><b>Total: $160-$280 (not including DJ costs)</b></div><div>Minimum #: 25<br /></div><div>$80 pre-recorded/$175 live per dance, usually with 4 dances</div><div><br /></div><div>* There are a limited # of rooms available in heated cabins hose are more expensive. Details and links with pricing provided in previous eMail below.<br /></div></div><div>** Majority of rooms have 2 bunk beds (4 beds). Cost for 2 nights is $160, regardless of number of people o sharing a room lowers individual cost.<br /></div><div>*** Includes vegetarian option: vegetarian meal plan must be requested at registration. To avoid food waste, vegetarian option only available to those who register for it.</div></div></blockquote><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pilgrim Lodge</b> (Lily): Too pricey</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">desirable location on Lake Cobbosseecontee in West Gardiner</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Dock & boats, but req. lifeguard for swimming ($100 per 2-hour block)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">dates available before Jun/Jul/Aug</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">capacity: 65 or fewer</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">10K for three days, plus food…so, estimate for 40 attendees: $250/pp for lodging = $150/pp for food = $400/pp…ouch!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">sound system</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">(new-ish) large barn with a beautiful wooden floor</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wavus </b>(Shelagh): Unresponsive</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">previous retreats there before educational-group requirement; that appears to have been lifted and all/any groups are acceptable for retreats now</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">very desirable location on Damariscotta Lake</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">docks, swimming, bunk rooms, camping</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">as yet unresponsive to communications</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Search for 2023 dance venue (Lori)<br /></span></b></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">gathering any additional considerations for new venues</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">neighbors/neighborhood regarding sound if openable windows</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">parking/access</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">bare feet</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">type of floor</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Sunday morning!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Lori will update Google doc spreadsheet and invite people to contribute info they collect</li></ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">new/old venue ideas</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Westbrook Community Center (Kari)…Sunday morning gym full of basketball; dance studio space small and without any windows</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Maplewood (Deb)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Odd Fellows @ Woodfords (Deb)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Masonic Lodge (Deb)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Woodford’s Club (Lori)…Shelagh dances there Thu nights; no noise issues, as dance hall is on the parking lot side, with the closest neighbor being the funeral home.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">UNE Westbrook Campus (?)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">St. Brigid’s on Steven’s Ave (?)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Christian School in S. Portland (Mellen)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Breakwater School (Mellen)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Grange Halls, e.g. Highland Lake (?)</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Longfellow School (?)…in the midst of renovation, so not good timing!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">synagogues!</li></ul></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Annual Membership Meeting (Mellen)</span></b></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Zoom again, or do live, after a dance? The latter would most likely guarantee more attendance!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Meraki agreed on allocating 1 hour following the Nov. 20 dance for an in-person meeting!</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Mellen to contact Ketcha to schedule that extra time (1:30 :30) and find out what if any additional fee; as soon as that is verified, a Save the Date email can be sent out to community.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Suggestions about the inclusion of food:</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">potluck, with BYOF if special diet</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">BYOF/bagged lunch</li></ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">consider masking policy if indoors since there will likely be eating; if outdoors in the pavilion, get permission/help to unroll the walls if chilly</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Recruitment for Officers and Board of Directors (Mellen)</span></b></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Search committee for recruiting officers is the current roster of officers, so Mellen, John, and Lori</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Deb submits herself as option for President.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Shelagh suggests making an announcement to the PCD community re: a call for nominations/volunteers for officers. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Meraki Meetings</span></b></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">John will open Zoom meeting 10 minutes early so that socializing can happen before meeting</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Future dates: October 11, November 15</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">In Oct & Nov, revisit masking policy</li></ul></div></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-2543071570973092502022-08-28T10:25:00.005-04:002022-08-28T10:50:40.971-04:00August 9 Meraki Meeting Notes; Next meetings: September 13 & October 11<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Meraki Attendees, Tue, Aug 9</span></b></p><div><div>- John B. (facilitator)</div><div>- Shelagh R. (ingatherer and vibechecker)</div><div>- Lori H. (notetaker)</div><div>- Blair F. (timekeeper)</div><div>- Rudy G.</div><div>- Mellen D.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Finances</span></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>valuable to continue hitting home the fact that PCD has bills to pay [maybe Rudy would be a great person to make this plea at closing circle, since his Retreat Committee plea was so successful!]</li><li>Mellen has changed the language in the announcement emails from “suggested donation” to “cover charge”</li><li>Lori has changed language on website landing page to just say “$10” and will change the language elsewhere to say “cover charge."</li><li>WIZ signage will need to also be updated.</li><li>There is some sense of hope that things are moving in a positive direction, given an influx of new and younger dancers.</li></ul></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Alternative PCDance Location</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div>No update to date, but time was spent discussing…</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>fatigue of schlepping</li><li>relative high expense of Ketcha vs. challenges (storage and sometimes getting bumped)</li><li>could we raise money to build a shed? general consensus: concerns about security, environment, and pain in the bum still too great</li><li>might we have more leverage to bargain down the Ketcha price if we could commit to every week?</li><li>Shelagh wondered about the value and potential of at least opening a conversation with Thea and Tom about what is working for us (location and vibe) and what is not (being bumped, the occasional wi-fi issue, storage) in order to potentially negotiate a lower price?</li><li>Rudy suggested focusing more on growing the inputs (number of dancers) to increase income so that we wouldn’t feel pressured to find a less expensive place</li><li>Shelagh gave Ketcha her vote of support based upon the location and the ability to dance in or outside.</li><li>Ketcha costs $225/dance for rent + $175/dance for DJ + $1200/year for overhead</li><li>Waldorf costs $100/dance for rent + $175/dance for DJ + $1200/year for overhead, but also does NOT have storage, and NO LONGER lets us dance outside.</li></ul></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">PCD 2023 Retreat</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div>It was agreed that without an established and committed committee, continued conversation about a retreat is moot. Shelagh has stepped up to wrangle a committee together; she’ll reach out to Kiara and to Krista and Tyler ASAP (Rudy is available next week—the week of August 15—to liaise on-site if needed). Below is the info provided in the agenda, updated with additional details/questions/<wbr></wbr>considerations brought up in tonight’s Meraki meeting <span style="color: #ff40ff;">in pink</span>, followed by a list of (potential) people and roles for this event:</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center, where PCD had its last retreat in 2019, was well-regarded by retreat attendees. Rudy Gabrielson has an ongoing relationship with the folks there, and has volunteered to liaise with them and retreat organizers.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #ff40ff;">At least as starting point: Fri pm through Sun lunch; 4 - 5 dances, warm enough weather to also do things outside; outdoor nature amenities</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">At closing circle on Sunday, 24 dancers (most of those present) raised their hands expressing interest in attending a retreat in 2023, and two also volunteered to help organize the retreat.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">If we decide to use Ferry Beach:</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Estimated cost: $80/night dorm room <span style="color: #ff40ff;">(can we assume that if the rooms still have bunk beds, people can share rooms for $40/night per person in a double?)</span> + $45/day for meals <span style="color: #ff40ff;">(can we therefore assume $90/pp would cover Fri dinner, Sat 3 meals, Sun breakfast and lunch?) + share of 4/5 DJ’d dances ($175/dance). These assumptions would result in approximately $200 per person. [(2 x $40 room) + (2 x $45 food) + $30 DJ]</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Minimum: 15 people attending for food reservations; <span style="color: #ff40ff;">maximum would have to do with date (whether we’re the only group there, and which space we’d be dancing in…to give a maximum dancer count)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Deposit: $500</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Possible dates (May is fully booked <span style="color: #ff40ff;">AND spring church groups rent for full weekends, so reducing our time in order to reduce cost might put us at a booking disadvantage</span>):</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Apr 14 or 21; we'd need to share the space with another group</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">After Oct 15, could possibly have exclusive use; there is heat pump heat</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #ff40ff;">Slots are filling up fast; the first order of business is to secure a date.</span></li></ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Other considerations:</li><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">As much as possible, we want this retreat to be self-funding, that is, to cover its costs through attendee registrations.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Can we get early pre-registration deposits to cover the facility deposit?</li></ul></ul></ul></div><div><b>Committee Initiator: </b>Shelagh…thank you!</div><div><br /></div><b>Ferry Beach Liaison: </b>Rudy<div><br /></div><div><b>Possible committee members: </b>Kiara, Tyler, Krista</div><div><br /></div><div>Mellen to follow up directly with Shelagh in a week (August 16) to see how things are coming…and if people are coalescing.</div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Future Meraki Meetings: Sep 13 & Oct 11</span><br />
(FYI: Blair will not be able to attend either of these.)</div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-18888347325617328782022-08-03T21:08:00.000-04:002022-08-03T21:08:02.453-04:00July 12 Meraki Meeting Notes; next meetings: August 9, September 13<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Meraki (Portland Community Dance Steering Committee) met on Tuesday, July 12, 7-9PM on Zoom.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Attending:</b> Lori H, Deb G (facilitator), Shelagh R, Eva G, Mellen D, Rebecca B, John B (notes)</span></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">When Can We Dance (Rudy/Rebecca):</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Brief discussion of current state of the pandemic</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: Keep status quo at Sunday Dance with masks required indoors, no vaccine requirement<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Further proposed: Suspend the When Can We Dance committee<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">After a brief discussion, we agreed by consensus to keep masking status quo and suspend the Can We Dance committee, with reactivation as warranted depending on circumstances.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Alternate location update:</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No movement; tabled</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Equipment Road Crew update (John/Blair):</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Blair and John continue to trade off every other week, but would like to invite other custodians.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The job entails: transporting the sound system after dance one Sunday dance, keeping it in a secure indoor location, and bringing it back early (9:30 AM) for the following Sunday dance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mellen/Jason/Deb discussed possibility of acting as backup.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John: We need to know that we can trust the custodian; perhaps rather than making an announcement, we should approach potential custodians.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We'll continue to discuss the possibility with individual PCD members.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring Retreat? (Rudy)</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Rudy: If we want to use Ferry Beach, we need to know sooner than later for booking. Ferry Beach would nee: Minimum number of people, how many days, food requirements, etc.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">John volunteered to reach out to Kiara to see if she has interest in organizing, and if so, to connect with Rudy on details.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Finances (John):</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">PCD's balance continues to slowly decline; we continue to need support from dancers to sustain PCD.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Suggestion: change Suggested $10 donation to a $10 cover charge</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Eva: is it possible to donate? John: yes, by PayPal or Venmo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: someone to run around with the cash box at the end of dance. This idea was discarded as intrusive.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: make an announcement at closing circle that we continue to need your support with a declining buffer. John agreed to make the announcement.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Finances:</span></h4><p></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Balance of $5,693.38 continues to decline. The buffer is covering roughly $100 of the cost of each dance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Continue to highlight the need for support at greeting</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings:</span></h4><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesdays August 9, September 13, 7-9PM on Zoom; Link by email announcement.</span></p></blockquote><h4><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Meeting adjourned early at 8:12 PM.</span></span></h4>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-25565016381041774642022-07-05T22:01:00.004-04:002022-07-05T22:01:41.741-04:00June 14 Meraki Meeting notes; next meetings: July 12, August 9<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Meraki (Portland Community Dance Steering Committee) met on Tuesday, June 14 2022, 7-9PM on Zoom.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Attending:</b> Mellen D, Andrew P (timekeeper), Blair F, Kari P (facilitating), Jimmie P, Lilly N, Rebecca B, Shelagh R, John B (notes)</span></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">When Can We Dance:</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Brief discussion of current state of the pandemic</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal: drop requirement for vaccination, allow all to dance indoors, masks still required (for now). Moving forward, monitor conditions and make any adjustments as warranted by developments.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Further proposed: Add verbiage to announcement about updated requirements<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Briefly discussed the possibility of requiring testing results; rejected.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Proposal agreed: No vaccination or testing required; masks required for indoor dance; announcements will state current requirements.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Greeter protocols:</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We don't want to require the greeter to man the greeter table the entire time.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Agreed: greeter can leave the greeter table at about 11AM</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Wizengamot update:</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Wizengamot (Operations Committee) have been resuming protocols developed before the pandemic: signage, "The Heartfelt No", greeter coordination, "who to talk to" at closing circle, and other items.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Recruitment: The Wiz currently consists of Blair, Kari, Jimmie, Lilly, and Lori, with Tim and Sunshine still "on the books" but not recently active.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The biggest logistics concern for Operations continues to be delivery, setup, and storage of the sound system. Blair and John are the 2 main "roadie" schleppers currently, with Jason filling in occasionally.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">We discussed recruiting other trustworthy members with appropriate vehicle, lugging, and storage ability. Mellen expressed the possibility of hauling equipment and leaving in her vehicle, if she didn't have to do the lifting herself. Jason also believed to be a possible contributor. We discussed some other names as possibilities, and will consider who to reach out to and do so.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">September special event?</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">This had been raised as a possibility previously because of the holes in the September schedule at Ketcha.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No one was at the meeting to advance this, and we've secured September dates (11th and 25th) at Maine Coast Waldorf School in Freeport.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">So no special event planned for September</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">DJ Update</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Pika is coming back into rotation, and there's discussion (and/or training?) with another new DJ, so DJ juice is picking up.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">DJs are responsible to make other arrangements if they can't make their scheduled date according to the schedule in the private Facebook group.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Alternate location?</span></h4><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No movement since last time; tabled.</span></li></ul><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Finances:</span></h4><p></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Balance of $5,693.38 continues to decline. The buffer is covering roughly $100 of the cost of each dance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Continue to highlight the need for support at greeting</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Next meetings:</span></h4><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesdays July 12 & August 9, 7-9PM on Zoom</span></p></blockquote><h4><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Meeting adjourned early at 8:12 PM.</span></span></h4>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-65483205000337751442022-06-14T20:20:00.003-04:002022-06-14T20:20:43.993-04:00No Meraki Meeting May 10 because no quorum<p>At the scheduled meeting on May 10 2022, we didn't meet the required quorum of 6 PCD members, so the officers discussed a few items, but we didn't have a Meraki meeting.</p>PCD Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09048441842511806083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4550114734460036464.post-87679880953700097372022-04-23T14:14:00.004-04:002022-04-23T14:15:22.833-04:00Meraki Meeting Notes for April 12 2022; Next Meetings: May 10, June 14<p>Meraki (Portland Community Dance steering committee) met on Tuesday, April 12 2022, 7-9PM on Zoom.</p><p><b>Attending:</b> Martin S., John B. (notetaker), Kiara A., Rudy G (vibe checker), Andrew P, Shelagh R (Facilitator), Deb G, Blair F, Jason A</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Greeter coordinator:</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Want to have community involvement with greeting</li><li>As Tim hasn't been at dance recently, we need a new greeter coordinator</li><li>Thanks to Lilly for greeting</li><li>Is she willing to pivot to the greeter coordinator?</li><li>Suggestion to attend to it soon</li><li>Blair volunteers to be point person, will reach out to Kari and Lilly</li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Ketcha update:</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Since September is unavailable to us, can we maximize dances in August and October?</li><li>Think of alternate dance locations - table for next time?</li><li>Ask space people to check on doubling up dates in August & October</li><li>Perhaps we could do another special event in September?</li><li>Possibility: Ferry Beach? Kiara volunteer to organize; Rudy expressed interest in liasing with Ferry Beach as he and they are well-acquainted.</li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Kids at dance:</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A situation occurred last time, where a dancer brought a young child to dance, causing multiple side discussions about how to handle it. We told her our ground rules for kids in attendance, but was she was allowed to stay anyway.</li><li>Some felt that she should have been asked to leave</li><li>There are good reasons for us having that boundary - the Board is liable for any mishaps.</li><li>How did this happen? There was ignorance of the "rule" in an initial contact.</li><li>Symptomatic of the greeter system non entirely intact.</li><li>In defense, we're getting our bearings back.</li><li>It happened, and reinforces the need for clear messaging.</li><li>Wiz requested to have a meeting, and possibly recruit new members before next Sunday dance.</li><li>Deb to check in with Mellen about age prominently displayed in messaging.</li><li>Blair will recruit new Wiz members</li><li>More generally, when things like that come up, how do we handle it, communicate with each other? Communication and decision-making felt clunky.</li><li>Before Covid, we had a system to identify people to talk to in case of an issue or concern: "talk to those people", but we haven't reinstated that.</li><li>Conclusion: Reinstate at closing circle: These are the folks to talk to.</li><li>Revisit next time with Wiz report</li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Can we Dance?</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Discussed possible change in mask requirement.</li><li>Maine has one of the best vaccination rates, and hospitalization rates are way down. Infection rate not as important because of self-testing.</li><li>Increases with new BA.2 subvariant, causing concern. People are getting sick again.</li><li>Proposal: change policy: masks welcome, not required for indoor dancing. A few CWD members participated in an email thread that agreed with that proposal. (But the committee did not meet together as a group.)</li><li>Discussion about being more intentional about relaxing requirements re both masks and vaccination.</li><li>Concern for people with underlying health issues, etc.</li><li>Concern about alienating people.</li><li>Counter-proposal: hold the line as we are, request CWD to meet for next Meraki</li><li>Ambivalence felt about how to proceed.</li><li>Conclusion: As we didn't reach consensus, the status quo remains. Request that CWD committee meet, and we'll discuss more fully next time with CWD committee input/proposal.</li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">DJ update:</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Situation with DJs is as "sludgy as ever"; doubtful we could sustain a weekly dance.</li><li>Setup was glitchy last Sunday for a prerecorded set played on an iPad.</li><li>DJs to meet and report at next Meraki.</li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Finances:</h4><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Balance as of 3/29/22: $6721.99. Our balance continues to drop as total donations are not covering costs.</li><li>Continue to highlight the need for support at greeting</li><li>John to publish the 2022 Q1 Finance report soon.</li></ul><p></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Next meetings:</h4><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">Tuesdays May 10 and June 14, 7-9PM on Zoom</p></blockquote><h4 style="text-align: left;">Tentative agenda topics for May 10:</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Can We Dance update and proposal (Rudy delegate)</li><li>Wiz report: recruiting effort, greeter coordination, "who to talk to", other items (Blair)</li><li>September special event (Kiara, Rudy)</li><li>Alternate location update? (Jason, Kari, Lori)</li><li>DJ update (Mellen/Deb)</li><li>Finances (John)</li></ul></div>Portland Community Dancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940101238768729965noreply@blogger.com0