BCP General Meeting
Sunday, May 4, 2008
10:30 a.m.

In attendance: Jerry Hedrick, Jack Bute, Jim Stroup, Anayansi Menendez, Erin Ross and Jeff Simon.

Previous meeting minutes were read by Ellie Simon. No corrections were indicated.

The meeting was called to order by President Jeff Simon at 10:30 a.m. All Council members were present except Secretary Stephanie Brockman. In Stephanie’s absence, Sandi Stephens took the minutes.

Ellie Simon read the minutes from the April Meeting and they were approved as read.

Treasurer Jerry Hedrick read the Treasurer’s Report. The current financial resources are $8,336.61, plus $268.25 in cash to be deposited. The Building Fund has a balance of $1,722.00. BCP’s total funds are $10,326.86. Two events in the past month have added to the growing balance: Latin Dance Night added $453.01 and added to the inventory of beverages for the next event; and Game Night brought in $168.25. Membership renewals brought in $100 to be deposited. It was noted BCP funds have more than doubled since the current council took office, even after the expenses of creating the BCP Foundation.

The recent Game Night was deemed a success, with 40 people in attendance. Approximately 30 attendees were participants; the remaining attendees were bartenders and organizers. Feedback from those who participated was that it was a very enjoyable event and another game night was encouraged.

Membership Chair Erin Ross raised the question of whether BCP should focus more on theater events and whether the Council was trying to do too much. Council members seemed to think the schedule of events has been appropriate. Responses were that more members were needed to participate in the development and implementation of events in order to relieve the small number of members who carry the responsibility for putting these events together and doing most of the work. Members should be encouraged to commit to serving on committees or taking on specific responsibilities on behalf of BCP, whether for an annual or quarterly term.

Upcoming events were mentioned including: an approved production of “Golden Age” to be directed by Victoria van Pelt and take place in September; and the Art Show scheduled for late June. It was mentioned that Susan Thoms was planning to propose a production but was not ready to make her proposal yet. The Council would like to produce another play during the November/December time period. Councilmen suggested that a notice be sent to the membership soliciting suggestions from members and asking for their commitments to serve on committees for upcoming events.

Erin brought up the subject of the upcoming election of council members that will take place the first week of August. Vice President Jim Stroup will be calling for nominations in June and July. There was clarification that the by-laws allow for nominees to run as individuals or as a slate.

Erin conveyed messages from members that they are receiving too many e-mails from BCP. It was mentioned that e-mails regarding the same event or topic do not all come from BCP. Other lists and organizations forward BCP e-mails and other e-lists are used by BCP to promote BCP events, resulting in numerous e-mails on the same events – but not all of those come directly from BCP. Many members are not aware of this. It was suggested that telephone contacts be put to greater use in promotion of events. Councilor Jack Bute recommended appointing a Publicity Director or committee to coordinate BCP communications. This item will be addressed at the next Council meeting.

BCP member Yolanda Vega Wetengl volunteered to assist with promotion and distribution of information within the David area. She particularly mentioned using the radio station for promotion and encouraging ticket sales through a popular dry cleaning store. Anayansi Menendez will team up with Yolanda to coordinate these activities.

Erin Ross suggested Roy Knight be offered an Honorary Membership in gratitude for allowing BCP to utilize Snoopys for BCP events. A motion was made by Jack Bute to make Roy Knight an honorary member. The motion was passed unanimously.

Jack Bute and Jerry Hedrick discussed their motion for the Slaughterhouse Theater project. This proposal involves partnering with the Municipio de Boquete to acquire the slaughterhouse land now owned by the Municipio. The Municipio would like this land to be used for a community arts center. The motion asked for approval to propose to the City of Boquete that it donate the land to BCP and BCP will subsequently develop a community arts center that will enhance cultural opportunities for BCP and the greater community. The intent of the motion is to begin negotiations with the Municipio. The motion was passed unanimously.

President Jeff reminded the group that the Arco Iris building at the Feria could prove to be the best venue during the interim period before an arts center becomes reality. The benefits of the Feria location were discussed. Jeff suggested that BCP may want to continue with a previously discussed strategy to work with the Feria management to renovate this building so that it can be used by BCP. The building is currently used by the Feria management 30-45 days per year, and it could be managed by BCP to be used as a venue for BCP productions and events and rented out by BCP for the use of community groups and events. BCP could explore making upgrades and renovations to the space needed to make it appropriate for this type of use. All council members voted in favor of pursuing this option.

President Jeff adjourned the meeting at 11:57 A.M. The next meeting is a General Meeting scheduled for Sunday, June 8th, at Snoopy’s at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting adjourned at 11:57 a.m.

Next meeting is Sunday, June 8th at Snoopy’s at 10:30 a.m.

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