Chairman's Report

by Perry Rubenfeld, Chairman of the IJA Board

 

I would like to start by saying "thank you!" to Mike Vondruska for his contributions as a member of the board for the past two years. Although he stepped down this summer, he is still chairing the Juggler's World committee and will continue to be involved with the IJA. I also want to welcome Sam Kilbourn onto the board. Sam and his legal expertise have been an invaluable help to the organization already.

 

It's not easy writing a "Chairman's Report" either for the Juggler's World or for our annual general meeting. Everyone has personal beliefs on what should be reported to the membership. I, along with our chief administrative officer Norman Schneiderman, have tried to keep the membership informed with regular reports in the magazine.

 

Our members range in age, geographic location, socio-economic status and much more. What we all have in common is a love of juggling. The Board of Directors and staff of the IJA not only have a love of juggling, but also a love and passion for the organization. Collectively we must decide what is best for our members and the organization.

 

But just who are we servicing? The members who want air conditioned gyms, nice hotels with private bathrooms, or the members who prefer sleeping on the floor and using Coleman stoves for a hot meal. Do we build a stage on the gym floor or do we rent a fully­staffed theatre? Should we plan to have our festivals where the majority of our members live in the northeast U.S. where we can guarantee a large turnout and financial windfall, or do we move the festival around the country and run the risk of losing dollars and participants? Do our members want a glossy Juggler's World? More controversy? More issues? And at what cost? Can we afford to lose our more "conservative" members?

 

There is no correct answer to these questions. Whatever we decide as a board and staff is going to find approval by some and disdain from others. In an organization such as ours, you cannot please everybody. So what you are left with is a group of people who must take into account all members, young and old, rich and poor, north and south. Members both inside North America and those from around the world. The board of directors and staff try to make what is in our collective opinion the correct decisions for our members and organization. Subsequently, our decisions are not made because they are the popular ones nor are they made based on the very vocal minority. The good of the organization and its members is our only consideration.

 

We have made some very difficult decisions in these past five years and we have lost some members. However the IJA is once again a financially viable organization and we can concentrate and, if necessary, spend the dollars needed to enhance the organization.

 

I want to thank members of the board and staff, which have remained relatively unchanged these past four years, for their work and support. It is not an easy job and it's generally a thankless one. In Rapid City this past summer the board spent countless hours in meetings discussing, debating and deciding on many items. A report of the decisions will be reported in the future.

 

To conclude, I want to thank Ginny Rose, IJA festival coordinator, the staff of the IJA and the too-many-to-name volunteers who made this past summer's festival such a huge success. If you were there, you were witness to history. The memory will go on forever.

 

CAO's Report

by Norman Schneiderman, Chief Administrative Officer

 

From the mess on my desk, I can tell a festival happened in the not-too-distant past! Rapid City was a great experience, from the amazing Albert Lucas with his incredible ability and generosity (did you get one of his gold medals?) to the fabulous Bob Bramson and all the folks between.

 

The turnout was well over 400 jugglers, meaning that a great many people suffered the misfortune of missing an incredible event. However, everyone will have a chance for redemption next year in Pittsburgh, where we plan a party that you will definitely want to attend. Book you vacations now for August 2-6 (Saturday-Wednesday) and get those plane and train tickets reserved! See you there!

 

I have been asked to report that the board of directors have met, considered all evidence presented and expelled a member under Article 2, paragraph 4) of our bylaws. It reads, "Expulsion of members: Upon evidence submitted to the board of directors, that any member ... has used the Corporation to further his or her personal financial interest, such member may be expelled from the corporation in accordance with the provisions set forth.... "

 

In other matters, a survey is in the works to see what you have to say about the IJA. A membership donation program is also being developed and the proceeds are earmarked for special programs being considered. A 1-800 number for the IJA will hopefully be on line soon to make it easier and cheaper for you to join, renew and purchase merchandise.

 

I'm looking forward to great year, and ask you to start the year off right by remembering the 'Vegas Winterfest Jan. 1-6, 1997. Call Ginny Rose for more details. Or contact me: Norman Schneiderman; Halifax NS; Canada.