Forum Fest in 2010 ??

[donnamatrix]

Any thoughts to trying to orchestrate another Fest?

[Argie's Wife]

I think we should do it on the Mt Washington again... that seems so appropriate to me...

And rather than donating to a charity, have we ever considered a scholarship fund?

I'd like to see a scholarship that goes to a student or students from a local high school (maybe Laconia High School or some other area school) that is majoring in an environment-related or history-related field. In other words, I'd like to see us supporting the next generation of lake lovers in their future careers of preserving our lakes - either by way of conservation, history, etc.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

And rather than donating to a charity, have we ever considered a scholarship fund?

The question here is whether or not enough money can be or is generated to really set up a sustainable scholarship. Even if it is only for a couple of hundred dollars to help with the purchase of books. It takes a lot of money to get the scholarship going and self sustaining. Although certainly is not a bad idea.

I just wouldn't want to see a scholarship found set up, that couldn't sustain itself and failed.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The question here is whether or not enough money can be or is generated to really set up a sustainable scholarship. Even if it is only for a couple of hundred dollars to help with the purchase of books. It takes a lot of money to get the scholarship going and self sustaining. Although certainly is not a bad idea.

I just wouldn't want to see a scholarship found set up, that couldn't sustain itself and failed.

I'm not looking to establish a trust fund, which is what you're suggesting. Those are set up in a way that makes them come under a certain type of tax shelter and it's generally revenue from the interest that goes into the check for the actual scholarship.

I'm seeing where a lot - and I mean a lot - of scholarships are drying up. Even just a $500 fund to a student in need can make all the difference. Even if it's just something we do once, it will make a difference in someone's life. Perhaps it could cause them to turn around to make a difference for someone else - pay it forward.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I'm not looking to establish a trust fund, which is what you're suggesting. Those are set up in a way that makes them come under a certain type of tax shelter and it's generally revenue from the interest that goes into the check for the actual scholarship.

I'm seeing where a lot - and I mean a lot - of scholarships are drying up. Even just a $500 fund to a student in need can make all the difference. Even if it's just something we do once, it will make a difference in someone's life. Perhaps it could cause them to turn around to make a difference for someone else - pay it forward.

AW, I'm no expert for sure, I'm sure I'm about to get some of this wrong.

I'm part of a committee in Lake Shore Park that runs an annual Golf Event to raise money for students from LSP. Over the last 10+ years we have handed out over $100K in scholarships.

To make the event "legal" with the IRS we had to set up a 501c, (I think that's the number) that collected the money and distributed it to the various students. The funds must actually be sent to the college for deposit in the students account and the use of the funds is determined by the college. We can't hand a check directly to the student.

We also have to file a set of forms with the IRS to show the distribution and our "non-profit" status.

The benefit to the golf event is that many companys and golfers that sponsor the event want to be able to take the tax benefits of donations to the Scholarship fund. We get more players and sponsors, we raise more money, and more kids get donations.

Hope that made sense, trying to explain taxes gives me a headache.

[SteveA]

If the date is open, I'd love to attend. I've very much enjoyed all three of the ones I was able to attend.

If I had any preference at all, it would be to have the event in the early fall. Summer weekends fill up real quick with friends and family from the "flat land" coming to visit.

I am aware that is not so good for our "summer only" members, and mean no slight to them.

I also like the idea of an "indoor" venue with access to the great outdoors just in case of bad weather on the date of the event.

[LakesRegionSpirit]

Easiest way for a local scholarship is to use the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. You need not set up anything formal, give them the money and they take it from there.

Why re-invent the wheel.

http://www.lrscholarship.org/

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by LakesRegionSpirit

Easiest way for a local scholarship is to use the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. You need not set up anything formal, give them the money and they take it from there.

Why re-invent the wheel.

http://www.lrscholarship.org/

Exactly - thank you.

I'm a member of several groups that give scholarships and in none of the cases do we have special tax status, etc., - it's more of a case of we give a contribution to a student. No formalities, in other words.

That being said... I'm open to other people's opinions about raising money and to what good it may do for others. We're blessed to be in such a position to do this - really!

Depending on the date of the event I'd be happy to organize the raffle for goodies, as I did a couple of years ago.

I sincerely look forward to see all y'all again. What a great group we have here - let's celebrate it!

[Pineedles]

Although I was a big proponent for the Mount Fest last year I understand the time constraints of folks not able to dedicate a number of hours on a venue they can't exit. I was very happy with the money that was raised and hope we can top last year's amount BUT!!! Let's not lose sight of the bigger picture. We all enjoy getting together to meet and greet. Its been several years since I have seen SteveA and AW and would love to see them again, as well as others. Its the 15th anniversary of winni.com and let's just concentrate on setting a date and a place to get together. Just my .02 cents.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Its the 15th anniversary of winni.com and let's just concentrate on setting a date and a place to get together. Just my .02 cents.

I agree.Let's all meet at Pineedles place.

[Pineedles]

Yes, let's do that and SIKSUKR will provide the food. See how easy that was!

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I think we should do it on the Mt Washington again... .

I'd rather see something more informal where people can drop in and drop out and not be stuck on a boat for 3 hours. The forumfest is starting to seem more like a "function" (with tickets etc) than a gathering of friends....but if you guys are OK with that....go for it.

[tis]

I agree totally with mcdude. I would love to be able to drop in for a while. There are already too many functions and obligations. IMHO.

[ghfromaltonbay]

We had more of a turnout when we met on dry land & people could stop by for a brief hello if they had other obligations or could stay and mingle. If we meet on shore we have the option of adjourning to a local watering hole for those who want to party on.

[webmaster]

A few thoughts on the ForumFest:

1. I think it is great to try different venues. Having it on the Mount had some downside but overall it was a great and unique event. Everyone had a good time and we raised a record amount of money for charity ($2025 to the Food Pantry). I personally don't ever think a ride on the Mount on a summer day is being "stuck on a boat" but I know some of you are too busy to commit to a fixed timeframe like that. We can certainly try something different this year.

2. We've been very fortunate to have a member step forward to organize the FF each year. Last year Celia did an amazing job and the year before Krista did the same. Whoever steps forward can decide on when and where with some input from the Forum.

3. The scholarship idea is interesting but I think it may be too complicated for us. Giving out a scholarship has tax and legal implications that would be much more tricky than just handing a charity a donation check. Maybe someone with some knowledge of the legal aspects can comment.

4. I hope someone with some extra time will take the helm this year. The raffle/charity aspect of the FF is the most work. If no one volunteers to take over we could certainly just have a get together. To be honest, my favorite FF was the mini-Forumfest in 2006. There was no preparation or work needed and we all just had a good time talking and eating at the late and great Waldo Peppers.

5. Somehow it comes together every year and hopefully it will this year too. It's the site's 15th birthday and it would be great to celebrate with some of our members.

[ishoot308]

Have you ever had the fest at Elacoya State Park??

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by mcdude

I'd rather see something more informal where people can drop in and drop out and not be stuck on a boat for 3 hours. The forumfest is starting to seem more like a "function" (with tickets etc) than a gathering of friends....but if you guys are OK with that....go for it.

I didn't attend last year - but I could have if it was on land - simply because of time constraints. My 20 year high school reunion was that same day. If the boat had docked just 30 mins sooner, I could have made it to Maine on time. C'est la vie. It looked like a good turn out so that's why I suggested it. I'm open to whatever, really... I don't like formal stuff - let's keep it simple so more can attend.

In looking at my notes from the past couple of years we've consider The Boys & Girls Club (in Laconia) for a charity. That was one that came up last year but we went with the food pantries, which I also thought was a good choice.

I do like the idea of a State Park - like the Ellacoya. But did you know they charge $400 for a gathering of 100? I'd rather go somewhere we can meet for free.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I do like the idea of a State Park - like the Ellacoya. But did you know they charge $400 for a gathering of 100? I'd rather go somewhere we can meet for free.

Four dollars each... Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

[donnamatrix]

We live in Suissevale, and although it would be nasty to try to have an event on the beach in the summer (too many kids, etc) I could try to get the Suissevale clubhouse which has a great kitchen, big room, huge TV, wetbar, etc. It costs $150 to rent it and they only rent to residents of Suissevale, and it's not far from the Loon Center, although it is on the "other" side of the lake!!! We could do a potluck type of thing...

[SteveA]

donnamatrix,

I've heard the phrase "Thanks a Million", but 4 plus Billion! I'm impressed!!

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[Meredith lady]

Hello Forum Friends-
I am willing to try to head up and organize this years Forum Fest (although Celia's shoes are hard to fill). I have sent a private message to our Webmaster offering the same. I had a great time on the Mount last year, but agree that more people could attend if it was on dry land and they could "come and go" as their schedules permit. Anyone with any input, ideas, suggestions is welcome to post..
As far as a charitable donation..I think we need to keep it simple. Pick one charity, and that's it.
Hope this helps and I am on board.
Happy Mothers Day to all my Forum Mothers!
Laura

[Hermit Cover]

Land based...I like the sound of land based! The Mount cruise was great....steerage was nicely decorated and lots of nice folks were there but a building with a foundation would be nice, too. No one has mentioned the chance that with SteveA...in the early Fall...the smell of SteveA's chilli heating in the crock pot....it doesn't get better than that....Count us in....

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by Meredith lady

Hello Forum Friends-
I am willing to try to head up and organize this years Forum Fest (although Celia's shoes are hard to fill). I have sent a private message to our Webmaster offering the same. I had a great time on the Mount last year, but agree that more people could attend if it was on dry land and they could "come and go" as their schedules permit. Anyone with any input, ideas, suggestions is welcome to post..
As far as a charitable donation..I think we need to keep it simple. Pick one charity, and that's it.
Hope this helps and I am on board.
Happy Mothers Day to all my Forum Mothers!
Laura

Thanks for stepping up to head this committee Laura! I'd be very happy to help out as best I can.

Water Camper has sent a PM letting me know that she would help out with local business donations for the raffle.

If there is a quilt this year, I propose allowing tickets to be purchased in advance via Pay Pal, so all the members of the Forum might have a chance to win this amazing prize.
For ease of the committee - The quilt would be the only item done this way.

Donnamatrix, your location sounds very interesting!

LakesRegionSpirit, thanks for the link to the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation. That certainly makes a scholarship donation possible.

This is going to be a very special 15th Anniversary celebration!

[lawn psycho]

Depending on date I may make an appearance. I'm still miffed about not being able to make the flotilla of flags in 2001 but my boat was in the shop that day.

I would propose donating to the Aminal Welfare Society.

[SteveA]

Please count me in for the event. I'll bring the chili.

Couple of thoughts:

Venue: http://www.belknapmill.org/ This is an excellent piece of Lakes Region. They have a hall that is certainly large enough for the event. I'd be happy to discuss a "deal" with them regarding dates and rates. Plenty of parking and handicap access. Check out the gift shop link on the site. They are using the old equipment to make socks! Very Cool.

Fundraiser: Maybe we have a talented graphics person out here that could design a special 15th Ann. tee shirt/hat? Proceeds to the charity? I vote for the Scholarship the AW discussed.

[Island Girl]

The best ForumFests for me have been accessible by boat as well as by car. I love Cate Park because on were on the lake and others can drop in and out easily. We have never paid for a place for our gathering as we have no way of knowing how much money we will collect. I also prefer to be outside. (except the time we went to Lakeshore Park and used that wonderful old pavillion building.)

Just adding an opinion.

Thanks, Meredith Lady, for volunteering to head things up this year. You will find that there are lots and lots of opinions. Just do whatever you think is right and keep it simple. Mostly we need a place and a date and time, and raffle tickets and name tags. Celia may have some left over from last year. The members are great for showing up with tables and food.

I also vote for a September date as summer is so full of "stuff".

IG
Three cheers to Don for keeping this going for 15 years!!!

[Water Camper]

I checked and the Weirs Community Center, just up the hill from the Weirs, can be rented for $100 plus a $50 refundable deposit. The contact person is Connie and she can be reached at 366-5185. Capacity is 150 people, plenty of parking and it would also be accessible by boat.

On another note, I think a possible recipient for any money raised is the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. Go to www.lrct.org and click on "Protected Land". The list is quite impressive, including locations on Winnipesaukee.

Sue

[Janet]

I wonder if September will exclude many of us who travel to the lake in July and August. Our schools here in Texas open the end of August so September is out for us. I attended last year's forum for the first time and would hate to miss it this year if it's held in September.

[Lucky1]

May not be here for part of the summer and have a college reunion the long weekend in Oct, but just thinking out loud, wouldn't a fest in summer be most likely to have the greatest number of members able to attend because of the seasonality of the lake?

[donnamatrix]

I think this sounds fine: It's kind of centrally located, we can do pot luck, we can get there by boat or car... sounds like a plan. Now we just need a date. How about AUGUST 7

[SIKSUKR]

First,if a rental fee is needed I would be happy to offer a donation of $50 to get it started as I have a hard time coming up with items worth while to raffle.Second I would be thrilled to wear Quilt Ladys quilt while eating SteveA's chile sitting on Pineedles porch.

[Pineedles]

OMG what a picture! The grandfatherly SIKSUKR sitting in my great great grandfather's rocking chair with Quilt Lady's shawl over his shoulders, while his nurse plays airplane with the spoon, feeding him SteveA's chile! I love it! I'll kick in the other $50 if this will help.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

This being a 15th Anniversary celebration, I vote for a date that our Webmaster might be able to attend! Any suggestions Don?

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

OMG what a picture! The grandfatherly SIKSUKR sitting in my great great grandfather's rocking chair with Quilt Lady's shawl over his shoulders, while his nurse plays airplane with the spoon, feeding him SteveA's chile! I love it! I'll kick in the other $50 if this will help.

Hey, I'll pay $100.00 just to see this. If he has a shot of Jagermeister in one hand to wash down the chili, I'll bump it up to $200.00. The picture will be worth way more than that, so I'll consider this a good investment!

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Hey, I'll pay $100.00 just to see this. If he has a shot of Jagermeister in one hand to wash down the chili, I'll bump it up to $200.00. The picture will be worth way more than that, so I'll consider this a good investment!

Your just jealous that I won't play airplane with you.

[Janet]

Any further news on date, place?

[IslandRadio]

I think it would be better to have the ForumFest "on season" - gives everyone another "excuse" to either come to the Lake if not here for the summer... and of course the most number of folks who DO stay for the summer will already be here.

Anyway, just a thought....

It would be kind of cool to have the 'fest on the refurbished Mount (maybe in the newly done over Captain's Room), but I fully understand those who don't want to be captive for that long. Does make a good excuse to take a ride on the Mount with the new engines (as if we need one ) if we did hold it there!

Regards,

Steve