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The January Meeting of the Buffalo/Niagara JPF Chapter was held at the Clarence Center Coffee Company on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Attending were John Kloberdanz, Rick Hennan, Diane Meholick, Cindy Draper, Roger Draper, Cory Heenan, Stuart Shapiro, and Jay Jerose.

2010 UB Seminar – We would like to have a second annual seminar at UB. The Jam Club has the Student Union Theater each Sunday afternoon through the end of March, and the dates proposed are March 21st and 28th. March 21st would be preferred so we don’t conflict with the Palm Sunday holiday which is March 28th. John, Jay and Stuart will get together and look at the list of suggested topics from the 2009 feedback forms and work out an agenda.

Members should expect to see much more on this in the forum! Note that volunteers for a variety of work will be needed, thank you in advance for your support.

2010 Shows – As was decided a few meetings ago, we will not have a “Bands For Cans” show at UB since there was really no support for performing at the Ellicott Complex Atrium and no better venue at UB can be identified.

Rick is on the board for the “Lockport Old Home Week”, which will be held from July 24-30, 2010. He is going to try and get JPF a slot to perform, as there will be a number of musical gigs both in and outdoors. More on this to follow.

John said that Terry, the owner of Uncle G’s, is happy to have us come back for a third show this summer. After last year’s Labor Day weekend rainout, we agreed that we will try to schedule a day earlier in the summer, and also have a preplanned rain date. John will contact Terry in a couple of months when the summer season is getting closer.

Members are encouraged to keep an eye out for other opportunities and to share their ideas for future shows.

Key To The Locks Song Contest – Rick reminded everyone that the Erie Canal Discovery Center is holding a third annual Songwriting Contest, which has a deadline of April 1, 2010. As we know, our long-time member Stuart Shapiro was the first winner of this contest in 2008. Information on the contest can be found at www.NiagaraHistory.org.

Songwriting Workshop –John said that Alison Pipitone is running one of her periodic songwriting workshops. John and Diane (as well as other members not in attendance) have spoken highly of these, and there may still be time and openings. More information can be found at www.alisonpipitone.com.

Brian – We’ve learned that JPF Founder Brian Austin Whitney had a small stroke and spent some time in the hospital. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery and good health go out to Brian!

Toast & Jam – Once again in 2010, JPF member Dale Campbell is hosting the six-week “Toast & Jam” open mic in Lewiston at the Brickyard Pub. It will be on Mondays from 7-10 pm, February 15 – March 22.

Meetings– As always we are open to ideas for meetings and venues. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 16 at the Clarence Center Coffee Company.

I'll volunteer to do exzctly what I did last year. I don't remember what that was, and, I hope, you don't either.

Rick, we'll take all the help we can get, real or imaginary!

On the other hand, I'm quite sure that we'll have something for ya!