Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: jeddy
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:15 AM

thanks guys, i can stop digging and saying sorry now.

take care all

jade x x x x x    *hrin*

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:08 AM

Glad you know my keyboard Sins *LOL*

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:00 AM

Yes. I am Hrinning. No problem, Jade.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:55 AM

Don't worry Jade, black & white stuff is often tricky to do & I'm certain that Sinsull understands *hrin*

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: jeddy
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 10:06 PM

sorry if that sounded confrontational it was supposed to be more of a reassurance question but it turned out wrongly!!!!!!!
i have respect for everyones views and will listen to everyones opinions. that was the point i was trying to make, but made it badly.

i will shut up now before i dig myself in any deeper.

jade x x x x x

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: jeddy
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 09:59 PM

i understand that maybe on this, my opinion doesn't matter. but i do hope you weren't talking generally sinsull?

take care all

jade x x x

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 08:45 PM

Repeat: Contact Jacqui.
Thank you, Art. As most revered senior Mudcatter your opinion really matters.
m

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Micca
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 06:16 PM

Art, you ought to hear Skarpi sing " She'll be coming round the mountain" in Icelandic!!!!! I think we ought to make it a codition of his attending the Getaway that he does it!!!

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Maryrrf
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 06:04 PM

Skarpi is special, no doubt about it.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 05:59 PM

If not for Mudcatters and their generosity I'd not be on line today. No way can I find words enough to show how much it all was appreciated. If it is possible to bring Skarpi to the Getaway, it would be very nice of you. I do wish there was more I could do to help...

Skarpi, the best to you.-------Art

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 04:41 PM

ROTFLMAO

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jul 09 - 06:54 PM

refresh -- just so it is seen

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jul 09 - 04:50 PM

OK guys. All systems go.
PM Jacqui if you would like to participate. She will give you instructions on how to donate.
Please don't contact me. If you have already, I will PM you with this message.
So many of you have offered to help - I am really touched. Our Viking has made quite an impression on this crowd.
Please don't post to this thread. We will let it drop off and handle via PMs.
Mary

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jul 09 - 08:30 AM

The Influx of MudCatters seems to be what makes THIS Getaway special ! Singers and musicians from outside your own are makes a world (Intentional) of difference

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 24 Jul 09 - 08:23 AM

New York Folk Music Club (Pinewoods) has one, which moves about upstate New York depending on where they can get space. Last time I went, they got a good deal at a hotel in the Catskills (or Ketskills, as I call them--the old Borscht Belt area near Ellenville).

FSGGB has one near Boston.

PFSS has one near Philadelphia.

But I like the Getaway best--people from everywhere is something you don't often get at other gatherings.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jul 09 - 08:01 AM

Pinewoods has one in upstate NY.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jul 09 - 01:32 AM

Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington (DC) have gatherings like the Getaway. Are there others?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 10:53 PM

Ferrara gave a pretty good description of the scholarship fund. It basically offers price breaks to those who cannot afford the whole cost of the Getaway. The usual question, asked in private and confidentially, is "well, how much CAN you afford?" Most years, we can make it affordable for everybody who wants to come. It covers only "tuition" and does not cover travel expenses.

However, there's a long tradition of folks helping friends to come to the Getaway, from privately funding travel, to organizing carpools, to arranging for hospitality in the days surrounding the Getaway so people don't need to spend on hotels. I don't think anyone is planning to drive to Maryland passing through Iceland, so we'll need to arrange a different form of journey.

Nobody gets paid for performing--it's not a festival in that sense, but rather much more of a sharing time.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: jeddy
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 10:21 PM

thankyou for pointing this out to me. i am used to festivals in the UK and i know things work slighly differently in the US.

like i said it is a wonderful thing you are all trying to do but this puts alot of pressure onto skarpi and his wife, not from you but from your offers of generosity(?).

it is never easy or nice to say no thankyou.

take care all

jade x x x x

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 10:15 PM

This is not a festival, but a party our folk society has for itself each Oct. We have always has some "out of town" friends come to it, and now that Mudcat is so popular, we have some people from other countries who have heard about it...and as long as there is room, we try to enjoy meeting new friends. The current camp has an absolute limit of about 200....and a practical limit of a few less, due to types of beds...etc.

I don't think there is anything 'quite' like it in the UK or Europe, so it can be confusing to those reading about it for the first time.
Skarpi has posted on Mudcat for many years and we had enjoyed talking with him online... and several years ago we managed to have him over, where he made many friends.
This thread is a discussion of whether it is possible to have him back again.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: jeddy
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 09:39 PM

it is a noble thing you are all offering to do but wouldn't it have been better if someone had asked skarpi first and the started this thread?

like crow sister i have no idea of what you are talking about, don't people get paid for performing at festies in the U.S.?

take care

jade x x x x

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Maryrrf
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 09:36 PM

Well said, Kendall.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: kendall
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 08:54 PM

I will decide who I support and who I wont support. I like Skarpi and I want him to come to the Getaway. Thats all there is to it.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 07:26 PM

Ferrara, thanks for that.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 03:35 PM

I don't Know Skarpi from skittles, I don't know the 'Getaway' either?

I do know I'm skint as, and won't be contributing a bean, but I also think it's bloody brilliant that other people here want to and will see an action of such community interest done!
Lovely.

I hope Skarpi is able to accept after all the grumbleywumbles...

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Ferrara
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 03:23 PM

Here is some general information on Getaway scholarships. I'm no longer involved with putting together the Getaway though. If I haven't quite got this quite right, I hope Nancy, Charlie or whoever will step in to clarify.

Most of the scholarships are partial scholarships. The fund can not pay for transportation costs.

The Scholarship Fund is both need-based and impact-based. That is, in addition to need it's felt that the applicaant will make a contribution to the overall enjoyment and/or quality of the Getaway.

That doesn't require them to be Really Good Musicians (although lots of times they are.) It does mean there is reason to feel these people should be at the Getaway in a given year. Some have participated in past years. Some are relatively new but there is reason to feel they'll add a lot.

Anyone can recommend an individual who might benefit from a full or partial scholarship. However they are usually given to people who are known to the people attending the Getaway, whether or not they've ever been to one.

We also have a small number of Invited Guests each year. Their admission is free but they pay their own transportation and if they bring family etc the people who come with them have to pay their way.

Skarpi's presence added a whole lot to the Getaway when he was able to come. It was Fun having him there.

I have no opinion on whether there should be a thread, PMs or whatever, even if Skarpi wants to pursue this. Just thought I'd try to give a picture of why we have a scholarship fund and what it's for.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 02:53 PM

I remember your absence, Joe, but I'm especially sorry you missed Skarpi. He was a delight.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 02:49 PM

Om....

Well, yes, I like the idea of a chant room. Could be far more peaceful than our chat room has been.

But anyhow, let's get back to the task of getting Skarpi to the Getaway. The one time he attended, was the one time I've missed the Getaway in the last ten years.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 02:16 PM

"chant rooms"? Joe, I attended a meditation group a couple of times and the chanting was the part I really didn't care for. I'm surprised the Cat offers it.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 01:52 PM

I don't see any problem with using a thread for this purpose, if that's what other people want to do. If you don't like the idea of rasing money for somebody, don't contribute - and please stay out of this thread. Also, please keep personal squabbles like chant room disagreements out of the conversation.
This thread is about doing something nice for somebody. Let's keep it on that topic.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 12:02 PM

Thanks, Sins.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 11:14 AM

Thanks, Sins.

maeve

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 10:38 AM

I have heard from Skarpi. He is genuinely touched by the offer of airfare but needs some time to work out some details and thoughts. He also understands that he is not the only one suffering from this crappy economy and understands the views posted here.

So let it rest until you hear from me. If he is able and willing to accept the offer we can start a new thread or simply do this by PM - probably preferable.

I am open to PMs in the meantime.
SINS

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: GUEST,John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 10:03 AM

Well Emma; you and Sorcha drove Skarpi (among others), out of Mudchat, with your Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy act. So I suggest that personal antipathy has more to do with your posts in this thread, than any practical or ethical considerations.
It might be best if you left discussions on this matter to those with more altruistic aims.

I do agree though, that this would have been better done quietly, rather than on the threads like this; for obvious reasons.

JM

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: karen k
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 09:48 AM

Count me in. Why can't we ever do anything to help someone out without getting into a war about it? I thoroughly enjoyed Skarpi the year we were both there. I would love for him to be able to come again. He brings wonderful music and he contributes immensely to Mudcat. Thanks Bruce for starting this. Well said Dani.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 09:47 AM

Don't be sorry. You are entitled to your opinion. We are awaiting word from Skarpi. As I pointed out earlier - we don't know if he is able or willing to accept the offer.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 09:40 AM

I am afraid that I must agree with Zen, Jane and Emma here.

I too think that this Fund for ONE specific person, publicly named even, should have been kept to Private Messages. This smacks of 'ministri per grazia e concessione'.

If I were Skarpi, I'd be embarrassed all to bits.

If there were a fund set up for Any Deserving Person who can't afford to go with an Impartial Board to allocate the funds, then I'd probably contribute too.

Sorry, Sinsull et al.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 08:55 AM

I'm sure someone from the FSGW would address this better, but I believe the Getaway scholarship is an entirely separate issue, and pertinent to the FSGW, not necessarily the mudcat. I contribute what I can, usually through the auction, let them do whatever they want to with their money... the thought of it being there is enough for me, I don't need to have a voice or a vote.

The idea of helping a friend GET to the Getaway is an entirely different story, and I don't think we should confuse a spontaneous outpouring of support for a friend, with the desire to triage everyone who might need help.

When you are on your way to help a neighbor in need with casseroles and errands, it might make you more AWARE of the needs around you, but you don't need to knock on doors and divvy up the casserole you have in your hand, or question its relative value!!

Dani

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 08:51 AM

Emma - your opinion is valid and you have made it. This last comment is snide, cruel and frankly I expect better of you.

Skarpi's friends want to see him at the Getaway. He planned to attend (with or without his wife, I don't know) and the worldwide financial disaster is preventing it. His presence and his music will be sorely missed if he does not attend.

If he is still able to go and his friends are ready to go his airfare, we will make it happen. If you choose not to participate, that is fine. Many can't and/or won't for a variety of reasons.

The Getaway provides scholarships for those who need them. Many take advantage of the scholarships and FSGW is glad that they do. There is no list of who is on scholarship that I know of and no shame or stigma in using one. It is not an award - it is money raised by attendees and donors to try to ensure that a shortage of money doesn't keep anyone away. The scholarships are awarded by the FSGW and have nothing to do with Mudcat, Mudcatters or "who you know".

You have made your opinion clear. Now allow us to move on with the fundraiser if Skarpi agrees.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Emma B
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 07:53 AM

I can't see any connection Laurel between helping out someone burned out of house and home, or financially assisting someone who has succumbed to an appalling series of severe illness and accidents with providing a free 'pleasure trip' for someone (without even including his wife I presume?) when there are others equally 'worthy' of consideration who have not had the same opportunities to share in the Getaway 'experience' before.

A scholarship is usually defined is an award of access to an institution, or a financial aid award.

It is, in fact, very common for these to be based upon an assessment of 'need' with priority being given to those whose need was felt to be the greatest not on a 'who you know' basis

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 04:04 AM

Anyone who is interested please PM me for an address for cheques.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: open mike
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 07:45 PM

I can attest to the generosity of mudcats, and see this as a wonderful opportunity for us to help. Skarpi has been hospitable and generous as I have introduced a travelling nyckelharpa player to him and he was gracious and friendly to these folks when they visited Iceland. I cannot believe that anyone would find fault with the proposal that bruce has suggested. We have yet to hear from Skarpi on this. I hope he will be in a position to accept this offer. I have heard back from the camp scholarship director and they are willing to work on this.

Nay to the nay-sayers, i say.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 03:49 PM

Icelandic Air from Reykjavik to Boston or JFK

Selected dates
Depart: Wednesday, September 30
Return: Wednesday, October 07
$452(Per passenger including taxes)

If I can manage it I will throw either money into kittie or maybe find something to put in auction.

Best of luck.

Mmmm! Would love to be home (near Virginia) around autumn color time.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 03:48 PM

Me too (across the continent, though not the pond), and me too.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 03:46 PM

Our budget is fairly tight for this major trip of ours across the pond, but if there's any chance of helping skarpi to Getaway I'd gladly put some loose change into a fund.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 03:22 PM

I think Sinsull's comment is pertinent - Skarpi may not be able - or wish to - leave Iceland at such a crucial time.

But if he can, I think your idea, Bruce, is an excellent one. The fact that some others, worthy as they are, cannot be funded at this time is irrelevant, imo. I've been in groups before where we funded a good guitar to someone whose guitar was literally falling apart, and even on the Mudcat we have at various times donated money toward the wellbeing of people who were burnt out of house and home, had extra expenses in relocating the Cat itself, or for a number of reasons; even the skarves and stoles that Jacqui and MMario have created and gifted us with have gone only to some. So far as I know, the question never came up as to whether there were others in as much need.

Count me in.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 03:09 PM

Has anyone asked Skarpi how he feels about this? With Iceland's economy in the crapper it may not be the wisest time for him to be taking time off.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Zen
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 02:36 PM

I tend to agree with Mrs Duck... this should be done privately if people decide to assist one individual.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 02:00 PM

It would be good to help people but by making the thread about one person rather than a fund for deserving cases it does single them out. Most folk in a situation where they were in hardship probably wouldn't put themselves forward but I think any fund should be for unnamed cases and an impartial group decide who it should be given to. If you choose to help one specific person that should be done privately.

Subject: RE: Anyone with time to run SkarpiFund? (Getaway)
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 01:58 PM

I think it may be embarrassing to a lot of folks who would like to be there but don't want to be singled out, publicly especially. Given the current situation in Iceland, Skarpi's public notes about his situation, and his participation in previous Getaways, plus the unique cultural music he represents, it is perfectly fine for you to have offered this, Bruce. As you have said, people can contact you about others and there could be a fund started up, plus folks can donate funds as you've already done.

Let's not turn this into a who-loves-me-best contest, folks.