Hello everyone! Here's a run-down of what we discussed on Thursday, as well as some other relevant information. First, we want to plan either a Christmas party or some sort of Christmas activity--there is still the possibility of a field trip, perhaps to see the Liederkranz, but I think that perhaps, given the late date, that may need to wait until spring. Anything new on that, Dr. Warner? Dawn suggested the Botsford/Swinford basement as a possible location for a party. It wouldn't be too bad, and I think we can get it on short notice. What about Thursday, December 7 as a date? Or do we prefer Tuesday the fifth perhaps? Send me your suggestions.

Secondly, t-shirts. Kinsey has scanned the design and is cleaning it up. Kinsey, I think you wanted the designer's contact information. Her name is Jennifer Burroughs, and her e-mail address is <bianca623@hotmail.com>. Also, Kinsey, as you look into shirts, please find out about prices for long-sleeve t's, and all pertinent information pertaining to mixed orders. Some people may prefer long-sleeved--someone asked me about them earlier, so if we can make them available on the order form, that would be good. Here's what we're thinking we'll do with the shirts. We can set up in North Quad again on Friday, December 1, taking orders. Then, we can have the shirts produced, possibly just in time to be picked up during finals week. Let me know what times you're willing to volunteer to sit in and take orders. I can be there from 2 to 3 again. Jane, I thought we could hand out membership cards on Dec. 1 as well. How are they coming along? Is this possible?

Ryan, this is a reminder to please get our account information from Dr. Warner, so that you can keep us advised of how much money we have and also have access to the account.

For everyone who has forgotten them, here are the dates of the play again: Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28. On Friday, we'll need to perform in the evening, and on Saturday, in the afternoon. Dawn, have you figured anything out about royalties yet? Having discussed this at least some with most of you and given the information I have at this time, I believe at this point that paying the royalties and charging admission for the play would be a good investment for the club, and we could let members in free or at half-price or something, giving them another benefit. Also, if we pay for the royalties and order as many scripts as is required, we know we're doing everything legally; there's no gray area. My current best estimate is to look to spend about $150 on scripts and royalties--the Forum room holds that many people. We won't necessarily fill it to capacity, but, if we charge $3.00 a person, we'll only have to sell 50 tickets for both performances combined to break even--I think we'll be able to sell more than that, especially if we start informing schools soon. Professors, is there any way to get an announcement out through IATG? At the meeting, Dawn suggested that we might have a question and answer session on Ball State and the German Department after the play for high school students. I think this would be a good idea; we might want to do it just after the matinee, when we'll probably have most students. We can see how many school groups buy tickets for each performance before deciding that for sure. I think that would be a good recruiting tool for Ball State.

That's about all for this e-mail. Keep thinking about possible events for the spring. I'd really like to see us plan at least one field trip during the year, as I know a lot of people would really enjoy it. And the Rathskeller has really good food, so we have to find some excuse to go there. ;) Oh, a final note, simply FYI. I found out that since we used the paper plates and things at the CIP, we either need to provide some replacements or make a donation to the International Friendship Fund. The former course of action seemed the easiest, so I bummed a ride to Walmart yesterday and picked some things up. If, at the end of the year, we are still financially well off as an organization, we may want to consider making a modest donation to the Inernational Friendship Fund or some other appropriate university fund, though, as a way to give back. Just a thought. What do you think?

Thanks to all of you who contributed to the success of Kulturabend!

Have a good day and a great Thanksgiving Break!
Mit freundlichen Gruessen,
verbleibe ich Ihr Chris Stroop