BULLS HEAD-OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING
Present: Karen Snare, Clerk; Bob Suter, Valerie Suter, Vonn New, Carol Rice, Bob West, Nettie West, Chris Cadbury, Mary Foster Cadbury, Lee Haring, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Elisabeth Prenot.
The meeting opens with a few minutes of worshipful silence. The clerk reviews the agenda.
2009-59 The Nominating Committee suggests Caroline Webster as Recording Clerk for January, February, and March 2010, with Mary Foster Cadbury as alternate. These names are approved.
2009-60 At the recommendation of the Committee on Ministry and Counsel, Elisabeth Prenot is welcomed to membership.
2009-61 Ministry and Counsel has fixed a regular time for committee meetings, the first Sunday of the month at 12:30 p. m. Ministry and Counsel further reports that Friendly Bunches have been organized. Speakers have been invited for three upcoming pot-luck lunches: January 17, Don Badgley (Poughkeepsie); February 21, Anita Paul (Schenectady); March 21, Barbara Spring (Albany).
2009-62 As to the meeting’s telephone service, the committee recommends acquiring the Internet-based service Skype to replace the existing telephone. This would include voicemail and e-mail notification. The committee also mentions the possibility of one prepaid mobile phone for calling outside and receiving calls to the meeting house. Friends approve the recommendation and direct the committee to get a prepaid phone, if further investigation finds it practical.
2009-63 Word is received of the death of our member Elliott McEldowney on Oct. 10, 2009.
2009-64 For the Trustees, Bob Suter presents a recommendation for repair of the roof over the gathering room, removing and replacing shingles, tar paper, and drip edge, and installing a ridge vent. They estimate the cost as $5,250 ($2,700 for materials, $2,550 for labor); work would be done in spring 2010. Funds could be transferred from our general fund for this purpose. Friends approve the recommendation for the repair. It is suggested that the Trustees consult with the Finance Committee as to the availability of funds for meeting house repair, from the trustees of New York Yearly Meeting or other sources.
2009-65 The clerk summarizes mail received from FCNL, Friends School in Ramallah, and the Bolivian Quaker Education Fund; appeals for funds from Project Lakota, Quaker House (Fayetteville, NC), Friends United Meeting, and Friends Journal. The materials will be added to the correspondence file in the gathering room, for Friends who may wish to review them.
The meeting ended with a few moments of silent worship.
Karen Snare, Clerk
Lee Haring, Recording Clerk for the Day
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Minutes of Meeting of November 8, 2009
BULLS HEAD-OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING
of the Religious Society of Friends
Minutes of Meeting of November 8, 2009
Present: Karen Snare, Clerk; Lee Haring, Recording Clerk for the Day; Mary Foster Cadbury, Val Suter, Christopher Cadbury, Caroline Webster, Vonn New, Elisabeth Prenot, Carol Rice, Sybil Perry, John Perry.
The meeting opens with a few moments of worshipful silence.
2009-55. The clerk reads a letter from Elisabeth Prenot requesting readmittance to membership; the letter is referred to the Committee on Ministry and Counsel.
2009-56. At the recommendation of Ministry and Counsel, the meeting receives the application for transfer of Kathleen Scanlon from Purchase Monthly Meeting, and she is accepted into membership. Vonn New and the Hospitality Committee are asked to plan a welcoming party for Friends recently admitted to membership.
2009-57. For the Committee on Ministry and Counsel, Val Suter announces future pot luck events from November 2009 through March 2010. Details will be put in the meeting calendar. The committee is considering the roles of meeting clerks, pursuant to minute 2009-50, and is organizing Friendly Bunches.
2009-58. The clerk reads several items of correspondence and appeals for funds, which have been received by the meeting. Specific requests have come from the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, the Alternatives to Violence Project, William Penn House, Earlham College, and Earlham School of Religion.
Then adjourned to meet at the appointed time and place in December.
Karen Snare, Clerk
Lee Haring, Recording Clerk for the Day
of the Religious Society of Friends
Minutes of Meeting of November 8, 2009
Present: Karen Snare, Clerk; Lee Haring, Recording Clerk for the Day; Mary Foster Cadbury, Val Suter, Christopher Cadbury, Caroline Webster, Vonn New, Elisabeth Prenot, Carol Rice, Sybil Perry, John Perry.
The meeting opens with a few moments of worshipful silence.
2009-55. The clerk reads a letter from Elisabeth Prenot requesting readmittance to membership; the letter is referred to the Committee on Ministry and Counsel.
2009-56. At the recommendation of Ministry and Counsel, the meeting receives the application for transfer of Kathleen Scanlon from Purchase Monthly Meeting, and she is accepted into membership. Vonn New and the Hospitality Committee are asked to plan a welcoming party for Friends recently admitted to membership.
2009-57. For the Committee on Ministry and Counsel, Val Suter announces future pot luck events from November 2009 through March 2010. Details will be put in the meeting calendar. The committee is considering the roles of meeting clerks, pursuant to minute 2009-50, and is organizing Friendly Bunches.
2009-58. The clerk reads several items of correspondence and appeals for funds, which have been received by the meeting. Specific requests have come from the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, the Alternatives to Violence Project, William Penn House, Earlham College, and Earlham School of Religion.
Then adjourned to meet at the appointed time and place in December.
Karen Snare, Clerk
Lee Haring, Recording Clerk for the Day
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Friends Committee on National Legislation
has issued an action alert concerning the health care bill now making its way through Congress. Please click on the link above to respond.
has issued an action alert concerning the health care bill now making its way through Congress. Please click on the link above to respond.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
MINUTES BULLS HEAD OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS 10/11/2009
Present: Janet Carter, Christopher Cadbury, Mary Cadbury, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Elisabeth Prenot, Christopher Sammond, Denise Sherman, Karen Snare, Caroline Webster, Mary Williams.
Meeting began at 12.30 after a brief opening silent worship.
2009-48 Denise Sherman agreed to act as recording clerk for the day.
2009-49. Mary Cadbury reported for the Nominating committee that they have not as yet been able to name a recording clerk. The Meeting approved their recommendation to name 3 people who will serve for 3 months each, to cover the period of October 2009 through June 2010. At this time Nominating committee brings forward the names of Lee Haring, to serve through December 2009, and Nancy Sorel, to serve in the spring of 2010. We will consider these nominations and bring them forward for approval at the next Monthly Meeting. No one has as yet been named for the winter of 2010. John Perry has agreed to mail the minutes to Friends who don't get them by email, and to print an acid-free copy to be sent to Swarthmore Library.
2009-50 As a result of Nominating committee’s struggle to fill the office of recording/assistant clerk, they proposed the following:
As we worked on discernment of how to present names for clerks - presiding, recording, and/or assistant clerks - we began to understand that there are differing views of the task of each of these appointees. And these differing expectations mean that among all of us present at monthly meetings for business, notions at cross purposes with each other may surface without our realizing or understanding what is happening.
Therefore we suggest that it is time to again look together at our meeting for worship for the purpose of business. What is the role of the clerk? Of the recording clerk? Of each member present? What is our vision of the meeting for business? How do we feel about the process of discernment? About following our leadings?
The Meeting referred this to Ministry & Counsel for their consideration, adding the further question of whether to find a different time for Meeting for Business.
2009-51 Mary Williams, clerk of Finance committee, submitted the third quarter Treasurer’s report, (attached) noting that our contributions are at 60% of our budget, which is higher than in previous years. Sybil Perry noted that the contribution of money for a planting in honor of Marge Currie is from Sonia Blumenthal, for an azalea to be planted in the spring.
2009-52 Karen Snare and Christopher Sammond reported on Budget Saturday, held 10/10/09. There were approximately 20+ Monthly Meetings represented, as well as regional Treasurers. At the start of the deliberations the budget contained a $33,000 shortfall. During the day $7000 was cut out of the budget. The Friends who were gathered pledged $5000, ending with a budget with a $21,000 shortfall. There was a clear sense that the budget had been cut as much as possible, and that the money budgeted will be expressly supporting things that are very important to Friends. The Yearly Meeting will send a letter to Friends explaining this, and will ask if Friends might be able to contribute more, either corporately or individually.
2009-53 Denise Sherman brings the following minute from Ministry & Counsel:
We have never gotten any calls from anyone searching for a meeting on our phone. We recommend eliminating the phone and that expense. In order to have a phone number to publish in the case that someone might call in the future, we recommend publishing the phone numbers of the clerk of the Meeting and the clerk of Ministry & Counsel in any place we currently list a Meeting number.
Friends approve in principle, but asked Mary Williams, with Vonn New to explore ways of obtaining a low cost permanent phone number for the Meeting. They will report their findings to Ministry & Counsel to consider and bring back to Monthly Meeting.
2009-54. Purchase Monthly Meeting has sent a letter of transfer of Membership for Kathie Scanlon. This is forwarded to Ministry & Counsel for their consideration.
Meeting closed at 1.50 pm, to meet again on November 8 at 12:30pm.
Meeting began at 12.30 after a brief opening silent worship.
2009-48 Denise Sherman agreed to act as recording clerk for the day.
2009-49. Mary Cadbury reported for the Nominating committee that they have not as yet been able to name a recording clerk. The Meeting approved their recommendation to name 3 people who will serve for 3 months each, to cover the period of October 2009 through June 2010. At this time Nominating committee brings forward the names of Lee Haring, to serve through December 2009, and Nancy Sorel, to serve in the spring of 2010. We will consider these nominations and bring them forward for approval at the next Monthly Meeting. No one has as yet been named for the winter of 2010. John Perry has agreed to mail the minutes to Friends who don't get them by email, and to print an acid-free copy to be sent to Swarthmore Library.
2009-50 As a result of Nominating committee’s struggle to fill the office of recording/assistant clerk, they proposed the following:
As we worked on discernment of how to present names for clerks - presiding, recording, and/or assistant clerks - we began to understand that there are differing views of the task of each of these appointees. And these differing expectations mean that among all of us present at monthly meetings for business, notions at cross purposes with each other may surface without our realizing or understanding what is happening.
Therefore we suggest that it is time to again look together at our meeting for worship for the purpose of business. What is the role of the clerk? Of the recording clerk? Of each member present? What is our vision of the meeting for business? How do we feel about the process of discernment? About following our leadings?
The Meeting referred this to Ministry & Counsel for their consideration, adding the further question of whether to find a different time for Meeting for Business.
2009-51 Mary Williams, clerk of Finance committee, submitted the third quarter Treasurer’s report, (attached) noting that our contributions are at 60% of our budget, which is higher than in previous years. Sybil Perry noted that the contribution of money for a planting in honor of Marge Currie is from Sonia Blumenthal, for an azalea to be planted in the spring.
2009-52 Karen Snare and Christopher Sammond reported on Budget Saturday, held 10/10/09. There were approximately 20+ Monthly Meetings represented, as well as regional Treasurers. At the start of the deliberations the budget contained a $33,000 shortfall. During the day $7000 was cut out of the budget. The Friends who were gathered pledged $5000, ending with a budget with a $21,000 shortfall. There was a clear sense that the budget had been cut as much as possible, and that the money budgeted will be expressly supporting things that are very important to Friends. The Yearly Meeting will send a letter to Friends explaining this, and will ask if Friends might be able to contribute more, either corporately or individually.
2009-53 Denise Sherman brings the following minute from Ministry & Counsel:
We have never gotten any calls from anyone searching for a meeting on our phone. We recommend eliminating the phone and that expense. In order to have a phone number to publish in the case that someone might call in the future, we recommend publishing the phone numbers of the clerk of the Meeting and the clerk of Ministry & Counsel in any place we currently list a Meeting number.
Friends approve in principle, but asked Mary Williams, with Vonn New to explore ways of obtaining a low cost permanent phone number for the Meeting. They will report their findings to Ministry & Counsel to consider and bring back to Monthly Meeting.
2009-54. Purchase Monthly Meeting has sent a letter of transfer of Membership for Kathie Scanlon. This is forwarded to Ministry & Counsel for their consideration.
Meeting closed at 1.50 pm, to meet again on November 8 at 12:30pm.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Monthly Meeting for Business September 13, 2009
Present: Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Bob West, Nettie West, Val Suter, Caroline Webster, Vonn New, & Karen Snare.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opened with silent worship
2009 – 40 Vonn New volunteered to serve as Recording Clerk for the day. The meeting approved.
2009 – 41 Mary foster Cadbury reported for the Nominating Committee. The committee brought forward the name of Elisabeth Prenot for service on Hospitality.
The meeting approved.
The Nominating Committee is still seeking a person to serve as recording Clerk, and may ask several Friends to share the job.
Val Suter reported for Ministry and Counsel
2009 – 42 The committee brought the following letter of introduction for Carol Rice:
“Dear Friends,
This letter is to introduce our dear Friend and member Carol Rice, who is traveling in the United States and visiting Meetings. We send you our greetings through her, and commend Carol to your loving care.”
The letter was approved, and will be sent to Carol, who is already traveling.
2009 – 43 Val brought a recommendation for two grants from the Ricketson Education Fund, to assist with tuition to Oakwood Friends School. This recommendation has been seasoned by the clerk, the treasurer, and the clerk of Finance Committee, in addition to Ministry and Counsel. It is recommended that we grant $1000 to a Bulls Head attender, and $500 to a member of another meeting in Nine Partners Quarter.
The meeting approved.
2009 – 44 Announcements from Ministry and Counsel:
Sign-up begins next week for new Friendly Bunches.
Upcoming potlucks – 9/20 – Friends recollect Yearly Meeting Sessions.
10/18 – Peter Lang on Thomas Kelly
Val brought a number of letters received for Friends far away to share with the meeting. The letters will be in the Gathering Room.
Ministry and Counsel is discussing whether or not there is a need to maintain a telephone at Bulls Head meetinghouse. A recommendation will be forthcoming.
2009 – 45 Bob West reported for Finance Committee. He presented a spreadsheet (below) showing our budget, covenant donations to New York Yearly Meeting, and annual balance over the last 5 years. It was noted that last year we donated $11,500 to NYYM, and ended the year with a deficit of $2,329, and that contributions to the meeting have decreased over the last several years.
Finance Committee recommended that 2010’s covenant donation to NYYM be $10,000. We may increase this donation to a maximum of $12,000 in January, 2010, if we have a surplus over actual expenses for 2009. The meeting approved.
2009 – 46 The meeting asks Finance Committee to consider changing the meeting’s fiscal year to July 1 – June 30, in order to more accurately report our likely covenant donation in time for NYYM’s “Budget Saturday”
2009 – 47 In order to provide feedback of priorities to NYYM Financial Services Committee, Friends plan a discussion of which programs of Yearly Meeting are of particular concern to us. This will be held Sunday, September 27 at rise of meeting, over a brown bag lunch. Friends who are not able to be present are invited to send written comments to the clerk.
Karen Snare, clerk
Vonn New, acting recording clerk
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opened with silent worship
2009 – 40 Vonn New volunteered to serve as Recording Clerk for the day. The meeting approved.
2009 – 41 Mary foster Cadbury reported for the Nominating Committee. The committee brought forward the name of Elisabeth Prenot for service on Hospitality.
The meeting approved.
The Nominating Committee is still seeking a person to serve as recording Clerk, and may ask several Friends to share the job.
Val Suter reported for Ministry and Counsel
2009 – 42 The committee brought the following letter of introduction for Carol Rice:
“Dear Friends,
This letter is to introduce our dear Friend and member Carol Rice, who is traveling in the United States and visiting Meetings. We send you our greetings through her, and commend Carol to your loving care.”
The letter was approved, and will be sent to Carol, who is already traveling.
2009 – 43 Val brought a recommendation for two grants from the Ricketson Education Fund, to assist with tuition to Oakwood Friends School. This recommendation has been seasoned by the clerk, the treasurer, and the clerk of Finance Committee, in addition to Ministry and Counsel. It is recommended that we grant $1000 to a Bulls Head attender, and $500 to a member of another meeting in Nine Partners Quarter.
The meeting approved.
2009 – 44 Announcements from Ministry and Counsel:
Sign-up begins next week for new Friendly Bunches.
Upcoming potlucks – 9/20 – Friends recollect Yearly Meeting Sessions.
10/18 – Peter Lang on Thomas Kelly
Val brought a number of letters received for Friends far away to share with the meeting. The letters will be in the Gathering Room.
Ministry and Counsel is discussing whether or not there is a need to maintain a telephone at Bulls Head meetinghouse. A recommendation will be forthcoming.
2009 – 45 Bob West reported for Finance Committee. He presented a spreadsheet (below) showing our budget, covenant donations to New York Yearly Meeting, and annual balance over the last 5 years. It was noted that last year we donated $11,500 to NYYM, and ended the year with a deficit of $2,329, and that contributions to the meeting have decreased over the last several years.
Finance Committee recommended that 2010’s covenant donation to NYYM be $10,000. We may increase this donation to a maximum of $12,000 in January, 2010, if we have a surplus over actual expenses for 2009. The meeting approved.
2009 – 46 The meeting asks Finance Committee to consider changing the meeting’s fiscal year to July 1 – June 30, in order to more accurately report our likely covenant donation in time for NYYM’s “Budget Saturday”
2009 – 47 In order to provide feedback of priorities to NYYM Financial Services Committee, Friends plan a discussion of which programs of Yearly Meeting are of particular concern to us. This will be held Sunday, September 27 at rise of meeting, over a brown bag lunch. Friends who are not able to be present are invited to send written comments to the clerk.
Karen Snare, clerk
Vonn New, acting recording clerk
Friday, September 11, 2009
August, Called Meeting for Business
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting Called Meeting for Business
8/30/ 2009
Present: Adam Pinsker, Denise Sherman, Mary Williams, David Cardall, Sam Adams, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Sybil Perry, John Perry, Caroline Webster, Janet Carter, Elisabeth Prenot, Bill Leicht, Leif Anderson, Julia Giordano, Anna Margaret Birkel, Valerie Suter.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opens in worshipful silence.
2009 – 38 The meeting appoints Denise Sherman as clerk for the day and Valerie Suter as recording clerk for the day.
2009 – 39 The meeting approves the recommendation from Ministry and Counsel to hold the annual meeting for worship and the September Meeting for Business at our Oswego meetinghouse on September 13, 2009.
The meeting adjourns to meet again on September 13.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie J. Suter, recording clerk for the day
July Monthly Meeting for Business
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting for Business
July 12, 2009
Present: John Perry, Sybil Perry, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Julia Giordano, Henry Muller, Mary Williams, Caroline Webster, Vonn New, & Karen Snare.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opened in worshipful silence.
- Mary Williams presented the Treasurer’s Report for the second quarter (attached).
The Finance Committee plans to send a letter in August and a postcard in November, in hopes of raising enough income to meet the budget.
- Sybil Perry reported for Ministry and Counsel.
Valerie Suter has been named as clerk of the committee.
The curriculum, "Relating to Early Friends: their experience and ours." has been approved for use in the Spiritual Nurture group.
A potluck is planned for August 16. The program will be ‘A Day of Fun’.
The annual report from the committee is attached.
- The meeting’s representative to the Meeting for Discernment is unable to attend summer sessions. Vonn New volunteered to be alternate representative. The meeting approved.
- The clerk read a list of requests for funds. Details are in the Gathering Room.:
Quaker House
Pendle Hill
Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Concerns
Food Bank of the Hudson Valley (note – the meeting donates $100 annually)
The meeting closed with silent worship at 1:15pm
Karen Snare, clerk
June Monthly Meeting for Business
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting for Business
June 14, 2009
Present: John Perry, Sybil Perry, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Carol Rice, Kathie Scanlon, Bob West, Nettie West, Val Suter, Vonn New, & Karen Snare.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opens in worshipful silence.
2009-22 Vonn New volunteered to be recording clerk for the day. The meeting approved.
2009-23 Clerk brings a question to the body regarding mail that comes to Meeting soliciting funds, and whether she should bring these requests to the body. The Meeting does not have funds to respond to these requests; however Friends would like to hear about the requests in order to respond individually. Kathie Scanlon volunteers to coordinate placement of the literature somewhere in the Gathering Room. A list will be read at each Meeting for Business
The clerk read a list of current requests:
- Greta Mickey, peace concerns coordinator for NYYM and former BH member, requests funds for a return trip to the Rep of Georgia to work with AVP there.
- Earlham School of Religion.
- FUM – Kaimosi Hospital
- Friends Journal
- The Redemption Center
- FUM Summer Mission Project 2009 Bikes for Boys in Belize
2009-24 Mary Foster Cadbury for the Library committee suggests a meeting of all concerned about the organization and use of the Gathering room building. Friends agree to hold this meeting on August 9 after meeting for worship. Mary Foster Cadbury agrees to facilitate. Friends are invited to submit ideas to Mary in advance.
2009-25 For the library committee, Mary Foster Cadbury reports that Friends are not borrowing books very much. She is asking if it would be useful to purchase books that might be given to new attenders. She presents lists of materials acquired in 2008 and so far in 2009, which is attached and will be posted to the website. A suggestion is made that some books may be given to prison worship groups.
The clerk will be expecting annual reports from the other committees in the next few months.
2009-26 Val Suter reports for M&C: M&C recommends accepting the request for transfer for membership for Carol Rice from Purchase Meeting. The meeting agrees.
2009-27 M&C recommends accepting the request for transfer for membership for Caroline Besse Webster from Hartford Meeting. The meeting agrees.
2009-28 M&C reports that $373 was spent on Marge Currie’s memorial. $128 of that was received in donations.
2009-29 A request from the NYYM Indian Affairs committee in the form of a questionnaire is forwarded from M&C to the body for consideration. The clerk reads the questions and Friends respond. The clerk will email our responses to the committee. Sybil Perry agrees to be the liason between Bulls Head Meeting and the YM IA committee. A suggestion is made that M&C consider Yearly Meeting work on Indian Affairs as a topic for a future program.
2009-30 The body suggests to M&C a future program on the work of the yearly meeting and our participation in its various committees.
2009-31 Mary Foster Cadbury, as clerk of Nine Partners QM, brings a request the Bulls Head Meeting hosts QM on May 2, 2010. The meeting agrees and several members express appreciation for the opportunity to work together to make preparations. The meeting requests that Trustees coordinate work days and take responsibility for the preparations.
2009-32 Val Suter reports for the Naming committee. The committee recommends that John Perry be named to the nominating committee for a 3 year term. The meeting approves.
2009-33 The Nominating Committee will consist of 3 members instead of 4 and is requested to tell the monthly meeting if they feel they need another member.
Meeting closes with silent worship at 2:20 p.m.
Karen Snare, clerk
Vonn New, recording clerk for the day.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monthly Meeting for Business, May 10, 2009
Present: Christopher Sammond, Julia Giordano, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Val Suter, Vonn New, Henry Muller, Sam Adams, Carol Rice, Mary Williams.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opens in worshipful silence.
The clerk announces that she has received certificates of transfer for two people currently attending our meeting: (1) from Purchase Meeting dated March 8, 2009 for Carol Rice; and (2) from Hartford Meeting dated 3/15/09 for Caroline Besse Webster. She will forward these to Ministry and Counsel for their consideration.
The treasurer reports that we have received 18% of our budget in contributions as of the end of our first quarter. She also reports that we have received almost $500 in contributions in memory of Marge Currie.
For the Nominating Committee, Julia Giordano reads the roster of nominations for 2009-2010 (attached). We approve these nominations.
She reports that the Peace and Social Action Coordinator has asked that we re-form the Peace and Social Action Committee, since there are three associates named to that group for 2009-2010. We approve this change and ask Nominating to edit the Guidebook description to reflect this change.
Since Bill Leicht and Julia Giordano will be rotating off the Nominating Committee, we appoint Val Suter and Christopher Sammond as a naming committee to suggest two names to us for appointment to the Nominating Committee.
For Ministry and Counsel, Val Suter reports that we had a wonderful memorial meeting for our member Marge Currie, with about 90 people at the service and 70 staying with us for a potluck lunch. Later we went to Marge’s home at 49 Mountain View Road to plant a perennial and scatter her ashes. We suggest that Ministry and Counsel consider a memorial planting here at the meeting house, as well.
The meeting ends in worship and adjourns to meet again June 14, 2009.
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Giordano, clerk
Officers and Committees 2009
Position Name Since
Clerk Karen Snare 2009
Asst. Clerk
Recorder Mary Cadbury 2009
Treasurer Valerie Suter (note: Appt. 1 Jan) 2005
Assistant Treasurer Nancy Angell (note: Appt. 1 Jan) 2003
Auditor Walter Beebe 1999
Librarian Mary Foster Cadbury 1999
Calendar/Website Vonn New 2009
Sessions Reps Julia Giordano 1997
Vonn New 2008
NYYM Discernment Leif Anderson 2008
FCNL Vonn New 2008
Dutchess Interfaith Vonn New 2007
Powell House Kathie Scanlon 2008
Name Appointed Until
Trustees Jonathan Boice 2005 2011
Richard Collins 2004 2010
Nettie West 2000 2010
David Cardall 2009 2012
Bob Suter (C) 2008 2011
Finance & Funds Robert West 2004 2010
Nancy Angell (ex officio)
Valerie Suter (ex officio)
Mary Williams (C) 2006 2012
Nominating Nettie West 2009 2011
Mary Cadbury 2009 2010
Julia Giordano 2006 2009
Bill Leicht (C) 2006 2009
Ministry & Counsel Sybil Perry 2008 2011
Janet Carter 2004 2010
Denise Sherman (C) 2004 2010
Adam Pinsker 2007 2010
Val Suter 2008 2011
Kathie Scanlon 2009 2012
Peace & Social Action Vonn New(C) 2007 2010
Sam Adams 2009 2012
Victor McGregor 2009 2012
Caroline Webster 2009 2012
Hospitality Carol Rice 2008 2011
Julia Giordano 2009 2012
Friday, March 13, 2009
Memorial Minute for Marge Currie
MARGARET MARLON CURRIE 4/9/1907 – 10/10/2008
Margaret Marlon Currie was born on April 9, 1907 in Philadelphia. Her mother died when Marge was very young, and Marge described a sad, lonely childhood, from which she longed for the warmth of family and friends. She remembered always having a thirst for people and experiences beyond her own constricted world.
She left home immediately after High School and, after receiving a degree from Drexel University, had a career as a home economics teacher, relishing growing relationships with people of different cultures and religions. She spoke with gratitude of a Jewish family with whom she made her first home as an adult. It was, perhaps, her first encounter with a different culture, and she said with some awe that they “accepted me as part of the family.” She flourished in this atmosphere. She also continued throughout her lifetime to search for people that would make up her ‘family.’
As a young teacher she grabbed experiences enthusiastically. She traveled one summer with a friend through Central America on a freighter, sleeping on the deck and becoming, one night, (for the first, and probably the last time in her life) giddily tipsy from some ‘medicine’ she took to settle her queasy stomach. While she always giggled recalling the story, she decided then that alcohol was not for her. In fact, she often said that her longevity was in part due to the fact that she only drank milk, never tea or coffee or alcohol.
At the start of World War II she joined the Women’s Army Corps, and spent most of her enlistment in the Pacific. She embraced all the experiences she encountered and marveled at her expanded world. She also saw war through enlightened eyes, and never forgot the waste and futility.
After leaving the army, she turned her energies to repairing the world. In her middle age she completed a Masters degree in social work from Columbia University. She became involved in the American Friends Service Committee, signing on as a cook at conferences and workshops all over the country. She was impressed by what she saw as Friends’ involvement in the world and their active commitment to social action as a direct outgrowth of worship. In her last years she often berated us for what she saw as an imbalance in that relationship – too much worship and too little action. Marge joined Bulls Head-Oswego MM in 1974, and her commitment to the Meeting and to Friends’ activities never diminished. She read voraciously, and as she read she would organize articles according to who she thought would be interested in them, and then arrive at Meeting for Worship with that week’s collection all labeled for appropriate recipients. She particularly enjoyed the Christian Science Monitor, and we are grateful that the Monitor did not stop publishing on newsprint until after Marge passed. Marge was part of the beginning of the women’s group at Bulls Head, and at Silver Bay she enlivened Women’s worship sharing every year. Until the summer of 2008, at 101 years old, she never missed a Yearly Meeting.
Through the years Marge was actively involved in peace work, women’s issues, Native American concerns, and found a true calling in prison work. She visited prisons as long as the system allowed. When it was required that she sign a statement agreeing not to correspond with inmates, she refused, and was thereafter prohibited from entering the prisons. She continued her extensive correspondence and, at the time of her death, was still in touch with approximately 100 inmates. She helped men re-enter society after incarceration, sometimes hosting them in her home for as long as they needed. In her 100th year she was still concerned with the world, the election, and the work yet to be done. She was determined to vote for Barak Obama, and in her last week was making plans to get to the polls. She died three weeks too soon.
She began visiting the Hudson Valley in the 1950’s, finally settling in Rhinebeck. She delighted in her little home in the woods, which she designed herself. Marge had a gift for friendship. She found family in the friends she gathered to herself as she traveled the course of her life. She loved knowing people and knowing about their lives. In all of the different phases of her life she made fast friends from all over the world. Until her death she was still in touch with, among others: friends she made from her days at AFSC, children and grandchildren of friends from AFSC, her social work supervisor from one of her first jobs, prisoners inside and out, her garden club, the Quarterly Meeting Prisons committee, the Democratic women’s committee – and on and on. At the end of her life she lived with her cherished friends Isaac and Eve and their three little boys; she had known Isaac since he was a little boy. A week before she died, as Friends were gathered at Marge’s bedside, a woman in her 60’s came to the door. She was the daughter of someone with whom Marge had taught school. Because of the impact that Marge had made on her mother some 60 or 70 years before, this woman had called after decades and she and Marge had made a date for lunch.
Marge was a vivid presence to everyone who knew her. She could be demanding, and in her last years modeled how to ask for what she needed. She was full of zest, laughter, adventure and commitment. Her relationship with God was through action, and through people. She was able to give love, and to receive it, for a long time – 101 years. She is greatly missed.
March Meeting for Business
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting for Business
March 8, 2009
Present: Julia Giordano, Nettie West, Robert West, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Karen Snare, Denise Sherman, Elizabeth Prenot, Kathie Scanlon, Carol Rice, Christopher Sammond, Vonn New, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Henry Muller.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opens in worshipful silence.
The Clerk begins with a reading of Advice 12 from New York Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice.
2009-7 For Ministry and Counsel, Denise Sherman reads a memorial minute for our member Margaret M. Currie (attached). We approve the minute, and we ask the clerk to forward it to Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting.
2009-9. The Nominating Committee also recommends that we lay down the positions of Historian and Assistant Historian. We approve. Mary also reports that the Nominating Committee seeks our advice about filling the positions of clerk, assistant clerk, and calendar producer.
2009-10. For Ministry and Counsel, Denise Sherman presents a first reading of the State of the Meeting report. We make many suggestions, and we ask Ministry and Counsel to return to us with a revised report in April.
2009-11. Denise also makes two announcements: 1) Ministry and Counsel have begun a practice of holding First Day School on the third Sunday of each month, scheduled to coincide with the third Sunday potlucks, which are planned for the next three months. And 2) the memorial meeting for Marge Currie is schedules for Saturday May 2 at noon, here at the meeting house. There will be a potluck picnic immediately following at her home, weather permitting. We are asked to plan our potluck dishes to provide for visitors who will want to attend.
2009-12. Because the second Sunday in April is Easter, we plan our next meeting for business for the third Sunday in April, April 19 at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting ends in worship and adjourns to meet again February 8, 2009.
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Giordano, clerk
Monday, February 16, 2009
February Minutes
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting for Business
February 8, 2009
Present: Mary Cadbury, Christopher Sammond, Vonn New, John Perry, Sybil
Perry, Henry Muller, Elisabeth Prenot, Chris Cadbury, Bob West, Nettie West, Denise Sherman, Kathy Scanlon.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
In the absence of the clerk and with no appointed Assistant clerk, Friends settled into worship.
At the request of Ministry & Counsel, > Friends shared joys and concerns about the Monthly Meeting in preparation for the writing of the State of the Meeting report.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Sherman
January Minutes
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting for Business
January 11, 2009
Present: Julia Giordano, Nettie West, Robert West, Valerie Suter, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Karen Snare, Denise Sherman, Mary Williams, Elizabeth Prenot.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opens in worshipful silence.
The Clerk begins with a reading from New York Yearly Meeting’s Practice and Procedure on Meeting for Business.
2009-2. The treasurer brings the final report for 2008(attached), and she will submit this report to the auditor. We accept this report and note that we have operated with a deficit of $2329 for 2008.
2009-3. The clerk of the finance committee brings forward the budget for 2009, and we accept this budget. She notes that the finance committee believes this budget may end in a deficit, which they will make up from the general reserve. They also propose to send a letter to members and attenders explaining our
financial situation and asking for estimates of the amount of money they plan to contribute in 2009. If the estimates fall far short of the budget, the finance committee will have time to decide what to do about the 2010 budget.
2009-4. Ministry and Counsel present a minute which they have been working on for our approval:
“In a predominantly heterosexual world, even where society has become more open to various gender differences, barriers remain for non-straight people. On entering a new group, these people must often test the waters to see if they are truly included.“Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting affirms the traditional testimony of equality of the Religious Society of Friends, and includes in that testimony people who identify themselves as bisexual, gay, heterosexual, lesbian, or transgendered. We seek that of God in everyone and welcome all to worship with us. We strive with Divine assistance to recognize and honor the intrinsic value of all forms of sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity.”
We approve this minute, and we note that we find much of the disapproval and intolerance for diverse sexualities in our culture irrational. We plead, not for total sexual freedom, but for broader awareness and more profound thinking about the complicated issue of sexuality.
2009-5. Ministry and Counsel presents another minute:
“Ministry & Counsel is concerned about a recent pattern in which minutes brought to Monthly Meeting are returned to committee multiple times in response to new and different concerns having been expressed at successive Monthly Meetings. In cases where unity could be reached with minor editing, this has not been a problem. However, there are cases in which the substance of a minute evokes deeper concerns. It has not been effective to send a minute back to committee without a full exploration of these concerns. The committee for Ministry & Counsel recommends that when there are deep concerns expressed, the Meeting be willing to labor with those concerns until unity is reached and a minute approved at that time.”
We accept this minute, and we add that when such concerns arise we may call a meeting especially to address them.
The meeting ends in worship and adjourns to meet again February 8, 2009.
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Giordano, clerk
December Minutes
Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting for Business
December 14, 2008
Present: Lee Haring, Christopher Sammond, Julia Giordano, Nettie West, Robert West, Sybil Perry, Valerie Suter, Vonn New, John Perry, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury.
Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.
The meeting opens in worshipful silence.
The Clerk begins with a reading from New York Yearly Meeting’s Practice and Procedure on Meeting for Business.
2008-54 From Ministry and Counsel, Karen Snare reads a Memorial Minute for our member, Hans Janitschek. The meeting approves this minute with the addition of some suggested changes, which Ministry and Counsel will make.
2007-55 Karen Snare, also for Ministry and Counsel, announces the schedule for our Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 21st. There will be singing from 10:00 to 10:30, with Adam Pinsker accompanying on an electronic keyboard. Then Meeting for Worship will begin at 10:30 sharp, afterwards followed by a potluck lunch.
2007-56 Lee Haring suggests that we invite Ruben Hilari, the Bolivian teacher working at Oakwood Friends School this year, to come speak to us. Friends approve and ask Ministry and Counsel to arrange this visit. We will invite other meetings.
2007-57 We will consider our 2009 budget at the January meeting. Due to a power outage caused by the recent ice storm, the Clerk of the Finance Committee was unable to provide copies of the budget at this time.
We adjourn to meet at the appointed time for Meeting for Business on January 11, 2009.
Julia Giordana, clerk
Sybil Perry, recording clerk
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