Monthly Meeting FOR BUSINESS 11/21/10

BULLS HEAD OSWEGO Monthly Meeting FOR BUSINESS 11/21/10

Present: Mary Foster Cadbury, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Elisabeth Prenot, Denise Sherman, Karen Snare, Valerie Suter, Bob West, Nettie West.

Meeting opens with a brief silent worship.

2010-57 MINISTRY & COUNSEL: Friends approve contributing $100 to Greta Mickey to support her work in the Republic of Georgia on behalf of the Yearly Meeting. This money will come from the Miscellaneous Contributions line in the budget.

2010-58 TREASURER’S REPORT: Val Suter reported that the Meeting has received some gifts in memory of Chris Cadbury, one designated for the library. Val will contact the other donors to see if they have a preference as to how it is used, and then act accordingly. Friends approve this procedure.

2010-59: Friends approve directing the Finance committee, in their budget considerations for next year, to consider making a contribution directly to an organization doing work with inmates or people coming out of prison rather than to the Quarterly Meeting Prisons Committee. The Quarterly Meeting Prisons Committee does not have an immediate need of funds.

2010-60: In responding to a request, Val provided an informal reporting of our current financial situation. At this time we have spent $8000 more than we have received, and Friends are encouraged to take notice.

We close with a brief silent worship, to reconvene on 12/12/10.

Karen Snare, clerk Denise Sherman, recording clerk

MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS OCTOBER 10, 2010

BULLS HEAD OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS OCTOBER 10, 2010

PRESENT: Leif Anderson, Robert Connelly, Virginia Connelly, Julia Giordano, Vonn New,
Elisabeth Prenot, Denise Sherman, Karen Snare, Valerie Suter, Caroline Webster, Bob West,
Nettie West, Mary Williams.

2010-54: NOVEMBER Monthly Meeting DATE: Friends approve rescheduling the November
Monthly Meeting date for 11/21 to accommodate Quarterly Meeting for Worship at Cornwall
Monthly Meeting on 11/7 and YM fall sessions 11/14.

2010-55: TREASURER’S REPORT: Val Suter submitted the following report (attached at the
end of the minutes)

The treasurer noted that our contributions are well below those received at this same time in
2009. Friends accepted the report.

2010-56: MINISTRY & COUNSEL: Val Suter submitted the following report:

Ministry and Counsel of Bulls Head-Oswego Monthly Meeting
Report for October Monthly Meeting

1. The committee agreed to revive the Birthday List. Leif Anderson will maintain
both the Birthday List and the Address List. Friends are encouraged to send
corrections to Leif. (email - leifanderson@aol.com or phone - 845-266-4912)
3. Potlucks:
a. There will be no potluck in November due to the need to move Monthly Meeting
to the third Sunday.
b. The December potluck will be for our annual Christmas celebration
c.For the January potluck, we intend to have a program on types of special
committees (Care, Clearness, & Oversight) and to include further discussion of how
we can help members of the Meeting community.

4. We discussed expanding the “Joys & Concerns” shared at the rise of Meeting to
include “Thanks & Needs”.

Friends receive the report.

Meeting closed at 12.40, to reconvene 11/21/10.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS September 12, 2010

BULLS-HEAD OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS
September 12, 2010

The Meeting opened at 12.30 after a brief silent worship, with the following Friends present:
Chris Cadbury, Mary Cadbury, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Elisabeth Prenot, Carol Rice, Denise
Sherman, Karen Snare, Valerie Suter, Caroline Webster, Bob West, Nettie West, Mary Williams

2010-48. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Contributions to Bulls Head Oswego Monthly
Meeting are significantly lower at this time of year than at the same time in the past 5 years. The
finance committee is concerned about the ability to fund our annual operating expenses from the
annual contributions. They recommend that our 2011 yearly contribution to Yearly Meeting be
reduced from $12,000 to $10,000. Friends approve this recommendation, and agree that should
we find ourselves financially able later in the year, we can make a further donation to the Yearly
Meeting, as was the case in 2010.

Friends approve the following financial records retention policy as recommended by the Finance
committee:

The treasurer will retain financial records, such as cancelled checks, bills, and bank
statements, for 5 years, one year more than the requirements for a 501c3. At that point,
the materials will be shredded.

The treasurer will keep records of open loans from a Meeting fund for 5 years after the
loan is repaid. If it is determined by Ministry and Counsel that the loan should be
forgiven, the records will be kept for 5 years from this determination.

2010-49 MINISTRY & COUNSEL REPORT:

Friends receive the following report from the Committee on Ministry & Counsel

1. Spiritual Nurture Group - Ministry and Counsel acknowledges the importance of the
Spiritual Nurture Group to the life of the Meeting and respects the autonomy and ability of
this group to determine its own direction in the future. On Sept 26, during the next
scheduled Spiritual Nurture Group, Val will convene a worship sharing to determine how
the group will move forward. Ministry and Counsel accepts the care of this group and
requests an annual report be given.

2. The person who stole the Meeting’s cell phone – The case is in the hands of the
Assistant District Attorney who has agreed to respect our wish to work with the youngster
under the auspices of the Dutchess County Mediation Center. No progress was made
during the summer months due to vacations. The Assistant District Attorney has said
that he is willing to be lenient for Anthony but wants to see a successful mediation occur
first.

3. Pot Lucks – In September Greta Mickey will speak about her recent peace work in
the Republic of Georgia. In October Mary Foster Cadbury will facilitate a discussion on
the vocal ministry.

4. The Treasurer, Clerk of Meeting, and Clerk of Ministry and Counsel recommend a
grant of $1,000 from the Ricketson Education Fund to assist one of our attenders with
tuition at Oakwood Friends School.

Friends approve the recommendation for a grant of $1000 from the Ricketson Education fund to
assist one of our attenders with tuition at Oakwood Friends School, as requested above.

2010-50. LETTER REQUESTING TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP: The clerk has received
a letter from Robert, Virginia and Candace Connelly requesting transfer of membership from
Uwchlan Monthly Meeting (Philadelphia YM) to Bulls Head Oswego Monthly Meeting. The letter
has been referred to Ministry & Counsel.

2010-51. CAROLINE WEBSTER returned the travel minute from this Monthly Meeting for her
travels in March 2010 in El Salvador (minute #2010-22). She traveled with the School of the
Americas Watch Oscar Romero Legacy Delegation, and her minute has been endorsed by them.

2010-52. HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE: Friends receive the following report from the Hospitality
committee:

Hospitality Committee Report

The Hospitality Committee recommends that Bulls Head-Oswego Meeting continue to
have weekly refreshments after Meeting using a “Potluck” approach where each Friend
contributes to the refreshments as able. The Hospitality Committee suggests that the
Meeting continue this practice until January.

However, we ask that Friends sign up on the sheet in the Gathering Room to either “Set
up” or “Clean up/close up” at least once a month. This shares the challenge of arriving
early or staying late among all Friends and does not burden any one person or the
Hospitality Committee with this weekly responsibility.

Additionally, the Committee will leave a sheet on the refrigerator where you are asked to
list items that the Hospitality committee needs to replenish such as sugar, coffee, etc.
The Hospitality Committee budget is $100 for the year so if an item is needed, you may
want to purchase that item for the Meeting as your contribution to refreshments for that
week. We do ask that you leave the receipt on the refrigerator or indicate the amount
spent so that we have a more accurate accounting of the actual budget needed for
Hospitality.

Julia Giordano, Elizabeth Prenot, Carol Rice

Friends approve the recommendation that the current practice (with the addition of a sign-up
sheet for “set-up” and “clean up/close-up”) be continued and reconsidered by the committee in
Dec 2010. The committee will report to the December Monthly Meeting.

2010-53. LIBRARY: Mary Cadbury reported that the following materials have been added to the
library.

Added in 2009:

Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship, Quakers, African Americans, and the Myth of Racial
Justice by Donna McDaniel and Vanessa Julye. The authors spoke at New York Yearly
Meeting 2009.

Directory for Traveling Friends 2008, from Friends General Conference. A listing of
Friends who are willing to host you along with guidelines for visiting.

Being Home, a Book of Meditations by Gunilla Norris. A favorite of Leah Muller’s.

Hidden in Plain Sight, Quaker Women’s Writing, 1650-1700, edited by Mary Garman.

September 12, 2010

Right Relationships, Building a Whole Earth Economy, by Peter Brown and Geoffrey
Garver. A project of the Quaker Institute for the Future, the book presents a proposal for
bringing our economy, our ethics, and our environment into alignment.

Materials added to the Library January through July 2010:

Light in the Shadows, Meditations While Living with a Life-Threatening Illness, by Hank
Dunn, a Hospice chaplain with many years experience. (pamphlet)

The Dynamics of an Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship, by Mary R. Hopkins, published
by Friends General Conference.

Study Guide for the book Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship, Quakers, African
Americans, and the Myth of Racial Justice. Prepared for FGC by Wren Almitra.

The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman, apostle of Abolition, by Thomas Sisughter.
(paperback)

Engaging Scripture: Reading the Bible with Early Friends, by Michael Birkel. (pamphlet)

Books have been rescued from the Oswego MH to be sorted and decisions made about where
they should go.

Meeting closed with a brief silence at 1.45, to meet again October 10, 2010 at 12.30 pm.

Karen Snare, clerk

Denise Sherman, recording clerk

MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS July 11, 2010

BULLS-HEAD OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS
July 11, 2010

Present: Chris Cadbury, Mary Foster Cadbury, Vonn New, Julia Giordano, John Perry,
Sybil Perry, Kathie Scanlon, Denise Sherman, Nettie West, Mary Williams.

Denise Sherman and Vonn New acted as clerk and recording clerk, respectively, for the
day.

2010-43 HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE REPORT: The following report is received. The
Meeting will consider long-term plans in September, and note that no sign-up for any
tasks will be implemented until then. Nettie West volunteers to clean up through July.

Report from Hospitality Committee 7/11/2010

The summer experiment suggested by Hospitality Committee of having potluck
refreshments seems to be working; there have been unexpected gifts every week
(a watermelon, cookies – homemade or not, vegetables and dip), and we always
seem to have more than enough. So we seek the approval of the Meeting to
continue this practice for the rest of the summer, and at September business
meeting we can consider whether we should make it permanent.

Julia Giordano, for Hospitality

2010-44 MINISTRY & COUNSEL

The Meeting approves Ministry & Counsel’s recommendation that the annual Meeting
for Worship at Oswego Meeting house will be on September 5 at 10.30 AM.

2010-45 TREASURER’S REPORT

Mary Williams brings the attached treasurer’s report on behalf of Val Suter. The report
is accepted with a note that our Year-to-date contributions are lower than in previous
years.

2010-46 NEXT MONTHLY MEETING

Our next scheduled Monthly Meeting for Business will be on September 12, 2010, at
12.30. There will be no Monthly Meeting in August unless need arises.

2010-47 QUARTERLY MEETING

Mary Foster Cadbury announces the next Quarterly Meeting on August 1 at Catskill
Meeting House, and encourages participation. There will be particular attention to the
function of the Quarterly Meeting.

The Meeting closed with silent worship, to meet again on September 12, 2010.

Denise Sherman, clerk pro tem

Vonn New, recording clerk pro tem

MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS JUNE 13, 2010

BULLS-HEAD OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS
JUNE 13, 2010

Present: Mary Cadbury, Caroline Webster, Bob West, Nettie West, Julia Giordano, Val Suter,
Kathie Scanlon, Leif Anderson, Vonn New

2010-36. MONTHLY MEETING FOR JULY: Friends approve scheduling our next Monthly
Meeting for Business on the second Sunday in July at the regular time, with the assistant clerk
acting as clerk for the day. Val Suter will act as recording clerk.

2010-37. NAMING COMMITTEE REPORT: Friends approve Janet Carter for the class of 2013
for the Nominating committee.

2010-38. PEACE & SOCIAL ACTION REPORT: Caroline Webster has returned from her travels
in El Salvador and will bring an endorsed travel minute.

The committee has written the following letter to the editors of local newspapers encouraging
readers to consider supporting alternatives to ongoing troop involvement in Afghanistan.

To the Editor;

We need to get out of Afghanistan.

By this summer there will be 100,000 U.S. troops there and our use
of private military contractors nearly doubles that number. Despite
General McChrystal’s commitment to prevent civilian deaths, the fact
is that increasing numbers of bystanders are being killed. According
to the Afghan Interior Ministry, 173 civilians died in the last month - in a
country which has suffered 30 years of violence.

There is a growing but still minority body of public opinion seeking a
timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops. Consider finding out how your
representatives stand on this issue. You can make a toll free call to
the Congressional switchboard and be connected to your Members of
Congress 1-888 543-5234.
More information on Afghanistan is available from the American Friends
Service Committee (http://www.afsc.org) which has long worked there.

Could you, your church, or civic group support more of what is so
compellingly described in the book “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg
Mortenson & David O. Relin? If you’ve read it, no doubt your heart
lifted as a school for girls was built. Why? Because an American with
determination also had the humility to listen to the people whose lives
were affected. Surely there is a lesson to be learned here.

Sincerely yours,

Vonn New, clerk
Peace & Social Action Committee,
Bulls Head-Oswego Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Friends accept the report.

2010-39. HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE: Hospitality committee suggests some experimental
changes for providing refreshments for the summer. For the next month, through the next Monthly
Meeting, Friends will not sign up for hospitality but all will bring food as they wish. Mary Cadbury
volunteers to clean up for this month. Julia Giordano will come in early 6/20 to set up. Hospitality
will report at the July Monthly Meeting as to how the changes have been working and possible next
steps.

2010-40. Friends approve Ministry & Counsel’s recommendation for a certificate of Sojourning
Membership (attached) for Christopher Sammond to Poplar Ridge Monthly Meeting for three years
from 6/2010.

2010-41. Ministry & Counsel has tried for several months to get information about Elliott
McEldowney and his participation in our meeting. Because we have been unable to learn any
more about Elliott’s life, Friends approve, that the December minute stand. Minute # 2009-63
Word is received of the death of our member Elliott McEldowney on Oct. 10, 2009.

REPORT FROM MINISTRY & COUNSEL

Meeting Etiquette – Several members responded to M & C’s questions
regarding the rise of Meeting.

a. In sensitivity to varying individual needs in rising from deep worship, it
is our intent to use quiet, non-disruptive behaviors to signal the transition
between worship and after-thoughts.

b. We heard concerns about the significant disruption caused by late
arrivers and ask Friends to strive to arrive early, or at least on time. We
remind Friends of this sentence from Advice # 1, “Meeting for worship
is fundamental for us, and we should be diligent and punctual in our
attendance.”

c. Based upon Friends’ thoughts regarding our vocal ministry and our after-
thoughts, we intend to have a pot luck program in the fall focused on the
vocal ministry.

SUPPORT OF FRIENDS: We report on our concern for support of our
members and our intentions to try some new approaches. The M & C
minute addressing these is:

SUPPORT OF MEMBERS: We have awakened to the
fact that our Meeting is being called to minister more
intentionally to each other. There are many who are
caregivers, those who are going through difficult times,
or might be overwhelmed in various ways. We recognize
that all of us at different times are in need of support and
that nearly all of us find it difficult to ask for support. We
consider various ways to address this. Vonn & Carol

have initiated a ministry of soup, as described in the
newsletter. The Share the Care book has a ‘wish list’
of things people might need. Such a list might be used
to help people identify their own needs, as well as ways
to help others. We can use this list as a starting point
for creating a list for ourselves. Kathie will get a copy of
the list, and Val will make a poster, send a copy to the
newsletter and email to f/Friends. Val will forward this
minute to Barbara Spring from ARCH.

MEETING LIST: We are slowly making contact with people whose names
appear on our mailing list as attenders, but who do not attend, to ask about
their wishes with respect to the Bulls Head mailing list. At our next meeting
of M&C we will continue with our discernment regarding individuals who
appear to be members in name only.

CELL PHONE THEFT: With regard to the person who stole the Meeting’s
cell phone, members of Ministry and Counsel along with Bill Leicht and
Tom Angell have engaged in an exhaustive process of discernment and
information gathering. From the Sheriff’s Department and from the Tom
and Janet Angell family we have learned a great deal about this person,
his family, the kinds of calls made to the Sheriff, and some of the many
caring overtures made by the Tom and Janet Angell family to family of the
person who committed the theft. We have also learned a great deal about
the resources, philosophy, and practices of the Restorative Justice program
of the Dutchess Mediation Center, and the Dutchess County Office of
Probation.

Ultimately, we achieved clearness to press charges and ask the District
Attorney to recommend that we invite the person to be involved in the
Restorative Justice process. If the person and his family agree to engage
in the Restorative Justice process, Kathie & Bill will discern as part of that
process our next steps: whether we will drop the charges or leave them
in place. In her capacity as an officer of the Meeting, Valerie Suter signed
a deposition and returned it to the Sheriff’s Department on Monday June
7. Detective Stelmach told her that he would be in touch. Kathie Scanlon
added that Detective Stelmach is working with the family of the person who
committed the theft in order to proceed in the most caring and effective
manner.

2010-42. REPORT FROM MINISTRY & COUNSEL With some discussion Friends
consider these items and accept the report of M&C. The clerk of the Meeting is directed
to draft a letter expressing the Meeting’s appreciation of the help, support and guidance
we have received from the Angell family.

The Monthly Meeting for Business closed with silent worship reflection, to meet again on
July 11, 2010.

CERTI FI CATE OF SOJOURNI NG M EM BERSHI P

6/13/2010

Poplar Ridge Monthly Meeting,

1868 Poplar Ridge Road

Poplar Ridge, NY 13026

Dear Friends,

This CERTIFICATE OF SOJOURNING MEMBERSHIP has been requested by

a member of this monthly meeting who now resides in your area. We have given

consideration to this request, and, no obstruction appearing, we recommend Christopher

Sammond to your Christian care for a period of three years beginning in June, 2010

through June 2013, and remain with love your friends.

Certificate 6/13/2010 by the Bulls Head - Oswego Monthly Meeting,

1323 Bulls Head Road

Clinton Corners, NY 12514

_______________________________________

Karen Snare, clerk

Minutes of Meeting of May 9, 2010

BULLS HEAD - OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING
Minutes of Meeting of May 9, 2010

Present: Christopher Cadbury, Mary Cadbury, David Cardall, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Elisabeth
Prenot, Carol Rice, Karen Snare, Robert Suter, Valerie Suter, Caroline Webster

The meeting opened with a period of worshipful silence. The clerk reviewed the agenda.

2010-28: The list of officers and committee members presented last month was approved.

2010-29: Walter Beebe as Auditor, Mary Cadbury as Librarian, and Nancy Angell as Assistant
Treasurer were re-appointed even though each has served longer than six years. For next year
the Nominating Committee is asked to try to find other people for these positions.

2010-30: Responding to a question from last month’s minutes (Minute 2010-25) the clerk reported
as follows: The position of Assistant Clerk was approved in March 2009 (Minute 2009-8) to include
duties of recording clerk and whatever other duties the Clerk and Assistant Clerk decide to share
between them.

2010-31: The Naming Committee presented the name of Leif Anderson for the Nominating
Committee, Class of 2013. The Meeting approved. The Naming Committee will bring an additional
name next month.

2010-32: Ministry and Counsel reported the theft from the Gathering Room of the Meeting’s cell
phone. After careful consideration the sheriff was notified. It is reported that the phone has been
recovered from the responsible party. Next steps wait on being able to speak with the officer in
charge. We expect Ministry and Counsel to keep the Meeting apprised of developments and any
need for further consideration.

2010-33: The Trustees have had the lock on the Gathering Room changed. The Meeting
considered whether to continue to have a key hidden on the premises, or to give keys to a small or
larger group of meeting members. The Meeting approved no longer keeping a key hidden in the
meeting room. The Trustees are asked to arrange for people who need keys to have them. It was
also approved to keep a key in the Gathering Room itself for the use of the person closing up.

2010-34: The Meeting received the following minute from Ministry and Counsel in response to the
question last month (Minute 2010-26) about a Calendar.

“Ministry and Counsel recommends that Friends access the Bulls Head – Oswego web site
to discover what information is there and offers assistance to Friends who may be having
difficulties using the site. Ministry and Counsel asks if the concern raised regarding the
Calendar is the tip of a deeper need, perhaps for connection.”

Ministry and Counsel asks Friends who have thoughts on this to communicate with them.

2010-35: A letter from Christopher Sammond requesting sojourning membership at Poplar Ridge
Meeting was referred to Ministry and Counsel.

The meeting ended in worship, purposing to meet again June 13, 2010.

Karen Snare, Clerk

Mary Foster Cadbury,
alternate for the Recording Clerk

Minutes of Meeting of April 18, 2010

BULLS HEAD-OSWEGO MONTHLY MEETING
Minutes of Meeting of April 18, 2010

Present: Christopher Cadbury, Mary Cadbury, Janet Carter, Vonn New, John Perry,
Sybil Perry, Elisabeth Prenot, Kathie Scanlon, Denise Sherman, Karen Snare, Valerie
Suter, Nettie West, Robert West

The meeting opened with a period of worshipful silence. The clerk reviewed the
agenda.

2010-24:
The Meeting received the Treasurer’s report for the first quarter of
2010, presented by Valerie Suter, Treasurer. In addition to the usual report of
income and expenses, the Meeting appreciated the charts giving additional
information on “where the money goes.” “where it comes from.” And a progress
report on receipts so far in 2010.

Friends noted that the Maintenance Fund will not cover the expected
expenses (Gathering Room roof, for example) because of the mandatory balance
required for the Fund. The remainder will be covered by the General Reserve. The
report was accepted. (attached)

2010-25:
The Nominating Committee presented names for the year 2010-2011.
(attached) The report was received and will be considered for approval at May
monthly meeting.

The Nominating Committee and the Meeting Clerk are asked to check
previous minutes about naming an Assistant Clerk or Recording Clerk and what
duties are involved.

2010-26:
The question of preparing and distributing the Meeting Calendar was
referred to Ministry and Counsel which is already considering the problems around
communication within the Meeting.

2010-27:
A Naming Committee of Clerk and today’s Alternate Recording Clerk
was appointed to bring a name in May for the Nominating Committee, Class of 2013.

The meeting ended in worship, purposing to meet again May 9, 2010.

Bulls Head Oswego Monthly Meeting Minutes March 14, 2010

Present: Christopher Cadbury, Mary Foster Cadbury, Denise Sherman, Karen Snare, Vonn New, Caroline Besse Webster, Bob West, Nettie West.



The Meeting opened with a period of worshipful silence.



2010-19: The Clerk announced New York Yearly Meeting Spring Sessions to be held at Chautauqua Institution April 11, 2010. Friends approved a change of date for the next Monthly Meeting from April 11th to April 18th.



2010-20: The auditor's review of the 2009 budget stated that the auditor has found the treasurer's reports to be accurate and to represent the financial status of the Monthly Meeting as set forth in the statements. The auditor's review was accepted.



2010-21: Mary Foster Cadbury reported that Quarterly Meeting will be held May 2, 2010. More people are needed to work on food. Vonn New volunteered to make a large pot of vegetarian soup. It is suggested that people bring bread, salad, and fruit. The clerk will convey this to the Hospitality Committee. Friends approved.



2010-22: Peace and Social Action Committee: Vonn New reported that the committee is open to all who wish to participate. The next meeting will be April 11. The committee hosted a meeting for worship on March 14, 2010, to hold in the Light the Oscar Romero delegation to El Salvador, in which Friend Caroline Besse Webster will be participating. Vonn presented the following travel minute for Caroline to carry with her. The minute was approved.



To Friends in El Salvador and elsewhere:

We commend to you our Friend Caroline Webster, who will be traveling with the School of the Americas Watch Oscar Romero Legacy Delegation in March 2010. The peace building work of this delegation in healing the hurt of past violence and preventing future violence is consistent with our understanding of the Quaker Peace Testimony. We hold the witness of the delegation and Friend Caroline in our prayers that all may know and live in peace.



2010-23: State of the Meeting 2009: Friends approved the State of the Meeting report. (Attached)



The Monthly Meeting with a concern for business closed in silent worshipful reflection. The next Monthly Meeting will occur April 18, 2010.







Karen Snare, Clerk Caroline Besse Webster, Recording Clerk



STATE OF THE MEETING 2009





We write in response to three of the queries posed by the Yearly Meeting. We are blessed that our worship is deep and our meetings for worship often feel gathered. We are concerned about the relatively advanced age of nearly all of our members and attenders and about the lack of children in the Meeting. Our remote geographic location makes for a low probability of drop-ins, spontaneous or otherwise. What feels like minimal outreach is of concern to many of us. Some of our members continue to worship with men in nearby prisons, participate in Yearly Meeting and wider Quaker organizations and conduct active ministries in the wider world. We collect food for a local food pantry, and individually take actions for social justice. Our recently revived Peace & Social Action committee is looking for opportunities for service for the Meeting as a whole, both because we are called to this and because those searching for Friends or for Friends values and beliefs would expect to find us acting in ways to help others.



We are aware that before this and other improvements can take place, we must solve the task of ready communication among ourselves. We have been unsuccessful at communicating Meeting events or news of individual Friends. We have a website which provides a calendar. This has proved, however, to be ineffective for many, and we recognize that we need a more promising method.



Over the years the Meeting has had an active First Day school. Today that is not true, although there are 2 teenagers who come fairly regularly and often choose to stay in Meeting for Worship. We have explored various ways to attract young families: designated one Sunday a month for First day school, provided teaching materials ready to use should children come, and sponsored a ‘fun day.’ The fun day was attended by previously non-attending parents and their children as well as regulars. We did have a good time. The efforts, however, did not achieve their goal: consistently attending children and families. Does our current lack of families and children represent only one of the many dips and climbs of a long established meeting which will eventually change?



Our Meeting is feeling the financial pinch that the world is feeling. In October we thought we wouldn’t be able to make our budget/expenditures and the decision was made to reduce our Yearly Meeting contribution for 2010. But we note with surprised gratitude that at the end of the year we met our 2009 expenditures with only a $250 shortfall, and felt able to restore our Yearly Meeting commitment to the 2009 level. We feel a strong commitment to supporting the work of the Yearly Meeting, and were helped in making our financial decisions by the visit from Peter Phillips as a representative of the Yearly Meeting finance committee. Our largest expenses are maintenance and the Yearly Meeting contribution; our spending for community or committee support is small.



We are grateful for our Meeting community. We try to be faithful; we are aware of our weaknesses. The love and support of everyone in our beloved Meeting community nourishes and sustains us on our journey.

February 2010 Meeting for Business

Bulls Head Oswego Monthly Meeting

Minutes of Meeting of February 14, 2010



Present: Christopher Cadbury, Mary Cadbury, Janet Carter, John Perry, Sybil Perry, Denise Sherman, Valerie Suter, Nettie West, Robert West



The Meeting opened with a period of worshipful silence. The clerk reviewed the agenda



2010-11: Due to the inability of our clerk, Karen Snare, to be present for this meeting, the meeting approved having Valerie Suter serve as clerk. Word having been received of the Recording Clerk, Caroline Webster, not being present because of an automobile accident on the way to meeting, Mary Cadbury took over those duties for the day. We are glad to know that Caroline reports that she herself is uninjured



2010-12: Valerie Suter reported a correction regarding minute # 2010-04 which stated that a cell phone had been purchased for the Meeting. Val had not yet purchased the cell phone in January and the cost is higher than reported in January, but still lower than the cost of the Verizon landline.

As of February 12, the change in phone service is complete. The Verizon landline service has been replaced by a combination of Skype phone service for messages and an AT&T pre-paid cell phone for ingoing and outgoing calls when people are at the meeting house. The cost of the Verizon landline service was approximately $396 per year; the combined cost of the two new services is $172 per year. There was an additional one-time charge of $30 to purchase the cell phone and charger. The Meeting’s old Verizon phone number, 845-266-4618, was reassigned to the cell phone. The Skype phone number is 845-266-6068.

The meeting accepted this report. Ministry and Counsel was asked to continue making arrangements for use of the phones.



2010-13: Mary Cadbury reported for the Nominating Committee. The committee brought forward the names of Valerie Suter for Treasurer and Nancy Angell for Assistant Treasurer for the calendar year, 2010. The meeting approved.

The nominating committee confirmed the name of Nancy Sorel as Recording Clerk for the months of April and May, 2010 (Minute 2009-49, October 11, 2009). Mary Cadbury will continue as alternate for the Recording Clerk.



2010-14: Denise Sherman for Ministry and Counsel read a proposed memorial minute for Elliott McEldowney. The meeting asked that Ministry and Counsel revise it with the help of others.



2010-15: Denise Sherman reported the following minute from Ministry and Counsel:



A small committee met with Tom and Janet Angell to look back at our shared past as well as our current spiritual condition. Our goal in doing this was to express and move beyond any lingering hurts and to see how our relationship might go forward. The meeting was honest and heartfelt. In addressing the question of how we might be in relationship with each other going forward, Tom was very clear: he loves the Meeting deeply, and hopes to be able to continue in friendship with individuals in it. His spiritual need is to worship with people who have the same very specific Christian beliefs that he does, and the Meeting does not share these beliefs. He longs for the day when the Meeting will come to share his beliefs and methods of expression about Jesus; then he will feel he can come ‘home.’ All of us in that meeting expressed a mutual desire not to be proselytized, and the hope to live lovingly side-by-side.



The meeting accepted the report. The forward-looking message of the report can serve as a reminder of the concerns for this relationship still remaining.



2010-16: Denise Sherman for Ministry and Counsel presented a draft State of the Meeting Report. The meeting asked Ministry and Counsel to consider the concerns raised today and bring a revised State of the Meeting Report to our March meeting.



2010-17: The meeting approved including in our minutes the following report from Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting session of February 7, 2010, for our information.



In accordance with the decision made at the November 1, 2009 session of Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting, the amount budgeted for “Programs” is available not only for program expenses at Quarterly Meeting sessions, but also for financial assistance to adults going to Powell House programs.



If an individual’s monthly meeting approves of financial assistance and more is needed than the monthly meeting can provide, the meeting can approach the Quarterly Meeting Treasurer on the individual’s behalf. The monthly meeting and the individual will decide on the amount to be requested, no more than $70. The Treasurer will forward on that person’s behalf the amount requested, as long as the budgeted total for “Programs” ($300 in 2009-2010) has not been exceeded. Quarterly Meeting assistance is limited to no more than once a year per person.



2010-18: John Perry spoke of the upcoming Meeting for Discernment to be held at Purchase Meeting February 20, 2010. Information about that session has been minimal in our Meeting. The clerk is asked to circulate details to our members. We ask that our representative report on the session at our March meeting.



The meeting ended in worship purposing to meet again March 14, 2010.



Valerie J. Suter, acting clerk Mary Foster Cadbury, alternate for the Recording Clerk

Monthly Meeting Minutes January 10, 2010

Present: Mary Hannon Williams, Robert West, Nettie West, Mary Foster Cadbury, Christopher Cadbury, Janet Carter, Vonn New, John Perry, Karen Snare, Caroline Besse Webster.



Minutes are numbered from the beginning of the calendar year.



The Meeting opened with a period of worshipful silence.



2010-01.

Mary Williams, Clerk of Finance, presented for Val Suter, Treasurer, the end of year treasurer's report. The Hospitality budget went over budget, possibly due to the memorial for Margaret M. Currie. Education fund money was spent for two Oakwood School students. It was noted that the cemetery maintenance fund money is not being spent. (This fund is for the maintenance of two cemeteries, one at Pleasant Valley and the other, called Gardner Hollow Cemetery, near Poughquag. The cemetery at Oswego is managed by a separate cemetery organization.) We question if there is a reason for us to keep them. It was suggested we try again to find someone who is interested in taking responsibility for these properties, and transfer the money to them. It was noted that the trustees looked into it last year or the year before. David Cardall did a lot of research. The clerk was asked to contact David Cardall, and ask for a report on the situation. The treasurer's report was accepted.



2010-02.

Mary Williams, Clerk of Finance, presented the proposed budget for 2010. An unchanged budget was recommended. Mary noted that the only way to reduce this budget would be to cut the conference help line, or the contribution to Yearly Meeting. It was noted that in September [Minute 2009-45] we had promised $10,000 as our 2010 donation to the Yearly Meeting. Friends labored to discern whether to give $12,000, which is in the budget. It was suggested that we give $11,000 to the Yearly Meeting. After some discussion, the budget was approved with $12,000 allotted for Yearly Meeting. One Friend stood aside.
The 2010 budget is attached.



2010-03:

Janet Carter reported for Ministry and Counsel.
Conference Help:There is currently no written procedure for approving financial conference help from the Monthly Meeting. Practice has varied, but it has most often fallen to Ministry & Counsel. We recommend to the Meeting that the following written charge be added to the duties of the committee for Ministry & Counsel:



Requests for financial assistance for conferences come to Ministry & Counsel, who will consider each request and direct the Monthly Meeting Treasurer to make available any approved funds.

One Friend mentioned the importance of having a clear procedure, so as not to increase the difficulty of asking for help. The meeting approved that conference help be handled by M&C.



2010-04:

Janet Carter reported for Ministry and Counsel on the meetinghouse telephone. Val Suter has bought a prepaid cell phone with charger for use at the meetinghouse. The phone with charger cost $40.00. Usage will cost $10.00 for each 30 minutes. The number is the same as the current meeting number. The Meeting approved.



2010-05:

Janet Carter reported for Ministry & Counsel. At the October MM, the nominating Committee made the following suggestion (minute 2009-50):



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 our leadings?



In order to address fully these concerns brought forward by nominating committee, we propose a discussion on Jan. 31 from 12:30 – 2 on the concerns outlined above. Mary Foster Cadbury has agreed to facilitate the discussion and will provide informational materials in advance.



2010-06:

Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting will be held February 7, 2010 at Poughkeepsie Monthly Meeting at 10:00 a.m. The discussion will be about the nature of Ministry & Counsel committees and committee work in general.



2010-07:

Calendar. January 17th Don Badgley, Poughkeepsie Meeting, will speak on the Peace Testimony, urging that Quakers have not been active enough.

February 21st & March 21st are scheduled programs on ARCH.
February 21st Anita Paul from Schenectady Meeting will speak on end of life as an act of love.
March 21st Barbara Spring will present a program on the subject "Share the Care: Helping the End of Life be Meaningful and go Smoothly," There are lessons to be learned from others' experience with Care Teams, family concerns and what is to be the Role of the Meeting.
April 4th is our Easter Breakfast.

May 16th Bill Leicht will present a second program on BodyMind and Quaker Worship. Reading materials will be distributed in advance.



2010-08:

The clerk is unable to be present for meeting for business on February 14. Other events will create conflicts if that meeting is rescheduled. It is suggested that Val Suter, clerk of Ministry and Counsel, be asked to serve as clerk for that day. The clerk is directed to ask Val if she is willing to serve. If Val is not able to serve, Karen and Val are to consult on another substitute.



2010-09

A meeting to welcome new members will be held Feb 28th at rise of meeting. Friends are requested to bring food to share. A program will be participatory with Friends sharing their own histories in association with Bulls Head-Oswego Meeting.



2010-10 Vonn New reported for Peace and Social Action Committee. There will be an open meeting Feb 21st at 9:15 before meeting for worship. All are invited to attend.



The Meeting closed with a period of silent reflection. The next Monthly Meeting will be held February 14, 2010.







Karen Snare, Clerk Caroline Besse Webster, Recording Clerk