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
