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January 2020 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Mohawk Valley Friends Meeting

Sunday, January 5th, 2020

Present: Isabelle Haines, clerk; Ami Corleto-Bales; Elisabeth Prenot; Mark Hemendiger; Mary Ellen Blakey; Liseli Haines; Buffy Curtis; and David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk.

The business meeting began with a gathered silence.

There was an acknowledgement of the original Haudenosaunee ownership of the land where the meeting house sits.

The minutes from the December 1st, 2019 business meeting were read and approved with some corrections.

The treasurer’s report prepared by Alex Haines-Stephan was done in absentia. The money owed to the Peaceweek account, (that was borrowed to pay for the annual Clinton High School peace scholarship) will be paid back after the meeting can cover the last month’s expenses. 

    a. Checking account, $352.97

    b. Savings account, $2,886.59

    c. Peaceweek, $3,265.89

    Expenses-

    a. NYSEG, $19.05

    b. Mirabito Propane for pre-pay, $100.00

    c. Yearly Meeting Covenant Donation, $800.00

    Donations-

    a. $638.41

     Outstanding annual expenses-

     a. Peace Prize, $500, (to be returned to the account).

Building and Grounds Report. Friends were told that the meeting house was used by the Oneida women one time in December, which was the only time the meeting house was used for an event other than Quaker-related.

First Day School Committee. The committee needs to meet. The meeting will be scheduled, but no date has been set yet. Friends were informed that First Day School has had programmed instruction on roughly three out of every four weeks in the last few months, which is up from approximately one week a month a year ago.

Vision Statement. The vision statements are still being worked on and measurable goals identified. Isabelle Haines read the vision statements to remind the meeting of what they were.

Advocacy Team. Friends were informed that the Authorization of Military Force specific for Iraq was not repealed, however, the vote was closer than in the past.

The New York Yearly Meeting asked for a description of our “state of the meeting” and sent us the following query to be discussed: “How has the life and spirit been fresh and visibly at work in your meeting in the last year?”  The meeting will discuss the query as worship sharing during the next potluck lunch, which was moved to the fourth Sunday of January, (January 26th) because some members of the meeting will be attending quarterly sessions on the third Sunday of the month, January 19th. 

Quarterly Meeting. Will be at the Poolville Community Center in Poolville on Sunday, January 19th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The agenda and schedule was e-mailed to the meeting.

Clergy Roundtable DIscussion on Anti-Semitism. Will be held at the Jewish Community Center in Utica on Tuesday, January 7th with Rep. Anthony Brindisi.

The next MVFM Business Meeting will be on Sunday, February 2nd.

 The meeting ended in a gathered silence.

Approved: February 2, 2020

December 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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December 1, 2019

Present: Isabelle Haines, clerk, Liseli Haines, Alexander Haines-Stephan, Ami Corleto-Bales, Mary Ellen Blakey, Mark Hemendiger, and David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk.

The business meeting began with a gathered silence.

There was an acknowledgement of the original Haudenosaunee ownership of the land where the meeting house sits.

The minutes from the Sunday, November 3rd business meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was given by Alexander Haines-Stephan. The breakdown of the meeting’s finances are as follows:

     a) Checking account, 633.62

  b) Savings account, 2785.99

     c) Peaceweek, 3,265.19

      Expenses:

     a) NYSEG, 28.67

     b) Mirabito Propane pre-pay, 100.00

     Donations: 320.00

The outstanding annual expenses for the rest of the year are as follows:

     a) Mirabito, 100.00

     b) NYSEG, 40.00

     c) Covenant Donation, 800.00

     d) Peace Prize, 500.00

           Total: $1,440. The $500 was borrowed from the Peaceweek account and was approved to be used for the annual Peace Prize only once.

           The treasurer presented the proposed 2020 budget which was for $4,400, and it was approved and will be attached. It has not yet been decided how much of the covenant donation the meeting will be able to contribute this year.

A building and grounds committee report was given by Mark Hemendiger. He reported that the meeting house was used four times in November, other than for meeting for worship.Three of the four times were not Quaker related, and one was.

An advocacy team report was submitted by Mary Ellen Blakey, and is as follows:

     “The Advocacy Team: Mary Ellen Blakey and J.B. Riffle from Mohawk Valley FriendsMeeting, and John Bailey and Sue McVaugh from Hamilton monthly Meeting. –  Four members of the Mohawk Valley Advocacy Team traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the FCNL’s (Friends Committee on National Legislation) Advocacy Team Summit and Public Policy Institute from November 13th through 15th. We met with an increasing number of advocacy team members, (100+) from across the country on Wednesday afternoon. New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand addressed the group and presented legislation recently introduced in the Senate to further specify conditions in the War Powers Act in light of the repeals of the 2001 and 2001 AUMF, (Authorization for Use of Military Force). The AUMFs gave the president the power to enter another country and use military force if deemed a “threat.”  This legislation has been invoked 30 times by three presidents in the past 18 years. We currently have [become involved] action in 17 countries.

     On Thursday, November 14th, the team met with Connor Jeffers, military affairs staffer, and Rep. Anthony Brindisi to thank him for his support of the repeal of the 2001 and 2002 AUMF. We asked him to contact other representatives on the House committee reviewing the NDAA–National Defense Authorization Act–to ensure that the 2002 Iraq AUMF remain attached to the bill. 

      On Friday we met with Senator Gillibrand’s staffer along with 39 other FCNL lobbyists from New York. Our team member Sue McVaugh was able to procure a copy of Gillibrand’s bill and we delivered it to Connor Jeffers. We were unable to meet with Sen. Schumer’s Washington staffer. 

       There were 400 Quakers lobbying Congress during the event.”

The Clearness Committee of November 21st for Ami Corleto-Bales recommended, with joy, that she be enrolled as a member of the meeting, and that her son, Samuel, be enrolled in the meeting as an associate member.

1.5.2019.1 Friends approved membership for Ami Corleto-Bales.

1.5.2019.2 Friends approved associate membership for Samuel Corleto-Bales. 

The Vision Statement Ad Hoc committee reported that they are making progress but are not ready to present anything at this time.

The Christmas potluck and carol singing will be Sunday, December 15th.

The next meeting for business was set for Sunday, January 5th, 2020.

     The meeting ended in a gathered silence.

Approved January 5, 2020

November 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Meeting for Business for Mohawk Valley Friends Meeting Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

In attendance were, Isabelle Haines, clerk, Mary Ellen Blakey, Barbara Gold, Mark Hemendiger, Todd Thomsen, Ami Corleto-Bales and David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk.

The meeting began with a gathered silence.

There was a reading of the acknowledgement of the original Haudenosaunee ownership of the land where the meeting house sits.

1. The minutes from the October 6th MVFM business meeting were read and were approved after a few corrections and clarifications.

2. There was a reading of the vision statements for the MVFM’s future. Alex Haines-Stephan has been attempting to set measurable goals for the vision statements and asked for assistance in this regard.

3. The treasurer’s report prepared by Alex Haines-Stephan was read;

    a) Checking account, $442.28

    b) Savings account, $2,685.43

    c) Peaceweek account, $3,264.51

     Expenses:

    d) NYSEG, $37.03

    e) Mirabito, $100.00

     Donations:

    f) $208.41

     *It was reported that the outstanding annual expenses that are due before the end of the year are $200 for Mirabito, approximately $65 to NYSEG and the $800 Covenant donation.

4. A First Day School Report was delivered by Ami Corleto-Bales. The ad hoc committee on First Day School met in September and decided on a few topics and a schedule. The curriculum will be built around specific books, and lesson plans will eventually be available for any person to step in and teach. The goal is to have a set program format that could be replicated by anyone.

5. The Building and Grounds Report mentioned the water pump problem necessitates the water pump being shut off during the week at the breaker.

6. A letter was read by Isabelle Haines in regards to Judy Damkoeller who is now in a retirement home in Herkimer, NY. She requests visits from fellow Quakers. Her address is the Foltsbrook Home, 104. N. Washington Street, Herkimer, 13350. Telephone number, 315-866-6964.

7. Mary Ellen Blakey reported that the Friends Advocacy Team will be in Washington, D.C. to meet with the Public Policy Institute regarding the Authorization of Military Force Act from 2001/2002. They will be in Washington from Nov. 12 to the 17th, and will also meet with the staff of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and personally with Rep. Anthony Brindisi to advocate for this bills overturn.

The meeting ended in a gathered silence.

The next MVFM business meeting will be on Sunday, December 1st.

Approved: December 1, 2019

October 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Sunday, October 6th, 2019.

In attendance were Isabelle Haines, clerk; Alex Haines-Stephan, treasurer; Elisabeth Prenot; Scott Ferguson; Jeanne Smith; and David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk.

The business meeting began with a gathered silence.

There was an acknowledgement of the original ownership of the Haudenosaunee people of the land where the meeting house sits.

Alex Haines-Stephan read the minutes from the MVFM business meeting of September 1st, 2019. They were approved.

Friends heard the revised vision statement that was made by Buffy Curtis and Liseli Haines. There were six statements, all using the word “envision.”  Friends proposed that the vision statement could be read at the beginning of each business meeting to remind the meeting of the envisioned path. Friends suggested the addition of “measurable goals” to be linked to the vision statement so that any progress in the six areas can be noted and those outcome assessments can be presented during the monthly business meetings.

Friends proposed that the next potluck, (Sunday, Oct. 20th) would be a good time to discuss the mission statement answering the question of “Who are we and what do we want people to know about us?”

Friends heard the treasurer’s report from Alex Haines-Stephan:

   a) Checking, $370.90

   b) Savings, $2,584.87

   c) Peaceweek, $3,263.81

   Expenses:

   a) NYSEG, $35.12

   b) Mirabito Pre-pay, $100.00

   c) Insurance, $982.00

   d) Donations, $148.00

    *It was noted that the meeting has not paid the $800 covenant donation or any other donations this year.

There was no building and grounds report.

Friends heard about the Sept. 30th discussion group. It was a good discussion about the topic, “What were our original operating instructions?” The next meeting and topic have not yet been set.

The May Quarterly Meeting will be held at the Unadilla Friends Church hosted by Our meeting. If Unadilla chooses a topic, then the MVFM would need to come up with a program. Liseli will inquire of the UFM about what topics they are interested in and what format they would like.

The next MVFM business meeting was set for Sunday, November 3rd. 

The business meeting ended with a gathered silence.

Approved 11/3/2019

September 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Sunday, September 1, 2019

(In attendance was Isabelle Haines, clerk, Liseli Haines, Elisabeth Prenot, Buffy Curtis, Ami Corleto-Bales, David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk)

The meeting began in a gathered silence.

There was an acknowledgement of the original ownership of the land where the meeting house sits by the Haudenosaunee people.

The minutes of the last business meeting of Sunday, August 4th were read and approved.

Friends received the treasurer’s report in absentia:
 a) Checking, $1,134.02  b) Savings, $3,484.35  c) Peaceweek, $3,262.43

 Expenses were as follows:
a) NYSEG, $42.41 b) Mirabito pre-pay, $100 c) Mirabito for the year, $938.79
 

Donations were $50.

     It was noted that the insurance bill has come but has not yet been paid.

Friends received the building and grounds report. All light bulbs in the meeting house have been replaced with LED lights and friends are asked if they want to plant anything on the grounds to talk to Mark Hemendiger.

Friends considered the question of creating a fundraising ad hoc committee. Alex 

Haines-Stephan volunteered to be a financial consultant. This will be brought up at next month’s meeting.

Friends received a letter from Ami Corleto-Bales requesting for membership in the meeting, and also for her son, Samuel Corleto-Bales. Alex Haines-Stephan and Elisabeth Prenot will be on the clearness committee and an e-mail will be sent to find additional members willing to be on the committee. This will be brought to the next business meeting.

Friends approved a request from the Indivisible Mohawk Valley’s “Defund Hate” rally to add the name of the meeting to a list of sponsors. The rally will be Friday, September 13th at the Oneida Square roundabout at 5 p.m.

Friends agreed that the “vision statements” for the MVFM should be reworded. Buffy Curtis and Liseli Haines will work on editing the statements.

Friends heard a letter from the Mohawk Valley Interfaith Council announcing a book discussion group that will be held at the Dunham Library in Whitesboro on the third Monday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It will start on October 21st.

Friends heard a proposal to start a once a month discussion group which will examine a query, a book, etc. A date was not set for this possible group meeting at this time.

Friends were asked by the clerk for a volunteer to send out e-mail newsletters or announcements.

The next business meeting was set for Sunday, October 6th.

The business meeting ended in a gathered silence.

Approved October 6, 2019

August 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Mohawk Valley Friends Meeting for worship with attention to business

Sunday, August 4th, 2019. 

Present: Liseli Haines, Ami Corleto-Bales, David Corleto-Bales (recording clerk), Alex Haines-Stephan(Treasurer), and Isabelle Haines (clerk.)

The business meeting began with a period of silent worship.

Acknowledgement: There was a reading of the acknowledgement of the original Haudenosaunee ownership of the land where the meeting house is located.

Minutes of July: The minutes of the July 7th business meeting were read and approved.

Building and Grounds Report: Friends reported that the July 14th work day was very successful and the grounds and meeting house were cleaned up and maintained. A question regarding the visibility of the meeting house’s sign was raised, as whether or not its visibility to the road could be increased. Town regulations indicate that it cannot be too close to the road.

Treasury Report: $1,432.43 is in the checking account, $3,322.42 is in the savings account, $3262.43 is in the Peaceweek account, the expenses were $133.13, which included $33.13 for the NYSEG bill and $100 for the MIrabito pre-pay. Donations for the month were $900.  Friends affirmed the Mirabito pre-pay agreement that has been going on for ten months and approved the use of the extra money from this, (approximately $260) to be used for the Covenant donation to the yearly meeting.

Summer Sessions: Friends reported that eight members attended the summer sessions at Silver Bay, which is nearly half of the members. Some of the sessions discussed funding issues. The pay-as-led policy succeeded. Registration for next year’s summer sessions will begin in January or February.

Fundraising Committee: It was proposed that an ad hoc fundraising committee be created, but Friends decided that this should be deferred to a future business meeting that had more people attending.

Next Business Meeting: The next meeting will be on Sunday, September 1st.

 The meeting ended in a gathered silence.

Approved 9/1/19

July 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Mohawk Valley Friends Meeting for worship with concern for business Sunday, July 7th, 2019,

Attending were: Isabelle Haines, clerk, Elisabeth Prenot, Ami Corleto-Bales, and David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk.

The meeting began with a gathered silence.

There was an acknowledgment of the original Haudenosaunee ownership of the land where the meeting house sits.

The minutes from the June 2nd business meeting were read and approved.

The Peacemaker Prize for 2019 was given to Clinton High School student Kimberly Rivera. The prize was presented by Liseli Haines on June 5th.

Treasury Report, was presented by Alexander Haines-Stephan in absentia,

   a. Checking, $665.56

   b. Savings, $3,221.73

   c. Peaceweek, $3,261.73

   d. Expenses, $216.84

   e. NYSEG, $26.84

   f.  Mirabito, $90.00

   g. Mirabito pre-pay, $100.00

   h. Donations, $510.00

First Day Ad Hoc Committee Report–
 a. The goal is to have a First Day school class every week instead of once a month

   b. Practice for settling in silence.

   c. Baskets full of material to be created in case a substitute has to teach the class.

   d. Discernment asked for Friends who could serve as teachers. Three teachers have already volunteered.

Interfaith Luncheon–

    It was decided that the meeting at this time was not ready to host the Interfaith Luncheon for August or September. Elisabeth will look into whether or not it is possible for us to book the luncheon to be held at the meeting house at a date far into the future so that it could be better planned.

Building and Grounds Report–

    The summer workday will be at the rise of meeting on Sunday, July 14th. Friends were encouraged to send ideas for tasks to Liseli.

Interfaith coalition will have a panel discussion about religions and other organizations that are “built around peace.” They are looking for volunteers to talk about this subject. Elisabeth volunteered to be on the panel but asked for some assistance to prepare. Some resources for her were suggested. The panel will meet between Sept. 14th and the 22nd, but the exact date has not yet been set.

The meeting ended in shared silence.

Approved August 4th 2019 

June 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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Mohawk Valley Friends Meeting Business Meeting June 2nd, 2019

*In attendance were Isabelle Haines, clerk, Alexander Haines-Stephan, Liseli Haines, Ami Corleto-Bales, Scott Ferguson , Jeane Smith,Elisabeth Prenot, David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk.

The meeting began with a gathered silence.

Liseli Haines gave an acknowledgement of the Haudenosaunee stewardship of the land where the meeting house sits.

The recording clerk read the minutes from the May 5th business meeting, and they were approved.

The Treasurer’s Report was read by the recording clerk:

   Checking account, $312.40

   Savings account, $3,121.08

   Peaceweek, $3,761.03

   Expenses, $215.21

       NYSEG, $25.21

       Mirabito Propane, $90.00

       Mirabito Propane pre-pay, $100,00

   Donations, $20.00

Building and Grounds Report by Liseli Haines.
Gravel was added to the front of the driveway.No work day for spring added yet.  If there are tasks that Friends desire to be added to the workday agenda, contact Liseli. Ami volunteered to make a list of necessary jobs.

The First Day School ad-hoc Committee has no report. First meeting will be Monday, June 10th.

The Quarterly Meeting in spring next year will be held at the Unadilla Friends Church in Unadilla Forks on Sunday, May 17th, 2020.. A program needs to be created. If anyone has any ideas, there may be a small amount of money available for a speaker.

   *The fall Quarterly Meeting will be on Saturday and Sunday, September 13th-14th at the White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton. 

   *The January Quarterly Meeting will be Sunday, January 19th, 2020 at Butternuts.

Peacemaker Prize for 2019, Clinton High School.
*Will be presented by Liseli Haines on June 5th at the Senior Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Clinton Central School.

*Ami requested a short write up on the person for Facebook.

     *Liseli gave a short history of the scholarship. It is now $500. 

    There is not currently enough funds in our checking account to cover the cost of the scholarship. 

6.2.2019.1 – Friends approved $500 to be moved from the Peaceweek savings account to the checking account to cover this year’s Peacemaker Scholarship as a one-time transfer. At the end of the financial year, any balance up to $500 in the checking account will be transferred back to the Peaceweek savings account. 

Interfaith Luncheon. The MVFM has an opportunity to host the monthly Interfaith Luncheon on either the first Wednesday in August, (August 7th) or the first Wednesday in September, (September 4th). After discussion there was no sense of the meeting and the matter was deferred to the next business meeting.

   *The next Interfaith Luncheon will be at the First Presbyterian Church on Genesee Street in Utica from 11:30 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5th, Elisabeth has been regularly attending these luncheons.

A proposal was made that for the remainder of the summer, whomever is the greeter will also open the door, crack the windows and at the end of meeting unplug the teapot, wash the dishes, etc. This would take pressure off of the Building and Grounds Committee who do this the rest of the year. This was approved for June, July and August.

Liseli reported that the MVFM has 17 current members and one youth, not including attenders. 

The Advocacy Team has a meeting at 2:30 on June 2nd and is working to end the authorization of military force doctrine.

The next business meeting will be on Sunday, July 7th.

The meeting ended in a gathered silence.

Approved 7/7/2019

May 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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May 5,2019

Present: Isabelle Haines, clerk; Alex Haines-Stephan, treasurer;  Mary Ellen Blakey; David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk; Samuel Corleto-Bales, Mira Haines; Elisabeth Prenot; Jenifer Morgan-Davie; Matt Lindop

The meeting began with a gathered silence.

There was an acknowledgement read about the original Oneida stewardship of the land where the meeting house sits.

There was a reading of the the minutes of the April 7th business meeting. They were approved with one correction.

Treasurer’s Report, by Alex Haines-Stephan

  a. Checking account, $507.61

  b. Savings account, $3,020.43

  c. Peaceweek account, $3,760.23

    Expenses–$207.29

  a. NYSEG, $20.29

  b. Mirabito Propane, $90.00

  c. Mirabito Propane for pre-pay, $100.00

    Donations–$20.00

    *Alex has tried to create the Pay Pal account for donations, but needs more information from the yearly meeting. Fees are still going to be necessary because of the Meeting’s non-profit status. It is currently being worked on.

Summer Sessions this year are going to be “pay as led”; Friends decided that the meeting will not be able to donate money to the pay as led scholarship fund for this year because our budget is stretched financially thin due to the double Mirabito payment. The question could be considered for next year. The treasurer asked that he be reminded of this possibility.

There was no Building and Grounds report.

The Utica College religion series was cancelled for this year, but may start up again in the fall.

Quarterly meeting will be Sunday, May 19th at the Hamilton Town Library. It will open at 9:00 for refreshments with the program starting at 9:30. There will be a day-long program led by an anti-racism educator. Friends are asked to bring their own table settings and a dish for pot luck.

Jenifer Morgan-Davie requested to become a full member of the meeting. Previously she was an associate member. Her letter to the meeting was read by Isabelle Haines. This request was approved.

Advocacy team update. Mary Ellen Blakey reported that the meeting with Rep. Anthony Brindisi on April 17th in Utica went well and was a more conducive meeting than with our last congressional representative. On the 18th the advocacy team met with the staffs of Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in Syracuse. They were positive meetings.

The next business meeting will be held on Sunday, June 2nd.

The business meeting ended in silent worship

Approved 6/2/2019

April 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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April 7, 2019

Present: Isabelle Haines, Clerk; Mark Hemendiger; David Corleto-Bales, recording clerk; Ami Corleto-Bales; Mary Ellen Blakey; Barbara Gold; and Elisabeth Prenot.

The meeting began with the acknowledgement of the original Haudenosaunee ownership and stewardship of the land where the meeting house sits, and a gathered silence.

The minutes from the March 3rd business meeting were read and approved.

In absentia Treasurer’s Report, (from Alex Haines-Stephan)

 a. Checking account–438.00
 b. Savings account–2,919.82
 c. Peace week–3,759.45
 d. Expenses–215.56; i) 90.00, Mirabito Propane, ii) 100.00 Mirabito pre-pay, iii) 25.56 NYSEG
 e. Donations–20.00
There was no information regarding the link for the PayPal account that was set up by the treasurer in this report.

Building and Grounds Report, from Mark Hemendiger:

Six mouse traps were set to deal with the problem of mice in the meeting house; one mouse was caught. Little evidence of mice in the meeting house has been found of late, since the weather has improved.

Friends were reminded to lower the toilet seat so that mice won’t drown in the toilet bowl.
A spring work day will be set at a future date. Probably in May.

The State of the Meeting Report summary, by Buffy Curtis, was read by Elisabeth Prenot. Friends approved the summary with a few edits. The clerk will submit the approved summary.

Advocacy Team Meeting, will be on April 14th, at John Bailey’s house in Hamilton, at 3:30.
    a. On Thursday, April 18th, the Advocacy Team will be meeting with Rep. Anthony Brindisi in Utica to ask him to vote to rescind the 2001-02 “AUMF” bill, (Authorization for Use of Military Force) that was been invoked 30 times in the last 18 years.
    b. The Advocacy team will also meet will the staffs of Sen.Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s on the afternoon of the same day to discuss the same issue.

Visions and Desires for the Future which were discussed in the last few months during discernment of the state of our Meeting will be addressed through working groups and ad hoc committees.

It was proposed that First Day School will be the first desire to be addressed.      Elisabeth Prenot, Isabelle Haines, and Ami Corleto-Bales volunteered to form an ad hoc committee to make a plan for a weekly First Day School program.

A proposal was made for the meeting to host a screening of a documentary film, ”The Last Refuge”, about the role of immigrants in the rehabilitation of Utica. This film screening could serve as an outreach and be open to the public. Ami Corleto-Bales will contact the filmmakers about this.

“Next Door Clinton”, which is a community event forum for the village of Clinton and surrounding area could be used to offer the use of the meeting house for outside groups. Mark Hemendiger will look into this.

Religion Presentation at Utica College;
        a. There will be a presentation of various religious faiths at U.C.’s Newman Center on Tuesday, May 7th at 4:30 p.m.

        b. Elisabeth Prenot was asked to present her Quaker beliefs in response to student questions. Isabelle Haines will accompany her.  Friends approved this.

Potluck was confirmed for Sunday, April 21st after meeting.

The next business meeting was set for Sunday, May 5th.

The business meeting ended with gathered silence.

Minutes read and approved 5/5/2019

March 2019 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

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March 3, 2019

In attendance: Isabelle Haines, Alex Haines-Stephan, Elisabeth Prenot, Buffy Curtis, Ami Corleto-Bales, David Corleto-Bales

The meeting started with a gathered silence.

An acknowledgement to the Oneida Indians and their stewardship of the land where the meeting house sits was given

The minutes from the February business meeting were read and approved with some corrections.

Treasurer’s Report by Alex Haines-Stephan:

a) The checking account: 653.46
b) The savings account: 2,819.21
c) Peaceweek: 758.65
d) Expenses for the month: i) 25.86 NYSEG, ii) 90.00 Mirabito, iii) 100.00 Mirabito pre-pay
e) Donations: +860,00

*It was clarified that any shortfalls in the checking account will be covered by the savings account, which kicks in automatically to cover any deficit.

*The treasurer researched different methods by which people could set up automatic donations through services such as PayPal or Venmo. It was found that no service operated without taking some of the money as a fee.

*Automatic bank transfers usually produce a paper check, that while generated automatically, is mailed to the meeting and must then be deposited in the bank.

*It was decided that the treasurer should set up a PayPal, which is free to set up.

**Minute 2019.03.1 – Friends approve creating a Pay Pal account in the Meeting’s name for the receiving of donations.**

Building and Grounds Report

On the subject of the mice in the meeting house, it was decided in an informal meeting that humane traps were not very humane if they could not be checked daily, and so it was decided that kill traps were the best option, and they will be set up.

Undocumented teenager from Clinton;

a) A high school student who is undocumented is living in Clinton with his brothers, and MVFM has been asked on his behalf for some assistance. Friends are invited to discern what support they can give to this family.

Queries to the New York Yearly Meeting;

a) Last year’s query summary was read.
b) There were some corrections and clarifications made in the notes from the query discussions from January and February.
c) It was approved that Buffy Curtis will summarize the notes and submit it to the yearly meeting.

There was a discussion about the wishes for the future and whether one or more wish should be read at every business meeting; also, whether or not some of the wishes require a committee or ad hoc committee, (for example, First Day School.)

Future approved minutes of business meetings will be archived on Google Drive so that a more complete record can be reviewed.

**Minute 2019.03.2 – Friends approved the clerk creating a shared Google Drive for the archival minutes.**

Hamilton College meeting.  This meeting at Hamilton College meets the first Tuesday of every month.  The question was asked whether or not the MVFM wants to be involved with it.  No definitive answer was discerned.

Business meeting minutes; it was agreed that business meeting minutes should be read and approved at the conclusion of the business meeting, and any corrections of clarifications made at that time; Isabelle will talk to the recording clerk to assist in reaching this goal.

The date of the next business meeting will be Sunday, April 7th


Meeting closed with silent worship.



Minutes read and approved 4/07/2019





Mohawk Valley Friends Meeting (MVFM) – State of the Meeting 2018-2019


Following the Advices and Queries of the Yearly Meeting State of Society Committee, over the past year and how MVMM members and attenders met over two months for potluck and conversation of how our meeting has fared over the past year and expressed our hopes and desires for the coming year. Our thoughts are gathered below:

Query #1: “How are we making Friend’s testimonies a part of your meeting?”

     Related to simplicity, MVFM has generally tried to keep rules and regulations to a minimum. Our Meeting House is simple and yet welcoming with comfy chairs and a fireplace warming us especially in winter. Our children’s play school and First Day progam in the basement is filled with toys, books and play things to provide an enjoyable space for our increasing youngsters in attendance. Most Friends and attenders try to live their lives in conscious simplicity and awareness, and attenders and seekers are drawn by our principles and practices related to our testimonies.
   In other aspects, there has been continuing active outreach to indigenous groups by meeting members lead by that ministry;  the Sanctuary Committee has met several times over the past two years in order to formulate strategies to assist people impacted by the current administration’s policies; the Friends Committee on National Legislation advocacy team has been very active in meeting with elected officials and their staffs, here in the Mohawk Valley and in Washington, D.C. and includes Friends from our neighboring Hamilton Quaker Meeting as well. Our Interfaith presence is being carried by one or two members and we successfully hosted the monthly potluck lunch to help introduce ourselves to the group. The MV Friends Meeting has also continued giving out a Peacemaker Award annual scholarship to a local student that best represented their commitment to peace.
     The meeting has gotten bigger and more regularly attended in the last year, with many thanks to thoughtful attention to our website and regular social media presence (FB page). The energy and expertise brought to this effort by some of our “younger” members is a great joy! The outreach program on social media has been successful in promoting Sunday worship and our monthly potluck lunch. As a group, the “20 – 30 Somethings” have been meeting monthly for their own community building potlucks, as individuals and families. The friendship bonding is evident in our First Day meetings as well.
   The MV Meeting has tried to take into consideration the most ethical and sustainable way to heat and provide hot water to the meeting house.


Query #2: “Where does the meeting want to be in one year?”

    The discussion of February 17th had the following statements given as to where we wanted the meeting to be in the next year: 1) we want the meeting house to be used more often, by our meeting as well as by any outside groups that needed the space.  2) We want First Day School and children’s program to have some sort of weekly curriculum; currently it meets once a month. 3) We want to become more financially solvent, with ideas suggested about some type of event, (a movie, dinner, lunch, picnic) that could possibly raise money as well as provide information about Quakers, etc. 4) we want to continue and accelerate community outreach attempts including attracting more families with children.  5) we desire more adult religious education 6) we would like to see more fellowship opportunities in the next year.

In all, MVFM appears to be still seeking the Light both within and without. As we do so, our efforts and energies are rewarded by deeper connections, a greater presence in our wider communities and a true sense of belonging and kinship with each other. It is a definitive “way forward” into the Spirit and the Light!
 

February 2019 Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business

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February 3, 2019


Present: Isabelle Haines (clerk); Mark Hemendiger, Alex Haines-Stephan, Mira Haines, Barbara Gold, Mary Ellen Blakey, David Corleto-Bales (recording clerk)

Meeting began with gathering silence and the acknowledgement of the Oneida native people’s stewardship of the land.

Reading of the minutes from the Jan. 6th Business Meeting: two corrections were made: the $46.33 from the January treasurer’s report was for the NYSEG bill.  2.) Buffy Curtis stepped down as co-clerk, (as did Mark Hemendiger). The minutes were accepted with the corrections.

Treasurer’s Report by Alex:

 a) Checking account: $9.31
 b) Savings account: $2,718.68
 c) Peaceweek: $3,757.92
 d) Expenses: $415.50
 e) NYSEG: $25.50
 f) Mirabito Propane: $90.00
 g)Mirabito Propane for pre-pay: $100,00
 h) Scholarship: $200.00
  i) Donations: $50.00

  *The question was asked by the treasurer about what to do if the meeting can’t meet its monthly expenses. The Mirabito propane payment has been set up to be automatic, and if not enough money is in the account, it will automatically deduct the necessary money out of the savings account.

   *The budget for 2019 was increased by a thousand dollars because of the pre-payfor propane for heating.


   *Some options were discussed, such as selling subscriptions.  Some deficit spending was approved. The matter will be revisited in a few months to see whether or not the checking account is in deficit.

Building and Grounds Report by Mark

    *It was attempted to clear the ramp using the snowblower, however, because the extremely low temperatures had turned the snow into solid ice, it was not successful.  

    *The meeting agreed to order new wood for the fireplace.

    *There was a discussion of what to do about mice in the meeting house.  A humane solution was suggested, but no clear strategy was come up with.  It was deferred to the committee to come up with options to present to the next business meeting.

2019.02.1 Memorial minute for Ibby Chiquoine was read and approved.  (See attachment.)

A reminder was made of the State of the Meeting queries.  The next query, “Where do we want to be going as a meeting?” will be discussed at the next potluck, which will be the third Sunday of the month, February 17th.

World Religions Panel at MVCC will be April 3rd.  On January 7th, information was sent to Taylor Decker at MV but there has been no subsequent follow-up from MVCC’s side.

York Fund; there is money available for aiding Quakers in their education.  Traditionally it was for formal schooling, but now is open for workshops and other classes related to Quaker education.  Various examples were given.

The next business meeting was set for Sunday, March 3rd.

The meeting ended in silent worship.

Approved March 3, 2019