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