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FALL 2000
June 11, 2000
Salem Quarterly Meeting met June 11, 2000, outside amid the voices of birds at the Alloways Creek Meetinghouse. As Friends sat in a circle under the trees our Clerk, Gloria Horvay, welcomed everyone and opened the meeting after a brief period of worship. She expressed appreciation to Dr. Jim Turk, Director for the Salem County Historic Society, for the excellent program, to the Fords for the use of their trailer, to those who helped set up, and to everyone for enduring the heat.
She highlighted some of the items on the agenda: Quarter committee reports, financial matters, and discussion about the Alloways Creek Meetinghouse. The minutes were reviewed and approved with several corrections.
Sue Price-Redfern, Assistant Treasurer of the Quarter, gave the Treasurer’s Report (not available online). She noted that there was little activity over the past quarter and that the Monthly Meetings are contributing their covenants as promised. Friends reminded her to maintain a separate line in the financial records for the Youth Committee; she will correct this. Mary Waddington stated that the Annie Cox Fund can be closed; she stated that it was appreciated greatly. Friends supported the idea that the Finance Committee explore investing more in Fiduciary rather than the PNC account; however, it was noted that it might be better to consider “programmed investment,” which is one step further than the selective investments of the Fiduciary. Gloria reminded Friends that $500 will remain in the Young Friends account, which can be accessed for special activities by writing a letter to her.
Mario Cavallini, Recording Clerk for the Quarter Outreach Committee, reported that the Committee met recently and discussed the pros and cons of continuing the Committee. After much discussion about the facts that many MMs do not participate, and that the Committee could be resurrected, Cindy Cox Crispin, the Co-Clerk, discerned that the Committee believed outreach efforts in the Quarter could be continued without a committee; therefore, the Committee recommended that it be laid down. Friends agreed, albeit expressed great appreciation to all those who worked during the past several years to materialize the many accomplishments of this productive Quarter Committee, especially to Cindy Cox Crispin and Barry Sloane, Co-Clerks, and to Mario Cavallini, Recording Clerk. Friends were reminded to contact Phil and/or the Steering Committee concerning Quarter Outreach ideas and projects; furthermore, Friends should forward outreach articles to Phil for the newsletter.
Roshan Dinshah emphasized the usefulness of the Quaker videos for conducting outreach projects, describing the positive reactions of those inmates who watched it recently at Salem State Prison. Friends decided to use some of the remaining Quarter Outreach funds to supply copies of both videos and books to the prison for future outreach efforts.
Gloria reported that at previous Quarterly Meetings the Quarter had earned funds for FGC books sold (from the percentage given by FGC) in the amounts of $31.47 in March and $44.90 for December. As decided in the past, these funds are available for Phil to purchase FGC books and materials for the Quarter.
Mary Waddington, Clerk of the Quarter Worship and Ministry Committee, provided a report for the Committee (not available online). She noted that this Committee is hosting the August Quarter Retreat, entitled “Conflict: An Opportunity for Spiritual Growth,” which Friends are encouraged to attend. She summarized that at its recent meeting, the Committee discussed the spiritual depth of Meetings for Healing and considered two queries: Truth at work among us, and experiencing the Divine at work. Friends expressed appreciation for the wording of Mary’s report.
Jack Mahon, Clerk of the Steering Committee, reported that at the request of the Coordinator Evaluation Sub-Committee, Phil Anthony has become more involved in the process of evaluation. Jack reported that the Quarter Ad Hoc Committee has cleaned up the room adjacent to Phil’s office in the Woodstown Meetinghouse. Sue Price-Redfern, who coordinated these efforts, reported that the group found materials existed in three categories: (1) old Quarter newsletters, (2) office supplies, and (3) other materials (which will be reviewed by Judy Suplee). Jack noted that the old Quarter copy machine remains available. Friends approved a Minute of Appreciation for Sue and Gloria for their clean-up efforts.
Gloria reported that John Harkins, Head of the Friends School, was requesting that the Quarter donate money “as it was led” to the Building Project. She noted that there remained $1,153 in the Quarter Outreach Year 2000 Budget and $832 had already been approved for the Quarter Outreach 2001 Budget; and there remained $500 unspent in the Youth 2000 Funds. Friends decided to contribute the remaining 2000 Budget amounts, which comprised a gift of $1,653, to the Friends School. Sue agreed to ask Judy Suplee to attend the next Quarterly Meeting to suggest ways the Quarter might be helpful in raising funds for the School. Friends agreed to continue a separate budget line with an amount of $500 for Quarter Outreach efforts.
Gloria read a minute of appreciation for John Harkins, retiring Head of Friends School (composed by George Crispin upon request of the Steering Committee). Friends approved that Gloria will present the minute and the Quarter check to John at the upcoming Friends School Community Day on June 14.
Jack and Gloria shared some of their experiences of participating in the special Million Mom March supporting gun control held on Mother’s Day in Washington, D.C. Lois Dinshah requested a short report for her Criminal Justice Newsletter; it was suggested that she print a copy of the “Quick Impressions” article from the Woodstown Newsletter. Lois dispersed copies of recent issues of the Criminal Justice Newletter for Friends to peruse and noted that circulation has increased.
George Crispin, Clerk of the Quarter Trustees, reported that progress has been made concerning the Port Elizabeth property; upon George’s request, Roshan shared that in his travels he noticed how nice the new sign and gate looked adjacent to the neatly mowed and tended grounds. George noted that Billy Smith, the Eagle Boy Scout, has neared completing his volunteer projects there although he will mow throughout the summer; George stated his intentions to express Quarter appreciation to Billy for all his efforts. George noted that the Trustees met recently and discussed the Alloways Creek Meetinghouse: the continued water leakage on the East wall, the completion of pointing performed by an expert in restoring historic buildings, the need for further carpentry work and painting, the purchase of four shutters (two large and two small) from the old Burlington Meetinghouse, the need to check for termites (which Woody Gross will handle), and the continued Quarter savings due to mowing of the grounds by volunteers. George reported the Trustees’ view of “What to do with the Alloways Creek Meetinghouse,” recommending that the Quarter continue to preserve the building “as historically accurate as possible with conservative expenditures while continuing to utilize the building to keep it as active as possible” (with tours, programs, meetings, etc.).
Gloria invited discussion about the future of the Alloways Creek Meetinghouse. Friends supported the idea that the Quarter immediately move forward to become listed on the National Register of Historic Sites; Torrey Reade agreed to pursue this with assistance from University of Delaware students, who will be asked to make needed drawings. She also will strive to list our Quarter property on the state historic register.
Friends suggested that it was important to start dreaming about future possibilities for the Meetinghouse, including perhaps building a separate building with bathrooms, kitchen, and eating/bunk areas. As for the present, Friends supported using the Meetinghouse as much as possible for programs and meetings in addition to opening the Meetinghouse for tours monthly or as requested. Several Friends offered to assist in developing materials about Quakers and the Meetinghouse and to provide a Quaker presence during tours. It was noted that kerosene heaters could be used for cold weather events. The Trustees were asked to check about wheelchair accessiblity requirements. Phil was requested to include paragraphs in the next Quarter newsletter about the educational use of Alloways Creek Meetinghouse and the Ad Hoc Committee to envision the future of the Meetinghouse (to be convened by Mario and George).
Gloria thanked Friends for participating in the Quarterly Meeting and closed the Meeting with a brief period of worship.
Cindy Cox Crispin
Assistant ClerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Last modified:
Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
