SUMMER 2002March 10, 2002
alem Quarterly Meeting met March 10, 2002, at Woodstown Meetinghouse. Gloria Horvay, our Clerk, opened the meeting after a brief period of worship, welcomed Friends, and reviewed the agenda for the business meeting. She expressed a minute of gratitude for Woodstown Monthly Meeting (MM) for hosting and providing the delicious soups and bread.
After reviewing the December Quarterly Minutes in the newsletter, several corrections were suggested: (1) Add “r” to spelling of Swarthmore College, (2) Replace “Tom” with “Sam” for thank you note and clarify “Sam’s tuition,” and (3) Include whole weekend date, “August 23-25,” for Quarterly Retreat. Friends approved the corrected minutes.
Gloria reported that she had copied the minutes from September 7, 1986, through December 9, 2001, onto acid-free paper, with the help of Bob Horvay, who managed to mail the entire package to Swarthmore College in one mailing envelope! Friends conveyed great appreciation to both Gloria and Bob for the tedious work in securing the minutes as an important part of our Quarter’s written history.
Gloria noted that she had composed and sent a letter to all Monthly Meetings requesting financial support for scholarships to Friends School; she read the letter which communicated the Quarter’s intent to increase the principal in the Education Fund. Friends approved the suggestion to include a similar letter targeting individual financial support in the next Quarter newsletter (see article).
Sue Price-Redfern made a correction to the Coordinator’s Desk page in the last newsletter, noting that Mullica Hill had raised money for their own MM rather than for the Quarter.
Gloria indicated that the Working Group of Interim Meeting from PYM planned to evaluate the Standing Committees. All MMs have been requested to complete an evaluation form by April 21 and report this information through the new Quarter Clerk.
Gloria read a letter addressed to the Quarter from Chris Darlington, Treasurer of the Tri-Quarter Gathering Planning Committee, requesting an increase in Quarter donation to the annual retreat. She noted that all three quarters have been allocating $400 each year for the past ten years and all costs have increased. Accordingly, Friends agreed to budget $500 in our next budget as requested. George Crispin, Clerk of the Tri-Quarter Planning Committee, encouraged Friends to mark their calendars for this special community event scheduled for the weekend of October 18, again at the serene and beautiful Camp Ockanickon.
Gloria read correspondence from Gary Larsen and Beth Johnson from Mullica Hill MM concerning Gary’s medical status after intensive treatments for leukemia, noting that he was expected to receive a transplant in late March. Friends expressed that they continue to hold them both in the Light.
Gloria noted that Grace Thompson, a member of the Quarter Nominating Committee, was providing the Nominating Committee Report since Peggy Warner, the clerk, was not available. Grace offered the names of all Friends for new and renewed appointments, including Michael Gibson from Woodbury MM for Quarter clerk; Mike Ayars announced the Friends named to the Woodstown Friends Home Board (see complete list). Friends approved all nominations, expressing appreciation for the Committee’s work and the willingness of Friends to serve the Quarter.
Grace read the following minute of appreciation for Gloria who has served faithfully as Clerk of Salem Quarter for the past six years:
Salem Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends has been well served in Gloria’s faithful attendance to clerking responsibilities and more in her six years as our clerk. She has served in clerking, prepared reports, listened to multiple concerns and guided when necessary, attended meetings beyond the Quarter and served as clerk of the PYM gathering of clerks. She has served actively on Steering Committee and assisted Finance Committee. She has given large measures of time. We are a stronger Quarter now for many reasons. Gloria is one of them. We’ll miss her joyful presence and skillful talents as clerk, but know that she’ll find new leadings to share her talents amongst us. Thank you, Gloria!
Cindy Cox Crispin reinforced the minute of appreciation for Gloria, noting that it has been a pleasure serving as Assistant Clerk to such an excellent Quarter Clerk.
Gloria introduced Tom Lyons, the current administrator at the Woodstown Friends Home, who offered his annual report to the Quarter. He acknowledged that there have been some staff changes and altered responsibilities this past year. Then he shared the positive results of the recent professional certification survey of the Home which praised the Home and made the unusual conclusion that no deficiencies were found in the Home. He reported that there were increases in therapists provided to residents and explained various financial assistance funds available to all residents. He shared information concerning the significant fundraising efforts to support the major building campaign. He encouraged Friends to attend the ice cream social fundraiser planned for June and announced a golf fundraiser scheduled for October. He presented large schematic diagrams which represented the planned new buildings and additions in relation to the existing Home and grounds. He acknowledged some obstacles to the building projects, including addressing two municipal planning boards, Woodstown and Pilesgrove. He noted that they hope to finalize the plans and secure sufficient funds to proceed with initial building in the fall, with a tentative completion date of 15 months. The Home will become a continuing care facility as a retirement planned community so residents can move into more intensive care levels of service as needed. He responded to questions about Quaker representation, stating that currently 18% of residents, and two or three of the staff (including Tom) are Quaker. Gloria expressed great appreciation on behalf of the Quarter for Tom’s comprehensive presentation.
Sue presented a finance report. She noted that the new property account has been set up as planned. Friends discussed the idea of the interest from property and Lower Alloways Creek Fund staying with the municipal fund rather than being returned to the Quarter; Friends approved this change. Sue conveyed thanks to all MMs for their prompt covenant donations to the Quarter. She responded to questions for clarification and Friends accepted her report with gratitutde.
Mary Waddington, Clerk of the Quarter Worship and Ministry Committee, reported on the recent Committee meeting (see article). Gloria shared the value of the Worship and Ministry Committee meetings and invited all interested Friends to attend. Friends expressed a minute of appreciation to the Friends who provide the valuable service of ministry at the Friends Home: Michael Gibson, Gloria Horvay, Shirley Lock, and Mary Waddington.
Mario Cavallini presented a Steering Committee report. He highlighted the progress concerning the situation of dealing with PYM, especially related to oversight of the coordinator. He noted that Thom Jeavons, PYM General Secretary, met with the Steering Committee recently in a very productive meeting which reestablished trust, focused on concerns, and identified some specific ways to resolve problems. Mario emphasized that we hope we can find flexible ways of resolving issues. One area discussed is how to resolve employment relationship issues. In another area, he reported that with excellent guidance from Sue Price-Redfern, we have worked out a better system for the financial process with PYM. He invited participation from MMs in a Quarter Clerking workshop scheduled for September 21, which will entail a $25 registration fee. He also reported that the Coordinator Budget for 2003-2004 will be forthcoming soon. He encouraged Friends to register early for the weekend Quarter Retreat to be held at Burlington Meeting House August 23-25. He explained that Phil continues to visit MMs to facilitate communication and Quarter involvement, noting that he visits some more than others as needed. Mario announced that he planned to step down from clerking the Steering Committee soon in order to pursue other leadings.
Gloria read the Trustees report submitted by George Crispin, Clerk of the Quarter Trustees (see article). The report described recent care of our Quarter properties. George explained that efforts continue toward establishing historic status for Alloways Creek Meetinghouse; he reported that the cost will be about $6,000 and noted that details on this matter will be included in the next report. Sue read an eloquent and heartfelt letter from Bob Redfern concerning their experiences over the past year in caring for the Maurice River cemetery grounds. Friends expressed a minute of appreciation to all those who devote extensive time, energy, and sweat to caring for our Quarter properties.
Gloria reported that our Quarter has received funds from the $400 book sales of Friends General Conference (FGC) materials which Bob Horvay has coordinated; therefore, thanks to his dedicated efforts, the Quarter now has $106 in our FGC account which Phil may utilize to order materials. Friends expressed a minute of appreciation to Bob for providing this valuable service at Quarterly Meetings.
Friends expressed appreciation to Roshan Dinshah and Bill Geary for their service in criminal justice ministry. A minute of appreciation was conveyed to Cindy who, in her role as Quarter Assistant Clerk, serves as our meticulous recording clerk. Gloria thanked all Friends who attend and participate in Quarterly Meetings, devoting time to attending to important Quarter business.
Chris Mahon reported that the new Friends School building is nearly ready for its planned grand opening for students in April. Many Friends expressed how the new school addition is “wonderful” and “incredible,” acknowledging the Quaker simplicity of design and thoughtful use of space.
Biz Thomas reported that many physical improvements have been completed at Camp Darkwaters, including new appliances in the kitchen, roof repairs, and sewer maintenance. She encourages Friends to apply to the camp and noted that the camp program will be extended from summer into winter. She reported that the camp has been in continuous operation for 75 years and will be celebrating its anniversary on April 6.
Bob requested Friends to give him any new addresses for the FGC publication. Michael Gibson reported that FGC has revived its religious education newsletter, which will be produced twice yearly; he noted that currently it is being sent to all MM Clerks.
George Houghton announced that PYM is requesting volunteers to usher at Yearly Meeting and/or to serve lunch on Saturday. Friends also were encouraged to assist with children’s programs.
Jack Mahon announced that the Education Standing Committee visits MMs as they are able. For Friends’ information, Gloria read the list of the many working groups which operate under the care of the Education Standing Cmmittee.
Gloria closed the meeting with a brief period of worship and reminded Friends to attend our next Quarterly Meeting in June with our new Quarter Clerk, Michael Gibson.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Cox Crispin, Assistant ClerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
