15th Street Monthly Meeting - Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting of the

Transcription

15th Street Monthly Meeting
Consolidated minutes of business meetings
and called meetings from
June 2006 through present
Contents
Page
State of the Meeting report for 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Called meeting, June 4, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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June 2006 business meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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July 2006 business meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Called meeting, September 23, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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September 2006 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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October 2006 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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November 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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December 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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January 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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February 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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March 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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April 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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May 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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June 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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July 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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October 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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December 2007 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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January 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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February 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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March 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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April 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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15th Street Monthly Meeting from June 2006 to present
May 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
July 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
October 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 2008 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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2006 State of the Meeting Report
15th Street Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
To Friends in America (from George Fox):
"…and be kind and courteous one towards another, all studying to be quiet and to excel one another in Virtue, Purity, Holiness,
Righteousness, and Godliness in all your words, lives and conversations ..."
2/7/1681
We at 15th Street Monthly Meeting are committed to deepening the fellowship and stewardship of our Meeting. We continue to work on ways to
lovingly support and nurture each other in our committee work, business meetings and our personal lives.
We continue to grapple with the relationship of the Meeting to Friends Seminary and our mutual use of property. There is discord coming from deeply
felt concerns, yet we seek harmony and a way forward. We seek wholeness as a spiritual community as we look inward for God's guidance.
This year the Shelter and Property committees worked together to upgrade the kitchen for improving the quality of care we provide for shelter guests.
The Arts, Peace and Friends in Unity with Nature committees likewise have worked together for the betterment of our community outreach. We noted
an input of fresh energy towards the end of the year, coming in part from new Friends who helped to revive our Hospitality committee and to resume
the publication of our monthly newsletter. Two marriages taken under the care of the Meeting were blessed with the birth of children in 2006. We
welcomed the arrival of Shiena Hikari Doherty, born to Brian Doherty and Hiromi Niwa, and Alden Penn Harting, born to Morgan and Caroline
Harting.
We continue our witness for peace and our belief that peace is the only way in a world filled with war, strife, and discord. We struggled with how to
acknowledge the death of Tom Fox, a Friend from Langley Hill Meeting, Virginia, Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who was killed in Iraq on March 9 while
serving with Christian Peacemaker Teams and whose witness for peace and reconciliation inspired us all. As someone wrote in his memory, "We stand
in the light of Tom's strong witness to the power of love and the courage of non-violence."
We have grave concerns on global warming and supported Friends in Unity with Nature in their discussions regarding the large role Friends can play in
facing this crisis, as well as in nurturing a radical love for all of God's creation.
We pray that God will guide us in finding creative openings in our continuing Witness to the world for future generations.
Following is a brief report (slightly edited) from each committee. These reports, we hope, provide a clear, concrete summary of the work of our meeting.
In bringing this information together, we on Ministry and Worship were encouraged by the wide range of service and witness, and the skill and
dedication, provided by the members of our meeting.
Ministry and Worship
The Ministry and Worship Committee has
the rewarding and challenging work of
fostering the spiritual growth of Meeting
members and newcomers. We do this by
offering guidance and support to
individuals and by providing ongoing
religious education opportunities for the
community. We also oversee the Meetings
for Worship, in order to find ways of
strengthening our corporate worship.
Finally, we prepare a State of the Meeting
Report to be sent to the Yearly Meeting.
In 2006, the M&W committee continued its
work of reaching out to newcomers by
offering "welcome" flyers, displayed in a
wooden holder on the fence on Rutherford
Place, for all who might pass by the
Meetinghouse. With a Spanish translation
of this flyer, provided courtesy of a visiting
Friend from Mexico, we will provide it to
Spanish speakers as well. The committee
also developed a brief written introduction
to Quaker worship, which is handed out at
the door on First Day mornings. At the
conclusion of the Meeting for Worship, a
facilitating member from our committee
will often read excerpts from another
statement, which reminds longtime
members as well as newcomers that the
responsibility of holding a gathered meeting
rests with each person that attends;
addresses such ongoing concerns as late or
disruptive arrivals or messages given too
quickly on the heels of another message;
offers guidance on how to tell if a message
is truly in the Spirit of God; and how to
receive a message that seems inappropriate.
Newcomers to Meeting were offered free
packets of introductory tracts from the FGC
bookstore. Attenders considering
membership were offered additional tracts.
Visitors to the 15th Street website also
found a new "About Quakerism" statement,
developed by committee members.
The M&W committee continued the
ongoing "3rd Sunday" programs, offering
sessions on the Yearly Meeting queries for
the State of the Meeting report, the
discernment process for vocal ministry,
energy policy and faith, the works of George
Fox, "meeting the minimum needs of all"
(given by visiting Friend Radh Achuthan),
an introduction to the "School of the Spirit,"
a presentation by Friends in Unity with
Nature on what the earth is asking of us
now, and an introduction to the practice of
"focusing" meditation in the context of
Quakerism, to name a few. These generally
were well attended. A Quakerism 101
course offered in the fall was also well
attended.
The committee continued to labor with
ongoing concerns, such as the Meeting's
relationship to the Schools as it affects the
uses of the buildings at 15 Rutherford Place,
and the need to engage the meeting in some
kind of living connection with major
elements of Quaker tradition, such as the
advices and queries, worship practice, and
knowledge of Quaker history.
Pastoral Care
Friendly Eights: The Friendly Eights
program is happening again after a oneyear hiatus, allowing small groups of
Friends to get to know one another outside
of Meeting.
Weddings: On September 16th, our
member Cynthia Large married Dean
Bardouka at the Meeting House under the
care of the meeting. Two members of
Pastoral Care also participated in the
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wedding of Moorestown member Marshall
Coles to Aurora Robson at 15th Street. We
found it very helpful to receive a copy of a
notebook with complete wedding
procedures that the Quarterly Office
prepared for distribution to all Quarter
Pastoral Care clerks.
Memberships and Transfers: This year 15th
Street welcomed nine new members. They
are David Mensah, Diana and Lindiana
Timmons, Andrew Schlegel, Mark and
Simon Bloch and Amy Scarola, and Paul
and Corey Williams who transferred from
Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting in
Pennsylvania. Monika Ryan, who grew up
in this meeting, transferred her
membership to Central Philadelphia
Monthly Meeting, and Carol Holmes
transferred her membership to Brooklyn
Meeting.
Memorials: none!
Outreach: We continued our tradition of
holding an annual Attenders Tea. About
half a dozen Friends were on hand to greet
about half a dozen enthusiastic attenders at
the Penington Friends House in November.
Our 2005 Outreach letter was sent out with
a return envelope with the hope that we
would hear back from members about their
lives and/or concerns. We were pleased to
receive many thoughtful responses. We
were especially happy to hear from
members who live far away. As our meeting
explores the use of computers as tools of
communication and data storage, the
Pastoral Care committee has become aware
that many new issues accompany our
progress. Business Meeting approved our
suggestion that an ad hoc Communication
Committee be formed to review the 15th
Street's Google groups accounts, online
distribution of the newsletter, storage of
membership data and possibly the Website.
The committee will also look into whether
there is a need for a permanent
Communications Committee and how it
would work with other committees,
especially the Committee Room Committee.
Membership rolls: We met with the
Recorder and the clerk of the Directory
Committee to review and update the
membership list and hope to do that
annually.
Clearness Committees: In a discussion of
recent Clearness Committees we agreed
that a daily spiritual practice can have a
positive effect on all aspects of our lives.
This led us to follow through on the
suggestion of one PC member that we invite
Harbert Rice (from Nevada Friends
Meeting) to give a presentation to the
meeting about "Focusing". Many new
members and attenders were present. We
also began a monthly Woman's Worship
group.
Cooperation with Ministry and Worship:
The Pastoral Care and Ministry and
Worship Committees met twice this year as
they have for several years. At the spring
meeting we focused on the fact that our
committees, particularly Pastoral Care, are
not full. We looked again at whether
combining the committees would cut down
on the workload and agreed that it probably
would not and that we would prefer to be
attentive to prioritizing our tasks. Our
minute was forwarded to the Business
Meeting. At the fall meeting we spoke to
the problem we've had in recent years of
completing the State of the Meeting Report
on time. We resolved to work together to
encourage committees to send us their
reports sooner. Members from some
committees found it to be a helpful exercise
in preparation of their reports to Business
Meeting.
Nominating
The first half of the year was met with
significant challenges in getting nominees
for Pastoral Care, Ministry and Worship,
and the Newsletter which have fewer
members than needed. The most common
statement from Friends being asked to
serve is that they are burdened not only by
other committee work but also with their
own personal and business work. The most
active Friends generally are already on two
or more committees for 15th Street and may
be on others for NYQM and NYYM.
To address these issues we have done the
following:
Suggested that Ministry & Worship
and Pastoral Care Committees
consider combining.
Reached out to new members as well
as regular attenders to have them
consider their talents and which
committees they may feel suited to.
Reach out to current committee
members and those unable to serve in
the past to see if their schedules allow
them to do so now.
In addition we reviewed the language
prepared by the ad hoc Nominating
Procedures Committee formed to improve
on this process.
Peace
The ten to fourteen members of the Peace
Committee continue to make their central
activity the promotion of and participation
in 15th Street's vigil for peace and nonviolence at Washington Square. For the
second year families and seminary students
were invited to join us at our May vigil.
There is a thin thread between the
committee and school, which we hope to
thicken. A few First Day school children
also came, which was delightful and
moving, and there were about two dozen
adults. Friends also participated in several
anti-war rallies and peace marches
throughout the year.
We raised approximately $1000 through
five pre-business meeting sandwich sales to
donate to four causes: the production of
Sabrina Jones's anti-recruitment comic
book, the peace garden at a women's
trauma recovery center in Burundi, a fund
to reopen the Alvar branch of the New
Orleans Public Library, and Quaker House.
In each case, the cause was in line with our
collective vision, and a half dozen members
contributed their time, talents, and food at
each sale.
On September 11th, we sponsored an
evening meeting for worship, followed by a
potluck supper with shelter guests.
The past fall we worked to mobilize the
meeting to visit our senators and
representatives with a minute from the
meeting calling for the humane treatment
of all U.S.-held prisoners. This idea is
inspired by a minute from Langley Hill,
Virginia Meeting, drawn up as a way of
honoring and continuing Tom Fox's work.
Friends in Unity with Nature
We continue to have healthy attendance
from both 15th Street and Morningside
meetings and this year we have made
special effort to encourage attendance from
Brooklyn meeting, and beyond. Some of our
monthly meetings have been outdoors, in a
park or on a roof. Typically, after a short
period of worship-sharing or meditation,
our meetings have explored such subjects
as plans for the Study Group for Yearly
Meeting, "Finding Our Role in Earthcare";
Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth,"
which, with the Arts Committee, we showed
at 15th Street in November, for discussion
and a basis for mobilization and action; and
the F.U.N. website, FUNQuakers.org.
An unexpected visiting Friend Marshall
Massey, one of the founders of the national
F.U.N., led to an evening of sharing our
perspectives on earthcare. Energy has been
the subject of many discussions with the
result that we sold energy-efficient compact
fluorescent light bulbs at our meetings,
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calculated our "Ecological Footprint," and
co-sponsored talks on various energy issues
with the Neighborhood Energy Network
(NEN), a New York City organization.
Two members also shared ideas and
inspiration from a talk in Philadelphia by
the eco-philosopher Joanna Macy called
"The Great Turning: Revolution for the
Sake of Life on Earth." The Socially
Responsible Investment Group, which
meets regularly, is an outgrowth of our
committee, as is a monthly group reading
current books on various energy topics cosponsored by NEN. Angela Manno, a newer
member of the committee with a broad
background in earth work, will teach a sixweek course entitled "Eco-Spirituality and
Action," in January.
Arts
We had a fruitful year and presented a wide
range of programs. In March, our second
year of the Friends Film Series began with
the new film "The St Patrick Four," which
featured Dan Berrigan, the filmmakers, and
other family members of those who
committed civil disobedience at a
recruitment office in upstate New York. The
filmmakers were on hand to present their
film.
Also in March, the Arts and Peace
committees hosted 30 young Friends from
the Scatterfield School in Iowa, who came
to attend our book reading event featuring
Howard Zinn, Amy Goodman and Anthony
Arrnove. Over 400 people were in
attendance. Others who spoke at the event
were the Iraq Vets Against the War. These
events enabled many Friends seminary
students to contribute their time (and also
fulfill their community service
requirement).
In November we co-sponsored a showing of
Inconvenient Truth with F.U.N. and we
began planning for Peace Week at Friends
Seminary in February, enlisting the help of
artist James Turrell who will be the keynote
speaker, and address the school on the
relationship of his work to peace and the
environment.
Committee Room
We continue to discuss what best suits our
Meeting with respect to the Committee
Room, its equipment, and Information,
Internet and Network/Tech issues. Techsavvy members of our committee have
helped us with the problems we have had
with computer equipment, and we have
purchased additional equipment when
needed. Our discussions have ranged from
figuring out a simple but sure way to back
up our information to more complicated
decisions involving the website and the
Meeting's Internet group/bulletin board as
discussed at the Ad Hoc Communications
Committee meeting. We have attempted to
keep the Committee Room from becoming
a storage area for items not of a "document"
nature. This continues to be a big problem
and reduces the usability of the space. We
ask all committees to assist in this effort.
Directory
We have a new directory for the first time in
several years, containing the names,
addresses, and emails of those who wish to
be included.
Budget and Collection
This year the Budget & Collections
committee has worked diligently to better
understand and manage our financial
resources and needs. Our committee has
benefited from having all positions filled for
the first time in many years, and the influx
of new Friends has brought a new level of
interactivity and workability to the financial
life of the Meeting.
Working with the Treasurer, we have
converted our bookkeeping to digital files,
which will enable us to gain more insight
into our spending patterns and fundraising
results. We are instituting new forms,
which will ease the work of our depositor
and treasurer and bring a level of clarity to
our financial lives that has been missing.
We have also begun looking deeply into our
budget as an expression of our witness. We
are querying our relationship as a Meeting
to the financial and material gifts of the
Spirit.
For the first time in recent memory, the
committee has led the Meeting in taking a
proactive stance in our financial
relationship with NYYM, by discerning our
covenant donation before YM's Budget
Saturday. In 2006 we provided YM with a
definite, promised dollar amount, instead of
passively processing a YM request after
their budgeting process. To arrive at this
covenant, we labored long and hard over
donations and giving patterns from the last
several years. We discovered that our
budget (including the YM donation) in the
last two years had been saved at the last
minute by a one-time bequest and an
anonymous donation from an attender. To
be responsible for our financial needs and
resources, we therefore felt that a
significantly lower covenant was more
prudent. We are looking forward to
fulfilling our covenant with integrity and
hope to increase the donation if possible.
In light of our sometimes dire financial
straits in the past, we have also become
aware of the need for an operating fund,
which has been instituted, but is not yet
fully funded. This operating fund would
allow us to pay bills and fulfill on our
covenant donations when our collections
are at their ebb. Receipt of a very large
bequest in 2006 reinforced our belief in
being prepared for a rainy day, instead of
living from hand to mouth. Although our
quest for greater security in our finances
has been challenging at times, perhaps the
greatest reward so far has been the clarity
and comprehension with which we're
beginning to view our budget and
collections.
Shelter
While homelessness continues as a neverending problem in our city, 15th Street
Meeting's shelter committee continues to
respond. We welcome twelve homeless
men and women to the common room each
night. We have been extremely fortunate
that we have not had to close for lack of
volunteers. Members, attenders and
neighbors answer our call for help,
providing a warm and comfortable place for
our guests to sleep, a snack at night and in
the morning, and friendship. Our homeless
guests are extremely grateful and we are
pleased that we are able to help.
Property
We have met regularly as a committee
except for July and August and have
undertaken the following:
1. We researched potential solutions to the
acoustical problems in the Meetinghouse.
Other Meetings are grappling with this
and we found out that while some
Meetings installed assisted listening
devices for the hard of hearing, that
didn't address the difficulty hearing
messages which many other Friends
have. Other Meetings have said that
reverberation has been a problem with
their installed audio systems. Our
challenge was to find an effective and
relatively visually and aurally
unobtrusive system. We obtained a
preliminary proposal from a sound
engineer for a 'Sound Field Enhancement
System'. Roughly the cost for this would
run somewhere between $10,000 and
$25,000 depending on a variety of
factors, for example, the least obtrusive
equipment is the most costly. Another
factor is how many zones are created.
The system is basically a matrix which
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divides the room into multiple
microphone (receiver) and speaker
(amplification) zones with devices that
make sure sound doesn't broadcast back
to the zone of the one who is speaking
(which creates reverberation).
2. We were approached by the Shelter
Committee for assistance in upgrading
the Shelter kitchen with new appliances
they had obtained. With volunteer labor
and the money obtained by selling the
gas appliances (since we do not have a
gas hookup) they were able to replace the
cabinets, sink and cooktop as well as
upgrade the electrical. The work is not
quite finished but should be by the end of
the year.
3. We continue to look at and discuss
signage along the fence in order to
announce our upcoming public events.
4. In response to a request from Manhattan
Monthly Meeting, we have a design for
new signs at the 15 Rutherford Place
entrance which will update and expand
the information.
5. In response to a request from Budget and
Collections there is now a permanent
collections box inside one of the lobby
cabinets.
6. We have been in contact with Friends
Seminary throughout the year regarding
the renovation, its repercussions and
implications. Phase 1 has afforded the
First Day School more classroom space
but reduced the size of the Common
Room, thus the Shelter. The construction
process, while understandably messy,
greatly inconvenienced the NYYM office
due to a lack of or poor communication.
We hope to remedy this in regards to
completion of Phase 1 in the coming
months by engaging Friends Seminary
more fully and comprehensively.
7. The elevator is scheduled to be
completed by late spring. For 15th St
Monthly Meeting, this means access to
the cafeteria and to the Lounge. This
accessibility opens the way for us to use
the property more fully than we have in
recent years. We are in dialog with 15th
St MM as to how that increased use will
look in the near future.
8. Through our reports to Business Meeting
and Called Meetings, we have continued
to be in dialogue with 15th St. Friends
regarding our use of the property. There
is new construction being done and
significant changes to the property
shared by our Meeting, but the approval
process of this building project did not
directly involve the 15th Street Business
Meeting. We have been asked by the
Meeting and the Quarter to help facilitate
the process of creating a plan regarding
our shared use of the physical facility (the
Meetinghouse, Central and Old School
buildings). Over the last few years there
have been 3 overlapping issues which
have brought us to this place:
a. 15th St MM's deepened articulation of
its need to have a real sense of a
physical place that supports its
spiritual worship and witness.
b. The opportunity provided by the
elevator and the potential central
building renovation to further provide
a space which supports our vision.
c. The need for clarity between all users
of the property before the potential
separate incorporation of Friends
Seminary and the division of property
can occur.
In conclusion, our work continues. We are,
perhaps, a unique urban Meeting because
our facility is so very heavily utilized by so
many – from the eight Quaker and
associated groups to the many
organizations from the community who use
space weekly or who schedule special
events. In the coming months of 2006
Property committee hopes to begin
implementing 15th St MM's increased
access to and the inhabitation of our
buildings.
Religious Education
First Day School has had a year full of fun
and companionship. The October 16 the
whole First Day School staged an Apple
Festival that raised $175 for AFSC
hurricane Katrina relief. In the fall the 4- to
6-year-olds discussed different forms of
spirituality through the holidays of different
religious traditions: Jewish and Hindu
visitors shared their traditions on Yom
Kippur/Rosh Hashanah and Diwali.
Frederica Clare prepared a wonderful
Kwanzaa festival for the whole First Day
School. Also Margaret Mulindi visited to
describe Manhattan Monthly Meeting. In
the spring we focused on the experience of
silence and its meaning for Friends. We
practiced different forms of meditation,
read books about different things you can
experience in silence, and experimented
with a meditation bowl. We told the story of
George Fox and talked about the meaning
of silent worship for early Friends. The 7- to
9-year-old group had its own newly created
space on the mezzanine. Going around the
circle and checking in often took most of
our time up. We've focused on really
listening to and learning about each other.
We also learn things about Quakerism
while we're discussing our concerns and
interests. We were happy to be included in
the Genesis and Moses plays when we were
asked to learn songs for them. Once we all
got up and broke meeting together.
The 10-and-up group got to work on their
second play after having gotten a very warm
reception to the Genesis play they had
presented to the Meeting in the winter.
They studied the period during which
Moses lived and created their own script
based on his life. This play was also
received with resounding enthusiasm.
The Rummage Sale was organized by the
RE committee again and again helped fund
many who might not otherwise have gotten
to Silver Bay.
Throughout the year the First Day School
sponsored a monthly meeting sing, before
the 11:00 meeting in the music room. This
tradition is still struggling to be born, but
its enthusiasts on the RE committee remain
excited about it, and anxious to connect
with anyone else in the meeting who would
like to encourage more singing.
Other challenges faced by the committee,
and discussed in our meetings, include:
how to involve Manhattan Monthly
Meeting, who bring six to eight children to
First Day School, more comprehensively in
our planning; how to bring parents of very
young children into First Day School, and
how to keep teenagers involved; and how to
develop programs that can be sustained for
a varying and diverse student population;
how to plan our programs so we can draw
on our own past experiences; how to
involve more of the meeting in our
programs; and how to make effective use of
child care. Some of these issues were raised
in meetings at Yearly Meeting Silver Bay
that were attended by several members of
our committee, and two ongoing groups
springing from those meetings will continue
to consider these matters. In the summer
we faced a major obstacle with the
reconstruction of our First Day School
rooms. During construction our classes
met improvisatorially together in the library
and the gym, often on a rug contributed
kindly by Margaret Lew, who often led the
entire group. Our patience was rewarded
when two beautiful new classrooms were
opened in late September for use by the
infants to 3-year-olds and 4- to 7-year-olds.
Page 7
MINUTES OF THE
CALLED MEETING,
JUNE 4, 2006
At the Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting of the
Religious Society of Friends, held in the Meeting
Room at 221 East 15th Street, New York City,
10003, on First Day Sixth Month 4, 2006 at
2:30 PM;
At a called meeting for Friends to discuss how we might
see ourselves using the meeting house in the future,
1. The recording clerk reads a letter from George
Fisher, clerk of Fifteenth Street Meeting:
Dear Friends,
When I returned home after our last business meeting, my
wife reminded me that we were we hosting family from out of
town during the weekend of June 3rd and 4th, and that Sunday
afternoon would be the only time we could all do something
together. I decided that my priority needs to be with my family.
I apologize for my absence, and for backing out of the
commitment I made to clerk today's meeting. I have been in
conversation with several Friends, starting with Betty, to try to
help make other arrangements. I hope you will find them
satisfactory and will proceed with a constructive meeting.
In Friendship,
George
Friends approve John Mahoney to serve as co-clerk with
Betty Williams for today.
2. Out of a lengthy discussion, Friends discern the
need for a deeper sense of a spiritual home in which
to carry out our worship and our witness. Friends are
moved to unite around a clear vision of our leadings for
the property which is the home of Fifteenth Street Monthly
meeting. That vision is founded on a desire to direct the
use of our meeting house:
Who is to use it,
When it is to be used,
How it is to be used.
We are aware that this stewardship of our meeting house
will require a large responsibility and commitment.
We wish to explore a more considered use of the property
between Fifteenth Street and Manhattan Monthly
meetings, New York Quarterly Meeting, New York Yearly
Meeting, Friends Seminary, the AFSC and YSOP.
Friends approve.
Then, with 28 Friends in attendance, after a period of
silence with vocal ministry, we adjourn the meeting at 5:45
PM, until First Day, Sixth month 11 at 1:00 PM in the
meeting room.
Respectfully submitted,
John Mahoney
Betty Williams, co-clerks for the day
In attendance: Bob Baldridge, Arthur Berk, Charles
Brainard, Linda Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina, Frederica
Azania Clare, Margery Cornwell, Brian Doherty, Carol
Jackson, Margaret Lew, John Maynard, John Mahoney,
Lorcan Otway, Diana Smith-Barker, Ruth Walton Scott,
Susanna Scott, Liz Sheed, Diana Timmons, Lindiana
Timmons, Betty Williams, Louise Wolf,
And: Gerard Banzaca, Melvin Dennis, Dezi Dieudonne,
Monika Fabian, Sarah Johnson, Eileen McGinn
Page 8
MINUTES OF THE
JUNE BUSINESS MEETING
JUNE 11, 2006
10003, on First Day Sixth Month 11, 2006 at
1:00 p.m;
During a period of open worship with vocal ministry the
Recording Clerk reads Advice #1 and Query #14 from
NYYM Faith and Practice.
We introduce ourselves and circulate the sign-in sheet.
The clerk makes announcements, including notice of New York
Yearly Meeting at Silver Bay from July 23 to July 29. Friends
who desire financial assistance to attend Silver Bay should
contact Margery Cornwell by the first week in July. Requests
to the Yearly Meeting must be made by the last week in June.
Friends are asked to inform 15th Street Meeting and NYYM that
they have applied to both sources for assistance.
1. The meeting has received a request from Jared
Taber, a Communications Intern at Pendle Hill, for
information on Wallace Hamilton, who died in early
September of 1983 and had a memorial meeting here. He
requests a copy of the memorial minute.
Lorcan Otway will follow up on this request. Friends
approve.
2. In a letter, Monika Ryan, residing at 716 League
Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19147 requests transfer of her
membership to Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting.
The request bears the approval of Pastoral Care. Meeting
approves the transfer and requests the clerk to execute the
necessary documents.
3. Betty Williams reports on the Called Meeting
about Property held last Sunday afternoon, which she coclerked with John Mahoney. The final minute is as
follows:
Out of a lengthy discussion, Friends discern the need
for a deeper sense of a spiritual home in which to
carry out our worship and our witness. Friends are
moved to unite around a clear vision of our leadings
for the property which is the home of Fifteenth Street
Monthly meeting. That vision is founded on a desire
to direct the use of our meeting house:
Who is to use it,
When it is to be used,
How it is to be used.
We are aware that this stewardship of our meeting
house will require a large responsibility and
commitment.
We wish to explore a more considered use of the
property between Fifteenth Street and Manhattan
Monthly meetings, New York Quarterly Meeting,
New York Yearly Meeting, Friends Seminary, the
AFSC and YSOP.
We consider how to distribute the minute that was agreed
upon at that time.
We agree to distribute this minute promptly to the Clerk of
the Quarter, the Clerk of Trustees, and the Clerk of the
Working Group. We also request that a 15th-Street Friend
share this minute at the meeting on June 17th and be
prepared to speak informally of our intentions.
In response to a request from Quarterly Trustees for a
solid plan, we agree to begin a planning process. We ask
the Property Committee to provide initial guidance and
include Friends from Manhattan Monthly in their
planning if possible.
As the planning process proceeds we will reach out to the
other groups who share space in the facilities, as listed in
the original minute.
We ask 15th-Street members of the Working Group to
bring our concerns forward as appropriate as or if the
Working Group continues its work.
We ask the historian to provide to the Property Committee
the original minute on incorporation of the Quarter (from
1975) as well as minutes about property use from recent
years.
The clerk agrees to write promptly to Ed Elder, Clerk of
NYQM, and John Maynard, Clerk of Trustees, informing
them of the minute.
4. We hear an update of committee clerks. The
clerk agrees to post a current list of committee clerks on
the bulletin board, and publish it in the newsletter.
5. JoAnne Dally presents the following nomination
from the Nominating Committee for a second reading:
Eileen McGinn for 15th Street liaison with Friends
Committee on National Legislation (FCNL).
Friends approve.
6. We consider briefly our current social hour
arrangement and ask about ways to move forward. We
agree to put a notice on the tables in the common room
asking Friends to help.
7. Cynthia Schlegel, the treasurer, brings forward
two recommendations from the Budget and Collections
Committee for Business Meeting approval. They are
attached.
Page 9
1. Designated funds. “B&C recommends that funds currently
designated outside of the budget not be replenished and be allowed
to expire. The committee and Treasurer have found tracking and
spending these restricted funds overly complicated and a continuing
source of confusion for the Meeting. We will work with Meeting
committees that use these funds over the next months and years to
adjust their annual budgets accordingly, as these non-budgeted funds
expire.”
A note for the Meeting to be aware of: As stipulated in its
establishment, the Keller Fund is not allowed to drop below a balance
of $2000. It will not expire, and does not call for replenishment.
2. Financial procedure recommendation. "We recommend to Meeting
for Business that all donations from fund-raisers associated with the
Meeting be given to the Depositor for deposit, and all associated
expense receipts be given to the Treasurer for reimbursement. We
also recommend placement of signage at fund-raising events that
clearly identifies the specific beneficiary of any donations. And, for
the sake of greater transparency and protection of our non-profit
status, we recommend as a general rule that all committees process
donations and expenses through the Depositor and Treasurer."
Friends approve.
8.
Bob Baldridge requests an updated letter of
introduction for use in his travels in the next few months,
which may include collecting stories about their lives from
Quakers around the country. Friends approve and request the
clerk to write the letter.
Then, after a period of closing worship with 33 Friends
present, we adjourn the meeting at 4:00 PM, to meet
again on second Sunday 7th month at 1:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Betty Williams, recording clerk and George Fisher,
clerk.
In attendance: Richard Accetta-Evans, Robert Baldridge,
Diana Smith-Barker, Arthur Berk, Charles Brainard, Linda
Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina, Kathy Carver Cheney,
Margery Cornwell, JoAnne Dally, Brian Doherty, Maureen
Healy, Carol Jackson, Margaret Lew, Lorcan Otway,
Cynthia Schlegel, Liz Sheed, Tony Shitemi, Diana SmithBarker, Janet Soderberg, Carol Summar, Diana Timmons,
Louise Wolf
And: Zach Alexander, Melvin Dennis, Angela Manno,
Samuel Oast, Alice H. Proskauer
Page 10
MINUTES OF THE
BUSINESS MEETING,
JULY 9, 2006
Religious Society of Friends, held in Room 1 at 221
East 15th Street, New York City, 10003, on First
Day Seventh Month 9, 2006 at 1:00 PM;
would be willing to give up their rehearsal time on
Monday, September 11 for Friends and others in the
neighborhood.
We agree to reimburse the Quarterly meeting the $35. rent
the Lavender Light Chorus pays for the space.
3. Lorcan Otway requests funds to travel to
Swarthmore in order to fulfill his charge from last
month to locate the original minute on incorporation of
NYQM.
Friends approve travel funds from the witness and
advancement fund, and ask that Lorcan find the least
expensive way to travel and follow the methods for
reimbursement requested by the Budget and Collections
Committee.
We hear of two births in the meeting: Sheina Hikari
Doherty, born to Brian Doherty and Hiromi Niwa on
Wednesday, June 21 and Alden Penn Harting, born to
Morgan and Caroline Harting on Saturday, June 24.
4. Cynthia Schlegel gives the treasurer’s report for
the second quarter, which includes an update on
contributions through the end of June. Friends receive the
report.
1. Margery Cornwell presents a minute from the
Peace Committee. The minute originates from Tom
Fox’s monthly meeting, Langley Hill Meeting. The minute
reads:
Cynthia reports that the meeting has received an
anonymous gift of c. $100,000 in securities, without
earmark or specification for use.
During a period of open worship the Recording Clerk reads
Advice #2 and Query #2 from NYYM Faith and Practice.
Members of Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting of the
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) are visiting
their senators and congressional representatives to
ask:
1. That they promote legislation which insures the
release of names and locations of all detainees held
in US custody ad also guarantees hat those in
detention are informed of the charges against them,
and
2. That they insist that visitations by the
International Committee of the Red Cross/Red
Crescent be allowed to all prisoners in detention
sites.
We seek to insure and promote lawfulness and
humane treatment of prisoners internationally. Our
concern in this matter is based on the spiritual belief
of Friends that we are called to answer to that of
God in every individual.
Friends approve the minute, and Arthur Berk stands in
opposition.
Margery circulates a signup sheet for those who wish to
visit their congressional representatives. The sheet will
also be available at coffee hours.
2. We approve the request of the Pastoral Care
Committee to hold a meeting for worship on the evening
of September 11.
We ask the Peace Committee to ask the Quarterly Meeting
administrator to find out if the Lavender Light Chorus
Friends authorize the treasurer to receive the securities.
We also authorize the Budget and Collections Committee,
in consultation with the treasurer and clerk, to sell them
over the summer if they think it advisable.
5.Margaret Lew reports for the Property
Committee. The report is attached.
Property Committee Report 7/9/06
Business Meeting 15th St MM
15th St Property Committee has been asked for initial
guidance concerning the process of creating a “solid plan”
regarding the use of the property we share with others (the
Meetinghouse, Central and Old School buildings). We feel this
process could further the implementation of the minute which
arose out the Called Meeting of June 4, 2006.
Over the last few years there have been 3 overlapping
issues which have brought us to this place:
1)
15th St MM’s deepened articulation of it’s need to
have a real sense of a physical place that supports it’s spiritual
worship and witness.
2)
The opportunity provided by the elevator and the
potential central building renovation to further provide a space
which supports our vision.
3)
The need for clarity between all users of the
property before the potential separate incorporation of Friends
Seminary and the division of property can occur.
We suggest that an ad hoc group be formed comprising of
representatives from 15th St MM Mtg, Friends Seminary,
Manhattan Monthly Mtg, NYYM, AFSC, YSOP, Quarterly Mtg,
and the Shelter. It’s purpose would be 2 fold - first to address
immediate use issues by formulating a spatial use plan and a
scheduling format structure. Secondly, this group would create
the architectural program for the central building renovation.
Although some of this programming and schematic design work
Page 11
has already been done, there is still much to do. To do this
together as a group will deepen our intent as a community. We
feel it should be a transparent and inclusive process with the
representatives regularly bringing the work as it progresses
back to their larger groups for feedback and instruction.
We also feel that it sometimes seems that the many
groups don’t know each other very well. We suggest, in the spirit
of improved communication and as part of this whole process,
that we spend time in the shoes of others – whether it be
spending a night at the shelter, or a day in Friends Seminary
classes, or participating in a YSOP group or some First Day
School classes. These are just a few examples. Thus, as we
hammer out our territorial agreements, we can also learn who
our neighbor is.
Friends approve the formation of an ad hoc committee to
consider space use, and ask the Property Committee to
make an initial outreach to all the groups involved.
We agree to a called meeting on Saturday, September 23rd
at 1:00 PM to continue laboring.
6. JoAnne Dally reports for Nominating
Committee. We the first reading of the following names:
Diana Smith Barker
Ministry and Worship partial term ending 12.31.08
Nancy Adelman
NYQM Joint Nominating
partial term ending 3.31.07
Michael Schlegel
Auditor
7. The Personnel Subcommittee of Trustees asks
that Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting increase our yearly
contribution to NYQM by $1200 to cover overtime
charges.
Friends approve and allocate $600 to cover the payment
for the next two quarters.
8. Carol Jackson offers a proposal that Sreyleak Sary
continue to take care of preparation and cleanup for social
hour. We propose to hire her as an independent
contractor to work the hours of 9:00 AM until 1: PM for
the amount of $50 per day through the end of 2006.
Friends approve. The treasurer will allocate $400 from
the contingency fund to cover expenses through the
summer. We ask the Budget and Collections Committee to
recommend other sources after that for the remainder of
the year.
9. Cynthia Large presents the State of Meeting
Report for 2005, which comes with the joint approval of
the Ministry and Worship and Pastoral Care Committees.
Friends approve with minor revisions, and we commit
ourselves to accomplishing this in a more timely way next
year.
And then, after a brief period of closing worship, Friends
adjourn at 5:55 PM at the beginning of a beautiful summer
evening to reconvene on First Day, Ninth Month 10, 2006,
at 1:00 PM.
George Fisher, clerk
Betty Williams, recording clerk
In attendance: Rich Accetta-Evans, Arthur Berk, Linda Hill
Brainard, Deborah Brozina, Margery Cornwell, JoAnne Dally,
Brian Doherty, Maureen Healy, Carol Jackson, Cynthia Large,
Margaret Lew, David Mensah, Kate Moss, Tom Orr, Cynthia
Schlegel, Lorcan Otway, Diana Smith Barker, Carol Summar,
Diana Timmons,
And: Cathy Carver, Julie Finch, Leslie Harris, Sarah
Johnson, Beatrice Markowitz, Sam Oast, Glenn Reinhart.
Page 12
MINUTES OF THE
CALLED MEETING,
SEPTEMBER 23, 2006
Religious Society of Friends, held in the
cafeteria at 221 East 15th Street, New York City
10003, on Seventh Day, Ninth Month 23, 2006 at
2:25 p.m.
We begin the meeting with a period of silence with vocal
ministry.
Friends agree to worship sharing on our vision for the
use of our meeting house.
The Property Committee presents annual costs for 15th
Street meeting house and 15 Rutherford Place.
Friends agree that the October 2, 2006 Property
Committee meeting will be an open meeting to begin
addressing some of the concerns expressed in this
meeting. In preparation, Margaret Lew and Betty
Williams will prepare a draft update of the October
2003 letter from this meeting to Friends Seminary. The
Property Committee will have the plans of proposed
work available. We will begin the meeting with a
discussion of Lorcan Otway’s research into the 1975
minute on incorporation and property use, and may also
continue discussion of the proposed traffic study.
And then, after a period of silence with vocal ministry,
with 19 Friends in attendance, we adjourn the meeting
at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
George Fisher, Clerk
Betty Williams, Recording Clerk
In attendance: Bob Baldridge, Arthur Berk, Linda
Brainard, Deborah Brozina, Margery Cornwell, Brian
Doherty, Patty Frascatore, Maureen Healy, Carol
Jackson, Margaret Lew, David K. Mensah, Lorcan
Otway, Diana Smith-Barker, Carol Summar (14),
MINUTES OF THE
SEPTEMBER 2006
BUSINESS MEETING
September 10, 2006
10003, on First Day, Ninth Month 9, 2006 at
1:00 p.m.
During a period of open worship, the Recording Clerk
reads Advice #3 and Query #3 from New York Yearly
Meeting Faith and Practice.
1. We introduce ourselves and circulate the signin sheet. We agree that minutes from June and July
business meeting, in addition to those from today, will
be distributed in the next newsletter. The clerk
introduces the concern about making business meetings
more worshipful, more productive, and less long.
Friends offer suggestions and responses.
2. A text on the nominating process, carried over
from July business meeting, is presented for
approval. Friends ask that the text be returned to the
planning group for suggested changes.
3. The Revised Handbook, carried over from July
business meeting, is presented for approval.
JoAnne Dally introduces the document, and the clerk
highlights significant alterations from the last handbook.
Friends approve the substance of the text, and leave it to
the committee to make final alterations, including the
description of the Directory Committee, minor editorial
changes, and proofreading We ask Friends who raised
further corrections to submit them to the revision
committee within the coming two weeks:
[email protected] or [email protected]
The Peace and Ministry and Worship Committees plan to
hold a meeting for worship in the Meeting Room on
Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m., followed by a
potluck at 8:00 with the shelter guests.
And: Melvin Dennis, Sarah Johnson (2).
Representative Meeting in December will be held at
Brooklyn Meeting and will be hosted by the NY
Quarterly Meeting. We ask New York Quarterly Meeting
Friends who can offer overnight hospitality on December
1st and 2nd to let the coordinator of the planning
committee know: Paul Williams, [email protected]
646 414 2993.
4. The Nominating Committee brings forward the
following names for a second reading:
Page 13
Diana Smith Barker
Ministry and Worship
Nancy Adelman
NYQM Joint Nominating
Michael Schlegel Auditor
Friends approve.
5. Margaret Lew presents the Property
Committee Report, which is attached. Friends accept
the report.
Property Committee Report
Looking forward to our tasks for the autumn of 2006, the
15th Street Property Committee has identified 4 areas of activity.
1) As our Meeting considers taking on a larger role in the
use, planning and scheduling of the property, our role in the
financial support of the property will likely increase. We have
undertaken obtaining figures of the current cost (based on 2005
figures) of operating, maintaining and insuring the
Meetinghouse, Central and Old School buildings.
2) Property committee will assist 15 th Street Meeting think
through ideas for our use of the property. This will be done in
part during specially called meetings. This will help us clarify
what we want and the results will be brought to the ad hoc
property planning group.
3) Undertake (with volunteers) a time/space/volume user
traffic study to better understand the current 24 hr use of the
property.
4) Write a letter of invitation to all the user groups and
convene the Ad Hoc Property Planning Group.
We discuss plans for our called meeting on property
concerns, to be held Saturday, September 23rd, which we
see as an outgrowth of the spiritual concerns we raised at
the June 4 called meeting. We ask the Property
Committee to prepare a framework for discussion for the
meeting. We recognize that property concerns are
related to broader issues in the history of the meeting
and its relationship to Friends Seminary.
Friends approve.
7. The clerk receives a letter requesting
membership from Julie Margaret Finch. He refers the
letter to the Pastoral Care Committee.
The clerk reads a travel minute for Kjell Olsson from
Sweden Monthly Meeting. Kjell will be in New York for
several months.
Carol Jackson updates us on the issues associated with Social
Hour. We need three volunteers to set up and clean up
through the end of November.
Jean Smith has informed our meeting about her plans to
move to Kenya and offer nursing assistance and health
care to people there. She has asked if we would be
willing to provide practical assistance. The matter is
referred to the Quarterly Meeting African Education
Committee.
And then, after a period of closing worship with vocal
ministry, with 17 Friends in attendance, we adjourn at
4:30 p.m., to reconvene on First Day, Tenth Month 8,
2006, at 1:00 p.m.
2005 books
In attendance: Arthur Berk, Linda Hill Brainard,
Deborah Brozina, JoAnne Dally, Brian Doherty,
John Edminster, Deborah Goodwin, Maureen Healy,
Carol Jackson, Cynthia Large, Margaret Lew, Kate Moss,
Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Cynthia Schlegel, Liz Sheed,
Diana Smith Barker, Janet Soderberg, Carol Summar,
Diana Timmons,
And: Sarah Johnson, Beatrice Markowitz, Kjell Olsson,
Sam Oast, Tony Shitemi.
Page 14
MINUTES OF THE
OCTOBER 2006
BUSINESS MEETING
October 8, 2006
AT THE FIFTEENTH STREET MONTHLY MEETING
OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, HELD IN
THE MEETING HOUSE AT 221 EAST 15th STREET,
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, ON FIRST DAY
TENTH MONTH 8, 2006 AT 1 P.M.;
During a period of open worship, the Clerk reads Advice # 4
and Query #4 from New York Yearly Meeting’s Faith and
Practice.
“Friends are advised to observe our Christian testimony for a faithful
ministry of the gospel under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Members
are reminded that all have a responsibility in ministry.”
“Are love and unity fostered among us? If differences arise, do we
endeavor to reconcile them in a spirit of love and truth? Are we careful
not to manipulate and exploit one another? Do we avoid tale-bearing,
and are we careful of the reputation of others?”
In the absence of Betty Williams, we name Brian Doherty to be
Recording Clerk for the day.
1. We introduce ourselves and circulate the sign-in sheet.
The Clerk speaks of a visit to the Ministry & Worship
Committee this past month, and summarizes a discussion held
to better support the business meeting in a spirit of worship.
Friends speak to this issue and consider a request for a more
detailed consideration of the Advices and Queries. The matter
is referred to the Ministry & Worship Committee.
2. Deborah Brozina, Meeting Depositor, gives the
Treasurer’s and Depositor’s Report for the Third
Quarter. Friends accept the report. Friends receive an update
on the progress towards installation of a new collection box
and other items related to collections. The report is appended.
“As of 10/11/06, 79% of the year is completed. 61% of budget has
been spent. 55% of budget has been collected.
Budget: $50,980
Spending: $31,528
Deposits: $28,961.61 ($28,051 are unrestricted).”
3. Tony Shitemi gives the Committee Room
Committee Report. Friends receive the report. The report is
appended.
2006 Report from Committee Room Committee
October 8, 2006
Monica Grant, Linda Hill, Michael Schlegel, Tony Shitemi and Vijay
Wijesundera have carried out the work of this committee this year. The
following is a list of our past and continued work this year.
• Need for lockable file cabinet from Pastoral Care, Arts
Committee and Budget and Collection. Donated by Betty Williams
July of this year. We are currently trying to work out a policy that
makes sense for these committees to use this cabinet.
Vijay who has managed the meeting’s web site has been away but
continued to provide this service. He has uploaded information
conveyed to him from the committee.
He repaired a defunct hard drive to one of the computers, which
we mailed to him. He along with Michael Schlegel has addressed
most of the tech problems we’ve experienced with the equipment.
• We have continued discussions of what best suits our meeting
with respect to Information, Internet and Network/Tech issues.
These discussions have been as innocuous as trying to figure out
a simple but sure way to backup our information to more visceral
involving the web site and the meetings’ internet group/bulletin
board. We participated in the Ad hoc Communications Committee
meeting and look forward to continued discussions of the
meeting’s needs in that committee.
• Switched from a Verizon phone connection to Vonage, and
Internet based system. This effort was made primarily to reduce
the phone bill to half the amount and also to make it easier to
retrieve messages. Michael Schlegel led this effort.
• We purchased a new printer, copier, scanner, fax machine to
replace the old one, which was no longer functioning proficiently.
Michael Schlegel facilitated the installation and networking of this
device.
• We have attempted to keep the Committee Room from
becoming a storage area for items not of a “document” nature. This
continues to be a big problem and reduces the usability of the
space. We ask all committees to assist in this effort.
4. The Clerk reports on the request from Gerard
Geary for transfer to Mid Coast Meeting in Damariscotta,
Maine. The request is referred to Pastoral Care Committee.
5. The Recording Clerk for the Day reads the minutes
from the called meeting held Seventh Day Ninth Month
23, 2006. The minutes are appended.
Various Friends report on the recent open Property Committee meeting
concerning property use. A written report is under preparation by the
Property Committee. Friends agree to continue to labor with property use
issues. Friends ask Lorcan Otway to provide a report at the next business
meeting on his research at Swarthmore Library. Friends also ask Lorcan
to provide Friends with a written copy of relevant texts concerning property
use issues. Friends ask Property Committee to report to us at our next
business meeting about the open meeting of October 1st.
6. Cynthia Large, Clerk of the Ministry & Worship
Committee, requests that all committee clerks provide a
short summary of their committees’ activities by October 15 to
be used to draft a State of the Meeting report.
7. Kate Moss asks Friends and regular attenders to
participate in the Friendly Eights which will start again in late
October.
8. Friends agree to Bob Baldridge’s request for the
Clerk to update his letter of introduction.
Page 15
9. Friends agree to collect funds at social hour to
support the Amish community’s medical expenses and ask the
Budget and Collections Committee for a recommendation
regarding a possible contribution.
Friends ask the Clerk to draft a letter of spiritual support at the
time the financial contribution is made. Friends support
Pastoral Care Committee’s intention to send a letter of
spiritual support to the Amish community at their earliest
convenience.
AND after a period of closing worship, the Meeting
adjourns at 3:50 p.m. to reconvene on First Day Eleventh
Month 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Brian Doherty, Recording Clerk for the Day
In attendance: Rich Accetta-Evans, Nancy Adelman, Bob
Baldridge, Arthur Berk, Mark Bloch, Charles Brainard, Linda
Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina, JoAnne, Dally, John
Edminster, Maureen Healy, Carol Jackson, Cynthia Large,
Beatrice Markowitz, David K. Mensah, Kate Moss, Tom Orr,
Janet Soderberg, Carol Summar, Louise Wolf;
And: Sam Oast, Linda Potter, Kate Ramey, Tony Shitemi,
Total attendance: 25
Page 16
MINUTES OF THE
NOVEMBER 2006
BUSINESS MEETING
November 12, 2006
ROOM 1 AT 221 EAST FIFTEENTH STREET,
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY ON FIRST DAY
ELEVENTH MONTH 12, 2006 AT 1 p.m.;
During a period of open worship, the recording clerk reads
Advice # 5 and Query #5 from New York Yearly Meeting’s
Faith and Practice.
1. Paul Busby requests a letter of introduction for
his upcoming visit to a meeting for worship in
Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Friends approve.
2. Angelo Manno requests funds to travel to the
FCNL meeting in Washington this weekend (Nov. 10-12).
Friends in Unity with Nature (F.U.N.) has already
contributed their entire budget line of $50, and requests
that Meeting for Business fund the remaining $338.40. If
the request is approved, the Treasurer recommends
allocating funds in the following way: $148.94 from
Witness and Advancement fund and $189.46 from the
Powell House weekend fund.
once and, if approved, forwarded directly to the Clerk of NYQM for
appointment action by the Quarter. Nominations of our Monthly Meeting
appointments to Yearly Meeting Representative Meeting and committees
are read twice since no other Friends meeting or body reviews the
appointment.
Numbers in parentheses are the number of full consecutive terms being
served if the nominee is approved by the Monthly Meeting to serve in 2007.
Traditionally, committees are convened at the start of each new year by the
person listed first under that committee, clerks are chosen anew, and the
name of the clerk is reported to the clerk of Monthly Meeting, the clerk of
the Nominating Committee, and the Quarterly Meeting Administrator.
One year terms
Three year terms, limited to two full terms
Ministry and Worship (6m) 2007
Pastoral Care (9m)
Friends approve and ask that Angela report back to the
monthly meeting.
3. Kathy Carver Cheney requests release from
service from the Pastoral Care Committee, effective
December 31.
Arts Committee (5m)
Patricia Frascatore (2)
Cynthia Large (2) clerk
2008
Janet Soderberg (1)
Diana Smith Barker (p)
2007
___________________
___________________
Roxanne Wolanczyk (1)
Paul Busby (1)
Bea Markowitz (1)
2007
Robert Baldridge (1)
Steven Huang (1)
2006
2008
John Elfrank-Dana (p)
Angela Manno
Lynn Lane (1) nominated
2009
Gene Coffey (1) nominated
Jesse Peterson (1) nominated
Monika Fabian (1) nominated
Budget and Collection (6m) 2007
Underlined names in bold-face are nominations being brought to monthly
meeting for a first reading today. Approval for these nominations will be
sought at next business meeting for appointment to Fifteenth Street
Committees.
Nominations for appointment by Fifteenth Street Meeting to Quarterly
Meeting Committees and Offices are, according to our practice, read only
Committee Room (4m)
Property (6m)
Deborah Brozina (1)
2008
Robin Grunder (p)
Scott Carlson (p)
John Mahoney (p + 1)
Arthur Berk (1)
Charles Brainard (1)
David Mensah (p)
(and the Treasurer)
2007
Michael Schlegel (1)
2009
Linda Hill (p)
2008
Vijay Wijesundera (1)
Tony Shitemi (2)
Nomination of Officers/Committee Members of Fifteenth Street
Monthly Meeting
November 6, 2006
Committee Appointment List for 2007
Note!
This list should be considered a draft until all nominees have been
approved in 1st and 2nd readings.
Bob Baldridge (1)
2009
2009
The meeting approves.
4. Tony Shitemi, Clerk of the Nominating
Committee, presents the first reading of
nominations for 2007. The report as amended is attached.
Any Friend with concerns or comments about any of these
nominations is requested to contact any member of the
Nominating Committee.
George Fisher (2 1/2)
_________________
Betty Williams (3)
_________________
Cynthia Schlegel (2)
Carol Jackson (2)
Lorcan Otway (4)
_________________
Tom Orr (3)
Clerk
Assistant Clerk
Recording Clerk
Assistant Recording Clerk
Treasurer
Recorder
Historian
Auditor
Contact Person
2007
Margaret Lew (1)
2009
Maureen Healy (1)
Page 17
NOVEMBER 2006 BUSINESS MEETING (continued)
Property Committee
(continued)
2008
Religious Education (3m) 2007
Barbara Morrison (1)
Sarah Johnson (p)
Elizabeth Crownfield (1)
2006
Franne Rosenthal (1)
2008
Deborah Goodwin (1)
(plus teachers)
Social Hour
One year terms, no limit
Death Penalty Abolition
Carol Jackson (7)
Christine Japely (4)
Diana Smith-Barker (3)
Kate Moss (2)
Elizabeth Carpenter (2)
Directory Committee
New York Friends in Unity with Nature Sally Arteseros (9)
Helen Saffran (5)
Janet Soderberg (9)
Louise Wolf (9)
Ilene Wagner (1)
Mary Billington (2)
Brian Doherty (2)
Jim Gowens (3)
David Mensah (2)
Sam Oast (4)
Tom Orr (4)
Lorcan Otway (3)
Jacqueline Seltzer (5)
Greeting
Liaisons for Child Care
Liaison for FCNL
Jake Barton (11)
Sylvia Friedman (18)
Morgan Harting (3)
Susan Kiviat (12)
John Maynard (3)
Sheryl Nelson (12)
Steven Smith (9)
Julia Strohm (6)
2008
Suzanne Stout (2)
Lorcan Otway (1)
NYQM positions to be filled by Friends nominated by 15th Street
Meeting
Underlined names are suggestions brought to monthly meeting for approval
as Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting nominations. If approved, these
nominations are then included in our report and brought to NY Quarterly
Meeting for approval.
Audit and Budget
2009
Charles Brainard
Educational Fund (formerly the
Phoebe Anna Thorne Scholarship
Committee)
2008
Margery Cornwell
Friends Seminary
2007
Dan Wise (p)
Relief Committee
2009
Ilene Wagner (1 1/2)
Trustees
2008
JoAnne Dally (1)
Joint Nominating Committee (NYQM) 2007
2007
Tom Orr (1)
Nancy Adelman (1)
Libby Wise (3)
Jackie Shitemi (7)
NYYM positions to be filled by Friends appointed by 15th Street
Monthly Meeting
Eileen McGinn (p)
The underlined name is the nomination brought to monthly meeting for
approval as our appointment to the NYYM position.
Liaison for Powell House
Aldona Januszkiewicz (5)
Library
Brian Doherty (2)
Jim Gowens (6)
Steven Huang (2)
Eliezer Hyman (9)
Sabrina Jones (3)
Newsletter Committee
Mark Bloch (1)
Robin Grunder (4)
Diana Timmons (1)
Peace
Frederica Clare (2)
Margery Cornwell (8)
Leslie Harris (3)
Lorcan Otway (5)
Alice Proskauer (2)
Betty Williams (3)
Louise Wolf (2)
Eileen McGinn (1)
Sam Oast (1)
Retreat Standing
Linda Hill (4)
James Gowens (2)
Shelter
Jennifer Barton (3)
Representatives to YM
(2)
9/2007
Barbara Morrison
Representative Meeting
9/2007
Maureen Healy (1)
5. Carol Jackson reports on a recent meeting of
NYQM Trustees and reads a minute relating to the
future of the properties.
New York Quarterly Meeting (NYQM) of the Religious Society of
Friends, Minutes of a Trustees’ Meeting held October 12, 2006,
Minute #6:
Sally Campbell, clerk of the Working Group (WG) on the
relationship between the NYQM and the schools, gives a progress
report and distributes various meetings’ minutes concerning
incorporation, properties transfers, and care relationship. Both
trustees and the WG feel that the right sequence should be
followed on these three issues: first, care relationship; second,
properties transfer; and last, incorporation. WG gives each
trustee a booklet entitled “The Care Relationship: Friends Schools
and the Religious Society of Friends” prepared for the Friends
Council on Education by Deborra Sines Pancoe. A NYYM team
may help us to listen to each other, reduce resistance and, clarify
the relationship. On the properties transfers front, it is more
complicated for 15 th Street/Friends Seminary (e.g., space
Page 18
sharing/ownership, etc.), less so for Brooklyn. Trustees
recommend that property committees of the two meetings each
meet with respective school committees and schools, Fifteenth
Street Property with Friends Seminary ad Brooklyn Property with
Brooklyn Friends School regarding the property issue associated
with separate school incorporation. We ask Fifteenth Street
Property Committee to develop a strategic plan with Friends
Seminary for the use of shared space in the meetinghouse,
central building, and old school house. We ask Brooklyn Property
Committee to work with Brooklyn Friends to develop a plan for the
transfer of the separately occupied building to the school. We ask
that both property committees bring their plans to the trustees as
soon as way opens. We advise them to submit a progress report
to the trustees in time for the January 2007 meeting, and for
possible forwarding to the New York Quarterly Meeting later that
month.
While some Friends question the authority of Trustees to
make final decisions about the matters they describe, we
are sympathetic to their request for input about the use of
space for our meeting on the recommendation of the
Pastoral Care Committee or an ad hoc group.
Friends approve.
6. The clerk reports on the current status of
regular communications with Friends Seminary,
including plans for regular meetings between the
Principal, the clerk of the Friends Seminary School
Committee and the clerk of 15th Street Meeting.
Friends approve. We ask the clerk to establish a regular
schedule of reports and ask that members of the School
Committee regularly attend monthly meeting. We ask the
Property Committee at their discretion to invite a School
Committee member to attend Property Committee meetings
when school items are on the agenda. We accept Deborah
Goodwin’s offer to be the liaison for announcements of
activities between the school and the meeting.
7. Margaret Lew, Clerk of the Property
Committee, presents their report.
We approve the formation of a strategic planning
committee, to include Property Committee,
representatives of Pastoral Care, Ministry and Worship,
Religious Education, Friends Seminary School Committee,
and any other interested Friends, to prepare a report for
our January business session. Margaret Lew will convene
the first meeting; the committee will choose its own
clerk. We hope to share the report from January business
meeting with the Friends Seminary School Committee for
their January session before forwarding it to Trustees in
time for their February meeting. The clerk will inform
Trustees of our progress and plans to date.
8. Lorcan Otway, the Meeting historian, provides
a summary of his research into minutes relating to
property and the spiritual life of the meeting.
Friends accept his report with thanks. Friends who want a
complete copy of the research can request it from George
Fisher or Margaret Lew. Friends who want the specific
quotes referenced in his report can request them from
Lorcan.
9. Cynthia Large, clerk of Ministry and Worship,
reports for them. We hear an update on the State of
Meeting report, and the recommendation that we hold
another joint worship with Manhattan Monthly Meeting
Friends. We refer the suggestion for joint worship back to
Ministry and Worship for further seasoning, with the
invitation to Friends to forward any concerns they may
have to Cynthia or other members of the committee.
10. Betty Williams reports for the Peace
Committee. The report is attached. Friends accept the
report with appreciation.
The minute concerning lawful and humane treatment of detainees
that was agreed on at monthly meeting in July has been rendered
moot by the passage of the Military Commissions Act of 2006,
signed into law on October 17.
However, the passage of this law has, if anything, left us with
graver concerns about the treatment of detainees and others.
The Peace Committee agreed at our October meeting to spend
half an hour in worship sharing to begin a process of discerning
how we might carry out this concern as a witness. Our concerns
include the apparent right of the president to order torture, the
threats to our Constitution and its basic premise that all people
are equal under God, the Bill of Rights, the Geneva Conventions
and Common Article 3, and the Magna Carta.
We are seeking a way to witness our belief in these basic values
and a way, growing out of worship and as a part of worship, that
we might ask our elected representatives in the Congress to look
within themselves and find the strength to defend and uphold
these beliefs.
We invite Friends who are interested in seeking the way with us to
join the Peace Committee meetings, held on the last first day
each month at 12:30 PM in Room 1. Each meeting will include a
half hour of worship sharing in which we hope to find way
opening.
11. Cynthia Schlegel gives the Treasurer’s Report
through November 7, 2007. Friends accept the report
with gratitude and ask the Budget and Collections and
Ministry and Worship Committees to re-examine whether
or not we can spend more of the Keller Fund.
12. Friends approve the formation of an ad hoc
advisory committee to advise the Budget and
Collections Committee on the recent bequest.
13. Friends approve the committee’s suggestion
that the meeting make no further supplemental gift to the
New York Yearly Meeting at this time, and to re-evaluate
this decision in January.
14. We approve the suggestion that we allot
$300.00 for medical expenses for the Amish children
affected by the recent violence to their community. We
ask Lorcan Otway to determine if funds are still needed
and to let the Budget and Collections Committee know the
address of the bank in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania and the
account to which funds should be sent.
Page 19
NOVEMBER 2006 BUSINESS MEETING
(continued)
15. The clerk reports that he will be out of the
country in early December and unable to clerk the
December meeting for business.
Friends approve Rich Accetta-Evans or Brian Doherty to
clerk the meeting for business, and to meet with the
recording clerk in advance to season the agenda.
There being no further business, at 5:50 p.m., with 10 in
attendance, we end the meeting with a period of silence on
this rainy, late and dark, dark afternoon, to meet again on
first day 10, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.
In attendance: Linda Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina,
Paul Busby, Margery Cornwell, JoAnne Dally, Brian
Doherty, Deborah Goodwin, Carol Jackson, Cynthia
Bardouka Large, Margaret Lew, David K. Mensah, Kate
Moss, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Cynthia Schlegel, Liz
Sheed, Tony Shitemi, Janet Soderberg, Carol Summar,
Diana Timmons, Louise Wolf,
And: Melvin Dennis, Tina Meyerhoff, Sam Oast
Page 20
MINUTES OF THE
DECEMBER 2006
BUSINESS MEETING
December 10, 2006
AT THE FIFTEENTH STREET MONTHLY
MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF
FRIENDS, HELD IN THE MEETING HOUSE AT
221 EAST 15th STREET, MANHATTAN, NEW
YORK, ON FIRST DAY 10 TWELFTH MONTH
2006 AT A LITTLE AFTER 1:00 P.M.;
1. The meeting approves Rich Accetta-Evans as
acting clerk for the day.
During a period of open worship with vocal ministry, the
recording clerk reads Advice 6 and Query 6 from New York
Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice.
Advice 6. Parents and older Friends are advised to be
sensitive to the insights of younger people and to keep
a close and sympathetic contact with them. Children
are urged to love and respect their parents that all
may be led together to the Light Within.
Query 6. Do our children receive the loving care of the
meeting? Does the influence of the meeting promote
their religious life and give them an understanding of
the principles and practices of Friends? Do we offer
our young people opportunities for fellowship, for
service, for religious instruction, and for
participation in the life of the meeting?
2. Friends approve the agenda as amended.
3. The clerk has received a request from John
Elfrank-Dana and his three children, for transfer to
Rockland Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of
Friends. The letter is forwarded to the Pastoral Care
Committee for their consideration. We ask them to return
with a recommendation at their earliest convenience.
Friends approve.
4. Deborah Brozina presents the Budget and
Collections Committee budget for 2007 for a first
reading.
December 12, 2006
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Contributions/Income
Restricted
Arts
Directory
Handbook
Social Hour
Shelter
Total Restricted
Total Unrestricted**
Total Contributions Income
Projected
2006
Actuals*
NA
350.00
NA
850.00
NA
1 200.00
45 000.00
46 200.00
Fund Raisers
Peace Committee
Fund Raisers
475.79
RE Committee Rummage
Sale
1 712.00
Total Fund Raisers
2 187.79
Total Income
48 387.79
Expense
Charitable Gifts
300.00
Childcare
2 500.00
Committees
15th St. Member Handbook
0.00
Arts
0.00
Budgets & Collections
600.00
Committee Room
785.00
0.00
Directory
500.00
Friends in Unity with Nature 50.00
Greeting
0.00
Library
700.00
Ministry & Worship
400.00
Newsletter
150.00
Nominating
0.00
Pastoral Care
Powell House/Pendle Hill
Grant
0.00
Pastoral Care - Other
200.00
Total Pastoral Care
200.00
Peace
Property
Religious Education
Shelter
Social Hour
Total Committees
Contingency Fund
Fund Raisers' Expenses
Peace Committee
Fund Raisers
RE Scholarship to
Attend NYYM
Total Fund Raisers' Expenses
Proposed
2006
Budget
2007
Budget
NA
0.00
NA
360.00
NA
360.00
50 620.00
50 980.00
0.00
300.00
500.00
850.00
2 650.00a
1 650.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
0.00
50 980.00
1 700.00
2 200.00
2 200.00
300.00
2 500.00
300.00
2 500.00
100.00
25.00
700.00
785.00
50.00
150.00
50.00
0.00
700.00
400.00
1 600.00
25.00
500.00b
175.00
700.00
900.00
50.00
600.00
150.00
0.00
700.00
900.00c
1 600.00
25.00
500.00
400.00
900.00
250.00
400.00
900.00
150.00
0.00
80.00
0.00
2 400.00
6 015.00
200.00
0.00
300.00
0.00
2 400.00
8 385.00
200.00
0.00d
300.00
2 650.00
1 600.00e
11 950.00
600.00
600.00
600.00f
475.79
0.00
500.00
1 632.00
2 107.79
0.00
0.00
1 600.00
2 100.00
Page 21
DECEMBER 2006 BUSINESS MEETING ( continued)
Projected
Proposed
2006
Actuals*
2006
Budget
2007
Budget
NYYM
Grants to Attend NYYM
Representative Expenses
Total NYYM
600.00
0.00
600.00
600.00
100.00
700.00
600.00
100.00
700.00
Officers
Clerks
Recorder
Treasurer
Total Officers
40.00
0.00
75.00
115.00
175.00
10.00
75.00
260.00
175.00
10.00
100.00
285.00
Quaker Obligations
FCNL
100.00
Friends House in Rosehill 100.00
NY Quarterly Meeting
12 000.00
NY Yearly Meeting
20 000.00
Total Quaker Obligations
32 200.00
Total Expense
44 437.79
100.00
100.00
12 000.00
20 000.00
32 200.00
44 945.00
100.00
100.00
12 000.00
20 000.00
33 400.00
51 835.00
Net Ordinary Income
Other Income
Capital Gains
Interest Income
Net Income
4 100.00
6 035.00
50.00
400.00
4 400.00
0.00
0.00
6 035.00
0.00
400.00
Notes
* Based on income received, expenses submitted to date and feedback from committee
clerks.
** Unrestricted income collected by December 5, 2006 is ~ $38,000.
a
Based on Shelter's 2006 income.
b
Copies printed for 20-page handbook.
c
M&W has requested an additional $400 to cover printing costs of newcomer literature.
d
Awaiting budget estimates for Property Committee.
e
Does not include labor.
f
Contingency in 2006 paid to New York Quarterly Meeting for Huot's overtime.
Friends accept the report.
5. Lorcan Otway will provide the Budget and
Collections Committee with the address and account
information so the contribution for medical expenses for
the Amish children in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania can be
sent before the end of the year.
6. Deborah Brozina presents the deposit form the
Budget and Collections Committee has created for
committees to report expenses and revenues from
fundraising, and explains how it is to be used. There will
also be an electronic version on the committee room
computers.
Any Friend who has concerns or comments about any of
these nominations should speak to any member of the
Nominating Committee.
Nomination of Officers/Committee Members of Fifteenth Street
Monthly Meeting
December 10, 2006
Committee Appointment List for 2007
Note!
This list should be considered a draft until all nominees have been
approved in 1st and 2nd readings. Names appearing in blue [bold] are
second readings. Approval for these names is sought today. Names
appearing in green [italics] are first readings. Approval for these
nominations will be sought at next business meeting. Names appearing in
red are requests for release.
Nominations for appointment by Fifteenth Street Meeting to Quarterly
Meeting Committees and Offices are, according to our practice, read only
once and, if approved, forwarded directly to the Clerk of NYQM for
appointment action by the Quarter. Nominations of our Monthly Meeting
appointments to Yearly Meeting Representative Meeting and committees
are read twice since no other Friends meeting or body reviews the
appointment.
Numbers in parentheses are the number of full consecutive terms being
served if the nominee is approved by the Monthly Meeting to serve in 2007.
Traditionally, committees are convened at the start of each new year by the
person listed first under that committee, clerks are chosen anew, and the
name of the clerk is reported to the clerk of Monthly Meeting, the clerk of
the Nominating Committee, and the Quarterly Meeting Administrator.
One year terms
Clerk
Assistant Clerk
Recording Clerk
Treasurer
Recorder
Historian
Auditor
Contact Person
George Fisher (2 1/2)
_________________
Betty Williams (3)
Carol Jackson (2)
Lorcan Otway (4)
_________________
Tom Orr (3)
Michael Schlegel
e-mail
phone
2009
2008
Pastoral Care (9m)
2007
Friends approve with one suggested change.
2008
7. Tony Shitemi for the Nominating Committee
presents the nominations for 2007, some for a first
reading, some for a second reading, along with some
corrections of last month’s report. The report is attached.
2009
Bob Baldridge (1)
Richard Accetta-Evans (1)
Cynthia Large (2)
Janet Soderberg (1)
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
Roxanne Wolanczyk (1)
Paul Busby (1)
Carol Summar (2)
Liz Sheed (2)
Jim Gowens (1)
Page 22
Lorcan Otway (3)
Jacqueline Seltzer (5)
Arts Committee (5m)
2007
2008
Lynn Lane (1) nominated
2009
Gene Coffey (1) nominated
Jesse Peterson (1) nominated
Monika Fabian (1) nominated
Liaisons for Child Care
Libby Wise (3)
Jackie Shitemi (7)
Liaison for FCNL
Eileen McGinn (p)
Deborah Brozina (1)
Liaison for Powell House
Aldona Januszkiewicz (5)
2008
Robin Grunder (p)
Arthur Berk (1)
David Mensah (p)
Library
2009
Scott Carlson (p+1)
(and the Treasurer)
Eliezer Hyman (9)
Brian Doherty (2)
Jim Gowens (6)
Sabrina Jones (3)
Sarah Johnson (3)
Newsletter Committee
2007
Mark Bloch (1)
Robin Grunder (4)
Diana Timmons (1)
2009
Linda Hill (p)
Peace
2008
Tony Shitemi (2)
2007
2008
Margaret Lew (1)
Sarah Johnson (p)
2009
Maureen Healy (1)
____________________
____________________
Frederica Clare (2)
Melvin Dennis (1)
Julie Finch (1)
Leslie Harris (3)
Araxie Kilejian (1)
Alice Proskauer (2)
Betty Williams (3)
Louise Wolf (2)
Eileen McGinn (1)
Sam Oast (1)
Committee Room (4m)
Property (6m)
Elizabeth Crownfield (1)
2006
Franne Rosenthal (1)
Retreat Standing
2008
Deborah Goodwin (1)
(plus teachers)
Linda Hill (4)
James Gowens (2)
Shelter
Jennifer Barton (3)
Jake Barton (11)
Morgan Harting (3)
Susan Kiviat (12)
Sheryl Nelson (12)
Steven Smith (9)
Julia Strohm (6)
Social Hour
Michelle Waldman
David Mensah
Lynn Lane
Nominating (6m) Nominated by Pastoral Care
2007
Tony Shitemi (1)
Susan Smith Rosenthal (p+1)
2008
Tom Orr (1)
Nancy Adelman (p+1)
2009
__________________
__________________
Directory Committee
Carol Jackson (7)
Diana Smith-Barker (3)
NYQM positions to be filled by Friends nominated by
15th Street Meeting
Kate Moss (2)
Audit and Budget
2009
Charles Brainard
Educational Fund (formerly the
Phoebe Anna Thorne Scholarship
Committee)
2008
Margery Cornwell
Friends Seminary
2007
Dan Wise (p)
Relief Committee
2009
Ilene Wagner (1 1/2)
Trustees
2008
JoAnne Dally (1)
New York Friends in Unity with Nature Sally Arteseros (9)
Angela Manno
Helen Saffran (5)
Janet Soderberg (9)
Louise Wolf (9)
Ilene Wagner (1)
Greeting Committee
Tom Orr (4)
Brian Doherty (2)
Jim Gowens (3)
David Mensah (2)
Sam Oast (4)
One year term, no limit
2007
Tom Orr (1)
Nancy Adelman (1)
Page 23
them up. Requests can be
[email protected] .
NYYM positions to be filled by Friends appointed by
15th Street Monthly Meeting
Several small changes were made to resolve some of
the problems that we were having with our Google
Group, both communication-wise and security-wise.
We will put instructions for signing up for the group in
the newsletter.
Yearly Meeting on
_______________
Ministry and Counsel
nominated by Ministry & Worship
9/2007
9/2007
Maureen Healy (1)
2007
8. The meeting approves adding a phone contact
person.
9. Friends approve the names given second
readings.
Friends are reminded that the first person on each
committee list is to convene the committee’s first meeting
in January. At that meeting, a clerk is to be nominated
and the name reported to the clerk of the monthly
meeting.
10. The Property Committee reports on its work
speaking to committees of the meeting to understand
proposed uses of the lounge once the elevator is installed
and operating in late spring. They also want guidance
about proposed sign boxes to go outside the meeting
house. The request comes from the Ministry and Worship
Committee and the Arts Committee, which would be
responsible for contents and maintenance. We ask the
Ministry and Worship and the Arts Committees to clarify
their thoughts and present them to the meeting, perhaps
in January.
emailed to Lin at
We have gathered preliminary information from the
Meeting's various committees about what they
envision for the Meeting's website and how they might
use a secure unified database of members'
information (with different committee clerks having
access to different information about members). The
lengthy feedback included website and database
features that the various committees would like to
have both to enable their own committee work to be
carried out more efficiently and to facilitate their
committee's communication with the Meeting at large,
as well as providing information to the general public.
We discussed how we might implement these
requests. Thus far the website has been created and
maintained by Vijay Wijesundera under the care of the
Committee Room Committee. The question comes up
whether the website should fall under the jurisdiction
of the Committee Room Committee or the Ad Hoc
Communications Committee. We ask for guidance
from the Meeting for Business on this issue before
considering the options for implementing the
requested changes.
Friends approve.
The recording clerk reads the travel minute returned by
Paul Busby after his visit to Friends in Costa Rica,
endorsed by Lucky Guendon, clerk of Monteverde Monthly
Meeting of Friends, Costa Rica.
Friends approve.
11. The Ad Hoc Communications Committee
reports on its work. The report contains questions about
the website and the Committee Room Committee as well
as the Ad Hoc Committee. The report is to be published in
the newsletter and is attached to these minutes in order to
solicit Friends’ opinions about how they should proceed.
The committee will return to the monthly meeting in
January.
Report of the 15th Street Ad Hoc Communications
Committee to Meeting for Business
12/10/2006
The Ad hoc Communications Committee was asked by
Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business to
consider ways of improving communication in the
Meeting. In doing so we looked at how the newsletter,
the Google Groups, the Fifteenth Street website, and
mailings (database) were functioning.
The newsletter is now being produced monthly by
Diana Timmons and the Newsletter Committee. The
current and previous months' newsletters are now on
the website. Lin Timmons is mailing copies of
newsletters to a few friends including former members
and attenders who cannot download them or pick
Then, after a period of silent worship, with 25 Friends
present, we adjourn the meeting at 3:30 P.M., to meet
again on second first day, first month 2007 at 1:00 P.M.
Rich Accetta-Evans, clerk
In attendance: Bob Baldridge, Cynthia Bardouka-Large,
Arthur Berk, Charles Brainard, Linda Hill Brainard,
Deborah Brozina, Katy Bruni, Elizabeth Crownfield,
JoAnne Dally, Brian Doherty, John Edminster, Maureen
Healy, Carol Jackson, Margaret Lew, Kate Moss, Lorcan
Otway, Cynthia Schlegel, Janet Soderberg, Carol Summar,
Diana Timmons, Louise Wolf
And: Robert Boyle, Melvin Dennis
Page 24
January 21st, will prepare information to be handed out
there and will invite Quarterly Meeting Friends to attend.
MINUTES OF THE
JANUARY 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
January 14, 2007
3. Cynthia Bardouka Large presents the State of
the Meeting report for a first reading. Friends who
have editorial suggestions beyond those offered today
should send them in writing to Cynthia in the next two
weeks. The clerk will forward suggested corrections from
this meeting to the Ministry and Worship Committee.
Friends approve.
221 EAST 15th STREET, MANHATTAN,
NEW YORK, ON FIRST DAY 14 FIRST MONTH
2007 AT A LITTLE AFTER 1:00 P.M.;
4. Janet Soderberg reports for Friends in Unity
with Nature. The Committee asks whether the meeting,
the Quarterly Meeting and/or Friends Seminary would like
to have a New York State Energy Research and
Development (NYCERDA) energy audit, which is available
to us for $100.00 through Interfaith Power and Light,
done.
The meeting approves in principle the possibility of a
comprehensive audit.
We introduce ourselves, circulate the sign-in sheet, and
Friends approve the proposed agenda.
5. Carol Jackson presents the Recorder’s report
for 2006. The report is attached. Friends accept the
report.
Carol Summar reports for the Pastoral Care Committee.
Gerard Geary has withdrawn his request for transfer from
Fifteenth Street to Midcoast Meeting in Maine.
1. We have received a letter from Friends Meeting
at Cambridge (New England Yearly Meeting)
approving the transfer of Wendy Gavel La Capra,
residing at 5 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014, from
that meeting to 15th Street Monthly Meeting. The
transfer bears the approval of our Pastoral Care
Committee. The recording clerk reads the letter and a
letter to Fifteenth Street from Wendy.
Friends approve the transfer and request the clerk to
execute the necessary documents. Friends ask the Pastoral
Care Committee to appoint a welcome committee and to
report back to the monthly meeting.
2. We approve the request of the Ministry and
Worship Committee that we co-sponsor the
ecumenical worship service with the theme "Open our
ears and loosen our tongues" to be hosted by the
Immaculate Conception Church at 414 East 14th Street
(corner of 1st Avenue) on Thursday January 25th at 7 p.m.
The service will involve a number of local churches
including Christ Lutheran Church, Lutheran Slovak
Church, Mennonite Manhattan Fellowship (which meets in
our building) and Grace Church. It is part of a week
designated as the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity".
Fifteenth Street Meeting has also received an invitation
and Friends have been warmly welcomed and encouraged
to attend.
Friends accept Rich Accetta-Evans’ offer to attend and
respectfully participate as he is led.
The clerk will announce the service as part of Fifteenth
Street Meeting’s report at the Quarterly Meeting on
Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting
Recorder’s Summary Report 12/31/06
MEMBERSHIP ADDITIONS
By request: (7)
Andrew Schlegel 2/12/06
Diana Timmons 3/12/06
Lindiana Renata
Timmons 3/12/06 (child)
David K. Mensah 3/12/06
Amy Scarola 5/21/06
Mark Bloch 5/21/06
Simon J. Bloch 5/21/06 (child)
MEMBERSHIP LOSSES
By transfer: (2)
Carol Holmes 2/12/06
Monika Ryan 6/11/06
By release: (0)
By discontinuance: (0)
By death: (0)
By transfer: (2)
Paul Williams 3/12/06
Corey Williams 3/12/06 (child)
Change to adult status: (0)
TOTAL ADDITIONS: 9
TOTAL LOSSES: 2
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP ON 12/31/06: 185
(161 adults, 24 children)
MARRIAGES UNDER THE CARE OF THE MEETING IN 2006 (1)
Cynthia Large & Dean Bardouka 9/16/06
6. Deborah Brozina, the depositor, reads the
preliminary report from Cynthia Schlegel, the treasurer.
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL EXPENSES
NET INCOME
$52,800
$43,800
$9,000
7. JoAnne Dally reports for Nominating Committee.
The following names are presented for a second reading:
Phone contact: Michael Schlegel
Pastoral Care: Jim Gowans (1)
Budget and Collections: Scott Carlson, (p+1)
Peace Committee: Melvin Dennis (1), Julie Finch (1),
Araxie Kilijian (1)
Page 25
JANUARY 2007 BUSINESS MEETING (continued)
Social Hour: David Mensah, Michelle Waldman,
Lynn Lane
Newsletter: Mark Bloch, Robin Grunder,
Diana Timmons
The Pastoral Care Committee reports the following
nominations to the Nominating Committee for a second
reading:
JoAnne Dally, Deborah Goodwin
Friends approve.
The following names are presented for a first reading:
Shelter: Kitty Holman, Sam Oast
Friends are asked to contact the Nominating Committee
with any comments about the names given first readings.
The clerk reports on a recent meeting with Elizabeth
Enloe, clerk of the Friends Seminary School Committee,
and with Bo Lauder, Principal.
8. Margaret Lew reports for the Property Committee.
The report is attached, and Friends receive it with
appreciation.
Property Committee Report 1/14/07 Business Meeting 15th St MM
We are moving ahead with plans to increase our use of the lounge
once the new elevator makes it accessible in April/May 2007.
Our meetings with many 15th Street MM committees to discuss the
potential of the lounge have been very fruitful.
We met in December 2006 with the Quarter Trustees to discuss our
work and intentions regarding the lounge. They expressed a great
deal of support.
We’ve met with AFSC to begin working out access through their
offices from the new elevator to the lounge. AFSC is supportive and
with them we are developing viable solutions that will allow passage
for those of us who need the use of the elevator while providing for
the security of their desks and computers.
We had our first meeting last week with Bo Lauder, the principal of
Friends Seminary, to begin addressing the logistics of swapping their
music office with our library.
Our next steps are to:
1.
Expand the details of what we need in the space. This will
mean more meetings with 15th Street Committees and individuals.
2.
Based on that information we will develop a conceptual plan
that we will bring to our February’s Business Meeting.
3.
Put together a preliminary cost estimate.
We review the plans for proceeding with a Strategic
Planning Committee about the use of space. The clerk
will work with Margaret Lew to review which committees
are to nominate members and to set a meeting date.
Then, after a period of silent worship, with 16 Friends
present, we adjourn the meeting at 3:40 p.m., to meet
again on second first day, first month 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
In attendance: Sally Arteseros, Cynthia Bardouka Large,
Deborah Brozina, Margery Cornwell, JoAnne Dally, Brian
Doherty, John Edminster, Patty Frascatore, Carol Jackson,
Wendy Gavel LaCapra, Margaret Lew, Lorcan Otway,
Tony Shitemi, Diana Smith Barker, Janet Soderberg,
Carol Summar, Diana Timmons, Louise Anne Wolf
And: Melvin Dennis, Jane E. Kraemer, Angela Manno,
Sam Oast, Alice H. Proskauer, Steven Smith
Page 26
ASSETS
Calvert Money Market Fund
10,660.21 10,222.58
437.63
4.28%
Checking, Wachovia Bank
25,909.91 16,220.78
9,689.13
59.73%
0.00 106,049.98
100.0%
Fidelity Investment
Mutual Fund, Pax World
TOTAL ASSETS
106,049.98
4,878.67
4,488.62
390.05
8.69%
147,498.77 30,931.98 116,566.79
376.85%
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Jesus Christ Forbids War
Print
196.29
0.00
196.29
100.0%
Total Other Current Liabilities
196.29
0.00
196.29
100.0%
344.76
750.00
-405.24
-54.03%
812.63
1,132.46
-319.83
-28.24%
203.94
203.94
0.00
0.0%
1,975.32
2,007.32
-32.00
-1.59%
400.00
400.00
0.00
0.0%
Long Term Liabilities
Photo credit: Lorcan Otway
Clerk George Fisher and Recording Clerk Betty Williams confer before a monthly
business meeting.
MINUTES OF THE
FEBRUARY 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
February 11, 2007
FRIENDS, HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM AT 221
EAST 15th STREET, NEW YORK CITY, 10003, ON
FIRST DAY SECOND MONTH 11, 2007 AT A
LITTLE AFTER 1:00 p.m.;
2007.2.1. Cynthia Bardouka Large presents the
changes to the State of the Meeting report suggested
at and after the January monthly meeting for business.
Friends approve the report with one added change.
2007.2.2. Cynthia Schlegel presents the
treasurer’s report for 2006 (see attachment below).
Friends receive the report and ask that the treasurer
return at the next meeting for business with additional
information about the details of income and spending for
the Arts Committee. Other concerns about how
information is reflected in the Budget and Collections
Committee’s reports should be addressed to the
committee.
Friends express their enthusiastic appreciation for the
increased transparency which makes it possible for them
to identify and ask questions about the meeting’s funds.
Restricted Funds
Arts Grant-Radio & TV
Project
Committee Room Computer
Fund
Handbook
Keller Fund-Newcomer
Pamphlets
Library
Book Rebinding Funds
8.18
197.22
-189.04
-95.85%
Total Library
408.18
597.22
-189.04
-31.65%
Night Shelter
11,689.71
8,196.71
3,493.00
42.62%
0.63
0.63
0.00
0.0%
777.93
777.93
0.00
0.0%
113.26
113.26
0.00
0.0%
MM Weekend
Weekend & Retreat Seed
Fund
375.04
375.04
0.00
0.0%
554.05
743.51
-189.46
-25.48%
Total Powell House
Prudent Reserve
(Emergency)
Quakerism Class Materials
Fund
929.09
1,118.55
-189.46
-16.94%
9,410.42
1,410.42
8,000.00
567.21%
404.33
404.33
0.00
0.0%
Social Hour Big Equipment
397.94
397.94
0.00
0.0%
0.00
438.69
-438.69
-100.0%
0.00
260.25
-260.25
-100.0%
Total Restricted Funds
27,468.14 17,809.65
9,658.49
54.23%
Total Long Term Liabilities
27,468.14 17,809.65
9,658.49
54.23%
27,664.43 17,809.65
9,854.78
55.33%
110,398.45 13,229.08
97,169.37
734.51%
-106.75
-100.0%
Sales and Gifts Funds
NY Yearly Meeting Grants
Pastoral Care Membership
Literature
Peace Vigil Handbills &
Banners
Powell House
Special Conferences Fund
Witness & Advancement
Fund
Total Liabilities
Equity
Opening Balance Equity
Retained Earnings
Net Income
Total Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
-106.75
0.00
9,544.63
-106.75
9,651.38 -9,041.11%
119,836.33 13,122.33 106,714.00
813.22%
147,500.76 30,931.98 116,568.78
376.86%
Page 27
2007.2.3. Scott Carlson presents the 2007 budget
for approval (attachment below).
Friends approve the budget as presented.
The meeting requests that the Shelter Committee review
the use of meeting funds and also review in the light the
reliance on unfree labor on the part of the city as part of
the goods and services supplied to the shelter, and to
report back to the business meeting.
February 07, 2007
2006
Actuals
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Contributions Income
Restricted
Directory
405.00
Handbook
NA
Religious Education
200.00
1,186.00
Social Hour
Shelter
NA
Total Restricted
1,791.00
46,947.28
48,738.28
Fund Raisers
Peace Committee Fund
675.79
Raisers
RE Committee Rummage Sale 1,712.00
Total Fund Raisers
2,387.79
Total Income
51,126.07
Expense
Charitable Gifts
300.00
Childcare
2,213.75
Commitees
15th St. Member Handbook
0.00
Arts
25.00
451.16
Committee Room
585.65
0.00
Directory
470.80
50.00
Greeting
0.00
Library
700.00
Ministry & Worship
379.98
Newsletter
78.00
Nominating
0.00
Pastoral Care
Powell House/Pendle Hill
0.00
Grant
Pastoral Care - Other
126.68
Total Pastoral Care
126.68
Peace
148.36
Property
0.00
Religious Education
0.00
Shelter
2,355.29
Social Hour
0.00
Total Commitees
5,370.92
Contingency Fund
600.00
Fund Raisers' Expenses
Peace Committee Fund
675.79
Raisers
RE Rummage Sale
80.00
RE Scholarship to Attend
NYYM
1,632.00
Total Fund Raisers' Expenses
2,387.79
2006
Budget
Proposed
2007
Budget
0.00
NA
0.00
360.00
NA
360.00
50,620.00
50,980.00
300.00
500.00
0.00
850.00
2,650.00
4,300.00
53,435.00
57,735.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
0.00
50,980.00
1,700.00
2,200.00
59,935.00
300.00
2,500.00
300.00
2,500.00
100.00
25.00
700.00
785.00
50.00
150.00
50.00
0.00
700.00
400.00
1,600.00
25.00
500.00
175.00
700.00
900.00
50.00
600.00
150.00
0.00
700.00
900.00
1,600.00
25.00
500.00
500.00
400.00
900.00
200.00
0.00
300.00
0.00
2,400.00
8,385.00
600.00
400.00
900.00
200.00
0.00
300.00
2,650.00
1,600.00
11,950.00
600.00
0.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,700.00
2,200.00
a
NYYM
Grants to Attend NYYM
Representitive Expenses
Total NYYM
Officers
Clerks
Recorder
Treasurer
Total Officers
Quaker Obligations
Friends Committee on
National Legislation
Friends House in Rosehill
New York Quarterly Meeting
New York Yearly Meeting
(NYYM)
NYYM Supplemental Income
Prudent Reserve
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
Other Income
Capital Gains
Interest Income
Net Other Income
Net Income
600.00
0.00
600.00
600.00
100.00
700.00
600.00
100.00
700.00
20.00
0.00
74.66
94.66
175.00
10.00
75.00
260.00
175.00
10.00
100.00
285.00
100.00
100.00
12,000.00
100.00
100.00
12,000.00
100.00
100.00
13,200.00
20,000.00
6,608.00
38,808.00
2,461.23
52,836.35
-1,710.28
20,000.00
6,035.00
38,235.00
0.00
50,980.00
0.00
20,000.00
8,000.00
41,400.00
1,200.00
61,135.00
-1,200.00
392.04
1,318.24
1,710.28
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
0.00
f
g
Notes
a Based on Shelter's 2006 income.
b Copies printed for 20-page handbook.
c M&W has requested an additional $400 to purchase newcomer literature.
d Does not include labor.
e Contingency in 2006 paid to New York Quarterly Meeting for Huot's overtime.
f Targeted supplement to NYYM, which will be given to NYYM at beginning of
2008 if raised from increased contributions.
g Interest income goes into the prudent reserve each year.
b
c
2007.2.4. Scott Carlson reports that the audit for
2005 is in its final stages. Friends ask to hear an oral
summary and that a written report be brought to the
meeting for business.
The Budget and Collections Committee has an interest in
sharing the services of an auditor for 2006 with the
Quarterly Meeting office.
2007.2.5. The Nominating Committee presents the
following names for a second reading:
Shelter Committee: Kitty Holman
Sam Oast
Friends approve.
d
e
2007.2.6. We set the date of Tuesday, March 6, at 7
p.m. for the Strategic Planning Committee about the use of
space. The room will be announced and listed on the
Quarterly Meeting lobby blackboard that evening.
2007.2.7. Margaret Lew presents possible sign
locations and content for Fifteenth Street Meeting.
Friends suggest we look again at the sign we have on the
building and see if it might be changed to make it more
Page 28
useful to those seeking information. Others suggest a sign
with name, phone and website.
We ask the Property Committee to come forward with sign
examples, perhaps drawn from research of previous signs.
Announcements
The Arts Committee reports on their sponsorship of Old
Chatham Meeting’s benefit (to raise money to build a
Meetinghouse) at our Meetinghouse on Friday, February
16th at 7:30 p.m. — "For Real" with monologist Richard
Hoehler.
The dates for Quarterly Meeting special meetings are:
Sun 2/18/07
1-3 p.m., Room 1 15th Street
Audit & Budget (for budget for 2007)
Sun 3/25/07 1-4 p.m., Meeting Room 15th St
Care relationships with the schools
2007.2.8. Then, after a period of silent worship,
with 25 Friends present, we adjourn the meeting in the
nick of time, to meet again on second first day 11, third
month 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
In attendance:
Nancy Adelman,
Bob Baldridge,
Cynthia Bardouka
Large, Charles
Brainard, Linda Hill
Brainard, Deborah
Brozina, Scott
Carlson, Margery
Cornwell, JoAnne
Dally, Brian
Doherty, John
Edminster, Patty
Frascatore, Maureen
Healy, Eliezer
Simeon Hyman,
Carol Jackson,
Christine Japely,
Margaret Lew,
Beatrice Markowitz,
Kate Moss, Lorcan Otway, Cynthia Schlegel, Tony Shitemi,
Steven M. Smith, Carol Summar, Diana Timmons, Louise
Anne Wolf
And: Melvin Dennis, Julie M. Finch, Gerard Geary, Lise
Kjaer, Jane E. Kraemer, Angela Manno, Itsuhara
Nakamura, Sam Oast, Alice H. Proskauer, Helge Skibeli,
Vijay Wijesundera.
Page 29
2007.3.7 Mike Schlegel presents the Auditor’s
Report for 2005. The report is attached below.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH
BUSINESS MEETING
March 11, 2007
[AUDITOR'S REPORT]
To: Friends at March business meeting
From: Michael Schlegel, Auditor
Subject:
Audit of the books and records for calendar year 2005
Date: February 12th, 2007
FRIENDS, HELD AT 15 RUTHERFORD PLACE,
NEW YORK CITY, ON FIRST DAY 11 MARCH 2007,
AT 1:00 p.m.;
During a period of opening quiet, the clerk reads the ninth
query and the ninth advice from the New York Yearly
Meeting book of discipline, Faith and Practice, and
Friends consider them.
2007.3.1 We approve Liz Sheed as Recording
Clerk for the day.
2007.3.2 We circulate the sign-in sheet.
2007.3.3. Pastoral Care forward their
recommendation for the approval of Julie Finch as a
member of 15th Street. The Meeting approves. Julie
resides at 165 West 26th Street, 5E, New York, NY 10001.
Margery Cornwell will head up the welcoming committee.
2007.3.4 The Clerk reports on the receipt of
requests for membership from Clora Kelly, Helge
Skibeli, and Jean Smith and forwards them to the
Pastoral Care Committee for their recommendation.
2007.3.5 The Clerk reports on the funds collected
and spent by the Arts Committee in 2006 as
requested at the February Business Meeting. There were
contributions of $2886.62 and expenses of $3291.86.
Friends request that clear books be kept by the committees
for whom there is a flow of money outside of the budget
line and that a summary be available when the annual
expenditures are reviewed in Business Meeting. The
Meeting refers this concern to Budget and Collections for
their suggestion.
2007.3.6 Cynthia Schlegel reporting for Budget
and Collections recommends that the Meeting make a
supplemental contribution to New York Yearly Meeting of
$6608 above its completed donation of $20,000 for 2006.
The Meeting approves.
The report for the 2005 audit follows:
Audit Procedure
I have reviewed the books and records of the meeting in conjunction with
the meeting’s bank account records. The following documents were
provided:
•
Year-end 2004 and 2005 financial reports prepared by the
Treasurer.
•
All bank statements.
•
All checks and deposit receipts.
•
Some supporting documentation for expense reimbursement
and bills paid. These records and procedures were very
inadequate.
•
NOTABLE ABSENT – Quicken or any meaningful accounting
records or ledger.
Due to the lack of an accounting system, the audit was largely limited to
comparing bank records to the Treasurer’s 2005 financial report.
Audit Findings
The bank account transactional records were apparently maintained in
Quicken. Some computer problem caused much of the Quicken records to
be lost or unable to be retrieved. As a result, neither electronic nor hard
copy reconciling bank records were available. The Treasurer’s report
differed from the bank statements as follows:
Income/Expenses
Income
Expense
Net Income
Treasurer’s report
$53,901.28
$49,885.36
$ 4,015.92
Bank records
$85,725.05
$61,811.52
$23,913.53
Difference
$31,823.77
$11,926.16
$19,897.61
To summarize, bank records showed $31,823.77 of additional income and
$11,926.16 of additional expense when compared to the Treasurer’s
Report. The result is $19,897 more net income than accounted for in the
Treasurer’s Report.
Although there were checks attached to bank statements with the
Treasurer’s notation of the purpose of the disbursement, little supporting
documentation was provided. As an example, a check of $1000 was
issued with no explanation or any supporting evidence showing how the
money was spent. It was not possible to verify if expenses had been
applied to proper committees or budget purposes. All checks were signed
by the Treasurer with careful manual notation and no checks appeared
missing or written out of order.
Finally, the Treasurer’s report showed a dramatic increase in Attender
contributions from $7,297 for 2004 to $20,362 for 2005 due to $17,696
contributed from the Muriel Clark Income Fund. Member and cash box
contributions declined slightly to $27,162 and $1,696 respectively. The
collective cash balance in the bank accounts increased by $23, 913 to
$85,357 by yearend 2005.
Recommendations and Good News
For 2006, a new accounting system has been established in QuickBooks
which is a commonly used accounting software system. Additionally,
improved controls, supporting documentation and procedures have been
implemented. In conjunction with the Budget & Collections Committee, I
Page 30
have agreed to help design the audit scope for next year and help identify
an outside independent professional to conduct the audit.
Submitted by Mike Schlegel
Auditor & Member of 15th Street Meeting
Sylvia Friedman speaks as clerk of the Shelter Committee
about the Committee’s accounting practices since it began
20 years ago and we hear other concerns. The Meeting
accepts Mike’s report with one change and asks that it be
published in the newsletter with the minutes.
2007.3.8 Sylvia Friedman addresses concerns that
were raised at the February Monthly Meeting about the
Shelter’s use of prison labor for laundry services. She was
reassured by a staff person at the prison that the prisoners
are paid and seek out that job. She also researched other
laundry options and suggests that we continue to send our
laundry to Rikers Island.
Friends speak to the issue of using the labor of people who
are in any way incarcerated and invite us to support that
concern. The Meeting encourages Friends with this
concern to meet and season it further.
2007.3.9 Jesse Peterson, the co-manager of the
Penington House and co-clerk of the Arts Committee
introduces himself. Robert Baldridge, co-clerk of the
Arts Committee presents the report of the Arts
Committee for 2006. [attached below]
[ARTS COMMITTEE REPORT]
In January 2006 and 2007, we co-sponsored with the Shelter Committee
the annual MLK benefit for the shelter, with a performance by the Meeting
House Band. which included a performance by a member of 15th Street
Monthly Meeting.
On February 26th, the Arts Committee helped members and attenders of
15th Street participate in the annual ArtQuake (a quarterly meeting activity
of sharing the spirit of creativity in our community), which was held at
Morningside meeting in the Riverside Church tower on the upper west
side. We helped deliver art and provided transportation for older Friends.
On March 21st, 2006, we hosted the second year of the Friends Film
Series with the new film “The St. Patrick Four,” which featured Dan
Berrigan, the filmmakers, and other family members of those who
committed civil disobedience at a recruitment office in upstate New York.
The filmmakers were on hand to present their film.
Also on March 25th, the Arts and Peace committees hosted 30 young
Friends from the Scatterfield School in Iowa, who came to attend our book
reading event featuring Howard Zinn, Amy Goodman and Anthony
Arrnove. Some young F/friends, offered his service by performing a jazz
duet interlude before the event. Over 400 people were in attendance.
Others who spoke at the event were the Iraq Vets Against the War.
These events enabled many Friends seminary students to contribute their
time (and also fulfill their community service requirement). We also, had
many volunteers from the school community of young students and some
faculty present and offering service as well as many volunteers from 15th
Street MM who participated in helping before during and after the event.
In November we co-sponsored with the Friends In Unity with Nature
(F.U.N.) Committee a showing of "An Inconvenient Truth" and we began
planning for Peace Week at Friends Seminary in February, enlisting the
help of artist James Turrell who will be the keynote speaker, and address
the school on the relationship of his work to peace and the environment.
We received many requests from new and old friends who offered service.
In December we recorded some of the children who performed a play.
Young Friends from the First day school volunteered to help set up and be
a welcoming presence for the arts committee during social hour.
In December 2006 the Arts Committee helped to document the shelter
Christmas party.
On Feb 15 2007, the Arts Committee co-sponsored the Thursday evening
program which presented artist James Turrell in a keynote address about
his art and relationship to the religious society of Friends to the students
at Friends Seminary in the afternoon and a program open to the public in
the evening. James is a well-known artist who volunteered his time to be
with us to help celebrate Peace Week along with the Peace Committee.
We also has a chance to have a fellowship gathering with
members/volunteers of the committee with Jim in the afternoon.
The Quaker TV/Radio project continued recording related programs that
the arts committee hosted and worked with younger Friends in
documenting some of the First Day school performances. A member of the
committee traveled to visit with filmmakers and other Friends to seek
possible material and support or future programs and sought out technical
support and advice.
We also sought out tools for storing of the collected work , the committee
Quaker TV/Radio project purchased a new apple computer and hard drive
utilites , as well as a three-year support contact for the hardware. Students
from the First Day school have had a chance to work with some of these
tools.
Some of the programs planned and some presented for February 2007
included a play to benefit the Chatham Monthly meetings plan to build a
new meetinghouse and a performance, panel and multimedia event with
Lebanese musicians from war-torn Beirut, who participated with
Committee members at an event on February 27th in the meetinghouse.
This event was also supported by many other groups including the
Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Future events planned will be a Concert for Peace to be held on sat March
31 that is being co-sponsored with the Peace Committee and includes two
groups of musicians Roy Eaton will perform with a group called Pianists
for Peace in the evening program of classical and jazz music at 7 30 pm
with introductions and a visit by Iraq vets for peace at 6:30 p.m There will
also be an afternoon program of original contemporary music at 3 p.m .
We plan to show the film "Who killed the electric car" with the film director
present for a Questions and answer program included in the
presentations. Also, there will be a showing and discussion of the film
"Born into brothels."
We hope to participate in planning a possible ArtQuake event later this
year to possibly take place at Flushing Meeting and a book reading by
Steven Cleaver of his book on religion and humor.
Submitted on the 9th of March before business meeting
by the co-clerks of the Arts Committee
Jesse Peterson and Bob Baldridge
Page 31
Jesse reads a list of recent and upcoming Arts Committee
events. [list appears below]
2007 15th Street Meeting Arts Committee Events
So far this year, the Arts Committee has hosted the following events:
January 11th
Meetinghouse Band with Todd Anderson, MLK day concert
Co-sponsored with/benefit for the shelter.
February 15th
James Turrell, Quaker artist, Peace Week lecture and dinner
Co-sponsored with Friends Seminary.
February 16th
‘For Real’, monologue by Richard Hoehler
Co-sponsored with/benefit for Old Chatham Meeting new building
fund.
February 27th
Tabadol Project, experimental music and video from Lebanon
Co-sponsored with AFSC, Kennedy Center and US Dept. of State
We look forward to participating in and/or hosting these upcoming
events: March 31st, 2007: ‘Pianists Play For Peace’, 15 th Street
attender/acclaimed pianist Roy Eaton and friends play music of
Ravel, Satie and Bill Evans as part of international Music For Peace
weekend. More info available at http://www.m4p.org/ Co-sponsored
with the Peace Committee
TBA
Film screenings of ‘Who Killed The Electric Car?’ and ‘Born Into
Brothels’, two socially conscious films addressing concerns related to
the environment and poverty.
TBA
Book reading of "Saving Erasmus", which looks at ‘Humor as
Ministry: Finding God in the Laughter’ by Earlham Divinity School
graduate Steven Cleaver.
TBA
ArtQuake at Flushing Meeting
Friends respond with concerns and gratitude to the Arts
Committee and accept the report. We make note of the
scheduling conflicts between the Arts Committee and
Peace Committee meeting times and ask them to consider
ways to work it out in the future.
2007.3.10 Tony Shitemi, the clerk of the
Nominating Committee, presents the following names
for first readings:
Pastoral Care: Lorcan Otway
Auditor: Steve Smith
Property: Steve Smith, Yuri Birchwood
Any comments or concerns can be addressed to Tony
Shitemi.
2007.3.12 George Fisher reads a request for
hospitality which arrived via the Quarterly Monthly
Meeting office from Wade Wright. Friends from Upper
Susquehanna Quarter of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting are
planning a trip to New York City and request hospitality
on an undetermined date in the late spring or early
summer. Friends express interest but request a more
specific plan and more logistical information. Lorcan
volunteers to get more information from Wade. George
will communicate with the New York Quarterly Meeting
office. Lorcan will bring a report of his progress to the
April Business Meeting. We would hope to invite other
members of the New York Quarter to assist if we decide to
go ahead.
2007.3.13 The clerk requests that Friends who
attended the first meeting of the Strategic Planning
Committee on Tuesday March 6, 2006 report on it. Two
friends share their thoughts. The Recording Clerk reads a
portion of the Planning Committee minutes which calls for
the formation of a “Working Group to develop a
preliminary proposal.” We defer this for further discussion
until April.
2007.3.14 Then, after a period of silent worship we
adjourn the Meeting to meet again on First Day 8, Fourth
Month at 1:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Sheed, recording clerk
Members present: Bob Baldridge, Linda Hill Brainard,
JoAnne Dally, Brian Doherty, Julie Finch, Maureen Healy,
Carol Jackson, Christine Japely, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway,
Cynthia Schlegel, Mike Schlegel, Janet Soderberg, Steven
Smith, Diana Smith-Barker, Suzanne W. Stout, Carol
Summar, Diana Timmons, Louise Wolf,
Attenders present: Jean Bloom, Charles Brainard, Melvin
Dennis, Sylvia Friedman, Julie Harris, Lisa Kjaer, Sam
Oast, Jesse Peterson, Lindsay Potter, Dylan Ravdin, Tony
Shitemi, Helge Skibeli, Vijay Wijesundera
Page 32
MINUTES OF THE
APRIL BUSINESS MEETING
April 8, 2007
FRIENDS,
Held in the Meetinghouse at 221 East 15th Street,
Manhattan, New York
On FIRST DAY 8 FOURTH MONTH 2007 at a little
after 1:00 p.m.;
During a period of opening quiet with vocal ministry, the
recording clerk reads Advice 10 and Query 10 from New
York Yearly Meeting's Faith and Practice.
2007.4.1 In a letter, John Elfrank-Dana requests
transfer to Rockland County Friends Meeting of the
memberships of himself and his minor children, Zachary
Dana, Jason Dana, and Briana Dana. The request
comes with the approval of Pastoral Care. Friends
approve.
The clerk has received letters requesting membership
from Sabrina Jones and Victoria Lewis, and
forwards them to the Pastoral Care Committee for their
consideration.
2007.4.2 The recording clerk reads a letter from
Nancy Hadley-Jaffee, who requests a letter of
recommendation from Fifteenth Street Meeting to St.
Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, where she intends to
apply for membership.
The meeting approves and asks the clerk to write a letter
to St. Bartholomew's recommending Nancy for
membership. By this action, we also release Nancy HadleyJaffee from membership in Fifteenth Street Monthly
Meeting.
2007.4.3 Joanne Dally, reporting for Nominating
Committee, presents the following second readings:
Yuri Birchwood, for Property Committee
Steve Smith, for Property Committee
Steve Smith for 2006 Auditor
Lorcan Otway, for Pastoral Care
Friends approve.
And for first reading:
Anne Kjellberg for the Religious Education
Committee, partial term.
2007.4.4 Lorcan Otway reports that the request for
hospitality from Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting for a
group of young Friends from Upper Susquehanna is
proceeding well. Details have been communicated, plans
are ongoing, and the overnight visit is most likely to
happen in late summer.
2007.4.5 JoAnne Dally, for the Handbook
Committee, reports that the 2007 Fifteenth Street
Meeting Handbook is printed and available for
distribution at cost. Friends express their appreciation for
the work of the committee, and JoAnne expresses her
appreciation for the pleasure of doing the work with
Friends on the committee.
2007.4.6 In a period of worship sharing, Friends
comment on the possibility of a Friends Center. Friends
approve the formation of a working group.
2007.4.7 Suzanne Stout and David Mensah will be calling
Friends to bring potluck and to set up for hospitality for
Quarterly Meeting on first day, April 15. Bob Baldridge will
make cafeteria arrangements with the Quarterly Meeting
office. Diana Timmons will talk to the Religious Education
Committee about childcare. JoAnne Dally and Margery
Cornwell will coordinate cleanup.
2007.4.8 Then, after a period of silent worship on a day
of cold, rain, and occasional shafts of sunlight, with 28
Friends present, we adjourn the meeting, to meet again on
second first day 13, fifth month 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
In attendance: Nancy Adelman, Bob Baldridge, Cynthia
Bardouka Large, Arthur Berk, Margery Cornwell, JoAnne
Dally, Brian Doherty, John Edminster, Eliezer Simeon
Hyman, Carol Jackson, Sabrina Jones, David Mensah,
Kate Moss, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Elizabeth Sheed,
Steven M. Smith, Janet Soderberg, Suzanne Stout, Diana
Timmons, Louise Anne Wolf
And: Melvin Dennis, Leslie Harris, Sam Oast, Alice H.
Proskauer.
Page 33
MINUTES OF THE
MAY BUSINESS MEETING
May 13, 2007
THE MEETINGHOUSE AT 221 EAST 15th STREET,
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, ON FIRST DAY 13 FIFTH
MONTH 2007 AT 1:00 p.m.;
During a period of opening quiet with vocal ministry, the
2007.5.1 Friends agree that we will reserve Room 1 for June
monthly meeting in case we may have to run later than 4 pm.
2007.5.2 The clerk reports receiving a request for membership
from Ian Danic. The letter will be given to Pastoral Care for
their consideration.
2007.5.3 Release from service. In a letter, Roxanne
Wolanczyk requests release from service from the Pastoral
Care Committee. Friends approve and release Roxanne from
service, and refer the matter to the Nominating Committee.
2007.5.4 Tony Shitemi, for the Nominating Committee,
presents the following second reading:
Ann Kjellberg for the Religious Education Committee to fill a
partial term. Friends approve.
And for a first reading:
Kate Moss for Pastoral Care Committee for a partial term
ending in 2007.
If Friends have comments about any first reading, they should
speak to members of the Nominating Committee.
2007.5.5 Cynthia Schlegel gives the Quarterly treasurer’s
report. To summarize, income through May 10th was $12,229,
or 22% of the budgeted income for the year, and expenses
through May 10th were $17,663, or 36% of budgeted expenses.
2007.5.6 Carol Summar reports for the School Committee on
recent activity at Friends Seminary. The School has been going
through the NYSAIS accreditation, which takes place every ten
years and includes a rigorous self-evaluation process. The
report will be considered at the next School Committee
meeting. The committee meets on the third Wednesday of
every month. The Quarterly Meeting Educational Concerns
Committee meets on Monday, May 21st at 15th Street. Both of
these committees invite Friends to communicate their
questions and concerns. Friends approve and ask that a School
Committee member report about school activities
approximately every quarter.
2007.5.7 Margaret Lew reports for the Property Committee.
15th Street Meeting approves the plan of the Property
Committee to reconvert the second of the Meeting House back
into lounge and library space for primary use by 15th Street
Meeting. As part of that approval, we also minute the
following:
a.
We authorize the Property Committee to prioritize
expenses to determine what work could be completed this
summer within the amount allocated by NYQM for capital
expenses
b.
We also to commit to further laboring with Friends
Seminary and within ourselves to find suitable space where the
performing arts faculty may be relocated.
c.
We ask the Property Committee to identify areas
where labor and/or materials could be donated by members of
meeting.
d.
We commit to cleaning up the lounge regularly as
responsible users of the shared space, with a specific strategy to
be developed in the near future.
2007.5.8 The Ministry and Worship Committee recommends
to the business meeting that it approve Arthur Berk’s request
for $50 to attend Ohio Yearly Meeting. He is traveling to
preach on “Christ has come (and is present) to teach his people
himself.” Friends approve $50 to come from the Emergency
Fund. We agree to revisit the question of how travel expenses
might best be funded in the future.
2007.5.9 Friends in Unity with Nature support Bob
Baldridge’s request to Business Meeting for funding to attend
the FWCC Trienniale in Dublin, Ireland on August 11-19, 2007.
NYYM has asked him to attend as a replacement for the
member who had initially planned to go and they will fund part
of this trip. F.U.N. will also contribute a small amount. We
believe that this trip will bring benefits to our meeting. We also
know that Bob plans to bring earthcare concerns from NYYM
to the Triennial, and we are grateful that he will bring these
concerns for the earth to this important world gathering
Friends approve a loan of $1200 conditioned upon the
assurance of NYYM that the funds will be reimbursed. Bob
also presents an appeal, an abridged version of which is printed
below:
Dear Friends, With great humility I come before you to request your spiritual
and practical support as I travel to serve as one of four appointed
representatives from New York Yearly Meeting to the 22nd triennial of the
Friends World Committee for Consultation taking place in Dublin Ireland this
August. For eight consecutive years I have participated in the work for the
FWCC committee of NYYM. This is my sixth year of service as an appointed
member of this committee. I also serve on an FWCC sub-committee
called the Wider Quaker Fellowship. This August 9-19 more than 350
representatives/participants from over 40 yearly meetings (e.g. Rwanda YM,
Bhopal YM, Cuba YM) will be present in Dublin. My participation with FWCC
has allowed me to experience the international diversity of Friends and to
provide some information, to the First Day school students, and to interested
individuals about some of the things that are happening in the worldwide
Quaker community….The FWCC triennial planning committee has requested
that the representatives from each yearly meeting bring concerns that their
yearly meetings are currently addressing. Our NYYM representatives will be
bringing concerns about prison ministry, earthcare witness, and calls for the
elimination of torture to the Triennial. These issues will be brought forward for
discussion or presentation.
The approximate total cost of this conference are: Registration fees for room
and board: $1195. Airline with ground transportation $905.
Page 34
May 2007 Business Meeting (continued)
[N.B. At the time of publication, NYYM had agreed to pay
c. $1700 towards total expenses, which covers the total cost of
registration, room and board, and c. $500 toward travel. Bob
still needs to raise additional money for travel and welcomes
individual contributions. GF]
2007.5.10 Then, after a period of silent worship with vocal
ministry, with 21 Friends present, we adjourn the meeting, to
meet again on second first day 10 sixth month 2007 at 1:00
PM.
In attendance: Nancy Adelman, Bob Baldridge, Cynthia
Bardouka-Large, Arthur Berk, Charles Brainard, Linda Hill
Brainard, Elizabeth Crownfield, JoAnne Dally, Melvin Dennis,
Brian Doherty, John Edminster, Julie M. Finch, Maureen
Healy, Sabrina Jones, Clora Kelly, Margaret Lew, Sam Oast,
Lorcan Otway, Cathy Ramey, Cynthia Schlegel, Liz Sheed, Tony
Shitemi, Janet Soderberg, Steven M. Smith, Carol Summar,
Diana Timmons
Page 35
THE MEETING HOUSE AT 221 EAST 15th STREET,
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, ON FIRST DAY 10 SIXTH
MONTH 2007 AT A LITTLE AFTER 1:00 p.m.;
4. Mike Schlegel reads a report from the Ad Hoc Committee on
Transparency and Process Between the Meeting and the
School, which expresses concern about the procedure followed
in the naming of a building owned by the Quarter and used by
Friends Seminary and which describes steps that the
committee has taken in response. A letter from the Friends
Seminary School Committee addressing these concerns is read.
Friends discuss the matter at length and encourage the Ad Hoc
committee to meet again and further season their discussion
before bringing it to Quarterly Meeting. The clerk will write an
informal summary [summary appears at the end of these
minutes] incorporating points that have been emphasized in
this discussion as a reference and forward it to the clerk of the
Ad Hoc Committee.
During a period of opening quiet, the clerk reads Advice 12 and
Query 12 from New York Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice.
Ad Hoc Committee on Transparency and Process Between the Meeting
and the School
In absence of Betty Williams, Friends approve Liz Sheed to act
as Recording Clerk for the day.
Report to the 15th Street Monthly Meeting for Worship with a Concern for
Business on 6/10/2007.
1. In a letter, Clora Kelly and Helge Skibeli, residing at 127
West 11th Street, New York, NY, 10011, request membership in
15th Street Meeting. The request comes with the approval of
Pastoral Care. Friends approve and request that Pastoral Care
convene a welcoming committee.
It has long been common understanding that The New York Quarterly
Meeting owns and has responsibility for all of the property that we, other
tenants, and Friends Seminary occupy.
MINUTES OF THE JUNE
BUSINESS MEETING
June 10, 2007
2. The clerk has received a letter requesting transfer from our
meeting to Chatham-Summit Meeting by Jill Nanfeld. The
matter is referred to Pastoral Care for their consideration.
3. Friends in Unity with Nature read a minute which was
generated during presentation of their program
“Eco-spirituality and Action”, and which was further refined by
the committee. Friends consider the minute in worship.
Friends are enthusiastic about the work of the committee and
the direction of this minute. A discussion follows, which
includes reference to specific language. We note that the text
from 1660 is quoted in part. Some Friends are uncomfortable
with omitting the part that refers to Christ. With this concern
noted Friends unite on this minute and instruct the clerk to
forward it as revised to the New York Quarterly Meeting and to
ask them to forward it to the Yearly Meeting.
Minute submitted by Friends in Unity with Nature
As member of the Religious Society of Friends, we have witnessed for
peace for almost 350 years. Over that time, our witness has grown and
widened; we have worked for the end of war, for the end of the African
slave trade, for equality for women, civil rights for African Americans,
human rights around the world.
Now we are led to widen our witness again to work for peace between
humans and the whole earth community. Our culture has considered the
earth our property to be exploited, and we have all, knowingly and
unknowingly, been complicit in this violent appropriation of world resources.
We must now search for the seeds of this war in our possessions and our
lives and work to nurture a new, mutual relationship with the earth in all of
our actions.
In our 1660 peace declaration we declared, “We utterly deny all outward
wars and strife, and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under
any pretense whatever: this is our testimony to the whole world.” That
statement is still true, but its meaning has deepened beyond what those
early Quakers would have understood. Let us now work to nurture peace on
earth and peace with the earth.
Beginning in February of 2006, and unbeknownst to the Quarter, the Friends
Seminary School Committee considered naming a building belonging to the
Quarter. The building, 222 E. 16th Street, has been often referred to as the
1964 building and the name under consideration was Earle Hunter Hall. Earle
Hunter was a longstanding educator at the school.
The School Committee discussed the naming intermittently for over a year
before deciding on May 16 to name the building, and decided to have a
naming ceremony on June 2. They invited the entire current school
community, faculty, alumni, students and the honoree's family to this event.
During this 1 year and 4 month period of consideration, the Quarter was not
notified.
We, members of the Quarter, informally learned of the planned naming 8
days before the event. Two days later, at the rise of 15th Street's 9:30 and
11:00 AM Meetings for Worship, an announcement was made inviting
Friends to an Ad Hoc discussion to worshipfully consider the lack of
communication with the Quarter in the planned naming.
The Ad Hoc Group decided to try to postpone the naming of the building until
the Quarterly Meeting could consider it at its next meeting on July 14th. This
was seen as beneficial to both Friends Seminary and the Quarter.
As an Ad Hoc committee, we called the Trustees of the Quarter and learned
that none of them had been informed of the naming. In fact, the Trustees,
with one exception, were in favor of postponement.
Elizabeth Enloe, clerk of the Friends Seminary School Committee, was
approached about our concern and set up a meeting for us, the Ad Hoc
Committee, with Bo Lauder, members of the School Committee, and Molly
Reznek, clerk of Trustees, on May 31 -- just 2 days before the naming
ceremony at the school.
We had a good meeting with the School Committee and we proposed the
following:
1) Postponement of the naming of the building until the Quarter could
consider it.
2) The appointment of an observer from the Quarter to the School
Committee to facilitate communication to the Quarter to avoid such
surprises.
At the meeting, Bo and the School Committee informed us that the Hunter
family was already on their way from Seattle and considerable momentum
existed among the faculty, parents and alumni around the naming during
Page 36
Alumni Weekend. There had been a "grass roots" call for the naming of the
building from faculty and students. Postponing would not be easy.
After some discussion of the awkwardness of the situation, we proposed that
they go forward with a celebration to honor Earle Hunter -- but not name the
Quarter's building until the Quarter could consider it.
At the end of the meeting Elizabeth agreed to convene a meeting of the
School Committee later that day and reach a decision. We were notified on
June 1 that The School Committee met and decided to proceed with the
naming of the Quarter’s building without its consideration by the Quarter.
The Ad Hoc Committee learned in the process of considering this question
that the Friend's Seminary School Committee has in their written and adopted
bi-laws an expectation that School Committee members treat ALL matters
coming before it as confidential, and that School Committee members are
expected to transmit support of Committee decisions to the public when
asked.
Although we understand that executive closed sessions may be needed from
time to time, but as a general practice is this in keeping with the Quaker
process of openness in which committee meetings and minutes are open to
members of the Quarterly Meeting? Our own handbook states that committee
meetings and minutes are open to members of the Quarterly Meeting? Is it in
keeping with the Quaker tradition of honesty and sincerity to require a person
to verbally state that he or she supports a decision when they do not?
The Ad Hoc Committee raises concerns over the communication between
Friends Seminary and the Quarter. To improve communications, we ask?
1. Would it further this goal for the Quarter to appoint an observer to attend
Friends Seminary School Committee meetings as our communications
liaison?
2. Would it help improve communications with Friend's Seminary if we were
to revise the description of the School Committee’s responsibilities in the
Quarterly Meeting's Handbook?
3. Would it help if we revised the School Committee's by-laws?
WE ARE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE QUARTERLY MEETING IN JULY
AND THE AD HOC COMMITTEE WELCOMES INPUT FROM THE
MEETING AS WELL AS FROM INDIVIDUAL FRIENDS ON THESE
CONCERNS.
In Love and Light,
The Ad Hoc Committee
Michael Schlegel, Lorcan Otway, Charles Brainard,
Linda Hill Brainard, Melvin Dennis, David Mensah
5. Margery Cornwell reads the annual report of the Peace
Committee for 2006. The meeting accepts the report and
expresses appreciation for the committee and its ongoing work
on our behalf.
PEACE COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 2006
June 2007
The ten to fourteen members of the Peace Committee continue to make their
central activity the promotion of and participation in Fifteenth Street's monthly
vigil for peace and nonviolence at Washington Square. It brings us special joy
that some of our most reliable and effective distributors-of-leaflets at the vigil
are some our youngest members of Meeting. For the second year, families
and seminary students were invited to join us in our May vigil. There is a thin
thread between the Committee and school, which we hope to thicken.
Committee members were pleased to participate in the activities of Friends
Seminary's Peace Week.
Individual Friends took part in numerous anti-war rallies and peace marches
throughout the year.
We raised approximately $1,200 through six pre-business meeting sandwich
sales to donate to four causes: the production of Sabrina Jones's anti-
recruitment comic book, the peace garden at a women's trauma recovery
center in Burundi, Washington D.C. Friends Meeting's Fund to reopen the
Alvar branch of the New Orleans Public Library, and Quaker House in
Fayetteville, North Carolina, which provides military counseling.
On September 11th, we sponsored an evening meeting for worship, followed
by a potluck supper with shelter guests.
In July, the Meeting for Business passed a minute presented by the Peace
Committee to be taken to our senators and representatives, calling for the
humane treatment of all U.S.-held prisoners. This idea was inspired by a
minute from Langley Hill Friends Meeting in Virginia, created as a way of
honoring and continuing Tom Fox's work. As issues regarding the holding and
torturing of prisoners and the challenge to habeas corpus developed in the fall
of 2006, the Peace Committee started work on a more up-to-date minute.
That work continues at the time of this report.
Presented by co-clerks of the Peace Committee
Leslie Harris
Margery Cornwell
6. Ann Kjellberg reports as clerk of the Religious Education
committee about a new requirement for background checks for
all childcare workers and teachers that may be required in
order to get affordable insurance. She presents a
comprehensive list of questions and concerns. The meeting
expresses gratitude to the RE committee for their work and
after lengthy discussion requests that the committee continues
to research this situation. Brian Doherty volunteers to act as a
resource and liaison from the Trustees. We ask them to report
back to Business Meeting in July.
7. Bob Baldridge requests that his letter of introduction be
renewed. The meeting approves. One friend stands aside. Bob
requests that 15th Street Meeting send a letter that he can
present to the FWCC meeting in Dublin Ireland as an
introduction of himself as a representative and as a greeting
from this meeting. The meeting approves. One friend stands
aside.
8. The clerk brings a request by Gerard Geary that the balcony
be accessible during First Day worship. The meeting suggests
that this concern would best be addressed by the Ministry and
Worship Committee. Richard Accetta-Evans will take this
message to Ministry & Worship.
9. John Edminster reads a report on the Advancement
Weekend that was held at Powell House in March 2007.
Friends speak of being inspired by the ideas touched on in this
report. Friends accept the report and request that it be
published in the newsletter and minutes. [see below]
Living Our Faith Out Loud
A NYYM Advancement Consultation held March 9-11, 2007,
at Powell House
as reported back to Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting, 6/10/2007,
by John Edminster
We Friends are bearers of good news, news good enough to die for, a
gospel of a living and present God who corrects, strengthens, and perfects
us if we allow it and orders us into one faithful and mutually supportive
People of God. This is a God so loving that He, She, It leads each of us
toward the eternal bliss of union with God, than which there is no better
fulfillment possible; but even before we've reached this highest goal we
may walk the earth as God's peacemakers, God's healers, God's
comforters and warners, knowers and revealers of God's truth. This is
Quaker advancement as I understand it: carrying news good enough to die
for to anyone ready to hear it.
Page 37
Three months ago, Friends from this Yearly Meeting gathered at Powell
House for an invitational weekend consultation under the care of the YM
Advancement Committee. The Committee hoped we might share ideas on
how to make Quakerism more vital in our meetings, and more visible and
alive in our communities; how to make outreach to potential new Friends;
and how to answer the question 'what is Quakerism?' Or in Christopher
Sammond's words: "to rake together many scattered glowing coals into one
blazing fire." And the weekend felt like that. How urgently I need live flame
near me till my own grows self-sustaining! It's my prayer to see such a fire
blazing here at this meeting before I leave this body.
Four Fifteenth Street Friends attended: Rich Accetta-Evans, Cynthia Large,
Angela Manno, and myself. Also from New York Quarter came Ernie
Buscemi, Naomi Paz Greenberg, Heloise Rathbone, and Helen Garay
Toppins. Helen, in particular, shared some memorable stories of phone
calls she'd gotten at the Yearly Meeting Office that underscore what a
precious thing we Friends have to offer the world. Ask any one of these
Friends what the Advancement Weekend did for them.
Herb Lape, Clerk of the NYYM Advancement Committee, introduced what
he calls the Renewal Project: the Committee sees that God calls individuals
to do renewal work, whether it's outreach or what might be called "inreach,"
nourishing the spiritual life of one's own community. And the Advancement
Committee wants to say to those individuals, "we're here to facilitate your
work. What do you need? prayer, money, ideas, volunteer labor, what?" As
a model of this kind of individual initiative, Nadine Hoover held up the
Valiant Sixty, men and women who left the North Country of England in
1654, two by two, to carry the Quakers' gospel message all over Britain.
Much good as our standing institutions do, Quakerism always needs
Friends at its growth tip that are following a call that's never been heard
before. During the weekend, one Friend reminded us that all our corporate
testimonies began as individual convictions, first made publicly known as
"testimonies" given before the local meeting. What's happened to our
ancient custom of recording such individual testimonies at our business
meetings? Many Friends seemed to leave Powell House resolved to revive
"testifying."
I'm still resonating from things I heard over that weekend. One Friend said:
"Many people are living in darkness, and don't know that there is a Living
God. It disturbs me to see Friends advancing a testimony without advancing
the Living God." "The sin of the Society of Friends," another commented, "is
that it's the Secret Society of Friends." A third Friend, observing that lot of
the advancement we do is non-verbal, marveled that John Woolman
managed to get through the door on his visits to slaveholders. "It can only
be that he enveloped the person in the doorway in the Light he was
carrying." A fourth Friend, formerly of this meeting, told me of a vision she'd
had, in worship, of me distributing my tract, "Jesus Christ Forbids War," in
the subways. This got me to make myself a sandwich-man sign for taking
my tract to public places. By the way, I'd love to have company.
But there are also Friends in this Quarter who staff Quaker Information
Tables at street fairs and other public gatherings, with information about
opting out of military recruitment, AFSC programs, things relevant to young
people, Spanish-speaking people, immigrants, people we can be helpful to
who might otherwise not know about us. And within the Yearly Meeting is a
lot of know-how about making our witness visible and effective. Particularly
helpful in this regard was the Saturday afternoon presentation of Chad Dell
about mobilizing publicity. "To attract the press, make its job easier! Know
how they think and write, and present your information accordingly: put who,
what, when and where in the first paragraph, how and why in the second."
One Friend suggested that we might put up literature racks in laundromats.
This got me thinking about what I'd want a Quaker laundromat tract to say.
Friends, what do you think it should say?
One Friend in this Quarter carries business cards with her with her name,
and the address and meeting times of her meeting on it. Could all the
meetings of the Quarter be on one business card? Would we want that?
What about putting our Faith and Practice in public libraries and college
libraries throughout the Five Boroughs? What about trying to get ourselves
invited to speak before other faith communities, or getting involved with
ecumenical work as a quarter? Are we ready for that? If we are not, what
inward work do we need to accomplish to become ready? If we don't know,
are we prepared to pray for guidance?
10. The clerk reports as clerk of the Strategic Planning
Committee. He hands out copies of a final report for approval
by 15th Street Business Meeting to be sent to the Friends
Seminary School Committee and Quarterly Meeting Trustees.
The Business Meeting approves this report while recording its
strong desire for the downstairs library to remain under the
control of 15th Street Meeting. In discussing this report we
make note of the need for storage space for our records. We
refer these needs to the Committee Room Committee and to
the Strategic Planning Committee.
Report of the Strategic Planning Committee for Space Usage by
15th Street Meeting, May 29, 2007
At a called meeting last June, 15th Street minuted our need for a deeper
sense of spiritual home and our desire to play a greater role in directing the
use of the Meeting House. In the past year we have started to translate that
vision into a comprehensive plan for space usage. At the request of Quarterly
Trustees in November, 15th Street created a Strategic Planning Committee
for Space Usage consisting of members of our Property Committee plus
representatives from several other standing committees of the meeting. That
Committee has met three times over the course of the spring.
At our third meeting today, we identify three areas of continuing problems and
concern for which we have specific action plans. Members of the Friends
Seminary School Committee are requested to consider especially the texts in
italics below, under items 2 and 3.
1. Cafeteria use. Friends would like to use the facility more. We find there
are no actual barriers to Monthly Meeting use of the cafeteria facility. Friends
need only to be trained in the proper use and maintenance of the area. To
this end a group will be organized to secure access and to develop training
and protocols for successful use. We propose these concerns be addressed
by a group consisting of the director of the Cafeteria, YSOP staff, John
Maynard, and Steve Smith. Steve will convene.
2. Renovation of the second-floor lounge. At 15th-Street’s May monthly
meeting for business, we reached unity on the following minute:
15th Street Meeting approves the plan of the Property Committee to
reconvert the second of the Meeting House back into lounge and library
space for primary use by 15th Street Meeting. As part of that approval, we
also minute the following:
a.
We authorize the Property Committee to prioritize expenses to
determine what work could be completed this summer within the amount
allocated by NYQM for capital expenses
b.
We also to commit to further laboring with Friends Seminary and
within ourselves to find suitable space where the performing arts faculty
may be relocated.
c.
We ask the Property Committee to identify areas where labor
and/or materials could be donated by members of meeting.
d.
We commit to cleaning up the lounge regularly as responsible
users of the shared space, with a specific strategy to be developed in the
near future.
At this point we request members of our Property Committee to meet with
members of the School to find a suitable place within the entire complex of
buildings to relocate the performing arts faculty, and discuss other changes
associated with the renovation.
Page 38
3. Storage of items at the front of the Meeting Room. We make the
following requests:
a. That Friends Seminary remove equipment from the front of the
Meeting Room on weekends once the elevator opens up more storage
possibilities.
b. That we explore creating additional storage space under the raised
benches at the front of the Meeting Room
c. That Friends Seminary revisit the proposal of a storage shed to house
Performing Arts equipment as originally proposed in their strategic plan.
Scott Carlson, Frederica Azania Clare, Margery Cornwell,
JoAnne Dally, Melvin Dennis, Brian Doherty, John Edminster,
Gerard Geary, Carol Jackson, Chris Japley, Clora Kelly, Ann
Kjellberg, Lynn Lane, Kate Moss, Sam Oast, Lorcan Otway,
Jesse Peterson, The Phantom, Alica H. Proskauer, Cathy
Ramey, Cynthia Schlegel, Helge Skibeli, Steven Smith, Janet
Soderberg, Suzanne W. Stout, Carol Summar, Diana Timmons,
Giona Thompson, Louise Wolf
d. That Friends seminary remove equipment not essential to its summer
programs for summer of 2007.
On a related topic, Friends at 15th-Street Meeting are enthusiastic about the
idea of founding a Friends Center at Rutherford Place to make the whole
complex of buildings more welcoming to our own communities both inside and
outside the property. We anticipate working more to season this idea in the
fall and expect to invite the participation of all major organizations using the
facilities – including N,Y. Quarterly Meeting, Friends Seminary, N.Y. Yearly
Meeting, Manhattan Monthly Meeting, A.F.S.C., and Y.S.O.P – to join us in
this discussion.
While we have concluded our meetings for this spring and early summer, we
are prepared to meet again in the fall to assist in moving some of these
matters along further.
Submitted by George Fisher, Steve Smith, Margaret Lew and reviewed by
other committee members before distribution.
NOTE:
Business meeting approves this report, while recording the strong desire
for the downstairs library to continue to remain under the control of
15th Street. 6/11/07.
11. Steve Smith reports as recording clerk of the Property
Committee. He reads a letter that the Property Committee sent
to Trustees requesting that the music office and lounge be
vacated this summer. He also presents a minute on how the
committee proposes to move forward on construction of the
second floor this summer. Friends approve the efforts and
direction of the Property Committee. Friends with specific
concerns about the plan are encouraged to be in touch with the
Property Committee.
12. Noting that we have met for five hours, the meeting accepts
the clerk's offer to explain the issues that the Budget and
Collections and Arts Committees are bringing to Business
Meeting and to delay discussion and decisions to the July
Business Meeting, where they will be placed at or near the top
of the agenda. The clerk suggests the possibility of convening a
meeting at which the whole community can discuss Budget
procedures. Friends request that the clerk’s notes about his
meetings with the various committees be made generally
available. [Clerk's notes appear at the end of the minutes.]
13. Then after a period of silent worship, we adjourn the
meeting, to meet again on second first day 8, seventh month
2007 at 1:00 p.m.
Submitted by
Liz Sheed, acting recording clerk
Friends and attenders present when the sign-up sheet went
round: Richard Accetta-Evans, Beverly Archibald, Sally
Arteseros, Anna Barnett, Bob Baldridge, Arthur Berk, Charles
Brainard, Linda Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina, Paul Busby,
Clerk’s notes for discussion of issues between Arts Committee and
Budget & Collections Committee, prepared June 8, 2007, minuted
as minute 12, in June 10th business meeting
Overview of process to date
At the meetings this past week:
Arts Committee
Minutes reflect:
• Clarification of the relation of Quaker TV project to Arts Committee, and
decision to form a Working Group for that project
• Intention to plan a gathering about the Quaker TV project with
representatives from other committees
• Request to deposit recent donation of $7,150
• Decision not to create a 501c3 this year, and intention to revisit next year.
Also covered in discussion but not minuted:
• Request to authorize previously submitted reimbursements
• Request for assistance in filling out forms, if submitted improperly
Budget and Collections Committee
Minutes reflect:
• Request for detailed presentation by the Arts Committee to the Business
Meeting, including related income and expenses for the entire year.
• Recommendation for moratorium on all deposits and reimbursements for
the Arts Committee (including the $7,150 check) until presentation is
given and approved by the Business Meeting.
• Preference for bringing issues to the meeting in the form of financial
queries rather than meeting jointly with the Arts Committee.
• Recommends development on policies on (a) handling and soliciting
donations from foundations, and (b) authorizing travel.
• Concern about volume and amount of transactions by the Arts Committee,
and possible need for policy in this area.
• Suggestion that once basic guidelines are in place, the Treasurer and
B&C handle standard committee requests routinely and refer
extraordinary matters directly to Business Meeting as necessary.
Pastoral Care
Minutes reflect:
• A request for a meeting-wide event devoted to how the meeting handles
its finances.
• The willingness to help plan that meeting and develop appropriate
queries.
• Questions about the clearness process as it relates to conflicts between
individuals and between committees of the meeting.
Possible queries for general consideration:
Page 39
What is the role of each committee in conducting their financial affairs
responsibly?
What is the role of the Treasurer and of Budget and Collections in
overseeing contributions and expenses of the committees of the
meeting and the meeting as a whole?
How do we as a meeting handle significant earmarked contributions
and the expenses that rely on them?
How can we balance the need for greater financial accountability with
continued ease-of-use by individuals and committees handling financial
matters for the meeting?
How can we address our finances as a meeting in ways that do not
aggravate – and perhaps help bridge -- the gap between individuals
with greater financial means and those with lesser financial means?
Clerk’s informal summary of discussion following the report of the
Ad Hoc Committee on Transparency and Process Between
the Meeting and the School
Here follows my informal summary of main points made during the worship
sharing and discussion period after hearing the report of the ad committee
and the letter from the School Committee in Sunday’s meeting for business:
1. We commend the work of the ad hoc committee for the information in its
report and its transparency about process.
2. We hope to treat this as an opportunity for better communication and
healing possibility among all the users of the facilities, and to look for
common ground.
3. We hold each other up in this process, including members of the school
committee and the ad hoc committee, as we try to move forward.
4. There is broad support for the three points of the ad hoc committee
report, with special attention to reviewing the school committee by-laws, in a
worshipful way, to better distinguish between confidentiality and secrecy.
5. Our uneasiness about the recent naming of the 1964 building is due in
part to the recent consideration of separate incorporation for the schools,
which points to a continuing need to establish and clarify a more beneficial
relationship between the schools and the Quarterly Meeting.
Additional messages address the responsibilities of building ownership and
the right to name or remove a name from a building, the need to proceed in a
way that seeks God’s voice in the process, mindfulness of the complex
position of the trustees in this conversation and the complex system of
governance under which the School operates, and a desire for greater clarity
in our own use of the words “blame” and “responsibility”.
The minutes of the business meeting will also reflect our encouragement for
School Committee members from 15th Street to bring forward this meeting’s
concern about secrecy as they work on by-law revisions in the next few
weeks, and our encouragement for the ad hoc committee to meet again
before Quarterly Meeting to further season their presentation.
In the spirit of transparency in which this discussion took place, I will also
forward this informal summary of our consideration to Elizabeth Enloe, clerk
of FS School Committee, and to Nancy Black, clerk of NYQM.
In peace,
George Fisher, clerk 15th Street Meeting
Page 40
MINUTES OF THE
JULY 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
FRIENDS, HELD IN THE MEETING HOUSE AT 221
EAST FIFTEENTH STREET, MANHATTAN, NEW
YORK CITY ON FIRST DAY SEVENTH MONTH 8,
2006 AT 1 P.M.
During a period of open worship, the Clerk reads Advice 13
and Query 13 from New York Yearly Meeting’s Faith and
Practice.
“Friends are advised to observe our Christian testimony for
a faithful ministry of the gospel under the influence of the
Holy Spirit. Members are reminded that all have a
responsibility in ministry.”
“Are love and unity fostered among us? If differences arise,
do we endeavor to reconcile them in a spirit of love and
truth? Are we careful not to manipulate and exploit one
another? Do we avoid talebearing, and are we careful of
the reputation of others?”
In the absence of Betty Williams, Friends approve Brian
Doherty to act as Recording Clerk for the day.
1. The Clerk notes receipt of letters from Robert Boyle and
from Patrick Belton and Soo Koon Lee requesting
membership in the Meeting. The matters are referred to
Pastoral Care.
2. Tom Orr reports for Nominating Committee. Kate Moss
is approved on a second reading for service on the Pastoral
Care Committee for a partial term ending December, 2007.
3. Friends consider Deborah Goodwin’s request for
release from Nominating Committee. Friends decide to
hold the matter over to September business meeting
pending clarification. In the anticipation that Deborah will
submit such a request and in light of the need for
Nominating Committee to be fully staffed as we go into the
fall, the Meeting requests that the Pastoral Care
Committee begin a search for a replacement.
4. A Friend requests that the matter of Friends who do not
attend committee meetings for over three months be
placed on the September business meeting agenda. Friends
approve.
5. The Recording Clerk for the Day reads a letter from
Scott Carlson requesting release from the Budget and
Collections Committee. The Clerk conveys Scott’s decision
to step aside as Clerk but has withdrawn his request for
release from the Committee. Friends hear Scott’s letter and
support Scott’s decision to step aside as Clerk. Friends
speak to the matter out of the silence and express
appreciation for Scott’s service.
6. Deborah Brozina reports for the Budget and Collections
Committee regarding the need for a policy for the Meeting
accepting grants from foundations. We offer the following
preliminary policy and refer it to the Budget and
Collections Committee for further seasoning.
7. “If a foundation requires a proposal for a grant, the
Meeting must approve the proposal in advance and
commit itself to the specific means of managing it if the
proposal is approved.”
8. Bob Baldridge reports for the Arts Committee regarding
the grant proposal that was submitted by the Arts
Committee to the Wallace Global Fund. The $7,175 grant
would be used for audio/visual recording and editing
equipment. Considerable discussion ensues. Friends are
not in unity about depositing the check at this time. We
appoint a small group consisting of JoAnne Dally, Carol
Jackson, David Mensah, and Brian Doherty to further
consider issues related to the Arts Committee and its
activities and finances over the summer and report to
business meeting in September with recommendations
about how we might proceed.
9. At the request of the clerk, Meeting approves
publication in the minutes and the newsletter of the
reports of the Death Penalty Abolition Committee, the
clerk of Budget and Collections, and the Ad Hoc
Committee on investments.
Death Penalty Abolition Committee
Report to Monthly Meeting
6/2006-6/2007
July 8, 2007
Dear George Fisher, Clerk,
Our clerk for this reporting period is Chris Japely. We have met
several times, and communicated by e-mail. The work of the
committee continues: especially writing letters to obtain
commutation of sentence, new trials when new evidence is
uncovered, abolition of capital punishment on religious, ethical,
and practical grounds. We asked meeting members to write to
then-candidate for New York governor Eliot Spitzer and other
legislators to drop support for the death penalty. While Governor
Spitzer still believes the death penalty should be threatened for
terrorists and those convicted of killing law officers, he believes
New York State will not re-establish a death penalty because of
overwhelming State Assembly opposition, and he will not join
efforts to attempt it in the current climate.
We are planning a fundraising concert for a Ministry and
Worship/Third Sunday Program in the fall. The funds raised,
after expenses, will be donated to the Equal Justice USA
Moratorium Now Campaign, with whom we have worked for some
years on the ultimate goal of total abolition of the death penalty
throughout the country. Our member, Diana Smith-Barker,
professional soloist and teacher of violin, will play violin pieces of
her choice. We will then invite our speaker (possibly Christina
Swarms, on the board of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty
and a criminal defense attorney for NAACP working on Mumia
Abu Jamal’s appeals from death row in Pennsylvania) to address
current issues, such as the death penalty jury selection
process—an unjust and apparently unconstitutional practice to
many who know the system in our country. We will ask our
Page 41
speaker to address related issues and answer questions, such as
what to do about the federalization of capital cases in New York
State and how we best might use the overturning of convictions
of innocent people, who have spent long years in jail and on
death row, to work against the death penalty. Note: New York
State is second, behind Texas, on the list of states with wrongful
convictions and imprisonments.
We are also considering co-sponsoring the presentation of the
recent documentary film Lockdown USA at the meetinghouse
later in the winter or next spring.
In Friendship,
Christine Japely, Charles Brainard, Carol Jackson,
Diana Smith-Barker
Budget & Collections Committee
Clerk’s Report
June 27, 2007
On behalf of the members of the Budget & Collections Committee
(“B&C Committee”), I would like to provide a report on the
Committee’s recent activities.
As background, the charter of the B&C Committee covers four
basic areas. First, the primary responsibility is to maintain the
Meeting’s books and records. This includes insuring the integrity
and timeliness of financial reporting and providing periodic
reports to the Meeting on financial performance and periodic
filings with the regulatory and tax authorities. This responsibility
does not include performing clerical documentation of revenues
and expenses for the committees. Compliance with the
documentation procedures established by the B&C Committee is
the responsibility of the various committees, in order to protect
members of the B&C Committee responsible for depositing and
disbursing funds and entering transactions to the accounting
system.
Second, the B&C Committee organizes the annual budgeting
process in the fall of the proceeding year. The B&C Committee
works with the clerks of each operating committee to articulate
their activities for the coming year and the resulting financial
need. This information is then consolidated and presented to the
Meeting as a detailed view of activities for the coming year and to
request approval. This, in turn, protects the members of the
operating committee responsible for receiving and disbursing
funds during the coming year.
Third, The B&C Committee monitors the financial performance of
the Meeting and its operating committees during the year.
Receipts and disbursements are compared to the operating
budget approved by the Meeting. Variances from the budget are
presented to the Meeting with appropriate explanations provided
by the committees. In addition, the B&C Committee works with
the operating committees to bring forward to the Meeting any
items that were not in the original budget (“non-budgetary items”)
for approval.
Finally the B&C Committee insures that actual practices comply
with the policies and procedures. In addition the B&C Committee
constantly reviews the finance and control policies and
procedures and presents any necessary amendments and/or
additions to the Meeting for approval.
Over the last few years, the Meeting has gone through a healthy
period of growth in depth and breadth. Increases in membership
have resulted in more committees active in more areas of interest
to the Meeting. Accordingly annual contributions and operating
expenses have grown. In addition, the Meeting received a
significant gift of over $100,000. Coincidentally regulatory
scrutiny has increased as the IRS instituted new reporting and
documentation requirements for not-for-profit organizations.
As a result of this growth in financial activities, the Meeting has
demanded greater transparency in its financial transactions and
improved control procedures. The B&C Committee has
responded over the last two years by implementing a new
computerized accounting system and establishing new policies
and procedures for revenue and expense transactions. This has
allowed the Meeting greater vision into its financial activities and
compliance with the tax authorities.
An important element of the new policies and procedures is that
the finance and control function is a shared responsibility among
the various operating committees and the B&C Committee. This
is most evident in the budgeting process that empowers the
committees to describe their prospective activities in financial
terms. In addition the committees are provided the opportunity to
come forward to the Meeting during the year for approval of any
activities and related expenses that were not budgeted at the
beginning of the year.
In accordance with the B&C Committee’s fourth area of
responsibility, we are working on three categories. First, we want
to increase the specificity of the operating committee budget
requests. Particularly for the committees with larger operating
budgets, this would involve more detail of revenues and
expenses related to individual events and activities. We also want
to improve the process for bringing forward non-budgetary items
that arise during the year for approval by the Meeting.
Second, the Meeting needs policies and procedures that allow
the Meeting to approve any grant applications by individual
members and committees. As the activities and needs of the
operating committees have grown, so have the opportunities to
seek outside grant funding. The Meeting needs have more
control over any representations and commitments made on its
behalf to the grant-funding organizations.
Finally, the Meeting needs a travel policy and guidelines to cover
increase in scope of activities of the operating committees. This
would include non-budgetary travel that was not anticipated in
the original budget.
Conclusion: In summary, the B&C Committee believes that it has
made a number of improvements to the finance and control
functions over the last two years in response to the growth of the
Meeting’s financial activities and the demands of the Meeting for
greater transparency. As part of our continuing effort, we plan to
bring forward new policies and procedures that cover greater
specificity to each committee’s budget requests, reviewing and
approval of all grant proposals, and guidelines for travel
expenses.
Thank you for your consideration.
Submitted in Friendship.
Scott A. Carlson
Clerk
Budget & Collections Committee
Page 42
Ad Hoc Committee
Clerk’s Report
Submitted in Friendship.
Scott A. Carlson
Clerk
Ad Hoc Committee
June 27, 2007
On behalf of the members of the Ad Hoc Committee (the
“Committee”), I would like to provide a report on the Committee’s
recent activities.
As background, the charter of the Ad Hoc Committee is to review
various investment strategies for the gift of approximately
$100,000 received last year and present a recommended
strategy to the Meeting for approval. The proceeds of the gift are
currently in a money-market account at Fidelity Investment
Company. The Committee
Members of the Committee, which includes Betty Williams,
Charles Brainard, Mike Schlegel and Scott Carlson, met for the
first time on April 25, 2007. We started by reviewing various
possible uses of the proceeds. We considered the needs of the
operating budget, the level of the prudent reserve and possible
capital improvements. We concluded by agreeing to recommend
the creation of an endowment.
Next we considered how to use the annual returns of the
endowment account. We decided that the principal amount of the
endowment, at a minimum, should be preserved. We also found
unity that the principal balance should grow with the rate of
inflation. We concluded by agreeing to allocate the annual returns
of the investment account by (a) reinvesting an amount equal to
the rate of inflation and (b) contributing any returns above the
rate of inflation to the Meeting’s prudent reserve account.
Next we considered alternative ways to invest the funds to
preserve the principal and generate an annual return and which
investment manger to use. Our preference was for a manager
that would be sensitive to our need for socially responsible
investing as well as lower annual fees. We identified Friends
Fiduciary, the investment manager of NYQM and other Friends’
organizations, as a possible manager.
Scott Carlson subsequently spoke with Morgan Harting, who is
on the advisory board of Friends Fiduciary. Morgan reported that
Friends Fiduciary invested in industries and companies based on
socially responsible principles. He said that the current annual
return was approximately 5.5%, which is above the current level
of inflation. In addition, Friends Fiduciary’s large size reduced its
transaction expenses to the institutional level, which is lower than
what individual investors pay. Also, as a collective organization,
Friends Fiduciary has lower operating costs than for-profit
managers. Finally he correctly pointed out that compared to other
socially responsible investment vehicles, like a certificate of
deposit of a community development bank, Friends Fiduciary
offered an investment in a more diversified investment portfolio.
Conclusion: The Ad Hoc Committee has met to review various
investment strategies and is considering a recommendation to
create an endowment that preserves investment principal, grows
at the rate of inflation, and contributes any returns over the rate
of inflation to the Meeting’s prudent reserve fund. The
Committee expects to meet again to consider Morgan’s
comments and finalize its recommendations for an investment
strategy and investment manager.
Thank you for your consideration.
10. Then after a period of silent worship, we adjourn the
meeting, to meet again on second first day 9, ninth month
2007 at 1:00 p.m.
Brian Doherty, Recording Clerk for the Day
Friends and attenders present when the sign-up sheet went
around: Rich Accetta-Evans, Bob Baldridge, Cynthia
Bardouka-Large, Arthur Berk, Robert Boyle, Charles
Brainard, Linda Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina, Elizabeth
Crownfield, Joanne Dally, Melvin Dennis, John Edminster,
Patty Frascatore, Taylor Giacoma, Maureen Healy, Eliezer
Simeon Hyman, Carol Jackson, Fern Jones, Lise Kjael,
Kate Moss, Sam Oast, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Alice H.
Proskauer, Franne Rosenthal, Cynthia Schlegel, Mike
Schlegel, Liz Sheed, Diana Smith-Barker, Steven M. Smith,
Diana Timmons, Vijay Wijesundera
Page 43
MINUTES OF THE
SEPTEMBER 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
activities for the State of the Meeting report within a
month.
The Committee requests that the Meeting invite members
of the Friends Seminary community to worship with us on
the first First Day in November. Friends approve.
Elizabeth Enloe, Clerk of the School Committee, extends
an invitation for fellowship after the meeting for worship.
221 EAST FIFTEENTH STREET, MANHATTAN,
NEW YORK CITY ON FIRST DAY NINTH MONTH
9, 2007 AT 1 P.M.
The Committee requests Meeting approval to publicize a
talk on Quakerism by Richard Accetta-Evans on November
10 to precede the Quakerism 101 class. The Committee
welcomes suggestions from Friends regarding on how to
publicize the event.
Clerk reads Advice # 14 and Query # 14 from New York
4.
Joanne Dally reads the report from the ad hoc
“Clearing” Committee:
"Friends are earnestly cautioned against the taking
of arms against any person, since "all outward wars
and strife and fightings with outward weapons" are
contrary to our Christian testimony. Friends should
beware of supporting preparations for war even
indirectly, and should examine in this light such
matters as non-combatant military service,
cooperation with conscription, employment or
investment in war industries, and voluntary payment
of war taxes. When their actions are carefully
considered, Friends must be prepared to accept the
consequences of their convictions. Friends are
advised to maintain our testimony against war by
endeavoring to exert an influence in favor of
peaceful principles and the settlement of all
differences by peaceful methods. They should lend
support to all that strengthens international
friendship and understanding and give active help to
movements that substitute cooperation and justice
for force and intimidation.
"Do we make ourselves available in a tender and
caring way when we sense a need for assistance in
time of trouble? Do we trust each other enough to
make our needs known to someone in our meeting?”
In the absence of Betty Williams, Friends approve Brian
Doherty to act as Recording Clerk for the day.
1.
The Clerk notes receipt of a letter from Victoria
Lewis requesting membership in the Meeting. The matter
is referred to Pastoral Care. The Clerk notes receipt of
individual letters requesting membership in the Meeting
from Soo Koon Lee and Patrick Belton. The matter is
referred to Pastoral Care.
2.
The Clerk reads a letter from Deborah Goodwin
requesting release from the Religious Education
Committee and Nominating Committee. Friends approve.
Clerk notes that the Nominating Committee and Pastoral
Care Committee have been notified.
3.
Cynthia Bardouka-Large reports for the Ministry and
Worship Committee. The Committee requests that
committees submit a paragraph summarizing their year’s
We have been wrestling with a tension that often
recurs among Friends; the tension that may arise
between individual or committee leadings and
collective discernment. Our Yearly Meeting's Faith
and Practice instructs that we may seek the Spirit in
different ways to guide our discerning. One way is in
Gospel Order, and our clearness process, rooted in
practical advices found in the gospel of Matthew,
chapter 18, provides further assistance to transform
and sustain us.
The Meeting's endorsement of an individual’s or a
committee's leading comes at a cost. This cost is
measured in soul force as well as in time and
energy. Awareness of that cost must be considered
when the Meeting discerns that it unites with
Friends’ leadings.
The conflict in our Meeting between the Arts and
Budget & Collections Committees’ leadings stems, in
part, from our collective failure to rely on the power
of the Spirit to intercede as tensions were perceived,
and to treat each other with love and forgiveness - in
Gospel Order.
The time has come for our Meeting to discern the
costs we are willing to bear to support the leadings
expressed by the Arts and Budget and Collections
Committees: Are individual Friends willing to assist
the Arts Committee in documenting the finances of
the projects undertaken by that committee? Are we
ready to comply with the documentation guidelines
provided by the Budget and Collections Committee
and approved by the Monthly Meeting?
If we collectively discern that the costs are too high
at this time, then we need to take collective
responsibility for not supporting the leadings.
Whatever our decisions may be . . . we must love
and support all the Friends involved.
The poet Rilke wrote that difficulty is one of the
greatest friends of the soul. Our service in clearing
the way for our meeting to support the Arts and
Budget & Collections committees’ leadings was a
challenge and an opportunity for us to rededicate
Page 44
ourselves to work grounded in Spirit. We have been
reminded again of that indwelling resource.”
Clearing Committee: JoAnne Dally,
Brian Doherty, Carol Jackson, David Mensah
We proceed with a period of worship sharing and
discussion.
Friends ask the Arts Committee to bring to next business
meeting a proposal for the grant award to be accepted.
Brian Doherty has offered to provide legal advice if asked.
In preparing the proposal, the Committee is asked to
address all significant issues including those expressed by
the Budget and Collections Committee concerning past
and future expenses.
8.
John Edminster updates the Meeting on a recent
program on spiritual healing. John provides details of
various spiritual healing resources within our monthly and
yearly meeting. Friends approve offering an invitation to
Ann Davidson and Buffy Curtis from Powell House to give
a presentation on spiritual healing. Friends refer questions
regarding timing and travel funding to the Ministry and
Worship Committee.
9.
Then after a period of silent worship, we adjourn the
meeting, to meet again on second first day 9, ninth month
2007 at 1:00 p.m.
George Fisher
Clerk
Brian Doherty
Recording Clerk for the Day
5.
Leslie Harris reports for the Peace Committee. The
following minute is approved:
"The Fifteenth Street Meeting of the Religious
Society of Friends (Quakers) joins with the National
Religious Campaign against Torture and the Quaker
Initiative to End Torture (Q.U.I.T.) in our belief that
torture is a moral issue. We condemn the use of
torture for any purpose, either to further the
objectives of war or to prevent terrorism. War and
terrorism inspire fear, but retaliation and torture do
not prevent them. Torture by any means, whether
direct or by proxy, is immoral. Torture can destroy
the humanity of the tortured, the torturer and those
who have knowledge of it. It fails to defend the
sanctity of life.
Civilized nations agree that these techniques are
immoral. As Friends with a commitment to integrity,
we call on the United States to honor its treaty
obligations to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their
1977 Protocols, and the UN Convention against
Torture. By not honoring these agreements, we
endanger our own soldiers and civil society itself;
according to military leaders, torture does not lead
to accurate information. Failing to maintain our
integrity as a nation destroys trust and undermines
our ability to lead effectively.
Let the United States abolish its use of torture.”
Friends agree to join the National Religious Campaign
against Torture and Quaker Initiative to End Torture.
Friends approve $100 contributions to both organizations.
Source to be determined by the Peace Committee in
consultation with the Treasurer.
6.
Elizabeth Enloe updates the Meeting on the activities
of the Friends Seminary School Committee. The School
Committee will report to the Quarterly Meeting in
November. Elizabeth expressed openness to be invited
back to the business meeting to address issues at greater
length in the future.
7.
Steve Smith updates the Meeting on the activities of
the Property Committee.
Friends and attenders present when the sign-up sheet
went around: Rich Accetta-Evans, Cynthia BardoukaLarge, Arthur Berk, Robert Boyle, Linda Hill Brainard,
Deborah Brozina, Elizabeth Carpenter, Frederica Azania
Clare, Margery Cornwell, Elizabeth Crownfield, Joanne
Dally, Melvin Dennis, John Edminster, Elizabeth Enloe,
Julie M. Finch, Taylor Giacoma, Gene Gollogly, Leslie
Harris, Eliezer Simeon Hyman, Carol Jackson, Soo Koon
Lee, Margaret Lew, Beatrice Markowitz, David K. Mensah,
Kate Moss, Sam Oast, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Jesse
Peterson, Elizabeth Sheed, Diana Smith-Barker, Steven M.
Smith, Janet Soderberg, Carol Summar, Alison Sant
D’Andrea, Diana Timmons, Louise Wolf
Page 45
Friendly Faces:
Sarah O. H. Johnson
A Conversation with Sarah Johnson
What led you to start attending 15th Street?
I don’t have a short answer for that. I live close by. I started trickling in a long time ago, mostly
for the 9:30 meeting. Then I had a child and started attending the 11 o’clock meeting.
I’ve noticed — in addition to your little boy, Samuel — that your father has also started
joining us at Meeting. I am envious because my family has always been at least six
states away. Do you have anything to say about what has become quite unusual in
Manhattan, i.e., three generations living in the same zip code?
It’s a blessing. That sums it up. My father grew up in a multi-generational environment and I
always wanted that too.
How do you manage the everyday stressfulness of living, working and raising a family
in New York City?
I don’t find the family issues particularly stressful. My job is often fairly stressful and it was
stressful before so that’s not surprising.
I know you are a civil engineer and your expertise has been welcomed by the Property
Committee. However, in reading James Roe’s blog* describing his attendance at a 15th
Street Meeting, I was surprised to learn that you are also a musician and a member of
the Helicon Society.
Well, I’m really not a musician. I just
sort of fiddle with music. The Helicon
Society is composed of a whole
bunch of us who love listening to
chamber music – all kinds: early
music, baroque, Poulenc,
Schumann, as well as William
Bolcomb and Joan Morris. I’ve even
learned to love Mozart. If Mozart
were alive today, he’d be Paul
McCarthy, scattering tunes
everywhere.
Some people are beginning to
understand the class analysis and
coming up with it on their own, in terms
of the school and reaching out to the
neighborhood, but we’re still not getting
into a straightforward analysis of class
issues.
Another thing that cropped up much
earlier is the self-segregation that goes
on between Manhattan and 15th Street
Monthly Meetings.
Would you care to describe the
“faith and practice” of Sarah
Johnson and how it is supported
by 15th Street Monthly Meeting?
I recall one meeting where you
shared a rather mystical
experience. Would you be
comfortable relaying it once more
for this interview?
Well, actually in many ways lately for
me 15th Street has been a bit of a duty
more than a support. But these are
things that are hard to explain. So much
of our daily lives are wrapped up in our
faith and our practice.
No, I can’t repackage what I said for
this interview. If it came up in
context, that’s another thing. There
are so many layers of meaning and
it’s so complicated.
A great deal of what I’ve been finding
difficult in the Society at large I find
definitely present at 15th Street. A major
issue that I’m having is the unbelievable
quantity of white and upper class
privilege that really interferes with
people tackling the things that are really
bothering them.
Are there areas of interest that
you would like to see further
developed at 15th Street?
There’s a big thing, an elephant
under the table, an open discussion
of white privilege. That sentence
doesn’t explain much but there
needs to be a dialogue about race.
Nobody’s mentioning it. I know I can
ignore it if I want; I’m not black. But
what I am looking for is other white
people to discuss racism.
It’s sort of like the opening chapter
in W.E.B Dubois’s book, when he
asks blacks, “How does it feel to be
a problem?” To me, I just don’t bring
it up. Similarly, I’m always the
woman in a big group of men and
sometimes I don’t feel like having
this discussion about why I’m
present here. I don’t have to justify
myself. That’s not a corollary for
being black in America but it helps
me align myself with the way I
should be thinking about it.
I come from a family where— well,
we’ve been in North America long
enough for me to definitely say that
my family were colonizers. I grew up
hearing a lot of stories and I am
aware that my family, who ran a saw
mill, was responsible in southern
Ontario for timber floating out the
Georgian Bay to the benefit of my
family and other non-indigenous
people. From that interaction, many,
many non-wealthy white people also
benefited too. It’s a very complicated
web. It’s not that I’m saying I only
Photo: Lorcan Otway
see this problem at Meeting. At
Meeting a lot of people feel very
deeply, but when I bring up issues of
racism I’m not heard. It’s one thing
to send money for schools in Kenya,
but it’s much closer to deal with your
neighbors; it’s harder to examine
that. People do think very deeply
about a number of larger issues but
I know that every day I deal with
this. I want a dialogue. I have no
solution. But racism is inextricably
linked to environmentalism and
other issues that we do address at
meeting.
How can 15th Street Monthly
Meeting enrich the lives of you
and your family?
Well, it’s a framework around which
to discuss the eternal and to open
oneself up to mystical experience.
In a way it’s almost a convenience, a
teaching aid. If I wasn’t here, I think
I would probably be teaching the
same thing.
It’s nice to have a community.
—Diana Timmons
*For a musician’s insight on a Quaker
meeting, see James Roe’s blog,
www.urbanmodern.blogspot.com, and search
for “Quaker” or “Silence.”
Page 46
MINUTES OF THE
OCTOBER 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
FRIENDS, HELD IN THE MEETINGHOUSE AT
NEW YORK CITY ON FIRST DAY 14 TENTH
MONTH 2007 AT 1 p.m.
recording clerk reads Advice 15 and Query15 from New
York Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice.
2007.10.1 The clerk reads the agenda and Friends
approve.
2007.10.2 The recording clerk reads a letter from Sabrina
Jones, requesting membership in Fifteenth Street Meeting.
The letter comes with the approval of the Pastoral Care
Committee. Sabrina lives at 811 Cortelyou Road, #60,
Brooklyn, New York, 11218. Friends approve, and ask the
Pastoral Care Committee to nominate a welcoming
committee and report back to the meeting for business at
their earliest convenience.
2007.10.3 The clerk notes receipt of letters from
Catherine Ramey and Mark LaRiviere requesting
membership, and from Nancy Adelman, her son Jeremy
and his wife Samanta, requesting membership for her
grandson and their son Jaq Oscar. The requests are
forwarded to the Pastoral Care Committee.
2007.1.4 Tony Shitemi reports for the Nominating
Committee:
Steve Smith for the Arts Committee (first reading)
Cynthia Bardouka Large requests release from
service on the Ministry and Worship Committee.
Friends approve.
2007.10.5 The Pastoral Care Committee nominates Linda
Hill Brainard for a partial term on the Nominating
Committee, ending in 2009 (first reading).
2007.10.6 Friends ask the Pastoral Care, Ministry and
Worship and Budget and Collections Committees to
appoint one member each to plan and facilitate a meetingwide event of Friends, the meeting and finance. We ask for
names to be brought to the 11th month meeting for
business, at which time we are to set a date for the
meeting.
2007.10.7 Cynthia Schlegel gives the treasurer’s report.
Friends express their appreciation.
Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual
Year to date: September 30, 2007
2007
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Calvert Money
Market Fund
Checking, Wachovia
Fidelity Investment
Total Checking/Savings
Total Current Assets
Other Assets
Total Other Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
$ Change
11,029.63 10,660.21
369.42
24,269.17 26,047.24 -1,778.07
110,097.91 106,049.98 4,047.93
145,396.71 142,757.43 2,639.28
145,396.71 142,757.43 2,639.28
5,318.43
4,880.66
437.77
5,318.43
4,880.66
437.77
150,715.14 147,638.09 3,077.05
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
Jesus Christ Forbids
War Print
196.29
Total Other Current Liabilities 196.29
Total Current Liabilities
196.29
Restricted Funds
Arts GrantRadio&TV Project
4,716.79
Committee Room
Computer Fund
812.63
Handbook
203.94
Keller FundNewcomer Pamphlets 1,975.32
L-T Prudent
Reserve (Emergency) 9,410.42
Library
Book Rebinding Funds 400.00
0.18
Total Library
400.18
Night Shelter
13,403.24
NY Yearly Meeting Grants
0.00
Pastoral Care
Membership Lit.
777.93
Peace Vigil
Handbills & Banners
113.26
Powell House
MM Weekend
375.04
Weekend & Retreat
Seed Fund
554.05
Total Powell House
929.09
Quakerism Class
Materials Fund
372.98
Social Hour Big Equipment 397.94
Total Restricted Funds 33,513.72
Total Long Term Liabilities 33,513.72
Total Liabilities
33,710.01
Equity
Opening Bal Equity
Retained Earnings
Net Income
Total Equity
2006
196.29
196.29
196.29
0.00
0.00
0.00
344.76 4,372.03
812.63
203.94
0.00
0.00
1,975.32
0.00
9,410.42
0.00
400.00
8.18
408.18
0.00
-8.00
-8.00
11,689.71 1,713.53
0.63
-0.63
777.93
0.00
113.26
0.00
375.04
0.00
554.05
929.09
0.00
0.00
404.33
-31.35
397.94
0.00
27,468.14 6,045.58
27,468.14 6,045.58
27,664.43 6,045.58
110,398.45 110,398.45
0.00
9,575.21
-106.75 9,681.96
-2,968.53
9,681.96 -12,650.49
117,005.13 119,973.66 -2,968.53
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 150,715.14 147,638.09 3,077.05
Page 47
(Minutes, October business meeting, continued)
•
2007.10.8 David Mensah presents a first reading of the
Budget and Collections Committee on financial procedures
(attached below). The committee asks for comments from
Friends before their November 7 committee meeting. The
Budget and Collections Committee and the treasurer ask
committees and clerks to be aware of these procedures
when planning and requesting their budgets, especially as
regards the distinctions between unrestricted and
restricted funds.
Restricted Budget expenditures
Financial Procedures (first reading)
•
The clerk of the committee for which the restricted funds
are designated will be able to authorize payment for any
expense specified in the approved budget.
•
If restricted funds are raised or donated in excess of the
committee’s budget, the committee clerk will be able to
approve expenditure of those funds for uses that match the
purpose of the restricted budget as approved by Business
Meeting, up to $500.
•
If a specific expense is incurred above $500 and it was not
included as a line item in the approved budget, the clerk of
the Meeting and the Treasurer will discern if the expense
matches the purpose of the restricted fund as approved by
the Business Meeting. If the Clerk of the Meeting and the
Treasurer are not in unity, or this or any expense represents
a departure from business as usual, the matter should be
brought to the Business Meeting.
General Expense Policy:
1. We re-affirm the existing procedures (attached) including
the requisition and deposit processes.
2.
·
·
Definitions:
Unrestricted budgets allocate funds that are donated to the
Meeting for general use and have no specific purpose attached
(unrestricted funds).
Restricted budgets allocate funds that are donated to the
Meeting for a specific purpose, such as the Shelter, and can
only be used for that purpose (restricted funds).
3.
Approval of Restricted and Unrestricted Budget:
•
Unrestricted Funds: The Budgets & Collections Committee
(B&C) builds the Meeting’s overall budget each year using
unrestricted funds, based on Committee’s requests,
operating expenses, etc. The Business Meeting then
approves the unrestricted budgets, including the amounts
budgeted for each Committee.
•
Restricted Funds: The restricted budgets for the Meeting
are based on the amount of restricted funds known by B&C
to be available at the time of the budgeting process and the
projected uses made by the committee for which the
restricted funds are designated. Committees will provide a
budget for the restricted accounts within their control each
year. These restricted budgets are reviewed by B & C and
brought forward for Business meeting approval when the
unrestricted budgets are presented. The specific uses of
the restricted funds must also be approved by the Meeting,
either as part of the budget or separately, since funds being
spent in the Meeting’s name must not only be for a purpose
specified in the donation but also for a purpose the Meeting
approves.
Unrestricted Budget Expenditures
•
If the expenditure is to go against the unrestricted funds
available to the committee (the amount designated for the
committee by the Meeting from its unrestricted funds), the
committee clerk can approve any single expense up to
amount of the committee’s unrestricted budget, or $500,
whichever is less. For example, if a committee’s budget is
$300, the clerk of the committee can sign for a single
expense up to $300. If the budget is $600, the clerk of the
committee can sign for up to $500 on a single expense.
If a specific expense approved by the committee clerk is
incurred above $500 and there is money in the existing
budget, the clerk of the Meeting and the Treasurer will
discern if the expense matches the purpose of the
committee and its budget as approved by the Business
Meeting. If the Clerk of the Meeting and the Treasurer are
not in unity, or this or any expense, represents a departure
from business as usual, the matter should be brought to the
Business Meeting.
Travel Expense Policy:
·
All travel expenses for an individual trip must be submitted at
one time, including expenses for interim destinations.
Expenses submitted subsequent to the initial expense
submission will not be paid.
•
Local travel will be reviewed by the Clerk of the Meeting
and the Treasurer to discern if it is appropriate for
reimbursement.
•
Trips expected to cost more than $300 and not approved by
the Business Meeting as part of the sponsoring committee’s
budget need to be approved by the Business Meeting. If the
funds are to come from a restricted fund, the purpose of the
trip must be true to the purpose of the restricted fund.
Grant Approval Policy:
• Restricted Grants: Any Committee applying for a grant that
requires a proposal must have the proposal approved by the
Business Meeting prior to submission. Since these grants
can be audited by the grantor, the Committee submitting the
proposal has to include the costs of hiring external help for
managing and tracking the funds.
• Unrestricted Grants: Any unrestricted grant -- those that
do not require proposals or make commitments for the
Meeting -- can be accepted without Business Meeting
approval. Expenses in accord with a Business Meeting
approved purpose can be submitted against the funds,
subject to the financial control policies of the Meeting.
Examples of these types of grants are charitable trusts
Page 48
operated by individuals and requiring only that the receiver
of the grant be a 501(c) 3 organization. The 15th Street
Meeting is a 501(c) 3.
2007.10.9 Jesse Peterson reports for the Arts Committee.
Steve Smith reports on his review of the committee’s grant
proposals (attached below).
Some recent activities of the Arts Committee:
After last month's Meeting for Business, Steve Smith, a longtime member of 15th Street, offered to serve as a liaison
between the Arts Committee and other committees. He has
reviewed our minutes and finances for '07 and has been
nominated to fill an empty spot on the Arts Committee and will
serve as committee treasurer.
After this year, we will return to having a single clerk to avoid
confusion.
There is a strong interest in the Meeting as a whole in
documenting Quaker events. We are a dispersed community,
residing in different parts of the city. The equipment which the
Arts Committee wishes to purchase could perhaps help to
bridge physical distance as well as create potential for outreach,
both to people from other meetings as well as to non-Quakers.
The Arts Committee has received a lot of positive feedback from
our neighbors regarding our events and film screenings.
Grants and equipment:
To further our goal of serving the needs of the entire Meeting
with these funds, we intend to convene a meeting of the clerks
of all interested committees, to discuss how committees might
benefit from the use of equipment purchased by the Arts
Committee.
An example of a potential benefit: One item which the Arts
Committee would like to purchase is a video projector. Right
now, committees rely on use of the school's projector. It cannot
be taken off-campus for presentations at other meetings and we
have no insurance to protect against damage, which puts all of
us who use it at risk should it be damaged. Increased use of a
video projector could save a lot of paper and would provide a
useful tool for both arts events as well as presentations.
Regarding the grants budget (see below, as handed out in
Meeting for Business):
We have received two grants from the Wallace Global Fund.
The first, in the amount of $5,000, was deposited at the
beginning of 2007 and has been partially spent. The two
remaining expense items from the first grant are for the
Awakening the Dreamer event on October 20th and for
equipment purchase.
The second grant, which has not been deposited, for $7,175,
will be applied to purchase of equipment geared towards
documenting events, as well as to some outstanding previous
expenses which were approved by the committee but never
reimbursed by the treasurer.
The remainder of 2007 Arts Committee funds will also be
applied to equipment purchase.
15th STREET MEETING ARTS COMMITTEE - QTV PROJECT
BUDGET FOR WGF GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000
$250.59 travel to conferences
$72.61 publicity supplies
$390.32 “Tabadol Project” event (Feb. 27, 2007)
$232 “Who Killed The Electric Car” screening and event
(April 12, 2007)
$800 'Awakening The Dreamer' event (Oct. 20, 2007)
$3,254.48 equipment purchase/documentation of various events
BUDGET FOR WGF GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,175
$222.80 travel to conferences
$47.36 general supplies
$6904.84 equipment purchase/documentation of various events
TOTAL OTHER FUNDS AVAILABLE
$2,015.68 to be applied to equipment purchase
The committee asks that Friends come to Steve with any
further questions and concerns before 11th month meeting
for business, at which time the committee hopes to ask for
approval to deposit its latest grant check.
Friends approve spending $800.00 from the first grant for
the proposed “Awakening the Dreamer” program.
2007.10.9 Brian Doherty reports for the Trustees about
the condition of the courtyard. Both the trustees and the
school recognize that the courtyard must be renovated
beginning in 2009. The trustees request that 15th Street
Meeting should take the lead in terms of aesthetics and
finance. This is a complex issue which includes landmark
status.
The meeting asks the Property Committee to begin
discussing the courtyard.
George Fisher will report to Bo Lauder, the Friends
Seminary principal, and Elizabeth Enloe, the clerk of the
School Committee.
2007.10.11 Richard Accetta Evans, acting clerk, reports for
the Ministry and Worship Committee.
The committee asks that committee clerks who have not
yet reported on their committees’ activities for the year
send their one paragraph report to Diana Smith-Barker so
that the committee can prepare its report to the monthly
meeting. Diana’s e-mail is [email protected].
Richard reports on the “Simple Faith, Radical Witness”
public meeting held in the meetinghouse on October 10.
2007.10.11 Ann Kjellberg reports for the Religious
Education Committee (attached below). Friends receive
the report with many expressions of their appreciation.
Page 49
Religious Education Committee
2006-2007 School Year Report
The main function of the Religious Education Committee is organizing First
Day School for the young Friends of Fifteenth Street Meeting and Manhattan
Monthly Meeting during 11:00 Meeting for Worship, and planning other
activities for families that will help introduce children to Friends’ practice and to
give them a home in the larger community of our Meetings.
2007 has been a year of important transitions for the Religious Education
Committee. First of all we have had several clerks in the last few years.
Second, we lost our long-time child-care provider, Iris Serra. Third, we have
been through two rounds of dramatic renovations in the space that First Day
School shares with Friends Seminary. These transitions were unsettling, but
they have now resolved themselves and they leave us with a strong and active
committee.
We now have a clerk (Ann Kjellberg) and an assistant clerk (Cathy Ramey). In
addition to our named committee members we have a group of very active
families who attend RE Committee meetings and are essential to our activities.
We would like to thank in particular: Beverly Archibald, Lisa Bateman, Dyneil
and Tim Cooley, Sarah Johnson, Clora and Helge Skibeli, Dawn Santana,
Gloria Thompson, Virginia Tillyard, Diana Timmons, and Carol Warner. We
would also like to thank our teachers, Roxane Wolanczyk (0-3), Cathy Ramey
and Ann Kjellberg (4-7), Jackie Knoch and Mark LaRiviere (7-10), Maureen
McGovern (10 and up), and Margaret Lew and Liz Sheed, who taught during
the 2006-2007 year.
Second, we have secured a wonderful and experienced childcare provider, Ms.
Mylitta Feick. Mylitta has become an important member of our community and
a good friend to our young children, and we would like to thank her heartily for
joining us. We have also found a backup childcare provider, Ms. Molly
Bowman.
Space issues for First Day School have stabilized, but they are still a source of
some anxiety. We began the 2006-2007 school year using two new
kindergarten rooms for our 0-3 year olds and 4-7 year olds. We had some
friction with Seminary kindergarten teachers because the rooms were so new,
and we had not agreed on guidelines for their use. (We had previously used
the basement and corner kindergarten rooms, which were very comfortable for
our youngest children.) In the winter the second room was renovated again
and became inaccessible to First Day School.
It was very difficult that we did not have much warning of these changes as
they occurred and had to improvise with our students. Also the newly
renovated rooms were very pristine, and demanded a level of maintenance that
was difficult for us with small children‹the classrooms are after all designed for
five and six year olds. We did not have an established means of
communication with the teachers and it was difficult to work out agreed upon
standards for use of the space.
By now we have had a number of fruitful discussions with the Seminary
teachers and we feel that communication has been much improved and
guidelines for use of our shared space have been clarified. It is worth noting
however that Seminary teachers do not always identify accommodation with
First Day School as part of the mission of their school, and tend to regard our
presence at first as an interference, until we reach out to them. It would be
helpful to us to have a recognition of the importance of First Day School to our
Meetings and our community be made a part of Seminary teacher training.
Space remains an uncomfortable issue for us. The 0-3 year olds are still in a
renovated kindergarten room, and it is difficult to sequester the children from
the materials around them. The 4-7 year olds are at home in the downstairs
kindergarten. The 7-10 year olds are on the mezzanine, which can be
crowded, and the 10 and ups are in the Committee Room, which should
perhaps be reserved for Meeting business. Our supplies are spread around in
different closets, we are not able to display projects or leave out projects that
are in progress, and we must eliminate any trace of our presence after each
class.
First Day School would benefit enormously from access to a soundproofed
lounge with a piano and consolidated storage space. Of course dedicated
classroom space would be ideal, but that is probably beyond the reach of the
Meeting.
The RE committee also struggles with curriculum and how much we are able to
develop a coherent lesson plan for the First Day School as a whole. In the
2006-2007 academic year we pursued a theme of community and service, with
a number of activities detailed in the attached appendices. Our theme for
2007-2008 is non-violence. Within these themes, the volunteer parent
teachers have broad latitude to develop their own lessons. The RE committee
would like to develop a solid library of resources to support our curriculum.
We are particularly mindful of the need to provide our teenagers with a
supportive adult presence in our Meetings. Children tend to stop coming to
First Day School when they are old enough to get around on their own, and we
have not yet developed programs to help teenagers find their own meaningful
place in our Meetings as a group. Our committee also struggled in the late
spring and early fall with the complex issue of criminal background checks for
our employees and volunteers and child protection policies for our children.
We are preparing a recommendation to Meeting for Business on this matter.
We wish to thank Brian Doherty for his extremely helpful intercession and
advice.
Other areas where we would like to develop strength include: incorporating the
adult members of the Monthly Meetings into First Day School activities (we
have asked adults in the Meeting to speak to our children about peace work for
our non-violence curriculum); providing absorbing activities for children during
afternoon committee meetings when childcare is provided; and developing
opportunities for children’s fellowship at the Quarterly level.
This autumn we will for the first time as a group attend the Quarterly Meeting in
Brooklyn. Our children will share in Brooklyn’s First Day School, and in the
afternoon will participate in preparing their Community Dinner. We hope this
will be the beginning of a long community-building process among families in
the Quarter.
One definite cause for celebration this year has been increased collaboration
with the families of Manhattan Monthly Meeting, who bring a wonderful and
spirited group of children to our First Day School. For this collaboration we
owe particular thanks to Beverly Archibald and Gloria Thompson. We had a
joint First Day School session devoted to Manhattan Meeting’s Kenya Schools
project, which was a very rich service experience for our children. We hope to
continue to connect with this project in our curriculum and our service work.
The Religious Education Committee was delighted that the Greeting
Committee decided to ask First Day School to report on our activities at the
rise of Meeting. We feel this is a wonderful way for the Meeting to embrace
children and to inform Friends of our activities.
We have also been trying to encourage families to come to the Peace Vigil,
giving the kids a taste of the vigil and then allowing them to play in the nearby
playground while the parents continue. We provided childcare for the
Meeting’s September 11 vigil this year.
Other innovations this year include some efforts to reach out to new families
and inform them of our arrangements for children. We now have a welcome
breakfast to introduce families to the First Day School at the beginning of
September. We are trying to post more information about our plans in the
Meetinghouse, and we are preparing a memo and full-year schedule for
posting on the web site.
We spent some time this year establishing guidelines for young Friends’
freedom of movement in our buildings and treatment of our shared spaces.
These resulted in a welcome document with some recommendations that we
will make available to all parents.
An important responsibility of the Religious Education Committee is the annual
rummage sale, which raises money for scholarships to New York Yearly
Meeting at Silver Bay. This year we raised $1,640, helping to provide
scholarships for nine families. We were especially delighted this year to add
food to our rummage sale line-up. Manhattan Monthly Meeting contributed
delicious Jamaican specialties to benefit their Kenya Schools project, Cathy
Ramey organized a bake sale, and the children reprised last year’s lemonade
stand. Special thanks for work on the rummage sale go to Deborah Goodwin,
Page 50
cookies, trimmed the tree with the guests, and joined in
holiday singing.
Robin Grunder, Aldona Januszkiewicz, Margaret Lew, Luke and Liz Sheed, and
Clora Skibeli.
We would love to establish regular opportunities for singing for the whole
community. We have tried singing as a group before 11:00 Meeting. This
year our young Friend Zoe Shitemi is organizing a children’s choir that
rehearses during committee meetings, for which we are most grateful.
And we always try to prepare the children to join Meeting for Worship
respectfully and without disruption. We are very grateful for the support of the
Meeting as our children learn its spiritual practice.
We’ve had a rich and exciting year, and we are especially grateful for the
presence of those families that have joined us recently and already done so
much to enrich our community. It is our abiding wish to create in our First Day
School and its activities a spiritual haven for our children, where they can grow
as Friends and learn about each other.
Appendix I
Some FDS projects
Theme: Community and Service
The 4 to 6 year olds did a "Color of Me" art project, inviting the kids to think
about how communities include different kinds of people. The 4 to 6 year olds
made a map of our neighborhood showing how our homes relate to our
Meetinghouse, and planned outreach to several of our community members:
15th Street Meeting Shelter, Friends Seminary, Brooklyn Friends Meeting, Beth
Israel Hospital, and St. George's Church. The 4 to 6 year olds started each
class with a song, which we found to be a nice way of nourishing our own little
community. The 4 to 6 year olds made and painted musical shakers as part of
a discussion of music and art in the community. Jesse Peterson joined us in
February to show us his violin and to share a song with us at the rise of
Meeting with our new shakers. We read The Cello of Mr. O to continue our
discussion of music as a source of togetherness and a voice for peace. The 4
to 6 year olds read The Peace Book, and another with a theme of "there is that
of God in everyone,” Mem Fox's Whoever You Are. The 4 to 6 year olds made
quilt squares for a quilt to be donated to the children’s wing at Beth Israel
Hospital.
Richard Accetta-Evans joined the 7 to 9 year olds to discuss verbal ministry in
Meeting. The 7 to 9 year olds created decoupage artworks with messages
about community, friends and peace. The 7 to 9 year olds prepared a play on
"Superheroes of Service," which was performed for the Meeting on May 13.
The 7 to 9 year olds made and sold bookmarks at coffee hour before heading
over to Union Square to sell more bookmarks. They were raising money to buy
movie tickets for the shelter guests for Christmas.
The 10 and ups researched, wrote, and performed a play about the 1775
Easton Meetinghouse story for the Meeting on June 10. The 10 and ups
considered the environmental merit to buying local produce and served candy
New York apples after Meeting to benefit the Kenya Schools project.
Appendix II
2006-2007 Calendar of Special Events
Sept. 17
Welcome Breakfast
Sept. 24
Potluck RE Meeting in Friends Cemetery, Prospect Park
Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 24 Holiday singing
Dec. 17
All four First Day School classes met together to decorate
cookies for the annual party of the 15th Street Meeting
Shelter. First Day School families and others from our
Meetings crossed the park after Meeting for Worship to sing
Holiday songs for patients at the Beth Israel Hospital. They
also presented to the hospital new and slightly used stuffed
animals that the First Day School had gathered for children
arriving from afar for reconstructive surgery.
Dec. 19
Annual Holiday Shelter Party. Shelter guests and volunteers
and First Day School joined together to celebrate the
season. FDS students gave the guests gifts and decorated
Dec. 24
First Day School closed Meeting for Worship with holiday
singing, and passed out treats at coffee hour.
April 1
Annual egg dyeing during social hour
April 8
Annual egg hunt during social hour
April 21
Several families from First Day School joined the Cemetery
Committee for their work day, part of our appreciation of
service and community.
May 20
Rummage Sale
June 10
Spring Potluck/RE Meeting, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
June 21 - Sept. 9 First Day School summer schedule: Instead of regular
classes, one class met outside for play, and another inside
for discussion, with whatever parents are available.
2007.14.12 Friends approve $90 from the contingency
fund for travel expenses for Buffy Curtis, who is one of he
leaders of the Spiritual Healing event on October 24.
2007.14.13 Mike Schlegel reports for the Fifteenth Street
Meeting Ad Hoc Committee for Care Relationship with
Friends Seminary.
Ad Hoc Committee Report
The creation of a 15th Street Meeting Committee for
Care Relationship with Friends Seminary would be
patterned on the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting Committee
for Care Relationship with Brooklyn Friends School,
and have similar functions. The committee would meet
regularly with a focus on building community and
communications.
The committee proposes that Fifteenth Street Meeting
minute its approval and encouragement of such a
committee, with a more detailed proposal to come
forward after further discussion with Friends Seminary.
Friends approve, and authorize $100 from the contingency
fund for the committee’s expenses.
2007.14.14 Then after a period of silent worship, we
adjourn the meeting just after the October sunlight fades
from the meeting room, to meet again at 1:00 p.m. on
second first day 11, 11th month 2007.
Friends and attenders present: Richard Accetta-Evans,
Nancy Adelman, Lisa Bateman, Patrick Belton, Charles
Brainard, Linda Hill Brainard, Melvin Dennis, Brian
Doherty, John Edminster, Julie M. Finch, Eliezer Simeon
Hyman, Carol Jackson, Sabrina Jones, Ann Kjellberg,
Mark LaRiviere, Margaret Lew, Regina McIlwaine, David
K. Mensah, Sam Oast, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Jesse
Peterson, Lindsay Potter, Cathy Ramey, Cynthia Schlegel,
Mike Schlegel, Liz Sheed, Tony Shitemi, Steven Monroe
Smith, Diana Smith-Barker, Janet Soderberg, Diana
Timmons, Carol Warner, Louise Ann Wolf (37)
Page 51
Friendly Faces:
A conversation with
Bob Baldridge
Bob, I met you and Liz when
the ministries that I’m hoping will happen is that students start to
take this technology that is so accessible to them and use it to inform
adults about their feelings. That’s kind of a ministry, listening to our
youth.
To me, if the Arts Committee had been called something like the
“Young People’s Committee” there might have been less
resistance from some of us at Meeting. Quaker TV sounds fairly
high-tech.
we were part of a Friendly
We weren’t sure what the content would be; we just started recording
Eight group about five or six
programs. It has involved a lot of young people, more than 50
years ago.
students from the school. That’s exciting.
Yes, that was about when my
Have you had an opportunity to attend another 15th Street group
father died.
connected with the arts — the Quaker Muse worship group,
Since then, you have
spirit?
launched the Arts Committee,
No. I haven’t been able to. Have you?
which welcomes anyone who seeks an outpouring of creative
fashioned a Quaker TV
Photo: Lorcan Otway
project, co-hosted a number
No, I haven’t either.
of programs at the Meeting-
Over the last year your activities have been a concern at several
house and collaborated with
business meetings. As tasking as it has been for all concerned,
Friends Seminary on various
one unexpected outcome may be that the Meeting will discern its
events. Have you always been
commitment, if any, to outreach and advancement.
a Quaker activist?
Yes, and also its policy for handling money. In a way it has allowed the
Meeting to look at how it will act when substantial donations are
I became a member of Stamford-Greenwich Meeting when I was 11. I
made to committees in the future.
was the only member of my family to become a Quaker. My dad saw to
it that we were introduced to different religions.
Fifteenth Street does not pay clergy or ordain ministers; how
then do we support members who have a leading or a calling?
Around the time that he was dying — since he’d brought me to Friends
Every person is supposed to be a minister. Each of us has some
and since that experience was so moving — I started thinking maybe I
validity in terms of spiritual insights. Sometimes we recognize the
could do something with regard to creativity of the spirit. My father
gifts that we have. It takes a lot of self-sacrifice. Right now I’m in
was an artist, a painter and a teacher. He thought that images helped
Baltimore and there are meetings that have a paid staff or a Quaker
people change the world, that they could cause people to reflect and
Center.
look at the world differently, particularly through film images. The
teaching work I do requires much travel and I feel more comfortable
After these past few years of extensive traveling and your recent
visiting Friends. Stamford-Greenwich and Fifteenth Street meetings
attendance at the triennial meeting in Dublin of the Friends
have provided me with introductory traveling minutes and I have
World Committee for Consultation, do you see your relationship
started collecting stories.
to your 15th Street Meeting differently?
I’ve worshiped in Quaker meetings in nine different countries. In
Would you characterize your involvement as your art or your
Dublin I met so many Friends, more than 350 Friends from meetings
ministry?
that are predominantly ministerial, programmed. Not the way I like to
I don’t know if I minister when I travel. It’s more about listening. I
worship, personally. But there was such a warmth and acceptance of
like connecting with people spiritually and seeing how they
differences. If I hadn’t gone to Dublin, I wouldn’t have met Laura
incorporate their creativity and their spiritual work, how one
Smoot, for instance, a young Friend from Philadelphia Yearly
Meeting, who has been successful in helping to organize and promote
influences the other. The work that I think that I do in the Arts
Committee is seeking out different ways of staying centered and still
youth programs in the Philadelphia yearly meeting. Laura has offered
being creative. I wouldn’t call it a ministry – it’s more of a witness.
to come to Fifteenth Street next month for the third Sunday M&W
You know, when you say ministry, James Turrell’s work is considered
program. To me it’s a fascinating journey to have these experiences.
a visual ministry. The ministry that I’m interested in is documenting
Liz says my biggest challenge is how I communicate so that people
other people’s ministries. In my own case, I feel a strong connection to
understand where the work is coming from. A lot of work comes from
young friends.
listening to others.
Are your activities oriented toward a younger crowd?
That’s the great thing about the arts. So many young people. One of
—Diana Timmons
Page 52
MINUTES OF THE
NOVEMBER 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY Of
FRIENDS, HELD IN ROOM 1 AT 221 EAST 15th
STREET, MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, ON FIRST
DAY 11 ELEVENTH MONTH 2007 AT 1:00 P.M.;
recording clerk reads Advice 16 and Query 1 from New
York Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice.
2007.11.1 The clerk reads the agenda and asks
Friends to join in an appreciation of community, with vocal
ministry.
2007.11.2 Friends approve changing minute
2007.10.7 to read,
“Cynthia Schlegel gives the treasurer’s
report. Friends accept the report and
express their appreciation.”
2007.11.3 Friends approve attaching the Arts
Committee audit report to the tenth month minute
2007.10.9.
2007.11.4 Friends approve amending minute
2007.10.13 to remove the words “for Care Relationship
with Friends Seminary” from the first sentence.
2007.11.5 The clerk has received a letter requesting
membership in Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting from
Taylor Giacoma. The letter will be forwarded to the
Pastoral Care Committee.
2007.11.6 The clerk reads from the April 2006 draft of
Fifteenth Street’s nomination and appointment process.
Friends appoint Steven Smith to a partial term ending
2009 on the Arts Committee. (second reading)
Tony Shitemi for the Nominating Committee reads the
names of the nominees for 2008.
Committee Appointment List of Officers and
Committee Members of Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting
Year 2008 Nominees
Included in this list of appointees are names of nominations being brought to
monthly meeting today. Names appearing in bold are first readings. Approval for
these nominations will be sought at next business meeting.
Nominations for appointment by Fifteenth Street Meeting to Quarterly Meeting
Committees and Offices are, according to our practice, read only once and, if
approved, forwarded directly to the Clerk of NYQM for appointment action by the
Quarter. Nominations of our Monthly Meeting appointments to Yearly Meeting
Representative Meeting and committees are read twice since no other Friend¹s
Meeting or body reviews the appointment.
Numbers in parentheses are the number of full consecutive terms being served if
the Nominee has been approved by the Monthly Meeting to serve.
Traditionally, committees are convened at the start of each new year by the person
listed first under that committee, clerks are chosen anew, and the name of the clerk
is reported to the clerk of Monthly Meeting, the clerk of the Nominating Committee,
and the Quarterly Meeting Administrator.
One year terms
Clerk
Assistant Clerk
Recording Clerk
Treasurer
Recorder
Historian
Auditor
Contact Person
Carol Summar (1)
_________________
Betty Williams (4)
Taylor Giacoma (1)
Carol Jackson (2)
Lorcan Otway (4)
Steve Smith (1)
e-mail Tom Orr (4)
Phone Michael Schlegel (1)
2008
Janet Soderberg (1)
2009
Elizabeth Crownfield (p)
2009
2010
2010
Bob Baldridge (2)
Pastoral Care (9m) 2008 Margery Cornwell (1)
2008
_______________
2009
Paul Busby (1)
2009
Jim Gowens (1)
2009
Carol Summar
2010
Kate Moss (1)
2010
Lorcan Otway (1)
Arts Committee (5m) 2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
Lynn Lane (1)
Gene Coffey (1)
Jesse Peterson (1)
Steve Smith (p) for approval today
2008
2008
2008
2009
2010
Arthur Berk (1)
Robin Grunder (p)
David Mensah (p)
Scott Carlson (1)
Deborah Brozina (2)
Committee Room (4m) 2008
2008
2009
2010
Tony Shitemi (2)
Linda Hill (2)
Property (6m) 2008
2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
Melvin Dennis (p)
Sarah Johnson (1)
Yuri Birchwood (1)
Maureen Healy (2)
Steve Smith (1)
Margaret Lew (1)
2009
2010
(plus teachers)
Clora Skibeli (p)
Ann Kjellberg (1)
Elizabeth Crownfield
Nominating (6m) 2008
Nominated by Pastoral Care 2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
Tom Orr (1)
Nancy Adelman (1)
JoAnne Dally (2)
______________
Tony Shitemi (1)
Susan Smith Rosenthal (1)
One year terms, maximum tenure: 5 terms
Death Penalty Abolition (4-6 people) Charles Brainard (3)
Carol Jackson (7)
Directory Committee
_______________
Page 53
November Business Meeting (continued)
New York Friends in Unity with Nature
(4 people)
Sally Arteseros (9)
Angela Manno (1)
Alison Sant-Andrea
Janet Soderberg (9)
Louise Wolf (9)
Greeting Committee (8 or more people)
Brian Doherty (2)
Tom Orr (4)
Lorcan Otway (3)
______________
______________
______________
______________
Liaison for Child Care (1 member)
Ann Kjellberg
Liaison for FCNL
Eileen McGinn (1)
Liaison to Powell House
______________
Library (3-9 people)
Mark Bloch
JoAnne Dally (1)
Brian Doherty (2)
Eliezer Hyman (9)
Sabrina Jones (3)
Sarah Johnson (3)
Newsletter Editor and Committee
(2-3 people)
Peace (6-8 people)
Mark Bloch (1)
Lorraine Kreahling
Diana Timmons (1)
Frederica Clare (2)
Melvin Dennis (1)
Julie Finch (1)
Eileen McGinn (1)
Amy Scarola
Louise Wolf (2)
Retreat (up to 3 members)
Linda Hill (4)
________________
Shelter (up to 9 people)
Jake Barton (1)
Jennifer Barton (1)
Katy Homans (2)
Morgan Harting (3)
Steven Smith (9)
Social Hour (3 or more people)
________________
________________
NYQM positions to be filled by Friends nominated by 15th Street MM
Audit and Budget 2009
Educational Fund 2008
(formerly the Phoebe Anna Thorne
Scholarship Committee)
Margery Cornwell
Friends Seminary
2010
Cynthia Schlegel
Relief Committee
2009
Ilene Wagner (1)
Trustees
2008
JoAnne Dally (1)
One year terms, (review term limits)
Yearly Meeting on Ministry and Counsel 2008
(nominated by Ministry & Worship)
______________
Friends approve proceeding with the nomination of
Taylor Giacoma for treasurer independent of her
membership status.
The Nominating Committee raises the question of
adhering to the term limits and the number of people on
committees according to the handbook. The meeting for
business acknowledges these concerns and commits itself
to revisiting them in the new year, upon specific
recommendations of the Nominating Committee.
Friends are not in unity about the general question of
the advisability of having the clerk of the monthly meeting
also serve on the School Committee or other committees.
We ask the Nominating Committee to keep this in mind as
they go forward with the nominating process. We also
agree to take these up as a matter of policy in December,
recognizing that divisions in this area could impact on our
ability to come to unity on the nomination of a new clerk.
We hear the first readings of the names of Tony
Shitemi and Susan Smith Rosenthal for first terms ending
2010.
Carol Summar, reporting for the Pastoral Care
Committee, informs the meeting of the status of its
nomination to the Nominating Committee. One Friend
objects, and considerable discussion ensues.
2007.11.7 The Pastoral Care Committee names
Carol Summar, the Ministry and Worship Committee
names Patty Frascatore, and the Budget and Collections
Committees names Robin Grunder to plan and facilitate a
meeting-wide event on Friends, the meeting and finance.
The meeting asks these Friends to come to the December
meeting for business with a date in February for this
meeting.
2007.11.8 The Budget and Collections Committee
presents its suggested expense policies for approval.
The meeting approves the policy as written in #3, up to the
travel expense policy, with one change: replace the word
“anticipated” with the word “incurred.” We send the travel
policy back to the committee for further seasoning based
on discussion today. The Budget and Collections
Committee hears and understands the questions raised
about this policy. The committee needs the understanding
and support of the monthly meeting for business to create
a policy that will make it possible to carry out these issues
properly.
2007.11.9 Bob Baldridge responds to questions
raised by Friends at The October meeting for business.
(report attached below)
Arts Committee — 15th Street Monthly Meeting
Tom Orr (2)
Nancy Adelman (2)
NYYM positions to be filled by Friends appointed by 15th Street MM
Representatives to YM 9/2008
______________
Representative Meeting 9/2008
______________
Concern: What is the Quaker Television (QTV) Project?
Response: The QTV project was created with the approval of our Arts
Committee. Members of 15th St. MM had expressed an interest in
documenting creativity and the spirit using digital technology. This was viewed
Page 54
as a way of creating an archive of activities and events in our beloved
community, for both inreach and outreach.
Committee requested that they be able to use one of the computers for viewing
a DVD as part of their committee work.
Concern: How will the Religious Education Committee and our young people
be able to work with the Arts Committee¹s QTV project? How will they be
involved?
Response: Many of our young F/friends have expressed interest in recording
stories and other projects that they have been creating in meeting. The
Religious Education Committee has expressed interest in using some of the
technology (such as a digital projector and recording equipment) to record their
performances, and other First Day School activities. Young people in the
meeting will be shown how to use some of the tools we are hoping to purchase
if they are age-appropriate and able to operate the equipment safely.
Concern: Where will the final material produced be archived?
Response: The Arts Committee would like to provide the 15th St. MM library
copies. The materials will be resources to F/friends interested in past events
and activities.
Concern: Where will the equipment be kept? Will it take up too much room?
Will it be safe and secure?
Response: The Arts Committee has requested and received a locked twodrawer storage space that is located in the committee room. This space is
large enough to hold the equipment for the project.
Concern: Will the grant funding for the QTV project put the 15th St. MM in
jeopardy in any way?
Response: No. The Arts Committee sought and was offered free legal advice
from a lawyer who is a Member of 15th St. MM. We have been told that there is
no danger or significant risk to the meeting or its members if the check of
$7150 in discretionary funds‹given by a Member of 15th St. MM who has a
long-standing family fund (Wallace Global Fund) — is accepted and deposited
for the stated use that has been approved by the Arts Committee.
Concern: Who else is on the arts committee?
Response: Jesse Peterson, artist/musician is co-clerk, a lifetime Friend who is
requesting that his membership be transferred to 15th Street. Steve Smith is
being nominated to be the new member of the committee and is a member of
15th Street MM. Gene Coffey, a fine arts painter and musician, and regular
attender at 15th Street, and Lynn Lane, a filmmaker, who was married at the
meetinghouse.
Concern: Past expenditures were they in order?
Response: The information was reviewed and in order.
Concern: Did the Arts Committee follow the proper procedure in accepting the
$7150 check from the Wallace Global Fund?
Response: The Arts Committee approved accepting the funds offered. There
were no set procedures in the 15th St. MM handbook on how to deal with grant
money that was offered. The unsolicited funds have a time limit on when the
money needed to be spent. This grant of discretionary funds was offered as a
follow-up to an initial $5000 check which was deposited in January 2007.
Concern: Administration of the funds the Arts Committee anticipates expenses
will only involve cutting three checks, and the addition of Steve Smith to the
committee brings in a seasoned financial eye.
Concern: Can any committee use or benefit from the equipment that will be
purchased?
Response: The Arts Committee intends to schedule a meeting open to all
clerks of all meeting committees for the purpose of seeking input on how the
QTV Project can best serve the community. Friends will be trained in how to
use the equipment and will be able to propose projects that can be recorded,
edited and presented to complement their committees’ work.
To this date the following committees have been involved with using or have
had their activities documented by some of the equipment from the QTV
project:
Peace Committee (pianist for peace and other film and panel discussion
programs)
Friends in Unity with Nature (multiple programs and discussions)
Ministry and Worship (Third Sunday program)
Religious Education Committee First Day School
Members of these committees have expressed great appreciation for the ability
to have these tools available. As recently as two weeks ago, the Peace
Friends agree to deposit the check for $7150 from
the Wallace Global Fund, as a designated contribution to
the Arts Committee for the Quaker TV Project. We also
instruct the Arts Committee to abide by all past and
current financial policies in the distribution and
administration of the funds, and provide an accounting for
the year to date of receivables against checks drawn.
2007.11.10 Then, after a brief period of silent worship,
with 34 Friends in attendance, we adjourn the meeting at
6:30, to meet again at 1:00 P.M. on first day 9 twelfth
month 2007.
Friends and attenders present: Rich Accetta-Evans, Sally
Arteseros, Bob Baldridge, Arthur Berk, Bob Boyles, Charles
R. Brainard, Linda Hill Brainard, Deborah Brozina,
Margery Cornwell, JoAnne Dally, Melvin Dennis, Brian
Doherty, Leslie Harris, Maureen Healy, Taylor Giacoma,
Carol Jackson, Joe Jens, Fern Jones, David Mensah, Kate
Moss, Sam Oats, Tom Orr, Lorcan Otway, Amy Scarola,
Cynthia Schlegel, Liz Sheed, Tony Shitemi, Janet
Soderberg, Suzanne W. Stout, Carol Summar, Keith
Wethersfield, Louise Wolf
Page 55
Friendly Faces
Body and Soul on the Line
A conversation with
Margery Cornwell
She left Kansas with her first husband for Plattsburg, New
York, when he had to fulfill his two years of duty after completing
the required Reserved Officer Training Corps in college. “When
he got out of the Air Force, we were ripe for Quakers and the
American Friends Service Committee,” she said. In Manhattan,
while a graduate student at NYU, she connected with AFSC and,
specifically Robert Gillmore and Joyce Mertz, who nearly
comprised the entire service committee.
The sixties were a truly unique era when people were not
afraid to dream, and the capacity for hope was palpable. “People
saw others acting on their convictions, and it gave you courage to
do the same,” she said. Margery went to Jackson, Mississippi with
AFSC in 1965 and she went out on street patrols with 15th Street
members who put “space blankets” on the homeless sleeping on
sidewalks. Both actions were roots of the nightly shelter ministry
the Meeting House provides today. She also remembers the early
days of the Alternatives to Violence work that began at 15th Street,
as well as the evolution of Friends House on Lexington and
25th Street which is home to people living with AIDs.
Margery and her first husband adopted three mixed-race
children, and bought a townhouse in Fort Greene. A mixed
neighborhood seemed like the right place to raise their children,
she said, but she remained a member of 15th Street Meeting
because it had become so interwoven in her life. “I do believe that
Friends shouldn’t be attached to places and that we can worship
anywhere,” she said, “but Fifteenth Street is where I started. We’re
right in the middle of NYC, and that’s part of what makes it
exciting and different for me.”
Photo: Lorcan Otway, 2007
“I only went to jail once in the 60s, but it was important,” said
Margery Cornwell. “I probably wouldn’t have done it if it hadn’t
been with Friends. We held a meeting for worship in the balcony
of the Senate, and we were asked to leave and we didn’t.”
Margery has been a member of 15th Street Monthly Meeting
since 1961. She is Co-clerk of the Peace Committee, and she
remembers the origins of the Silent Witness for Peace Vigil which
now takes place First Sunday each month under Washington
Square arch.
In the mid-60s, at Easter for several years, members from 15th
Street held weekend-long vigils in front of the military recruiting
office in Times Square. “The general public was very puzzled
about what we were doing,” she said. “We had people doing
different shifts. My oldest son was just a baby. I was carrying him
on my back.”
It was in the 80s, Margery said, that the peace vigil became
much more regular. “We tried it at different places, the 34th Street
post office, Rockefeller Center. Then we ended up at Washington
Square.”
Margery sees Quaker witness as a direct outgrowth of worship.
The conviction you feel in meeting, she said, should carry you
right out the door. “Quakerism is not a religion. It’s a life style,”
she said. “You’re really out there with your belief.”
While Margery agreed that putting body and soul on the line
might well describe what Quakers do, she’s not sure that newcomers really understand the weight of Friends’ beliefs. “I know
that many people join Meeting because they are drawn to the
worshiping part without realizing that the action comes out of it,”
Margery said. “There has to be a connection between worship and
witness.”
Margery has done her best to put her body and soul on the
line, though of course, she would not say so. She was born a
Presbyterian and schooled in the Protestant faith in the Midwest,
where she sensed a disconnect between faith and life. “It seemed
too much of a Sunday religion to me,” she said.
Except for three years of teaching with Friends World College
in East Africa, Margery has remained active at 15th Street. Her job
of nearly four decades teaching English at City University has
given her the luxury of developing multi-cultural courses. “I try to
get students to think about things,” she said, “and they help me
think about things. Young people today are fairly dispirited about
being able to change things. They want to get out and get a good
job. It’s all about what’s happening in our country: the whole
focus on money.”
But Margery expects much more from her fellow Quakers.
“One of the things that bothers me, and which I’ve not yet
come to terms with, is when members refer to the Silent Witness
for Peace as your vigil. It’s our vigil.”
She returned to her point that true Quaker worship brings
conviction that requires action. “A lot of people who are drawn to
it may not understand that it’s corporate worship,” she said. “The
individual is part of a community. Worship doesn’t work unless
everybody is really in there together.”
—
She has gone through a spectrum of emotion as she’s tried to
get more Friends to take their worship experience into action
and specifically to join in the Silent Witness for Peace during this
difficult time with a difficult war. “I’ve gone through frustration,
then anger because more people don’t come, and then finally I just
let go,” Margery said. “There is a core of regular people who are
always there, and other members have gotten more comfortable
with dropping in.”
She recalled the story of a newcomer at Meeting for Worship,
which bears retelling: The newcomer sits in silence waiting and
waiting and waiting, then finally whispers to the Elder at his side,
“So when does the service begin?” The Elder replies, “When you
leave.”
In secular demonstrations for peace, Margery said, you must be
politically successful to be successful. Quaker witness is different.
Silent worship with a focus on peace is an alternative to debate.
“And you just don’t do it once. You do it, and you do it, and
you do it.”
Lorraine Kreahling
—
Page 56
MINUTES OF THE
DECEMBER 2007
BUSINESS MEETING
FRIENDS, HELD IN THE MEETINGHOUSE AT
NEW YORK CITY ON FIRST DAY 9 TWELFTH
MONTH 2007 AT 1:00 p.m.
Committee Appointment List of Officers and
Committee Members of Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting
Year 2008 Nominees
Included in this list of appointees are names of nominations being brought to
monthly meeting today. Names appearing in bold are first readings. Names
italicized and bold are first readings. Approval for these nominations will be
sought at next business meeting.
Nominations for appointment by Fifteenth Street Meeting to Quarterly Meeting
Committees and Offices are, according to our practice, read only once and, if
approved, forwarded directly to the Clerk of NYQM for appointment action by the
Quarter. Nominations of our Monthly Meeting appointments to Yearly Meeting
Representative Meeting and committees are read twice since no other Friend¹s
Meeting or body reviews the appointment.
Numbers in parentheses are the number of full consecutive terms being served if
the Nominee has been approved by the Monthly Meeting to serve.
recording clerk reads Advice 1 from New York Yearly
Meeting’s Faith and Practice.
Traditionally, committees are convened at the start of each new year by the person
listed first under that committee, clerks are chosen anew, and the name of the clerk
is reported to the clerk of Monthly Meeting, the clerk of the Nominating Committee,
and the Quarterly Meeting Administrator.
2007.12.1 The clerk reads the agenda and asks Friends
how they wish to handle any business left unfinished by
4:00 p.m., when we must adjourn.
One year terms
Clerk
Assistant Clerk
Recording Clerk
Treasurer
Recorder
Historian
Auditor
Contact Person
2007.12.2 In a letter Robert Boyle requests membership
in Fifteenth Street Meeting. The letter comes with the
approval of the Pastoral Care Committee. Robert lives at
100 Thayer Avenue, 3B, New York, NY 10040. Friends
approve and ask the Pastoral Care Committee to nominate
a welcoming committee and report back to the meeting for
business at their earliest convenience.
2007.12.3 The clerk has received a letter from Rockland
Monthly Meeting for John Elfrank Dana and his minor
children, Zachary Dana, Jason Dana and Briana Dana,
transferring their membership to that meeting.
2007.12.4 In a letter, JoAnne Dally requests release
from service on the Nominating committee.
2007.12.5 In a letter, Margery Cornwell requests
release from service on the Pastoral Care Committee.
2007.12.6 The Nominating Committee notes the following
errata from last month’s report and reads the following
names for second readings (attached below):
Friends approve the appointment for clerk with the
express understanding that Carol Summar will ask for
release from service on the Friends Seminary School
Committee. We do not mean to create policy by this
minute.
Friends approve all appointments given second readings.
Melvin Dennis’s name was erroneously omitted from the
first reading for Property Committee but included in the
newsletter version due to a printing error. His name will be
read today as a first reading. Cynthia Schlegel was
erroneously shown as a 15th St. MM appointee to the
School Committee. She is actually a NYQM appointee.
Dan Wise is the current 15th St MM School Committee
appointee.
Carol Summar (1)
_________________
Betty Williams (4)
Taylor Giacoma (1)
Carol Jackson (2)
Lorcan Otway (4)
Steve Smith (1)
e-mail Tom Orr (4)
Phone Michael Schlegel (1)
2008
Janet Soderberg (1)
Elizabeth Crownfield (p)
2009
2009
2010
2010
Bob Baldridge (2)
Pastoral Care (9m) 2008
2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
2010
_______________
Paul Busby (1)
Jim Gowens (1)
Carol Summar
Kate Moss (1)
Lorcan Otway (1)
Arts Committee (5m) 2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
Lynn Lane (1)
Gene Coffey (1)
Jesse Peterson (1)
Steve Smith (p)
2008
2008
2008
2009
2010
Arthur Berk (1)
Robin Grunder (p)
David Mensah (p)
Scott Carlson (1)
Deborah Brozina (2)
Committee Room (4m) 2008
2008
2009
2010
Tony Shitemi (2)
Linda Hill (2)
Property (6m) 2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
Sarah Johnson (1)
Yuri Birchwood (1)
Maureen Healy (2)
Steve Smith (1)
Margaret Lew (1)
Page 57
December Business Meeting Minutes (continued)
2009
Clora Skibeli (p)
Ann Kjellberg (1) (plus teachers)
Nominating (6m) 2008
Nominated by Pastoral Care 2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
Tom Orr (1)
Nancy Adelman (1)
JoAnne Dally (2)
______________
Tony Shitemi (1)
Susan Smith Rosenthal (1)
One year terms, maximum tenure: 5 terms
Death Penalty Abolition (4-6 people) Charles Brainard (3)
Carol Jackson (7)
Directory Committee
_______________
New York Friends in Unity with Nature
(4 people)
Sally Arteseros (9)
Angela Manno (1)
Alison Sant-Andrea
Janet Soderberg (9)
Louise Wolf (9)
Greeting Committee (8 or more people)
Brian Doherty (2)
Tom Orr (4)
Lorcan Otway (3)
______________
______________
______________
______________
Liaison for Child Care (1 member)
Ann Kjellberg
Liaison for FCNL
Eileen McGinn (1)
Liaison to Powell House
______________
Library (3-9 people)
Mark Bloch
JoAnne Dally (1)
Brian Doherty (2)
Eliezer Hyman (9)
Sabrina Jones (3)
Sarah Johnson (3)
Newsletter Editor and Committee
(2-3 people)
Mark Bloch (1)
Lorraine Kreahling (1)
Diana Timmons (1)
Peace (6-8 people)
Frederica Clare (2)
Melvin Dennis (1)
Julie Finch (1)
Eileen McGinn (1)
Amy Scarola
Louise Wolf (2)
Retreat (up to 3 members)
Linda Hill (4)
________________
Shelter (up to 9 people)
Jake Barton (11)
Jennifer Barton (1)
Katy Homans (2)
Morgan Harting (3)
Steven Smith (9)
Social Hour (3 or more people)
________________
________________
NYQM positions to be filled by Friends nominated by 15th Street MM
Audit and Budget 2009
Educational Fund
2008
(formerly the Phoebe Anna Thorne
Scholarship Committee)
Margery Cornwell
Friends Seminary
Dan Wise
April 2008
Relief Committee
2009
Ilene Wagner (1)
Trustees
2008
JoAnne Dally (1)
One year terms
Tom Orr (2)
Nancy Adelman (2)
NYYM positions to be filled by Friends appointed by 15th Street MM
9/2008
______________
9/2008
______________
Yearly Meeting on Ministry and Counsel 2008
(nominated by Ministry & Worship)
______________
2007.12.7 The Nominating Committee presents the
following names for first readings:
Property (6m)
Religious Education (3m)
Directory
Social Hour
2008
2010
Melvin Dennis (p)
Cathy Ramey (1)
Bob Boyle (1)
David Mensah
Alison Sant-Andrea
2007.12.8 The Budget and Collections Committee
presents the 2008 budget for a first reading.
Proposed 2008 Budget for Profit/Loss
Cash basis December 8, 2007
Proposed 2008 Budget
Ordinary Income/ Expense
Income
Restricted
Directory
Handbook
Literature Table1
Religious Educ’n
Social Hour
Shelter2
Total Restricted
Fundraisers
Kenya
Peace Committee
Fundraisers3
RE Committee
Rummage Sale
Total Fund Raisers
Total Income
Expense
Charitable Gifts
Childcare
Committees
15th St Handbook4
Arts5
Budgets & Collections6
Committee Room7
Directory
Friends in Unity with
Nature
Greeting
2006
Actuals
2007
Actuals
12-31-06
9/30/2007
2007
Budget
Unrestricted
405.00
NA
0.00
200.00
1 186.00
NA
1 791.00
46 947.28
48 738.28
53.00
NA
0.00
0.00
779.00
NA
832.00
27 632.17
28 464.17
300.00
500.00
0.00
0.00
850.00
2 650.00
4 300.00
53 435.00
57 735.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.00
675.79
195.00
153.00
0.00
500.00
—
—
0.00
750.00
1 712.00
2 387.79
51 126.07
1 640.00
1 988.00
30 452.17
1 700.00
2 200.00
59 935.00
—
1 700.00
2 450.00
2 450.00
300.00
2 213.75
200.00
459.50
300.00
2 500.00
300.00
3 690.00
—
—
0.00
25.00
451.16
585.65
0.00
470.80
50.00
0.00
175.00
43.21
830.31
0.00
0.00
80.13
500.00
175.00
700.00
900.00
50.00
600.00
150.00
100.00
175.00
1 200.00
1 200.00
75.00
600.00
150.00
—
14 075.00
7 500.00
800.00
—
—
—
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
—
Restricted
[Restricted
sourced
from
BalanceSheet]
300.00
100.00
200.00
0.00
850.00
1 700.00
3 150.00
TBD
[14 075.00]
[800.00]
Page 58
Proposed 2008 Budget
Library8
Literature Table9
Ministry & Worship
Newsletter
Nominating
Pastoral Care
Powell House/
Pendle Hill Grant
Other
Total Pastoral Care
Peace
Property10
Religious Education
Retreat11
Shelter12
Social Hour13
Total Committees
Contingency Fund
Fundraisers’ Expenses
Peace Committee14
RE Rummage Sale
RE Scholarships to
NYYM
Total Fundraisers’ Exps.
NYYM
Grants to attend NYYM
Representative Exps.
Total NYYM
Officers
Clerks
Recorder
Treasurer
Total Officers
Quaker Obligations
FCNL
Friends House, Rosehill
New York Qtrly Mtg
New York Yearly Mtg
NYYM Supp. Income15
Prudent Reserve16
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
Other Income
Capital Gains
Interest Income
Net Other Income17
Net Other Income
2006
Actuals
2007
Actuals
12-31-06
9/30/2007
2007
Budget
Unrestricted
Restricted
700.00
0.00
379.98
78.00
0.00
557.69
0.00
160.22
937.50
0.00
700.00
0.00
900.00
1 600.00
25.00
800.00
—
900.00
1 600.00
25.00
100.00
300.00
—
—
—
0.00
126.68
126.68
148.36
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
500.00
400.00
900.00
200.00
0.00
300.00
2 355.29
2 200.00
5 370.92
600.00
0.00
899.40
3 683.46
50.00
2 650.00
1 600.00
11 950.00
600.00
0.00
400.00
400.00
200.00
100.00
300.00
446.00
0.00
1 200.00
9 471.00
600.00
—
—
—
150.00
—
—
554.00
3 000.00
—
23 479.00
—
675.79
80.00
158.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
—
—
750.00
0.00
1 632.00
2 387.79
1 600.00
1 758.00
1 700.00
2 200.00
—
1 700.00
600.00
0.00
600.00
599.37
0.00
599.37
600.00
100.00
700.00
600.00
100.00
—
—
20.00
0.00
74.66
94.66
0.00
0.00
42.49
42.49
175.00
10.00
100.00
285.00
175.00
10.00
100.00
285.00
—
—
—
100.00
100.00
12 000.00
20 000.00
6 608.00
38 808.00
2 461.23
52 836.35
-1 710.28
0.00
-25.00
9 900.00
15 000.00
6 608.00
31 483.00
0.00
38 275.82
-7 823.65
100.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
8 000.00
41 400.00
1 200.00
61 135.00
-1 200.00
100.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
TBD
—
—
—
—
—
TBD
—
392.04
1 318.24
1 710.28
0.00
437.77
4 417.35
4 855.12
-2 968.53
0.00
1 200.00
1 200.00
0.00
[Restricted
sourced
from
BalanceSheet]
[100.00]
[300.00]
[113.26]
[554.00]
The B&C Committee has spent extra time and effort reviewing the Arts
Committee 2008 budget because it is larger than last year’s entire committee
budget and over eight times as much money as the largest 2007 single
approved/spent committee budget. The following questions have been
considered:
• Is there enough detail for the treasurer, depositor and clerk to manage the
expenditures?
• Is there enough time and resources to manage this money?
We do not see the physical resources to manage the actual check requests,
although part of this extra management comes from approved financial
policies. We believe that the Meeting needs to provide support if they choose
to approve these types of expenditures. Suggested support would be to:
• Provide funds for a paid bookkeeper to cut checks and enter the
expenditures/deposits into Quick Books.
• Advise committees to form their own 501(c)(3) if expenditures are more
than 10% of the Meeting’s prior year budget.
2007.12.9 Janet Soderberg for Friends in Unity With
Nature, introduces the Eco-Spirituality minute from New
York Yearly Meeting and asks us how we are prepared to
act. Several Friends speak out of the silence with
comments and suggestions. We ask Friends in Unity with
Nature to coordinate a meeting-wide response in
conjunction with the Peace Committee, possibly making
use of a 4th-Sunday meeting time for several months in a
row.
2007.12.10 Mike Schlegel reports acceptably for the
Committee Room Committee:
2007 Report from Committee Room Committee
November 6, 2007
Linda Hill (clerk), Michael Schlegel, Vijay Wijesundera, and Tony Shitemi
have carried out the work of the committee this year.
The following is a list of our past and continued work this year.
1.
Obtained and assigned lockable file cabinets for arts committee,
budget and collections committee, and the recorder. The committee
recognizes that other committees such as pastoral care require
lockable file space and continue to labor to clean out the room and
make space available for these cabinets.
2.
An online contact form which allows visitors to the Meeting website to
send messages to various committees was implemented. When you
cease to be the contact person for your Committee, or if your e-mail
address changes, please let us know, perhaps by using the contact
form.
TBD
Notes
1 Any income will go to buying more literature to sell as outreach.
2 Based on prior year income; YTD 9/07 $1 713.53 reflected in balance sheet.
3 Peace Committee anticipates five fundraisers.
4 Printing an insert to existing handbook.
5 Expects to raise restricted funds through donations, fundraising and grants.
6 Depends on size of budget managed and bookkeeping oversight provided.
7 Includes telephone, paper, cartridges, misc. supplies, and lockable storage cabinets.
Anticipates replacing a computer with restricted funds.
8 Increase due to inflation and need to replace stolen/unreturned books; cheaper to buy
new books than to rebind old books.
9 Purchase literature from Friends General Conference.
10 Copies.
11 Weekend & Retreat Seed Fund l-t liability on B-S.
12 Proceeds posted directly to balance sheet restricted fund. Committee has not spent
any raised funds.
13 Includes all food and coffee ordered.
14 Peace Committee anticipates all proceeds to go toward cause.
15 Targeted supplement to NYYM, which will be given to NYYM at beginning of 1008 if
raised from increased contributions; TBD at year-end.
16 Interest income goes into the prudent reserve each year.
17 Depends upon decision on Investment Committee’s Recommendation.
A "Forms" folder was created on the Meeting's website to contain
Forms that have been submitted by various Committees of the Meeting
for public access through the website. Presently we provide forms from
Budget & Collections, Retreat Committee, and the Treasurer.
3.
A Network Storage Drive was purchased, and setup in the committee
room as a File Server. This allows Committee Files to be accessed
from either computer in the CR and assists in an automatic backup
process.
4.
We met with the ad hoc communications committee early in the year to
discuss the possibility of merging our efforts with respect to information,
internet, and network tech issues. We hope to continue these
discussions.
5.
The switch to the Vonage phone system has successfully cut costs by a
half and made it easier to retrieve and forward messages via the
internet.
6.
We have attempted to keep the Committee Room from becoming a
storage area for items not of a “document” nature. This continues to be
a big problem and reduces the usability of the space. We ask all
committees to remove any stored items that are not files in assigned
storage space from this room. All committees are asked to leave the
room in better condition than they found it.
Page 59
December Business Meeting Minutes (continued)
2007.12.11 Carol Summar report for the ad hoc committee
planning a meeting-wide event on Friends, the meeting
and finance is to hold that meeting on February 9, 2008,
time to be arranged.
2007.12.12 Friends approve calling a meeting for first day
twelfth month at 1:30 p.m. for an hour and a half in the
meetinghouse, for the purpose of business concerning the
revisions to the Budget and Collections Committee’s
proposed policies, and the Strategic Planning Committee.
2007.12.13 Then, after a period of silent worship, with 36
Friends in attendance, we adjourn the meeting, to meet
again on first day 16 twelfth month at 1:30 p.m.
Friends and attenders present: Richard Accetta-Evans,
Nancy Adelman, Sally Arteseros, Bob Baldridge, Patrick
Belton, Bob Boyle, James R. Branch, Deborah Brozina,
Elizabeth Crownfield, Melvin Dennis, Brian Doherty,
Elizabeth Enloe, Julie M. Finch, Taylor Giacoma, Jimmy
Gowans, Maureen Healy, Carol Jackson, Christine Japely,
Margaret Lew, Eileen McGinn, David K. Mensah,
Sam Oast, Lorcan Otway, Cynthia Schlegel, Mike Schlegel,
Elizabeth Sheed, Tony Shitemi, Steven Monroe Smith,
Janet Soderberg, Suzanne Stout, Carol Summar,
Diana Timmons, Keith Westerfield, Vijay Wijesundera,
Louise Wolf.
Page 60
Friendly Faces:
An interview with
Vijay Wijesundera
by Mark Bloch
Vijay, tell me about your fasting and how it fits into your
spiritual practice.
For three weeks every year, I take no food or drinks except plain
water. 2007 marks my seventh year on this annual fast. My first two
fasts also had a protest element to them, but even then I was
inspired by the teaching of Jesus on overcoming great difficulties:
"this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" [Matthew 17:2021]. Those two fasts were of tremendous spiritual benefit to me,
including bringing me to the Quaker Meeting here. Having realized
the benefits of fasting, I adopted fasting as an annual tradition. It's
now an essential part of my spiritual practice. Among other spiritual
benefits, voluntary fasting, coupled particularly with solitude, gives a
precious opportunity to commune with God, and also develops
patience and humility.
So how did you first become involved in Quakerism?
In an interesting way! While studying in Seattle, I had a friend who
worked for AFSC. When I came to NYC in 1999, I contacted the
Quaker United Nations Office about my refugee situation. I had
walked past the 15th Street Meetinghouse, but I wasn't the churchgoing type. How I ended up being one is a story by itself.
Go for it.
In 2001, at the end of what turned out to be my first annual threeweek fast, I naturally had an elevated concern for nutrition. I saw a
bulletin board ad inviting the public to a Thanksgiving dinner at an
organization identifying itself only as "FMCF", not too far from where
I was staying in Harlem. The food was good and the folks were nice,
so I started attending worship on Sundays.
Then at the end of my second fast in 2002 in midtown, I was led
here. I still remember the warm welcome at the door. The worship
was a tremendously moving experience. So many Friends made me
feel at home during my first weeks here.
How did you first begin the fast? What were you protesting
against and where did your idea of doing it with a fast
originate?
It’s a long story. My first fast in 2001 was to protest my unresolved
refugee status. Through the intervention of a few friends, I was
recognized by the UNHCR as a refugee under its mandate. That’s
as far as I have been able to proceed in my resettlement quest.
I was born in Sri Lanka, but left it amidst political bloodshed in the
late 80s. I managed to stay here in the US for some time by being a
full-time student, first in New Orleans, and then in Seattle. Initially I
hoped to return to Sri Lanka after a few years, but with the passage
of time it became clear that returning would perhaps never be a
safe option.
I cannot accept settling down in the US, as it would be against my
conscience to share the cost and disgrace of imperialistic and
militaristic pursuits of this country. Being a pacifist and an
egalitarian, and having been persecuted in the past for upholding
these ideals, I want to seek refuge in a country that cherishes them.
So what did you do?
I contacted the Swedish consulate in NYC in March 1999 and I
Self-portrait by Vijay Wijesundera in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, taken
during his 2005 Pacific Northwest Tribal Canoe Journey
have made several requests to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency in
Washington, D.C., regarding resettlement in Sweden as a refugee.
I came to NYC in October 1999 specifically to work on this.
So why aren’t you living in Sweden?
Primarily because I didn’t follow the way of the world. Most refugees
attempt by whatever means necessary to first reach the land they
wish to settle in before applying for recognition as a refugee. I have
been truthfully and forthrightly seeking legal entrance to Sweden as
a refugee. Being frank and honest has not been to my advantage so
far in this eight-year old quest; it may never be.… God has
explicitly commanded that a refugee be allowed to choose the place
he wants to live [Deuteronomy 23:15-16], but the present world
considers asylum to be an act of charity.
Well, we get to enjoy your presence in the meantime!
For the most part, I have been sheltered by Roman Catholic
charities and personal friends. I have essentially been living by
charity and living for charity. As a consequence of upholding my
political conscience as a war resister, I have technically been
unemployed and homeless since late 1999. Volunteer work at soup
kitchens and homeless shelters keeps me busy as well as
computer, website and database design work for several charitable
organizations. I have donated blood 47 times. In the summers of
2005 and 2006, I volunteered for AFSC Regional Office in Seattle to
videograph the Pacific Northwest Tribal Canoe Journeys. So while I
have not reached the destination yet, the journey itself has been
very interesting.
The Chinese say, “May you be cursed to live in interesting
times.”
I am reminded of Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way,
But God directs his steps.” I was born in Sri Lanka and born-again
in Harlem. I have been sleepless in Seattle and homeless in New
York. I helped in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans after hurricane
Katrina and I paddled canoes with native people in the Puget
Sound.
I hope that the leaf will soon be turned on this chapter of life to
the one that I have been dreaming of, and that I can meet my
parents who haven’t seen me in almost nineteen years. They are
in Sri Lanka. If and when I do get to Sweden and start working,
one of my top priorities would be to arrange for them to visit me.
Well, thank you, Vijay. Like I said, I am sorry it has been challenging for you but we certainly benefit from having you here.
Good luck on your fast and on your journey to your true home.
Page 61
MINUTES OF THE
JANUARY 2008
BUSINESS MEETING
Religious Society of Friends, held in the
meetinghouse at 15 Rutherford Place, New York,
NY 1ooo3, on First Day, 1/13/2008, at 1 P . M . :
2008.1.1
In the absence of the Recording
Clerk, Friends ask John Edminster to serve as
Recording Clerk-for-the-Day. Friends ask Margery
Cornwell to serve as Elder to the Clerk.
The Recording Clerk reads Advice No. 1 and Query
No. 2 from New York Yearly Meeting’s Faith and
Practice, and Friends consider them in silence:
A D V I C E N O . 1: Friends are advised to read frequently
the Scriptures and such other books as will inspire and
instruct, and to encourage the practice by their
families and others.
Q U E R Y N O . 2 : Are meetings for worship and business
held in expectant waiting for divine guidance? Are we
regular and punctual in attendance? Are we willing
and faithful in the service of our meeting and in
financial support of its activities?
2008.1.2
The Clerk reports on various
communications received by the Meeting, including an
invitation from Friends Seminary to participate in a
gallery of service-related activities to be set up on
2/4/2008 in observance of Friends Seminary’s annual
Peace Week. Jesse Peterson agrees to follow up on our
behalf.
2008.1.3
Sally Arteseros reads a report from
the Friends in Unity with Nature Committee, proposing
a series of Fourth-Sunday gatherings, beginning
(because of the time conflict with Quarterly Meeting)
with the Third Sunday of January, 1/20/2008, at 1:15
P . M ., to discuss how we might locally implement the
Eco-Spirituality and Action Minute adopted by New
York Yearly Meeting at its sessions of July, 2007, and
respond to its four queries, with a review to reporting
back to New York Yearly Meeting by 4/15/2008:
ECO-SPIRITUALITY & ACTION MINUTE
Minute 2007-07-58, approved by New York
Yearly Meeting on 7/27/2007
In our 1660 peace declaration, Friends declared, “We utterly deny all outward
wars and strife, and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any
pretense whatever: this is our testimony to the whole world.” That statement is
still true, but its meaning has deepened beyond what those early Quakers would
have understood. Can we now commit ourselves to ending humanity’s war with
the Earth?
The Religious Society of Friends has witnessed for peace for almost 350 years.
Over that time, our witness has grown and widened; we have worked for the
end of war, for the end of the African slave trade, for equality of women, civil
rights for African-Americans and for human rights around the world.
Now we are led to widen our witness again to work for peace between humans
and our sacred earth community. Our culture has considered the Earth our
property to be exploited, and we have all, knowingly and unknowingly, been
complicit in this violent appropriation of world resources. We must now search
for the seeds of this war in our possessions and our lives and work to nurture a
new, mutual relationship with the Earth in all of our actions. The spirit is calling
us to hold in reverence this miracle that God has given us. If we are connected
to our source, our lives are richer and deeper.
We are asking that this minute be forwarded to all monthly meetings and
worship groups in New York Yearly Meeting with a “call to action.” We suggest
that each monthly meeting worshipfully address the following queries:
•
What are God and the Earth asking of our meeting at this point in time?
•
How do we respond in ways appropriate to our meeting, our community,
and the wider world?
•
How does this response build on previous or ongoing Earthcare work our
meeting has already done?
•
What further specific changes are we willing to make in our spiritual
practice, meeting, and individual spiritual lives to reflect a strong witness
for the Earth?
It is our hope that this prayerful consideration of our responsibility to the planet
that sustains us will generate the actions necessary to bring us into deep
harmony with our beloved Earth.
2008.1.4 The Clerk reports receipt of a request for
membership from Alison Walling, and refers the request
to the Pastoral Care Committee.
2008.1.5 Paul Busby, for the Pastoral Care Committee,
brings forward the name of Linda Hill Brainard for a
second reading for appointment to the Nominating
Committee, for a partial term ending in 2009.
Friends approve.
2008.1.6 The Clerk asks for volunteers to reconstitute the
Committee to Review the Nominating and Appointing
Process of this Meeting. Linda Hill Brainard and Lorcan
Otway volunteer for this, and Friends accept their offer.
2008.1.7 Tony Shitemi, for the Nominating Committee,
presents the following names as nominations to
committees:
FIRST READING
Jimmy Gowens
Library Committee (7th 1-year term)
SECOND READING
Melvin Dennis
Property Committee (partial, 2008)
Cathy Ramey
Religious Education Committee (1 st , 2010)
Bob Boyle
Directory Committee (1 st 1-year term)
David Mensah
Social Hour Committee (2nd 1-year term)
Alison Sant’ Andrea
Social Hour Committee
(1st 1-year term)
Friends approve all five of the second readings for
appointment.
2008.1.8 The Clerk reviews recent developments toward
the creation of a Care Committee for Friends Seminary.
The Meeting appoints three Friends, Michael Schlegel,
Margaret Lew and Elizabeth Crownfield, to serve on a
Joint Planning Committee for the creation of such a Care
Committee.
Page 62
January 2008 minutes, continued
2008.1.9 Friends approve delaying presentation of the
Budget and Collections Committee report on Financial
Procedures and Guidelines until April 2008.
2008.1.10 Friends approve delaying a report on the
planned Finances Workshop until March, 2008.
2008.1.11 Cynthia Schlegel presents the Treasurer’s
Report for 2007.
[See below at page 8 for Treasurer’s Report.]
2008.1.12 Deborah Brozina, for the Budget and
Collections Committee, presents the Proposed 2008
Budget.
[See below at page 7 for 2008 Budget.]
Friends approve the budget, with the exception of the Arts
Committee budget line, which is not yet approved, the
unrestricted income figure, and the NYYM Supplemental
Income Target.
2008.1.13 Kate Moss, for the Pastoral Care Committee,
asks that $500 be budgeted for 2008 Powell House and
Pendle Hill Scholarship grants.
Friends approve.
2008.1.14 Friends recognize that there are ongoing
difficulties regarding procedures for reimbursement of
expenses and depositing of funds. The Meeting commits
itself to resolving them.
2008.1.15 The Budget and Collections Committee requests
that $700 from our year-end Net Ordinary Income be
donated to New York Yearly Meeting as our 2007 NYYM
Supplemental Contribution.
2008.1.16 Carol Jackson presents the Recorder’s Annual
Report:
Membership additions:
By request: (5)
Julie Margaret Finch 3/11/07
Clora Kelly 6/10/07
Helge Skibeli 6/10/07
Sabrina Jones 10/14/07
Robert Boyle 12/9/07
By transfer: (1)
Wendy Gavel LaCapra
1/14/07
TOTAL ADDITIONS: 6
Membership losses:
By transfer: (4)
John Elfrank-Dana 12/9/07
Zachary Dana (y) 12/9/07
Jason Dana (y) 12/9/07
Briana Dana (y) 12/9/07
2008.17 The Clerk reports receipt of a letter from
Mary Rusnak, Clerk of the New York Quarterly Meeting
Trustees:
Dear Friends:
Trustees have been taking a long look into the future care of
our Meetinghouses and would like to share our thoughts and
concerns with all of you.
As you probably have seen by looking at our buildings, we are
not now able to make necessary repairs to them on our yearly
income. You may also know that our income comes almost
entirely from investments made by Friends in the past. These
investments are managed by Friends Fiduciary Trust in
accordance with our beliefs. They are well-managed but are,
of necessity, uncertain as they depend on the ups and downs
of the stock market. We have to make sure that we spend the
right amount of money each year to keep our investments
intact so that we will have income in the coming years. At the
same time we also should spend enough on our buildings to
keep them from deteriorating by making repairs in a timely way,
so that they will not cost us much more later on. A recent survey
of our buildings shows that, using a rough estimate, the cost of
bringing them into good condition at present prices would be
over one million, five hundred thousand dollars. This year’s
budget gives us $190,000 for our buildings.
These are concerns Trustees are bringing to you and why we are
searching for ways to make our future income larger and more
secure. One proposal we have received is to develop the 112
Schermerhorn school building by building up over the school and
adding income producing units. We hope to bring out suggestions
and comments from our Monthly Meetings about this idea or other
possible ways that we can insure that our Meetinghouses will be
taken care of through the years.
In Friendship,
Mary Rusnak, Clerk of Trustees
Friends agree to consider the matter and return to
discussing it at our next business meeting.
2008.1.19 Charles Brainard, for the Property Committee’s
Courtyard Subcommittee, reports on
their laborings since last November with Bo Lauder,
Rob Segal and Gordon Hulse of Friends Seminary,
and Architect Peter Rothschild, and presents a proposal,
for which the expected cost is in the vicinity of
$400,000, to be shared between the Quarter and the
School, regarding the development and landscaping of
our outdoor spaces.
[See below at page 11 for Courtyard Report.]
By release: (1)
Nancy Hadley-Jaffe 5/13/07
By discontiuance: (0)
By death: (0)
TOTAL LOSSES: 5
Change to adult status: (0)
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP ON 12/31/2007: 186
(165 adults, 21 children)
MARRIAGES UNDER THE CARE OF THE MEETING IN 2007: (0)
Friends approve the proposal in its general outlines
with enthusiasm and gratitude, and approve moving
forward with further development of it in detail.
2008.1.19 Charles Brainard, of the Strategic Planning
Committee, presents that committee’s report on the
planned use of the Meeting Room, Cafeteria, Lounge,
Library, and Performing Arts Faculty Offices. The
Meeting accepts the report and asks the Clerk to
forward it to the Friends Seminary School Committee,
with a copy to Quarterly Meeting Trustees. This minute
is to be included when the Clerk transmits the Strategic
Planning Committee report to the Friends Seminary
School Committee and the Trustees. Friends ask the
Page 63
January 2008 minutes, continued
2008 Budget
Strategic Planning Committee to meet as soon as
possible with the Property Committee of Fifteenth
Street Meeting and the Property Subcommittee of the
Trustees.
2008.1.20 Friends approve the report submitted by
the Arts Committee and the Treasurer on 2007 Arts
Committee expenditures, specifically, of moneys
already spent.
2008.1.21 Friends approve reimbursement of
$222.80 from the Arts Committee’s restricted funds
for 2007 for the travel expenses of Bob Baldridge.
Friends Cynthia Schlegel and Arthur Berk ask to be
recorded as standing aside from the decision.
2008.1.22 Stephen Smith, for the Arts Committee,
presents the Committee’s proposal for the
establishment of an Arts Committee within the
Quarterly Meeting. After extended discussion, Friends
find no unity on this proposal at this time.
2008.1.23 Jesse Peterson, for the Arts Committee,
requests the Meeting’s permission to spend remaining
Arts Committee restricted funds.
The Meeting gives its permission, but asks that future
restricted funds be accepted and spent using the
Meeting’s guidelines mandating prior approval of the
projected uses of any grant before its acceptance. For
this current expenditure, the Arts Committee will
work with the Meeting Clerk and with Cynthia
Schlegel to make the purchase. Friends Arthur Berk,
Lorcan Otway, and Louise Wolf ask to be recorded as
standing aside from this minute.
2008.1.24 Friends ask the Arts Committee to
present its 2008 budget at our next business meeting.
2008.1.25 THEN, after a time of quiet, with 45
present, ADJOURNED at 6:11 P . M . to meet again on
First Day, Second Month 10, at 1:00 P . M .
PRESENT
WERE:
Richard Accetta-Evans, Sally Arteseros, Bob
Baldridge, Arthur Berk, Linda Hill Brainard, Deborah
Brozina, Paul Busby, Margery Cornwell, Elizabeth
Crownfield, JoAnne Dally, Brian Doherty, John
Edminster, Julie M. Finch, Eliezer Simeon Hyman,
Carol Jackson, Margaret Lew, Kate Moss, Lorcan
Otway, Cynthia Schlegel, Liz Sheed, Steven M. Smith,
Suzanne W. Stout, Carol Summar, Diana Timmons,
and Louise Wolf; (25)
AND
Lisa Bateman, Patrick Belton, Charles Brainard,
James Branch, Miguel Davis-Dacío, Melvin Dennis,
Taylor Giacoma, Ian Hansen, Leslie Harris, Erik
Königer, Mark La Riviere, Eleanor Magid, Sam Oast,
Jesse Peterson, Lindsay Potter, Cathy Ramey, Robert
Segal, Tony Shitemi, Vijay Wijesundera, and a Friend
who identifies himself or herself as “The Phantom”
(20); Total attendance: 45
2008 Budget
Ordinary Income/ Expense
Income
Restricted
Directory
Handbook
Literature Table1
Religious Educ’n
Social Hour
Shelter2
Total Restricted
Fundraisers
Kenya
Peace Committee
Fundraisers3
RE Committee
Rummage Sale
Total Fund Raisers
TOTAL INCOME
Expense
Charitable Gifts
Childcare
Committees
15th St Handbook4
Arts5
Committee Room6
Directory
Friends in Unity with
Nature
Greeting
Library7
Literature Table8
Ministry & Worship
Newsletter
Nominating
Pastoral Care
Powell House/
Pendle Hill Grant
Other
Total Pastoral Care
Peace
Property9
Religious Education
Retreat10
Shelter11
Social Hour12
Total Committees
Contingency Fund
Peace Committee13
RE Rummage Sale
RE Scholarships to
NYYM
Total Fundraisers’ Exps.
NYYM
Representative Exps.
Total NYYM
Officers
Clerks
Recorder
Treasurer
Total Officers
Quaker Obligations
FCNL
2006
Actuals
12/31/06
2007
Actuals
12/31/07
2007
Budget
Unrestricted
405.00
NA
0.00
200.00
1 186.00
NA
1 791.00
46 947.28
48 738.28
0.00
NA
0.00
0.00
1 100.00
NA
1 100.00
40 649.67
41 759.67
300.00
500.00
0.00
0.00
850.00
2 650.00
4 300.00
53 435.00
57 735.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
TBD
TBD
3 150.00
0.00
675.79
195.00
611.00
0.00
500.00
—
—
0.00
750.00
1 712.00
2 387.79
51 126.07
1 640.00
2 446.00
44 205.67
1 700.00
2 200.00
59 935.00
—
0.00
TBD
1 700.00
2 450.00
5 600.00
300.00
2 213.75
200.00
1 473.41
300.00
2 500.00
300.00
3 690.00
—
—
0.00
25.00
451.16
585.65
0.00
470.80
50.00
0.00
175.00
43.21
900.00
0.00
0.00
139.83
500.00
175.00
700.00
900.00
50.00
600.00
150.00
100.00
175.00
1 200.00
1 200.00
75.00
600.00
150.00
—
11 600.00
0.00
700.00
0.00
379.98
78.00
0.00
0.00
699.59
0.00
262.96
1 229.35
25.00
0.00
700.00
0.00
900.00
1 600.00
25.00
0.00
800.00
—
900.00
1 600.00
25.00
—
100.00
300.00
—
—
—
0.00
126.68
126.68
148.36
0.00
0.00
161.00
299.01
460.01
0.00
0.00
300.00
500.00
400.00
900.00
200.00
0.00
300.00
—
—
—
150.00
—
—
554.00
2 355.29
2 200.00
5 370.92
600.00
0.00
1 207.40
5 465.35
114.52
2 650.00
1 600.00
11 950.00
600.00
500.00
400.00
900.00
200.00
100.00
300.00
446.00
0.00
1 200.00
9 971.00
600.00
—
13 504.00
0.00
675.79
80.00
611.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
—
—
750.00
0.00
1 632.00
2 387.79
1 600.00
2 211.00
1 700.00
2 200.00
—
0
1 700.00
2 450.00
600.00
0.00
600.00
599.37
0.00
599.37
600.00
100.00
700.00
600.00
100.00
700.00
—
—
0.00
20.00
0.00
74.66
94.66
5.71
0.00
20.00
25.71
175.00
10.00
100.00
285.00
175.00
10.00
100.00
285.00
—
—
—
0.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
Restricted
[Restricted
which is
sourced
fromB-S]
300.00
100.00
200.00
0.00
850.00
1 700.00
3 150.00
1 200.00
—
—
—
11 600.00
[800.00]
[100.00]
[300.00]
[113.26]
[554.00]
—
continued, next page
Page 64
2008 Budget
2006
Actuals
12/31/06
2007
Actuals
12/31/07
2007
Budget
Unrestricted
Restricted
Friends House, Rosehill
New York Qtrly Mtg
New York Yearly Mtg
NYYM Supplemental
Income*14
Prudent Reserve15
TOTAL EXPENSES
100.00
12 000.00
20 000.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
—
—
—
6 608.00
38 808.00
2 461.23
52 836.35
TBD
33 400.00
0.00
43 489.36
8 000.00
41 400.00
1 200.00
61 135.00
TBD
33 400.00
TBD
-48 946.00
—
0.00
—
15 954.00
NET ORDINARY INCOME
-1 710.28
716.31
-1 200.00
-48 496.00
-10 354.00
2008 Budget
[Restricted
which is
sourced
fromB-S]
Other Income
Capital Gains
Interest Income
Net Other Income16
NET INCOME
*
2006
Actuals
12/31/06
2007
Actuals
12/31/07
2007
Budget
Unrestricted
392.04
1 318.24
1 710.28
0.00
437.77
5 768.92
6 206.69
6 923.00
0.00
1 200.00
1 200.00
0.00
TBD
0.00
-48 946.00
To be determined at this meeting. $6,608 was paid in January 2007 for 2006 contribution.
[Financial notes not shown]
Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting: Treasurer’s Report
2007 INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT vs. ACTUAL BUDGET
(January through December 2007, as of 1/13/08)
JanuaryDecember
2007
ORDINARY INCOME/EXPENSE
Income
Restricted
Social hour
Total Restricted
1 110.00
1 110.00
Unrestricted
Attender
Member
Unknown
Total Unrestricted
13
26
1
40
41 759.67
Fundraisers
Kenya
Peace Committee fundraisers
RE Committee Rummage Sale
Total Fundraisers
Total Income
Expense
Charitable gifts
Childcare
Committees
15th Street New Member Handbook
Arts
Committee Room operations
Computer
Equipment
Office supplies
Telephone
Total Committee Room operations
Directory
Restricted
[Restricted
which is
sourced
fromB-S]
190.00
291.50
168.17
649.67
195.00
611.00
1 640.00
2 446.00
44 205.67
Budget $ over Budget
850.00
1 350.00
18
32
2
53
260.00
-240.00
685.00 -5
550.00 -6
200.00 -1
435.00 -12
% of Budget
130.59%
82.22%
495.00
258.50
031.83
785.33
70.59%
80.77%
53.1%
76.07%
54 785.00 -13 025.33
76.23%
500.00
1 700.00
2 200.00
111.00
-0.00
246.00
122.2%
96.47%
111.18%
56 985.00 -12 779.33
77.57%
200.00
1 473.41
300.00
2 500.00
-100.00
-1 026.59
66.67%
58.94%
0.00
175.00
66.21
500.00
175.00
700.00
-500.00
0.00
-633.79
0.0%
100.0%
9.46%
156.19
141.47
266.37
335.97
900.00
60.00
96.19
260.32%
600.00
240.00
900.00
-333.63
95.97
0.00
44.4%
139.99%
100.0%
0.00
0.00
50.00
600.00
-50.00
0.0%
-600.00
0.0%
continued, next page
Page 65
JanuaryDecember
2007
Library
Ministry & Worship
Newsletter
Nominating
Budget $ over Budget
% of Budget
139.83
699.59
262.96
1 229.35
25.00
150.00
700.00
900.00
1 600.00
25.00
-10.17
-0.41
-637.04
-370.65
0.00
93.22%
99.94%
29.22%
76.83%
100.00%
161.00
299.01
460.01
500.00
400.00
900.00
-339.00
-100.99
-439.99
32.2%
74.75%
51.11%
Peace
Religious Education
Social Hour
Total Committee
Contingency Fund
0.00
300.00
1 207.40
5 465.35
114.52
200.00
300.00
1 600.00
9 275.00
600.00
-200.00
0.00
-392.60
-3 809.65
-485.48
0.0%
100.0%
75.46%
58.93%
19.09%
Total Peace Committee Fundraisers
RE Scholarship to attend NYYM
Total Fundraisers’ Expenses
611.00
1 600.00
2 211.00
500.00
1 700.00
2 200.00
111.00
-100.00
11.00
122.2%
94.12%
100.5%
599.37
0.00
599.37
600.00
100.00
700.00
-0.63
-100.00
-100.63
99.9%
0.0%
85.62%
5.71
0.00
175.00
10.00
-169.29
-10.00
3.26%
0.0%
Treasurer
Bank Fees
Treasurer — Other
Total Treasurer
0.00
20.00
20.00
0.00
100.00
100.00
0.00
-80.00
-80.00
0.0%
20.0%
20.0%
Total Officers
25.71
285.00
-259.29
9.02%
Quaker Obligations
FCNL
Friends House in Rosehill
New York Quarterly Meeting
New York Yearly Meeting
100.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
33 400.00
100.00
100.00
13 200.00
20 000.00
33 400.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Total Expense
43 489.36
49 260.00
-5 770.64
88.29%
Pastoral Care
Powell House/Pendle Hill Grant
Pastoral Care — Other
Total Pastoral Care
NYYM
Representative Expenses
Total NYYM
Officers
Clerks
Recorder
NET ORDINARY INCOME
716.31
7 725.00
-7 008.69
9.27%
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
Capital Gains
Interest Income
Total Other Income
437.77
5 768.92
6 206.69
0.00
1 200.00
1 200.00
437.77
4 568.92
5 006.69
100.0%
480.74%
517.22%
Other Expense
Capital Losses
Total Other Expenses
Net Other Income
0.00
0.00
6 206.69
0.00
0.00
1 200.00
0.00
0.00
5 006.69
0.0%
0.0%
517.22%
NET INCOME
6 923.00
8 925.00
-2 002.00
77.57%
Page 66
2007 BALANCE SHEET WITH PREVIOUS YEAR COMPARISON
(As of 12/31/07)
Dec. 31, 2007 Dec. 31, 2006 $ Change
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Calvert Money Market Fund
Checking, Wachovia Bank
Fidelity Investment
Total Checking/Savings
Total Current Assets
Other Assets
Total Other Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
11
39
111
162
399.05
332.84
449.48
181.37
10
26
106
142
% Change
660.21
738.84
047.24 13 285.60
049.98 5 399.50
757.43 19 423.94
6.93%
51.01%
5.09%
13.61%
162 181.37
142 757.43 19 423.94
13.61%
5 318.43
5 318.43
167 499.80
4 880.66
437.77
4 880.66
437.77
147 638.09 19 861.71
8.97%
8.97%
13.45%
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
Jesus Christ Forbids War Print
Total Other Current Liabilities
196.29
196.29
196.29
196.29
0.00
0.00
0.0%
0.00%
Total Current Liabilities
196.29
196.29
0.00
0.00%
Restricted Funds
Arts Grant — Radio & TV Project
Committee Room Computer Fund
Directory
F.U.N.
Handbook
Keller Fund — Newcomer Pamphlets
L-T Prudent Reserve (Emergency)
11 293.93
749.60
53.00
35.00
203.94
1 975.32
9 779.84
Library
Book Rebinding Funds
Total Library
Night Shelter
Pastoral Care Membership Literature
Peace Vigil Handbills and Banners
344.76 10 949.17 3 175.88%
812.63
-63.03
-7.76%
0.00
53.00
100.0%
0.00
35.00
100.0%
203.94
0.00
0.0%
1 975.32
0.00
0.0%
9 410.42
369.42
3.93%
400.00
0.18
400.18
400.00
8.18
408.18
0.00
-8.00
-8.00
0.0%
-97.8%
-1.96%
13 403.24
777.93
34.86
11 689.71
777.93
113.26
1 713.53
0.00
-78.40
14.66%
0.0%
-69.22%
375.04
554.05
929.09
375.04
554.05
929.09
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Powell House
MM Weekend
Weekend & Retreat Seed Fund
Total Powell House
Quakerism Class Materials Fund
Social Hour Big Equipment
Total Restricted Funds
372.98
397.94
40 406.85
404.33
-31.35
397.94
0.00
27 468.14 12 938.71
-7.75%
0.0%
47.1%
Total Long Term Liabilities
40 406.85
27 468.14 12 938.71
47.1%
Total Liabilities
40 603.14
27 664.43 12 938.71
46.77%
Equity
Opening Balance Equity
Retained Earnings
Net Income
Total Equity
110
9
6
126
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
167 499.80
398.45
575.21
923.00
896.66
110 398.45
-106.75
9 681.96
119 973.66
0.00
0.0%
9 681.96 -9 069.75%
-2 758.96
-28.5%
6 923.00
5.77%
147 638.09 19 861.71
13.45%
Page 67
15th Street Property Committee:
The Courtyard Sub-Committee
Interim Report for 15th Street Meeting
for Business, January 13, 2008
Background
The Courtyard Sub-Committee has been gathering
comments and information, and regularly meeting since
November 20th to develop plans for the restoration and
improvement of the front Courtyard of the Meetinghouse.
We have also consulted with Landscape Architect Peter
Rothchild of Quenell Rothchild (principal of the landscape
architecture firm on the team just awarded the Governor’s Island
Project). Peter worked on the restoration of the old Orthodox
Meeting House on 20th Street by the South East end of Gramercy
Park, a meetinghouse which like ours dates from the mid-1800s
and has a bluestone front courtyard. (We are equally happy to
report that the consultation to date has been without charge.)
Proposal for the Meeting’s Consideration
Two drawing of the proposed restoration are on the stands
at the front of the Meeting Room, and copies are being
distributed. One (4.2) shows the plan with the trees which will be
planted as they reach maturity, together with the remaining,
pruned existing trees. The other (4.1) shows the plan with just
the existing trees.
In brief summary,
The planting beds on the inside of the fence along the
sidewalks at the East and South sides of the courtyard would be
substantially expanded to be approximately 11 feet deep (from
~3 feet plus small pits for the larger trees). The dead and dying
trees and bushes would be culled from them but the large old
trees kept as long as possible).
About 6 to 8 new trees would be planted in the new beds.
When planted they would have trunks about 4” in diameter (an
exception being that we might also plant a seedling from an oak
tree which William Penn sat under at Brandywine Meetinghouse). When grown, these trees would be selected for their
ability to grow well in urban conditions, to prosper in the shade
of the buildings to the South and, when first planted, in the shade
from the very old large trees that grace the planting area, and to
have root systems that would not unduly disrupt the historic
fence about the courtyard or the sidewalks or blue stone walk and
play areas.
Suitable trees would be: Gingko, Honey Locust, Japanese
Pagoda, Willow, Oak and Ash.
The planting beds would, besides protecting the trees, be
planted with ivy or pachysandra (which, once protected, would
thrive).
The rest of the courtyard surface would be covered with
blue stone, which is simple, warm, friendly and durable. (Both
the planting beds and the courtyard would have low
maintenance.)
The present old blue stone would be reused to the extent
possible (some is cracked into pieces too small to be re-cut and
reused). New blue stone would be selected for its density and
durability. The new and old stone pieces would be laid together
in a purposefully random pattern.
Where subterranean concrete walls (as around cellar
windows) now come up through the blue stone to form part of the
courtyard surface they would be cut down, and covered with blue
stone, and any other concrete in the courtyard would also be
removed or covered.
The “William Penn” hitching post
and mounting stone would be left as is.
(We are searching for the marker that
has disappeared from the adjacent wall
of the meetinghouse.)
The blue stone would be laid on gravel (fine over more
coarse) and spaced apart by fine gravel without the use of
concrete to appear more natural, and to facilitate drainage. (We
will be checking the soil to ensure that no supplemental drainage
is needed; we think not. We note that vehicles cannot be driven
over blue stone on gravel without risk of breakage.)
The laying of the blue stone would be coordinated with the
rebuilding of the front Meetinghouse entrance, and the smaller
stoops as necessary. It would eventually be carried around and
down the South side of the Meetinghouse (where some of the
blue stone is in especially poor condition). Perhaps the initial
work would continue just past the first, Easternmost, door and
its stoop on the South side of the Meetinghouse.
No foundation plantings would be used; they are out of
keeping with our 1860 Meetinghouse (which has a “foundation”
which looks fine without being hidden). Several pots with
seasonal plantings could be used on the front Meetinghouse
entrance. (This is in keeping with the traditions of the time, and
is used for the old 20th Street Meetinghouse.)
Request of the Meeting
The plan has much evolved as we have worked together on
it, and we would welcome further suggestions.
If the plan meets with your general approval, we will
proceed with more detailed plans and with obtaining cost
estimates, which we would then discuss with the Audit and
Budget Committee of the Quarter. With that information and
your suggestions, we would come back with a refined plan,
perhaps adjusted in view of cost considerations, for your further
consideration and approval before proceeding.
Future Work
We are in the early stages of considering the courtyard,
gardens, trash process/holding area, cafeteria stairs, coal tunnel
cover, stoops and walks on the South Side of the Meetinghouse,
and will be reviewing the plans, studies and cost estimates that
have already been made for that area. The work will probably
await future funding, but we want to be sure that the front and
side courtyards will fit well together.
We have and are also considering the Central Building and
its front courtyard to be sure that it will fit well with the front
courtyard of the Meetinghouse. For example, the West edge of
the East planting bed is aligned with the East edge of the Central
Building. We plan to give this further attention.
It appears to be technically feasible to put a one or two
story building under the front courtyard of the Meetinghouse
such as might be used for exhibit space, offices, meeting rooms,
perform-ance or rehearsal space, archives, storage, etc. The cost
would be considerable, and while the Committee generally
discussed it, further consideration of this possibility has been
deferred.
Charles Brainard, Sarah Johnson and Tony Shitemi
with the help of Bo Lauder, Rob Segal,
Gordon Hulse and Ahmet Baydur
[drawing attachments not included in newsletter]

15th Street Monthly Meeting - Fifteenth Street Monthly Meeting of the

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