Clerk Frank Lenik opened November Meeting for Worship with a concern for business, held 1 November 2009 with a period of quiet worship. Fourteen Friends were present. The minutes of October 4 were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer’s report: [Jack Mahon]
1. Our Salem Quarter Covenant payment is up to date.
2. Priscilla Lamont asked if we’re seeing an increase in long distance charges on the annex phone.
Jack reports there are no significant local phone calls being made by kids in the tutoring program.
3. The collector collected $660 this month. In spite of that being low, overall we’re on
track. Cash flow is OK now but will be tight later in our year.
Old Business:
Iraqi Family: Linda Lotz from Haddonfield gave us a lot to think about during her presentation to FDS, and later with the Iraqi
Family Support Group. She brought a wealth of practical information not found in any book. She gave us very specific information
and was very well prepared.
The issue being worked right now is the cost of the airline tickets. Mike Ayars is providing information on flights and how to donate frequent flier miles. We need to consult with
a professional local travel agent, like Patten Travel. Colleen Prater will get
Linda Jeffrey connected to Patten Travel.
Friends School Mullica Hill confirmed their scholarship offer for the youngest son. Rowan University is processing our request for scholarships for the other children.
Land Mine project: Frank Lenik has met with
Salem Meeting, and will be meeting with George
School next weekend. He will teach Woodstown FDS on December 13. Frank explained
how the money we raise buys mine detectors from Schonstedt Instruments and how
the UN determines where they are to be shipped. Other NGO’s in various countries (like the British-based Mine Advisory Group) train the local operators, who request mine detectors from the UN. The trip is initially
sponsored by the Mine Advisory Group and is a fund-raiser (like AIDS walk). The second part of the trip is to see our donated
mine detectors in action in Vietnam (near
the old DMZ). Frank intends to visit the folks who are on the ground doing the mine detection work. Frank is making this a
broad-based effort (rather than a Quaker-based effort).
Two granting groups from PYM can give Frank a travel grant for the costs of his trip. Meeting agrees
to issue a minute of support for Frank, which is required for the grant application. Frank’s trip will be about $4,500,
and the grants would cover part of that. Friends can donate to this trip by writing a check to WMM marked for the Land Mine
Project. Schonstedt Instrument has given $2,000 towards the trip. WMM will cover up to $1,000 depending on his need. Include
how much money we have already sent to Schonstedt Instrument ($3,876 of our own money so far). Other people have also contributed.
Friends approved: [1.] Minute of Support (Terry Fox-Ragone
will write). [2.]Meeting will contribute $500 (to start) for trip expenses.
Dana and George Houghton thanked everyone for the warm experience of the send-off luncheon.
Building Committee: We [Charlie Haaf, Connie Lezenby, & Mike Ayars] have approved 2 change
orders:
#1.
We were going to re-shingle just the driveway side of the social room and addition. After looking at the deteriorated shingles
on the annex side of the roof, we agreed to have the entire social room roof re-shingled. Cost is $2,500.00
#2.
We agreed to replace the deteriorated half gutter on the rear of the meeting house roof with a 6” copper gutter to match
the existing copper gutter. The entire gutter will be tied into the existing drainage pipe which will keep the roof runoff
out of the area between the social room and the annex. Cost is $1,690. We will ask the Property & Finance Committee to
pay for this out of meeting house upkeep funds as the gutter is being replaced because it has failed.
We
have 2 pending change orders:
#3.
We have a pending change order for the required smoke and fire alarms in the social room, bathrooms, and annex. We are negotiating
the expense, which we and our engineers feel is out of line.
#4.
There will be an additional change order to add the required janitor mop sink in the back of the kitchen. Cost is to be determined.
Our
contingency fund is $28,000.
Nominating Committee: [Colleen Prater] is consulting with the committee clerks about open positions. The clerk position is the biggest
position to fill. Members who know members should suggest names for clerk.
New Business
The
Square dance is November 14 and the caller planes to be there.
Next Business meeting is December 6 at 9:15 AM.
