State of Society Report
Oak Park Friends
May 2015
Oak Park Friends Meeting welcomes with great joy three new members who add new energy to our small meeting of eighteen members. We are grateful for the expanding circle of community we share. We continue to meet for worship at the Oak Park Art League, but we have invested time and Spirit into a threshing session to help determine our wants and needs for worship space. With the support of Field Secretary Judith Wolicki as discussion moderator and the leadership of the newly established site committee, we are examining other potential worship environments. Decisions will soon be made.
Our Adult Religious Education program is vibrant and brings the voices of elder Quakers and historical Quakers to our Meeting. We have examined the words of Herbert Hoover, Parker Palmer, Alice Paul, Bayard Rustin, and John Woolman. The insights into the challenges these Quakers faced remind us of the importance of all our testimonies. In addition our Ministry and Care Committee reminds us of the importance of weaving climate change issues into our actions. We will be examining the importance of soil and discussing how our lives can speak to improving the climate. Members’ involvement in “green activism” allows us to reach beyond our meeting into the wider community. We will soon be examining the Quaker Earthcare Witness climate change statement for seasoning by our Meeting.
Our children’s education program has focused on supporting the Chicago Friends School with one member being involved at the Board level. Children related to members and attenders do visit our Meeting on occasion, but no steady attenders under 18 are present. We have considered how our future sites might better welcome young families with children. Our meeting Spirit strives to support our members and attenders for life events and at times of sadness, loneliness or happiness. Cards, phone calls, and celebrations help to express our ministry of care to all who worship with us as we strengthen our collective Spirit.
May 2015
Oak Park Friends Meeting welcomes with great joy three new members who add new energy to our small meeting of eighteen members. We are grateful for the expanding circle of community we share. We continue to meet for worship at the Oak Park Art League, but we have invested time and Spirit into a threshing session to help determine our wants and needs for worship space. With the support of Field Secretary Judith Wolicki as discussion moderator and the leadership of the newly established site committee, we are examining other potential worship environments. Decisions will soon be made.
Our Adult Religious Education program is vibrant and brings the voices of elder Quakers and historical Quakers to our Meeting. We have examined the words of Herbert Hoover, Parker Palmer, Alice Paul, Bayard Rustin, and John Woolman. The insights into the challenges these Quakers faced remind us of the importance of all our testimonies. In addition our Ministry and Care Committee reminds us of the importance of weaving climate change issues into our actions. We will be examining the importance of soil and discussing how our lives can speak to improving the climate. Members’ involvement in “green activism” allows us to reach beyond our meeting into the wider community. We will soon be examining the Quaker Earthcare Witness climate change statement for seasoning by our Meeting.
Our children’s education program has focused on supporting the Chicago Friends School with one member being involved at the Board level. Children related to members and attenders do visit our Meeting on occasion, but no steady attenders under 18 are present. We have considered how our future sites might better welcome young families with children. Our meeting Spirit strives to support our members and attenders for life events and at times of sadness, loneliness or happiness. Cards, phone calls, and celebrations help to express our ministry of care to all who worship with us as we strengthen our collective Spirit.
Business Meeting April 12, 2015
In attendance: Judy Erickson (Clerk) Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Sue Beckman, Helen Dickinson, Johnny Gillespie, Marie Gillespie, Cossy Ksander, Valerie Lester, Pam Timme, Carolyn
Meeting began with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action: Quaker Earthcare Witness succeeded in getting PNC Bank to cut back mountaintop removal financing after years of effort. Our Meeting will send a letter to the CEO of PNC Bank with acknowledgement of these efforts to improve our environment by better stewardship of financial resources. Carolyn will bring name/address of PNC to clerk for letter.
Review & Approval of March Minutes: Felicity did not stay for business meeting. She should be removed from the attendance list. Minutes approved with that correction.
Treasurer's Report: Year-to-Date income = $8,369 and expenses = $8,164 for a net of $205. Balances of all funds total $14,749.
Ministry and Care Committee:
The revised May schedule and meeting minutes were presented in writing as follows:
MAY OPFM SCHEDULE (Meeting for Worship at 10:00am on all First Days)
5/3/15 8:30am, M&C Meeting; 11:30, Worship Sharing with Queries?
5/10 9:40am Music; 11:30am Potluck (Mothers Day)
5/17 11:30am Meeting for Worship with Attention for Business
5/24 11:30am Adult Religious Education Series: Bayard Rustin
5/31 11:30am Environmental Program on Soil, Adrian Fisher speaker
Ministry and Care Meeting Minutes for April 5, 2015
(Edited for Business Meeting April 11, 2015)
Present: Judy Erickson; Pam Timme; Adrian Fisher
We opened with silent worship.
Minutes: Minutes for March were approved during the week after the March meeting.
Clerk's Concerns:
* We discussed the possibility of OPAL coming to our Business Meeting on 4/12 to talk about our space and sue thereof. We decided to suggest that Val and Cossy meet privately with them and report back for the Meeting to season. Adrian is willing to attend and take notes if the scheduling is amenable. (Note: We did have a threshing session regarding finding new space on March 29.)
Requests for Membership:
* Johnny and Marie Gillespie: They are officially members now. Sarah has offered to host a party early this summer.
* Cossy Ksander: She is ready to have her Clearness Committee meeting. Three people have been found to serve on it, and it will probably be scheduled soon.
* Marti: We discussed her situation once again and once again came to no clarity or conclusions about dual membership or about her theological questions regarding our Meeting's practice. We will season this further.
Pastoral Ministry and Concerns:
* Support during life events: We discussed some of the issues involved in supporting our members and attenders for life events and at times of sadness, loneliness or happiness. We decided to buy a selection of blank cards so that we have them on hand to send at a moment's notice if needed. Pam volunteered to buy the cards, and Adrian will look in her stash to see what to contribute.
* Midweek Worship: We will season this further.
* Environmental Concerns: We will ask business meeting to approve signing the QEW climate change statement. Adrian will conduct an environmental workshop May 31, about soil.
Note: Our next meeting will begin at 8:30am on May 3, 2015
Respectfully submitted by Adrian Fisher
* Welcome Party for Antonio
The welcoming party for Antonio, Pam Timme's grandson, is scheduled for May 3rd at noon. Location is the home of Kelly & Rick at 288 Olmsted Road in Riverside. A visa gift card in the amount of $50 was approved at the business meeting. Members/attenders who are moved to contribute to the gift can send donation to OPFM with "Antonio Gift" on the memo line and give to Val Lester, Treasurer, by April 30th.
* Meeting with OPAL
The meeting with representatives from OPFM and OPAL is scheduled for 8pm on April 30th. Val & Cossy will represent OPFM with Adrian and Judy if their schedules permit.
New member updates
*Adrian Fisher is clerking Cossy's Committee for membership.
* New member party is tentatively scheduled for July 19th at Sarah's home, 331 North Ridgeland Ave.
Site Committee Report
*Site Committee threshing session notes were shared. Ask Val, Site Committee Clerk, for details. The mission is to find the long-term home for our Meeting that best fits the guidance from the Threshing session. Committee members will be scheduling site visits, then options will be weighed by business meeting.
Nominating Committee Report
Nominating Committee Report was distributed for edits. Updates are below.
Meeting began with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action: Quaker Earthcare Witness succeeded in getting PNC Bank to cut back mountaintop removal financing after years of effort. Our Meeting will send a letter to the CEO of PNC Bank with acknowledgement of these efforts to improve our environment by better stewardship of financial resources. Carolyn will bring name/address of PNC to clerk for letter.
Review & Approval of March Minutes: Felicity did not stay for business meeting. She should be removed from the attendance list. Minutes approved with that correction.
Treasurer's Report: Year-to-Date income = $8,369 and expenses = $8,164 for a net of $205. Balances of all funds total $14,749.
Ministry and Care Committee:
The revised May schedule and meeting minutes were presented in writing as follows:
MAY OPFM SCHEDULE (Meeting for Worship at 10:00am on all First Days)
5/3/15 8:30am, M&C Meeting; 11:30, Worship Sharing with Queries?
5/10 9:40am Music; 11:30am Potluck (Mothers Day)
5/17 11:30am Meeting for Worship with Attention for Business
5/24 11:30am Adult Religious Education Series: Bayard Rustin
5/31 11:30am Environmental Program on Soil, Adrian Fisher speaker
Ministry and Care Meeting Minutes for April 5, 2015
(Edited for Business Meeting April 11, 2015)
Present: Judy Erickson; Pam Timme; Adrian Fisher
We opened with silent worship.
Minutes: Minutes for March were approved during the week after the March meeting.
Clerk's Concerns:
* We discussed the possibility of OPAL coming to our Business Meeting on 4/12 to talk about our space and sue thereof. We decided to suggest that Val and Cossy meet privately with them and report back for the Meeting to season. Adrian is willing to attend and take notes if the scheduling is amenable. (Note: We did have a threshing session regarding finding new space on March 29.)
Requests for Membership:
* Johnny and Marie Gillespie: They are officially members now. Sarah has offered to host a party early this summer.
* Cossy Ksander: She is ready to have her Clearness Committee meeting. Three people have been found to serve on it, and it will probably be scheduled soon.
* Marti: We discussed her situation once again and once again came to no clarity or conclusions about dual membership or about her theological questions regarding our Meeting's practice. We will season this further.
Pastoral Ministry and Concerns:
* Support during life events: We discussed some of the issues involved in supporting our members and attenders for life events and at times of sadness, loneliness or happiness. We decided to buy a selection of blank cards so that we have them on hand to send at a moment's notice if needed. Pam volunteered to buy the cards, and Adrian will look in her stash to see what to contribute.
* Midweek Worship: We will season this further.
* Environmental Concerns: We will ask business meeting to approve signing the QEW climate change statement. Adrian will conduct an environmental workshop May 31, about soil.
Note: Our next meeting will begin at 8:30am on May 3, 2015
Respectfully submitted by Adrian Fisher
* Welcome Party for Antonio
The welcoming party for Antonio, Pam Timme's grandson, is scheduled for May 3rd at noon. Location is the home of Kelly & Rick at 288 Olmsted Road in Riverside. A visa gift card in the amount of $50 was approved at the business meeting. Members/attenders who are moved to contribute to the gift can send donation to OPFM with "Antonio Gift" on the memo line and give to Val Lester, Treasurer, by April 30th.
* Meeting with OPAL
The meeting with representatives from OPFM and OPAL is scheduled for 8pm on April 30th. Val & Cossy will represent OPFM with Adrian and Judy if their schedules permit.
New member updates
*Adrian Fisher is clerking Cossy's Committee for membership.
* New member party is tentatively scheduled for July 19th at Sarah's home, 331 North Ridgeland Ave.
Site Committee Report
*Site Committee threshing session notes were shared. Ask Val, Site Committee Clerk, for details. The mission is to find the long-term home for our Meeting that best fits the guidance from the Threshing session. Committee members will be scheduling site visits, then options will be weighed by business meeting.
Nominating Committee Report
Nominating Committee Report was distributed for edits. Updates are below.
Adult Religious Education
Read prelude to Chapters 1-2 of Parker Palmer's Hidden Wholeness. The discussion will take place at the library on April 14th from 7pm-8:30pm. Carpool if possible. ARE co-chairs are seeking suggestions for monthly session topics for 2015-2016.
Children's Education
Invitation to Chicago Friends School 5th annual fundraiser was distributed. Event will take place on April 23rd at 6pm.
Old Business
*AT&T switched our phone service to VOIP on April 10th. New phone manager is being sought.
*Sarah and Kelly will co-edit the state of the society report for ILYM. Report deadline is May 17th business meeting.
*A Day in Our Village will take place on June 7th. Helen has tent, banner, & handouts from last time our Meeting participated. Kelly offers to manage the outreach program. Judy & Kelly will send an announcement to season interest in this program.
New Business
* It is the season for the Trailside clean-up and maintenance. Date and time to be determined.
Minutes were approved.
Meeting closed with silent worship.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
Read prelude to Chapters 1-2 of Parker Palmer's Hidden Wholeness. The discussion will take place at the library on April 14th from 7pm-8:30pm. Carpool if possible. ARE co-chairs are seeking suggestions for monthly session topics for 2015-2016.
Children's Education
Invitation to Chicago Friends School 5th annual fundraiser was distributed. Event will take place on April 23rd at 6pm.
Old Business
*AT&T switched our phone service to VOIP on April 10th. New phone manager is being sought.
*Sarah and Kelly will co-edit the state of the society report for ILYM. Report deadline is May 17th business meeting.
*A Day in Our Village will take place on June 7th. Helen has tent, banner, & handouts from last time our Meeting participated. Kelly offers to manage the outreach program. Judy & Kelly will send an announcement to season interest in this program.
New Business
* It is the season for the Trailside clean-up and maintenance. Date and time to be determined.
Minutes were approved.
Meeting closed with silent worship.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
Business Meeting March 8, 2015
In attendance: Judy Erickson (Clerk) Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Helen Dickinson, Johnny Gillespie, Pam Timme
Meeting began with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action: Quaker community sharing was exemplified by our Meeting studying links between our meeting and West Branch, Iowa Meeting as reflected in the Adult Religious Education topic of Herbert Hoover.
Review & Approval of February Minutes: No changes
Treasurer/Finance Committee: No report.
Ministry and Care Committee:
*Membership letters for Johnny and Marie Gillespie were read and applications for membership were approved.
*Midweek worship needs a host, a location, and a schedule. Discussion was postponed until more people can attend and provide input.
*Judy will call Burke to notify him about the mid-week book discussion group.
Edited Minutes from the M&C Committee meeting on 3/1/15 were presented as follows:
Present: Ann Chase (Clerk); Judy Erickson; Pam Timme; Adrian Fisher
We opened with silent worship.
Minutes: Minutes for February were approved.
Vocal Ministry: We considered this topic and possible hindrances to people speaking up, which could be shyness, feeling unfit, or not knowing what is expected. We reviewed options such as regular worship sharing, "afterthoughts," and individuals bringing to meeting and speaking thoughts of a spiritual nature that we'd thought of during the week. We decided that since fourth Sundays formerly used by our laid-down Peace and Justice Committee are open, we will schedule regular worship sharing sessions so that people might understand more about the workshop and vocal ministry process and deepen their own spiritual experience. This might lead to more vocal ministry in meeting.
We also decided to suggest that the monthly queries could be read at the beginning of meeting, rather than after people have settled in. The M&C Committee decided after their meeting to season this topic further before bringing it to Meeting for Business.
Requests for Membership
* Johnny and Marie Gillespie: Marie's Clearness Committee has been approved and will take place at John Muhlenburg's house on Tuesday. Val and Judy are the other people on the committee. Johny's Clearness Committee meeting will take place at Ann's house. One person who had committed to participating withdrew, and a substitute has been found, if Johnny agrees and would rather not reschedule.
*Cossy Ksander: She submitted a request for membership two weeks ago. We will set up a clearness committee and Adrian will ask her if she has suggestions for Clearness Committee membership. We hope the Committee will have on M&C member, one meeting member and one attender so as to continue the practice we are developing.
Pastoral Ministry and Concerns were discussed, including Midweek Worship. Ann is unable to host. We will bring the question of how and when to launch this to Business Meeting.
Note: Our next meeting will begin at 8:30am on April 5, 2015.
Respectfully submitted by Adrian Fisher
Site Committee:
Site committee was approved and input is welcome from all members and attenders. Meetings are open to all. Appreciation is given to those who have committed to participation thus far: Valerie (clerk), Sue, Sarah, and Cynthia. On 3/29 Judy Wolicki will lead a threshing session on site envisioning at 11:30am. The committee met on March 1st to create a list of ideas about site vision.
Nominating Committee: Nominating committee report will be updated and distributed. Nominating Committee report must be presented to Business Meeting on May 17.
Adult Religious Education: ARE schedule approved as follows: Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer will be discussed on 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, and 5/5 from 7pm to 8:30pm at Oak Park Public Library.
3/22 will be a program on Alice Paul lead by Kelly Maynard
5/24 Bayard Rustin will be discussed
5/31 Climate Change discussion will be lead by Adrian Fisher
Children's Religious Education: No report.
Old Business/New Business:
*Sarah Will draft a State of Society Report for ILYM.
*VOIP phone messaging service will be place on Cossy's personal computer. Cost is $36/year.
Announcements:
*Cossy needs to receive contact updates for our database. All changes should go to the main
archive database via e-mail to cosksander@sbcglobal.net.
*Friends are encouraged to plan and present programs on the 4th Sunday of the month. Please see Judy or Sarah to schedule them.
Meeting ended with Silent Worship
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
**********
Meeting began with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action: Quaker community sharing was exemplified by our Meeting studying links between our meeting and West Branch, Iowa Meeting as reflected in the Adult Religious Education topic of Herbert Hoover.
Review & Approval of February Minutes: No changes
Treasurer/Finance Committee: No report.
Ministry and Care Committee:
*Membership letters for Johnny and Marie Gillespie were read and applications for membership were approved.
*Midweek worship needs a host, a location, and a schedule. Discussion was postponed until more people can attend and provide input.
*Judy will call Burke to notify him about the mid-week book discussion group.
Edited Minutes from the M&C Committee meeting on 3/1/15 were presented as follows:
Present: Ann Chase (Clerk); Judy Erickson; Pam Timme; Adrian Fisher
We opened with silent worship.
Minutes: Minutes for February were approved.
Vocal Ministry: We considered this topic and possible hindrances to people speaking up, which could be shyness, feeling unfit, or not knowing what is expected. We reviewed options such as regular worship sharing, "afterthoughts," and individuals bringing to meeting and speaking thoughts of a spiritual nature that we'd thought of during the week. We decided that since fourth Sundays formerly used by our laid-down Peace and Justice Committee are open, we will schedule regular worship sharing sessions so that people might understand more about the workshop and vocal ministry process and deepen their own spiritual experience. This might lead to more vocal ministry in meeting.
We also decided to suggest that the monthly queries could be read at the beginning of meeting, rather than after people have settled in. The M&C Committee decided after their meeting to season this topic further before bringing it to Meeting for Business.
Requests for Membership
* Johnny and Marie Gillespie: Marie's Clearness Committee has been approved and will take place at John Muhlenburg's house on Tuesday. Val and Judy are the other people on the committee. Johny's Clearness Committee meeting will take place at Ann's house. One person who had committed to participating withdrew, and a substitute has been found, if Johnny agrees and would rather not reschedule.
*Cossy Ksander: She submitted a request for membership two weeks ago. We will set up a clearness committee and Adrian will ask her if she has suggestions for Clearness Committee membership. We hope the Committee will have on M&C member, one meeting member and one attender so as to continue the practice we are developing.
Pastoral Ministry and Concerns were discussed, including Midweek Worship. Ann is unable to host. We will bring the question of how and when to launch this to Business Meeting.
Note: Our next meeting will begin at 8:30am on April 5, 2015.
Respectfully submitted by Adrian Fisher
Site Committee:
Site committee was approved and input is welcome from all members and attenders. Meetings are open to all. Appreciation is given to those who have committed to participation thus far: Valerie (clerk), Sue, Sarah, and Cynthia. On 3/29 Judy Wolicki will lead a threshing session on site envisioning at 11:30am. The committee met on March 1st to create a list of ideas about site vision.
Nominating Committee: Nominating committee report will be updated and distributed. Nominating Committee report must be presented to Business Meeting on May 17.
Adult Religious Education: ARE schedule approved as follows: Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer will be discussed on 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, and 5/5 from 7pm to 8:30pm at Oak Park Public Library.
3/22 will be a program on Alice Paul lead by Kelly Maynard
5/24 Bayard Rustin will be discussed
5/31 Climate Change discussion will be lead by Adrian Fisher
Children's Religious Education: No report.
Old Business/New Business:
*Sarah Will draft a State of Society Report for ILYM.
*VOIP phone messaging service will be place on Cossy's personal computer. Cost is $36/year.
Announcements:
*Cossy needs to receive contact updates for our database. All changes should go to the main
archive database via e-mail to cosksander@sbcglobal.net.
*Friends are encouraged to plan and present programs on the 4th Sunday of the month. Please see Judy or Sarah to schedule them.
Meeting ended with Silent Worship
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
**********
Business Meeting February 8th, 2015
In attendance: Judy Erickson (Clerk) Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Sue Beckman, Helen Dickinson, Val Lester, Kelly Maynard
Meeting began with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action: Congressional hearings about remaining prisoners in Guantanamo Bay has been in the news. Quakers continue to speak out in support of the prisoners’ rights. (Kelly will provide more detail.)*
Review & Approval of January Minutes: One change to treasurer report: Additional check for $300 was received during 2014. Treasurer has adjusted the income for 2014 to reflect this income. One change to attendance list: Helen Dickinson was present at January 11th business meeting.
Treasurer/Finance Committee: January income $426, expenses $1,058. Year-to-date income
$6,206, expenses $6,540. Expenses were high in January since several annual donations were sent.
Ministry and Care Committee:
Minutes from the M&C Committee meeting on 2/1/15 were presented as follows:
Present: Judy Erickson, Pam Timme (Acting Clerk in Ann’s absence); Adrian Fisher
This meeting was abbreviated owing to the snowstorm and the necessity to shovel the meetinghouse walk and help Pam get her car unstuck.
We opened with silent worship.
Minutes: Minutes for January were approved during the week after the January meeting.
Clerk's Concerns: None to discuss at this time.
Requests for Membership
*Johnny and Marie Gillespie: We discussed scheduling the Clearness Committee meeting for each. The meeting should be private and at their house. We are asking selected members and attenders to be on the committees.
Pastoral Ministry and Concerns
*Midweek Worship: We discussed this possibility but no decisions were made.
*Environmental Concerns: Adrian reported that QEW has a climate change statement on its website to which Monthly Meetings can become signatories. We decided that Adrian will lead a meeting for environmental concerns on May 31.
Vocal Ministry: We deferred this until we feel led to take it up again.
Note: Our next meeting will begin at 8:30am on March 1, 2014.
Respectfully submitted by Adrian Fisher
Kitchen Committee: Letter to OPAL board suggested hiring Christina to help with kitchen maintenance under the direction of OPAL OR increasing the rent. The OPAL board will review the letter soon. Val will report back on their reply. It may be time for a site committee to replace the kitchen committee. Kitchen committee is laid down. Valerie has volunteered to clerk the site committee and will continue in role as OPAL liaison with OPFM. Nominating committee will fill this new committee. Mission and member suggestions should go to Val. We approved these decisions.
Nominating Committee: Nominating committee will meet February 19th at 6:30pm at Sarah’s home 331 North Ridgeland Ave. Nominating committee made up of Clerk Sarah Shirk, Sue Beckman, and Valerie Lester welcomes suggestions for committee members or any positions including the new site committee. We approved this decision.
Adult Religious Education: Discussion on Alice Paul was postponed due to weather. This discussion will be moved to the end of March, either 3/22 or 3/29. Herbert Hoover will be discussed on March 1st. Book discussion rooms are available at the main library, Dole, and Maze. Kelly and Cossy will pick dates for April discussions. All are encouraged to purchase book for April Book discussion. Book selection TBA.
Children's Religious Education: No report.
Old Business/New Business: No report
Announcements:
*2/21, 57th Street Meeting (5615 South Woodlawn, Chicago) is hosting a Chicago-Area Friends Gathering for worship, programming for children, and fellowship. 10:00, 2-hour Meeting for Worship while children enjoy special programming. Potluck at noon followed by optional movie Arranged. Details to be posted on our website.
*Cossy needs to receive contact updates for our database. All changes should go to the main
archive database via e-mail to cosksander@sbcglobal.net.
*Friends are encouraged to plan and present programs on the 4th Sunday of the month. Please see Judy or Sarah to schedule them.
Meeting ended with Silent Worship
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
* Background information for the Quaker Practice in Action provided by Kelly Maynard is pasted below in italics.
President Obama has restarted the process to get more of the Guantanamo Bay detainees released. This has led to recent hearings by Congress. On Wednesday February 4, 2015 National security officials, (such as Brian McKeon, the principal deputy undersecretary of Defense for Policy and Nicholas Rasmussen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center,) testified at a panel run by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The security officials made the point that while recidivism was high (around 20%) for detainees released under Bush it was only 6% for those released in the last 5 years under Obama and the Senate should weigh that risk against the value Guantanamo Bay has for anti US, terrorist propaganda such as that put out by ISIS (It is thought ISIS victims are always dressed in orange jumpsuit because the orange jumpsuit has become the international symbol of Gitmo) Various senators, including John McCain stated their belief that Guantanamo Bay should stay open and the detainees should never be released. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said [the next three paragraphs are a quote from an online newspaper]
“In my opinion, the only problem of Guantanamo Bay is there are too many empty beds and cells there right now,” the freshman Republican continued. “We should be sending more terrorists there for further interrogation to keep this country safe. As far as I’m concerned, every last one of them can rot in hell, but as long as they don’t do that, then they can rot in Guantanamo Bay!”
The hearing was interrupted by a Code Pink protester breaking into a line of questioning by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “Those people, some of them were innocent,” the protester shouted. “They were already clear. All right. Arrest me. This country is disgusting. You have betrayed the Constitution — what is wrong with you American people? What’s wrong with you, America? What’s wrong with you? I don’t care anymore, put me in jail. I don’t care.”
“I think he may get his wish,” Graham chuckled as Capitol Police led the protester away.
I had heard on NPR the audiotape of this and the journalist at that time identified this man as a Quaker. And this is the press release I found on the CODEPINK webpage
“On Thursday, February 5th two protesters, David Barrows with CODEPINK and Helen Schietinger from Witness Against Torture, were arrested for speaking out during a Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing about Guantanamo Bay prison and the future of US detention policy.
Barrows, a long-time DC area peace activist, spoke up during Senator Lindsey Graham’s speech (R-SC), calling the Senate hearing “a disgrace and full of lies.” Senator Graham was claiming “it’s common sense that if prisoners have been in prison for that long, they deserve to be there and that the protocols and review board at the Guantanamo bay facility are adequate.” Barrows is well aware that over 50 of the prisoners still in Guantanamo never should have been there and have been cleared for release for years.
After the arrest of Barrows, Helen Schietinger with Witness Against Torture stood up and confronted Senator Graham for presenting false information and deliberately misleading the committee.
Business Meeting January 11th, 2015
Meeting began with silent worship.
In attendance: Judy Erickson (Clerk) Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Sue Beckman, Johnny Gillespie, Marie Gillespie, Val Lester, Pam Timme
Quaker Practice in Action: Courtney Martin created a Society for Creative Philanthropy from a book advance check, showing how small amounts of philanthropy can impact the world. The book entitled Do It Anyway, the New Generation of Activists was discussed on a radio talk show with Quaker Parker Palmer.
Review & Approval of December Minutes: Approved; no changes
Treasurer/Finance Committee: December income $1,346, expenses $340. Year-to-date income $5,783, expenses $5,655. Contributions totaling $750 approved by business meeting will be made in January.
Ministry and Care Committee:
Minutes from the M&C Committee meeting on 1/4/15 were presented as follows:
Present: Ann Chase, Judy Erickson, Pam Timme, Adrian Fisher
Minutes: Minutes for December were approved
Clerk's Concerns: Regarding officer selection, we discussed how to support the nominating committee as it does its work finding new officers. As Ministry & Care members we will try to share a message about the positive spiritual advantages and joy of service to meeting. Yes, committee service involves work, but it is also a great opportunity for spiritual growth, affirmation, and contribution to our community. Since we lack a Peace & Justice committee, we considered the idea that if such a committee were renewed, we would like to focus more on climate issues because these are so deeply intertwined with peace and justice. This issue is the defining issue of our time, and we would like our meeting to take action.
Requests for Membership
*Johnny and Marie Gillespie: Meeting members/attenders are taking them out for lunch today. We decided that the clearness committees for each should have three members: one from M&C, one attender and one meeting member. We will present this structure to them, ask if there is any particular person they would each like for their committee, and proceed with committee formation. *Marti Matthews request for dual membership: She is not in a hurry to resolve the issue and is in Indianapolis for a while. We will take this up again upon her return.
Pastoral Ministry and Concerns
*We hold in the Light several members and attenders who seem to need some extra love and attention. We offer a helping hand.
Vocal Ministry: We deferred this until our next meeting and will put it first on the agenda next time.
Note: Our next meeting will begin at 8:30am on February 1, 2015.
Naming Committee: Val Lester accepted nomination as 3rd member of nominating committee. Business meeting approved this nomination today.
Nominating Committee: 1st proposal for nominations should target April 12th business meeting. Final approval for next fiscal year should occur at the May 10th business meeting.
Adult Religious Education: A terrific and well-attended program on John Woolman took place on January 4th. The February 1st topic will be Alice Paul.
Children's Religious Education: Ann brought Felicity and Charles to a December 1st Day. Sarah will deliver OPFM donation to Chicago Friends School.
Kitchen Committee: Clerk reported that we will clean & stock kitchen weekly. Self-cleaning oven turned on today. Refrigerator items will be dated and rotated. Do NOT throw away still life items. Cleaning day will be publicized. Hot water tea kettle donated. Committee meeting to be scheduled in February.
Old Business: Switching of the phone service to VOIP approved. Phone # will not change. Val will confirm with Cossy who will be asked to contact Angela and make arrangements with phone company.
New Business: OPFM clerk provided a travel minute to support Sarah's visit to Monteverde, Costa Rica. We send our greetings and love to Monteverde Friends with whom Sarah will visit, including the Friends school.
Announcements:
*Our annual Eagle Watch at Starved Rock State Park will be on Saturday, 1/24/15. All who come are invited to spend the night at Clear Creek House (Illinois Yearly Meeting) on Saturday night. *PADS dinner service on 1/30/15; please see the sign-up sheet or talk to Val.
*Cossy needs to receive contact updates for our database. All changes should go to the main archive database via e-mail to cosksander@sbcglobal.net.
*Friends are encouraged to plan and present programs on the 4th Sunday of any month. Please see Judy or Sarah to schedule them.
Meeting ended with silent worship.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
Business Meeting 11/12/14
In attendance: Judy Erickson (Clerk) Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Sue Beckman, Kelly Maynard, Helen Dickinson, Cossy Ksander, Joan Pine, Michael Pine, Bob Southworth, Pam Timme, Julie Wolicki
Quaker Practice in Action: We honor all persons who go to the polls to vote instead of taking up arms. We also honor Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, a Quaker, who refrained from purchasing negative ads against his opponent during the recent election race. In addition he has a record of standing up for gun-control legislation.
Review of October Minutes: No changes
Treasurer/Finance Committee: We are investigating switching the OPFM phone number to VOIP, estimating that it will save approximately $12/month. Cossy will pick up the change process with contact info provided by Val. Audit data for FY12/13 has been forwarded to Will Ksander and FY13/14 has been forwarded to Karen Heckman. Audit results will be prepped for January business meeting. The annual income to date is $3,126 and expenses are $4119.
Ministry and Care Committee:
Minutes from the M&C Committee meeting on 11/2/14 were presented as follows: We opened with silence. We have received a request for membership from Johnny and Marie Gillespie. We will suggest to them that we meet informally to discuss the process of applying for membership. We are preparing a packet to read for subsequent reflection and discussion. The packet will include a copy of Faith and Practice, the ABC's of Quakerism, and article about clearness committees and a welcoming summary of what is expected of members and the rewards of membership. Adrian will draft the summary and other M&C members will edit it on Google Docs. We gave thought and extended love on pastoral concerns. We closed with silence.
Adult Religious Education:
Schedule has been posted as follows:
December 7, 2014 Body Prayer
January 4, 2015 John Woolman and the Abolition of Slavery
February 1, 2015 Alice Paul and Women’s Right to Vote
March 1, 2015 Herbert Hoover and Progressive Taxes
May 3, 2015 Bayard Rustin and Civil Right:1st Freedom Ride
Children's Education:
Val, Sarah, & Judy reviewed contents of children's cabinets on second floor. Condensed the 3 cabinets to 2 so that OPAL can rent the 3rd one for rental income. Books will be donated to Chicago Friends School and toys were donated to Goodwill.
Old Business:
Notes from the Direction of the Meeting were provided by Judy Wolicki and reviewed. Support for the Peace and Justice committee could be garnered from ILYM committee members, peace resources, and other monthly meetings. Any member or attender of our meeting is encouraged and supported to create connection with clerks at other meetings to create cross-meeting synergy and improved communications. OPFM P&J is a working as a committee of the whole. We will need to follow our leadings as passions point. Ilene Flannagan's book The Wisdom to Know the Difference addresses this issue of where to place P&J efforts. We note that we are enriched and inspired by meeting for worship.
New Business: Time for the community Holiday Food & Gift basket donations. In December 2013 we sponsored 5 participants. Sponsoring 5 in 2014 was also approved.
Val will request extended stay until 2pm on 12/21 for the holiday pot-luck. Pam will create a sign-up sheet for food & supplies.
Art League requests adoption of space in lieu of a rent increase. Subcommittee formed including Val, Cossy & Sue to address adoption and maintenance of kitchen space.
Request has been made for community service hours to fulfill by January. Contact Clerk with ideas.
Eagle watch will take place in January 2015.
We closed with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action: We honor all persons who go to the polls to vote instead of taking up arms. We also honor Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, a Quaker, who refrained from purchasing negative ads against his opponent during the recent election race. In addition he has a record of standing up for gun-control legislation.
Review of October Minutes: No changes
Treasurer/Finance Committee: We are investigating switching the OPFM phone number to VOIP, estimating that it will save approximately $12/month. Cossy will pick up the change process with contact info provided by Val. Audit data for FY12/13 has been forwarded to Will Ksander and FY13/14 has been forwarded to Karen Heckman. Audit results will be prepped for January business meeting. The annual income to date is $3,126 and expenses are $4119.
Ministry and Care Committee:
Minutes from the M&C Committee meeting on 11/2/14 were presented as follows: We opened with silence. We have received a request for membership from Johnny and Marie Gillespie. We will suggest to them that we meet informally to discuss the process of applying for membership. We are preparing a packet to read for subsequent reflection and discussion. The packet will include a copy of Faith and Practice, the ABC's of Quakerism, and article about clearness committees and a welcoming summary of what is expected of members and the rewards of membership. Adrian will draft the summary and other M&C members will edit it on Google Docs. We gave thought and extended love on pastoral concerns. We closed with silence.
Adult Religious Education:
Schedule has been posted as follows:
December 7, 2014 Body Prayer
January 4, 2015 John Woolman and the Abolition of Slavery
February 1, 2015 Alice Paul and Women’s Right to Vote
March 1, 2015 Herbert Hoover and Progressive Taxes
May 3, 2015 Bayard Rustin and Civil Right:1st Freedom Ride
Children's Education:
Val, Sarah, & Judy reviewed contents of children's cabinets on second floor. Condensed the 3 cabinets to 2 so that OPAL can rent the 3rd one for rental income. Books will be donated to Chicago Friends School and toys were donated to Goodwill.
Old Business:
Notes from the Direction of the Meeting were provided by Judy Wolicki and reviewed. Support for the Peace and Justice committee could be garnered from ILYM committee members, peace resources, and other monthly meetings. Any member or attender of our meeting is encouraged and supported to create connection with clerks at other meetings to create cross-meeting synergy and improved communications. OPFM P&J is a working as a committee of the whole. We will need to follow our leadings as passions point. Ilene Flannagan's book The Wisdom to Know the Difference addresses this issue of where to place P&J efforts. We note that we are enriched and inspired by meeting for worship.
New Business: Time for the community Holiday Food & Gift basket donations. In December 2013 we sponsored 5 participants. Sponsoring 5 in 2014 was also approved.
Val will request extended stay until 2pm on 12/21 for the holiday pot-luck. Pam will create a sign-up sheet for food & supplies.
Art League requests adoption of space in lieu of a rent increase. Subcommittee formed including Val, Cossy & Sue to address adoption and maintenance of kitchen space.
Request has been made for community service hours to fulfill by January. Contact Clerk with ideas.
Eagle watch will take place in January 2015.
We closed with silent worship.
Business Meeting 10/12/14
In attendance: Judy Erickson (Clerk) Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk) Pam Timme, Helen Dickinson, Cossy Ksander,
Quaker Practice in Action: The Nobel Peace Prize 2014 was awarded jointly to Kailash Satyarthi from India and Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education."
Review of September Minutes: No changes
Treasurer/Finance Committee: Estimate for web hosting is $44 per year. We approved paying this expense. Kelly will contact Denise about the future web hosting costs.
Ministry and Care Committee: M&C will offer a Clearness Committee to Marti Matthews in response to her letter concerning dual membership. Marti will be asked to suggest members based on her spiritual needs. Members can include ILYM Friends. Judy will make contact as a representative of M&C.
Oral reading of queries is a well-established practice that still has value for many in our community. We will continue monthly readings aloud. Helen will pull them from Philadelphia Faith & Practice and occasionally invite others to read them. On the 3rd First Day a copy will be set out for possible discussion during lunch.
Adult Religious Education
Cossy and Kelly met 9/17. They developed a theme for the Spring Semester (The Equality Testimony and Quakers who led movements in America that resulted in changes to the legal system and have shaped modern morality.). Quakers to be discussed are John Woolman, Alice Paul, Herbert Hoover, and Bayard Rustin. They are also planning a bookstudy group on Wednesday evenings in April 2015
------
ARE Minutes
Oak Park Friends Meeting
ARE Committee Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2014
In attendance: Cossy Ksander (co-clerk) and Kelly Maynard (co-clerk).
1. Spring 2015 Program:
We reviewed the responses from the September 7th ARE session, and began brainstorming people/topics related to them. We came up with a general theme for the Spring semester, The Equality Testimony and Quakers who led movements in America that resulted in changes to the legal system and have shaped modern morality. From a list of eight people/movements we selected four to present this spring.
ARE Proposed Program on Equality Testimony for 2015
DATE QUAKER ISSUE: TACTIC
1) January 4, 2015 John Woolman, Abolition of slavery: Boycott
2) February 1, 2015 Alice Paul, Women’s Vote: Hunger Strike
3) March 1st, 2015 Herbert Hoover, Progressive Taxes: Public Works Drafting Legislation
In April no ARE on First First Day because it is Easter, instead four Wednesday evenings
4) May 3, 2015 Bayard Rustin Civil Rights: 1st Freedom Ride
2. Book Study Group
We decided to postpone having a Weds evening book study this Fall. We will have one during the last four Wednesday evenings of April 2015. Kelly and Cossy will read, or at least skim, some books and select one in the New Year and start announcing it. We have a few suggestion from various Friends but more titles for consideration are always welcome, send email to Kelly or Cossy. Also need someone to offer their home. Fallback is that Kelly can do it, but that means everyone else has to travel to the South end of Riverside.
3. We need to determine our Fall schedule:
Cossy brought in a prepared study plan by the FWCC about World Quaker
Day. Kelly will go through the material and prepare a one-page handout and we will discuss this on October 5th, 2014.
The First Sunday in November we are willing to give to the Direction of the Meeting event if wanted. Otherwise we’ll find a short reading by Thomas Kelly to go over.
In regard to our idea of having a December workshop like we did on Grief in 2012 or Membership in 2013, we have not discerned a topic of widespread interest/need for the meeting. If we do discern in the next two months it might be too late to get the news out so we will not do a long workshop this year (but if we do discern a need we can plan to do it in Fall 2015). Instead Cossy will do a regular length session discussing body prayer.
Friends are asked to fill in Sarah’s Doodle Scheduler shortly on dates they can come to the Direction of the Meeting event.
There will probably be no Sunday morning OPAL classes upstairs until 2015.
Kelly and Pam will meet to consider archiving OPFM materials that Pam has gathered.
Business Meeting July 2014
Attending: Judy Erickson (Clerk), Valerie Lester (Treasurer), Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Sue Beckman, Helen Dickinson
Meeting began @ 11:30am with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action:
We acknowledge with gratitude the medical support staff helping with the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
Review of June Minutes. No changes.
Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer presented 2014-2015 budget. Discussion took place concerning lowering the phone bill, laying down the Chicago Fair Trade dues, and adding support for Chicago Friends School in the amount of $100. Revisions were made to the draft budget as discussed.
Ministry & Care: No report.
Religious Education:
Adults: No report
Children: Chicago Friends School will open with two classrooms and approximately 15 students.
Peace & Justice Committee: No Report
Nominating Committee: Mandy Gawf will continue as OPFM representative at the Community of Congregations
Old Business: Naming committee will not be needed this year. Will be re-established in September 2015
New Business: We approved sending the OPFM directory to ILYM. Judy will send names and addresses of regular attenders and members.
Announcements:
Sat. 8/30/14 3pm-9pm will be the 9th Annual Corn Roast & pot luck supper hosted by Upper Fox Valley Meeting. Pioneer Tree Farm, 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry, IL 60051. A map can be printed from the farm's web site: www.pioneertreefarm.com
9/19-9/21, Annual Evanston Silent Retreat; area F/friends are invited.
Meeting ended with silent worship at 12:23
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
Attending: Judy Erickson (Clerk), Valerie Lester (Treasurer), Sarah Shirk (Recording Clerk), Sue Beckman, Helen Dickinson
Meeting began @ 11:30am with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action:
We acknowledge with gratitude the medical support staff helping with the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
Review of June Minutes. No changes.
Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer presented 2014-2015 budget. Discussion took place concerning lowering the phone bill, laying down the Chicago Fair Trade dues, and adding support for Chicago Friends School in the amount of $100. Revisions were made to the draft budget as discussed.
Ministry & Care: No report.
Religious Education:
Adults: No report
Children: Chicago Friends School will open with two classrooms and approximately 15 students.
Peace & Justice Committee: No Report
Nominating Committee: Mandy Gawf will continue as OPFM representative at the Community of Congregations
Old Business: Naming committee will not be needed this year. Will be re-established in September 2015
New Business: We approved sending the OPFM directory to ILYM. Judy will send names and addresses of regular attenders and members.
Announcements:
Sat. 8/30/14 3pm-9pm will be the 9th Annual Corn Roast & pot luck supper hosted by Upper Fox Valley Meeting. Pioneer Tree Farm, 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry, IL 60051. A map can be printed from the farm's web site: www.pioneertreefarm.com
9/19-9/21, Annual Evanston Silent Retreat; area F/friends are invited.
Meeting ended with silent worship at 12:23
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Shirk, Recording Clerk
Oak Park Friends Meeting for Worship with Concern for Business
Minutes June 8, 2014
Attending: Judy Erickson (Clerk), Valerie Lester (Treasurer, Substitute Recording Clerk), Helen Dickinson, Karen Heckman, Cossy Ksander, Kelly Maynard
Meeting began @ 11:30am with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action:
Adrian Fisher recognized for her work as Sustainability Coordinator at Triton College.
Review of May Minutes:
Add two additional attendees, Valerie Lester and Kelly Maynard
Add to Religious Education: Evening program was well attended. ARE volunteered to organize a fall program. Consensus expressed that breaks between sessions are beneficial.
Peace & Justice Committee report attached. On Saturday, May 31st Kelly Maynard organized a Trailside Project clean-up.
Nominating Committee report will be provided in full by Bob Southworth.
New member luncheon on June 29th will be a joint celebration in honor of Kelly & Rick's 1st Anniversary Celebration
Treasurer's Report
Preliminary 2013/2014 year end income $9,818 and expense $9,632 resulting in a net +$188.
Ministry & Care
No report
Religious Education
Adult Religious Education sponsored a discussion led by Adrian Fisher on Earthcare & Spirituality in June. No summer sessions are planned.
Children's Religious Education-no report
Peace & Justice Committee
Kelly submitted a response to a Forbes article title, "Is Vladimir Putin another Adolf Hitler?" After editorial changes, the response was approved to be submitted from OPFM to Wednesday Journal, Oak Leaves, Chicago Tribune and Forbes.
The editorial reads as follows:
"An editorial in the 5/5/14 edition of Forbes Magazine titled 'Is Vladimir Putin another Adolf Hitler?' by Paul Johnson draws parallels between Putin's virtual annexation of the Crimea and Hitler's annexation of Austria, and points out that most former soviet republics remain dependent on Russia for cheap energy. The author concludes that President Obama needs to 'move troops and aircraft into Ukraine...and its fleets could ensure protection to the Baltic states in a way that Putin would find unanswerable.' He also suggests that US fracking 'can meet the energy needs of all the former Soviet states.'
Unanswerable would be the long-term consequences of such actions, and unanswered is the truth of who would benefit from such actions. If the US sends troops to the Ukraine, how long will our military need to be there? Defense contractors make money during wars; troops die. As evidence mount for the long term environmental consequences of fracking (climate change; air, water, and ground pollution; earthquakes) we need to answer who will make money from fracking while our planet slowly sickens and dies.
Quaker religious testimony teaches us to oppose all wars, and live as stewards of the earth. We support the strong efforts at diplomatic solutions to the crisis in the Ukraine proposed by President Obama, and object to calls for starting a new military engagement in the region. We object to claims that fracking is a sound way to provide cheap energy. We support diverting monetary resources from our bloated military budget to investment in sustainable energy sources which can help create jobs in the US, as well as turn us away from further environmental destruction."
Nominating Committee
No report
Trail Side Committee
Mark, Rick, & Kelly weeded and mulched the garden. They found native plants that survived. The naturalist will contact Kelly for another work day when needed. Thanks to all who helped revive this project.
New Business
No business meeting in July, next meeting will be August 10.
June 29th will be celebration of Kelly & Rick's anniversary and Sarah's membership. It will take place at 288 Olmsted Road, Riverside.
Meeting ended with silent worship at 12:25.
Respectfully submitted by,
Valerie Lester
Substitute Recording Clerk
Treasurer
Meeting began @ 11:30am with silent worship.
Quaker Practice in Action:
Adrian Fisher recognized for her work as Sustainability Coordinator at Triton College.
Review of May Minutes:
Add two additional attendees, Valerie Lester and Kelly Maynard
Add to Religious Education: Evening program was well attended. ARE volunteered to organize a fall program. Consensus expressed that breaks between sessions are beneficial.
Peace & Justice Committee report attached. On Saturday, May 31st Kelly Maynard organized a Trailside Project clean-up.
Nominating Committee report will be provided in full by Bob Southworth.
New member luncheon on June 29th will be a joint celebration in honor of Kelly & Rick's 1st Anniversary Celebration
Treasurer's Report
Preliminary 2013/2014 year end income $9,818 and expense $9,632 resulting in a net +$188.
Ministry & Care
No report
Religious Education
Adult Religious Education sponsored a discussion led by Adrian Fisher on Earthcare & Spirituality in June. No summer sessions are planned.
Children's Religious Education-no report
Peace & Justice Committee
Kelly submitted a response to a Forbes article title, "Is Vladimir Putin another Adolf Hitler?" After editorial changes, the response was approved to be submitted from OPFM to Wednesday Journal, Oak Leaves, Chicago Tribune and Forbes.
The editorial reads as follows:
"An editorial in the 5/5/14 edition of Forbes Magazine titled 'Is Vladimir Putin another Adolf Hitler?' by Paul Johnson draws parallels between Putin's virtual annexation of the Crimea and Hitler's annexation of Austria, and points out that most former soviet republics remain dependent on Russia for cheap energy. The author concludes that President Obama needs to 'move troops and aircraft into Ukraine...and its fleets could ensure protection to the Baltic states in a way that Putin would find unanswerable.' He also suggests that US fracking 'can meet the energy needs of all the former Soviet states.'
Unanswerable would be the long-term consequences of such actions, and unanswered is the truth of who would benefit from such actions. If the US sends troops to the Ukraine, how long will our military need to be there? Defense contractors make money during wars; troops die. As evidence mount for the long term environmental consequences of fracking (climate change; air, water, and ground pollution; earthquakes) we need to answer who will make money from fracking while our planet slowly sickens and dies.
Quaker religious testimony teaches us to oppose all wars, and live as stewards of the earth. We support the strong efforts at diplomatic solutions to the crisis in the Ukraine proposed by President Obama, and object to calls for starting a new military engagement in the region. We object to claims that fracking is a sound way to provide cheap energy. We support diverting monetary resources from our bloated military budget to investment in sustainable energy sources which can help create jobs in the US, as well as turn us away from further environmental destruction."
Nominating Committee
No report
Trail Side Committee
Mark, Rick, & Kelly weeded and mulched the garden. They found native plants that survived. The naturalist will contact Kelly for another work day when needed. Thanks to all who helped revive this project.
New Business
No business meeting in July, next meeting will be August 10.
June 29th will be celebration of Kelly & Rick's anniversary and Sarah's membership. It will take place at 288 Olmsted Road, Riverside.
Meeting ended with silent worship at 12:25.
Respectfully submitted by,
Valerie Lester
Substitute Recording Clerk
Treasurer