Meeting called to order at 12:05. Those present: Lynn Mishalanie,
Bill Gazitano, Don Stebbins, Jackie Leisos, Harvey Brockley, Tony Vitteli,
Phyllis Brockley, and Diane Stebbins.
We regret that Cathy Raymond has resigned from church and from the chairmanship
of the Social Action committee. A discussion about a new chair ensued.
Bill said he might be willing to assume this duty after April. Diane
agreed to be chair for now.
Old business: Diane suggested showing the DVD "The Devil Came
on Horseback", based on the book by Brian Steidle which depicts what he
witnessed in Darfur when he was stationed there as an observer with the African
Union. She will purchase it when it is released Oct. 30th and we will invite
the congregation and public to see it. The committee agreed.
New business: Harv gave a report of what he heard in Oneonta at
the NYS convention of the UUA. The thrust of the Keynote speaker was that
the church needs more hands-on action to take place - involving the
congregation.
Lynn said , in addition to educational forums, she would like to see a more
localized focus involving environmental issues. Phyllis showed us a book
she is reading "Plan B 2.0" by Lester Brown. The author says the technology
is here, we just have to work to make change happen. She and Harv will
read it for next time and offer ideas. Lynn suggested googleing "slow
cities" to find out how to help environmentally by buying local products
and food, walking, using cloth grocery bags, thermoses instead of plastic ,
etc. Phyllis suggested having a monthly goal.
This month, recycling; next
month reducing our carbon footprints. Each of us made a commitment to do
one new thing to reduce waste. Examples: use cloth bags or baskets
for grocery shopping, use reusable containers for lunches instead of plastic
bags, walk or ride bikes, and recycle or refill printer ink cartridges.
Don will be at a Mohawk Valley Global Warming and Action meeting tonight and
will give us information about ways we can help with Rich Morris's
Environmental Expo scheduled for next May.
Barbara Brookes asked Diane
to announce an upcoming candidate's forum for County Executive. Diane posted it
on the learning Board.
Rose Drake had inquired about seeking space at the church for a gathering of
home-schooled children once a week. It was decided that this was a matter
that the Church Board must decide.
We decided to schedule
meetings on the second Sundays of every month.
The next meeting is November
11th at 12:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Stebbins, Social Action Chair