Knowing, loving and serving God by knowing, loving and serving your neighbor.

June 12, 2002 Meeting

St. Vincent de Paul Society: Minutes.

In attendance were Eva Pasqualini, Bill Grafer, Carole Grafer, Jim Falanga, Linda Hunt, Lee Russell, Nick Dono, Lorraine Dono, Dennis Eskow, Pat Eskow, Jack Kiely, Joanne Bunnell, Chuck Bunnell, Nancy Behanna and Emily Berberich.

The meeting came to order at 7:10 PM with a reading from Timothy I. The minutes were read and accepted.

The first item on our agenda is that the second chest freezer has broken down. We are looking for another replacement at this time and must make a decision tonight as to the purchase of a new one. For a major purchase, state money must be used exclusively. We are not allowed to split the cost. Our decision tonight is to decide if we should dip into our budget and purchase a freezer that is on sale this week at Sears and
save $70 or wait for a reply from the state and take our chances with paying regular price. A vote was taken and everyone agreed to use our own money to acquire the freezer and take advantage of the current savings.

Lorraine Dono took digital pictures of members filling the food pantry shelves. Some of these will be put on our web site thanks to Nick Dono.

Our memership cards were handed out to everyone who attended tonight's meeting. Jack did a fine job completing them.

There are a few minor adjustments to be made on our brochures and then they can be placed in the churches.

Linda Hunt will plan a back-to-school meeting with her committee as soon as she talks to our new church Monsignor. She is also hoping to discuss some Christmas plans. Announcements will be put in the bulletins asking for back-to-school essentials.

Other Miscellaneous items discussed were the making of additional copies of the Initial Visit Form, buying a new trash container as well as a vertical file folder for the pantry.

We could not have completed as many of our projects over the past 6 months without the conscientious assistance of our members who are dedicated to St. Vincent de Paul. Together we are making a difference,

Thank you.

One last item, please keep in mind that Carole is always looking for ideas to put in the newsletter.

Our meeting ended at 7:50 PM with a Hail Mary followed by a small party.

Emily Berberich

CONTINUED......

Dear Members,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and is ready to begin the work of the 2002-2003 year. Last year we accomplished a great deal with the school supply program, the basket give-aways for approximately 80 families and feeding 50 families on average every month.

Also, we did the following:

1. We finished computerizing our client records. Of course, now we need each member's help to maintain the accuracy of the data. Please contact Linda Hunt with ANY change to your client family's information.

2. We reactivated our webpage. When you have a minute, please check it out. Previous newsletters have been archived plus some pictures of the closet. A current list of items needed in the closet is available. The site can be accessed off either St. Columba or St. Dennis Church webpages.

3. We purchased 2 new chest freezers. Since we were able to get additional money from the NYS Operation Support Program, we were able to buy both freezers with grant money.

4. We developed a brochure which is now in the back of all three churches This will give necessary information to potential new members

and to those who may need our help.

5. A membership card was handed out at our June meeting. If you missed the meeting, I will have the cards with me at our September meeting or give me a call.

To Bring you up-to-date since the June Meeting:

We need a volunteer to pick up the food items from Blessed Kateri on a regular basis. Ideally the pick up would be Sunday afternoon or Monday
AM. Let me know if anyone can take on this task.

We received the HPNAP grant for 2002-3 in the amount of $5400.

We have not received the last installment of Wakefern's Partners in Caring money but I have been assured that the $500 will be posted to our Food Bank account in September. The program will not be continued.

I had the opportunity to meet this August with both new pastors, Monsignor Colacicco at St. Columba and Monsignor Belford at Blessed Kateri. Both were supportive of our society and our mission. Each offered ideas, help and encouragement to us. I am grateful to both monsignors for their response and I wish them great success in their pastoral duties.

I would like to invite all members to attend the 8 AM mass at St. Columba Church on Friday, September 27 -- the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, our patron. Immediately following will be a "continental breakfast" in the convent meeting room. It will be wonderful if we join together in this spiritual way

.Lastly, please remind your client families with school-age children to check their school for free breakfast and lunch programs.

Our next meeting will be September 11, 2002 at 7 PM in the St. Denis/St.Columba school library.

God bless you,

Carole Grafer, President

CONTINUED.....

I would like to thank Joanne and Chuck from my heart who have always given me help, especially this summer. All SVDP representatives who have families with children who need school supplies, will find these materials in the hallway of the food closet. Please take what you need. I would like to meet with my Holiday Basket Commitee on September 4th at 10:00 am. If you can't attend, please let me know at 845 896 5492.

Recently, an expectant mother, who had no shoes, came into the rectory. I took her to Wallmart and bought her shoes and two pairs of pants. Thanks to our SVDP benefactors for enabling me to help her. My heart broke for this person. It is a reminder that we all should count our blessings for all that we have, and for having families who love us.

We will be starting with the holiday baskets in the end of October. I will have more information after our meeting.

Well thats all for now.

Linda Hunt.