Respectfully submitted, Joan O’Grady Financial SecretaryMichael Daly opened the meeting at 1:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our deceased members.
The November minutes were read, seconded and accepted. Our newsletter News From Home was praised. Comments received from membership on the News Letter were read.
The president took the opportunity of the March 2009 meeting to discuss memorials as found on the Wall of Remembrance. He pointed out that questions have arisen from time to time as to the best way to memorialize those of fond memory who have departed into the eternal rest to be accorded to us all one day.
He observed that the MCRA has rightly established a “Wall of Remembrance” to honor departed friends we knew and loved in this life and beyond. Now in existence solely as an electronic wall, the MCRA has always had in mind the eventual creation of an actual, physical “Wall of Remembrance” as well to honor those departed.
Currently, the association encourages those so inclined to memorialize those they knew and loved by writing a “memorial” for inclusion first on the electronic and ultimately on its physical Wall of Remembrance, submitting it for inclusion ultimately on both as an appropriate tribute to those we loved and will always love. Memorials so written should be forwarded to the attention of the president, MCRA for review and posting.
The treasurer’s report was read by Anne Bedard in the absence of Rose Tysz who had to leave for a previous appointment. Questions were raised about MCRA’s current investments and what should be done with them, if anything. Hannah Brady suggested government bonds for better interest. Anne Bedard and Dorothy Auer suggested that the economic climate being what it is, we should leave the investments alone for now. Joan O’Grady suggested that the Finance Committee meet in June to re-evaluate investments and make a decision then. Currently the Finance Committee consists of Dorothy Auer, Eileen Budney, Marilyn Vacchio (with Rose Tysz, the treasurer of the MCRA serving as a non-voting member). A motion was made seconded and accepted by those present to handle the matter in June, 2009. (Trustees at the present time: Ruth Greenberg and Rose Biscardi. Another trustee will be elected in April 2009.)
Anne Bedard thanked everyone at the meeting for the baskets they brought in and said how happy she was at the display of generosity displayed by our members at the December Party. Thirty–five gift baskets were assembled and the raffle proved to be a very successful event. Anne also suggested we continue to subsidize the December Party and June Luncheon for members in order to perhaps get more of them to attend. She apologized for cancelling the March luncheon but felt the snow would be too dangerous. Dates for Anne’s monthly luncheons were given: April 7 and May 5, 2009. Anne told us that the memorial benches for Patty Pogue will be placed on Fire Island some time this summer. Shirley Willig was asked to send get well cards to the members mentioned at the meeting.
The April meeting will be held at the regular time 1:00 – 2:00 PM. The May meeting will start at 10:00 AM rather that at the 1:00. The reason: The Brookhaven Collector of Taxes will be at the Center all day that day collecting taxes and answering questions and MCRA had to give him our time and room for the that day. We will all take advantage of this after having a Brunch in the library of the Center at 10:00 AM.
A motion was made to switch our MONTHLY MEETINGS to THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH – beginning in September 2009 and continuing on thereafter. A switch will allow us to take advantage of the Brookhaven Town sponsored lunches offered at the Rose Caracappa Center, on Thursdays. Cost is $1.75 and after lunch we can start our meeting. Motion was seconded and approved.
Joan informed us that a new member Steve Haber - joined our ranks last month bringing current membership to 416.
Joan O’Grady made a presentation on the September trip to Nova Scotia. Leaflets explaining the arrangement were handed out.
A motion to end the meeting was made, seconded and approved.
