MINUTES OF MARCH 19, 2008 MISSION CIRCLE BOARD
Attendees:
Tom Theisen, Don Brosnahan, Vreni Crimmons, Laura Wagner, Pauline Marsh, Jan Nelte, Leo O’Loughlin, Maggie Hillenbrand
Meeting opened at 7:00 pm with a prayer by Tom.
Meeting minutes of February 20, 2008 Board Meeting were approved.
Finances
Peter Godefroy is interim Treasurer in Tony’s absence, however Peter was sick. Motion was carried that Peter become official interim treasurer until July 1, 2008.
Between various channels of support for MC, a total of $3-4,000 was received since the llast Board meeting. Jan reported that Last fundraising letter was sent two weeks ago.
General Business
Don stated the brown van will no longer be insured after March 29; The sisters have paid $500 already in import fees, so if MC is not able to get the van across before March 29, MC may decide to refund the sisters the $500. If this occurs, MC will likely donate the van to the "Father Joe" organization. Alfonso is still trying to get the van into Mexico before the deadline.
Catholic Mutual sent MC a letter indicating they were canceling coverage on one of MC’s vehicles. The letter was confusing to all and it’s not clear what vehicle they were referring to in the letter. MC will know more by next meeting.
A new parishioner, Les Werling, was previously identified to coordinate all the operations and maintenance issues for MC’s vehicle(s).
Dale was unable to attend, on vacation, no report on tutoring.
Newsletter: Jan would like to go down to Corazon to take pictures for newsletter. The sisters need a more modern computer, and Jan will put a notice in the newsletter for it.
Corazon: The sisters have moved in. The inside is 99% complete, additional exterior work remains.
There are several ideas for where the work crews may work next. Casa Eudes needs several significant projects implemented, Habitat for Humanity is a possibility, as is Sr. Teresa’s order.
Casa Eudes: Several large projects that the sisters would like taken care of include replacing windows and new carport. Hot water heater project still coming along and there is a need for painting. MC agreed to pay the sisters $4 per person for future lunches.
Father Howard says that crossing the border with presents will continue to become more difficult as time passes. This shall make the next Epiphany event more challenging, and the previous year’s event was problematic for crossing the border.
New Initiatives
There was no news on the nutcracker project as a letter and an email to the sister have not been returned.
The Fish Feast occurred on Feb. 22 and was deemed a success. The event was well coordinated and very well attended.
Vocation Training Center: Don, Vreni, Walt, Jan and Maggie met with Sr. Anna Marie regarding the VTC:
There have been problems with getting payments into the utility on time for electricity usage; the mail system there continues to be a problem.
There have not been any English classes since December.
The sisters would like to have the St. James Youth Group to come down and schedule an event
There seemed to be interest in having dance lessons as there is space available
Three kids are in PREPA currently at a cost of $275/semester each
There was no update on the clinic situation as it applies to the doctor who was evicted, or the possibility of the seminarians moving in. Upstairs may make the most sense for the seminarians due to the shower there.
A motion was passed to fund Sr. Lucie’s $1500 request for education expenses relating to her bachelor’s degree in social work.
Note: The April MC board meeting will be at 7:00 pm on April 16.