William Penn House
Director’s Report
October 13, 2008
We hosted the following groups in September: Congressional Hunger Fellows,
University of Washington-Bothell, Capitol Hill Village, Wilmington, Tandem Friends
School and Norwood School. In September, we had 63 bookings from Hostelworld for
$5,850. The overall statistical report for September is not ready.
Together the staff produced and mailed the Annual report as our fall mailing. The report
is well done and we have received a number of nice complements. We felt that this would
be a good prelude to the annual appeal. As a reminder, each board member is being asked
to bring forward or to call from our list, individuals who are able to make a serious gift to
the House.
The past month was a creative period for the staff. Faith and Brad took the Teachers of
Peace seminar to Wilmington College in Ohio. Faith helped plan and host the first retreat
for Young Adult Friends who Work for Quakers. The retreat was held at WPH the first
weekend of October and was attended by 17 young people. The following were resource
people: Mary Lord, Traci Hjelt Sullivan, FGC Gathering coordinator, Patricia Newkirk.
We donated the lodging and I have offered it for future gatherings.
Ben and Patricia put the finishing touches on the backyard. Kelli and Faith served as
coordinators for the dedication of the rain garden and of the open house this past
weekend. Brad, working with Selby coordinated the publicity. Greg attended a HUD
conference on sustainable housing because of his work in the Dakotas.
This past week, I attended a training program in Nashville. The Climate Project, Al
Gore’s commitment to jump start the nation to address the global warming and
environmental problems that we are facing. Mr. Gore was the primary trainer the first
day. I was one of 150 individuals from the faith community who were invited to
participate. Each of us has agreed to make 10 presentations during the next 12 months. I
would like to make these presentations at each monthly meeting. There are now 2,500
trainers who are working with Mr. Gore to help create a new awareness of the seriousness
of the environmental degradation.
This week I attend my first meeting of the Pendle Hill General Board. Next week I
complete my service on the Central Committee of Friends General Committee. FGC
Central Committee has been an important part of my life for over 25 years. Brad will start
his FGC service at this same meeting. I am committed to having more young people
serve our national organizations. Through my willingness to bring names forward, at least
7 younger people have been appointed to FGC. Of these one will replace me as treasurer
and one is an FGC committee clerk. Our next generation of Quaker leaders is waiting to
be recognized, if not by us then by whom?
I met with Stephen McNeil (QUIT) today; we reviewed the latest version of the
agreement and saw no major problems with it. We both are pleased to be moving forward
with this partnership.
The dishwasher/sterilizer has reached the end of its economic life. I will purchase a
replacement this week.
Byron Sandford