Present: Fr. Manny Borg Vicar; Steve Raftery, Senior Warden; Jessica Tamaski, Junior Warden, Thelma Malecek, Clerk;
Bob DeHaven, Mike Golden, Kristen Jacobs, Bob Kalicki, Penny Mandziara, Neal Setchell and Ray Malecek, Treasurer
Father Manny opened the meeting with a Prayer at 8:15 A.M.
he minutes of the meeting of April 13, 2014 were approved unanimously as printed.
Building Committee: Robert DeHaven: Boiler Replacement is in progress - Lead-time required - one month
Michael Rheule has been in communication with the two groups and states we require/need calculations!
IFF is not being much help; Insulation issues/needs are being addressed (addition to April minutes on page 3)
Stained Glass Windows from St. Bede's Church: The sample is done, glass cleaned, framing in place and is here. (Less expensive than estimate.) Penny moved we proceed with the project, Mike seconded the motion and - at the same time - Steve Raftery stated that everything had already been approved. Unanimous acclamation to proceed.
Shades: Pricing, and finding the option that meets the budget. Prices increase on June 13, need decision
25 windows on the south side, 5 windows on the west side
Bob DeHaven moves we authorize a sample for the shades for one window on the south side, Bob Kalicki seconded the motion, unanimous approval - and continue to 'refurbish' St. Bede's stained glass windows with cleaning/framing since the sample is acceptable.
(Since this May meeting, there have been changes to this decision. Additional information will be forthcoming)
Exterior Painting - Bob Kalicki states that painting of the front of original building is required. The paint will match that of the new addition - and (of course) repairs/caulking will be accomplished as needed prior to the painting.
The cost for an outside firm would likely be over $2000 but people from our Support Groups know that they are an integral part of the family of St. Nicholas and wish to do the project at a reduced price.
Bob Kalicki moved we proceed with the painting; Mike Golden seconded the motion, unanimous approval.
Canon Copier Replacement: Bob Kalicki distributed a fact sheet prior the meeting. It summarized the current situation regarding high volume usage, frustrating and inopportune malfunctioning and machine age. Our Series 2500 machine is no longer produced and has been replaced by the 4000 Series that is a better and heavy-duty machine. Yes, repairs have been timely on the current model. In addition, the current cost per copy is .019392 per copy with a 10% increase every year. Cost per copy on a new model is guaranteed at .0112 for 5 years - a 39.1% savings per copy. We need to buy out the contract on the present machine - and after that we can sell the present copier. Discussion followed.
Neal Setchell moved we purchase the new machine and it was seconded and the motion received unanimous approval....NICOR: Direct Energy Agent arrived without an appointment at St. Nicholas and spoke with Bob Kalicki. She stated that we could have a 2-year contract with a 30% reduction per therm. Bob is authorized to sign contracts and did so immediately.
St. Simon's Episcopal Church and The Brotherhood of St. Andrew brings food for the pantry to us on a monthly basis. This month their donation came to us via The Children's Group who prepared 'ready-to-make' meals in a shopping bag complete with recipe on the outside of the bag. Many thanks for this donation. After discussion, it was decided that the Thank You note would be most appropriate if it came from our Children's Group to their Children's Group. Val will be notified. The Brotherhood is instrumental in the gathering of donations.
Father Manny and updates from his fact sheet that he distributed prior to the meeting:
Addendum: Manny was recently sought out by a gentleman from a Support Group who stated he was dismayed that people not part of the support group entered the building while the Meeting was in progress. Following this, Manny did converse with some regular members of Support Groups who assured him that they felt that they were included/part of St. Nick's - and mentioned that the gentleman is question participates on an intermittent basis. Manny did offer an apology to the man who had issues - and also to the groups. And of course, we do minimize visits/traffic during meetings, but members do have chores that need to be done in a timely manner.
June 1 - Interfaith Concert: at 4 PM - tickets available - see Mary Gomez, Choir Director for tickets ASAP
Parade on June 14 - actually begins at 2 PM (not 6 PM). After discussion, Penny Mandziara volunteered to chair this and she will drive her car (sometimes referred to as "The Clown Car") and has some clown costumes. Others may surround the car in costume. Neal Setchell said that Jillian would be excited and delighted to do make-up and there was general enthusiasm! A sign-maker will be approached. Our presence in the parade last year was greeted with enthusiasm!
Little Boots Rodeo: Saturday, June 21 and Sunday June 22 - Candy is needed to hand out. Children are not permitted to keep the pennies they find. We have been assured that all supplies will be available when needed.
St. Nick's Picnic: Saturday, July 19 - Jack Groats is delighted to come once again - says we are "the best place!" States he doesn't need the money for gas - thank you!
And - many thanks to Jessica Tamaski for volunteering to be the "Food Queen" (aka Chairman) & everyone is asked to bring a side dish - hot dogs, hamburgers, buns pop, etc. will be provided by St. Nicks.
Rummage Sale: Friday August 15 - 9 AM - 7 PM and Saturday August 16 - 9 AM- 3 PM.
Donations: Will be received beginning August 1 (suggestion by Lisette Rodriguez)
Location: Holy Innocents Hall as opposed to the Church. All summer services are scheduled to be in the Church. Mike Muhr has already posted our August Sale on the Internet and has a website called "50 Best Rummage Sales" - and listed us last year. Many thanks to Mike for his wonderful assistance!
Theft in Boutique Area in 2013: Plans for 2014: in one room with one person monitoring the room at all times to prevent the 'five-finger discount' issues that happened last year! Manny has already secured some very good articles for this room.
Advertising to the public: Lynette has done flyers in Spanish and distributed them to appropriate merchants in the past. Flyers in Korean can be done (using the internet for wording) and distributed. Jennifer Brundige is also fluent in Spanish as are a few others
Large donations from an Auctioneer - light bulbs & hardware, etc - greatly appreciated!
Reminder - we can also use the patio!
Oak Pews/wood: A 10' pew has been sold recently and regarding "Pre-Rummage Sales" - 2 pews have already been sold. We have enough wood that 6 more pews can be constructed - the hardware having been made. Remaining wood can be given away.
Liturgy Committee: (synopsis) Met on Sunday, April 27
Music Ministry:
- Best wishes to Hal Stratton who will be taking a 6-week sabbatical, spending time with is mother who is ill
- Many thanks to Brandon Garcia who will be creating Worship Programs for Saturday and Sunday.
- Beginning on May 3, Saturday music will be covered by Mary Gomez, Tony Begonja, Hal Stratton and either a 'Said Liturgy' or ... Thank you to all who serve!
- Hymn numbers will be printed in the booklet -such as "82 Hymnal 436" or "Gather - 301" (save paper) -Experimental exercise - and change is challenging! AND
- Silence: 15 minutes prior to the Service, allow time for meditation on Saturday/Sunday
- Triduum - reaction to the Great Triduum Services was positive
- The Great Vigil - nine (9) Lessons were generally embraced
- Maundy Thursday -hand washing - have Choir do it first and hope they inspire others/all to participate
- Good Friday - Cross being in the stand vs. 2 people holding it - generally accepted to use stand
- Passion Narrative: involving many is a good thing
- Lessons at the Vigil: discussion of "appropriate" personnel/perspective & restoring community/relationships
- Music - balance of music between choir/congregation was better this year
- Pentecost: Gospel present in sequential portions in English, French, Spanish, Latin, German, Polish, Italian...
- Announcements - to be on one sheet as a 'take-home'
Changing Table: - has arrived - many thanks to Kristin Jacobs for her kind donation!
Financial info to Ray and Bob (thank you!)
Keys: Jessica Tamaski - secured key storage box with combination lock that will be mounted
Is getting list of people with keys
Treasurer: Ray Malecek mentioned possible 'summer slump' - but Bob Kalicki says budget on target.
Facility Usage line - Bob Kalicki says to ignore this category/line - instead see Total Facility Use (summary) - +$1800 (actual)
Gas and Electric still above budget - year-to-date totals are higher, but weather impacted bottom line
Bob Kalicki notes that Ray Malecek is doing an excellent job and moves that the treasurer's report be approved as printed, Kristin Jacobs seconded the motion and there was unanimous approval.
Building Committee notes:
- Michael Ruehle emphasized "no Celluloid Insulation!" to be used. Sealing of leaks to be accomplished.
- Boilers: could use two for the addition - with change in ducting and could use two for the church - with change in ducting!
- Light Bulbs: are very expensive. Hank is working on lighting issues and Tom Smith says lighting is inefficient.
Penny Mandziara moved we adjourn the meeting at 9:30 AM; Neal Setchell seconded the motion - unanimous!
Reports attached included:
1. Minutes from the St. Nicholas Building Committee Meeting - incl. Michael Ruehle communication and Budget Status for Sanctuary Windows & Stained Glass with thanks to Robert DeHaven and
2.Canon Copier Replacement details - with thanks to Robert Kalicki
3.Reports from the Vicar that include update info for summer activities and the meeting of the Liturgy Team
4. Monthly Financial Report by Ray Malece
-Thelma Malecek, Clerk
The other week I ventured down to Dixon State Prison to pay a long overdue visit to my friend Eddie. Needless to say, he was rather excited to have visitors; and not just me, but his sister and cousin, too. The four of us sat on the small orange metal chairs that, along with the small, round table were bolted tight to the ground. 
Throughout the month of June in conjunction with Father's Day on the 15th of the month, we will honor and celebrate our dads, in particular, those who have passed away. 
The annual Elk Grove Village Parade is just around the corner. This year's theme: "Under the Big Top." Having been accused of running a 'three-ring circus' here at St. Nicholas, it should come natural for us to to be part of this year's event.
The Elk Grove Farmer's Market will be held on Saturdays in the prime location of the Municipal Parking Lot by the Clock Tower at 901 Wellington Avenue. The market is conveniently located near Alexian Brothers Medical Center, the Pavilion Fitness and Recreation Center, the local Splash Park and the public library. The Market begins this Saturday, June 7th and runs until October 18th, each Saturday morning, from 7:30am until 1pm.
For Dan, a friend of Fran and Tony Begonja whose health is deteriorating slowly and steadily: pray for Dan as he endures these physical trials and those who know and love Dan are blessed with acceptance and courage.
A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes here at St. Nicholas, including that done by our Music Department. Under the leadership and dedication of Mary Fletcher-Gomez, Hal Stratton and Tony Begonja, we are fortunate and graced to have a trio of skilled and committed professionals sharing their time, talent and their treasure to enrich us all.