LEAP INTO THE LEGACY

SCHOMBURG DONOR PROJECT

TO BE ALIVE IN SUCH AN AGE! We have witnessed an unprecedented year of events, and yet here we are...perhaps battered and bruised, but able to look to the future. You have had the privilege and opportunity to being part of Minisink’s legendary programs. We are reminding you to embrace an opportunity to serve the future by your participation in the Minisink History Project TODAY.

This important initiative is a collaborative effort with the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the singularly distinguished and internationally renowned collection housed in Harlem. Minisink has been invited to be part of their virtual 95th anniversary celebration throughout this year. Despite the challenges attendant to the ongoing health crisis, our response through impacted, continues to move forward. Although we have been severely restricted in receiving and transferring most tangible items to Schomburg Center, we are enhancing our digital capabilities.

With your assistance, we would like to continue to collect and archive your Minisink experiences via electronic transfer via the FOME website. It is our intention to provide an accurate history and mission of Minisink programs by sharing the memories, experiences and collections of past and current Minisinkers. Our archival collection will become an unequivocal and accessible source of memorabilia, photographs, original narrative (both written and recorded) for the documentation and perpetuation of the Minisink experience and ideals.

It is our urgent responsibility to recall the past while still possible, and as a bequest to future generations, bring the Minisink History project to fruition. As you finish reading this, please continue gathering your thoughts and answer the question What does Minisink mean to me?

FOME BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Frank W. Jones President

James Warren, Jr. Vice President Jacqui Kellum-Foster

Treasurer Charlette Finch Recording Secretary

Helen Brodie Baldwin Corresponding Secretary

Rev. Henry Thompson, Jr Chaplain

Brenda M. Francis Publicity Manager

James W. Collier Webmaster

Delores Dixon Sergeant at Arms Joseph Kellum Membership Chairperson

James W. Pruitt President Emeritus

LEAP INTO THE LEGACY (CONTINUTED)

Once you start thinking, please use our guidelines, memory triggers and submission forms to help you share your thoughts. They can be found on the Friends of the Minisink Experiences (FOME) website. Then, click on the tabs above the letter.

www.friendsofminisink.com or email info@friendsofminisink.com

As soon as possible, we need all you can share of your Minisink experience. Currently, we are asking that you submit a written description of

tangible memorabilia, but hold on to the item until we can provide a specific receiving location. Please be sure that we have your current contact information for continued followup.

In closing, “Ma” Kline said it many years ago and we ask you to repeat, TODAY is mine, what we do TODAY matters forever

We are the B.E.S.T. of all the Rest

MINISINK HEROES AND SHEROS

Hello, my Minisink Family and friends over the past 18 years For My People Empowerment, Inc has provided emergency preparedness training and services to New York communities. Since the beginning, we always knew this would be an important mission for our organization and the communities in which we serve. 2020 have proven why we must continue with this mission.

For My People Empowerment, Inc has exhausted all our supplies during this pandemic, we have given out masks, hand sanitizers, food, and gloves everything we had in stock. We are unable to continue our distribution of the necessary emergency items until we received funding. So we’re going to shift our focus on the Wellness and Health of the community.

For My People Empowerment, Inc. is providing Wellness Calls to community residence and our vulnerable population. Being alone for days or months with no other contact can be lonely and frustrating. Receiving that one call from somebody just to say, “How Are You Today,” can make a difference in somebody's life.

So, if you know of anyone who needs a call to see how they're doing, or in need of assistance within our catchment area with networks and/or referrals, send us their name and number because we have a team of trained volunteers that are more than ready to make that Wellness Call. Send their information to fmpeinc@gmail.com.

For My People Empowerment, Inc. is a not for profit volunteer community-based organization who provides services free of charge to the New York Community. If you require any additional information on how to be prepared for an emergency visit our website: http://formypeopleempowerment.ws for more information.

Brenda M. Francis Tapawingo 1972

Frank Jones

President of Friends of the Minisink Experiences

Frank W. Jones, Jr. simultaneously, served as Executive Director of the New York City Mission Society Cadet Corps in the Bronx and the Minisink Town House in Harlem, and the Camp in Dover Plains, New York, from 1991 until his retirement in 1995.

The third child in a line of 10 children, he learned very early, about getting along with others, team work, and standing-up for himself. He attended New York City Public Schools, graduated from Commerce High School, and went on to attend the Monroe Business School, Malcolm-King College, New York, receiving an AAS in Business Administration, Adelphi University, New York, receiving a B.S.W. in Social Welfare and Columbia University, New York Graduate-NotFor-Profit institute.

In 1953, at the age of ten, Frank was invited, by his friend, Frank Haney, who was called Brother, to go to a meeting at Transfiguration Church where a Camp Minisink Cadet Unit was being formed. The unit was under the command of Major William W. Clarke. Frank went to meetings every Thursday night, learning drills and leadership skills. As a result of his commitment to the program and his outstanding skills, he was asked to attend Sergeants Training School after one year.

Frank’s involvement in the Minisink Programs increased after he rode with James “Jimmy” Lathen, to attend his first coed winter camping weekend lead by Ms. Gladys V. Thorne. She made quite an impression on him. As a result of that experience, he went on to attend camp that summer.

In the years to follow, Frank was inducted into the order of the Feather, the Tapawingo Honor Society Class of 1958; worked as a camp counselor; was inducted to the Order of the Bonnet; became an Honorary member of the Pen & Scroll Military Fraternity; and worked at the Cadet Headquarters.

When Frank returned from the military, he joined the staff at the New York City Mission Society Cadet Corps. He became Business Manager, and Registrar for both, Camp Sharparoon and the Summer Academy, and he was later named the Associate Director.

Throughout his Minisink journey, Frank diligently learned, worked, helped, and lead. He had been extremely involved in all aspects of the Cadet Corps. None of his duties, promotions or challenges at the Corps. had impacted him as greatly as the illness and later the death of Mr. Wilbert E, Burgie. Frank then became the Cadet Corps. Executive Director. Accomplishments beyond the overall task of being the Executive Director, include the setup of the first Computer Laboratory for children at the Cadet Corps, working with the National Double Dutch Association, helping with the formation of the Mafata Dance Company, dedicating the Conference Room in the Cadet Corps Headquarters in Memory of Wilbert E. Burgie, establishing the Billy Clarke Memorial Basketball League and dedicating the Billy Clarke Memorial Gymnasium.

In 1991, Frank was appointed the Executive Director of the Minisink Town House in Harlem. He more than met the general job description tasks, he implemented a Computer Laboratory at the Town House, obtained and maintained a contract with the New York City Youth Bureau, increased Camp and Town House fundraising, and Summer Camp and Town House participation.

Frank continues to offer his exemplary service, leadership and advisory expertise to communities throughout the Tri-state area.

POETRY CORNER

Dreams

By Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

Harlem

By Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

Helen Brodie Baldwin is a Native New Yorker. The product of the New York City Public and Private Schools, P.S. 90, Junior High School 136, Julia Richman Country School, Hunter College and Columbia University. She is an example of who Alberta T. Kline would consider the personification of a Minisink Woman.

Mrs. Kline patterned the Minisink Program to provide communities of this nation with aware, innovative, and dedicated individuals who would contribute to society. This is exactly what Helen has attempted to do and credits Minisink as the spark that lit her fire.

She is the youngest of a family of five, two brothers and two sisters. Helen was introduced to Minisink through her church, Union Congregational Church in the Village of Harlem. Her church had been involved with the Harlem Unit from its inception. Mrs. Ellen Edwards, staff member of the Harlem Unit of the New York Mission Society, took Helen under her wing, and Helen, almost immediately, joined the Junior Nightingales, Minisink Girls Choir, attended Teas, Luncheons and participated in “the Show of Shows”. In August of 1946 she had her first sleep -away camp experience.

“HelenBrodie”, said as one word, to distinguish her from the many other Helens at camp, became a counselor, a Junior Leader, received a four-year New York City Mission Society College Scholarship, and became a full-time Staff Member of the Harlem Unit. She rose through the ranks and was the only female worker with the Boys’ Program, headed by Mr. Wilber E. Burgie (aka “Burgie”).

Helen was a Song Leader and director. She was Assistant Choir Director under Gladys V. Thorne (aka ”Thornie”). She later became the Choir Director of the Girls’ Mass Choir Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Carol Sing, Candle Light Service at Mother Zion AME Church, and Family and Friends Day at the Armory. She was a lyricist who followed Ernestine Seaborne (aka “SeeBee”) in writing camp and unit songs. During this time, she also fostered Leadership growth and potential through implementation of conferences and programs with Gerald Davenport, such as “Qualify and Apply”.

In 1979 Helen was appointed as Executive Director of Minisink Town House and Camp. She termed her mission” Project Re-Institute” to expand existing and initiate new initiatives. This included teaching youth all aspects of newspaper production, and providing a free Community Newspaper, overseeing the transition of the camp from Port Jervis, after fire destroyed buildings, to the Dover Plains Complex; and the building of a new Tapawingo Lodge and Tennis Court which were rented throughout the year. The Town House activities added the MiniPlayers, theatre group, indoor-tennis lessons and league, rental of the Gym and Little Theatre to the community, expansion of Senior Citizens’ program, and new fundraising inter-generational activities.

Helen Brodie Baldwin is currently President & CEO of the Catalyst Consulting Group, International, specializing in the Arts, Education and Human Services.

Helen Brody Baldwin

Gladys V. Thorne

JULY 21—JULY 23 MINISINK GATHER TO CELEBRATE 90 YEARS

HEALTH WATCH

HowCOVID-19 VACCINESWork

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of “ memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in thefuture.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. Therefore, it is possiblethat a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough timetoproduceprotection.

THE JOY OF SEEING FRIENDS AND SHARING MEMORIES

On June 21 thru June 23, 2019 the members of the Friends of the Minisink Experiences, Inc. hosted Minisink’s 90the year. More that any other time Minisinkers are needed to draw upon the familiar around the campfire reminder “No man/woman is an Island.”

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

The Bottom Line

Getting vaccinated is one of many steps youcan taketo protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Protection for COVID-19 is critically important because for some people, it cancausesevere illness anddeath.

Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like masks and social distancing, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Together, COVID19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection fromCOVID-19

Essentially, we need each other to make the other better. The morally laden baton of support, camaraderie and compassion is assured to be passed on, only if we designate its recipients. F.OM.E. ‘s 90 anniversary celebration was a complete success.

FALL OUT FOR VESPERS

Calling allMinisinkers!!!

Fall out for our Minisink Virtual Vesper Service.

These vesper services was started by a dedicated group of Minisinkers: Regina Watson, David Jenkins, Roslin Spigner, Leslie Queeley and Mark Johnson.

Vesper services are held once a month on a Wednesday.

The feedback for the Vespers has been very positive and Minisinker’ s are enjoying the fellowship and the memories from the past.

In order to keep this going, we need volunteers to host the Vesper Services. To date, May and June are stillavailable.

Please let me know ASAP which date you can host, so that I can put you on the calendar.

Regina is available to walk you through the process, to get you started.

You can respond to Regina at 917-975 -2692

Thank you in advance on behalf of the Vesper committee.

In memory of our President

Bobby Agnew

In 2020 Feather Brothers from the 1994 line: Isaac James “IKE NICE” and Chip Harlem Smith, provide service to our very own Mrs. Betty Agnew ‘49, wife of our beloved fallen President of FOME Robert (Bobby) Agnew ‘49.

A special shout out to Brother Wally Gator ‘70 who picked out the tree. A memorial tree in honor of “Bobby” was donated by FOME “Friends of the Minisink Experiences”.

On June 5, 2021 the Friends of Minisink set out to honor our former President at the home of his wife Betty Lou Agnew and placed a memorial plaque next to the pine tree that was planted in 2020.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

FRIENDS OF THE MINISINK EXPERIENCES, INC

To perpetuate the traditions, philosophy, values, goals, and training of historic Minisink programs. These programs encourage education, selfrespect, leadership, and community volunteerism. They prepare youth to be contributing members of their community and society.

To seek cooperation with other organizations sharing similar commitments and goals.

To encourage greater involvement and support of these programs by the community, corporations, foundations, and others.

To promote fundraising projects and assist organizations in their effort to embody the traditions of the historic and traditional Minisink programs.

THE SPIRIT LIVES ON

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF MINISINK

1-year annual household membership

Dues payable: Jan. 1st - Oct. 30th. of active year. Full Membership @ $50. active voting Assoc. Membership @ $25. non-voting Mail your check to: Friends Of Minisink P.O. Box 341565 Rochdale Village Station Jamaica, NY 11434

First time members: Must complete the Membership Application form.

FRIENDS OF THE MINISINK EXPERIENCES, INC

Our Mission Statement

To perpetuate the traditions, philosophy, values, goals, and training of historic Minisink programs. These programs encourageeducation,self-respect, leadership, and community volunteerism. They prepare youth to be contributing members of theircommunityandsociety.

To seek cooperation with other organizations sharing similar commitmentsandgoals.

Toencouragegreaterinvolvement andsupportoftheseprogramsby the community, corporations, foundations,andothers.

To promote fundraising projects and assist organizations in their effort to embody the traditions of thehistoricandtraditionalMinisink programs.

ACTIVE AFFILIATES OF MINISINK

Order Of The Feather: https://www.facebook.com/feathermen.org/

Minisink Warriors Drum and Bugle Corps: https://www.facebook.com/CmccMinisinkWarriorsDrumAndBugleCorps/

Pen & Scroll (Fraternity) https://www.facebook.com/penandscrollorg/

Phoenix Sorority http://www.phoenixsorority.com

Wilbert E. Burgie Cadet Corp, Inc. http://www.wilberteburgiecadets.ws/

FRIENDSOF THEMINISINK Experiences,Inc

Primary Business Address P.O. Box341565 RochdaleVillageStation Jamaica, NY 11434

E-mail: fomejournal2014@gmail.com

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