Happy Anniversary, Joanna!

Interview with volunteer Joanna Meckley by Joyce Cass Pratt

Joanna with Jane and Jean Joanna Meckley came to Stony Point Center for a three month period of time as a volunteer; eight years later, she is still here and managing Readers' Service.  Happy anniversary Joanna!

In 1989-1990, Joanna and her husband Lewis spent a year in Sitka, Alaska as volunteers. At the time Joanna was on a sabbatical from her "real job", and went back to that after their stay in Sitka.  The Meckleys were planning to return to Sitka in three years, following her retirement.  Unfortunately, Lewis became ill and Joanna dedicated this time to caring for him.  In February 2000, Lewis passed away.

Joanna decided that she wanted to continue her dedication to volunteering and helping others, even though she was volunteering at the public library. "This was not the same as volunteering for the church", Joanna said.  Her commitment to God and His church was evident in our interview conversations.

Jean Reynolds, a friend of Joanna's and a volunteer hostess at Gilmor Sloane House at Stony Point Center suggested that Joanna would be great for Readers' Service as a volunteer. As a matter of fact, Readers' Service had been closed, because the person running it was unable to stay any longer and they had no one to fill the position.  With Joanna's career as a librarian, she was a great fit for this job.  At a PW (Presbyterian Women) gathering, Joanna approached Bill Pindar to discuss the possibility of keeping Readers' Service functioning.  After a couple of days visit to the campus, Joanna agreed to volunteer for three months at Readers' Service working with its newly appointed one- year director, Brian Snyder.  There were some concerns that Joanna had to face; one was being away from home without her husband of 45 years. After being here at Stony Point Center for three months, Joanna agreed not to leave until they got a replacement.  She was committed to keeping Readers' Service afloat.  Eight years later, they still haven't  gotten a replacement and we are all blessed with her dedication to Readers' Service.  "I came to Stony Point as an Indian; now I am an Indian, a Chief and the whole tribe"!  We both had a good laugh during this part of the conversation.

Joanna has seen a lot of changes over the years.  When she first came, the volunteers were very involved and did a lot of things together, like a family.  Then the chemistry changed as volunteers came and went.  Some of the new volunteers did not want to be involved, but just do the work they felt led to do here at SPC.  "Now, it is going back to the old way, and we are becoming a close family again", said Joanna.  She continued "We like one another and want to spend time with each other.  This is a very caring group of volunteers".   We are creating a community here and Joanna thinks this is a very positive change.

Joanna actually observed the Meditation Space being constructed; it was just a foundation when she arrived at SPC.  The volunteers tried to start a morning worship/prayer time.  It was not until Charles Ryu took on the project that it became a reality.   Joanna continues to be a faithful participant in morning prayer and evening Epilogue.   

One of the most recent changes that Joanna appreciates is the younger people now living on campus, Rick and Kitty's children and the young adult volunteers bring new energy to the Center.  

Joanna mentioned another positive change here at SPC in recent times.  In the past, the governing board arrived on campus occasionally for their meetings, spending a few days and many hours in their sessions.  The staff and volunteers would not have a lot of opportunity to really get to know the board members.  This past year we have seen two board members come for at least two days a week as volunteers and getting involved with the community. One board member and his wife are now resident volunteers fully immersed with the SPC community.  "This has been wonderful, spending time with the three board members", Joanna said.   The great thing is that staff, volunteers and now board members are all working collaboratively to provide radical hospitality to all those who come to this campus.

In our conversation, I asked Joanna about the future of Readers' Service.  She told me that there are talks going on now to close the "public" room and open a "research library".  What does all this mean...we will have to wait and see?   One decision that has been made is that Readers' Service is no longer accepting general reading books for the public room.  Joanna continued by saying, "Readers' Service will continue its' primary mission of collecting and shipping books to support church workers and institutions overseas.  Please DO NOT drop off any more books for Readers' Service without first checking our current guidelines."  

Joanna wanted to thank all who have supported Readers' Service over the years and seeks their understanding and continued support despite this change.  If you wish to contact Joanna for more information, please call 845-786-5491.

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