Melissa Rycroft – Rising Clerk
Melissa Rycroft comes to her new role of Rising Clerk after years of supporting PYM as the clerk and previously a member of Nominating Council. She is a member of Upper Susquehanna Quarter, and she works as a Client and Application Support Specialist in Library & Information Technology at Bucknell University.
Q: Of the work you’ve done what have you liked the most?
I’ve been at Bucknell since 1992 in a variety of roles. Currently I specialize in training, employee transitions, accounts, and I’m the administrator for a few systems. My all-time favorite job was working at Fowler Camp & Retreat Center in Speculator, NY from 1991-96. Fowler is a Reformed Church in America children’s camp in the Adirondacks. As an Outcamp Guide, I led backpacking and canoeing trips. I still volunteer as the flower gardener at camp and served as the co-president of the Fowler Boosters for six years.
Q: How did you connect with the Quaker Faith and get involved with PYM?
I considered going to Quaker meeting for many years. A close friend and an online quiz suggested the Religious Society of Friends, but I didn’t attend until my friend passed away. When I found out about Interim Meeting I was so excited! I convinced my meeting to send me as representative and at my first Annual Sessions, caught the attention of the Nominating Clerk… I was a member of Nominating Committee for several years before becoming the clerk.
Q: Tell us a bit about your faith community and the response to the pandemic.
My faith community is Upper Susquehanna Quarter, where I serve as Assistant Clerk and coordinate communications and social media. Prior to the pandemic, I enjoyed visiting all the meetings in the quarter. Since March we’ve had Zoom Meeting for Worship for the whole quarter every First Day and Creative Hands Gathering once a month. It’s wonderful to worship with Friends all over the quarter without driving for hours!
James Waddington – Clerk of Administrative Council
Jim has been serving on PYM’s Administrative Council for several years and recently replaced outgoing Clerk Terri Whiteford this during Annual Sessions this August.
A retired businessman, marketing, economic development expert (for Kent and previously Salem Counties), and one-time family dairy farm and restaurant chain owner, Jim has managed just about every kind of organization possible in his career. His strong analytic and strategic thinking skills are greatly appreciated in this new role.
After graduating from Earlham College Jim returned to the region to run a family-owned business. What started as a dairy delivery business grew over 20 years to become a tri state regional business with an ice cream manufacturing plant, an ice cream distribution unit, a five unit restaurant chain, a Snapple franchise, a dairy distribution business and a real estate partnership.
Jim is a long time member of Salem Meeting with a thoughtful approach to our faith and a wish to serve our larger community. We welcome him to PYM’s leadership!
