Policies of Third Haven Friends Meeting concerning Use of Facilities:
The beautiful facilities and grounds of this historic Quaker Meeting provide a quiet, reflective space that is primarily used to accommodate the needs of Meeting-sponsored activities. However, the facilities are also available for outside events that are sponsored by Members as well as any outside not-for- profit or for-profit groups.
All requests to use the Third Haven Friends Meeting facilities are to be sent to the Facilities Committee by calling 410-822-0293 or emailing lkitenko@yahoo.com.
The primary purpose of the Common Room is to accommodate the needs of the Meeting. Therefore all Meeting activities have scheduling priority over any other group when a conflict arises.
Listed in order of priority below (to rank competing outside requests for use on the same dates) the Meeting has established four types of uses:
Type 1 Meetings:
- Third Haven Friends Meeting committees and functions
- Other Quaker Meetings' events
The Meeting seeks to provide use at no cost for Type 1 uses. Event dates are secured when confirmed by the Facility Use Committee.
Type 2 Meetings:
- Nonprofit groups of which a Meeting member/attender is also a member
- Private uses by Meeting members/attenders where the member/attender will be present at the event Other religious/spiritually based groups and nonprofits with missions supported by the Meeting
This use is approved with a request that the group make a donation for each meeting to Third Haven Friends Meeting that is commensurate with the:
- User's budget
- Available resources of the attendees
- Registration suggested donations charged to attendees
If the event is cancelled, the Meeting appreciates as much notice as possible.
Event dates are secured when confirmed by the Facility Use Committee. (Cash/Check to be forwarded by the Friendly Presence to our Treasurer with event title and date.)
Type 3 Meetings:
- Other nonprofit organizations (includes fundraisers) with missions supported by the Meeting
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
The suggested donation for facilities use is $100 for each 4 hour period, or part thereof, PLUS $25/hour thereafter. Tours (Bus Company or Personal) are requested to make a donation of $3/person.
If the event is cancelled with more than 1 week's notice, 80% of the total donation will be refunded. With less than 1 week's notice, 60% of the total donation will be refunded.
Event dates are secured when confirmed by the Facility Use Committee. (Cash/Check to be forwarded by the Friendly Presence to our Treasurer with event title and date.)
Type 4 Meetings: USE OF FACILITIES FOR LIFE PASSAGE EVENTS
Memorial Service
- Members and attenders: Suggested donation of $100 (for caretaker)
- Non-Members: Suggested donation of $400 (includes $100 gratuity for caretaker)
If the event is cancelled with more than 1 week's notice, 70% of the donation ($210) will be refunded. With less than 1 week's notice, 50% of the donation ($150) will be refunded.
Wedding
- Members and attenders: Suggested donation $100 (for caretaker)
- Non-Members: Suggested donation $600 (includes $100 gratuity for caretaker)
If the event is cancelled with more than 1 week's notice, 70% of donation ($350) will be refunded. With less than 1 week's notice, 50% of the donation ($250) will be refunded.
[Adherence to all aspects of this Facility Use Policy is required whether or not there is a set cost of such usage.]
All events are recorded on the Common Room and online calendars. The sponsor will be identified by the group or individual's name, the date/time and contact information including a phone number/email address.
The Facilities Use Committee may approve or disapprove such use or refer the request to the Meeting for Business. The Meeting reserves the right to terminate any on-going agreements with outside groups. In all uses approved for outside groups, the Committee will insure that there are adequate safeguards and oversight in place. If such groups meet on a regular basis and if a Meeting member must be absent, a person deemed responsible will be designated by name and must be present during the entire time.
The following are not permitted anywhere on Third Haven Meeting property:
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, and the use of illegal drugs.
- Fires, firearms, and fireworks.
- Pets in buildings except for service dogs.
- Rice or confetti.
- Non-electric lamps or lighted candles.
- No food is to be taken in either of the Meeting Houses.
When the kitchen is used, the group is expected to provide all supplies and to leave it in clean order, with all items used restored to their proper locations.
Unusual damage (rug stains, breakage) will be charged to the user. If decorations are to be used, please discuss the proper display of them with the Facilities Use Committee. All decorations are to be removed and not leave any marks on the walls or furniture.
Children will be supervised by an adult at all times.
Parking should first take place on graveled areas. There are three handicapped spaces in front of the Common Room. Parking may be allowed on grassy areas when attendance exceeds the graveled areas if the ground is firm and dry. For all large events, the event sponsors shall provide direction for parking to attendees. The Meeting will oversee the parking.
Should the user not be a member of Third Haven, a Member will be assigned as an unobtrusive "Friendly Presence" during the event.