PRESIDENT'S CORNER by Morrie Kelsey April 2002 mnkelsey@juno.com

The Rabbi spoke about Pesach and recommended that anyone leading a Seder should review the Hagaddah before Pesach.  In addition we should all make the Seder a ‘spiritual experience’.

New Board Members:  The Board welcomed Stacee Springer and Andy Mekelburg as replacement for Board Members (Alan Krause and David Epstein), who have resigned.

 Treasurer’s Report:  Garry Cohen reviewed the February budget.  This time of the year the budget activity is slow with the exception of increased repairs and maintenance costs above what was originally budgeted at the Rabbi’s house and the Community Center.  Overall, the projection is that we should be close to the projected budget at the end of this fiscal year in June. 

Bingo Report:  Marcia presented the Bingo report, which was quite favorable for February. Our Chairperson of Bingo Recruitment, Sid Kandel, continues to identify new workers, but we always need more volunteers.   Please respond positively when Sid contacts you.  We also need to identify someone to replace Milt Golenberg when he leaves Frederick later this year, as well as additional Bingo Callers.  Contact Janet Potash or Marcia if you can help. 

Budget and Finance Committee:  The Committee chaired by Roger Strong continues to review budget requests for the next fiscal year.  The new budget will be presented at the May meeting. 

House Committee:  Marcia reported for Carl Lazerow that built-in cabinets in several classrooms are needed and bids for this work were received.  The Board approved the expenditure for oak bookcases for this purpose. 

The Board approved work for the installation of a new door to the room that is next to the Library.  This will permit entry to that room from the hallway without the need to enter through the Library.  It will be used as a Resource/Classroom.  A clean-up of the books and clutter in this room is needed.  If you can help please contact Marcia. 

One of our rental properties will become available soon, but it should not be a problem to rent this house.  Bruce Zavos is obtaining cost estimates for the acoustical treatment of the walls and ceiling in the Social Hall.   The doors to the Synagogue have been stained and look great. 

Long-Range Planning:  Marty Potash informed the Board that he has had conversations with Rabbi Shimon Levine of Baltimore regarding our position of Assistant Religious Director/Teacher.  Rabbi Levine visited Beth Sholom recently to observe our classes and will resume discussions with Marty after Pesach.  The LRP recommended to the Board that our architect (Levin/Brown) be hired to initiate activity on the plans for a phased expansion of the Community Center.  The monies for this project have already been approved by the Board.

Board of Education (BOE):  Amy Gross presented the BOE budget to the Budget & Finance Committee and additional details are needed to finalize the numbers.  Marcia informed the Board that the Kindergarten will become a separate entity as part of the Beth Sholom Day School.  The Kindergarten will have a separate budget, board of directors, and by-laws.  Marcia has filed for tax-exempt status so that she can apply for grants to help fund this activity and possibly additional grades in the future.  The Nursery School is filling up for next year. 

The Rabbi mentioned that we are fortunate to have several new teachers this year including Alon Dek from Silver Spring.  Marty Potash is working closely with the Rabbi in grades 5-7, which are large classes. 

Adult Ed/Cultural Arts:  Dr. Julian Jakovbovits presented a lecture on “Jewish Medical Ethics which was organized by Stacee Springer and was well attended.  Shoresh has arranged for Rabbi Yaakov Chaitovsky of Beth Tfiloh to present a lecture entitled: “Four wheel drive thru the Hagaddah” on Thursday, March 21^st 

Religious Assistance:  Jeff Rossio continues to organize and coordinate services for the daily minyanim (services) as well as Friday evening and Saturday morning services.  Jeff and his Committee will conduct services in Rabbi’s absence during the first days of Pesach on March 28-30^th. 

Sisterhood:  No report. 

Youth Committee:  Stacee Springer has planned a variety of activities for our youth including community volunteer projects.  Stacee is organizing a recognition dinner to be held in May.  If you would like to serve as an adult volunteer, please contact Stacee. 

Beautification Committee:  Marcia reported that the Committee is considering a Holocaust Memorial that would feature one of the Kramer Torahs that were rescued from Europe.  This display would reside in our Sanctuary and would describe the history of this Torah.  We need donors to sponsor an additional “Tree of Life” board that will be designed by Sid Kandel.

Gala:  Sharon Botkin and Stephanie Egly informed the Board that the theme of this year’s Gala is the 85^th anniversary of Beth Sholom.  The Gala Committee is planning an unusual musical evening featuring Ladino/Flamenco music and dancing.  They are also considering having kosher ‘Mediterranean’ cuisine for this event.  The Gala will be held on Saturday evening, November 2, 2002.  Please mark your calendars. 

Communications:  I have received an E-Mail from Dr. Ted Drzewiecki (Rockville,MD), who would like to arrange a demonstration of his ‘Kosher Sound System’. Several units have been sold to various Synagogues throughout this country and abroad, and the new system is transportable and does not need to be permanently installed.  Adam Treiber will contact Dr. Drzewiecki . 

That’s the news from the President’s Corner.  On behalf of the Board and my family, I wish all of our Congregants a Happy and Sweet (‘ziesse’) Pesach.