Dear Friends,

I was recently asked if my job as President of the Congregation was rewarding and enjoyable. It was easy to say yes to both. I view my position as a labor of love. There is a bit of work involved, but it is all dedicated to the continued strengthening of this outstanding congregation. We are all blessed by the enormous richness of our collective souls. I must thank my highly supportive wife and three very understanding children for allowing me, guilt-free, to devote the time necessary to try to do an effective job.  

The following are the highlights from December 11^th Board of Trustees meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Marcia Newfeld reported in Joanna Pierson’s absence. Year to date, most budgetary items are within expectations. Principal paid year to date is less than expected due to reduced building fund pledges.

Executive Committee: Vice President Marty Potash reported on our ongoing search for an Assistant Rabbi. An updated job description is being completed.  We are optimistic that Pat Salaverri will be able to lead our next Capital Campaign. Finally we received an unsolicited offer for a new mortgage on the Community Center from another local bank, lower than our current interest rate. Our current lender, Fredericktown Bank, has also offered us a reduction on our current rate. The decision will be made shortly.

Budget and Finance: Andy Mekelburg reported that there will be meetings of the Investment Subcommittee the third week of December to discuss the potential of switching money managers for the Synagogue’s funds. We will be reviewing proposals from six different firms.

Board of Education: No new issues to report. Nursery registration will begin in January.

House Committee: After being vacant for several months, 1007 N. Market St. was recently rented.

Cultural Enrichment: Marty reported on the bus trip to the Jewish Museum of Baltimore, and the exhibit of Judaism in small Maryland towns. Our congregation was prominently displayed in this exhibit.  Another bus trip is being planned to the East side of New York. Stay tuned for more details. A family shabbaton is also being planned the weekend of February 21-23, 2003.

Membership: Celia Zahler reported that our membership is currently at 309 families. Several new families have expressed thanks for the flower arrangements that they have received.

Youth Committee: A Mitzvah Club event is being held on December 15 at the ARC of Frederick County. Adult chaperons may be needed at future events. Please get in touch with Stacee Springer if you are able to help.

Library Committee: Andy Carpel advised on the progress of the Library. Dave Nathanson has been extremely helpful in getting the books catalogued. Denys Louderback has recently joined this committee. The main part of this committee’s work is expected to be completed by Passover.

Chanukah Party: The Chanukah Party on November 30 was a blast. Over 100 people, including several prospective member families, attended. Thanks to Sylvia Haber for again chairing this committee. 

Publications: The Baltimore Jewish Times did the cover story about Beth Sholom and Rabbi Kosman in their December 6, 2002 issue.  We are looking into possibly having the article on our website, or you can see it at the Jewish Times Web Site www.jewishtimes.com.

Old Business: One of the items from our recent audit was that we should track vacation and sick leave for our employees. In that light the Board of Trustees has decided to create a Personnel Handbook. Sally Wolf has agreed to chair this committee. Cindi Diamondstone and Andy Mekelburg will assist her. If you have any expertise in this area and are willing to help, please contact Sally.

New Business: We welcome Dick Kessler to the Board of Trustees to fill a vacancy. Being a lifetime Frederick resident and businessman, Dick will add a wonderfully valuable insight to the Board. The Day School is planning an Art Auction the evening of March 15, 2003 at 7:30pm at the Community Center. Tickets are $18. If you cannot attend please buy a ticket to support the Day school.

Volunteer of the Month: Stacee Springer.  Stacee has had an enormous impact on our Synagogue. She chairs the Mitzvah Club and the Youth Committee. The Mitzvah Club continues to be a great teaching tool, as the children in this group are learning wonderful lessons on how to give back to the community in which they live. She is a member of the Board of Trustees. She is also involved with Sisterhood and is the grill chef on Bingo Holiday Bonanza evenings. Stacee is due a great thank you for her unqualified support of Beth Sholom.

Next Board of Trustees meeting: Thursday January 9, 2003 7:30pm at the Community Center.