The Board of Trustees is looking for creative ways to get a larger segment of our membership involved. Many of our committees are well represented; however, there are others that need more volunteers. Last month the Rabbi gently worded a request in the Bulletin asking for additional Bingo callers. Thankfully two of our Board Members, Sharon Botkin and Andy Carpel, answered his call. Additionally, Becky Edland has recently strengthened our fine youth committee by agreeing to help coordinate more social activities for our children. If you feel that you have an hour or two a month to give to our Synagogue, please contact me so I can help get you placed on a committee that could use more help.

Following are the Highlights of the February 12, 2003 Board of Trustees Meeting.

Treasurer’s Report – Joanna Pierson reported that the Synagogue continues to operate reasonably close to our budgeted expenses. Due to the snowy winter our snow removal budget will be exceeded. We were able to make a $10,000 principal payment this month towards our mortgage. Due to the renegotiated mortgage with Fredericktown Bank, our monthly interest payment is now below $5,000. Your continued pledges toward the Building Fund will help to accelerate the paying down of our mortgage.

House Committee  – Carl Lazerow reported on the repairs needed on the sunroom at the Rabbi’s house. A final decision has not yet been made.

Budget and Finance Committee – Andy Mekleburg presented the Investment Committee report. The recommendation was to move the Pension Fund, Lowenstein Reserve account, and the Building Fund to Vanguard. The Vanguard group operates mutual funds in a very low fee arrangement with Trust Department oversight. We felt that the low fees, along with a more appropriate asset allocation, would potentially net the Synagogue more money over the next decade. The Board of Trustees approved this change. The Budget and Finance committee has begun working on next year’s budget.

Membership Committee – In conjunction with the Family Shabbaton, new and prospective members have been asked to join us for Shabbos dinner at the Community Center on Friday, February 21, 2003. We welcome Pamm and Andy Shankman from Mt. Airy, who have joined our Congregation this past month.

Library/Archive Committee – Andy Carpel and the Library committee have continued making great progress in organizing the Library. An outstanding donation of a beautiful set of the Encyclopedia Judaica from the estate of Helen Kalb was recently given to the Synagogue.

Youth Committee – Stacee Springer stated that the next Mitzvah Club event will be March 23^rd from 1:00pm to 7:30pm at the Frederick Soup kitchen. Children 12 and older will be working in shifts to prepare and serve meals that day. Becky Edland is helping to set up additional youth activities. The first event, a movie night at the Community Center, is scheduled for March 1^st.   

Personnel Policy Committee – Sally Wolf reported that the Employee Policy Handbook is a work in progress.

Old Business – As President, I feel the need to expand the Executive Board from 4 to 5 members. This would be accomplished by adding a second Vice President. The motivation is to reduce any chance of tie votes in Executive committee decisions, as well as to further strengthen this group by adding another voice. Although clearly a bylaws change, it was thought to be prudent to get the approval of the Board of Trustees.   The board approved this idea and a bylaw change will be presented at the Congregational Meeting in May.

Volunteer of the Month – I am honored to name Nancie Bauman as the Volunteer of the month.   Nancie is active in many different areas at Beth Sholom.  She is currently the president of the NCJW Frederick Section, she is the secretary for the Beth Sholom BOE, and she works in the bingo kitchen and occasionally sells cards and holders on the floor.  Most recently she has undertaken the task of starting Beth Sholom’s first singles group, which is now underway as Frederick Jewish Singles.  She is excellent at motivating people and has been a real asset to Beth Sholom.