PRESIDENT'S CORNER
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Dear Friends,
The Board of Trustees has been reviewing our security procedures at both the Community Center and the Second Street Synagogue. While not acting upon any specific threat, the Board feels it is prudent to increase our level of security. We have begun locking our doors throughout the school day, requiring parents to be allowed in only after they have been identified.
The Board has also begun discussions on how to increase our level of security at the upcoming High Holidays. In the past we have hired off-duty Frederick City police to maintain a higher level of vigilance. We expect to do that and more this fall. Among the ideas being considered is requiring all congregants and guests to display a schedule of services to be allowed admission into the Community Center. We will keep you advised on what is decided.
Last month I asked for your help in sponsoring Friday night Onegs. Several members quickly stepped forward. We still need more members to commit to help. The cost, beginning at $60, is based on the refreshments offered. Please contact Carol Kosman at 301-663-1497 to dedicate a Friday night Oneg.
The following are the highlights of the Apr 15th Board of Trustees meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Joanna Pierson reported that our receipts from the previous month have improved. She anticipates that we will remain close to budget on our overall expenses and income as we approach the end of our fiscal year.
Budget and Finance: Marty Erlichman reported on the proposed 2004-2005 budget. The committee meetings began in early January. As expected with the additional professional staff that we hired in the past year, our operating expenses increased dramatically. The Board of Trustees had anticipated this and saved over $50,000 over the last few years to help offset these extra costs. Dues will be increased a modest 5%. The proposed budget was approved showing approximately $10,000 removed from that savings so that it would be balanced.
Bingo: Carl Lazerow advised that Bingo is doing exceedingly well. Our profit numbers in March were exceptional. Unfortunately we continue to have a need for more workers. The problem recently has been especially acute on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Please offer some more of your time to help this most important committee.
Old Business: The Beth Sholom Day School has been “folded” back into the Synagogue. In other words the Board of Trustees for Beth Sholom has oversight over the Day School Board. The Day School anticipates 12 full-time students next year. There may be room for one or two more.
As mentioned previously, the 2004-2005 budget was approved.
The job description for the Sisterhood kitchen manager and assistant were finalized and approved.
The next meeting will be the annual Congregational meeting. It is scheduled for Thursday May 13th at the Community Center. The agenda will include the election of officers.
Volunteer of the Month: Please join me in congratulating Celia Zahler as our volunteer of the month. Celia, who is the Board of Trustees’ Executive Secretary, is dedicated to helping our Synagogue remain strong. She is active on both the Gala Awards and the New Member Committees. Please thank her for her many years of hard work.