Hello to all on this rainy day in December! I’m not complaining (much) as we have so desperately needed the rain, but it’s kind of cold and wet out there! It seems that winter might actually be trying to find its way here…
By now you should have received an email or a mailed communication from me that included the proposed Bylaws, along with a copy of the existing Constitution with cross-reference notices. If you have not, please contact me right away and I will get these to you immediately. As is noted in the email:
The Bylaws have been shared with you, “…for your review prior to the annual meeting (scheduled for January 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.) and with the Board’s recommendation that they be approved by the Members. Should you have any questions or comments, please send them in writing to both Buddy Bernstein and me no later than December 31, 2016 (please let me know if you need Buddy’s email address). The December 31st deadline is very important, as it is intended to give us enough time to make any necessary revisions, get them approved by the Board and distribute a revised edition of the Bylaws to all of you well in advance of the annual meeting.”
The purpose of this process is to bring our governing documents into compliance with federal tax law, Alabama non-profit corporate law and modern practice. In addition to addressing the provisions of the existing Constitution, the Bylaws also contain provisions that address issues not addressed at all in the Constitution and it is, therefore, very important that you read them, understand them and be present to cast your vote at the Annual Meeting. It is my sincere hope that you will be pleased with this proposal and that you will embrace the necessity for this change.
Final Board Meeting of 2016
The final Board Meeting of 2016 was held this past Sunday and we addressed a number of outstanding items – some that will be resolved between now and January 29, 2017 and others that will need to be addressed by the incoming Board. Items that were noted for addressing in 2017 included:
- The creation of a full, written and photographed inventory of all items within the Temple as well as the Temple building itself.
- Considerations as to the current status of the dues structure and communications of that structure to both new and existing members.
- The creation of a full list of needed repairs and remodels within the Temple building and the prioritization of these items based on budget and necessity.
- Further clarification of all security processes and procedures in the light of the proposed Church Protection Act within the State Legislature.
- The need to make a full update of the Yahrzeit listing.
If you have items you would like the 2017 Board to consider, please share them with the new Board in January of 2017.
Officer Nominations
Speaking of the 2017 Board, remember that it is time for us all to be considering if we might like to serve on the Board or if we would like to ask the nominating committee to nominate someone in particular for a specific office. Dick Peshkin is again serving as the Chair for this critical committee and he asks that you please be sure you get any nominations to him no later than December 31!
Chanukah Celebration
We will plan to have our community Chanukkah celebration at the Temple on Friday night, December 30. Rabbi Nancy will be with us to lead our service and help us celebrate. Plan to bring your menorah, candles and a dish to share. In addition, Team Latke is looking for participants. Ken Wolf shared:
THE FEW – THE PROUD – THE GREASE SPATTERED
Team Latkes is once again accepting applications for a position on the squad.
Prerequisites: None. No experience is necessary.
Skills: Must know how to use many kitchen tools, chiefly spatulas, paring knives and brown paper bags. Knowledge of first aid a plus.
Salary: Rate of pay has remained constant over the past ten years, hovering at $0, though this year we are able to double this pay rate.
Applications, along with any other bad jokes, should be sent to Ken Wolf
(Please ask Traci, if you do not have Ken’s email address)
Annual Congregational Meeting
As I noted above and in previous communications: Sunday, January 29, 2017 has been selected as the date for the annual congregational meeting. This will be a critical meeting for all Members to attend as, in addition to annual Board elections, we will be voting on a proposal to replace the existing Constitution with a set of new Bylaws. Please add the meeting to your calendar now!
Services and Torah Study:
Our service schedule through the end of December is as follows:
- December 9 – Rabbi Nancy
- December 16 – Robert Adler
- December 23 – No Services
- December 30 – Shabbat and Chanukah Party – Rabbi Nancy
As always, congregants and members of the Shoals community, at large, are invited to attend the weekly Torah Study session which is held each Saturday morning at 9:30, at the Temple.
Reminder items:
- Soup Kitchen donations – Saturday, December 17
- Officer nominations due to Dick Peshkin no later than December 31
- No services on Friday, December 23
- Chanukah Party – Friday, December 30
- Annual Congregational meeting – Sunday, January 29
If you are aware of something in the community that you would like me to draw some attention to in my message, please let me know! And, as always, if you have any announcements you would like for me to share with our membership, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
I hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Shalom!
Traci Welch
