From the President - February 1999

Shalom Chaverim,

This continues to be an exciting and challenging year for Congregation Albert. You see on the cover of this bulletin, many of the events, programs and accomplishments that are shaping our congregation this year. There are opportunities here for all of us to get involved.

One of the biggest challenges was to maintain our high level of programming and the quality of these activities and stay well within the parameters of our budget. To this end, there were some administrative changes that were instituted which many of you have probably noticed:

1. The temple is now open only two nights weekly for meetings and classes, which saves money on custodial salaries and utilities.
2. The number of mid-month mailings that are sent out is now minimal, thereby saving on printing, postage and supplies.
3. Our administrator has negotiated new contracts for certain equipment maintenance and insurance coverage, which saves money for the temple.
4. The cost of the bulletin has also been reduced.
5. The Dues Committee is anticipating that our cash flow will improve if members, who find quarterly payments burdensome, are able to pay their dues monthly. We have also re-instituted the use of credit cards, to improve our cash flow while providing convenience for our members.

This list is not complete, but you get the idea.

We have also been the recipients of some extraordinary financial gifts this year. For example, we recently received a generous gift, which allows us to begin the restoration and beautification of the temple landscaping. Another substantial gift will provide new computer hardware, temple management software and training for our administrative office. The sound system in our sanctuary has been enhanced thanks to another thoughtful gift. And there are others, too.

We have much to look forward to in the coming months: Cantor Shuchat-Marx’s concert, Purim Carnival, Passover, Adult Education Classes, Sisterhood luncheons, Brotherhood breakfasts, Family Shabbat Dinners, and much more. I urge you to take advantage of all that your congregation offers, and to show your support in any way that you can, financially or by volunteering your time and energy.

B’Shalom,
Leslie Pivar

* See the bulletin cover

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