Dear Friends,

 As my term as president of Ami Shalom comes to a close on June 30^th, this is my last message to you as president of Temple Ami Shalom.  It has been my honor to serve you these last two years.  I want to thanks everyone (too many to name here), who helped me during my term.  Without you I could not have gotten the job done. 

As I write this a number of exciting things are happening at our shul. 

For those of you who were unable to attend our June 22^nd General Membership meeting, we discussed three things.   

First we passed the new budget for the temple year starting July 1^st.   

Next we elected a new Board of Directors for the next two year.  The new board is headed by Lew Rader and Richard Bash as Co-Presidents.  I thank them personally for taking the reins and allowing me to take on the role of immediate past president.  I know I am leaving the shul in capable hands.  Many of you have heard from our new Membership Vice President, Brianne Levine already.  Please do everything you can to respond to her in her various roles including one of the leaders of our newly revived Sisterhood.  Brianne’s energy is contagious.   

Lastly I shared the results of the special fundraiser initiated at the Special General membership meeting in April with the express purpose of continuing a rabbinic presence here at Ami Shalom.  We (you) raised a bit over forty thousand dollars for this important cause.  When we started this fundraiser, I must admit to being a bit skeptical that we would raise enough to go forward.  I was delighted to be proved a pessimist.  As a result, I have been having discussions with Rabbi Rick and my executive committee to bring into being a new contract and extended relationship with rabbi.  I had hoped that this contract would be signed by Rabbi Rick and me prior to the end of my term, but unfortunately this has not yet happened.  I continue to put the finishing touches on the contract and it should be signed by your new Presidents by mid July.  Please do not be concerned as steps have been taken to insure Rabbi Rick continues to be available to us during this time. 

I am not going anywhere and will continue to be involved with the shul in many ways.  It has been a challenge these past two years to serve as president considering the extensively amount of business travel.  This travel shows no signs of letting up going forward, but I always look forward to returning to my spiritual home at the completion of each trip.

Shalom,

Mark Roberg

Immediate Past President.