NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP - Karl S. Wideman, 53, of Negaunee Township, died Tuesday morning, April 27, 2010, with his loving family at his side and in the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
Mr. Wideman was born on Feb. 8, 1957, in Wanamaker, Ind., the son of the late Donald and Jean (Thomann) Wideman. He was a 1975 graduate of Grandville High School in Grandville, Mich., later receiving a degree in English from Albion College in 1979. In 1986 Karl received a master's degree in psychology from Eastern Michigan University.
He was previously employed at Ottawa County Mental Health in Holland, Mich., Pathways in Marquette, Northern Michigan University in their Counseling Department, and most recently for Great Lakes Recovery. He and his family had lived in this area since 1998, moving here from Grand Rapids.
A big sports fan, Karl loved to play basketball including the Negaunee City League and the NIT where he played for the Wideman Law Center team. He also loved baseball, football, snowshoeing, biking, running, kayaking and golfing. He took great pride in coaching his son's baseball and football teams.
Karl was a past president of the Negaunee Lions Club and formerly served on the Negaunee Township Zoning Board of Appeals. A loving husband and devoted father, he is survived by his wife, the former Susan Goodkind, whom he married on June 7, 1987, in Grand Rapids; one son, Erik Wideman at home; one sister, Susan (Jim) Dohm of Owosso; father-in-law, Donald Goodkind of California; two brothers-in-law, Ken Goodkind of New Jersey and Steve (Alora) Goodkind of Vermont; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Thursday, April 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the U.P. Home Health and Hospice Foundation, 829 Croix St., Negaunee, MI 49866 or the American Cancer Society for Osteosarcoma research.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories can be shared at www.canalefuneral.com.

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

JUNE 14, 2009

I. Opening Business

A. Brucha and Call to Order at 10:05AM, by President Ann

B. Roll Call

Ann and Dan, Lois and Bill, Cary, Helen K., Angie, Karlyn and Jim, Shannon and Armando (and Gavriella!), Aaron, Jacob, Lloyd, Michael T, Candace

C. Approval of Minutes of 2008 Annual Meeting—Minutes were unanimously approved, with one correction suggested by Helen: item IV. A. 1. is changed to read “UPMCAC”, not UPMAC.

D. Additions to agenda—There were none.

II. Year in Review

A. Building and Grounds Issues

1. Summer lawn care—Thanks to Lloyd for cutting grass twice already. Schedule for rest of season: June—Lloyd; July—Cary; August—Armando; September (just before the High Holy Days)—Michael T. Cary will send email reminders if he remembers. Mike G. and Ron G. might be able to fill in if needed.

2. Plumbing

Frozen pipes—Water line froze twice during winter/early spring; the solution was to leave the kitchen tap running continuously through the end of May. We’ll remember to do this next year.

Septic system—There were no problems this year.

3. Issues solved

Thanks to Armando—for painting wrought iron railings, improving back entrance, and making sanctuary prayer book holders bigger for Mishkan Tefilah. Old book holders adapted at 1/3 the cost of new.

New Siddur—More copies purchased; we now have enough.

Parking—Low spots in unpaved area filled with gravel at low cost. Neighbors parking off pavement contribute to problem. If more problems develop, Cary will ask neighbors to park only on asphalt.

Cleaning services—Candace spent the year winning the war on bugs and generally cleaning and organizing.

Temple Historian—Candace attempting to organize many years of records and memorabilia. Dan suggests NMU professor Marcus Robbins to scan historical documents for electronic preservation.

Bill C. has old TBS records at his office. Toby Rose has gathered many documents while researching Jews of the UP.

501(c)(3) status—was achieved thanks to Ann’s diligence. For tax purposes, all donations to Temple will be acknowledged by letter from Treasurer and/or President. Donations to TBS earmarked for Medical Care Access Coalition (medical services to the uninsured) are welcome; donating to MCAC through TBS documents Jewish community involvement in this important work per Karlyn. W also have an earmarked fund for Hillel. Cary and Dan noted that TBS board should limit such “pass through” funds, to avoid both IRS issues and overburdening the Treasurer.

B. Sunday School—No report received from Betsy, who was not able to attend. Ann reports Sunday School attendance has been low, sporadic, discouraging. Michael T. noted parents of young children are interested in revitalizing Sunday School. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously supported that interested parents should form an ad hoc committee to gather ideas and work with Betsy.

C. Hillel update—Helen K. says Hillel is small but active. One student converted to Judaism in the fall. Laura graduated. Kylynn is new Hillel President; she has one more year at NMU. Michael F. has been active and will also be at NMU one more year. Helen will discuss program and grant ideas with students. New NMU provost is attuned to needs of Jewish students. Karlyn noted Hillel students have been a wonderful addition to the congregation. Helen thanked congregation for embracing the students. Jim noted that NMU Jewish students taught TBS Sunday School at one time. Aaron made a motion of appreciation to Helen for making Hillel a reality; Dan seconded; all approved.

D. Programs—Reflects the bi-weekly pulpit during 2008-2009

1. September 2008 retreat—Ravitz Foundation grant covered cost of bringing in Daniel Bogard and food for all participants. Ravitz likes to see ongoing programming. Possible repeat retreat in 2010.

2. High Holidays—Family of four and a Hillel student converted during the High Holidays with help of R. Steve Mills from URJ and Daniel Bogard.

3. Muslim Cleric—An imam was brought to town by Interfaith Forum, with some financial support from TBS. TBS participation stirred up some controversy in the community.

4. Chanukah Party—Lotsa latkes, lotsa people, and lotsa fun at Ann and Dan’s.

5. Gaza lecture to public—Daniel Bogard spoke at NMU to provide insight into the conflict in Israel. Thanks to Helen K. and Hillel for organizing.

6. Holocaust memorial with Interfaith Forum, Hillel; Library Seuss exhibit

Many April activities. TBS and Hillel supported “Dr. Seuss Wants You” exhibit at Peter White Public Library with money, time, reception with homemade Passover foods, and introducing films. Hoping to work with PWPL in future to raise awareness and educate public at this time of year. Aaron requests TBS board take active role with Interfaith Forum to organize future Holocaust Memorial Services. Bill C. is working on a speaker for 2010. Discussed scheduling service for April again in 2010, before NMU students leave for summer break.

7. Seder—Held at NMU University Center, attended by more than 70, many Hillel students. Harvey has suggested doing the Seder at the Temple in the future. Michael T. suggests finding a more home-like venue in Marquette. Board will discuss options for 2010.

8. Women’s Intergenerational Group—brings together women from post Bat Mitzvah on up. Three meetings so far: brainstorming brunch, double baby shower for two Ethans born this spring, cooking session for Seuss exhibit reception.

III. Treasurer’s Report— Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for TBS dues (recurring monthly payments) is possible; contact your bank for information needed to set this up. Cary distributed Balance and Profit & Loss sheets dated 6/3/2009. Assets are now about equal to beginning of fiscal year. Brokerage account took a serious hit (down $30K at one point) but is rebounding. As of 6/3/2009 it was down about $20K and has rebounded another $4-5K since then. Paid $1200 this year for Wells Fargo investment management services; this will help us meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Building expenses are down thanks to Armando’s generous donation of time and expertise. Overall, we are $6K ahead this year on operations. (This doesn’t include investment losses.) Aaron moved that we accept the report; Michael T. seconded; all approved.

A. Earmarked funds—See II.A.3. 501(c)(3) above for discussion.

B. Cost of Rabbinical Student—Received $1500 from two donors to help pay for more frequent student rabbi visits. Due to Temple Jacob using and financing four of the visits, our cost was less than budgeted.

IV. Old Business

A. Increased rabbinical presence—Tried at Daniel Bogard’s suggestion because he wanted to come back to us for his 3^rd year; it did not break the budget and attendance has been high. We will share bi-weekly student with Temple Jacob again for 2009-2010, but Temple Jacob will not continue after that. In Jan/Feb 2010, TBS board will decide to opt for monthly, bi-weekly or tri-weekly student next year. (By then we’ll know if more frequent visits work with a different student.) Because we shared with Temple Jacob during 2008-2009, Daniel Bogard was basically with us as often as a tri-weekly student would be. 4^th and 5^th year students are the only ones who do tri-weekly pulpits; some decide to go to the same pulpit 4^th and 5^th years.

B. Next year’s Rabbi and schedule—P.J. (Phillip) Schwartz, 3^rd year student, engaged, no wedding this year, “tunatarian”, drives (but not familiar with snow—YET), not musical. (Elizabeth Grugin will help with singing and Helen Kahn will be liaison to P.J. regarding our ritual and liturgical practices and preferences.) P.J. requests a “home stay base” for several months at a time; the board will make arrangements. Discussion of proposed student rabbi dates for 2009-2010—Will keep Aug 21-23 visit with TBS Picnic and change April visit to avoid conflict with spring break. Finalized TBS schedule will be in next newsletter and posted on website. Temple Jacob dates are Sept 4-6, Oct 9-11, Jan 22-24, and Feb 19-21.

C. Board Election - proposed slate—Much discussion about needing Secretary who can attend meetings, and about 2 (or more) family members serving simultaneously on the board. (This second issue will be taken up by the board for consideration of an amendment to the Bylaws before the next annual meeting.) Dan Arnold moved to amend the proposed slate to list Angie for Secretary and Michael T. as a non-voting At Large candidate; Angie seconded; motion carried 9 to 6. Cary made a motion that all board members elected have a vote; more discussion; Cary withdrew the motion. Discussion about 7 voting members needed per Bylaws. Cary moved to add Karlyn (who volunteered) to the slate as an At Large candidate, stipulating that Helen, Michael, and Armando would be non-voting board members, and all others would have a vote; motion carried unanimously. Aaron moved the slate be elected by acclamation; Dan seconded; all approved. The 2009-2010 Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors:

1. President: Candace, voting

2. Vice-President: Constance, voting

3. Treasurer: Cary, voting

4. Secretary: Angela, voting

5. Education: Betsy, voting

6. Social Coordinator: Shannon, voting

7. Member at Large: Karlyn, voting

8. Member at Large: Michael T., non-voting

9. Member at Large: Armando, non-voting

10. Rabbinical Liaison: Helen K., non-voting

V. New Business

A. Next Year’s Goal: Work on increased satisfaction of each member

These are ideas to be firmed up by TBS board.

1. Young parents: Several Tot Shabbats—potluck dinner, earlier service, no oneg

2. Several Classical Reform services—less Hebrew, use old “Gates of Blue” siddur, early fall and late spring

3. Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah programming

4. Jewish Camp experience for teens—Temple Jacob received major grant allowing them to send 4 or 5 kids to camp. Temple Beth Sholom teens need encouragement and assistance to do the same. Michael T. noted he talked with Daniel Bogard about doing a stint as camp physician at camp Daniel works for.

5. “We miss you” phone calls to people who haven’t been attending. Lois feels this is a very good idea. Jim and Michael T. are willing to make calls.

6. Adults who drift away after children

B. Summer Programming: Congregation Picnic during Aug 21-23 student visit

C. Cemetery Beautification—Work bee today at 1:00PM, at the “Marks” Jewish section of Park Cemetery, Marquette. Mark Persitz purchased 3 trees to be planted: Prairifire Crabapple (malus ‘Prairifire’), Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (acer saccharum ‘Bailsta’), and Royal Red Maple (acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’). Membership will be engaged in discussion/planning for future cemetery improvements. To include such things as moving/replacing the gates, building a planter wall, removing over-mature trees, planting a privacy border along the chain link fence, other plantings.

VI. Next Meeting—Sunday June 6, 2010 at 10:00AM

VII. Adjourned at 12:10PM

Submitted by Candace (Contact Candace at candacelworthington@gmail.com if you would like the version of minutes that includes last names.)