Meeting Minutes: January 20, 2005

Minutes of January 20, 2005 meeting, Alper JCC, Kendall.

Present: Heidi Estrin, Inez Feingold, Jackie Fine, Beverly Mach Geller, Philip Geller, Sam Geller, Etta Gold, Andrea Kalish, Adele Katz, Phyllis Levy, Arthur Quinn, Barbara Samuels, Schlomit Schwarzer, Walter Spielman, Marci Wiseman, Lee Wixman

Heidi Estrin called the meeting to order at 12:20pm. She thanked Inez Feingold for hosting the meeting.

Heidi introduced Suzy Breitner of Alper JCC who spoke of the calendar of events at the center, including an exhibit, "Women of the Book" beginning February 6. She later gave the membership a tour of the current exhibit of Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator, which was displayed in the Lisa Ann Watson Children's Discovery Museum on the JCC campus. After the tour, a copy of an article from Jewish Culture website on Maurice Sendak was distributed.

Heidi then resumed the meeting with discussion of the Sydney Taylor awards for 2004. Heidi is chair of the committee and distributed a list of books that received medals or were named as Notable Books.

Lee Wixman requested that the membership send a greeting by e-mail to AJL member Brenda Yee of Hong Kong. Brenda's e-mail address is jcclib@jcc.org.hk The message should include "Gung ho fot toi" which is Chinese for Happy New Year and should be sent February 7 to coincide with the Chinese new year and Brenda's birthday. At the 2004 AJL Convention, Brenda Yee roomed with SFAJL's Alice Warren, and was "adopted" by the South Florida chapter. Lee also distributed a list of airlines offering discounts on fare to Oakland for the 2005 convention.

Heidi then introduced author Beverly Mach Geller, author of several children's books, which include The Mitzvah Girl, The Mystery of the Missing Pitom and The Upsherin. .

The next meeting will be March 15 in Delray Beach at Temple Anshei Shalom, hosted by Walter Spielman. Please note that this is a change in date from that which appears in your newsletters.

Heidi distributed copies of an article about the chapter published in the Jewish Journal, December 21. Heidi then asked about the possibility of scheduling meetings on evenings or Sundays with the hope of accommodating members that may not be able to attend meetings on weekdays. Some expressed reservations about evenings.

Heidi proposed creating a traveling exhibit of Jewish children's literature sponsored by the chapter and used to promote this body of literature to more people. Walter suggested including adult books. Marci Wiseman distributed packets from Brodart for book processing and ordering. Marci also announced that CAJE in Miami is having its Miami Jewish Film Festival throughout the year instead of during a particular season.

The meeting adjourned at 2:05pm.