A YEAR OF TIKKUN OLAM

The Social Action Committee is very proud of its accomplishments this past year. These have included:

GLOBAL LINKS every month, BOOK'EM the last Sunday of every month, CHARLES MORRIS HOME VISITS every other month, EECM MEALS FOR THE HOMELESS every other month, IRAQ STUDY GROUP, three informative panel discussions, DARFUR CALL TO CONSCIENCE members joined the March on May 18, ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKETPLACE, raising thousands for a variety of worthy causes, Support of PIIN and an inspiring SOCIAL ACTION SHABBAT featuring Ruth Messinger. We have advocated for universal/single payer health care. We are also pleased that the Temple switched to Fair Trade Coffee through Building New Hope. Finally, thanks to the untiring efforts of Florence Chapman and Denise Helfer, MITZVAH DAY was a great success with 211 participants, despite some obstacles that included inclement weather.

Some of these activities will continue in June. We hope you will join us in the TIKKUN OLAM CENTER next year.

Report on Mitzvah Day Environmental Audit

On Mitzvah Day, April 13, Zelda Curtiss, Florence Chapman and Louise Mayo, as well as Program Director Carol Rosenthal accompanied Harry Levine to undertake an environmental audit of the Temple. Harry, a Temple member, is the architect responsible for the most recent renovation of the Temple.

The Temple is comprised of different sections, constructed at different times. Each section reflects the time period of its construction and presents different challenges to energy efficiency. Despite this, two issues common to all areas are: more efficient HVAC controls and use of energy efficient lights. By modifying the HVAC system, areas could be heated and cooled automatically based on season, time of day and usage. As to the lights, we were pleased to learn that Phyllis Weinkle uses energy efficient bulbs in many places throughout the building.

The oldest portion is the mansion. The two primary energy issues here are the single pane leaded glass windows and the lack of insulation in the mansion walls. The suggestion was made to purchase either interior or exterior storm windows to retard air flow through the windows. There may be some insulation above the third floor; however, we were unable to determine this.

The classroom wing is newer and built with double pane windows and insulated walls and ceiling. There is also fluorescent lighting in the classrooms. The classrooms are not air-conditioned. One suggestion to improve energy efficiency here is to improve the lighting and install more efficient HVAC controls.

The kitchen has some very large refrigerators. Two are not new. The suggestion was made to replace them, when they break down, with high energy efficient refrigerators.

Another area identified for improvement is the recessed light box in the auditorium. The lights should be replaced with a more energy efficient lighting plan. This was considered previously but back-burnered due to the cost.

In order to move forward with these projects, we are looking into public funding for a more detailed energy audit and for the actual work. We have contacted some people who are willing to guide us through the application process.

As to recycling, we recommend that plastic ware used during onegs and Temple events be made of recyclable materials. We were informed that any new purchases will adhere to these standards. We also feel that the recycle bin should be out for all such occasions. We would also urge the Temple to examine possibilities for paper recycling.

Submitted by Zelda Curtiss, Environmental Subcommittee Chair

Environmental Guest Speaker Lisa Brown
Thursday, June 12, immediately following the 7:30 PM evening service

Lisa Brown, from the Nine Mile Watershed Association, will speak about watersheds and the work to restore the Nine Mile Watershed. This is the largest urban restoration project in the United States. We will learn about this important environmental initiative and perhaps arrange for some of us to tour the area at a later time.

Louise Mayo: doclouise@verizon.net

MITZVAH KIDS

Watch for our next activity.

Tzedakah opportunities continuing this month:

Book 'Em (see calendar above)

Meet the last Sunday of the month from 3:00-8:00 PM to package books for prisoners at the Thomas Merton Center. Contact Mimi Botkin: mimi.botkin@gmail.com

Charles Morris Home Visit (Bingo)

Sing, play Bingo, make friends with the residents of Charles Morris. Contact Florence Chapman: fpchapman@gmail.com

EECM Men's Shelter Dinner bimonthly on Thursday evenings