Minutes

Here are the minutes from the March 11 meeting.  Note the change of location and date of our next meeting  (Elkins Estate in Cheltenham on April 22 because of the holiday).  Remember nominations for steering committee are due to me by March 23.  Email me at:  Meg@sheketoff.com

Be The Change Baederwood 3/11/09
Summary of 2-09 Meeting Minutes
The group decided through the open space process and the Steering Committee recommends 6 activities to start off:
     -1.Monthly meetings of the group
     -1.Web site with leadership from Kevin Shaw
     -1.Environmental Action with leadership form David McVeigh-Shultz
     -1.Human Rights with leadership from Nate Kleinman
     -1.Political Action with leadership from Kathleen Joyce
     -1.Social Committee with leadership from Connie Brick
     -1.Space on agenda for current issues
These recommendations were accepted by general consensus
 
Steering Committee Selection NominationDiscussion
Process
     -1.Describe positions for the steering committee tonight
     -1.Contact Meg to make nominations of persons to Steering Committee
     -1.Steering Committee will evaluate nominations
     -1.Steering Committee will make recommendation to larger group in April
     -1.Group will decide on recommendations from Steering Commiteee
Nominations for steering committee go to Meg@sheketoff.com by March 23, 2009. 
Membership of Steering Committee
     -1.Chair/co-chair :  one year commitment lead
     -1.Recording Secretary :  take minutes and distribute to group
     -1.Corresponding Secretary:  Reach out to other organizations
     -1.Web person
     -1.Action chair people (leaders of the working groups)
     -1.Membership create database and keep it up
     -1.Social/issues:    bring in speakers, develop events (fun & serious)
     -1.Media
 Working Group Reports and Breakouts 
     -1.Human Rights report from Nate Kleinman was distributed at the meeting.
     -1.Social Issues break out summary:  Connie Brick
We would provide updates on upcoming events in the community that may have a broad appeal. We would request input from the group and schedule events for the remainder of 2009. Some of the meeting topics may be covered in one meeting and others may be separate projects that would be managed by small teams. Topics may include:
 
·      Sustainable gardening - how to best use space and soil to yield the best crop of vegetables and/or flowers.
 
·      Regular Food and Blood Drives - select quarterly dates and times for food and blood drives. These are on-going needs and provide opportunity for volunteers and teams to develop processes to keep these events going.
 
·      Barter Board - establish a process to offer products or services in exchange for other products or services. For example, a painter could offer a room to be painted in exchange for plumbing work. Services would be for a set value and could be exchange for same or similar value services. There are several such processes in place that can be used as a model.
 
·      Green Economy Job Fair - pairs alternative energy and energy conservation companies with potential partners in the Baederwood community. This would be a one-time or annual event.
        
·      Youth Work Force - Provide a means for teens and young adults to register their skills that can be tapped for work for special projects, preferably paid work. Skills that may apply would include: yard clean up, pet care, computer data entry or web updates, Resources would be available to Baederwood for Change and other businesses.
 
·      Trivia Night - Plan a night of trivia at a local establishment, VFW offers good services. Teams consist of 6-10 people, with 4-5 rounds of trivia questions. Provides a great opportunity for people of all ages to spend a fun evening. I've participated in several of these and it's a great time.   
 
·      Speakers 
·      Pot luck dinner/ Picnic @ High School Park
3.     Environmental break out group summary David McVeigh-Shultz
BTC's Sustainabile Environment Committee met with 14 people. 
 
 
·      Plastic Bags and recycling
·      Energy what’s going on locally
We began by reviewing the prospects for reduction or elmination of plastic bags in our commnities by considering how recycling and reuse programs have been developing in a few townships in Eastern Montgomery County, with the help of environmental activists.  David reported that the recycling and reuse stream was being broadened to include more organics, electronics, and toxics through privately run programs in Springfield, and Abington, and that some townships and cities were considering or implementing financial incentives for recycling, and greater financial penalties for those residents that generate the most waste. 
 
Ilene advised that stores would be more willing to stop distributing plastic bags, or recycle them, if more residents were aware of the hazards of plastic bag waste.  She suggested that policy change would be ieasier to achieve if our commitee got more of our fellow residents to share our point of view through education activities.  She also noted that some grocery stores in our area have taken the lead by banning plastic or offering small rebates to customers that don't use them. 
 
Bob proposed that the committee promote energy efficiency in our towns by helping out non-profit organizations to weatherize their buildings and thereby save money on their utility bills.  He offered to use his professional expertise and equipment to provide energy efficinecy audits for these groups, so that they could learn how much money they could save by investing in more conservation measures for their buildings.  he thought this would motivate these groups to seek financial help from the county or state government, if funds are provided by the federal recovery program.  Bob also offered to train the committee in simple weatherization techniques, so that they could offer energy conservation services to non-profit groups.  He thought that the PECO utility could be convinced to donate materials for such projects.  
 
Peter pointed out that some groups already had a long history of energy auditing and weatherization in the County. He described a project by Andy Rudine called the Interfaith Coalition on Energy, based in Cheltenham Township, that has been energy auditing since 1982.  (Hundreds of churches and synagoges in the tri-state area have been audited by him since then, including 70 in Montgomery County.)  Peter suggested we might find ways to work with groups like this. Another group that he mentioned is CADCOM, Montgomery County's Community Action Program, which administers a federally funded weatherization program.  David pointed out that the federal stimulus plan doubled funding for weatherization programs across the nation, but that there were no guarantees that the funds would reach CADCOM, especially if they couldn't build the additional capacity to do the work.  Bob pointed out that weatherization job training programs were very important to building capacity for organizations like this. 
 
David explained that the organization he works for, the Energy Coordinating Agency, is develoing new energy efficiency construction training programs with federal and state sponsorship. He explained that the fastest growing types of 'green collar' jobs in our area are in making middle income homes more energy efficient through the Keystone Home Energy and Home Performance Programs.  He explained that PECO, the Philadelphia Electric Association, and the state's Keystone Energy Program combined offer are just now offering investment rebates up to $1,500 to homeowners, and that federal tex credits now offset up to $1,500 of homeowner's costs for installing energy efficient heating, cooling, or weatherization.
 
The group decided to hold its next meeting at Debbie Bernstien's house before the next monthly BTC membership meeting, in order to plan future actions.  The date and time for the meeting will be e-mailed to all members once the committee members are surveyed about their availaiblity.   
·       
      4.  Political Group Be a resource to help out on political issues, help people from our group run for office, get involved with local political committees
 
Meeting Location Change:  Tricia Shore.  Next Meeting at the Dominican Retreat in Elkins Park.  Space has been donated for our meeting.
 
Mission Statement:
We actively support President Obama's vision for change at the grassroots level by working for economic and social justice, political change, environmental sustainability, international human rights, and the betterment of our community.
 
Announcements:
 
Nominations for steering committee go to Meg@sheketoff.com by March 23, 2009.
 
Next Meeting at the Dominican Retreat—The Elkins Estate in Elkins Park (across from the Post Office and next to where Tyler School of Art)  April 22 (note the change of date).
 
Solar Thermal Energy Workshop for Homeowners March 25 @ 6:45 – 8:45 Elkins Park Library
 
Documentary and Panel Discussion on health care and childbirth Friday March 20 @ 7:30 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center 2780 Buck Road, Bryn Athyn, For more information call (215-947-5545).
 
Current Issues:
     -1.7 Judgeships up in Montgomery County and all 7 are good (Nate).  We could have the first Democrat, woman and/or African American on the court.  Contact Nate if you want to help out (610-564-4118).  Many cross filed, so it is important to be educated as to who is recommended.
     -1.Several people mentioned that we should get more involved with support for Obama’s agenda.
 
 
 
 
Biographies of the candidates for Judicial in Montgomery County (be sure to vote in this primary in May)
 
 
Cheryl Lynne Austin, Esquire
Abington resident, Cheryl Lynne Austin is an attorney practicing elder law, criminal defense and estate resolution.  She also serves as a Montgomery County Assistant Public Defender.  Previously, Austin held the position of Assistant District Attorney for Montgomery County, where she prosecuted individuals charged with felony and white collar crimes.  Ms. Austin is an adjunct professor at Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, PA, teaching a course titled, “Counseling Families Undergoing Legal Crises.”
 
At Northwestern University, Austin entered the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps in its first class of women.  Upon graduation from Northwestern, she was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy. In 2004, she retired as a U.S. Navy Captain, after 24 years of active duty and reserve service. Cheryl attended Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio at night, while working as Human Resources Director for the Ohio Secretary of State.
 
Cheryl Austin has been recognized by the American Business Women’s Association as an “Outstanding Business Woman” and was named a “Rising Star” among Elder Law attorneys by Philadelphia Magazine.  She was also featured in the PA Commission on Women-sponsored book Voices.
 
Ms. Austin is co-chair of the Diversity Committee of the Montgomery Bar Association, vice-chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Willow Grove, PA chapter of the NAACP.  She is a member of the Laurel House Advisory Board and the Willow Grove, PA chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.
 
Cheryl Austin and her husband, Mike, reside in Roslyn, PA with their daughter, Jessie.  They enjoy traveling and biking.
 
Joel B. Bernbaum, Esquire
 
Mr. Bernbaum is Special Counsel to the Montgomery County law firm of Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy and Kramer, LLP; his practice is concentrated in family law. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, serving as President of the PA Chapter in 2007. He is a member of the American, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Montgomery Bar Associations with active participation in their respective family law sections and/or committees. He is currently Co-Chair of the PBA’s Technology Taskforce. He is a former Director and Chair of the Family Law Section of the Montgomery Bar Association and served two terms on the Council of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Family Law Section.
 
He is a frequent writer and lecturer for continuing legal education programs, business groups and community organizations. He received his B.A. from Long Island University and his J.D. in 1977 from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois.
 
He is married to Debra Bernbaum for 21 years and resides with Debra and their son Myles, a 10th grade student of Lower Merion H.S., in Bala Cynwyd, PA. He coached baseball in the Lower Merion Little League for 10 years, serving as the league’s President in 2005 and 2006. He served on the Board of Directors of the Lupus Foundation of Delaware Valley from 1987 to 2006 and has been active in many other charities.
 
Richard P. Haaz, Esquire
 
Richard P. Haaz, Esquire, is a trial attorney who has represented victims of discrimination, abuse and neglect for over thirty years. Mr. Haaz is “highly recommended” by the Judiciary Committee of the Montgomery County Bar Association regarding his qualifications, demeanor and experience to become a judge. Mr. Haaz is also “AV” rated which is the highest rating awarded by his peers.
 
Mr. Haaz is a hearing committee member for the Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mr. Haaz started his career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable I. Raymond Kremer. Mr. Haaz is chairman of the Medical/Legal Committee for the Montgomery County Bar Association and Solicitor and long-time board member to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) which serves over 4,000 “at risk” children.
 
Rich and his wife, Jennifer, celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary this past Valentine’s Day and have three children, Ben, Sam and Chloe and two dogs. Rich is a graduate of Abington High School, Penn State University and the Franklin Pierce Law Center and has been a resident of Montgomery County for over thirty-five years.
 
Jeffrey M. Lindy, Esquire
 
Jeffrey M. Lindy, Esquire, is a former federal and state prosecutor having served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and as an Assistant District Attorney for the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York.  Mr. Lindy has owned and operated his own law firm since 1995 where he concentrates his practice in federal and state criminal defense and commercial litigation.  He has conducted numerous jury trials and argued many appeals in both federal and state trial and appellate courts. In 1992, the U.S. Attorney General personally presented Mr. Lindy with the John Marshall Award for outstanding legal achievement. 
 
Mr. Lindy is an Assistant County Solicitor having been appointed by the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to represent County mental health facilities on a part time basis during involuntary commitment hearings.  He formerly served as President of The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd and as a Board member of the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women.  Mr. Lindy currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Union Fire Association and the Board of the Education Foundation of Lower Merion.  In 2006, the Bala Cynwyd civic association honored Mr. Lindy by presenting him with the Citizen of the Year Award. 
 
Mr. Lindy is a graduate of the Temple University School of Law and Cornell University, and earned Dean’s List distinction at both universities.
 
Mr. Lindy was born in Montgomery County and now lives in Bala Cynwyd with his wife Nancy, and their two children, Isaac and Olivia, who attend the Lower Merion public schools. 
 
Lois Murphy, Esquire
 
Lois Murphy met her husband of nearly 20 years, Benjamin Eisner, while attending Harvard Law School.  Lois and Ben have lived in Lower Merion for 16 years and have two daughters, Emily and Lily, who attend Lower Merion public schools.
 
Ms. Murphy served as a law clerk for Judge Pratt of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and served in the Honors Program of the United States Department of Justice as a trial and appellate litigator.  Murphy was associate legal counsel to the NARAL Pro-Choice America, a non-profit advocacy organization, where she contributed to two briefs to the United States Supreme Court and assisted in crafting state and federal legislation and litigation strategies to protect fundamental constitutional rights.  Murphy has practiced law with Heckscher, Teillon, Terrill & Sager, in West Conshohocken, where she became a partner in the field of trusts and estates, Orphans’ Court litigation and charitable planning.   She has substantial experience appearing in court in Montgomery County.
 
Lois Murphy currently serves as a Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.  In 2004 and 2006 Murphy was a candidate for United States Congress in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which includes portions of Montgomery County, Chester County and Berks County Pennsylvania, in one of the closest and most hotly contested contests in the nation.
           
Michael Shields, Esquire
 
Michael C. Shields, Esquire, established his own private practice in 1984 concentrating in civil, criminal and family court matters.  Currently, Michael specializes in civil litigation, estates, zoning and alternative dispute resolution in which area he serves as an arbitrator and a mediator selected by trial counsel to resolve civil actions which would otherwise be decided by the Court of Common Pleas. He has served as a Court-appointed Discovery Master since 1996 in which capacity he hears civil motions pending before the Court and makes recommendations to the Court on the merits of such motions. Mr. Shields has also served as Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board of Norristown and has been Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board of West Conshohocken for twenty (20) years.
 
Mr. Shields has been a resident of Montgomery County since childhood.  He was raised in Flourtown and has lived in Upper Dublin Township since 1975.  Michael and Christine are the parents of two (2) adult sons, Michael and Colin, and the proud grandparents of James and Maggie.
 
Mr. Shields is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Villanova University and Villanova Law School.  His legal education was interrupted by military service from 1968 to 1970 during which time he served in the Republic of Korea as a member of the 7th Infantry Division.
 
Mr. Shields was evaluated by the Judiciary Committee of the Montgomery Bar Association and rated “Highly Recommended.”
 
Ann Thornburg Weiss, Esquire
Ann Thornburg Weiss has been a lawyer with the Timoney Knox law firm in Fort Washington, Montgomery County since 1984.  She is a graduate of Gettysburg College and Temple University School of Law.  Following law school, she served as Law Clerk to the Hon. Donald E. Wieand of the PA Superior Court.  The focus of her law practice at present is on municipal and real estate law, including zoning and land development, and litigation.  She has served as Solicitor and Special Litigation Council for municipal governments and authorities in Montgomery, Bucks and Lehigh Counties and has also represented private clients on real estate zoning, land development and condemnation matters before local municipalities and agencies and in court.  Ms. Weiss worked for approximately ten years as Special Counsel to the North Penn and North Wales Water Authorities in connection with the Point Pleasant Water Diversion Project, known as “the PUMP.”   
 
Ms. Weiss is the Clerk of Courts in Montgomery County, a position to which she was elected in 2007.  She served on the Board of Commissioners of Upper Dublin Township from 2002 through 2007.  She is very active in the community, presently serving on the Board of Directors of the Ambler Community Ambulance and volunteering with the Interfaith Hospitality Network. She was a Council Member and President of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, where she teaches first grade Sunday School and serves as Coordinator of the Cradle Roll.   Ms. Weiss has been married to John Weiss since 1979; they have one son, John Jr., a freshman at the University of Michigan.