How Many Hot Dogs Does It Take to Feed an Annual Meeting?

Last Sunday’s first annual Genesis Picnic brought members of Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare's together for food and conversation before the 2026 Genesis Annual Meeting.

On that hot and muggy day, attendees opted to enjoy hot dogs, potluck salads, and even tastier conversation in the air-conditioned comfort of the Social Hall.

Sally Brieloff of the events committee guarded the hot dogs as much as served them, worried about a potential deluge of hungry people coming from another meeting without RSVPs. She may have been on to something. By the time people began their exodus to the sanctuary for the annual meeting, no kosher hot dogs and but a mere handful of “not dogs” remained in evidence.

For those who had attended that other meeting and the picnic, it was already a long day, so the annual meeting was kept brief.

Committee reports provided a snapshot of the past year at Genesis. Attendees heard updates from the building committee on the new fire alarm system, the expansion of our solar panels, the installation of new kitchen equipment, and the completion of the FEMA-funded door security project. The grounds committee introduced the Wednesday Garden Crew initiative and highlighted their continued work in the Native Michigan Plant Garden. Other committees reported on staffing, progress toward our carbon neutrality goals, digital systems, and community events planning.

Members also learned where things stand with the long-term reserve plan. The tri-board meeting originally planned for earlier that day had been cancelled because the key decisions had already been made by the three boards. Genesis will move forward with the middle‑path reserve plan approach, with the Building Committee reporting every six months on upcoming needs and possible projects.

President Mark David-Craig announced an important change in Genesis governance. Following approval by both congregations, the Genesis Board will expand this year from eight to ten voting members. Reed Newland and Cathy Stone will join the board in the new positions, while Sarah Barbrow will become St. Clare's new liaison.

Jim Downward at the 2025 Annual Meeting

The evening concluded with recognition of Jim Downward, whose latest term on the board has come to an end. Mark Davis-Craig thanked Jim for his many years of service, describing him as a source of Genesis's institutional memory and collective wisdom. The room responded with a standing ovation.

Thanks to the Events Committee, the many people who brought food to share, and everyone who attended.

Now we are counting the days until the second annual Genesis Picnic.