INTERVIEW edited by Bonnie Wicklund

Sybil Cantor

Sybil Cantor, our Email Coordinator, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and her twin brother, Bernie, were the youngest of five. Being a twin was a wonderful experience. Sadly, Bernie died almost four years ago. Sybil graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S in mathematics and a minor in political science. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D. C. to work as a mathematician at the Bureau of Standards (now NIST). After a year in D.C., she returned to Pittsburgh to marry Morey. Before beginning a family, she worked for three years at IBM as a systems analyst. After three years in Pittsburgh, the Cantors moved to Buffalo, New York, and then to Maryland.

Sybil and Morey have three wonderful children, two sons and a daughter. They also have five (soon to be six) grandchildren. When her youngest was in first grade, Sybil returned to work, part-time at first and then full time. Most of her career has been designing computer programs for companies in support of the Defense Department. She also provided cost estimates for FAA systems.

Sybil retired in 2005, but she remains extremely busy. Besides being the Email Coordinator for WDC, she is the registrar and a vice-president for the Brandeis National Committee. She takes a yoga class, belongs to three bridge groups, plays mahjongg, belongs to a book club, and has been a member of a weekly Torah Study group at Temple Beth Ami for over 40 years. However, her favorite activity is her oil painting class.

READING

I wish I had time to read more. The last four books I have read and enjoyed are My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd and Old Filth by Jane Gardam.

VIEWING

I love the theater. Washington is a wonderful area for regional theater. This past year, I have had subscriptions to the Olney, Round House, Studio and Signature Theatres. I also love movies, but I don't watch too much television. Masterpiece Theater on PBS is always my favorite, but I confess to enjoying "24" and "The Good Wife," too.

TRAVEL

Morey and I enjoy traveling. Last year we took a Mediterranean cruise, and in August we are taking a Baltic cruise. Over the years, the trips I remember the best were the first trip to Europe when I was twenty-three, a cruise with another couple along the Marne-Rhine Canal in a penichette barge piloted by the four of us, a trip to Israel, and two wonderful trips to Ireland.

URGENT POLITICAL ISSUE

There are so many urgent political issues. First of all, we need to have a government that works together so that we can solve the other issues, which include climate change, a crumbling infrastructure, and a weakened educational system. We need to put people back to work, not just in low-paying jobs. We need to bring industry back to the United States. It would be nice if the United States produced something - not just provided services.

Also, I would love to see elections financed by tax money and regulated by a government agency. There should be a limit on television ads and the amount of money spent on newspaper ads, flyers, etc. for each candidate. I would like to see a four year term for the House of Representatives and a two term limit for both the House and the Senate. They should not have to be working on their re-election as soon as they are elected. I believe so much money is wasted on elections. The Congress should be there to work for their constituents and for the country, not for special interest groups.