LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS

July is a month of freedom (for school kids!), of extra planning (for parents!) and of long lazy wonderful days, drinking iced tea on backyard patios or lounging poolside with friends. It is also the month that NCJW/Cleveland renewals are due. If you are an annual member, you should have received our renewal letter. If you haven't, please let us know and we will be happy to send another one out.

In celebration of both summer and of our new and prospective members, NCJW/Cleveland will be hosting a membership event on Wednesday, July 8th at 7:30 pm at the home of Gayl Berger in Pepper Pike. There will be s'mores and wine, and the chance to mingle with some of the amazing women that make NCJW/Cleveland tick.  This event is not limited to "new members." If you are an NCJW/Cleveland member who is looking to get connected or re-connected to the organization, we invite you to come as well.  We know that people's schedules change according to their stage in life. We strive to make it easy for both new and returning members to become integrated into our organization  by holding fun, social opportunities to learn about the meaningful projects NCJW/Cleveland has taken on -- like our Foster Care Focus initiative, and our new Partners in Literacy project with the Warner Girls Leadership Academy.

If you can't make the membership event, Amy Zlotnik, NCJW/Cleveland's new vice president of membership, and I are available to meet for coffee or lunch to answer any questions you might have about the organization and help get you connected. Give me a call at 216-378-2204 ext 105 or email me at [email protected] to set up a time to chat.

We look forward to meeting - or getting re-acquainted - with all of you!

Enjoy your iced tea!

All my best,

 

Becky


PROGRAM AND EDUCATION
Esther Spott, Vice President

SAVE THE DATE

NCJW/Cleveland's 121st Opening Meeting

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Speaker is Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent and The Boston Girl

 

BREAST CANCER TALK

DR. HOLLY PEDERSON, Cleveland Clinic Staff Physician and Director of Medical Breast Services; Assistant Professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Date:        August 26, 2015

Location: Beechmont Country Club

Time:        7:00 p.m.

Cost:        Complimentary to NCJW and Beechmont Members.  Registration is open to non-members after 

                Wednesday, August 12th for $10 (may be applied towards NCJW/Cleveland membership).  Seating is 

                limited.

RSVP:      Must  RSVP no later than Wednesday, August 19th - NCJW/Cleveland Office to Suzanne Troll at  216-378-                            2204 ext. 101. Please no walk-ins.

Chair:      Dana Morris

Dr. Pederson specializes in breast cancer risk assessment and  prevention, breast diagnostics, benign breast disease, breast  cancer genetics and high risk  management.  Her talk will touch  on some of these topics.

 

MALTZ MUSEUM GUIDED TOUR

CHASING DREAMS: BASEBALL AND BECOMING AMERICAN

Join us for a great summer outing at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.  This exhibition looks at the integration of baseball and focuses on the African-Americans, Jews and Native-Americans.

Date:         Wednesday, July 29, 2015Hispanics and other minorities who broke cultural barriers in baseball.  The exhibition is interactive and contains memorabilia from famous players such as Hank Greenberg, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax and many others!  Looking forward to seeing you, your spouses, significant others and friends at the Maltz.

Time:         7:00 p.m.

Location:  Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Rd. in Beachwood

Cost:         $10, NCJW/Cleveland Members; $13 Non - members; Free for Maltz Museum Members

RSVP:       NCJW office, Suzanne Troll, 216-378-2204 ext.101 no later than Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Chair:        Jane Kintslinger

 

THE MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT

The summer programs will be held at Cain Park, Alma Theater at 7:00 p.m.  No NCJW/Cleveland discounts are

 available for these concerts.  Tickets must be purchased through the Cain Park Ticket Office: 216-371-3000.  A

 discount is available if you arrange a group of ten or more.

July 23 - Anything You Can Do: The Big Battle of the Sexes; Bill Rudman & Nancy Maier

August 6 - Vocal Minority: The Amazing Female Songwriters featuring Cassie Goldbach, 

            Ursula Cataan, Nancy Maier and Heather Meeker

August 13 - I Am What I Am: Gays, Lesbians and the American Musical

Chair:  Claire Biel

ADVOCACY
Roberta Herman, Vice President



"Do You Want Your Child To Play At A Park Allowing Parents To Possess Concealed Guns?"

House Bill 48, which is moving through our Ohio State Legislature, purports to give gun owners the right to bring guns to colleges, schools, day care centers and other places where people congregate. The sponsors of this Bill are quoting inaccurate statistics from a "supposed study" about the relationship between crime and gun carriers in populated areas.

 

NCJW is determined to shed light on the inaccuracies of this so-called research.  We want our members to contact Ohio House and Senate representatives to make certain that House Bill 48 does not become law. Members of the NCJW/Cleveland/GCC team may contact you to reach out to our legislature. They will provide the correct information and urge you to call. 

NCJW/Cleveland/GCC meets monthly to share current activity surrounding the issues of gun violence.  The next meeting is Wednesday, 

July 8 at 9:30 a.m. Bring your energy and power to help effect change.  Contact Lynn Kleinman, [email protected]


 

Women's Reproductive Justice

On the heels of "Don't Step on Our Rights!," the successful NCJW rally and lobby day at the Ohio Statehouse to     

protest pending bills that would limit reproductive freedom, we are working to determine our focus for the coming year. We welcome new ideas and new voices.  If you are interested in Reproductive Justice, please contact the following:

Cyndy Fellenbaum: [email protected], 216-346-3159

Dana Trau: [email protected], 216-407-5545

Laura Kuntz: [email protected], 216-591-0644

 

S.O.A.P. (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution)

NCJW/Cleveland has the opportunity to do meaningful hands on work to combat human trafficking in local area hotel/motels.  In conjunction with the Cleveland area S.O.A.P Team, we can make a difference by spending just a few hours per month, doing outreach at assigned local hotels/motels.  Statistics show that these are hot spots for human trafficking.


 
Working in teams of 3 or 4, we will make hotel staff aware of the crisis and distribute information, including bars of soap labeled with the Human Trafficking Hotline number. 

 

S.O.A.P. stands for 'Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution' and is a national hands-on outreach to fight sex trafficking at large events and in communities.  If you are interested in participating in this important effort, contact Elaine Geller: [email protected].

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Debbie Joseph, Vice President

 

Community service never rests, no matter the season!  There are volunteer activities ongoing during the summer, as well as those that begin with the school year, for which we're currently recruiting volunteers.  See the varied activities below and find where you fit in this summer or fall.  We need you and urge you to join us.

 

SUMMER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

DONE IN A DAY

Think of the comfort and cheer we bring to women who have had breast cancer surgery, just by doing a little stuffing and sewing.  We have created more than 300 brightly-colored heart-shaped pillows and we aren't stopping yet! Come join us! The pillows will already be sewn. We will stuff them and hand-sew a 4-inch seam.  If you can't sew, that's fine; come to stuff and make cards. Call Rebecca Brouman for more information and to RSVP at 216.378.2204 ext. 105

Date:          Friday, July 10, 2015

Time:         10:00 a.m.

Location:   NCJW/Cleveland

Chairs:      Joanne Grossberg and Susan Ringel


 
 

BUILDING BRIDGES WITH BOOKS, NCJW/Cleveland's newest Partners in Literacy project, NEEDS YOU to process library books for the Cleveland Metropolitan School,  Warner Girl's Leadership Academy.  THE GRAND REOPENING of this library is the afternoon of August 14

If you love books and can give a few hours per week to process books and/or work on the opening event, contact Ellen Leavitt: [email protected], chair of the project.


 

SHARE WHAT YOU WEAR, the wonderful, feel good August 10-11 event where NCJW provides gently used clothing and backpacks full of school supplies to kids in foster or kinship care NEEDS YOUR HELP sorting donations throughout the summer, setting up the event on August 10 and helping children find the clothing they need on the day of the event, August 11th.

If you love to see smiles on children's faces, contact

Kelly Markowitz: [email protected]; Jill Braun: [email protected] or Debbie Rosenthal: [email protected].

 

 

KOSHER FOOD BANK: Held the second Wednesday of the month

Fill food bags for observant Jews and others who can't afford healthful meals.

Date:          Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Time         3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Location:   Green Road Synagogue, 2437 Green Road in Beachwood

Chair:         Shelly Friedman at 440-247-7900

 

 

DIGKNITTY MEETINGS -  9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Knit comfort items, such as blankets, hats, scarves, teddy bears and more for foster care children with other caring NCJW members.  It's the 21st century version of the 18th century sewing circle..  You can also join to learn to knit with this group! If you knit but can't make the meetings, we can provide you with yarn and patterns.

July sessions

Wednesday, July 1 at Orange Library

Thursday, July 9 at NCJW/Cleveland Large Conference Room

Wednesday, July 15 at NCJW/Cleveland Large Conference Room

Thursday, July 23 at Beachwood Library

Wednesday, July 29 at NCJW/Cleveland Large Conference Room

 

AUTUMN OPENINGS

HELLO ISRAEL, a social studies program educating sixth graders in schools with little or no Jewish population about Israel and its history, diversity and progress.  NCJW/Cleveland will train you to educate students about the cultural, not religious, aspects of the country. 

Contact Ruth Dombcik: [email protected] if you are interested.  (You don't have to be a former teacher to participate.)

 

 

READER'S THEATER, a once-per-week, three-week program for fourth graders combines reading and performance to promote greater l

iteracy and reading comprehension.  Volunteers participate in a drama/literacy technique which teaches students to present a play using a script.  Training is provided.  If you try it once, we guarantee you will love it!

Contact Shelly Friedman: [email protected] or Estelle Bonchek: [email protected] for information.  (You don't have to be an actress to participate!)

 

 

READING BUDDIES, a one-on-one reading program for first graders, needs volunteers to listen to students read.  Just listening helps them progress.  The commitment is once per month.  Currently we are at Roxboro School in Cleveland Heights and Warner Girls' Leadership 

Academy in Cleveland.

Contact Liz Rumizen: [email protected] or Rita Langer: [email protected] for more information.


 

BOOK CLUB, a fifth grade program, involves volunteers meeting with six students once per
month to discuss a pre-assigned book over a pizza lunch, provided by NCJW.   Training is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27 at 10 a.m.  The program operates in 12 schools.

Contact Wendie Forman[email protected] , for more information and to sign up for training. 

 

 

YEAR-ROUND NEEDS

PARTNERS IN LITERACY

Gently used children's and young adult books, children's costumes, props and accessories such as hats, masks, scarves and costume jewelry are in demand for our programs.  We will repurpose these items for use in our projects.  Please drop off your donations at the NCJW office during regular hours.  Thank you.

 

OPERATION WARM UP 2015

It's finally hot in Cleveland. It's hard to remember being freezing cold in the winter. And it's even harder to put ourselves in the position of people who don't have coats, hats and gloves to keep them warm.  This year, NCJW/Cleveland will once again lead Operation Warm Up, a community collection of winter clothing items for those in need. We will start collecting in November, but you can start helping right now! Here are some suggestions:


 
When you clean out your closets this summer, put aside these items if they are gently used:

   Adult waterproof winter gloves

            Winter hats for men, women and children

            Coats

            Adult hoodies (size XL and up)

Use your coupons for this cause! There is a great need for NEW pre -  packaged socks and underwear for men, women and  children. If you get "extra bucks" at drug stores, department stores and/or general merchandise stores, please  consider making these purchases, on behalf of those in need.


 
Involve your children! Encourage them to save some of their allowance each week from now until the month of  October. Then, go shopping and let them pick out socks, gloves, hats, etc. They will learn compassion for those in need, and they will feel great             knowing that they can help keep someone warm this winter.  Thank you!  Co-Chairs:  Julianna Senturia and Susan Ringel


 
Questions? Contact Becky Brouman, Director of Volunteers: [email protected], or call her at 216-378-2204 ext. 105.        

FUND DEVELOPMENT
Barb Shane, Vice President

I look forward to serving as NCJW Cleveland VP of Fund Development for the 2015-16 year and involving many of you in planning for NCJW's financial future!  There are so many ways to financially support NCJW/Cleveland's mission.


 

ENDOWMENTS ET AL

We are beginning to map out programs for the coming year to educate members on easy, effective ways to establish legacy bequests, endowments and stock transfers as donations to NCJW/Cleveland.

 

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

We begin NCJW's Annual Campaign, a major source of funding, in early fall with Elise Goldner and Adrienne Siegel as Annual Fund chairs.  With your support, we know it will be a successful endeavor to support NCJW's program, projects and initiatives to improve life for women, children and families. 

 

NOTE CARDS AND TRIBUTE CARDS

NCJW/Cleveland sells beautiful note and tribute cards at the office.  Stop by to purchase them.  They are a great way to benefit NCJW/ Cleveland while offering congratulations, condolences or recognition of special occasions. 


 

TRIBUTES FROM JUNE(Click here)

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me at: [email protected] or 440-498-1126,  if you have fund development related questions or suggestions.  I would love to hear your ideas.

 

Thank you!

MEMBERSHIP
Amy Zlotnik, Vice President

NCJW MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

July begins a new membership year and a new opportunity to get connected with NCJW/Cleveland.  You should

have received information regarding your NCJW/Cleveland annual membership renewal. Please be sure to fill your membership renewal form out and help maintain NCJW's strong presence as we work to improve the lives of women, children and families.

 

NEW AND PROSPECTIVE MEMBER EVENT

Enjoy a nice summer evening by the fire with drinks, s'mores, and other desserts while learning "s'more" about NCJW/Cleveland with other new and prospective members.

Date:         Wednesday, July 8

Time:         7:30-9:30 pm.

Location:  The home of Gayl Berger in Pepper Pike (address provided upon registration)

RSVP:        Becky Brouman at: [email protected] or 216-378-2204 ext. 105

 

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE RENEWAL INFORMATION
In the event you have changed your cell phone number, discontinued your land line, changed your email address or mailing address, please be sure to inform Annette Paley at: [email protected] or 216-378-2204 ext. 106.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Kyla Epstein Schneider
Rabbi Lauren Werber

WELCOME TO OUR NEW ANNUAL MEMBERS
Lisa Bell                    Sue Berkens                           Sylvia Butler            Faith Eisenberg             Irene Immerman           Heidi Katz   
Gail Kerzner               Debbie Kusner                        Terri Leikin              Susan Levey                 Wendy Levick              Jan Rutsky             
Heather Schlang         Jackie Schwartz                     Elaine Siegel           Ellen Weiner              

WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU OF THE PASSING OF:
Bette Braff
Maureen Hack
Evelyn Klein
Esther E. Saginor
RETAIL OPERATIONS
Wendy Elconin and Michele Kaminsky, Vice Presidents

COUNTDOWN TO DDD 2015!

Mark your calendars for DDD 2015.  Preview day is Friday, October 23.  The entrance fee for this special day of shopping is $20. The sale officially opens on Sunday, October 25 - 27.  Be watching the next few bulletins for information about how you can help by volunteering during set up, tear down and the sale itself.  We will include

 the sign up form for volunteering in the next 3 bulletins and also on the NCJW/Cleveland website.

 

Our warehouse is already bursting with fabulous clothes and accessories, but we can handle it, so please continue

to send us your gently used clothes, purses and jewelry during the summer. 

 

DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED

You can drop off your items at the NCJW Main Office/Warehouse located at:

26055 Emery Road, Warrensville Hts, 44128

Monday thru Friday 

9:00 am - 4:00 pm 

 

We supply the tax deduction form.

 

NEED A FREE PICK UP FOR FURNITURE?

CALL ABBE TODAY AT 216.378.2264

COMMUNICATIONS 
Leslie Resnik

NCJW/CLEVELAND LAUNCHED A MAGAZINE THIS MONTH

NCJW/Cleveland, in partnership with Northeast Ohio Parent, has published a magazine called LIVESPECIAL.COM with Alana Gohn, daughter of livespecial.com's  co-founders, Elaine Eisner and Scott Gohn, as cover story.  It's an annual publication that features articles and ads of special interest to families caring for individuals with special needs - and a list of the 900 resources listed on NCJW's livespecial.com website.


 

The articles go in depth to uncover little-known resources that improve lives.  Advertisers responded magnificently to the call to create meaningful ads and articles. And, best of all, this publication brings increased awareness of the NCJW website to the people who need it most.  The magazine will be distributed in doctor's offices, at events for people with special needs and at other resources used by this population.  You may access

the publication at http://ncjwcleveland.org/2015/06/live-special-a-resourse-guide-for-individuals-with-special-needs-and-their-families/. 

Huge credit goes to the NCJW committee that guided the magazine's creation: Linda Barnett, Cindy Glazer, Elaine Eisner, Wendy Spitz, Mindi Axner and Leslie Resnik.