Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friend,
 
November bring the anticipation and excitement of Thanksgiving.  The tradition is one of my favorites because it brings families together, makes us stop our routines to spend the day with people we love while feasting over good food enjoying stimulating conversation.
 
As we plan for the 12th Annual Lois Zaas Advocacy Lecture (Aging Out of Foster Care, Overcoming the Odds) on November 18th, I cannot help but experience the sorrow for the many children that will never have the opportunity to create happy memories as we've been fortunate to do over the hears.  Many of these children in and aging out of foster care get shuttled from house to house often not knowing where they will end up next.  These children struggle to be thankful at  this time of year.
 
I'm thankful this year that we have expanded our programs to assist these children.  We have engaged in
  • Self Esteem Building to help foster care kids gain the confidence they need to feel good about themselves.
  • Dignity and More, supplying duffle bags and necessities such as toiletries, school supplies and hand-knitted comfort pieces to make transitions less traumatic.
  • Share What You Wear to collect, then distribute, back-to-school clothing and supplies to children in need.
  • Holiday Programming for children who've aged out of foster care and have no family with which to celebrate holidays.
  • Human Trafficking education and outreach since a large percentage of trafficked youth were formerly in foster care.
As I sit at my Thanksgiving table this year sharing all the reasons I'm thankful, I will be sure to discuss helping foster care children. Please join me and NCJW in these efforts.  

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
Mindi 
SAVE THE DATE
Annual Lois Zaas Memorial Advocacy Lecture 2015
Aging Out of Foster Care:  Overcoming the Odds
Date:         Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015
Time:          6:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Resource Fair
                  7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Program Lecture                       and dessert
Location:   Temple Emanu El, 4545 Brainard                        Rd., Orange

Free and Open To The Public
  •    How can you help kids who are now in foster care and those who are about to            age out?
  •    Can you imagine an 18 year-old suddenly totally on their own with no family and    no support system -- needing to find a place to live, a job, figuring out how to navigate  our educational, medical and financial systems?
  •    Why is increasing the aging-out date for children in foster care from 18 to 21 years      old so important?
Find out the answers to those questions and more from our speakers and organizations at the Resource Fair.

Keynote speakers:   
Paula McLain , best-selling author of The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun and her memoir, Like Family: Growing Up in Othe r People's Houses  chronicles her experiences growing up in foster care homes.                              
 
Jeffrey A. Lox , Chief Operating Officer for Bellefaire JCB 
As the Bellefaire's chief clinician and clinical liaison to the community, Jeffrey Lox will share his experiences and offer ways to help foster children aging out of the system.    

Resource Fair
A Place 4 Me                                         Open Table
Bellefaire, JCB                                      Operation Warm Up
Fostering Hope                                     Purple Project                          
Girls With Sole                                     Purple Umbrella
NCJW/Cleveland -  Focus on              Renee Jones Empowerment Center
Foster Care Committee

Program and Education
Esther Spott, Vice President

COLUMBUS WINTERFAIR BUS DAY TRIP
DON'T DELAY-CALL TODAY!
Don't miss this opportunity to attend the fabulous Columbus art show featuring jewelry, wearable art, pottery, glass, fiber art, paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, and much more.   And we're going on the opening day!
Date:         Friday, Dec. 4th
Time:        Arrive at 7:30 a.m.  Bus leaves at 7:45 a.m. and returns at   at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Location:  Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Boulevard in Beachwood 
Cost:         $35.00 - Includes a comfortable chartered bus ride, snacks and admission                                     to Winterfair.
RSVP:       Suzanne Troll at the NCJW office (216) 378-2204 Ext. 101 by Nov. 4th.  Reserve                         quickly as space is  limited.
Chair:       Saundra Bohl
 
ART BIO SERIES
Suzanne Valadon  - Modeling for several of the most important painters of her day, she transformed herself from an artist's model into a successful artist.  Known as the "mistress of Montmartre" living by the phrase "Vive l'amour", she created powerful, and controversial figure paintings.
Date:         Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Time:        10:30 - 11:30      
Location:   Beachwood Cleveland Clinic, 26900 Cedar Road (conference                    rooms are located at the West   entrance of the building. Valet                    parking is available at no charge, but please tip generously!
Cost:          $10.00 NCJW members $15 non-members-registration open 
to non-members after November 18, 2015.
RSVP:        NCJW Office, Suzanne Troll 216-378-2204 Ext. 101
                 Pre-paid reservations are required.  Space is limited.  No walk-ins, please!
Chairs:       Laurie Biales, Judy Weingold and Ellen Young
 
THE MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT
The upcoming feature is Zorba, In-Concert Musical
Dec. 5, 2:00 p.m., Stump Theater, Kent State
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., Beck Center.
Tickets available through TMTP Box Office,  216-245-8687
General Admission, $22 for NCJW, $21 senior rate
 
Coming in 2016 on Jan. 30 - Jan. 31 - Curtain Up on the Cotton Club with Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square. Identify yourself as a NCJW member to receive a $4.00 discount per ticket from the Playhouse Square Box Office: 216-241-6000 .  You may order online at ( MusicalTheaterProject.or g ) and use the discount code as NCJW. Service fees apply unless purchased in person.
Liaison:   Claire Biel
 
JOIN THE NCJW BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Books are for sharing and a lively discussion with friends can deepen your appreciation of current literature.  The NCJW Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each month, September - June, from 1-2 p.m. at the Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library on Richmond Road.  Led by moderator Amy Rosenfield, the discussion is open only to NCJW members.  There is no fee to participate, however, we collect an optional ($5 suggested) donation per session for our moderator.  At our next meeting on November 5, we will discuss Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf.  
RSVP by calling 216-378-2204 or email [email protected].
Future dates and book selections:
December 3 -  Father of the Rain by Lily King
January 7 - Life Drawing by Robin Black
CHAIR:  Susan Kahn
 
NCJW/Cleveland SUNDAY BOOK CLUB MEETING
Our November discussion will be on The Ghost at the Table by Suzanne Berne.
Date:         Sunday, November 15, 2015
Time:        10:00 a.m.
Location:  Panera at Harvard/Richmond
RSVP:       [email protected]
Future date and book selection: December 13, 2015 - The Bridal Chair by Gloria Goldreich
Wendy Spitz, Livespecial.com Coordinator

KELLY'S HOLLYWOOD
There's Hollywood, California and now there's "Kelly's Hollywood."  This special film awaits the tender-hearted.
 
Kelly Donovan, a young woman with Down syndrome, is the focus of this sensational documentary written and produced by her brother, Brian. It tells the story of Kelly's quest to make it in Tinsel Town -- and the unbreakable bond with her brother. A must-see, especially for siblings and family members!
 
The film was featured this summer at the Sprout Film Festival in NYC, at the Special Olympics World Games in L.A. and at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Chennai, India.  And, now, it is coming to Lakewood, OH!
 
We are in need of volunteers to distribute "Livespecial" magazines at the film showing of the acclaimed documentary, Kelly's Hollywood .  (Click here) to view the flyer.
 
Date:          Sunday, November 15, 2015
Time:        3:00 p.m.
Location:   Beck Center for the Arts, Music and Dance Building; 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood                      44107
 
Please call NCJW/Cleveland Coordinator Wendy Spitz at 216-509-5015 or email her at
[email protected]  if you can assist.
Advocacy
Roberta Herman, Vice President


CITY TO DISCLOSE GUN VIOLENCE STRATEGY
Blaine Griffin, Executive Director of Community Relations, City of Cleveland, 
will explain the city's efforts to diffuse gun violence and gang-related activity.
Date:           Wednesday, Nov. 11
Time:          7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30.
Location:    Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood

This important conversation, sponsored by NCJW/Cleveland's Greater Cleveland Congregations team who have spent the past year researching safe gun technology, community response to gun violence and alternative actions to help curb these crimes.  Please join us to hear how Cleveland is working with appropriate influential groups in hopes that our community can assist in these efforts to effect real easing of this crime. The event is free and open to the public.  Registration is requested by visiting www.ncjwcleveland.org/rsvp  or call Suzanne Troll at 378-2204, ext. 101 .

WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Join us to take action in support of reproductive justice!  Be part of our focus areas:
 
Legislation
  • Become one of the liaisons to Planned Parenthood and NARAL to help create a unified message of NCJW's support for women's reproductive health and choice.
  • Monitor the currently pending Ohio legislation, as well as anti-choice legislation and activities across the nation.
  • Explore ways in which we can be proactive in letting our legislators know we oppose these severe restrictions on women's rights.
Infant Mortality
  • There is a shockingly high infant mortality rate right here in Cuyahoga County.  Help us join with our Understanding the Issues committee to create an educational evening around this issue, featuring a medical professional who is an expert in the field. 
  • Volunteer for "Done in a Day" for Safe Sleeping with Stork's Nest, an organization that holds monthly meetings for mothers/families from high risk areas of Cuyahoga County. 
Candidates' Night
Help plan this event to take place in the spring, where attendees can find out local candidates' positions on a variety of issues that NCJW Cleveland Section is involved with, from Reproductive Choice to Human Trafficking and more.  
For more information, please contact Cyndy Fellenbaum at [email protected]  or (216)  346-3159 .  Join us!

SPA CORNER
Susan Reis, NCJW, Inc. State Policy Advocate

VOTE "YES" ON ISSUE 1 ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3  
On Tuesday, November 3 we have the opportunity to reverse years of gerrymandering districts by the party in power, that do not allow accurate representation of Ohioans by our elected officials. Please vote yes on Issue 1 to provide bipartisan input to redistricting. This measure is supported by nonpartisan groups including the League of Women Voters.   
 
Save the Date:  Washington Institute:  Sunday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 15.  
Details coming soon!
ADVOCACY IN ACTION AWARD
Leslie Levine, Award Committee Chair

Congratulations to Elaine Geller, the 2015 recipient of the Advocacy in Action Award!  This award recognizes a member who has served as a volunteer for advocacy/social action for a minimum of three years; has exhibited in-depth commitment to advance social causes to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families striving to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all; and shall be an active champion for NCJW's progressive policies at the federal, state and local levels. 
 
Elaine will be recognized on November 18th at the 12th Annual Lois Zaas Memorial Lecture to be held at Temple Emanu El.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Debbie Joseph, Vice President

READER'S THEATRE: Fourth Grade Literacy Program
See how amazing this program is!  We invite you to observe a session.
Date:         November 2, 9, 16 (Mondays)
Time:        10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Feel free to come for just one hour! 
Location:   Eastwood School, 4050 Eastwood Lane, Warrensville Heights, Oh, 44122
Contact:     Estelle Bonchek [email protected]
 
OPERATION WARM UP 2015
Julianna Senturia and Susan Ringel, Co-Chairs

NCJW/Cleveland will once again lead Operation Warm Up, a community-
wide collection of winter clothing items for those in need.  White cardboard
bins that are clearly marked for Operation Warm Up will be going into temples and other Jewish agencies and offices around town.  We will also
have a bin at the NCJW Office.  Dates for collection are November 16 - December 18, 2015. 
 
Committee Meeting - Join us to see how you can help with this worthwhile project.
Date:         Wednesday, November 4
Time:         9:30 a.m.
Location:   NCJW Office-Warehouse H
Contact:    Susan Ringel at [email protected]
                or Julianna Senturia at  [email protected] .
 
We are happy to take your gently used items. In addition, please consider purchasing the following items for donation:
    - Sizes: Large, XL and XXL are greatly needed!
    - Adult waterproof coats, gloves, boots and hoodies
    - Winter hats for men, women and children
    - Unopened packages of socks and underwear for men, women and children
 
PARTNERS IN LITERACY
Committee Meeting - Please join us to learn more about our Literacy programs.
Date:         Thursday, November 5
Time:         9:30 a.m.
Location:   NCJW Warehouse H (down the parking lot from the                              office)
Contact:     Wendie Forman, chair at  [email protected] or                    Debbie Joseph at  [email protected].
 
DONE IN A DAY HEART PILLOWS
Date:           Friday, November 6
Time:          10:00 a.m. 
Location :   NCJW Office
Contact:     Joanne Grossberg at [email protected]
                   or Susan Ringel at [email protected]
 
READING BUDDIES
Date:          Monday, November 16
Time:         9:15 a.m.
Location:   Roxboro School, 2405 Roxboro                    Road, Cleveland Heights.                            Carpooling is available!
Contact:     Rita Langer, Chair                                       [email protected]
 
DIGKNITTY - NCJW/Cleveland's knitting group meets weekly from 9:30 a.m. til noon.
November Meetings
Wednesday, November 4th at NCJW/Cleveland Office
Thursday, November 12th at NCJW/Cleveland Office
Wednesday, November 18th at NCJW/Cleveland Office
Thursday, November 26th  No Meeting - Thanksgiving
Chairs: Sandy Cole, Sandy Levine and Anita Pupa
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Barb Shane, Vice President

November often brings initial thoughts to year end, and for Fund Development, that's especially true. We establish financial goals for each year and reach out to you, our members and supporters, to help us reach those necessary goals.  Your support allows us to continue and initiate programming and events that support our Mission. So, we'd like to be on your gift list!  As you plan your holidays and make year-end philanthropic decisions, please remember all the fabulous programs and endeavors NCJW undertakes.  The bulletins are chock full of great programming and charitable programs and each of these worthwhile actions require sufficient funding to accomplish. 

We communicate our financial needs to you in several ways and provide many alternatives for you to consider.  The Annual Appeal request that you received in early fall, along with our beautiful Jewish New Year's card, is a great way for all our members and supporters to show their financial support for NCJW.  If you have not yet sent in your donation, we ask that you do so soon.  If you need a reminder on how to send in a donation, don't hesitate to call the NCJW office. 

Our upcoming Annual Report will also contain information about giving and you will again see the great things we accomplish as an organization.  As well, if you'd like to discuss other financial giving vehicles such as establishing a Tribute Fund, Endowment, Legacy Bequest or Stock transfer, we would be happy to assist and provide you the information you need.  It's easy to establish these financial gifts and, often, there are wonderful benefits to you as well!

By way of programming, we are very proud of the phenomenal turnout and success of our Life Member Tea to be held on November 3.  This joint undertaking, by our Fund Development and Membership cabinets, is a way for us to re-engage our wonderful life members. 

Your commitment to NCJW is invaluable.  We appreciate your continued support.  If you support NCJW in your heart, then please consider a generous donation to ensure our future!  I'd love to hear from you.  You can reach me at BShane@roadrunnercom or 440-498-1126. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.  I look forward to seeing you at an NCJW/Cleveland event or program soon. 

TRIBUTES(CLICK HERE)
RETAIL OPERATIONS
Wendy Elconin and Michele Kaminsky, Co-Vice Presidents

Designer Dress Days is a Numbers Game!
  • 5500 articles of clothing donated ...........3800 pieces sold
  • 1600 purses collected...........1500 sold
  • More than $250,000 raised
  • 50 DDD cabinet members overseeing the sale
  • 265 volunteers working throughout the sale
  • Countless women, children and families beneficiaries of DDD 2015
We wish we could thank every person - in person - who participated in this, NCJW's largest fund-raiser.  Instead we send you our sincere appreciation for being the most wonderful ambassadors of NCJW.  (Click here) to see the list of all participants.  We regret any errors or omissions.
 

361 Days until DDD 2016!

The warehouse already has several racks of clothes for Designer Dress Days 2016. Donations are coming in daily and the cycle continues.  Remember that we take donations year round and if you missed the sale, be sure to stop in soon at Thriftique.  It is bursting with fabulous finds.
 
DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED year round and if we can't sell it we can recycle it!
Please, though, bring your lovely, gently used clothing on hangers!!!!
 
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 and Appliances?
CALL ABBE TODAY AT 216-378-2264

AND DON'T FORGET THRIFTIQUE!
Come visit, shop, and/or volunteer at Thriftique Showroom located at:
5055 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights, Ohio  44146   PH: 216-378-2264

   
MEMBERSHIP
Amy Zlotnik, Vice President

NEW LIFETIME MEMBERS
Andrea Birnbaum     Elizabeth Rumizen
NEW ANNUAL MEMBERS
Sue Berman     Halle Brunswick Moore     Linda Green
Shelley Marcus          Steven Schecter       Leah Streem
We Regret to Inform You of the Passing of:
Sandra Arnovitz
Sara Braham
Elaine Rocker
COMMUNICATIONS
Leslie Resnik, Vice President

The media has taken notice of NCJW/Cleveland's significant September and October events, publishing eight articles with images and eight ads. 
 
ARTICLES
The Plain Dealer
            10/21/15            Announcement of Designer Dress Days with image of Judith Lieber bag.
Cleveland.com
            10/20/15            Extensive Designer Dress Days Preview article with many images.
CJN
            10/16/15            Designer Dress Days article.
            10/16/15            Scene by Arlene coverage of NCJW's Opening Fall Meeting, with six                                            pictures.
            10/2/15              Article about Anita Diamant's Luncheon Talk.   
Chagrin Valley Times
            10/18/15            Article about Anita Diamant's Main Meeting Talk.  
Beachwood Buzz
            October, 2015   Article about Lois Zaas Advocacy Lecture  J Style
            Fall 2015           Designer Dress Days announcement with images
 
BLOGS
Abby & Elle Upstairs Fashion and Design Blog
             10/08/15            Extensive Preview of Designer Dress Days with many images.
Hallie Abrams: The Wardrobe Consultant
            10/09/15            Extensive Preview of Designer Dress Days with multiple images.
 
ADS
Chagrin Valley Times
            10/15/15            Designer Dress Days
Solon Times
            10/15/15            Designer Dress Days
Plain Dealer
            10/18/15            Designer Dress Days
            10/23/15            Designer Dress Days
CJN
            10/16/15            Designer Dress Days
Beachwood Buzz
            October Issue    Designer Dress Days
Sun Star
            10/22/15            Designer Dress Days
Sun West Shore            
            10/22/15            Designer Dress Days
Sun News Sun
            10/22/15            Designer Dress Days
Sun Press
            10/22/15            Designer Dress Days