SEPTEMBER BULLETIN - Are you pictured in this month's bulletin?

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS, COMMUNITY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Becky Brouman

It's been a big summer for Cleveland. First there was the NBA championship, then the RNC - where the national media ended up writing so many love letters about us, I naturally assumed Valentine's Day had come early, and now, of course, we continue to be the focus of national attention, with the election coming up and Ohio being a must-win swing state. On September 10th, there will be an all-access free concert in the city, featuring performances from Grammy-nominated artist Sia and stand up from Saturday Night Live cast member and Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones, to help demand an end to political interference in women's healthcare decisions.

Yes, it feels good to be a Clevelander these days. At NCJW though, Cleveland pride is not a new sensation for us. We've been active in the city community for 122 years, interacting with the people and organizations that make our city so great -and lending our voices, hands, and help to the places where we've seen voids. Just last month, we handed out more than back packs, and new and gently used clothes to more than 500 CMSD students -and were inspired to hear the stories of what these kids want to do when they grow up. We have "adopted" our second public school library at the Adlai E Stevenson school, and listened to third graders tell us their favorite books and authors. This summer, dozens of members were trained on how to register voters, and will be on the ground all fall helping to get the vote out.

With the fall comes new beginnings and new opportunities to volunteer and learn about the great city we live and work in. I encourage you to get involved. Stop by. My door -and my inbox - is always open.

All my best,

Becky

UPCOMING EVENTS

NCJW/Cleveland's 122nd Opening Meeting

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 14

Place: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

RSVP: Call the NCJW Office at 216-378-2204 ext. 101, or simply mail in the RSVP card that was included in your invitation

Featuring JESSICA YELLIN, television journalist who served as Chief White House correspondent for CNN.

DDD

Jill Braun, Michele Kaminsky and Kelly Markowitz,

Co-Vice Presidents

" Clothes aren't going to change the world, the women who wear them will! " Anne Klein

The Countdown Continues . . . .

Preview Day: Friday, Oct. 28 ($20 entrance fee to shop)

Sale Dates: Sunday Oct. 30 - Tuesday Nov 1

Location: Mandel JCC

**SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT DDD

(Click here) to download the application for voluntee ring a t DDD this year - or you can registe

r online, where there is an online volunteer sign-up form - it's an easy way for volunteers to choose their preferred departments and the times that they are available to work Click Here Or call Elise Goldner at 440-461-5952 or Rita Langer at 216-381-2877. You will love it!

DONATE TO DDD

Donate your jewelry and furs, too! Simply bring them to the NCJW office and add to our growing collection of exciting items for DDD. Please deliver clothing on hangers.

If you need help getting your designer donations to us, please call Lisa at the NCJW office (216-378-2204 ext 101) to make arrangements for pick up.

Designer Dress Days is grateful to our followers on Facebook

DDD Facebook Page.

"A girl should be two things: CLASSY AND FABULOUS." Coco Chanel

FUND DEVELOPMENT

Barbara Shane, Vice President

While it is not always easy to ask people for money, we feel proud of the work we do because it allows the phenomenal NCJW/Cleveland programs to continue and grow. After hearing from various committees about their financial needs, the Fund Development team has been working hard on strategies for raising money for this fiscal year.

Our first reach to every NCJW member and supporter is through our gorgeous Jewish New Year card.

We are planning a fun event for our high-level donors in early November. This is NCJW/Cleveland's opportunity to express our gratitude to every donor who gives at the $250 or higher level this year.

We are always available to discuss a family endowment or tribute fund that you may want to set up to support NCJW Cleveland in a more permanent way. These are wonderful ways to celebrate a loved one or honor a deceased relative who supported our organization. Tribute funds can be established with a minimum of a $500 donation. Endowment funds have a minimum of $5,000, which can be funded over a five-year period.

Please know that you can always split your pledge into a few payments. For more information, call the office at 216-378-2204 or contact me at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support. A healthy, happy new year to you and yours and to our wonderful organization!

CLICK HERE for Tributes

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Debbie Joseph, Vice President

School-Based Projects are starting soon-don't miss out!

Done in a Day: Kids Aging Out of Foster Care

Come help us put together packages of toiletries for kids who age out of the foster care system. Or pick up an extra bottle of body wash or shampoo and drop it at the office. Or both! Especially needed are feminine hygiene products and toilet paper.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 20

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Place: NCJW/Cleveland Office

Co-chairs: Marilyn Oif at [email protected] and

Jeannie Citerman-Kraeger at [email protected]

A Prom to Remember: Volunteer Opportunity for Teens and Adults!

A Prom to Remember is a prom event held each year for children ages 12-19 with terminal illnesses. This year the event is April 8, 2017. The committee is mostly health-care professionals and they need help!

We see many possibilities for NCJW, including helping on the night of the event. Other possibilities include a teen committee similar to Share What You Wear to help with Dress Extravaganza, helping at the pre-event where the party-goers pick their outfits, and DIAD projects for the gift bags given away at Prom.

Do you have a teen who might like to help other teens pick out prom dresses and accessories? Is she or he adept at social media? A Prom to Remember might be the project for her or him. Encourage your teen to come to the kick-off meeting to find out!

Date: Sunday, Nov. 6

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Place: Home of Debbie Joseph

RSVP: Debbie Joseph at [email protected]

Reader's Theater

What: A literacy program at Eastwood Elementary School in

Warrensville Heights - a mere 10 minutes from the

NCJW office.

When: 3 consecutive weekdays in October (3 Tuesdays,

Wednesdays or Thursdays in a row)

Why: To put on a play with children while (sneakily) reinforcing

their reading skills.

Everyone who's tried Reader's Theater returns for the next round. See what all the enthusiasm is about! Come one, two, or best, all three days to see the full effect we have on these talented fourth graders. Contact Estelle Boncheck at [email protected] for information and training material.

Building Bridges with Books

We have finished the bulk of our work at Adlai Stevenson School to revitalize their library. Our accomplishments: We processed over 1,000 books, many of which we donated; developed a Young Adult section, which this PK-8 school had not had before, and placed a sizable order of new books in addition to those we donated; got 15 like-new dictionaries from the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank to replace ones that were in disrepair; and donated 10 boxes of books that were not library-ready but were offered to teachers for their classroom libraries.

From the Media Specialist at Adlai Stevenson School: "The library looks great, and a lot of work was put into processing, weeding and organizing. NCJW did an awesome job and provided a much needed service. Your hard work is very much appreciated. Thank you!"

From the Principal at Warner Girls' Leadership Academy, our first Building Bridges with Books school, where we continue to help process books and work at the library, since Warner only has a part-time Media Specialist: "I am extremely proud that the library is becoming our heartbeat of the school..."

New 7th Grade Book Club

This year, we are adding a seventh grade Book Club at Warner Girls' Leadership Academy. These students have been involved with NCJW in Book Club since fifth grade and, since Warner is a PK-8 school, we have the opportunity to deepen our relationship with these young ladies. We are borrowing books from the Cuyahoga County Library for the seventh graders and will also purchase some book sets.

If you are looking for a way to commemorate a special occasion, why not donate a set of 10 books to NCJW for the new seventh grade Book Club? Email Debbie Joseph at [email protected] to inquire.

READING BUDDIES - ENCOURAGE LITERACY

Develop a relationship with K-1 students at Roxboro School or Warner Girls' Leadership Academy by listening to students read aloud. Hugs and encouragement a bonus!

Date: Roxboro: fourth Monday of the month

Warner: first and third Tuesdays of the month

Time: Roxboro: 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Warner: 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Place: Roxboro School, 2405 Roxboro Road, Cleveland Heights

Warner School, 8315 Jeffries Ave, Cleveland

For More Information: For Roxboro contact Rita Langer at [email protected];

For Warner contact Liz Rumizen at [email protected]

Imagination Express

What: A monthly preschool-type program for children in need, including music, art and snack.

When: One Monday per month from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: St. Aloysius School in Cleveland

Come join our spirited group of educators, musicians, and artists as we share joy

with children. New volunteers welcome.

Contact Adrienne Wasserman at [email protected] or 216-409-0398 for more information. You'll feel great, and it's just an hour per month!

DIGKNITTY (KNITTERS)

Our busy knitters work tirelessly to provide warm clothing, blankets, and comfort toys to many organizations who distribute them to families and children who are in need.

Meetings are 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, Sept. 1 - Beachwood Library,

Wednesday, Sept. 7 - NCJW Office

Thursday, Sept. 15 - Beachwood Library

Wednesday, Sept. 22 - NCJW Office

Thursday, Sept. 29 - Beachwood Library

COMMUNICATIONS

Leslie Resnik, Vice President

The DDD Look Book and Facebook Page are Up and Running!

I'm excited to say that the DDD Facebook Page is up and running, giving you all a look at what's trending in the warehouse for this year's DDD. We have the same fabulous classic designer brands, such as St. John, Armani, and Gucci, but we're featuring more younger labels this year, such as Vince, Rag & Bone, and Free People.

I can't urge you enough to visit the page at least twice a week, then share the great finds you discover with your friends -- just to give them a taste of what they can buy at DDD - for almost 75% off retail.

Last year I bought two amazing pieces that I've worn a lot - an Elie Tahari leather jacket ($60, but currently priced at more than $1,000!) and a timeless Donna Karan dress. I added them to my Armani jacket from 2014 (at $75) and my vintage Bally bag from 2015. Just a few great fashions finds - previously loved by someone special and now worn and adored by me.

Please "like," "share", and "invite" your friends to follow the pages. If you don't know how to do these things, please sign up for our free Social Media 102 class on Friday, September 9 at 10 - 11 a.m. Register with Lisa Hayzlett at 216-378-2204 or [email protected] )

ADVOCACY

Roberta Herman, Vice President

Voter Registration

Congratulations to all our NCJW members who participated in voter registration training. Now, GCC /NCJW would like to give you an opportunity to put your new skills to great use. On the second Saturday of each month, GCC will be conducting voter registration. Did you know that only 3% of Cleveland's Hispanic community voted in the last Presidential election?On September 10 we will be at La Placita, a pop-up, open-air market on West 25th Street, near the West Side Market. This would be a great opportunity to register eligible voters and empower them to exercise their Constitutional rights. Let's gather a group of NCJW members! Traditional food, live entertainment and artisan vendors will be at the event. No Spanish is needed. Contact Lynn Kleinman at [email protected] for more information.

Candidates' Forum

This event is being held in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. With a crucial election coming up, it's important to know about the candidates who will be asking for your vote! Candidates from Ohio House Districts 6, 8, 9; Ohio Senate District 24 and Board of Education District 11 will be present to answer your questions. Come hear the candidates' stances on issues that matter to you!

Date: Thursday, Sept. 22

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Brush High School Auditorium

Co-Chairs: Laura Kuntz & Dana Trau

Understanding the Issues

Perspectives on Female Sexuality: Physical, Psychological, Religious "When you're hot, you're hot; when you're not ... " Featuring speakers: Linda Bradley, OB/Gyn; Sherry Lehman, Licensed Sex Therapist; and Kyla Epstein Schneider, Jewish Educator. Join us for an informative and provocative program!

Date: Thursday, October 20, 2016

Time: Registration 6:00 p.m., Program begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Place: Point East, 27500 Cedar Rd., Beachwood

Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members

($5 toward membership if you join that evening)

Register: Call NCJW/Cleveland at 216-378-2204, ext. 101

Co-Chairs: Cindy Glazer & Cyndy Fe llenbaum

T he 2016 Lois Zaas Memorial Advocacy Lecture

This lecture will feature two nationally renowned speakers who will talk

about Emb racing Diversity: Understanding Hidden Biases.

As always, free and open to the public.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 17

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Temple Emanu El

Co-Chairs: Gail Sands & Wendie Forman

Judge for yourself, when voting for judges this year- Find out what the legal community thinks of the candidates at www.Judge4Yourself.com There you can also find links to other resources about state courts and state court judges.

PROGRAM AND EDUCATION

Esther Spott, Vice President

THURSDAY AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP

Join the NCJW Book Group - it's a page-turner!

Books are for sharing and a lively discussion with friends can deepen your appreciation of current literature. 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 first meeting on Sept. 1, we will

discuss My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout.

Dates: First Thursday of each month (dates below)

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Place: Beachwood Branch of Cuyahoga County Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd (Richmond Road)

RSVP: To join, send your email address to [email protected]

Chair: Susan Kahn

Fall dates and book selections:

Sept. 1 - My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

October 6 - The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel

November 3 - City of Secrets by Stewart O'Nan

December 1 - Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

This group has been meeting since 2001. If you would like to see what books we have read plus a short description of each, go to http://ncjwbooks.wikifoundry.com/

I'm looking forward to seeing new faces and welcoming back veterans in September!

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES:

From Kennedy/Nixon to Trump/Clinton

Join us when JERRY GRAHAM gives us insight into past presidential debates to sharpen our understanding in preparation for the debate/s between Trump and Clinton.

Date: Monday, September 19, 2016

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: Temple Emanu El, 4545 Brainard Rd., Chagrin Falls

Cost: Members: $10.00, Guests: $12.00

RSVP: Please call the office by September 12 to make your reservation 216-378-2204, ext.101

Chair: Loramae Simkoff

T HROUGH THE EYES OF THE ARTIST: NCJW ART BIO SERIES

NCJW/Cleveland has had the privilege for several years of enjoying this fascinating lecture and slide presentation series by Felicia Zavarella Stadelman. Ms.Stadelman started "Through the Eyes of the Artist" more than 20 years ago, originally funded by a grant from the Cleveland Museum of Art to bring art into the lives of schoolchildren. The program evolved into one enjoyed by people of all ages. Ms. Stadelman is an artist, art historian and lecturer, and docent trainer. Click Here to read an interview with this very accomplished woman.

September's artist, Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky, was an influential Russian painter and art theorist. He is credited with painting one of the first purely abstract works. [ Wikipedia]

Date: Thursday, Sept. 22

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Place: Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., in The Chagrin Room

Cost: $10 member; $15 non-member after Sept. 15. Pre-paid reservations are required.

RSVP: NCJW Office, 216 -378-2204 Ext. 101

Co-Chairs: Laurie Biales, Judy Weingold, & Ellen Young

THE MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT

TMTP continues to offer a discount to NCJW members. When ordering tickets online ( http://www.musicaltheaterproject.org/), the code is NCJW. If ordering by phone, call TMTP box office at 216-245-8687 and identify yourself as an NCJW member. For information on the upcoming season, call TMTP box office and request a brochure.