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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS,
COMMUNITY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Becky Brouman
Introducing NCJW Action Steps
In the past few months, as the country has dipped its feet into new political waters, our NCJW office has been getting lots of phone calls and emails from members who have never before felt the need to advocate for themselves.
We are worried about our reproductive rights, some tell us. Others tell us that they are concerned about the rise of antisemitism in this country, and about the safety of their children and grandchildren. Some fear for the families of immigrants, and for innocent children whose parents might be deported. Many are concerned about loosening gun laws,
and that those with mental illnesses can now access guns easier.
Always, always, the conversations and emails end with the question: What can we do?
The answer is: There is a lot we can do.
And starting on Wednesday, NCJW/Cleveland will start disseminating weekly action steps that you can do either at home by yourself or together in a group. These actions will always come with a clear, defined step.
If, for instance, we ask you to call about a bill in the Ohio legislature restricting abortion access, we will provide you with the script. If we tell you about a refugee family in need of assistance in the area, we will tell you exactly who the family is, what the family needs, and how you can help.
What is different and significant about these action steps is that they are local, and you know exactly who they are coming from. NCJW/Cleveland has been in the community for 123 years, fighting to improve the lives of women, children, and
families. We are the largest progressive Jewish female organization in the country, and we have more than a century's worth of experience lobbying and advocating for social justice on behalf of ourselves and of our partners. This is not the first time in our history where we have had to fight for abortion access or affordable health care.
As my grandmother used to tell me when I was feeling confused or adrift or didn't know which way to turn, the first step to any sort of change is to have a plan. We, at NCJW/Cleveland, are pleased to provide that road map for you. Your first action?
Click Here to sign up for the action alerts. They will start arriving in your email box weekly. And check our Facebook page every Wednesday for corresponding information.
My door is always open.
Best,
Becky
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UPCOMING EVENTS
NCJW/Cleveland WOMEN'S SEDER!
"WE WERE ALL STRANGERS ONCE, TOO"
Enjoy dinner, wine and conversations on the topic of inclusivity!
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 adults, ages 13 and under $15
Place: Point East, 27500 Cedar Rd.,
Beachwood
Watch for your invitation in the mail!
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SAVE THE DATE
Join us for a girls night out event at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. There will be entertainment, refreshments and prizes. Come introduce yourself to a crowd that is relaxed and ready to shop! All ticket proceeds will be donated to NCJW/Cleveland.
Date: Thursday, March 30
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Eaton Chagrin Blvd., 28601 Chagrin Blvd, Woodmere
Cost: $10 to be paid at the door
Spring Gala: Broadway in the Burbs
You won't want to miss our amazing Spring Gala, Broadway in the 'Burbs, on Thursday, April 27, at Temple Tifereth Israel. Broadway stars
Seth Rudetsky and
Christine Pedi will provide entertainment.
Paula McClain, best-selling author of
The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun, is this event's Honorary Chair. It will be a lot of fun and monies raised will go towards our foster care programs. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending.
Watch for your invitation in the mail!
APRIL 6th COME SEE OUR VERY OWN DEBBIE HOFFMANN
moderate the upcoming CJN'S Women In Leadership program at Eton
Click Here for the flyer with details.
IN ADDITION:
Barnes & Noble will be holding a book fair April 6 and 7 where any purchases made at the ETON store or bn.com, where the purchaser mentions Women in Leadership, a percentage of the proceeds will go to NCJW/Cleveland.
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Barbara Shane, Vice President
As a result of the generosity of our wonderful members and supporters, we are pleased to announce that we have reached our initial goal for our Annual Fund! We are excited that the wonderful programs of NCJW Cleveland will continue to have the financial support they deserve. To those of you who have not yet made your pledge for this fiscal year, we welcome your donations.
We welcome hearing from you to explore the possibility of setting up a named endowment or tribute fund in honor or in memory of a loved one. We can assist you in in finding the appropriate financial vehicle. Let us help you build your Jewish legacy!
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Abbe Froimson, Store Manager
"March" into the NCJW Warehouse
We need your spring donations and to see your
shining face!
Call for a free pickup. Karen/Abbe 216-378-2264
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Leslie Levine, Vice President
Prospective and New Members --
Please join us at a Prospective and New Member event on March 8th at Fantasy Candies. This will be a chocolate and wine tasting program. We'll learn about chocolates and how to select wine with your chocolate!
Date: Wednesday, March 8
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Place: 5338 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
Please RSVP early as space is limited. You don't want to miss this great event!!
Welcome to our New Annual Members:
Maxine Birrer, Ellen Bishko, Diane Ellis, Alisa Feingold, Barbara T. Friedman,
Cheryl Gordon, Diane Greenbaum, Sheryl Greenberg, Deanna Healy, Mimi Ka
dish,
Sharlene Kahn, Fern Kendis, Kerry Kertesz,
Tanya Krill, Virginia Lehman, Elly Matisoff, Karen Mazala, Laurenda Messer, Elin Meyer, Jori Mintz, Donna Penner, Anne Randall, Hedy Rapeport, Susan Reisman, Stacey Rokoff, Allyson Schwartz, Hannah Servedio, Robin Star,
Marcia Wolf and Beth Young
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Jill Braun, Michele Kaminsky and Kelly Markowitz,
Co-Vice Presidents
Every day is a fashion show! Donate your fashionable clothes to Designer Dress Days! Donations can be dropped off at our Warehouse, 26055 Emery Road, Warrensville Heights, from 9 to 4, Mon-Fri. Thanks! (picture courtesy of Jennifer Boroff)
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PROGRAM AND EDUCATION
Esther Spott, Vice President
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. The NCJW Book Group meets the first Thursday of each month, September - June. 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.
Date: March 2
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Beachwood Library,
25501 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood
Title: The Sellout by Paul Beatty
Chair: Susan Kahn
Upcoming Dates / Titles:
April 6 -
Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton
May 4 -
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
June 1 -
Best Boy by Eli Gottlieb
Conn-Selmer Music Factory Tour
"Seventy-six trombones led the big parade. With 110 cornets close at hand ... There were horns of ev'ry shape and kind."
NCJW will tour the Conn-Selmer plant to see musical instruments that are manufactured in our own backyard.
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Conn-Selmer Inc., 34199 Curtis Blvd,
Eastlake (about 25 minutes north of
Beachwood library)
Cost: No Charge
RSVP: Lisa at NCJW office, 216-378-2204, ext. 101. (Note: 30-guest limit)
Chair: Roberta Sears
Note: No open-toed shoes, no cameras. Lunch on your own suggested afterwards at Mario Fazio's, 34400 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills
Join us for a fascinating lecture and slide presentation by Felicia Zaverella Stadelman on Frederic Remington. Men of authority said he painted for history and recorded the vanishing America.
Date: Thursday, March 23
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Orange branch of Cuyahoga County Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike
Cost: For this lecture there will be no charge but a $10 donation in advance is suggested.
RSVP: Lisa at NCJ W office, 216-378-2204, ext 101
Co-chairs: Laurie Biales,
Judy Weingold,
Ellen Young
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ADVOCACY
Roberta Herman, Vice President
NCJW wants to help you channel your anger and frustration into action! We are planning a series of actions that you can take to combat what is happening in the current political climate. Watch your inbox for more information!
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Here is an example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many . Board member
Cyndy Fellenbaum, who has been heavily involved in NCJW's infant mortality initiatives, had become very worried about the dangers of having bumper pads in cribs,
as they create a suffocation risk and may increase the risk of SIDS. She tried calling half a dozen corporate offices, to get them removed from stores in Ohio. She continued to feel that the state could do more to protect our infants. In conjunction with
Cynthia Demsey, Chair of Cuyahoga Democratic Women's Caucus and also an NCJW/Cleveland member, the two lobbied for a bill that would ban the sale, manufacturing, delivery or possession of bumper pads in Ohio. The bill passed -- and it takes effect in July!
We are so proud of our two amazing members. Their story of the power of passion and perseverance is an inspiration to us all.
Our committee is in the process of planning future actions, with so much work still to do. If you are interested in more information, please contact
Dana Trau at
danatrau@gmail.com or
Laura Kuntz at
laurajkuntz@att.net. We would love to have you join us in our fight for reproductive justice!
NCJW/GCC
After two monthly meetings, the NCJW/GCC team has doubled in size and then some! Why? Our group was formed in response to today's troublesome world. Fighting back against a racist immigration ban, coupled with an alarming rise in anti-Semitic activities, our group has been reaching out to the Muslim community in the Greater Cleveland area. Many in our group have volunteered to renew contacts with Muslim associates, who came to this country long before the present administration. We are also contacting leaders with strong social justice ties. Come join us. Become an advocate. We can all help. Contact
Lynn Kleinman,
lekchoral@aol.com
#NOTALLIN What can you do to make Cleveland a better place for its residents?
JUST SHOW UP!!
What: Quicken Loans Arena Renovation Plan controversy
Date: Thursday, March 9
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Elizabeth Baptist Church, 6114 Frances Avenue
Why:
We believe a portion of the taxpayers' money should be set aside for mental health and addiction programs, job access pipelines, and neighborhood capital initiatives. The money spent to renovate the Q should be matched dollar-for-dollar in a community equity fund.
Open Table Informational Meeting: Not just a way to make dinner reservations
Last year, NCJW/Cleveland became the first Jewish organization in the country to pilot a group mentoring program called Open Table. The program paired 6-8 NCJW members with one young adult who had aged out of the foster care system, helping them develop connections, personal networks, and trust. Youth who age out of foster care often have no families, no support structures and few people one to call on for support or guidance or help.
The goal of Open Table was to connect our mentees to our own networks.
As one of our mentees explained: "Open Table has brought a lot of love and support into my life that wasn't there before... They are like my fairy Godmothers."
Due to the success of last year's pilot program, NCJW will be hosting a few more tables this year and partnering with a church to help further break down cultural barriers.
Mark your calendars. We will be hosting two informational question and answer sessions on the model.
What:
First Open Table Information Night
Date:
Thursday, March 29
Time:
7:30 p.m.
Place:
The home of Susan Reis (address given upon registration)
Cost:
No Charge
What:
Second Open Table Information Session
Date:
Sunday, May 7
Time:
10:00 a.m.
Place:
TBD
Cost:
No Charge
Save-the-Date for an Important Event!
NCJW, in coalition with the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation, will present "Preparing to Age in Jewish Cleveland - What's Out There and What's Needed"
Date: Sunday, May 21
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Temple Tifereth Israel,
26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood
* Join us for an informational session & resource fair to learn about existing resources.
* Find out about programs & services that can help your aging parents or friend.
* Learn about challenges we face as the "Baby Boomers" approach their senior years!
Speakers:
Joshua Cramer, Orange High School Student and Founder of "Letters of Love".
Steve Raichilson, Former CEO and Executive Director of Menorah Park - The spectrum of housing services and needs for the future.
Heather Greene, Certified Elder Care Coordinator - How to talk to your aging parent and other emotional issues of aging.
Rachel Kabb, Elder Care Attorney - Information and planning including finances, wills and trusts.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
Debbie Joseph, Vice President
Community Service projects need you! Please consider lending your time to the following valuable projects
Time Commitment: Once per month for 90 minutes
Dates: Mondays, March 20, April 24, May 15
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. approximately
Place: Adlai Stevenson Elementary School, 18300 Woda Avenue off Harvard Road, 10 minutes from the office.
Activity: Read with a first grader to help with fluency. Praise often! You will read with each child for about 15 minutes.
JUDAIC OUTREACH AT JFSA - PASSOVER CELEBRATION
Time Commitment: Possibly cooking beforehand for 8-10, assisting at the event, 2 hours maximum
Date: Friday, March 31
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Place: JFSA, 24075 Commerce Park, Beachwood
Activity: Assist with Passover Seder and lunch. Celebrate and interact with adults who live in group homes in our Jewish community.
Contact: Shelly Friedman at 440-463-2309 or 440-247-7900
BUILDING BRIDGES WITH BOOKS
Time Commitment: Assorted times during the week of March 27, morning and after
noon
Dates: Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31
Times: Morning or afternoon shifts, flexible
Place: Wade Park Elementary School, 7600 Wade Park Avenue, Cleveland, 44103.
*Easy, safe parking*
Activity: Help other NCJW volunteers spruce up Wade Park Elementary School Library by sorting and weeding books.
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.
Our February meetings are at the NCJW office from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on the following dates:
Thursday, March 2 ----- Wednesday, March 8 ----- Thursday, March 16 ----- Wednesday, March 22 ----- Thursday, March 30
SHARE A SQUARE
Knitters, please note!
Digknitty is beginning a project called Share a Square. If you are between projects or want to use up leftover yarn from other projects, please consider knitting or crocheting 8-inch squares, any pattern or color, leaving about a 12-inch tail. Bring the squares to the office to use for patchwork blankets. Thank you!
NCJW/Cleveland's LiveSpecial.com is presenting a series on transition for families with students with special needs and others who may be interested.
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Reproductive Rights Event
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NCJW/Cleveland | 216-378-2204 | NCJWCLEVELAND.ORG
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