Council Connections
May 2024
NEW FORMAT - SCROLL DOWN TO READ ALL ARTICLES
Watch your inbox for event details or visit www.ncjwbcs.org for up-to-date information
on all our events and activities.
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COUNCIL SHABBAT
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Temple Sinai, 1 Engle Street, Tenafly, NJ
Dinner 6:00 PM, Service 7:30 PM
Join us for our annual Council Shabbat Services.
Traditional Kosher Shabbat Dinner plus Delicious Oneg.
Dinner cost: $40.00 - deadline to register May 6.
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MAY GENERAL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024, 12:30 PM (note time change)
Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck
EXCITING SPEAKER: MERYL FRANK
Members: Free; Non-members: $10
Meryl Frank will be speaking about her journey to honor the memory of the Holocaust and the meaning of being a memorial candle. Ms. Frank wears many hats. She is the author of the book “Unearthed" and was appointed as the United States Representative and subsequently as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) by President Obama.
She was selected as one of “The Fifty Most Influential Jews in the World” for her work on behalf of women around the world. Ms. Frank is the former mayor of Highland Park, NJ.
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TRIP TO STATEN ISLAND
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024, 9:00 AM
Bus pickup at Temple Emeth
Join us on a visit to Staten Island, the forgotten
borough. Some of the sites on the bus tour will be a
visit to Snug Harbor Cultural Center which will
include the impressive Chinese Scholar’s Garden. Another highlight will be a visit to Historic Richmond Town. Award-winning tour leaders Art and Susan Zuckerman will be our guides.
A full lunch will be included. The price of the tour is $125.00 per person for members and $130 for non-members. To register click here.
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This month we are writing to share with you some important news from National NCJW in Washington that will affect all NCJW Sections, including Bergen County.
National has spent the past year working on a Strategic Plan that will ensure that NCJW is the premier Jewish women’s organization in the country and maximizes the impact we bring to women, children and families. In order to strengthen and advance our standing in the ranks of similar organizations, National will be making changes in the structure by which Sections are organized.
Your Co-Presidents and Board Members have met virtually with National’s President, Laura Mon Ginsburg, and CEO Sheila Katz. There is still much to be learned and questions to be asked about the Plan, and we will keep you apprised of developments as we move forward. The re-structuring will not take place until July 2025, and there will be no changes over the next year.
We are fortunate to be led on this journey by Sheila Katz, who has been named one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world by the Jerusalem Post. Her impact is felt even at the White House, and she is bringing NCJW into the spotlight by her speeches at the United Nations, on the steps of the Supreme Court and other important venues.
We thank you for the passion and commitment you bring to NCJW and look forward to bringing you more information on this exciting time in the history of our organization.
Warmly,
Elizabeth, Paula and Joan
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SPRING INSTALLATION & AWARDS LUNCHEON
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024
Join us at our Annual Awards and Installation Champagne Luncheon on Tuesday, June 18 at 11:30 AM at Seasons in Washington Township. We will be installing our Co-Presidents and Executive Officers and celebrating our Hannah G. Solomon and Woman of the Section Honorees.
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Hannah G. Solomon Award Honoree
The recipient of the Hannah G. Solomon Award is an individual
who is known for her/his interest, activity, and stand on vital issues
with which NCJW is sympathetic, and has helped translate them
into community programs. An individual who has made known and
stimulated interest and action in unmet needs at the grass roots
level and brought about important community services. Someone
who is a catalyst for social change.
Lil Corcoran is the inspirational Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Rights Information Center (WRIC) in Englewood. For the past 8 years, Lil has expanded community-based programs by increasing their budget five-fold. WRIC’s mission is to provide knowledge and opportunities to support the economic aspirations, self-sufficiency, and emotional well-being of individuals so they may live with hope, security and dignity. WRIC operates from the premise that clients are resilient. WRIC’s programs are strength-based and are committed to a healing change process by providing individualized services and ongoing support.
Under Lil’s leadership WRIC created a clinical trauma-healing program for victims of crime. Clients can be referred for specialized clinical treatment to Creative Arts Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Equine Therapy. This innovative program is provided in tandem with all the other programs for which WRIC is known and is the only one of its kind in Bergen County. Most recently WRIC was awarded federal grants to provide support services to trafficking victims and to create a legal services program.
Known throughout Bergen County as a “fierce advocate,” Lil has been a persuasive community educator both in-person and in the media on topics of violence against women, bullying, racism and the empowerment of women. She has educated thousands of individuals including Crisis Response Teams; college students, faculty and public safety officers; high schoolers and teachers; medical personnel; businesses; civic groups; and most recently was invited to speak at the United Nations.
Prior to working at WRIC, Lil worked for the Center for Hope and Safety (CHS) for 25 years. As the Associate Executive Director, she took the opportunity to make an impact on the battered women’s movement. Lil’s passion to help families live violence-free continues to be paramount in her work.
Lil Corcoran has a Masters in Counseling. She is a NJ licensed Professional Counselor, a Domestic Violence expert and a Certified Equine Therapist. She is married to Kathy Maikis and has two children.
As a community changemaker and activist, Lil is being honored with NCJW’s highest honor, the Hannah G. Solomon Award, which will be presented to Lil at our Installation and Awards luncheon on June 18.
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Woman of the Section Award Honoree
The recipient of this award exemplifies the spirit of NCJW, a woman who by deed and action has indicated her commitment to and support and love for this organization, and who has performed outstanding service in one or more of the many facets of the Section.
Norma Goldsmith was pressed into service as Office Administrator by then President Nita Gottesman in 1995. She remained in that position for ten years. Upon “retiring” she was asked to become Treasurer. After a number of years in that post she became Vice President of Membership. During her tenure as VP, the job of Recording Secretary became open and no one was willing to take it. So Norma filled that position at the same time as continuing in her role as VP. She has continued as Recording Secretary and probably will for the foreseeable future. Besides taking minutes for Board, General and Executive Committee meetings, she has created a “Motions Book.” Norma has also served on numerous committees and is always willing to help out when necessary.
Norma received a Masters Degree from CCNY and taught in New York City for three years. After having her three children, rather than go back to teaching, she helped her husband Michael start a pet supply and feed store in Riverdale, NJ. She continues to do the accounting for the business.
Married for 55 years, Michael and Norma love to travel. Norma tries to make sure her travels do not interfere with Section meetings. Since this is not always possible, she is thankful to Marilynn Friedman for subbing for her when the need arises. She loves to dance and considers the gym her “happy place,” where she takes every Zumba class she can. Norma is the proud grandmother of five.
Norma is thankful to NCJW BCS for offering her the chance to get to know so many fabulous, intelligent, positive, active, caring women and is honored to be receiving this award. She will be presented with the Woman of the Section Award at our Spring Awards and Installation Luncheon on June 18.
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AD JOURNAL AWAITS YOUR PERSONAL AD
Please support our annual virtual journal which will be available for viewing at the luncheon and will be available online after June 18. To purchase your Journal Ad and Sponsorship opportunities, click here and send it by May 31. Solicit your local merchants, your doctors, your beauty shop and anyone else you do business with for an ad.
If you are a Life Member, list your name on the Life Member greeting page. List your grandchildren and great grandchildren on the Grandparent’s page. Remember your family members and friends who are no longer with us on the In Memoriam page. Click here to print the form.
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Hildy Dillon, Phyllis Harinstein, Michal Raucher, Harriet Sheinberg |
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VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
May 14 is the last day to register for the NJ Primary. October 15 is the last day to register for the Presidential Election.
Voter registration forms are available online at www.nj.gov/. |
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EVERY VOICE EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
The interest among members in GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV) opportunities has been overwhelming, so let’s get started!
NCJW BCS is pleased to announce that on Sunday, May 19 from 12:15-2 PM; Monday, May 20 from 3-5 PM; Tuesday, May 21 from 5-7 PM postcard writing campaigns will be held at Temple Emeth. The campaigns are the result of a non-partisan collaboration among Section, Temple Emeth’s Social Action Committee, RAC of Reform Judaism and the Center for Common Ground.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Registrants will be asked for a donation for stamps. Postcards, messaging and pens will be provided. Light refreshments will be served.
These first opportunities are part of what we expect to be a regular schedule of similar Every Voice Every Vote initiatives moving forward.
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ADVOCACY IN AN HOUR!
Post Abortion Care Kits Program (PACK)
Join us for ADVOCACY IN AN HOUR! on Wednesday, May 22 at 2:00 PM when we launch the PACK program in partnership with Temple Sinai of Bergen County. Twenty-five volunteers are needed to pack 100 kits. Register here.
Can’t be there? No problem. Go to our Amazon Wishlist and donate supplies for as little as $8.49. You can make a difference by supporting reproductive freedom.
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Finishing touches are being put on our newly-renovated home.
We can't wait to show it off.
Spring and summer donations will be accepted soon.
Stay tuned for the specifics and for re-opening plans.
P.S. We need a vacuum cleaner (bagless).
If you can donate one you are not using, we would appreciate it.
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SITE VISITS WITH OUR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN MAY
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE ONSET OF COVID, WE WILL RESUME SITE VISITS TO THE AGENCIES UNDER THE NCJW BCS “UMBRELLA.”
It’s a great way to watch our community service agencies in action, better understand the role they play in our community and see how YOUR volunteering can make a difference.
You may sign up for more than one agency visit:
May 13, 9:45 - 11:00 am
Bergen Family Center, 44 Armory St., Englewood
May 15, 10:00 - 12:00 pm
Adler Aphasia Center, 60 West Hunter Ave., Maywood
May 29, 10 - 11:30 am
Jewish Home at Rockleigh, 10 Link Drive
May 29, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Swim-In, JCC, East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
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HELP WANTED
Team Up With A Friend To Chair the Walk-In Dinner Program
Job Description: To oversee volunteers 4x a year
Skills Needed: Organized and a “little” computer savvy
No Experience Needed
Compensation: Endless gratitude
Thinking about this?
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NEW OPPORTUNITY AT CENTER FOR FOOD ACTION! DINNER4SENIORS PACKING PROGRAM! Those over 60 now get frozen dinners along with their packaged groceries. HELP PACK at SADDLEBROOK WAREHOUSE, 224 Midland Ave. JOIN US ON MAY 15 or MAY 23, 10-12. Register with Marcia Levy at mmlevy0648@gmail.com.
THE BVMI (Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative) WOMEN’S HEALTH DRIVE IS UNDERWAY. NCJW WILL BE COLLECTING PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH at our GENERAL MEETING ON MAY 14 for distribution to BVMI’s low- income, working but uninsured clients. Bring shampoo, soap, conditioners, deodorants, etc. Please check our website at https://www.ncjwbcs.org/opportunities.html or click here for a full listing.
In September the NCJW BCS KNIT WITS partnered with the Temple Sinai Knitting Circle for weekly knitting sessions. Our knitting donation program with BVMI was presented and the Sinai knitters became eager participants in the project. As a result, the Sinai Knitting Circle recently donated a large bag of scarves and hats to Knit Wits for distribution to BVMI. This joint effort will be ongoing.
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COME VIEW THIS WONDERFUL ART EXHIBIT CREATED BY THE CHILDREN AT HOLLEY CENTER
May 20, 2024 from 6 - 8 PM at BergenPac
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ
There is no charge.
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NCJW DOES A BIRTHDAY MITZVAH |
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For nearly 20 years NCJW BCS volunteers have made sure that every child at the YCS Holley Center has had a customized birthday cake to share with all the children and staff. But this time, it was extra special. Dominic was turning 13, and the only thing he wanted for his birthday was a party. It would be his first. We joined forces with Holley staff, the YCS Foundation, school and NJ Department of Children and Families Team to make sure Dominic had a party he would never forget. Five of our volunteers arrived early at the residential facility to set up the recreation room with balloons, party goodies and two large cakes decorated with footballs and basketballs. For the first time, the spunky young man was speechless when everyone shouted Happy Birthday as he entered the room. |
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Your donations have raised $91,060. It’s not too late to help us reach our goal of $100,000.
Send your check to
NCJW BCS
75 S. Washington Avenue
Bergenfield, NJ 07621
or
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The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the proposed slate of officers for 2024-2025:
Honorary President*
Marcia Levy
Honorary Vice President**
Elizabeth Halverstam
Co-Presidents
Elaine K. Meyerson
Paula Star
Vice Presidents
Administration: Marsha Sobel
Advocacy/Education: Lois Katz Brown and Bernice Schwab
Communications: Flora Perskie
Community Services: Beth Pascarello
Council Resale Shop: Fran Einiger and Pauline Hecht
Fundraising: Hilary Eth
Membership: Joyce Bivone and Marilynn Friedman
Recording Secretary: Norma Goldsmith
Treasurer: Susan Hagoel
Members of the 2023-2024 Nominating Committee
Chair, Bari-Lynne Schwartz; Immediate Past Chair, Peggy Kabakow; Fran Butensky, Elaine Pollack, Roxanne Reff, Joan Teichman and Shelly Winner. Advisor: Ina Miller-Silverstein
Notes: Lois Katz Brown resigned when she was nominated for Vice President of Advocacy and Education and Hilary Eth resigned when she was nominated for Vice President of Fundraising. Initially Elaine Pollack and Joan Teichman were alternates.
*The Honorary President is nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected for a term of five years. The Honorary President must be a Past President and has full voting privileges. When the five-year term expires, the individual becomes a member of the Board with voting privileges. Bea Podorefsky will complete her fifth year as Honorary President on June 30, 2024.
** The immediate past president automatically becomes the Honorary Vice President and serves for one-year term on the Board with full voting privileges and is a member of the Executive Committee.
Our Policies and Procedures state that “the election of officers shall be held at the General Membership Meeting in the month prior to Installation. The Nominating Chair shall be notified of nominations to be submitted from the floor one week before the election meeting. Any nomination made from the floor must have the written consent of the nominee. In the event of nominations from the floor, elections shall be held by ballot. A majority of votes cast by members in good standing present at the meeting shall elect the nominee. In the event of an unopposed slate, the Recording Secretary shall cast and record one ballot for the slate on motion approved and carried by the body.” The Recording Secretary shall record the names of the elected officers in the minutes.
The Election of Officers will take place at the General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Temple Emeth.
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BOOK GROUPS
WHAT WE’RE READING IN MAY & JUNE
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Tuesday Book Club - Liz Warms
May: West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
June: Kantika by Elizabeth Graver
Wednesday Book Club - Elaine Manberg
May: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
June: Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee
Friday Book Group - Shelly Winner
May: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie Farrell
June: The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ozawa
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GOLD TRIBUTES
Madeline Jacobs
To Peggy Kabakow
Congratulations on your 90th birthday
Roxanne Reff; Ann Levenstein; Marcia Levy, Peggy Kabakow & Fran Einiger;
Louise Albenda
To Laura Sarokin & family
On the passing of her beloved mother Doris Sarokin
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Marsha Sobel
To Lois Katz Brown
Congratulations on receiving the
Jane Abraham Advocacy Award;
well-deserved
Bunny & Jerry Schwartz
To Elizabeth Halverstam
In memory of her sister-in-law Karin Bentley
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Sharon Resnick Bornstein
To Barbara Bushell
In memory of Alan Bushell
Marilynn Friedman, Sue Kanrich
To Laura Sarokin & family
In memory of her mother Doris Sarokin
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Shelly Winner
To Peggy Kabakow
In honor of her special 90th birthday
Marcia Epstein
To Mrs. Karen Geschwer
In memory of her mother Phyllis
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Elaine Abrams
To Nancy Landis
In memory of Larry Landis
Joan Schnuer, the Thursday Book Club, Leah Fetner, Aida Melamed
To Laura Sarokin
In heartfelt memory of mother
Doris Sarokin
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Passages
We mourn the loss of Life Member, former Section Treasurer and Board member Doris Sarokin.
Condolences to Nancy Landis on the passing of her husband Larry.
Congratulations to Mary Sue Ehrenberg on the bat mitzvah of her granddaughter Charlotte Ehrenberg.
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We would really like to acknowledge all our members' news: the happy occasions such as weddings, engagements, births, bar/bat mitzvahs, special birthdays of your loved ones in addition to the sad news that we all want to acknowledge.
Please send your news to our office at office@ncjwbcs.org and include your name, the name of the family member and the occasion. It will appear in the next edition of Council Connections!
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75 South Washington Avenue | Bergenfield, New Jersey, 07621
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