National Council of Jewish Women Bulletin Peninsula Section

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 Volume 64, Number 2

Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor . . .

Immigration In Crisis

Join us for our Program Meeting

Thursday November 14 12:00 noon Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre 295 Main Street East Rockaway, NY

Guest Speakers: • Laura Reyes Nurse, Former DACA Recipient • Michael Wildes Immigration

This is a members-only event. New members may join at the door.

See page 6 for more information.

Message from the President National Council of Jewish Women Peninsula Section November is a time for asserting our rights as NCJW Peninsula Section American citizens by casting our vote on No- vember 5th. It’s a way we can make a difference. 342 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559 This year’s elections are mostly for local offices. Phone: 516-569-3660 They may not be as exciting as the national elec- Fax: 516-569-3634 tions, but are probably the ones that affect us Email: [email protected] daily – County Legislators, including District www.ncjwpeninsula.org Attorney, Clerks, Town Supervisors, Supreme Court and District Judges. And for the first time, President ...... Myra Garber early voting will be allowed, beginning October Section Administrator ...... Bonnie Sperry 26th! Find out where at https://nassaucounty. Bulletin Editor ...... Abby Fox gov/566/Board-of-Elections Do your civic duty Feature Editor ...... Sunya Kleiner and vote! Bulletin Design . . . Cheryl Mirkin, CM Design We have much to be thankful for this month.

We’re thankful for the veterans, who served our country proudly to keep us Circulation: 1,000. Issues Published: Sept./Oct., free. We’re thankful for our families who will join us on Thanksgiving, with too Nov./Dec., March/April and May/June. much food and never too many blessings. We’re thankful for our ancestors, who endured hardships to voyage to this country and were allowed to stay IN THIS ISSUE here. This is why it’s so important to come to NCJW Peninsula Section’s Pro- Introducing . . . Penny Santiago ...... 3 gram on immigration on Thursday, November 14 to hear about the current Advocacy immigration process, with so many restrictions being put into place in Wash- ICJW New York Meets ICJW Uganda . . . . 4 ington. Attorney Michael Wilde and recent immigrant Laura Reyes will tell us Reproductive Rights Movement ...... 5 what the journey is like today. What can we do to welcome the stranger? Become an Advocate ...... 5 December is a time of giving. Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, is when we Program: Immigration in Crisis ...... 6 support our favorite charities. Please be generous – especially with NCJW Peninsula Section! Have a joyous Hanukkah. But not all gifts are monetary. #GivingTuesday ...... 6 Giving your time, volunteering for our many community services, participating Film: “Screenagers” ...... 7 in advocacy events, stuffing envelopes, attending programs and lectures, are Back 2 School Store ...... 8–9 all ways to enrich your life and those of others. And you can do these all year. Community Service Our mission is to improve the lives of women, children and families. I find that SIBSPlace Barbecue ...... 10 NCJW participation has greatly enriched my own life, giving me a new focus Campership ...... 11 and wonderful friends! Thrift Shop ...... 12 And please, remember to visit our Thrift Shop. It is such an integral part Florida Theatre Party ...... 12 of Peninsula Section, supporting all that we are involved in. Donations of goods New Year, Members, Friends ...... 13 are always welcome, and shop so that you can pick up unique gifts for friends, Women’s Health Forum ...... 14 family, and for yourself. Think of the treasures you will find there! As 2020 (can you believe it?) approaches, I wish you all a happy and healthy Young Advocates Leading the Way . . . . 14 New Year from the entire Peninsula Section Board of Directors. Tributes ...... 15 Calendar of Events ...... 15 — Myra Garber Our Vote Is Our Voice ...... 16

A FAITH IN THE FUTURE. MISSION STATEMENT A BELIEF IN ACTION.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org Introducing…Penny Santiago Emerging Leader Award SUNYA KLEINER – Feature Editor

Penny Santiago, our “emerging leader”, is not your typical NCJW new member. Penny is the proud grandchild of immigrants. She grew up very close to her maternal grandmother, a Greek Jew whose family was devastated during the Holocaust. She developed an independent spirit at a young age and recognized that a good education would be important to fostering that spirit. She joined our organization after retiring from her teaching career (more on that) but her achieve- ment and affirmation as a leader were defined during her professional career. Early on her path to develop and strengthen her students she was influenced by this quote: “I’ve learned that peo- ple will forget what you said , people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”—Maya Angelou. And Penny was a leader who made her students feel good. Penny tapped into work that helped students plan for post high school. She started her work in a very large diverse multi- “I’ve learned that cultural high school. It was her responsibility to create programs for special need students. She people will forget coordinated the reading plans and Transition Services for students exiting high school. Her what you said, people excellent leadership led her to a position in the High School Superintendent’s office, arranging appropriate services for 33 high schools (wow). Continuing in this specific area of expertise, will forget what you Penny became a Special Education Administrator, leading and accepting all its necessary respon- did, but people will sibilities. Another volunteer effort in which she participated in was being a judge for Long Island never forget how History Day and NYS History Day in Cooperstown. you made them feel” There is a small Greek synagogue on Broom Street in NYC known as Kehilo Kedosha Janina. — MAYA ANGELOU Penny and her family have been members of this synagogue since its founding in 1925. Here, too, Penny is an active volunteer and leader. She is involved with activities for the Temple’s yearly Festival and redoing of its bookstore. Now Penny is retired and finds the time to get involved with causes related to her goals. Of course, that cause became National Council of Jewish Women. And get involved this directed lady did! Let us count the ways. She joined the Back 2 School Store (B2SS) and immediately became in charge of volunteers. She helped the membership committee create a process for new members. When the new Joan Riegel Center for Women ( JRCFW) was discussed she joined the discussion and became part of it by utilizing her previous work experience. And more, as a new member she attended the Leadership Retreat in 2018. As one can see Penny’s heart is won and all her directions lead to social concern and leadership. Penny’s husband Ralph of 44 years doesn’t only support her work for NCJW but has become an active participant by taking photos and volunteering at the B2SS. Penny and Ralph are proud parents of two great kids, Nancy and Michael, who also volunteer at the Back 2 School Store. Penny has the leadership qualities to accomplish the many needs of NCJW. In addition to her efforts with the B2SS and the JRCFW, this year Penny will lend her leadership skills as the Vice President of Community Services. Penny has the desire, the dedication and the determination. She will and does work diligently to make a difference.

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www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 3 ADVOCACY

ICJW New York Meets ICJW Uganda MADELEINE BRECHER and JUDY MINTZ – ICJW, UN Representatives

The International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) has affiliates in 34 countries around the world… we are like-minded women who are dedicated to making a difference through advocacy and service. The groups each undertake fulfilling the same mission as that of NCJW, USA-of which Peninsula Section is an important part.

About this photo The UN ICJW team was asked if they wanted to meet two ICJW sisters from Uganda, Hadassah Nakiza and Ruth Muthoni, who had worked as summer camp counselors and were on their way back home to Africa. Of course, we said YES to this opportunity. We often hear from other ICJW leaders from around the world who are traveling through NYC, but we never had the chance to have lunch with women from Uganda! Fran Butensky, Joan Lurie Gold- berg, Madeleine Brecher and I spent a most wonderful couple of hours learning about them, the Jewish community of Uganda and our ICJW affiliate there. We also shared what we do at the UN as non-government ICJW observers.

Here’s what we learned (L-R) Judy Mintz, Madeleine Brecher, Hadassah Nakiza, Ruthy Muthoni, The Abayudaya, Luganda for “People of Judah”, reside Fran Butensky, and Joan Lurie Goldberg in 7 Jewish communities in Eastern Uganda near the town of Mbale. The population is estimated to be about 2,000 to 3,000 who are mostly subsistence farmers. Hadassah and Ruthie are from the village of Nansenyi where the affiliate is located. They represent about 150 women who are Jewish, Christian and Muslim and they make up the Union of Jewish Women, Uganda. Hadassah is the President and Ruthie is the Secretary of the group. They are both college students who speak English very well. They shared how they became a Jewish community only three generations ago. They practice their Judaism in similar ways to us keeping Shabbat, learning to read Hebrew, and observing the holidays. The synagogue is quite far from their village so they must either walk about 3-4 hours each way for prayer or hitch a ride on a motorcycle. Virtually no one can afford a car. Rabbi Gershon is the spiritual leader of the Jewish community. ICJW Uganda’s mission includes the full support of women economic empowerment through the sale of their lovely homemade crafts such as hand knit kippot, table mats, jewelry and challah covers. They educate about women’s health issues including cervical and breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B screenings. Other trainings focus on vocational and college skills and commercial modern agriculture and farming skills. ICJW Uganda’s mission The girls explained that their community is respected for their warmhearted support includes the full support that makes for excellent relations with all faiths in the surrounding communities. It was a meaningful, eye-opening experience to meet these charming young women, of women economic to learn of their existence, and to feel that we are truly Jewish sisters. empowerment through the sale of their lovely homemade crafts such as hand knit kippot, table mats, jewelry Uganda and challah covers.

4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org ADVOCACY

Stand Up, Speak Out, Take Action!

Leading the Reproductive Rights Movement for Over 100 Years!

Gloria Steinem once wrote, “How about we treat every young man who wants to buy a gun like every woman who wants to get an abortion – mandatory 48-hour waiting period, parental permission, a note from his doctor proving he understands what he’s about to do, a video he has to watch about the effects of gun violence . . . Let’s close down all but one gun shop in every state and make him travel hundreds of miles, take off work, and stay overnight in a strange town to get a gun. Make him walk through a gauntlet of people holding photos of loved ones who were shot to death, people who call him a mur- derer and beg him not to buy a gun.” NCJW is committed to creating a world where all people, regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, or immigration status, have the right to build their families and live their lives with dignity. Our Jewish values teach us that our reproductive freedoms are integrally bound to our religious liberty; we are committed to advancing the goals of reproductive justice so that every person can make their own moral and faith-informed decisions about their body, health, and family. Since its founding, NCJW has been a leader in the reproductive health and rights movement, and while much advance- ment has been made in the past 100 years to legally secure a person’s right to abortion and contraception, there is so much more that needs to be done to truly ensure reproductive freedom for all. Reproductive health, rights, and justice go beyond the basics of reproduction. It requires us to dig deeper, advocate louder, and love harder. It requires us to be the voices of those who have been marginalized, and to lead the conversation for social change. Until every person has the power to make their own informed decisions about their body, sexuality, and future, our work is not over.

Become an NCJW Advocate

NCJW serves a diverse multi-generational community of women, children and families, ensuring dignity for all. We affect change through advocacy for social and economic justice. Join our group of progressive change-makers, creating a meaningful difference in the world, starting locally. Our advocates have a long history of turning progressive values into action; we’ve been at it for 125 years.

To be informed and to receive the NCJW WEEKLY WRAP UP. Sign up at www.ncjw.org/weekly-newsletter/

a fair and reproductive gun violence independent NCJW Advocates for . . . rights prevention judiciary

immigrant and gender equity justice you refugee rights in Israel

www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 5 GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR . . . IMMIGRATION IN CRISIS Program Meeting – Thursday, November 14, at 12:00 noon Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre

Laura Reyes Laura Reyes is a Licensed Practical Nurse. She graduated valedictorian of her practical nursing class in 2018 and is currently pursuing an associate degree in Nursing at Helene Fuld College of Nursing. Previously Laura worked as an early childhood educator for 3 years at the Five Towns Early Learning Center. She is a former DACA recipient and now a proud legal US resident of the for the past year.

Michael Wildes Michael Wildes is the managing partner with the leading firm of Wildes and Weinberg, P.C. It was established in 1960 by his father Leon Wildes whose best known accomplishment was his successful representation of in his widely publi- cized deportation proceedings. Michael Wildes serves as of counsel to several international law firms and . He is an adjunct professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York. He is a former federal prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn and author of Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door. Having represented the United States government in immi- gration proceedings, Michael Wildes is a frequent participant on professional panels and commentator on network television and radio with regard to immigration law. He has testified on Capitol Hill in connec- tion with anti-terrorism legislation.

STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, TAKE ACTION!

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. December 3, 2019

We have joined a global day of giving that en- YOUR CHANCE to make a difference starts now. courages philanthropy and celebrates generosity YOUR GIFT to NCJW Peninsula Section supports our worldwide. Occurring annually on the Tuesday after ability to invest in women, children and families in our Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping community and Israel. events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this idea was conceptualized by the 92nd Street Y to inspire YOUR DONATION is your voice. people to improve their local communities and give TOGETHER we can make change happen. back in impactful ways to charities and causes they TWO WAYS TO DONATE support. We know that NCJW–Peninsula Section Mail your check on or before December 3, 2019. holds a special place in your heart. Please help us payable to: NCJW Peninsula Section, 342 Central Avenue, so that we can continue helping others. Lawrence, NY 11559 Thank you. Donate online at NCJWPENINSULA.ORG on or before Chira Budick, #GIVINGTUESDAY Chair December 3, 2019.

6 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org Advocacy Film Series: “Screenagers”

Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 pm Hewlett Woodmere Public Library For you, your child, teen, or grandchild – “Screenagers” is a must-see! Film- maker Delaney Ruston, MD, explores the challenges of our digital age – its impact on human development, both physical and emotional.

Our Facilitator: Lindsay S. Weisner, Psy.D. a mother, psychologist, and author (her newest work Ten Steps to Finding Happy, forthcoming early 2020) will help guide us through this complicated issue.

Tickets: District 14 residents may pick up their tickets at the library beginning Wednesday, October 16 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. NCJW members may call the office, 516-569-3660, to reserve tickets and pick them up at 1:30 pm in the lobby of the Gold Theatre on the day of the screening.

Our Lecture Series Continues

All lectures will take place on the first Tuesday of the month from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. They will be held at The Bristal, 477 Hungry Harbor Road, North Woodmere. Coffee, cake and fruit will be served. Space is limited. Priority seating for those who haved purchased entire series. Please send checks to: NCJW Peninsula Section, 342 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559.

Reservation Fee: $10 per lecture for Members; $13 for Non-Members

Art Not Art The Shape of our State u TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 u TUESDAY, APRIL 7 Linda Marie Frank, retired from teaching science, After two years in the Peace Corps, Doug Sheer and is currently writing. She has authored, The started his career as a social studies teacher and Annie Tillery Mysteries, The Madonna Ghost, Girl Curriculum Coordinator in Garden City until with Pencil, Drawing, Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys retiring in 2007. Since then he has been the ques- and The Mystery of the Lost Avenger. She also tion writer and judge for the Cable TV show The produces The Writer’s Dream, which can be seen on YouTube. Frank Challenge. For 20 years he has been lecturing on cruise ships and has is active in LI Authors Group, LI Sisters in Crime, LI Children’s Writers been teaching celestial navigation at Nassau Community College. and Illustrators, and Mystery Writers of America.

Name that Opera Long Island Women Win the Vote u TUESDAY, MAY 5 u TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Tanisha Mitchell will discuss how opera is used Antonia Petrash recently retired from the Direc- in popular culture. See opera clips from featured torship of the Glen Cove Public Library, where movies including, The Shawshank Redemption, she had worked for twenty-four years. She has a Carmen Jones, Fatal Attraction, and then the actual deep and abiding interest in women’s history. Her opera clip from an opera production. This lecture latest book, Long Island and the Woman Suffrage features an aria performed by the speaker. As a librarian, her curating Movement, tells the remarkable story of the seventy-two year long and archival expertise in the Metropolitan Opera Music Library helped battle of women on Long Island and throughout the nation for political the institution discover unknown rare treasures that reflect its perform- equality. ance history.

www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 7 Another Successful Back 2 School Store

MARTHA LEVITON – B2SS Publicity Chair Our 2019 Back 2 School Store (B2SS) was a huge success. Children in K-5th grades were given the opportunity to select new free clothing, school sup- plies and books to get them ready for the new school year. Our goal is to in- crease their self-esteem and empower them by allowing them to make their own choices. We are now ready to get started on next year’s B2SS, always The best thing was seeing my son smiling“ with joy, happiness and a striving for bigger and better. Help us put smiles on children’s faces. Your do- strong sense of confidence. nations make it happen. ”

What Volunteering at the Back 2 School Store Meant to Me

RONA GURA – B2SS Volunteer During the summer of giving, it’s generally about making financial donations. This summer, I gave back differently, by giving my time to an event called The Back 2 School Store. And I am so happy I did. Succinctly stated, The Back 2 School Store is organized by the National Council of Jewish Women. It is an annual two day event where children of families in financial need are given the opportunity to “shop” for everything they need to go back to school from socks and underwear to sneakers and a winter coat as well as backpacks. All the items are donated or paid for with the money that is raised. The children are each taken individually on a shopping spree where they get-without any parental input-to choose their own clothes and supplies. This year, for the first time, I was able to attend the event and donate my time as a “personal shopper” with the children. My friend who attends the event annually has often said to me thathe t volunteers walk out the door smiling broader than the children. And she was right. I cannot put into words how incredible it felt to go on seven different “shopping sprees” with seven different children, all of whom were special in their own way, and appreciated every item they received. Shopping for sneakers-which were not a brand name-and being able to choose whatever pair he wanted made one of my shoppers literally jump up and down with excitement. An- other child cried with happiness and disbelief because she was able to pick out one shirt from The Limited (who had donated countless items) for the first time ever and could not wait for the first day of school to show it off. Not only have I blocked off next year’s event on my calendar to make sure I can attend but I have given the date to my husband and children and strongly encour- aged them to do the same. While donating to this cause “ No man stands as tall as when always made me feel good, being there and seeing the he stoops to help a child. ” results, took it to a whole other level for me. — JAMES DOBSON What charitable measures do you participate in?

8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org Agency’s Letters of Gratitude – Back 2 School Store Helps So Many

AMANDA CACCAVO, LCSW Certified School Social Worker

Henry Viscardi School at the Viscardi Center, Transforming the lives of people with disbilities Thank you for inviting our students to attend your Back 2 School Store (B2SS). Once again you treated us as though we were royalty. It is hard to describe to you how excited our students were when I told them we were going back “to shop” again this summer. They began to count down the days and repeatedly reminded me that they were going to be on the trip. The B2SS shopping trip is the highlight of our summer school program. Please express our appreciation and the respect we have for the selfless work that you and your team do for the benefit of so many students. The experience is executed flawlessly while you arehelping so many children and their families prepare for the new school year. Your dedication and that of your team shines through and graces the lives of so many. Thank you again for sharing this experience with us. Your work is much appreciated.

MARIAN HART – Volunteer and Treasurer

Soup to Nuts Soup Kitchen, “Feeding the mind, body and spirit” On behalf of the guests who come to the Soup To Nuts Soup Kitchen, thank you for the very generous food donation. The chain of assistance the NCJW’s seventh annual Back 2 School Store event created for children and their less fortunate families lengthened to include “feeding hungry people today.” The array of food from the appreciation lunch served to your “pop-up” vol- unteers became an essential part of our lunchtime meals. We were delighted to weave your contribution into our entrees and exchanged out whatever food we could use on another day. That Monday the bas- ket of bagels and platter of When I asked a young boy how cream cheese were placed he“ liked shopping he had tears in on the serving table. Tues- her eyes and said “I am very happy, day, a day that doesn’t receive as much I never had new clothes before.” in the way of food donations, served —That really got to me! ” the tuna, egg and health salads. All the pastries you provided became an important part of dessert. The soup kitchen has beenserving men, women and children free, nutritious, hot meals each weekday since our founding in 1987. More often than we could know, the lunches and food our guests may take home might provide the only nourishment a family has for that particular day. On behalf of the volunteers and guests we serve, thank you for providing the soup kitchen with yet another opportunity to improve our guests’ quality of life. My kids learned how “important it is to be generous. Indifference to those in need is not a choice. Whatever we do, even at the tiniest ” local level, affects the world.

AUDREY GOODMAN – Community Relations Coordinator

New Horizon Counseling Center, Empowering individuals & strengthening communities Every year the Back 2 School Store (B2SS) becomes a bigger miracle. A New Horizon Counseling Center staff member who attended the event said, “I wanted to cry when I saw what the children were doing.” It is simply a supremely, remarkable event for the better- ment of people in our community. Other attendees were overwhelmed with the head to toe generosity and the joy their children experienced. Everyone was there to help, everyone was so kind and giving – everyone cared and everyone felt it. I want to thank you for including New Horizon Counseling Center clients in the B2SS event. I understand that this is your labor of love and from this labor comes much love. You should be very proud of this outstanding accomplishment. Baruch Hashem.

www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 9 COMMUNITY SERVICE

Five Towns Early Learning Center If you leave NY for the winter, please call our office and give us your seasonal address.

Support NCJW while you do your shopping!

When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to NCJW.

Bookmark the link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/11-6003315 for an easy way to support us every time you shop at Amazon!

SIBSPlace Barbecue, What a Wonderful Day SUNYA KLEINER – Volunteer

On Sunday, August 11, 2019 I was so fortunate! I was invited to attend a back yard barbecue. Not just an ordinary barbecue; this one (a yearly function) given and funded by Marty and Marilyn Schamroth was created for the enjoyment of the SIBS program par- ticipants, their extended families and the volunteers involved in the SIBS program. Originally South Nassau Communities Hospital sponsored the development of SIBSplace. It is now maintained by the hospital and private donations including NCJW Peninsula Section. SIBSplace is a support program for children 5-17 years of age who have seriously ill family members. Now let’s talk about the extended family of SIBSplace that makes its existence and continuation such a success. Firstly, there is the Director, Suzanne Kornblatt. Suzanne is the mental health supervisor who, with the help of Joanna Formant, also a mental health social worker, and co-director, coordinate varied programs that have, as you would expect, many attendees. Because of their com- passion, passion and style, everything they offer becomes a celebration, translation-fun, learning experience and diversion. Secondly, abundant deserving kudos to Judie, Vic and Ronnie, our NCJW volunteers. They have been dependable, industrious,

10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org COMMUNITY SERVICE

Campership – A Lifechanging Experience JUDY NOVET – Campership Chair

NCJW Peninsula Section has been providing sleep-away camp experiences to disadvantaged children for well over 30 years. This summer, we sent eight fabulous children to Camp Vacamas in northwestern New Jersey. The value of a summer sleepaway experience cannot be underestimated for any child. For the population we assist, it can be life changing. In addition to financial difficulties which they all face, many of our campers come from families in crisis due to medical or marital problems. The children referred to us often have arningle or psychological difficulties and suffer from depression or low self-esteem. Camp offers them an opportunity to leave behind their daily stress. It is an opportunity to open their eyes to a new world, to reinvent themselves, to experience new surroundings, to make deep connections, to learn to be independent, and to learn new skills.

Here are some comments we have received from the children: u “I learned that this camp makes you get out of your shell and make new friends.” u “I learned that I can do things on my own.” u “I learned that in life there will come challenges. But, you have to overcome them.” u “Work with a team is easier than working by yourself.” u “I learned that being active every day is very fun when your (sic) doing good activities. Camp to me felt like my second home, with my second family…” u “Everyone should care for one another like they do in camp.”

One of our campers also sent us a thank you note ringed with hand-drawn hearts. Her mom wrote a letter of appreciation. Their social worker sent the following: ”I have to share with you such wonderful news about “S”! She had such a wonderful time at camp that her parents sent her back on a payment plan! This was a dream come true… Now that she is away her mother is seeing a therapist and the therapist said “ I swear, I think you saved a marriage, too!” The camp program is a blessing…. [The family is] so grateful for this incredible opportunity. THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH!”

understanding, and HARD WORKING. They encourage the children to participate and enjoy all elements of the program. No job is too big or too small for them. They are always there and ready! Peninsula Section is proud of Judie, Children enjoying the SIBSPlace annual barbecue. Vic and Ronnie – our volunteers. Thirdly, The Children. They have serious personal concerns andoblems pr but their participation in these programs is usually 100%. For example, this barbecue. They are responsible for the lovely decorations, the unusual centerpieces, the warm-hearted feeling of friendship and togetherness. They are the best examples of strength, humanity and goodness. Lastly, but emphatically not least, let’s have loud and copious round of applause for our hosts. Mike and Marilyn Schamroth. What can I say about these altruistic humanitarians. Mike is on the board of Biospecifics, South Nassau Communities Hospital and Winthrop South Nassau University health. But most importantly, he is the ultimate host when it comes to SIBSplace’s barbecue. Mike and Marilyn delivered an afternoon of pleasure, energy, generosity, and meaning wrapped in emotion and happiness. The afternoon and barbecue was a triumph. People (at least 100) came together with respect and, yes, love. All considered, everything was extraordinary!!!!

www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 11 Where are you donating all of the things that no longer spark joy in your life? —MARIE KONDO SEEN ON NETFLIX “”We’d love you to donate those items to the NCJW Thrift Shop. Profits from the store support our community service programs.

NCJW Thrift Shop

DONATION HOURS u Mon. through Thursday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm u Sunday by appointment only u Pick-up service available for furniture donations. u Tax deductions are given on all donations.

[email protected] 342 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559 516-569-0510 [email protected]

SAVE Florida Theatre Party THE Florida Theatre Party JOAN BUTWIN, ANNE SIEGEL, ADRIENNE SINGER – Co-Chairs DATE March 1, 2020

Music of the Nights celebrating Sir , Name ______Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney Florida address ______Four singers are backed by a 12-piece orchestra as they commemorate iconic ______masterpieces from three of Britain’s finest songwriters, including “Memory”, Phone ______“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Yesterday.”

Sunday, March 1, 2020 Number of tickets @ $60 ______4:00 pm Total amount enclosed ______Wold Performing Arts Center Please mail checks to: NCJW Peninsula Section, Lynn University, Boca Raton 342 Central Ave., Lawrence, NY 11559 Cost: $60 per ticket

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org New Year, New Members, New Friends NATALIE ZEIGER – Membership VP

We are so very fortunate. Our fantastic Membership is the foundation of all that we can and will do. We are a roster of committed women and men who are making the world a better place for children, women and families. As Membership VP, it is my pleasure to welcome our new members, who are becoming part of our exceptional programs. It will be a wonderful year working together, sharing our ideas, and making new friends. I look forward to spending time with our new members at the “New Member Breakfast” on Thursday, November 14th. See you then.

Welcome New Members Ellen Lehrman Donna Karp Sherry Rausch Ellen Grossman Volunteer Opportunities Shari Braverman Marlyn Appelt Ruth Klein Deborah Fleischer The NCJW Joan Riegel Center for Women, helps women Nora Skiba Linda Leonardi return to the workforce. Susan Weinick Helene Cerami Jill Lander Nancy Friedman Please call the office at 516-569-3660 if interested. Judi Corben Brenda Rader Janet Schneider Belle Rothstein We need volunteers who have experience with: Kathy Davis Sandy Garcia u Computer job search and online applications Gail Passet Eleanor Newman u Basic computer skills (ex. opening an email) Carl Garber Teena Korman u Resume writing Victor Molinsky Phil Pickus u Linda Gioia Lotte Kaplowitz Conducting mock interviews u Bonnie Weinhoff Lewis Knopf Assisting in choosing appropriate work attire Phyllis Boriello Marsha Franklin

Our Members Wish You a Happy and Healthy New Year 5780

Judy & Al Bernstein Martha & Ted Leviton Barb & Joe Sklar Paula & Mel Blum Phyllis Lido and Family Bonnie Sperry and Family Judi & Richard Braverman and Family Bobbi & Les Frimerman Gloria Stark and Family Joan Butwin and Family Adrienne & Geoff Lurie Florence Steiger and Family Pearl L. Cande and Family Sandra Mintz and Family Barbara & Mel Wolff Linda & Henry Davidson and Family Helen & Al Murray and Family Natalie Zeiger and Family Fran & Arthur Denny The Okin & Budick Family Judy Engel Sheryl & Bob Orgel Abby Fox & Larry Fink and Family Babette & Jerry Reisman Myra & Carl Garber and Family Bernice Rood Linda & Neil Gorin Marcia Roth and Family Phyllis & Harry Greenberg Harriet Rubenstein and Family Dyan & Melvyn Harris and Family Carole & Dave Schrager Marlene & Bill Herzig Susan Schwarz and Family Laney & Steve Honig Barbara & Martin Semel Judie & Vic Horowitz The Sher Family Helen & Martin Inwald Dolores & Harry Sidor Sunya Kleiner Anne Siegel and Family The Lavenda Family Dotty & Linda Sion

www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 13 Women’s Health Forum, “Don’t Be Scared – Be Prepared” MARTHA LEVITON - Health Forum Co-Chair

Did you miss it??? It was a really good one. This summer’s Annual Women’s Health Forum, “Don’t Be Scared – Be Prepared: HOW TO HANDLE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES” was a huge success. Led by Mozelle Goldstein, an RN and CPR instructor, we learned valuable information which included first aid and safety awareness. We learned CPR and how to use an AED, an automated external defibrillator, a portable electronic device that can save the life of someone in cardiac arrest. It’s easy to do and WOW! You could save a life! We learned how to recognize the signs of a stroke and how important getting help quickly is. Remember – F.A.S.T. (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) as an easy way to identify symptoms and take fast action. A wonderful breakfast was served at Sunny Atlantic Beach Club and we couldn’t have had a more beautiful day. We hope you will join us for the next Annual Women’s Health Forum this coming summer.

u “It was the BEST and most INFORMATIVE meeting I have ever been too. “ u “I learned so much and I know that this Forum today will be instrumental in making a difference in lives saved.” u “Thank you! Kudos for a job well done!”

Health Forum participants enjoying breakfast as they learn life saving first aid tips. Joan P. Ivler demonstrating how to perform CPR.

Our Young Advocates Leading the Way PAM SHELDEN – Facilitator, Generation: Next

NCJW Peninsula Section is proud of our Generation: Next members and advocates, Alexandra Fox (Lynbrook H.S.), Ethan Eisenberg (Hewlett H.S.), Brianna Ginzburg (Hewlett H.S.) and Kira Grossman (Hewlett H.S.) who petitioned our local, state and federal legislators to proclaim October 11th as International Day of the Girl. We have received proclamations from Governor Andrew Cuomo, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, Senator Todd Kaminsky and County Executive Laura Curran.

14 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 www.ncjwpeninsula.org

Tributes ALL OCCASION FUND Calendar of Events In Memory of: July 31 – September 20, 2019 Andrea Binder, beloved daughter of Bea Block Talia Carner Myra Garber GOLD ALL OCCASION FUND NOVEMBER In Honor of: In Memory of: Jackie Eiger, get well soon Marvin Tolkin, beloved husband u SUNDAY, NOV. 3 Adrienne & Arthur Singer of Carole Tolkin Advocacy Film – “Screenagers” Elayne Kirshner Arthur Denny, get well soon Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, 2:00 pm Harriet Rubenstein Andrea Binder, beloved daughter of Bea Block Toni Margolin, on your u SUNDAY, NOV. 17 Rene Powers grandsons wedding La Boheme Rhoda Friedland The Metropolitan Opera, 3:00 pm In Honor of: Carole Tolkin, 80th birthday u THURSDAY, NOV. 14 Ellen Forman ISRAEL GRANTING Program Meeting – Featuring Michael Wildes, Founders Day Committee, PROGRAM FUND Immigration Attorney and Laura Reyes, DACA Recipient: “Thank you for bringing joy to In Memory of: Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor . . . Immigration in Crisis my life, just when I needed it.” Andrea Binder, beloved Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, 12:00 pm Carole Tolkin daughter of Bea Block Barbara & Mel Wolff, 60th Florence Steiger Wedding Anniversary Beloved daughter of Evan DECEMBER Phyllis & Wilbur Weinberger & Lisa Feingold

Phyllis & Howard Kaufman u TUESDAY, DEC. 3 SILVER ALL OCCASION Arthur, beloved husband of #GivingTuesday Fundraiser FUND Ellen Singer Joan Butwin In Memory of: u TUESDAY, DEC. 3 Rose Yudelson, beloved mother In Honor of: Lecture Series – Linda Marie Frank: Art Not Art of Dr. Richard Delson & Family Debbie & Bill Schrag on the The Bristal, North Woodmere, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Ellen Feuer birth of your great

Lillian Rosen, beloved mother granddaughter of Merrill Saltiel Adrienne & Arthur Singer Ellen Feuer Hope Coleman and a wonderful Looking Ahead . . . Back 2 School Store 2019 Florence Kruman u TUESDAY, FEB. 11, 2020 BLUE ALL OCCASION FUND Morty Certilman, get well soon Jewish Life Program – UNRWA: Stop Teaching Hate In Memory of: Joan Butwin Speaker: Dr. Joan Lurie Goldberg Blanche Neimand, beloved Howard Goldsmith, get The United Nations Relief and Works well soon mother of Barbara & Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinians has a Adrienne & Arthur Singer Stu Rosenberg mandated mission but is dedicated to Rene Powers Margie & Norman Bean on your another. Our speaker, Dr. Joan Lurie granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah Goldberg, believes that the path to peace Phyllis & Howard Kaufman in the middle east begins in the classroom – but not these classrooms. (www.reformUNRWA.com)

NCJW Tribute Cards u TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Lecture Series – Antonia Petrash: Long Island Women Cards can be purchased by contacting our office at 516-569-3660. Win the Vote The Bristal, North Woodmere, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm ALL OCCASION FUND • No listing in bulletin, cards purchased directly from our office. u TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Packages of 6 cards ...... $25 Program Meeting – Catherine Sanderson , “ Happiness” • Sentiment is listed in bulletin, a card is sent from our office. Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, 12:00 pm Gold ...... $50 Blue ...... $18 Silver ...... $25 All Occasion ...... $10 u SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Advocacy Film ISRAEL GRANTING PROGRAM FUND Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, 2:00 pm • No listing in bulletin, cards purchased directly from our office. Packages of 6 cards ...... $25 u TUESDAY, APRIL 7 • Sentiment is listed in bulletin, a card is sent from our office. . . .$10 Lecture Series – Doug Sheer: The Shapes of our State The Bristal, North Woodmere, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

www.ncjwpeninsula.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 15 Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID National Council of Jewish Women Hicksville, NY Peninsula Section Permit 842

342 Central Avenue Lawrence, New York 11559 www.ncjwpeninsula.org

Our Vote Is Our Voice

Throughout its history, NCJW has worked to expand voting rights, drive voter turnout, educate on the issues, and engage advocates. Our work continues today, with a renewed focus on developing grassroots net- works and leaders to build power in their communities. Our ultimate goal? That every eligible voter is able to register to vote, cast a ballot, and engage in all levels of government in a deep and meaningful way.

NCJW women, Rhoda Friedland, Myra Cohen, Jill Lander and Sandra Mintz help people register to vote. Below: Jill Lander and Sandra Mintz at Green Acres Mall.