January 19, 2015

2015

TBS Sisterhood: A Look Back at 2014

Now that 2015 is upon us, let’s highlight our activities and accomplishments from last year:

Our Sisterhood Dinners Out were really fun! They included visits to Lager and Vine in February; Papa Joe’s in April; Moe’s in July; and Mad Jack’s Grill and Pub in October. Thanks, Frieda Miller Brown, for coordinating reservations and for your efforts in keeping track of all the guests!

In February, Sisterhood sponsored the Oneg in conjunction with a Shabbat visit by a rabbinical candidate.

In March, several sistas traveled to GUCI for the WRJ Central District Spring Kallah in Zionsville, Indiana. Also in March, we acknowledged Sisterhood member Sue Busch on the publication of her book Yearning for Normal.

In April, a few sistas attended the Jewish-themed production of “Handle with Care” at the Actors’ Summit Theater in Akron.

Lisa and Rick Singer hosted their annual Sista and Guest Night in May. The theme was “HAPPY,” after the popular song.

Sisterhood launched its first Book Club in May. Stefani Carlson hosted the first gathering, followed by Ilene Shapiro in September. In early December, the Book Club gathered at TBS and welcomed local Akron author, Irv Korman.

In June, several Sisterhood members donated their time and talents by volunteering for Mitzvah Day. This community endeavor focused on assisting the Akron Red Cross. The Red Cross project was spearheaded by Kathy Snyder, and Jane Grover led the team at the Battered Women’s Shelter.

Also in June, a commemorative plaque was presented to retiring Rabbi Sheldon Ezring in appreciation of his support of Sisterhood and the WRJ Central District.

On July 11th, TBS president and Sisterhood member Kim Strausser and her husband Mike Miller sponsored the Oneg welcoming Rabbi Jim Egolf, wife Rebecca, and sons to our congregation.

In August, we gathered at the home of co-president Sandy Ternay for our first organizational Sisterhood General Meeting of the year.

The August 14th Sisterhood Schmooze column noted a tribute to Julia Grace Eveland who passed away at age eight. Our Schmooze noted Julia’s many accomplishments as well as her unique life perspectives.

Sisterhood and Brotherhood collaborated on a Welcome Back to Religious School family reception in September. “Goodie Bags” were created for all the returning students.

October found us at the home of Kim Strausser for a “Lilith in the Sukkah” salon gathering.

November’s WRJ Central District Convention in Columbus was exciting! Sandy Adland was installed as Central District president and Lisa Singer was installed as a new Area Director representing Akron, Canton, Hudson and Youngstown. (Yours truly was this year’s recipient of the WRJ Central District Deborah Honor). Our gift basket, with the theme “Wild, Wonderful & Wacky Ohio,” fetched an impressive $150.00… all of which benefitted the WRJ YES Fund.

Also in November, we gathered for our first annual Sisterhood Paid Member Luncheon! Rebecca Egolf was officially welcomed to our TBS Sisterhood. Everyone enjoyed the delicious catered lunch and the dynamic group activities lead by Rebecca.

December’s Annual Frying of the Latkes was a huge success! Thanks to all of the sistas who made that possible! It just gets better every year!

And, as we conclude the year, Sisterhood wishes to acknowledge outgoing treasurer Susie Axelrod. Thank you so much for your long-standing dedication to Sisterhood and for all of your efforts to keep us on track!

With all of our activities, accomplishments and achievements, it’s no wonder that WRJ North America honored our Sisterhood with the 2013-2014/5774 Special Merit. Our TBS Sisterhood donated a minimum of ten dollars per member (fifty for this time period). This impressive donation supported the Women of Reform Judaism YES Fund… (Youth, Education and Special Projects).

Don’t miss out on the fun! Be sure to keep your membership current. Contact Robin Rosen-Sharp, membership chair, at rrsdvm2@aol.com.

Mazel Tov!

Congrats and good wishes to Sisterhood member Sue Busch. Sue was the recipient of the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal Award for her book Yearning for Normal. The award was presented to Sue this past November in Miami, Florida.

“Schmooze Express”….

Sunday, January 11th 9:30 a.m. Sisterhood General meeting at TBS
Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. Book Club gathering at the home of Moema Furtado
Saturday-Sunday, January 17-18- MLK Jr. TBS congregational retreat at Quail Hollow Resort
Wednesday, January 21st- Sisterhood Dinner Out at Cilantro in Akron

Yours in Sisterhood,
Emily Audra Fleisher