Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Dinner Journal

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Evening of Recognition Dinner Journal April 2, 2017 - Nissan 6, 5777

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About Us

Circle of Friends provides a wide array of innovative programming promoting a greater awareness and understanding of both the unique needs and the unique gifts of individuals with special needs while encouraging respect and empathy for those facing difficult challenges.

The children, teens, adults and their families benefit from weekly home visits and inclusive recreational group programming.

Children, teens and adults with special needs celebrate the holidays with exciting, interactive programs, that bring to life the spirit and richness of the holidays and traditions.

For our teen volunteers, Circle of Friends aims to create an environment that will nurture and inspire their volunteer experience with meaning, purpose, self-value, and a sense of connection to and responsibility for the greater community.

Our Programs Home With Friends Sunday Circle Teen Scene Young Adult/Adult Social Circle Life Skills Volunteer Orientation Seminars Bar/Bat Mitzvah - Hebrew School Winter/Summer Camp

It’s All Good Bakery/Cafe to employ adults with disabilities Community Awareness & Outreach Birthday Celebrations Circle of Friends High School Clubs Sibling Support Groups Hospital Visits - Care Packages “Be A Friend” Inclusion Initiative

Circle of Friends Today a look at the numbers

150 Volunteers provide 10,000 “Friendship Hours” annually in Fairfield County, CT

120

Families & Participants who benefit directly from our programs

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‫ב”סד‬

Program “acquire for yourself a friend ” Ethics Of Our Fathers 1:6

Dinner - Auction Greetings Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk Entertainment by Cory Kahaney named best comedian in NYC by backstage Presentation to PJ & Jonathan Ross Pillar of Friendship Award On behalf of our families On behalf of our volunteers “Passing the Torch of Friendship” Justin, Scott & Jillian Pecoriello “The Art of Friendship” Video Presentation Produced by Erik Trautman In Appreciation Freida Hecht, Director Circle of Friends Presentation of Volunteer Awards Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator

Viennese Table Desserts ~ Auction Winners Announced

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In Dedication to our Spiritual Mentor and Teacher, The Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of saintly memory whose inspiration and personal example is our guiding light and moving force.

Just as it is impossible to escape our own life’s challenges, so too, we can never turn our backs on the challenges faced by our fellow. –THE REBBE

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‫ב”סד‬

A Message of Thanks April 2, 2017- Nissan 6, 5777

Dear Volunteers and Friends, “ Acquire for yourself a friend.” (Ethics 1:6) Tonight at our Evening of Recognition celebrating 13 years of friendship, we honor our dedicated volunteers and donors who make Circle of Friends possible and we recognize our families, who open the doors of their homes and their hearts to all of us in friendship.

We are proud that over 120 families from across Fairfield County, Connecticut; have joined our Circle of Friends for social experiences, camaraderie and friendship.

Circle of Friends is truly making a difference in the lives of many and serves as a foundation for making our community and world a place filled with the sunshine of hope and dignity for all.

Every embrace, word of encouragement, each smile and friendship shared, is a moment that transforms our world. This transformation is achieved through the power of love, inclusion and acceptance. .

Our work has just begun. We draw strength by all that Circle of Friends has accomplished but more importantly we are dedicated to our mission and look forward to meeting the new challenges as we continue to expand our programs and reach, and launch the Circle of Friends Bakery to employ adults with disabilities.

With G-D’s help and through your partnership and financial support we will achieve our goals!

This evening let us celebrate!

We celebrate YOU, our volunteers, our special friends and their families.

We celebrate your compassion, kindness and friendship.

We celebrate your dedication, love and goodness.

We celebrate the uniqueness and purpose of every single soul on earth.

May the Almighty bless each and every one of you with infinite blessings of love, inner peace, friendship and joy, L’Chaim!

Sincerely,

Freida Hecht Director

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OUR HEROES ADULT VOLUNTEER HONOREES Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator Rita Bernstein, Art June Eichbaum & Samshine

YJP, CT Natasha Berman Samantha Bernstein Jessica Ficarra Jessica Jablon Ted Lopatin John Schlesinger Rachael Zuckerman

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FELLOWSHIP AWARDEES Ilisa Davison, Co-President COF Wilton High School Remy Glick Co-President COF Club Weston High School Sarah Neckritz - Ivy Prince Co-Presidents COF Club Staples High School Samara Robison President COF Brien McMahon High School Lily Berkin Mikayla DiDonato Mia Fung Amanda Katz Justin Pecoriello Zachary Ross

DEDICATED TEEN VOLUNTEERS Colin Baker, President COF Norwalk High School Joshua Bender Co-President COF Wilton High School Juliana Koller, Co-President COF Weston High School Abigail Ross, VP COF Staples High School & SLOBS Andrew Saunders, VP COF Staples High School & SLOBS Shea Baker Sasha Barnett Carlos Barrera Dylan Bender Brandon Berger Drew Berkin Alp Berkmen Haley Bloch Sotiria Boci Harley Bonn Kieran Brown Hannah Ceisler Dylan Chatterjee Hannah Costa Madeline Davison Hadley Day Alex Didelot Grace Donnelly Emily Epstein Matthew Epstein Ari Escandon ISRAELI EMISSARIES Noa Feldman Meshy Gabai Rotem Rotner Guy Shamai

Tali Faber Sydney Feldman Rachel Finkel Alexis Fliegelmen Nicholas Floe John Fung Kevin Fung Rachel Gelfand Zoe Gelman Emily Gitlin Charlotte Glick Olivia Glick Cody Gornbein Jessica Grauberd Ethan Gross Yaacov Hecht Alyssa Hyman Jason Hyman Jeffrey Huang Larry Huang Lily Kane

Lara Katz Katelyn Konigsberg Jessica Koyner Jocelyn Lister Jane Paknia Sydney Lovro Ilsa McColl Kalle Meehan Ella Moskowitz Lexie Moskowitz Jordan Narins Amanda Neckritz Margaret Nolan Sydney Panzer Rohan Parman Kate Petroni Maisie Prince Naomi Roberts Eli Robison Noah Robison Carly Rutsky

Isabella Sabatino Nina Santella Tobey Sappern Kate Shannon Haroun Siddiqui Evan Siegel Haydn Siroka Nora Skoczen Annabel Sollinger Ruby Spadone Mushka Stone Elise Sullivan Sarah Szuchman Jet Tober Mia Tommins Ariela Treysler Nina Udell Jackson Valente Jacob Wilder Rachel Wolfe SLOBS of Staples HS

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Dinner Committee PJ & Jonathan Ross, Guests of Honor Danit Almog Penny Almog Michelle & Dr. Scott Bender Freda & Lawrence Boguchwal Ellen & Owen Bregman Sara & Yitzchak Capland Fran & Mitch Cohen Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper, past honorees Beth & Raphael Davison Mushka & Meir Deitsch Lori Elkins Jessica Ficarra Marjorie Freeman Rachelle & Cory Glick Deby & Dr. Mark Goldenberg Doris Goltzer Andrea & Dr. Sheldon Greenberg Candi Savin & Daniel Gross Brachie & Menachem M. Hecht Freida & Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht Rochel Hecht Ellen Lautenberg & Doug Hendel, past honorees Donna & David Hyman Rivka & Dr. David Kasle Laura Kassen, past honoree Adrienne & Je Klein

Hillary & Ira Koyner Fern & Len Leader Clarisse & Steve Levine Doree & Robert Levy Sharon & Howard Lipper Allison & Douglas Narins Jill & Edouard Paknia Andrea & Bill Pecoriello, past honorees Emily & Joshua Prince Fran Rackson Susan Robison Johanna Rossi Michelle & Dr. Steven Saunders Jessica Jablon & John Schlesinger Shaina & Eli Schochet Fran & Steve Sonkin Brett Aronow & Keith Stein Quincy Stein, past honoree Chanie & Rabbi Levi Stone Diane & Ken Yormark Debbie & Je Zuckerman Rachael Zuckerman Jordan Glick - Katherine Koller Presidents COF Alumni Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas Erik Trautman, Video Production

Circle of Friends High School Clubs Presidents 2017-2018 Colin Baker, Norwalk High School Alyssa Hyman - Abigail Ross - Andrew Saunders (SLOBS) Co-Presidents COF Club Staples High School Rachel Gelfand - Charlotte Glick - Juliana Koller Co-Presidents COF Club Weston High School Joshua Bender - John Fung Co-Presidents COF Wilton High School

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Thank You to our Donors Circle Pillars Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper Andrea & Bill Pecoriello PJ & Jonathan Ross

Circle Supporters Robert & Dolores Freidenrich Johanna & Marshall Kiev Savin Family Fund June Eichbaum & Kenneth Wirfel

Grants Federation for Jewish Philanthropy Morgan Stanley Foundation SLOBS Staples High School Westport Woman’s Club Westport Young Woman’s League Wilton Rotary Club

Auction Prize Donors Aitoro Appliance AK Couture ASF Sports & Outdoors Bigelow Tea Bob’s Discount Furniture Born of earth Spa Bridgeport Bluefish Bruce Museum Lynn Cesaria Style Chelsea Piers, CT Costco Delmar Drimmer’s Appliances Down Under Stephen Ehrens June Eichbaum European Wax Center Jenn Fialik Gioella Jewelry Greg & Tony Salon Groove Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy of CT Roe Halper Art Hand Crafted Portraits

High Point Laboratories Jerry’s Artarama Lera Jewels Live Kelly Show Minuteman Cleaners Mount Peter My Three Sons Natural Pet Outlet NY Giants NY Jets Noelle Spa Paper Source Andrea & Bill Pecoriello Penny Weights PJ Salvage Posh Nails Pure Barre Quassey Amusement Pk. Renato Jewelers Ridgefield Bicycle Co. Ridgefield Playhouse Rock Climb Fairfield Sea Glass Fine Art Photography Soleil Toile

Splash of Pink Starbucks Stepping Stones Museum Stomp Co. Teddy’s Transportation Terry Conners Ice Rink The Edge Fitness Clubs Thomas Fallon Photography Thomas Hooker Beer Total Wine & More Trader Joes Tzfasman Jewelers US Open Vincent Palumbo Vineyard Vines Walt Disney World Co. Westport Country Playhouse Westport Weston Family Y Westport Wine & Spirits Winged Monkey Diane and Ken Yormark

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Guests of Honor

PJ & Jonathan Ross Pillar of Friendship Award

PJ and Jon attended Lehigh University, although they did not know each other while there. After graduation, they met through mutual friends while living in NYC. Jon received his degree in marketing and worked at EB Brands, a US manufacturing company in Yonkers, NY. Jon attained the position of Executive Vice President for Product Development & Asian Operations. He lived in Hong Kong for 5 years while overseeing the manufacturing division of the company.

In 2013, Jon assumed the position of President at Bio Compression Systems, the leading manufacturer of Pneumatic Compression Devices for the treatment of Lymphedema, Chronic Venous InsuďŹƒciency, and Peripheral Arterial Disease. Bio Compression Systems of New Jersey manufactures all of its equipment here in the USA. PJ earned a BS in biology and went on to graduate school to become a Registered Nurse. She practiced at Cornell Medical Center in NYC until she and Jon made the decision to move to Hong Kong and pursue his career.

PJ and Jon are the proud parents of, Zachary and Abigail. Zachary is a senior at Staples HS in Westport. He will be continuing the family tradition by attending Lehigh University in the fall. Abigail is currently a sophomore at Staples and may be coerced into joining the rest of the family in their Lehigh tradition.

The Ross family currently resides in Westport. PJ and Jon have jointly been involved in giving back to the community and extending a helping hand to those in need. Following their parent’s lead, Zachary and Abigail began volunteering with Circle of Friends when they started High School.

The Ross family considers it a great privilege to be involved with the vital work of Circle of Friends. They consider it to be both a meaningful and wonderful experience for the entire family. Circle of Friends is proud to present the Pillar of Friendship Award to this exemplary couple.

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In Appreciation to our benefactors

Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper

“..when a person passes from this world neither silver, nor gold, nor precious stones, nor pearls accompany him, only Torah and good deeds...�

Ethics of our Fathers 6:9

Circle of Friends April 2, 2017 - Nissan 6, 5777

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In honor of

PJ & Jonathan Ross Guests of Honor

"It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world."

(Ethics of our Fathers 1:17)

Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition April 2, 2017

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In Honor of

Andrea & Bill Pecoriello for spearheading Circle of Friends “It’s All Good Food’’ Bakery Project “Whoever occupies himself with the needs of the community the Al- Mighty will reward them.”

Shabbat Prayer

Thank you for your vision Circle of Friends April 2, 2017

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Congratulations to

PJ & Jonathan Ross, Guests of Honor

Thank you for leading by example.

Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition April 2, 2017

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Is your child struggling in school? We can help.

Winston Preparatory School education for the individual 57 West Rocks Road | Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203.229.0465 x535 126 W. 17th St. | New York City, NY 10011 | 646.638.2705 x634 901 Route 10 East | Whippany, NJ 07981 | 973.500.6496 www.winstonprep.edu | facebook.com/winstonprepschool The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.

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Our very best wishes to our dear friends

PJ and Jon Ross on this deserving honor.

We are thrilled to be able share this special night with you.

Congratulations!

Beth and Kevin Cheryl and Jared

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Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk - Chabad Salutes the Circle of Friends Volunteers We are proud to serve Fairfield County and the Communities of Westport, Weston, Wilton & Norwalk, with •Daily Minyonim •Mikvah Chana – Mei Leiba (in building stage) •Beth Israel Hebrew School •Youth Club •Community Wide Holiday Programs •Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group •Adult Education Center •Chaplaincy •Cemetery & Chevra Kadisha

Mazel Tov!

Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Stephen Schwartz, President Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk - Chabad of Norwalk 40 King Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 203.866.0534 info@bethisraelct.org www.bethisraelct.org

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WINE ENTHUSIAST RATINGS

SCORE OUT OF 100 POINTS

PTS

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The Costco Connection

Party Ideas!

2 Greenbrier Road, Westport Bar/Bat Mitzvah Special Occasions 203-226-3672 203-984-0610 Arlene@partyideasct.com AR Arlene Rosenthal

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January 2017

is proud to support Circle of Friends of Connecticut www.wywl.com

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THE NEW WESTON/WESTPORT HEBREW SCHOOL Imagine a Hebrew School where kids don't want to miss a day. They come in with a smile and leave humming a Hebrew song. Walking through the halls, you can hear the sounds of lively discussion, of singing, laughter and prayer.

Imagine a child who feels the warmth and spirit of Judaism. Imagine the pride of his/her parents.

Welcome to Weston Hebrew School, an exciting and innovative educational program located in the heart of Weston, at the Norfield Grange 12 Good Hill Road. Our School enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trend setter in creative Jewish education for children in Kindergarten through grade 7. Weston Hebrew School has exciting new programs, a dynamic staff and interested students. Our student body is made up of children from various backgrounds and affiliations. Synagogue membership is not required.

Boys & Girls K-7 - Tuesdays 3:45-5:15PM Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading & Writing Program Innovative curriculum, Love of Israel, Jewish History & more.

Fun, hands on lessons Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation For Information Call: 203-493-6505 Email: westohebrewschool@gmail.com www.westonhebrewschool.org Located @ Norfield Grange 12 Good Hill Road, Weston Transportation from Weston Public Schools Freida Hecht, Director

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The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, CT “Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of the Chabad Lubavitch Rebbe”

Congratulates the Circle of Friends Volunteers Serving our community with: •Young Jewish Professionals, CT •Mommy and Me •Jewish Town Herald Holiday Magazine •Aleph Bet Early Childhood Daycare •Mezuzah Check-ups and Placement •Holiday Awareness Programs •Adult Education and Lectures •Chaplaincy and Counseling •“Flying Challah” Project •Teffillin Club •One on One Torah/Hebrew Study

191 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880 203-635-4118 www.schneersoncenter.org Rabbi Levi and Chanie Stone “Where Every Jew Deserves a positive Jewish Experience”

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Mitchell M. Hecht, Esq. Real Estate - Litigation Contracts - Brokerage - Leasing 800-916-3467

www.hechtlawgroup.com mitchell@hechtlawgroup.com

STAR CREDIT CARE Credit Repair Trade Line Credit Build Up Isaac Capland 310-948-5386 isaac@starcreditcare.com

LIVE MUSIC MAKES THE EVENT! POP, JAZZ, OLDIES Singer/pianist/guitarist available to entertain your private parties, including engagement parties, dinner parties, Bar Mitzvahs, birthdays, upscale BBQ’s VERY AFFORDABLE/NEGOTIABLE RATES Elan A. Bortniker Bachelor of Music, NYU 2013 (973) 715-7295 email: elanbortniker@yahoo.com

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Greetings 

We love you Ethan Gross!

You are growing up into a real mensch! Love, Mom and Dad



Congratulations PJ & Jon on this wonderful recognition.

Way to go! Jill & Bruce Haymes



Best wishes from your brother & brother in law, Rabbi Eli & Dr. Dalia Hecht, Lomita, California

 In honor of the “Dogfather” Matt from Diane, Ken & Rebecca Yormark www.dogfathergrooming.com - 203-907-3626



Circle of Friends Giving Opportunities A Gift of Friendship $5,400

A Gift of Joy

$180

A Gift of Love

$3,600

A Gift of Acceptance $100

A Gift of Life

$1,800

A Gift of inclusion $72

A Giftof Compassion

$1,000

A Gift of Thanks

A Gift of Warmth

$500

A Gift from the Heart $36

A Giftof Laughter

$360

A Gift of Chai

$54

$18

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the art of friendship

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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 40 King Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 203.293.8837 www.circleoffriendsct.org - cof@circleoffriendsct.org Freida Hecht, Director Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Circle of Friends of Connecticut is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization

“Together We Can Perform Miracles”