Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Journal

Journal 2013 2_Journal 4/30/2013 10:12 PM Page 1

AN EVENING

2013

OF

RECOGNITION

s''xc

DINNER JOURNAL

HONORING OUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS VOLUNTEERS & BENEFITING THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS May 5, 2013 Iyar 25, 5773

CELEBRATING 9 YEARS OF

FRIENDSHIP

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Program Vahavta L’rayacha Kamocha - “Love Your Fellow As Yourself” Leviticus 19:18 Buffet Dinner - Chinese Auction Award Ceremony Master of Ceremonies, Ken Yormark Greetings Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk On behalf of our volunteers, High School Seniors Fellowship Awardees Andrew Cohen – Perri Cohen On behalf of our families Anatol Feygin, Westport “My Friend” Video Presentation - Jacob Shore, Producer In Appreciation Freida Hecht, Director Circle of Friends The Giving Tree Eric Benninghoff, Weston Presentation of Volunteer Awards Viennese Table Desserts Auction Drawing

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We Salute our Volunteers Adult Volunteer Honorees Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator Ilisa Nussbaum, Cooking Corps Andrew Barer Wendy Boguchwal Rachel Carusone Lisa Cohn Rochel Hecht Carolina Marrero, Cooking Corps Shilpa Narpat Raj

Amanda Ruggiero Justin Sherman Chana Stein Chanie Stone Yari Usherov Kara Yass Rotem Margi, Israeli Emissary Mori Herzl, Israeli Emissary

High School Fellowship Awardees Nina Chasnow Andrew Cohen Perri Cohen Jessica Felton Danielle Frost Katie Glick Sarah Gruen Esther Hecht Russell Kirshenbaum Emily Koller, Co-President COF Weston High School Morgan Moubayed Gabriella Rizack Emily Troelstra Hank Weinstock, Co-President COF Weston High School Jared Weisman

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Dedicated Teen Volunteers Rachael Baker, President COF Norwalk High School Rachel Davison, President COF Wilton High School Rachel Labarre, President COF Staples High School Emma Stein, President COF Jewish High School of CT Addye Susnick, President COF Ridgefield High School Jacob P. Shore, Video Production Sydney Hirsh, Graphic Artist Kate Backman Colin Baker Ilana Berger Lily Berkin Nicki Blitzer Benjamin Bjornson Greta Bjornson Jennie Blumenfeld Amanda Book Alex Cano Jackson Catalano Aaron Cohen Caroline Cohen Julia Cohen Susanna Cohn Quincy Cuthbertsen Jordan Cutler Khushwant Dhaliwal Ilissa Davison Madeline Davison Diya Eapen Kaitlin Eckert Cameron Felton Chelsea Finkel Adam Frank Jonathan Friedman Marla Friedson Nathan Goldenberg Ben Goldshlager Sarah Greisman Aliza Gross Maggie Gross Anne Haroun Jessica Haroun Boruch Sholom Hecht

Shoshana Hecht Yaacov Hecht Stephanie Hilton Alyssa Hyman Taylor Jacobs Rose Jarvis Olivia Kalb Sam Kantor Max Kantor Julie Kaplan Amanda Katz David Katz Lara Katz Sophie Katz Jillian Kleiner Elizabeth Knoll Emily Korn David Krawitz Kanav Kumar Sara Lepisto Jenna Levantin Claire Lewin Ethan Lindenbaum Jacob Lubell Rebecca Marks Daniel Maya Abigail Merlis Sarah Metchick Miles Metviner Jacob Nadel Sarah Melissa Neckritz Derek Nussbaum Scott Pecoriello Caroline Peyton Aly Rackson

Kayla Ratner Alexa Resnick Justin Resnick Sydney Resnick Henri Rizack Reid Rizack Sydney Robison Griffin Shoglow Rubenstein Erkina Sartbaeva Lily Saul Andrew Saunders Brian Saunders Jonathan Savicky Reed Schachne Austin Schweitzer Faizaan Siddiqui Quincy Stein Jolie Stern Noah Tanen Sarah Tessler Rachel Treisman Ben Wahler Julia Weisman Anna West Chris Wilk Melissa Wyman

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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.

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B”H

May 5, 2013 - Iyar 25, 5773 Dear Volunteers and Friends, One of the fundamental principles of The Circle of Friends is “V’ahav’ta L’ray’acha Ka’mo’cha - Love Your Fellow as Yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). The slogan on our Circle of Friends t-shirts reads, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) It is this belief that none of us is complete, unless all of us are included, that is the very core and essence of what the Torah teaches us and it is this singular concept that motivates the Circle of Friends.

Tonight at our Evening of Recognition celebrating nine years of friendship, we honor our dedicated volunteers. We also recognize and thank the families participating, who open the doors of their homes and their hearts and allow us to share their majestic lives.

The Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, notes that the geometric shape of the Circle is representative of infinity. A Circle has no beginning and no end. Every part of the circle is connected.

The 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 and acceptance.

As water mirrors a face, a heart responds to another. Proverbs 27:1 We are proud that over 120 families from all over Fairfield County, Connecticut; Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, and Ridgefield have joined our Circle of Friends for social experiences, camaraderie and friendship.

Our work has just begun. Many children are waiting for friends and we must reach out to each and every one of them. With G-D’s help and through your partnership and financial support we will!

Please visit our Giving Tree and help us by supporting our mission and vision of bringing friendship and inclusion to every person in need of a friend.

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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Thank You to our Donors: Circle Pillars Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper

Circle Supporters Fran & Mitch Cohen Shelley and Michael Kassen

The Circle of Friends is a beneficiary of Westport Young Woman’s League Morgan Stanley Foundation UJA Federation of Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk

Auction Prize Donations Age of Reason Aitoro Apifeni ASF Outdoors Barnes & Nobles Bobs Furniture Bonnie Marcus Collection Braachs Flowers Choice Pet Supply Costco County Appliance Disney Down Under Kayaking Drimmers Dunkin Donuts European Wax Center Everything But The Baby Fairway Fitness Edge Fresh Diet Geigers Get In Shape for Women Grapes of Norwalk Intensity Fitness

Jenny Falik Style & Beauty Kosh Restaurant LA Fitness Long shore Sailing Maya Murphy PC Mitchells Nylen Gallery Painters Supply Pampered Chef Patron Tequila Pet Care Pinnacle Fitness-Shelley Gorbaty Rick Garcia Salon - Mila Skolnick Ridgefield Playhouse Rooster’s Barbershop Sabita Holistic Sam Sloat Collectibles SCS Direct Silver of Westport Silver Ribbon Silvermine Art School Splash Sports Center of CT Spruce Home & Garden

Starbucks Stop & Shop Tiffany’s Tito Vodka Trader Joes Walgreens Westport Inn Westport Playhouse Kara Yass Diane Yormark

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Thank You to our Evening of Recognition Dinner Committee Fran & Mitch Cohen Beth & Raphael Davison Mushka & Meir Deitsch Jane & Alex Donder Lori & Anthony Elkins Ilene & Alan Frost Shelley Gorbaty Andrea & Dr. Sheldon Greenberg Deby & Dr. Mark Goldenberg Curtis Gunn Julie & Robert Haroun Brachie & Menachem M. Hecht Dina & Shmulie Hecht Freida & Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht Rivka & David Kasle Hillary & Ira Koyner Margie & Dr. Robert Labarre Howard Lipper

Susan and Joseph Maya Robin & John Moubayed Ilisa & Jason Nussbaum Andrea & Bill Pecoriello Fran & Alan Rackson Cynthia & Arthur Ribak Susan Robison Michelle & Dr. Steven Saunders Fran & Steve Sonkin Chanie & Rabbi Levi Stone Gayle & Seth Weinstein Amy & Dr. Tedd Weisman Diane & Ken Yormark Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas

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Our Mission Together we can perform miracles...

The 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 and families benefit from weekly home visits and 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 our holidays and traditions.

For our teen volunteers, the 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 Circle •Adult Social Circle •Life Skills •Winter/Summer Camp •Sibling Support Groups •Hospital Visits •Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations •Young Adult Circle •Volunteer Training Seminars •Community Awareness & Outreach Circle of Friends 40 King Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203.293.8837 www.circleoffriendsct.org • circlefriendsct@gmail.com Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Freida Hecht, Director Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator Rabbi Levi Stone, Director of Development • Dina Hecht, Administrator A community project of Beth Israel of Westport/ Norwalk 40 King Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 203.866.0534 Sponsored in part by the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, CT 191 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880 203.635.4118

120 families & participants who benefit directly from our programs 130 volunteers provide more than 6,000 “friendship hours” annually in Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk, CT

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Gold Page B”H

In appreciation to a pillar of The Circle of Friends Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper "Olam Chesed Yibaneh" The world is built on acts of kindness.

(Psalms 89:3)

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ď‚˜Silver Pageď‚™ B H

In Honor of Fran & Mitch Cohen benefactors of The Circle of Friends "Tzedakah and acts of kindness are the equivalent of all the commandments of the Torah" (Jerusalem Talmud, Pe'ah 1:1)

Thank you for your friendship & support The Circle of Friends

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The Westport Young Woman’s League is proud to support

The Circle of Friends www.wywl.com

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Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk 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 Clubs •Circle of Friends •Community Wide Holiday Programs •Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group •Adult Education Center •Chaplaincy •Cemetery & Chevra kadisha

Mazel Tov!

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

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Soccer is fun, who says Hebrew School can’t be!!

At Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk Hebrew School, our goal is provide a well rounded education of Jewish tradition and values in a way kids find fun and meaningful. Lessons are carefully planned according to the students’ level and age and incorporate fun stuff like art, contests, drama, music, games and more. Our qualified teachers devote themselves to each student to ensure that every student has a positive learning experience.

Boys and girls ages 6-13 For registration, information & our curriculum outline contact us Beth Israel Hebrew School of Westport/Norwalk 40 King Street 203-866-0534 - visit: www.bethisraelct.org Membership is not required.

Inquire about Circle of Friends Hebrew School!

Circle of Friends Sunday Hebrew School Enrichment Custom tailored curriculum for each child Innovative and cutting edge teaching techniques To discuss enrollment in The Circle of Friends Hebrew School Program, please call Freida Hecht @ 203-293-8837 or email circlefriendsct@gmail.com Beth Israel is centrally located on the Westport/Norwalk town line, right off Kings Highway South or right off exit 17 on the I95.

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Congratulations to

Sydney Robison on her volunteerism with the Circle of Friends

A Special thank you to

Chanie and Rabbi Levi Stone for their dedication to the Circle of Friends

John Reznikoff University Archives

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Country GreenOrganic or Chemical lawn programs. We offer both to suit your needs as well as other services.

If you want you lawn to be the greenest on the block.

Give us a call today!

203-268-2922 country.green@charter.net www.countrygreenorganic.com We service most of Fairfield County and parts of Westchester County NY

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Party Ideas!

2 Greenbrier Road, Westport

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Special Occasions 203-226-3672 203-984-0610 Email: Arlene@partyideasct.com

AR Arlene Rosenthal

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In honor of our dear friends Rabbi Yehoshua & Freida Hecht May Hashem grant you continued strength, brachot and wisdom to be role models for us all.

Fondly, Carrie and Stanley Cooper

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Practice Areas:

Employment and Labor Law Matrimonial and Family Law Special Education Law Criminal Law Contract Law Personal Injury Civil and Commercial Litigation Corporate Law Real Estate

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Proud Supporters of Circle of Friends!

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The SLOBS (Service League of Boys) of Staples High School is pleased to support the

Circle of Friends one of our most beloved organizations!

Mark Dulsky, President Willows Pediatric Group, PC 1563 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 203-319-3939

Isis A. Bartels, M.D. Peter S. Czuczka, M.D. Laura M. Marks, M.D. Jeffrey A. Owens, M.D.

Jonathan E. Sollinger, M.D. Janet C. Woodward, M.D. Susan M. Amster, PA-C Heather A. Buccigross, PA-C Sue Marie Demelis, PA-C

Where we make a child路s medical needs bearable!

Please visit our website at www.willowspediatrics.com for more information.

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Aleph Bet Early Childhood Center CT LICENSED Monday- Friday 9:00 am-1:00 pm extended day, daycare options available 8am-7pm Ages 6 months -3 years A warm, loving environment & specialized curriculum for this very special age group.

Snack and Lunch Bunch Space is limited so act fast- Get more information below

For more information please contact Chanie Stone, Director at 203 635 4118 or alephbetschool@gmail.com

www.schneersoncenter.org to ďŹ nd out more REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2013

The Center for Social Enrichment and Educational Development Proudly Offers the Following Clinical Evaluations and Assessments.

SEEDAUTISMCENTER.COM 203 674 8200

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Colonial Druggists is pleased to support the

Circle of Friends 611 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 Tel: 203-227-9538

Russell B. Levine, B.S. Reg. Pharm. Mgr.

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C iir rcle of Friends is now a clu ub b a att Staples High School.

Join our monthly meetings, encourage e ncourage friends and incoming ing 9th e CO Fa graders to join, and help make COF presence at Staples.

For m mo ore info acebook:: acebook For more information: Join us on Facebook: High School Circle off Friends Club Staples H or email Rache e Labarre at rlabarre1@gmail.com ail.co com m Rachel Rach

Bates Norwalk Monument Co., Inc. “A Norwalk Monument Tradition�

24 Cross Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203-847-0293 800-201-2214

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Is your child struggling with ADHD, learning disabilities, or spectrum disorder? If so, our Brain Balance Program can help!

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Dr. Mark Goldenberg 15 Cross Street, Norwalk, CT 203.847.3000 Norwalk@brainbalancecenters.com www.brainbalancecenters.com

Amy Fein

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The Center for Advanced Pediatrics Jeanne M. Marconi, M.D. Arthur E. Dobos Jr., M.D. Mark H. Vincent, M.D. Jennifer I. Moore, M.D.

761 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 203-229-2000

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To Rebecca and her Circle of Friends (and their parents)... you have meant more to us than you know.

Diane and Ken Yormark Braach's House Of Flowers 43 N Main St Norwalk, CT 06854 (203) 866-5963 www.braachshouseofflowers.com

Mark C. Steckel, M.D. Pediatric and Adult Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Surgery 140 Sherman Street, Fairfield, CT 06824 203-256-1320

Find us on Facebook

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Become a Partner SPONSOR A CHILD Because everyone deserves a friend.

Sponsorship opportunities: SPONSOR 10 CHILDREN: $18,000 SPONSOR 8 CHILDREN: $14,400 SPONSOR 5 CHILDREN: $9,000 SPONSOR 3 CHILDREN: $5,400 SPONSOR 2 CHILDREN: $3,600 SPONSOR A CHILD: $1,800

For more information please call Freida Hecht: 203-293-8837

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

Congratulates our Circle of Friends Volunteers Serving our community with: •Young Jewish Professionals Network, 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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WE ARE PLEASED TO SUPPORT

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS A PROJECT OF BETH ISRAEL OF WESTPORT/NORWALK

Congratulations to all of the hard-working volunteers, who through their efforts and dedication, have truly earned “An Evening of Recognition”

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