Circle of Friends Dinner Journal 2011

s''xc

Evening of Recognition

dinner journal June 5, 2011 Sivan 3, 5771

For Your Family, Your Business, Your Future Elegant solutions to help you UHDFK \RXU ÀQDQFLDO JRDOV Estate Planning Retirement Strategies Employee & Executive Benefits Long term Care Insurance

CEDAR POINT financial services llc

®

Todd N. Robison, CLU PRINCIPAL

Cedar Point Financial Services LLC 8 Wright Street, 1st Floor, Westport, CT 06880 RIÀFH ID[ WRGG URELVRQ#FHGDUSRLQWÀQDQFLDO FRP ZZZ FHGDUSRLQWÀQDQFLDO FRP Securities offered through NFP Securities, Inc. (NFPSI), member FINRA/SIPC. &HGDU 3RLQW )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV //& LV D PHPEHU RI 3DUWQHUV)LQDQFLDO DQ DIÀOLDWH RI 1)36, &HGDU 3RLQW )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV //& DQG 1)36, DUH QRW DIÀOLDWHG

Program Vahavta L’rayacha Kamocha - “Love Your Fellow As Yourself ” Leviticus 19:18

Buffet Dinner - Chinese Auction Music by Sam Weiser; samweisermusic.com Master of Ceremonies, Ken Yormark On behalf of our families Susan Maya Thoughts from a special friend Daniel Maya On behalf of our volunteers, Katherine Koller Samantha Rehr High School Seniors Fellowship Awardees “The Voices of The Circle of Friends” Video Presentation, Matthew Vangessel, Producer In Appreciation Freida Hecht Greetings Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk United States Senator of Connecticut, Mr. Richard Blumenthal Presentation of Volunteer Awards Viennese Table Desserts Auction Drawing

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, and encourages 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 •Adult Social Circle •Life Skills •Winter/Summer Camp •Sibling Support Groups •Hospital Visits •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 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 Circle of Friends/Hebrew Beth Israel Society is an IRS 501 (C)(3) tax exempt charitable organization.

100 families & participants who benefit directly from our programs 110 volunteers provide more than 5,000 “friendship hours” annually in Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk, CT

We Salute Our Volunteers Adult Volunteers Susan Robison, Volunteer coordinator Amir Rosenthal Chanie Stone Cooking Corps Ilisa Nussbaum Seema Uppal

High School Seniors Fellowship Awardees Katherine Koller, President, Weston High School Dani Moubayed, President, Weston High School Gracie Bensimon Hannah Bjornson Kelsey Brown Jenna Chusid Rebecca Costa

Sammy Fino Erica Gendell Jordan Glick Joshua Greenberg Julia Harris Samantha Rehr Gabe Shoglow Rubenstein Tori Schachne Morgan Tacopina

Dedicated Teen Volunteers Sami Schwaeber, President, Staples High School Rachel Baker Leah Bitsky Will Bitsky Benjamin Bjornson Greta Bjornson Katie Blumenfeld Jennie Blumenfeld Wendy Boguchwal Giles James Bonner Aaron Cohen Andrew Cohen Caroline Cohen Perri Cohen Annie Cooperstone Rachel Davison Jacob Epstein Cameron Felton Jessica Felton Rachel Fraade Jonathan Friedman Marla Friedson Danielle Frost

Connor Fulbright Emily Koller Matthew George Emily Korn Katie Glick David Krawitz Zoe Greenblatt Leyna Kudwitt Aliza Gross Rachel Labarre Maggie Gross Dovid Lapa Sara Gruen Austin Lazar Sam Hammer Chloe Leeds Olivia Hammer Charlie Leonard Jessica Haroun Sara Lepisto Boruch Sholom Hecht Jacob Marks Esther Hecht Rebecca Marks Shoshana Hecht Lesley Matson Julia Holewinski Sarah Metchick Yosef Huppert Morgan Moubayed Taylor Jacobs Levi Newman Rose Jarvis William Nolan Justin Jones Yossi Orbach Philip Kahan Jillian Pecoriello David Kalb Caroline Peyton Mia Kamisar Alexandra Sydney Alex Katz Popkin Amanda Katz Aly Rackson Sophie Katz Alexa Resnick Russell Kirshenbaum Justin Resnick

Gabriella Rizack Henri Rizack Adam Rosenthal Andy Rothman Shmaryahu Ryback Lily Saul Jonathan Savicky Lexie Schachne Shuie Schenker GriďŹƒn Shoglowâ€?

Rubenstein Emma Stein Ruby Steinberg Addye Susnick Saritte Susnick Rachel Tessler Jared Weisman Julia Weisman Juliet Zirn

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.

B”H

June 5, 2011 – Sivan 3, 5771

Dear Volunteers and Friends, One of the fundamental principles of The Circle of Friends is the Torah’s declaration “Vahavta L’rayacha Kamocha ‐ Love Your Fellow as Yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Tonight at our Evening of Recognition we honor our dedicated volunteers and participants of the Circle of Friends who exemplify this principle of loving each and every person unconditionally.

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

We celebrate your compassion, kindness and friendship.

We celebrate your dedication, love and goodness.

In the “Kabbala” ‐ Jewish mysticism, 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. All of us are connected and all who are part of this circle are connected to a higher calling. This soul connection raises and elevates our lives to a more meaningful reality and existence.

The Circle of Friends began seven years ago, with one friendship. It’s truly amazing how many hundreds of friendships have flourished and blossomed since then. Your Mitzvahs and good deeds of friendship are truly making a difference in the lives of many and serve as an everlasting foundation for making our community and world a place filled with the sunshine of hope and dignity for all. Every word of encouragement and acceptance and each smile and friendship shared, is a moment of eternity gained, in a world in need of elevation. This transformation will come through the power of love and of peace!

May the Almighty bless each and every one of you with the blessings of friendship and joy, always. L’Chaim!

Sincerely,

Freida Hecht Director

Thank You to our Donors: Circle Pillars

Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper

Circle Supporters Fran & Mitch Cohen Denise & William Kolbert Heyman Properties

The Circle of Friends is a beneficiary of UJA Federation of Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk Fairfield County Bank Stop & Shop Foundation

Thank You to our Evening of Recognition Dinner Committee Fran & Mitch Cohen Lori & Anthony Elkins Susan & Michael Glick Andrea & Dr. Sheldon Greenberg Carolyn & Dr. Myles Greenberg Freida & Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht Melissa & Tim Koller Hillary & Ira Koyner Fern & Les Leader Doree & Robert Levy Sharon & Howard Lipper Robin & John Moubayed Fran & Alan Rackson Debbie & Larry Rehr Susan & Todd Robison Chanie & Rabbi Levi Stone Amy & Dr. Tedd Weisman Diane & Ken Yormark Susie Blumenfeld, Pink House Productions

Gold Page  B”H

In appreciation to a pillar of The Circle of Friends Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper Exemplars of “Ohev Sholom, V’ Rodeph Sholom, Ohev et Habriyot, U’Mekarvan L’Torah” Love peace, pursue peace, love your fellow and bring them closer to the Torah (Mishna: Ethics of our Fathers 1:12)

In honor of the engagement of their son, Binyamin Dovid Cooper to Lauren Beth - Chaya Sarah Schwartz

 In memory of their beloved parents, Robert Soskel, R’Shlomo ben Yishaya, z”l Edith Cooper, Yehudit bat Yitchak halevi, z”l

Silver Page  B”H

In Honor of Fran & Mitch Cohen benefactors of The Circle of friends

“The world stands on three things: Torah, the service of G-d, and deeds of kindness.”

(Mishna: Ethics of our Fathers 1:2)

Thank you for your friendship & support The Circle of Friends

Chai Page 

“Deeds of loving kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments” -Jerusalem Talmud, Pe’ah 1:1 We honor The Circle of Friends

The SLOBS (Service League of Boys) of Staples High School is pleased to support the Circle of Friends one of our most beloved organizations

Suzanne Kalb David Kalb, Presidents

Our warmest Mazal Tov to our “machatainesta�

Freida Hecht for her selfless dedication to this worthy cause, The Circle of Friends With love and pride, Jerry and Shandel Kasle

Contents will cause kids to develop a life long love of Judaism.

We are Hebrew School 3.0, a new way of educating kids so their love of Judaism won't expire at Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Our non judgmental, inclusive policy means every Jewish child is welcome regardless of religious affiliation, level of observance or prior knowledge. Our diverse student body provides a setting where each child is comfortable and is able to learn at their own pace.

For registration, information & our curriculum outline contact us Beth Israel Hebrew School of Westport/Norwalk 40 King Street 203-866-0534 - Email info@bethisraelct.org Beth Israel is centrally located on the Westport/Norwalk town line, right off Kings Highway South or right off exit 17 on the I95.

Membership is not required. 路

Grades K-7 - Sundays 10:00 - 12:00 PM Grades 4-7 - Wednesdays 4:30 - 6:15 PM Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation Private tutorials for special learners Beautiful classrooms Experienced, professional teachers Aleph Champ motivational Hebrew reading & writing program Innovative curriculum, Love of Israel, Jewish Heroes, History & more...

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM! 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 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 •Aleph Bet Preschool •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 Raphael Davison, President Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk 40 King Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 203.866.0534 info@bethisraelct.org www.bethisraelct.org

Hearing & Balance Associates "Bring your Life back into Balance" Robert L. Weiss, MD, Director Sheldon Greenberg, M.D. Dawn Boyce, MS, CCC/A Debra Rosenmeyer, MS CCC/A Dawn Ely, Vestibular Technician Board‐Bertified Otolaryngologists and Audiologists

10% off hearing aid purchases with this ad.

Free batteries with each visit while under warranty.

Specializing in personal hearing devices.

Evaluation of balance problems and dizziness.

Advanced digital programmable technology.

All ages.

www.ear‐doc.com 761 Main Avenue, Suite 101 Norwalk, CT 06851 Tel: (203) 845-2244 Fax: (203) 845-2249 info@ear-doc.com

305-331-3978

Pink House Productions Perfect Parties, Professional Planning Susie Blumenfeld 203.858.2193

www.PINKHOUSEEVENTS.com

PINK HOUSE PRODUCTIONS

SUSIE BLUMENFELD

PERFECT PARTIES, PROFESSIONAL PLANNING

To Honor our Temple Shalom and Staples High School fellowship awardees and student volunteers Mazal Tov! Rabbi Mark and Alice Lipson

Howard Matson Senior Vice President- Investments Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC One Morningside Drive North Westport, CT 06880 Tel: 203-222-5380 800-327-8557 howard.matson@wfadvisors.com

Steven L. Scher, D.D.S., P. C. 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 www.scherortho.com 203-227-6061

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.

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

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

Dear Hillary, I am very proud of you!

Love, Baba

In honor of our beautiful niece Hillary.

We love you!

Joanna, Ari and cousin Bari

Congratulations to our Dear Mother Shlucha and Emissary of the Rebbe, Pillar of our Family and Inspiration to us all!

Love, Chanie and Levi Stone Sara and Yitzchak Capland Rivka and Dovid Kasle Mendel, Rochel, Mushka, Shaina, Esther, Boruch, Shoshana and Yaacov Hecht

We love you Hillary, your cousins, Ilan and Pam For my darling Granddaugther Rebecca: “I feel Circle of Friends is a wonderful place where my granddaughter can go and be surrounded by friends.” “This makes me very very happy.” “I am equally grateful to the Circle of Friends volunteers who bring joy to my granddaughters life” Thank you! ­Grandma Ungar

Congratulations Rabbi Levi and Chanie Stone for another great year at the Circle of Friends Lawrence and Karen Katz 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 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Circle-of-Friends

Join The Circle of Friends Home with Friends Each week volunteer teens come to your home to spend time with your child. The volunteers are screened and receive training and orientation from professionals in the field of special education prior to their home visits.

Sunday Circle/Teen Scene: Once a month on Sundays 2:00 – 4:00 pm, throughout the school calendar year, our teenage volunteers and your child spend two wonderful hours together. In a fun filled atmosphere, highlighting a seasonal holiday or theme, participants enjoy a wide variety of activities such as music, art, sports, snack, baking, cooking and story time.

Professionals in the field of special education and therapists lead the activities. Parents receive a respite as their children engage in an afternoon of quality social and educational activities.

Sunday Circle & Teen Scene run consecutively.

Tuesday Circle: 6:30‐8:00PM Circle of Friends hosts a monthly program on Tuesday evenings for adults with challenges. Participants are transported to and from their group residences and then join together with volunteers to socialize, enjoy music, dance, art, snack, games, cooking and baking.

Sibling Support Group: The Circle of Friends offers monthly sibling support groups. The group is lead by a family therapist and includes games, art, snack and discussion.

Life Skills: For a child with special needs, the “outside world” can seem overwhelmingly strange.Under the Life Skills program, teen volunteers and professionals help participants become comfortable in public places so they can use these facilities with confidence and ease.

This, in turn, helps them to become as self‐sufficient as possible.

Community Awareness: The Circle of Friends hosts community awareness events and provides lecturers to educate the community on individuals with disabilities and respect of differences.

Mother/Daughter, Father/Son Volunteer opportunities are available.

Get a great friendship started!

To volunteer or get your child involved visit us on the web www.circleoffriendsct.org http://www.facebook.com/pages/Circle-of-Friends/278995972392?ref=mf

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 Magazine •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”

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

What is The Brain Balance Program?

The Brain Balance Program is a ground-breaking, drug-free approach involving physical and cognitive activities, combined with dietary change aimed at restoring harmony among the brain’s hemispheres.

The center is devoted to working with families affected by AD/HD, OCD, Tourette’s syndrome, Dyslexia, Learning disabilities, Spectrum disorders and the like.

Please CALL Today to attend our next FREE parent event.

Try a DRUG FREE APPROACH! 15 Cross Street, Norwalk, CT 203.847.3000 Norwalk@brainbalancecenters.com

www.brainbalancecenters.com