A little book of tributes to
Candace G. Kaplan In appreciation for her five years of leadership as President of the JSSA Board of Directors JSSA | 2016 – 2021
FOR CANDI, TRIBUTES AND WISHES FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AT JSSA IN APPRECIATION OF YOUR FIVE YEARS OF INSPIRED LEADERSHIP. THANK YOU FOR MAKING SUCH A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON JSSA AND FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP, MENTORSHIP, GUIDANCE, AND FRIENDSHIP TO ME! TODD SCHENK, CEO
“You’ve been a pleasure to work with during my first year on the Board. Thank you for your leadership and best wishes going forward.”---Jonathan Jonathan G. Harris
I think many on the Board will agree with me that it is very hard to say “no” to Candi. One of the reasons so many of us say yes to her is that she leads by example and always meets the very high bar she sets. Candi plucked me from Board obscurity and successfully nudged me into a leadership role, making my Board experience so much more rewarding. Thank you, Candi! Patti Goldman
Thank you for your terrific leadership for the past five years as JSSA Board President. I appreciate the incredible amount of time, commitment, and dedication you have provided. You began your work as Board President when JSSA was starting a strategic planning campaign, an effort that continues to support JSSA as it meets its goals. Happy retirement! I wish you well. Linda Hartman
CANDI KAPLAN
Today, JSSA is one of the best and most effective non-profit organizations in the D.C area’s. That takes leadership. We know that Todd Schenk and his professional team are among the areas best. But it also takes strong volunteer leadership as well, and Candi, you have more than filled that role. You say that you are a “numbers person,” so you successfully developed a strategic plan five years ago, which is currently being reformulated. And you restructured the JSSA Board and Executive Committee to make governance more effective. You worked with people and got things done. That’s more than just numbers.
But most of all, you poured endless energy and commitment into the Presidency for two terms, and then one extra year, above and beyond, for a total of 5 years. So, Candi, congratulations, and thanks for all you have accomplished for JSSA. Mike Flyer
ODE TO CANDI
C. A. N. D. I.
Candid, cute, careful, considerate, curious Available, always ready to assist, articulate, adorable Nice, neat lady, never not there, never-ending good humor Dedicated, determined, data-driven, deliberate, just dandy Instantly ready to help (but never in your face)
What more is there to say? You’ve been a blessing and gift to JSSA for these past five years. We will miss your leadership role, but we know that you’ll be a presence in the JSSA family for many years to come. Judy Oppenheim
CANDI, CANDI, Thank you for your outstanding commitment and leadership to JSSA. It is not an understatement to say that you have been an essential part of all that JSSA has accomplished over the past five years. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. Roberta Hochberg
It is said that the essence of leadership is a vision. That could not be more evident than with your leadership at JSSA, where you have taken the Board to new and greater heights. Your
dedication, passion, and enthusiasm certainly motivated and inspired me, and it has been an honor to be a part of your team. Thank you for all that you have
done for JSSA and our community, for enriching so many of our lives, and for nurturing so many of us as leaders. You have left JSSA with an extraordinary legacy, and your lasting impact will live on! On a personal note, one of the best parts of my time on the JSSA Board has been the opportunity to meet you and get to know you. Many people walk in and out of our lives—it is rare and special when someone walks in and becomes your friend. I cherish our friendship and look forward to more good times ahead! XO, Yvonne Distenfeld
HELLO SARAH, IT’S YOUR MUDDAH (AN ODE TO CANDI)
(Sung to the tune of Alan Sherman’s “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (Here I am at Camp Granada).” Hello, Sarah? It’s your muddah,
Sarah, honey, I confess-ah
They’re in crisis; Won’t release me— And they’re offering me an office to appease me!
Janyene managed To inveigle
I’m at JSSA, Here with Todd-ah!
Kylie’s crushed by COVID’s weight-ah.
Someone’s hacked in To our data!
Our PPE is Stuck in China, And I think Todd’s having symptoms of angina! Funding cuts from Federation… Carrie’s doing Recalculation!
Michael says to Cut expenses Or we’ll have to face some awful consequences!
Looking better Here at JSSA
A penthouse suite, complete with lox and bagel! The masseur’s here With his table
I’ve got widescreen; I’ve got cable! They are letting Ronnie visit
And our view from the Penthouse is exquisite! (Chorus)
Leave me here… Oh Sarah, honey, Though I earn… No money
I am honored so! I really hate to go…
(Chorus)
Pause
Get me off the Board Please cut this umbilical cord…
I am moving On to Council!
Take me home…oh Ron and Sarah, Take me home… it’s so unfair-ah!
Hello, Sarah? Please announce-il:
PAUSE
Disregard my tale of strife-ah-Who needs to be Board President for life-ah?
With gratitude for all you’ve done for JSSA over the years, Ruth Ruskin
DEAR CANDI, Thank you for your wonderful leadership of the JSSA Board. You guided us, and we accomplished so much together. You have had an impressive and very positive impact on this organization. Thank you, and wishing you all the best, Rita Corwin
Candi has left an indelible mark on JSSA and has helped usher in an unprecedented period of growth and stability for the organization. Her leadership and support have been invaluable to the Board of Directors and me. Scott Green
CANDI, Congratulations on finishing your final year as President of JSSA. Rhonda Brandes
CANDI—
Thank you so much for your outstanding leadership as JSSA’s President over the past five years! You were exactly the right person at the right time to bring your vision, insight, thoughtfulness, tenacity, practicality, and heart into this important role. These attributes, along with your can-do attitude, have inspired all of us as
Board members. I wish you only the best and appreciate all that you have done for JSSA and for those who have benefited from our work. Warmly, Marcia Nusgart,
Thank you, Candi, for your exceptional service to JSSA for these past few years. You’ve led
the Board with skill and talent, not to mention grace and style. Through these challenging
times, you’ve been a true leader, working in collaboration with all groups, both internal and external, doing what you can to help others, particularly those most in need. We honor you and applaud you, Candi, for all your excellent work and your exemplary leadership. Wishing you all the best in good health and happiness! Harriett Tritell
CANDI– You’ve been there for all of us-- and done a great job! We’ll miss you. Harold and Jeffrey Krauthamer
CANDI-
DEAR CANDI,
the Board), I
And yet, there are qualities that all leaders possess: a true sense of self, passion, dedication, and fearlessness.
I wanted to take a few moments to tell you how much I’ve appreciated your service to JSSA. Having been involved with the organization for over 20 years (I built their first website before joining
must say that the combination of your leadership and Todd’s contributions as CEO has propelled JSSA to a place that is simply impressive. I’m so proud to be a part of this organization, and you’ve helped to impact so many lives. And your devotion to the cause, to stick with the Presidency long after your term should have been over, was admirable, to say the least. Thanks for all you have done for serving JSSA and turning my experience as a Board member so incredibly positive. David Flyer
What makes a leader? Is it an innate trait or a skill that’s learned over time? Is it a carefully calculated risk or merely a happy accident? The answer is yes—all of the above.
Candi, this is what I think of when I think of you. Innate and skillful leadership. Your true sense of self, passion, vision, dedication, and fearlessness! Thank you for inspiring me/us/JSSA! Over the last five years, you’ve led us, and we have gone to great places. Deborah Peeples
THANK YOU, CANDI! I once read that: “A leader takes people where they want to go, a great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” That line resonates for me as I think about our journey as a Board over the time you’ve been our chair. You took on the role with a vision of what we should be and spent the last several years making it happen. Your strength, empathy, and ability to relate and connect with people to move us forward enabled the Board to reach where we are today – with a clear vision of where we’re going. There has been such positive change, not easy with a group like us, that you have inspired us to accomplish. I certainly don’t have to say how much we will miss your calm, focus, and determination, but I would be remiss if I didn’t. It has been such a pleasure to work with you – and to get to know you. You will always be a part of this organization – the Board is much more effective and better able to support JSSA thanks to your leadership! Warm regards, Robin Thomashauser
JSSA got incredibly lucky when Candi Kaplan agreed to become president…and lucky again when she decided to stay a bit longer. What an extraordinary leader Candi has been! She had been like an “energizer bunny” who goes about doing everything she can to make JSSA better. Candi’s vision is already securing a stronger future for JSSA. Her impact on JSSA has been tremendous. Thanks, Candi, for everything you have done to make JSSA what it is today! All the best to you, Pat Silver
As a Board, we often talk about the “J” in JSSA. When thinking of Candi’s tenure, it’s so much more about the “S’s.” Her tremendous social skills have brought many of us into the organization and into giving more of ourselves. Her charm has facilitated the enactment of significant structural reforms, and she has built a rapport with Todd that makes the pair an even greater force than they are individually. All her work is in the service of our organization, our clients, and the greater community. It has been an incredible honor and joy to serve with Candi, and the friendship we built is a blessing I never take for granted. C. William “Bill” Frick
DEAR CANDI,
Your exceptional leadership during this challenging time has helped JSSA excel and is a model for a board chair for any organization. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve with you. Michael Mael
A thank you for so many years of dedication and commitment to an
agency serving the community. Your
leadership has been unwavering and steadfast, never losing sight of making sure we are changing lives and empowering people to be their best. Kudos to you, and wishing you the best in your future endeavors. Kylie McCleaf, COO
DEAREST CANDI, The best decision I ever made as President of JSSA was to invite you to join the Board. You are, and always have been, a dedicated worker with a brilliant mind. In addition, you have always been an outstanding and dynamic leader. With appreciation, pride and love, Cherie Artz
DEAR CANDI,
Sorry I am not with you for tonight’s fete celebrating your time leading JSSA. I want you to know that I’ve always found your leadership at meetings to be very well coordinated and constructive. You get a lot done within the time available. Best wishes for going forward in next stage of your life. Joe Rosenberg
CANDI,
How time flies… wow. Thank you wholeheartedly for leading through service with abundant grace. You have demonstrated the resolve and tenacity to get results by bringing others along with you. Yet, I admire most of how effortless you have made it seem during your tenure as JSSA Board President. A hallmark
of your leadership I will forever treasure is your ability to build in ways that lessen the suffering of others – both for those in an advantaged place and those dealing with lesser circumstances. With empathy, courage, commitment, resilience, and great wisdom, I’ve watched you make everyone feel welcome at your table in service of humanity for the greatest good. Your words carry a sense of purpose to convey meaning,
and something in my belly has always leaped each time I have heard you say JSSA does G-d’s work. I believe this is what has kept you fruitful, brought increase and multiplication - and keeps you going forward, dealing grace without limitations, infusing hope, and caring everywhere you go. Your love for humanity and respect for all has put JSSA in a much better place, and I want to humbly and respectfully say thank you, Candace G. Kaplan. May you press forward knowing there is a glorious future ahead for many because of the life you live, the seeds you have planted and continue to plant, and the watering you do daily to nurture the best in the lives of others. It is an honor to have served Candace G. Kaplan, JSSA Board President, and I am still in service to you as a person. I hold much respect for you and hope to stay connected today and beyond.
שלום ורצון טוב כלפי גברים, עלי אדמות,תהילה לאלוהים ברמה הגבוהה ביותר Hugs and kisses… S. Janyene Glay
I have two comments about Candi: She’s the real deal. “Iron Lady” (I checked this with Sarah, and she said it’s alright)! Grant Ottenstein
DEAR CANDI, Mazel Tov on reaching the milestone of 5 years as JSSA President! Over these years, you have led JSSA’s growth in providing needed services to the Greater Washington community. Although your Presidency is coming to a close, we know you will continue to advocate for JSSA. All the best in the years ahead! Suzy & Sol Levy
TRIBUTE FOR CANDI KAPLAN – Esther Newman
There is a great lady named Candi,
If Candi asks, who can say no?
And her devotion to JSSA is dandy.
She makes us all want to win, place and show.
She’s shared her time, talent and treasure, And always does it with pleasure. She has given and done so much, And always with the gentlest touch.
My gratitude for her is great. She’s always so kind even with a full plate. What more can I say except thank you For all you give JSSA and do.
2021 JSSA BOARD President
Candace G. Kaplan
Rhonda Brandes
Vice President Ruth Ruskin
Rita Corwin
Vice President Robin Thomashauer
Yvonne S. Distenfeld
Secretary
Grant Ottenstein
David Flyer
Treasurer
Michael Mael
Bill Frick Patti Goldman Scott Green Jonathan Harris Roberta Hochberg Harold Krauthamer Jeffrey Krauthamer Sol Levy Suzy Levy Esther Newman Marcia Nusgart Susan Plotnick Joe Rosenberg Pat Silver Jeff Yentis
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