A small commitment this summer may make a big difference in the fall.

Part 1 – working at the District Library Main Branch with 5th grade children reading If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong; June 4, 5, and 6 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The students were selected from the quadrant that contains Belle Stone, Mason, Madge Youtz and Fairmount Elementary Schools.  The students selected are the lowest scoring students on the common assessment for science.

2 volunteers to lead book discussions 2 hours each day – 4 groups of 4 student for 1/2 hour each
or 4 volunteers to lead book discussions 1 hour each day – 2 groups of 4 student for 1/2 hour each

Students will rotate through 4 activity stations during the morning. Teachers will be leading activities at the 3 other stations.

Questions and a guide will be provided if you would like to use them.

There will be a meeting at the library prior to June 4 to review the program and answer any questions.

Part 2 – working at Multi Development Services/Terrance Jones once a week for an hour in the morning for four weeks during the summer. There are 15 middle school students in this program. I think two volunteers working as a team with all the students or in 2 groups would be sufficient although more would be welcome.

The volunteers may pick a consistent day/time of the week that suits them all. I do not yet know what book Terrance Jones, director, has chosen. The volunteers may plan the experience or I believe the library will help with a plan.

Please contact Adele Gelb at adron1943@sbcglobal.net or 330-492-1422.

The Canton Chapter of Hadassah came together on March 22 to celebrate Hadassah’s centennial anniversary at a Women’s Seder. The evening was dedicated to the members and supporters of Hadassah whose efforts continue to provide medical aid, education and land restoration in Israel.

The 2012 Haggadah committee adapted the seder text to reflect Hadassah’s centennial and the role Hadassah played in the founding of the State of Israel by establishing a comprehensive health care plan that was the framework for today’s social health care system.

It was also a celebration of women’s strength and courage, from Miriam to Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold, whose modest vision has resulted in the largest Jewish, largest volunteer and largest women’s membership organization in the U.S.

Throughout the evening, Hadassah members of all ages were honored. Luise Weintraub spoke of joining Hadassah as a young bride.  Elana Weiner, our youngest member and a lifetime member, said she was drawn to the Hadassah because of its legacy of tzedakah.  All aspects of women’s contributions were illustrated by various portions of the seder and by the many women who took part in the presentation.

Several generations of Hadassah members were present and shared their deep connection to Hadassah. Estelle Blau joined shortly after college in the 1950’s, but said Hadassah   “was always a part of our home, growing up.” Her daughter Shelley Schweitzer agreed, adding  that when her son was born twelve weeks early, one of the attending physicians was a from the Hadassah Hospital. In honor of this connection, Shelly devoted that year’s donor program in Cincinnati to the Newborn and Preemies Heart Surgery care.

Today, there is increasing awareness that women have not yet achieved equal status in society. Women are often objectified and marginalized, even in areas of their own health.  Hadassah continues to work to eliminate these barriers . The seder evening was a reminder of the power women have in healing the world. As Henrietta Szold said, “We are an organization of women who believe in the ‘healing of the daughter of the people,’ in healing the soul of the Jewish people as much as it’s body.”

Committee: Sandy Adland, , Estelle Blau, Dianne Braun, Penny Caghan, Marilyn Feldman , Barb Ferne, Paulette Karelitz , Amy Lakritz, Elly Livingston, Joan Ortman, Anita Porter , Barb Spera, Elana Weiner, Susan Wilkof