[by Ellen Rosenbloom]
Sue Paul was installed as the 47th president of National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, on Thursday, May 23, at the Limestone Restaurant, filling giant shoes of contemporary leaders such as Betty Fleischaker Maud Fliegelman, Carolyn Neustadt, Marie Abrams, Marcia Roth, Jane Emke, Elaine Weinberg, and Sandi Weiss. Sue Paul will become another “woman who dared” as she becomes the Louisville face of NCJW. Ellen Rosenbloom performed the installation honors.
An admitted perfectionist, detail-oriented, self-motivated nurturer, Sue Paul has spent the past two years in training beside President Mindy Klein taking copious notes. Her goal during her presidency is to “make a difference,” – following the NCJW mission of working tirelessly on behalf of women, children, and families. NCJW will become her “baby” to nuture for these two years as Paul hopes to encourage younger members to get involved with the organization. “NCJW is such a great organization – there are so many ways to be involved here. There is truly something for everyone!”
Outgoing president Mindy Klein, a runner, likened her two-year term to a marathon. As she passed her gavel, she compared her feelings to crossing the finish line at the end of a race, having completed the training, run the course, checked the final time and pace, and looked back on what she accomplished during her entire “race” to the finish. Klein presented Paul with her own engraved gavel and NCJW President’s Pin.
Paul will work during the coming year with a full slate of officers including Shelley Meyers, vice president of administration; Marlene Schaffer, community service; Joyce Bridge and Jan Glaubinger, membership; Beth Salamon, public affairs; Karen Kohn and Betsy Prussian, ways and means; and the Nearly New Shop board, along with the shop manager, who will oversee administration of the shop and Fashion Encore. Madeline Abramson was installed as secretary; Barbara Pass, treasurer; Ellen Shapira, assistant treasurer; and Meryl Kasdan, financial secretary.
New Directors installed for the 2013-2015 term included Sharon Berger, Sarah Harlan, Janie Hyman, Amy Lapinski, Judy Shapira, and Helen Wahba.
It was an American Beauty rose affair: Wayne Esterle from In Bloom Again donated table centerpieces of rose arrangements; and all new officers and directors were presented gifts of the long-stemmed roses.
As this was the annual NCJW membership meeting, the budget was passed for the upcoming fiscal year, 2013-2014, showing some $130,000 to be expended for women, children, and families in the local community. In addition, Judy Shapira spoke for the Gilda’s Club Summer Camp for Children, a hand’s-on project that NCJW conducts for children whose lives have been touched in some way by cancer. The one-week camp will be held at Gilda’s clubhouse beginning June 17. Volunteers are needed; and no experience is required. To volunteer or for more information, call Judy Shapira at 895-3342.
Court Watch is going to begin again as many of the judges have requested that NCJW members monitor the courts once more. Volunteers are needed. Interested women may call the NCJW office, 458-5566, to leave their e-mail addresses.
National Council of Jewish Women is always seeking new members, life members, volunteers, Nearly New Shop volunteers, and donors to the Nearly New Shop.