Surprise Tribute to Mrs. Fred (Bernice) Gilbert Held
Over two months of secret planning culminated on Friday, October 21, 2005, when Chapter Treasurer, Marsha Platnick led Shabbat services and Chapter President Jill Collins gave the d’var Torah in a surprise celebration honoring Mrs. Bernice Gilbert on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Mrs. Gilbert is relocating in November after 30 years in Bluefield West Virginia to live part of the year in the Washington D.C. area and the remainder in Phoenix, Arizona. Bernice and her late husband, Mr. Fred Gilbert, may his name be for a blessing, have been strong supporters of Hadassah and have traveled to Israel many times in support of the state. A special letter of congratulations from the National President, June Walker was read during the service. The letter was framed for presentation and Mrs. Gilbert was visibly moved. A 50year pin was also presented during the celebration in honor of Bernice’s 63 years as a Hadassah member.Mrs. Gilbert has been a past president of the Bluefield-Princeton, West Virginia Chapter and will be greatly missed by the members. Several of Bernice’s family members attended this event and the chapter held a special Oneg in honor of this long-time and much beloved member.
86th Aniversary Weekend Planned
A full weekend beginning December 16th will be held to celebrate and recall the rich and active history of the Bluefield-Princeton West Virginia chapter, starting with Shabbat services led by members and associates. Central States Region President, Susan Wilk of will be the guest speaker on the topic of “Contributions of Small Congregations”.
Commemorative programs for the weekend are being developed utilizing as the cover of the program a copy of the scrapbook page put together by chapter member and former president, Sandy Deitz for the 2005 National Convention. Highlights from the national, regional and local archives will be interspersed in the weekend program to remind members of the important work of Hadassah. Some of the convention themes used throughout the years and local events held will bring back memories and set the stage for the next event of the weekend.
Informal discussions will be held during the weekend to brainstorm methods for keeping the enthusiasm growing and looking for opportunities to feature the important work of Hadassah within the local community.
The annual donor will be held on Saturday night in the home of member and former president, Doris Sue and her husband, Norris Kantor.After joining together for the Havdalah service, attendees will partake in an evening of delectable culinary delights provided by chapter members. Susan Wilkof will give an update on Hadassah – where we are going from here – nationally and internationally which will undoubtedly inspire the members in their fund-raising efforts.
A Sunday lox and bagels brunch at the synagogue will be held in conjunction with religious school and adult education to provide an opportunity for parents to learn about Young Judaea events for children; camps, and other learning experiences for both the young in age and the young at heart.
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