Gubernatorial Candidates Address Women’s Issues

NCJW was part of a coalition which sponsored a forum at USM in Portland, October 9, 2014, to learn how candidates for governor would strengthen economic security for women and their families, an issue key to the core of NCJW. Other coalition partners included the Maine Women’s Policy Center, AAUW, Maine Children’s Alliance, USM Women & Gender Studies Program, and more.

Thursday, October 9, 2014
University of Southern Maine, Hannaford Hall
88 Bedford Street, Portland
Reception: 6:00 PM
Forum: 7:00 PM

Congregation Bet Ha’am gave a warm welcome to NCJW at its design award-winning temple Sept. 19. At the outset of Sabbath services, all NCJW members present joined in reciting the blessing over the candles. We made quite a crowd!

Section president Lynn Goldfarb spoke from the bimah about NCJW’s national history, local projects, and future plans, emphasizing the good work we do and the fellowship we share. At the conclusion of services, congregants sampled hors d’oeuvres, sweets and drinks provided by our section. A number of those attending expressed interest in joining NCJW, which was just what we hoped for. Thanks to Becky DeLois for organizing the event, Christy Altman for the lovely decorations, Lynn Goldfarb for her charming speech, everyone who contributed to the Oneg, and all those who attended. It was a wonderful evening.

NCJW’s Backpack Project was a resounding success this year! In response to the “Back to School With NCJW Backpacks” appeal, we raised quite a bit of $$$. Savvy shopper Ginny Eklund has been collecting bargain backpacks and school supplies all year. About a dozen members made short work of packing the backpacks last week. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, we were rewarded by big smiles on little faces as kindergarteners selected a new backpack and discovered the crayons, markers, scissors and pencils inside. Channel 13 news turned up for the Reiche School open house and ran this feature on the evening news, which includes a brief interview with Section President Lynn Goldfarb. In all, we provided 225 backpacks to Reiche, Riverton and East End schools, the Portland schools with the highest number of children from low-income households. Thanks to the generosity of NCJW members, every kindergartener at those schools has the basic tools they need for learning.