August Newsletter

Message from the President

Dear Members,
Hope you are all well – and not too affected by our crazy or should I say freezing weather. This week, I hear it is warming up!!  For those that were not at our mid-year combined meeting last week, you missed a special and excellent afternoon, with the very best entertainment. There were around 150+ people in attendance with about 40 who were not members. It was a great opportunity to relax, catch up with friends as well as promote the wonderful work of BBVic.
 
Well the AGM’s and the Installations have begun. I encourage you to support them, go along to the Units – meet up with fellow members and find out about the “happenings” of other Units. 
 
August 2016, should be a great month, with many wonderful events happening:

• Courage to Care Official Opening in Swan Hill is on Tuesday 2 August.
• The opening of the Shalom Menorah Jewish Youth Art Competition is on Sunday 7 August at 2:00 pm at the Glen Eira Arts Complex.
• The ADC Gandel Oration 2016 to be held on Monday 15 August. As you are aware Dan Mariaschin is being brought to Australia by Gandel Philanthropy as the Orator.  He will be speaking on “The Evil of Modern Anti-Semitism and the Forces Behind It.” It should be an excellent evening, and I am sure Dan will want to see the event booked out by BBVic members. Tickets are selling fast, so if you do not have yours yet contact Edna on 9272 5677, and she will organise them for you (they are free for BBVic members).
• On Wednesday evening 17 August, we have a casual get together with Dan Mariaschin and his wife Michal. As you know, Dan is the Executive Vice President of B’nai B’rith International and is chosen as one of the world’s top Jewish Leaders. You will have the opportunity to have a chat with Dan and Michal, and maybe find out how B’nai B’rith International is going. However it is a must that you contact Frances (on 9576 1116) to RSVP to ensure there is a space for you and for catering purposes. Venue is the Caulfield Park Pavilion at 7.30pm.
• On Sunday afternoon 21 August is the Courage to Care Book Launch at 3:00 pm at Kehilat Nitzan, 36/40 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North.
• Also in August we have the commencement of the “Heats” for the Jewish Youth Music Eisteddfod, don’t forget to note the Finals Concert in your diary, which is to be held on Sunday evening 18th September 2016. Significant work is going into this initiative and the committee, led by Andrew Kolb are doing a great job.

 
We have very recently employed a Community Development worker Toni Pikoos for 10 hours a week. Her work will focus on engaging with the BBYA 20’s to 30’s group. We have also continued with the employment of Antony Adelman who has worked with us for some months.  He will spend 5 hours per week focusing on the BB Chaverim group in their 40’s to 50’s. All this of course will stretch our funds, given we are attempting to work within a budget, which has become extremely tight (with interest rates almost non-existent).
 
You have all been amazing and have done extremely well supporting the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, parting with your scarves, beanies, jumpers and blankets.  We have had two rounds of collecting, with the last one including tinned food. We need a bigger pick-up truck each time and Father Bob thanks you sincerely.
 
To show our support to the ADC and for all the very important work they are doing in the community, a fundraising event has been arranged for Sunday afternoon 11 September 2016, at the Classic Theatre, Elsternwick. The film “Sully” starring Tom Hanks and directed by Clint Eastwood is bound to be a winner and a must see. Dvir Abramovich Chairman of the ADC will open the afternoon prior to the start of the film. Tickets are $25 each and includes a very nice afternoon tea at 3:00 pm. The start of the film is at 4:00 pm, note flyer attached. Tickets $25 pp from Presidents and from BBVic Office.
 
I do wish to highlight that when we fundraise and support organisations, whether it be locally or overseas, we are not only supporting them/the needy or assisting with social justice causes, but we are also building positive and collaborative relationships as well as promoting BBVic, something to be valued and recognised.
 
As you can see, BBVic continues to be action packed and thank you - for continuing to be passionate about our organisation and for taking part in all of this.   Faye
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