President's Message
We Should Have Breakfast
I’m a lucky CHJ president. During my 20 some years with CHJ there’s been Fred, Joan, Ellie, Roz, Bob and several more. And sure the then current presidents must have gotten lots of great CHJ guidance along with great legal advice from Fred, marital and personal counseling tips from Joan and Ellie, and skilled musical consultation from Roz.
But for me the deal’s been perfect. I’ve got the best immediate past president, Dana Preis. He’s always right at my side, my ear really, whispering sound steady advice. I have to admit I hadn’t a clue when I was elected. I ended the first board meeting with “goodnight everyone” rather than “can I have a motion to adjourn?”.
Immediately after our annual meeting last year Dana said ” We should have breakfast” and from time to time during the past year he’s repeated that suggestion. I now take that to mean I’ve got a few things to teach you and let’s spend some time just chewing the fat together.
We have breakfast at a local breakfast spot known for its wood paneling and mounted animals on the walls. Yes during our 2 hour breakfast I’m peppering him with questions and specifics trying to pin things down. But Dana’s refuses to be all business. And that along with being such knowledgeable guy is what I like best about him. I’ve had a chance to get to know him and as most of you no doubt already know, you couldn’t find a nicer guy. There’s a lot to learn from Dana’s chill life perspective and his reflective and perceptive persona.
After almost a year I’ve definitely made strides but it’s reassuring to me that he’s a step or two out front and looking back to see how I’m doing. Whether it’s to shoot the breeze, pass on knowledge or strategize on the coming year, I’m hoping pretty soon to hear Dana say, we should have breakfast.
Jane Campbell
Tree Planting for Lucy Katz
With people of all faiths joining CHJ at a Tent of Abraham gathering in Bridgeport's Seaside Park, a tree was planted on April 28th to remember our beloved longtime member Lucy Katz, who died in February. See CHJ's Facebook page for more photos.