A Word From Our President

When I moved to Bend 15 ½ years ago, Dawn Emerson asked me to teach in the Religious Education program. I have to admit; I laughed and told her she really didn’t want me teaching religion to our children. She convinced me that my style of teaching would be appreciated and I gave it a shot. I figured working to help the community would balance out my meager financial contribution.

Soon, someone asked me if I would teach Hebrew to the impending B’nai Mitzvah students. Again, I laughed. Are you serious? I am not a trained religious educator—I don’t speak Hebrew! Apparently, they had faith in me and again I said, “Yes”. The Youth Group needed support, so I volunteered. Could I run the Purim Carnival? Sure, why not? You get the picture. I seemed to find my place in this community and I was happy.

Two years ago I was approached by the Board President, Steve Kurzer, who asked me to become the Secretary of the Board. I may have wanted to say “no” but who can say “no” to Steve? I had every intention of serving my two years and leaving happily, knowing I had stepped up when I was needed and had “served my time”. When I was approached this year by the nominating committee and asked if I would serve as President, my knee-jerk response was to say, “Me? Are you kidding?” Instead, I said, “Yes, if you think this will be good for the community.”

It has taken me 15 years to discover this truth-- The more involved I am, the more I care. The more I care, the more joy this community brings me. And, if you want value from your community, you have to value it.

I am so thankful to be a member of this community and honored to have the opportunity to serve it in this new capacity. I invite everyone to discover what I have—get involved, in whatever way you can. Create. Connect. Contribute. Count your blessings. Tell me what you want to see happen for our community and work with me to make it a reality. There is room for us all to find our place in this community.

With thanks for so many years of joy and connection,

Alice Huskey