By Susan Lesh
As the polar vortex descends over much of the country, our need for community continues. David and I have enjoyed the hospitality of members Ron and Lisa Schwartz in a “driveway visit.” Thanks to Ron and Lisa for a lovely visit. Thanks also to Ron and Lisa, Ed and Diana Gross, Eliot Lerman, Suzanne Akiska, Linda Bennett, Pam Berglund, Bea Gopoian, Tracey Kelley, Joanna Ebert, and Eric Sandhusen, all members of the Membership Committee, who do so much to keep our community connected during this challenging time. While we are all in the beginning stages of receiving the vaccine, we are continuing to be cautious, or “watching the ice.” But we are moving forward one step at a time, so hope continues to flourish.
Part of that hope is the introduction of our Interim Leader Curt Collier. The Leadership Advisory Committee, composed of members Dwight Panozzo, Janet Glass, Wes Matsui, Ron Schwartz, and Tracey Kelley, performed a rigorous interview and vetting process of potential candidates, winnowing it down to two persons. The committee then forwarded the two candidates to the Board of Trustees for selection. The Board interviewed the two candidates, had a good discussion, and then offered the position to Curt. Curt knows, and is a part of, our larger Ethical community. We feel he will be a positive addition to our leadership while we continue the process of searching for a permanent leader. Please join me in welcoming him warmly.
As we move toward the spring, and more vaccinated members, hope is alive for getting together in person in the building. Small groups, if all vaccinated, can begin to gather with continued safety precautions. Soon, our hybrid platforms will begin. As the weather warms, we can again meet together outside. So, while being careful “on the ice,” let’s meet on the other side safely. I look forward to joining with my larger Ethical community soon.
Susan Lesh is president of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County.
