It promises to be an interesting year with a new president at the helm of the good ship, Forestdale Heights. Like those who have come before him, Ray Moscoe will bring his own unique style to the position and take the lodge in new directions, to hopefully, boldly go where no one has gone before. All that is still ahead of us though. Before we can go forward, let's take a few minutes to catch up.

I hope everyone had a great summer. I know I did. I always find it a welcome change of pace to shut down Kol Echad for a few months and not deal with the deadline pressures and putting this bulletin together.

Starting the summer, I headed south for a few days to attend the annual conference of the American Jewish Press Association. This is the professional body for North American Jewish newspapers and I always find that it recharges my batteries to meet with my colleagues in Jewish journalism. This year's conference was in Phoenix and I was thrilled to accept an award on behalf of The Canadian Jewish News. While a few other Canadian Jewish newspapers belong to this organization, ours was the only Canadian paper to win an award.

No sooner had I returned home, and then it was time to start thinking about a major milestone in my daughter's life - her graduation. I realize that all of you have gone through this before, but it was a very heart-warming event.

Shortly after that, Lisa, Jordana and I headed to Stratford to see Evita and Peter Pan. Both were very different and good in their own way. This was the fourth summer our family has spent a weekend in Stratford and was just as enjoyable as in previous years. I really enjoy the festival, even if I refuse to attend a Shakespearean production.

The weekend getaway was the perfect start for my summer vacation. Like last summer, I chose to take three weeks off work. It was great and truly relaxing (As I am writing this, the summer hiatus is about to end).

After a week of unwinding, Lisa and I headed to the Bahamas for a week of sun and relaxing. This was our second visit there, our first time being in 1988. The two trips could not have been more different. I chalk it up to age, experience and a willingness to try new things. This time out, I even went snorkelling. It was a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to anyone contemplating it.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and the call to return to work beckoned.

August promises to be an interesting month as we prepare to launch our daughter off on a new stage of her life. After initially being put on the waiting list for residence at Sheridan College, she eventually moved up the list and finally got the call that she had been accepted. That means as of September 3, Lisa and I will be empty nesters, starting a new stage in our lives.

It promises to be interesting and exciting and comes just as we say goodbye to 5770 and prepare to usher in the new Jewish year. I hope that 5771 brings only good things, health and happiness to everyone in the lodge and nothing but prosperity to Forestdale Heights. We all deserve it.

Shanah Tovah
Jeff Rosen