It’s been a while since I last wrote for Kol Echad. I had a very busy summer, going to a beautiful resort just north of Peterborough and a wonderful trip to Montreal and the Laurentians to visit friends and family. I never got to the Orange Julep, sigh! Now, I am preparing to fly to Cancun with my daughter and girlfriend on October 14. I’m really looking forward to this vacation.

Forestdale Heights Lodge is going through a difficult time. Our membership is quite low, and some members do not wish to take on the positions of running the Lodge. At our next meeting, we are hoping to make some concrete decisions. It is tough to understand that a lodge, which at one time had 150 or so members, has dwindled down to over a handful. The times we had in the Lodge were amazing. My husband, Harvey, z’l, was a member for over 50 years. He loved the Lodge. There were so many activities, speakers, and conventions at the Concord, Ottawa, etc. Even when the Lodge started a bulletin, “The Horizon,” with the Gestetner machine in our basement. Wow, that was fun! Times have changed. B’nai Brith Canada has not reached out to the lodges to help with membership or programming. Unfortunately, there are only a few lodges still in existence in Canada. I understand that BBC is now very involved in working on antisemitism and other critical projects. They are doing a great job.

I joined the Lodge to work alongside Harvey. I became the treasurer. It’s been a challenge but well worth it. We made some good friends while being members. Sadly, we may have to decide to suspend the Lodge.

As they say in BBYO, with love and pride in Forestdale Heights Lodge!

Thank you for listening.

Debbi