Cathy’s Whim Cathy’s Whim

  • Home
  • The Importance of 83

The Importance of 83

Cathy Gardner | August 5, 2022
The Importance of 83

Over the past year, I have mentioned in a few WHIMS how we as an organization faced some staff turnover during the months following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of this was due to retirements and career changes.

What I didn’t mention in those WHIMS was the fact that a good percentage of our employees have been with us for many years. As we prepare for this year’s annual meeting, I am amazed to see the number of people who have been with us for 10, 15, 20, and even 25 years.

This year, we have four wonderful employees who will not only celebrate milestone anniversaries with the Federation, but also another big milestone – retirement. With a combined 83 years of service (yes – 83 years!), we prepare to say goodbye to the following employees:

Joyce Graham (15 years, preschool teacher)
Audrey MacKenzie (20 years, early childhood director)
Karen Steiger (20 years, receptionist)
Cindy Turner (28 years, preschool site supervisor)

These women have dedicated much of their lives to the betterment of our organization. Whether it be greeting people as they enter our building, or spending time teaching our community’s little ones, or working with parents and the administrative program aspect of our early childhood, each of them has played in integral part in helping us meet our mission of caring for those in need, strengthening Jewish life, and creating connections among Jews – locally, in Israel, and around the world.

We will honor these incredible employees with a Retirement Picnic on Sunday, August 21st from noon – 2 p.m. at the CJCE (525 Versailles Drive, Centerville 45459). The celebration will include a Kosher cookout (including hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the accoutrements). Attendees will have the opportunity to thank these hard-working women for their years of dedication and service.

This event is free; RSVP required – CLICK HERE to RSVP.  Questions? Please contact Alisa Thomas at athomas@jfgd.net.

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

 

To receive Cathy’s WHIM in your inbox each week, click here.


Chief Executive Officer
Cathy Gardner

Latest Articles

View All Articles
Cabin Fever Relief
Cathy Gardner

It’s hard to believe that in just five weeks, Spring will officially be here. The weather over the past month has been, well, let’s just say, interesting. I’m a big fan of snow, but I know I’m probably an exception to the rule. Between the snow and bitter cold temperatures, I’m sure cabin fever has set in for some people. The good news is temperatures are finally in a much more acceptable range, and the snow is slowly melting. If you are ready to get out of the house, the JCC has two events coming up that may be of...

Read More

(Re)Building the Bridge
Cathy Gardner

Since 1970, February has also been known as Black History Month. It serves as a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history, while also recognizing their struggles for acceptance and equality. Sadly, the Black community still experiences prejudice to this very day. As Jewish people, we too have experienced our own struggles with acceptance and equality. It was not too long ago that Jewish people were banned from living in certain communities or belonging to certain clubs. The latter was even a part of the storyline of S3, EP15 of The Golden Girls. The episode,...

Read More

Looking Back
Cathy Gardner

As we stand on the edge of 2026, I can’t help but reflect on the last year. It has been filled with ups and downs for many of us on a personal level, and as a Jewish community. As an organization, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and its Agencies have had a very busy year. Here are just a few highlights of what we accomplished in 2025: Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a significant increase in antisemitism throughout the world – including here in Ohio. What became evident in the wake of 10/7 was the need for...

Read More

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Stay Up to Date!