With Charlotte Jacobson

Mazel tov!
Beth Abraham Synagogue has announced the recipients of its third Women of Valor Awards, for their commitment and dedication to the Jewish community and the greater Miami Valley. This year’s honorees are Judy Abromowitz, Linda Blum, Debby Goldenberg, Joan Knoll, Karen Levin, Ruth Meadow, and Mary Rita Weissman. Also, a special Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Carmen Appel, who is nearly 105 years old.  The awards luncheon, chaired by Angela Frydman and Dr. Judy Woll, is set for May 2.

Commuter Advertising has hired Ann Berger as its senior new business account director. Ann is responsible for outside sales with a focus on selling outdoor bus signage. She also is managing interior print cards and inside audio sponsorship messages in the Dayton area. Ann previously worked for the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman was elected president of the County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio on Dec. 12, during the CCAO Annual Winter Conference in Columbus. Debbie is serving her sixth term on the CCAO board and will serve on CCAO’s Legislative Strategies Task Force, the Metropolitan and Regional Affairs Committee, and the Area 7 Workforce Investment Board. Other statewide committees Debbie serves on include the Housing Trust Fund Board and the Governor’s new Innovation Council.

Dr. Heath Gilbert was honored by the Ohio Optometric Association in Cleveland in October, at the end of his year as OOA president and his seventh year on the board. During the OOA’s private party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Heath belted out Word Up accompanied by Bad Habits, the “Official Eyedocs of Rock.” Heath’s brother, Dr. Marc Gilbert, emceed the banquet and reception. Their father, Dr. Ron Gilbert, has also served as president of OOA. Heath and Ron are the first father and son to serve as presidents of OOA.

Did you know?
Josh Rothstein is the new Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio BBYO regional director. Josh is also manager of program development and engagement with Cincinnati’s Mayerson Foundation. The foundation is now funding the KIO regional director position.

Ten-year-old Ethan Zappin is working to help SICSA promote the welfare of pets and improve conditions for stray animals in our community. It’s part of his black belt service project with the Asian Arts Center. Ethan is the son of Hilary Zappin.

Send your Schmooze items to Charlotte Golden at CharFJ@aol.com.