With Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer

Welcome to Kvelling Corner! I was born and raised in the Dayton area, and I am proud that my family was among the founding members of Temple Beth Or. Although I have a marketing degree from the University of Kentucky, I really love English, especially writing. When The Observer was looking for an additional proofreader more than five years ago, I was thrilled to have the opportunity. I’ve been combining two of my passions — English and Judaism — ever since. For this column, I need your help. Please send me your news or any news you hear from your family and friends: awards, nominations, promotions, appointments, significant accomplishments, honors, etc. I look forward to sharing in your joy!

Among the recipients of this year’s Humanitarian Awards from the National Conference for Community and Justice will be Mary Rita Weissman, president of Beth Abraham Synagogue. Mary Rita also serves on the national board of the Jewish Community Center Association of America, has been an active board member with United Rehabilitation Services, The Miami Valley School, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, Hillel Academy, and was chair of the state board of The Disability Foundation. She has served as a volunteer consultant with the Yellow Springs and Greene County School boards. NCCJ will present its Humanitarian Awards at its 36th Annual Friendship Dinner on Monday, Oct. 28 at the Sinclair Community College Ponitz Center. Bruce Feldman is a co-chair of the dinner.

On Sept. 4, Edna Eslow Flagel reached her 100th birthday. Thirty of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to Naples, Fla. to help her celebrate over the Labor Day weekend. Edna grew up in Dayton, married David Flagel and reared her three sons, Bert, Jerry and Richard. The youngest, Richard, still lives in Dayton with his wife, Marni. Edna and David moved to Florida in 1978 and were married for nearly 75 years at the time of his passing. An accomplished pianist, Edna often accompanied musicians performing in Dayton. As her family gathered around her for Edna’s birthday, each one presented her with a rose as they spoke privately with her for a few moments.

Jonathan Granby of Centerville recently completed his paramedic education at Butler Tech in Hamilton. He successfully passed both the skills and written exams of the National Registry to become a certified paramedic. Jonathan is employed with Washington Township, Clearcreek Township, and the City of Riverside fire departments. He is married to Kathryn Cook Granby. Proud parents are John and Karen Granby.

David Klass has united the Riegele brewery — founded in 1386 in Dayton’s Sister City of Augsburg — for the first time ever with the United States, specifically Dayton and New York. David serves as president of the Dayton Home Builders Association and as city chair of Augsburg for the Dayton Sister City Committee. Through David’s efforts, the German brewer’s beers are now available on draft at Chappy’s in Moraine, Archer’s Tavern in Centerville, South Park Tavern in Dayton and The Pub at The Greene in Beavercreek.

Attorney Adam Nelson was recently named global privacy director of the Global Connected Consumer/Onstar Division of General Motors. He is responsible for the data governance and legal issues around GCC/Onstar’s use of information. Dayton family Myrna Nelson and Ron and Sue Nelson are excited that Adam, his wife, Shirley, and children Lily and Max will be moving closer, from Chicago to the Detroit area.

Send your Kvelling items to Rachel at kvellingcorner@gmail.com.