Third, fourth and fifth graders sat smiling as Borough President Marty Markowitz declared, “You are the crème de la crème!” They had gathered together for the Yeshivah of Flatbush Communications Fair.
Mr. Markowitz, who was invited to speak during a kick-off catered luncheon, fascinated invited communications professionals, parents, administrators and teachers with his animated gestures and bursting smile, as he spoke of our beloved Brooklyn. After a beautiful lunch, the 20 communications experts were escorted by student guides to classrooms where they made presentations to the children about their particular fields of expertise.
Guests included:
Shirley Braha – Television producer of New York Noise
Sophia Chabbott – Editor at Women’s Wear Daily
Steve Doueck – Filmmaker and Founding Director of the Jersey Shore Film Festival
Poopa Dweck – Author of the cookbook Aromas of Aleppo
Bruce Friedman – Producer and host of That’s Brooklyn
Jessica Grant – Choreographer
John Green – Vice President of ABC Studios
Yvonne Harari – Journalist for IMAGE magazine
Steve Herz – Sports talent agent
Buboo Kakati – Film and TV writer, director and producer
Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind – Director of the outreach program “Our Way for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” of the National Jewish Council of Disabilities (NJCD) of the Orthodox Union
Chari Pere – Cartoonist/ illustrator
Mike Pollak – Writer for The New York Times
James Salame – Director of Communications Development: How Telephones Work
Andrea Delbanco Shalom – Editor at Times For Kids
Frieda Shalam – Event coordinator
Helen Zegerman Schwimmer – Journalist, filmmaker and author of Like the Stars of the Heavens
Michele Terzi – Advertising and marketing director of The Angel News
Kelly Yedid – Executive Director of computer matchmaking service The Sephardic Link
Joslin Zeplin – Speech therapist
Fifth grader Ashley Miller especially appreciated listening to filmmaker and founder of the Jersey Shore Film festival, Mr. Steven Doueck. His presentation excited her because it made her realize that she too enjoys writing and is interested in pursuing it as a career. Ashley remarked that all of the presenters were very thorough, made interesting demonstrations and gave out literature and videos as well.
Days later, students were still talking about cartoonist Chari Pere, a YOF graduate, who astounded the kids with her talent and ability to create art spontaneously.
Rabbi Eliezer Lederfeind spoke about his experience being raised by two deaf parents and discussed the different avenues of communication that his family employed in their home. He even showed the children how to pray the Shema in sign language!
YOF science teacher and originator of the theme for this year’s institute, Ron Schweiger, used his resources to recruit much of the talent that day and even joined presenters and spoke of his role as official Brooklyn Borough Historian. Students were fascinated seeing his pictures of the Avenue J area from 1908!
Communications Institute Coordinator Joyce Salame said, “The kids had fun and absorbed so much information. It was a wonderful, wonderful day.” She also credited Lower Division General Studies Principal Leonard Zeplin for implementing this event and elementary school Principal Rabbi Lawrence Schwed for supporting this special programming.
The event culminated with a convention in the auditorium, where 40 students conveyed what each had observed and heard in the presentation he or she attended. Librarian Lynne Grant specially trained these recorders to listen effectively, record notable information on a grid, and organize facts into summary form. She taught these selected students to use effective communication skills such as eye contact, clear diction and expression when presenting their summaries in front of an audience. Ms. Grant commented, “The children were exposed to various communication fields that they might pursue as possible careers in the future. It was very exciting for them to interact with these professionals.”
Writer Yvonne Harari remarked, “It’s great how the yeshivah provided its students with such an opportunity. The Communications Institute was a big hit and will help produce the next generation’s Lois Lanes and William Randolph Hearsts.” Yvonne also noted that she was very impressed with way the program was run and how the volunteers catered to the presenters. “From the lunch, escorts and water bottles to the gracious gift, there was nothing missing! I was grateful for having the opportunity to present.”
Helen Zegerman Schwimmer, journalist, screenwriter and author, summed it up, “It was a class act from start to finish!”
YOF thanks the many people who contributed to the event’s success, including: the dynamic and gracious presenters and speakers; Jaclyn Marcos (gift basket donor); the terrific parent committee, chaired by Monique Chera and Rochelle Dweck: Gigi Ancona, Julie Betesh, Adele Dweck, Adele Laboz, Tammy Morano, Ami Sasson, Nadine Shalom, Melissa Sutton, Stephanie Tawil and Lynn Terzi; assistant Shira Lasker; office secretary Iris Mandelbaum; Shrage Kaufman (technical support); Jerry O’Leary and the maintenance staff, and so many more. Lunch was catered by Tea for Two, Back to Nature and Albert’s Fish. Floral arrangements were from Avenue J Florists.
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Renee Beyda is a YOF parent and the Yeshivah’s publications assistant. Diane Chabbott is the YOF publicist.
