Shalom. I would like to call your attention to an article, “Reflections Of A Shofar Blower”, on page 3 of this month’s edition, which was submitted by Truda Bloom. It is a lovely reflection of her thoughts on becoming a ba’al tekiyah (or shofar blower).

The synagogue is getting ready to begin another season of services, programs, and classes for both the Religious and Nursery Schools. The Office and Custodial staffs have been busy over the summer on a myriad of projects, from updating the computer database to communicate with you more efficiently, to painting and cleaning the facility so that it continues to be a place of which we can feel great pride.

Some of the projects will continue into the fall while others are now complete.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you for the High Holy Days and wish you a Sweet and Happy New Year with family and friends. Shalom

Shalom………………..………….Carrie

Carrie A. Lavoie (Executive Director) was born in Malden, Massachusetts and raised in Swampscott, Massachusetts, where she and her family were members of Temple Emanuel in Marblehead. She completed her primary education in the Swampscott school system, graduating in 1978. In January of her senior year, Carrie was accepted into and began an early college program offered by Salem State College, which she attended concurrent with her last two quarters at Swampscott High. After a year and a half spent at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, studying Child Psychology, Carrie transferred to Simmons College in Boston, also becoming involved with the Personnel Management Council of Boston. She graduated in May of 1982 with a BA Major in Management and Minors in Advertising and Marketing. Upon graduation, she began a career, which spanned twenty years, in the marketing and merchandising of products and services for both the retail and corporate markets. In 2002, Carrie made a career choice to leave the traditional corporate world and look for a career with more personal meaning - a decision, which brought her to Temple Emanuel of Andover in January of 2003.

Carrie has been heavily involved in various aspects of volunteerism at her own Synagogue including participating and then chairing the Parent Teacher Organization, and working in the Religious School Office, as well as participating in both the New Member and New Library Committees. She is a member of MATSA (Massachusetts Association of Temple and Synagogue Administrators), which meets monthly to discuss various issues facing Temples in today's society, and NATA (National Association of Temple Administrators). She is also on the Board of the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation.

Carrie lives in Salem, New Hampshire with her son who loves lacrosse, lacrosse, and lacrosse.

Barbara Holstein (Rabbi's Assistant) was born in Peabody, MA, later moving to Swampscott, MA where she attended Swampscott High School and served as her yearbook editor. After graduation from High School, Barbara attended the University of Massachusetts, serving as Production Coordinator for the Daily Collegian. In 1979, she graduated college, cum laude, with a degree in Art History. Barbara worked at Tufts University School of Medicine as their Information Processing Coordinator and secretary to the Dean. The Holsteins have lived in Andover with their children, David and Carly since 1990. Very involved in community, Barbara is a Past President of the Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel and received the Deborah's Legacy Award from the Women of Reform Judaism. She is a life member of both Jewish Women International and Hadassah, where she is a past recipient of the Woman of the Year Award. Barbara is very active at Temple Emanuel, including serving on the Youth Committee. She has been working full-time at the Temple since 1999, first as part of the administrative staff and, since July 2001 as Rabbi Goldstein's Administrative Assistant.

Beth Shiro (Office Receptionist) grew up in Lawrence, MA and graduated from Abbot Academy. Her family moved to Andover in 1974 while she was attending Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. Beth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. She spent many vacations working in her parents' store, Kolsky Jewelry. Beth returned to Andover in 1982 and worked at Arlington Trust Bank for seven years as a Customer Service Representative. She then stayed home with her two daughters, Nicki and Faryn. Beth taught at the Nursery School for six years. She is married to Art Shiro, a vice president at Temple Emanuel. Beth began working at Temple Emanuel in 1993.

 

Diane Labrecque (Bookkeeper) was born in Methuen, MA and moved to Andover at age 10. She graduated Andover High and Bentley college. Diane's work experience includes teller at Lawrence Savings Bank, general accounting at Raytheon and payroll coordinator for Raymond G. Mansour, Inc., a family run construction company. Diane has been active for 20 years in Quota International and currently holds a seat on the international board of directors. She and husband Kevin live in Andover with sons, Andrew and Randy.