Meet Pam!
BIRTHDAY: February 23
FAMILY MEMBERS (INCLUDING PETS!):
I have one husband named Sandy – A son Todd and daughter-in-law Erica and their two children Braeden and Bailey – Another son Adam and his wife Katie and their son Blake. I have a mother and a father and a step-sister and step-brother. I also have a huge dog named Gus. He is soft and cuddly and has a very large face. My grandchildren call him, “Big Gus.” He is a Bernese Mountain Dog.
1. IN WHAT CITY DID YOU GROW UP? WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD CONGREGATION?
I grew up here in Cleveland and attended Euclid Avenue Temple, as did my parents, and my mother’s parents and maternal grandparents. I was consecrated and confirmed within this congregation. I was married in the old garden here, and both of my sons became Bat Mitzvah here at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple.
2. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT FAIRMOUNT TEMPLE?
I am the director of Anshe Chesed Early Childhood Center.
3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT FAIRMOUNT TEMPLE?
The staff. The congregants. The sense of community. The children and their smiles and innocence and honesty. They are the best at making a bad day good! A hug. A “Hi” from a little one is all I need. And, those of us who do believe that we are truly “ people of loving kindness.”
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE FAIRMOUNT TEMPLE COMMUNITY?
I do, in fact, truly believe that we are “people of loving kindness.” Our congregation is so socially aware. He reach out to others. We support each other. We learn and pray together. To me – this is my “Other home!”
5. WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?
That I have gained too much weight. I am a bit of a nut, often answering true and honest questions a little too sarcastically. I do, however, think that those who really know me, know that they can trust me with anything. Also, that I am totally committed to “our” children. I tell myself over and over, “It’s all about the kids.” I also remind my staff on a regular basis. I think people can tell that I really do care about what I do and how I do it.
6. WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?
There are several things about me that nobody knows. I used to think that I either wanted to sing with a band in a bar (which is a really a scary thought, as I can’t sing!) I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator, a labor and delivery nurse, and a therapist. I also wanted to be a hair dresser. My mother did not like that idea, so that was the end of that. But, now that I am semi-grown up, (Old, but still not totally grown up!) I realize that I have been lucky enough to become a children’s book illustrator, a therapist and a nurse as well as a mom to many in my current position . I Guess mom won out over the hair dresser thing!
7. WHAT ARE 5 THINGS ON YOUR iPOD OR DVR, OR YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS, TV SHOWS OR MOVIES (OR A COMBINATION!)?
Exactly who has the time to enjoy any of the above?
I cannot really answer this question. I find that if I do happen to have a random open time-slot, I tend to tune into the truly inane, thoughtless TV shows like The Bachelor or Dancing With the Stars or American Idol. I don’t have to think while watching!!! Oh, I forgot, I do like Grey’s Anatomy and House. (That nurse thing again!) My favorite music is usually a bit older. The music I went to high school with. The music I danced and dated to. What is an iPOD anyway? (Just kidding!)
