Page 18 - Jewish News_November-2020

18A November 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight It’s never too late thanks to virtual program recordings

Marni Altaker-Mount:

Fostering intergenerational connections

By Sandy Chase
arni Altaker-Mount touches her home for close to 40 years. so they didn’t feel alone was critical. Brian worked as an entomologist.
many lives through her ded- Having received a double ma- Running a monthly support group pro- After their bat mitzvahs and con-
Mication, creativity and empa- jor (Hofstra University) in elementa- vided me with insights while parents firmations at Temple Emanu-El, Marni
thy as the chair of STEP (Shapiro Teen ry education and anthropology, and a shared personal challenges and strate- wanted her daughters to stay connected
Engagement Program) at The Jewish master’s degree (The College of New gies.” to Judaism. “Crossing the street from
Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Jersey) in special education, she has A published author, Marni de- our temple led us to Federation, the
a MOMentum alum. always been focused on kids. scribes how teachers, like kids, are ner- next step on my kids’ journey.”
Thriving on her Jewish upbring- vous and excited about starting school Inquiring about STEP began Mar-
ing, Marni says, “I want to honor my in her book My First Day of School. ni’s involvement with this service, ed-
parents by making a positive impact in On the other end of the genera- ucational and leadership program. She
the world.” tional spectrum is Marni’s Mitzvahs, explains, “For good or bad, I’ve always
During the summer, Marni facil- a Florida-licensed and insured com- been involved with my kids’ activities,
itated a project providing STEP teens panion-care company she founded six and Federation events were no differ-
with just such an opportunity: bringing years ago. ent.”
seniors joy, critical during their pro- “Visiting my grandmother Gigi Although she misses teaching,
longed COVID-19 isolation. Rise (of blessed memory) at Anchin/ Marni has found other activities to re-
Marni and her daughter Natalie, a Benderson inspired me to get licensed invigorate her. Besides STEP and Mar-
STEP graduate, engaged local Jewish in home health. ni’s Mitzvahs, she teaches aerobics and
teens to create a slideshow of photos The following comments from a water classes.
of themselves around town and include client’s daughter, echoing sentiments Before becoming the STEP chair
a caption beginning with “Shalom of others, speaks volumes: in August 2019, Marni participated on
from…” for seniors at Aviva – A Cam- “Marni loved my father as her its board. She’s been instrumental in
pus for Senior Life. own. She enriched his life: together the program’s success because of her
Marni also has plans to implement they read The Jewish News, enjoyed commitment to teens and continued
a service project in which STEP teens Marni Altaker-Mount the outdoors and danced. She also ac- concern for seniors.
create care packages for STEP alumni Marni says, “Teaching and devel- companied him during countless dialy- Marni says, “Collaborating with
at college, reminding them that they oping curricula for these preschoolers sis treatments.” committee members and participants,
aren’t forgotten. It’s a way to demon- was exciting, demanding and full of Marni also believes her life has we plan exciting events, provide ed-
strate to current STEP teens the good- love. I miss collaborating with thera- been enriched by participating in the ucational guidance, engage our teens
ness that lies ahead when they’re away pists who helped enhance the children’s MOMentum trip to Israel, the Jewish ‘Jewishly,’ and offer volunteer oppor-
in college. lives, enabling many to transition to a Women Renaissance Project empower- tunities – values alumni have internal-
Marni’s link between multiple gen- regular kindergarten.” ing women to connect to Jewish values, ized.”
erations has its roots in her career as Emphatic about connecting with engage with Israel and foster unity. Influenced by Charles Darwin, the
a special-needs teacher in New Jersey, parents, Marni says, “Reaching them Marni says, “It definitely changed noted naturalist, Marni embraces every
my life for the better. Besides experi- minute of her day, devoting free time to
encing firsthand all that Israel has to such activities as playing mah-jongg,
offer, I’ve bonded with a unique group hiking and kayaking, photography and
of women, whom I proudly call my eating chocolate.
‘sisters.’” For Marni, traveling is a priority.
Savoring incredible food, danc- “I hope to move to Ecuador one day,
ing in Tiberias, floating in the Dead where I’ll study anthropology in the
Sea, learning from the IDF and others, very place Darwin was inspired to
write his On the Origin of Species.”
and breathtaking sights were all magi-
Join Us cal for Marni. Even more memorable no doubt improve the lives of others
Wherever life takes her, Marni will
for her were the lectures. “Insightful
speakers taught that caring for me is
essential to being a more positively en- along the way.
If you are interested in volunteering,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 gaged parent.” there are many ways to contribute and
Marni’s familiarity with Federation be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
10:00am – Via Zoom
stems from her search for a JCC camp eration. For more information, please
OPEN HOUSE for daughters Natalie and Abbie when contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
AND PROGRAM the family moved here in 2011 from novation and Volunteer Engagement,
Richardson, Texas, where her husband
at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.
An opportunity to learn about
membership to the Women’s Giving
Circle, engage with current members
and get “in person” updates from some FED
of the agencies that were granted
funds in 2020. we are
More than $41,374 was granted by 2020’s
Women’s Giving Circle members to nine
organizations in Israel benefiting
women and children.
Engaging Jewish Lives

Debbie Yonker, Chair
RSVP by Friday, December 11, 2020
to Brieana Duckett-Graves at 941.552.6305
or bdgraves@jfedsrq.org
QUESTIONS? Contact Jeremy Lisitza e take great pride in engaging Jewish lives in our community.
941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org
WYour Federation is dedicated to bringing the best in Jewish
programming to Sarasota-Manatee.

jfedsrq.org • 941.371.4546