Page 11 - Jewish News_March-2020

FEDERATION NEWS March 2020 11A

Volunteer Spotlight

Elliot Ofsowitz: Choosing the “write” fine-tooth comb

By Sandy Chase

s many attest, Elliot Ofsowitz tinizing copy and reporting any errors points out that Elliot has been volun- to get everything right?!”
goes through editorial copy within 96 hours – from Thursday noon teering for nine years – way before his When not making others look
Awith a fine-tooth comb – ensur- to Monday noon – not accounting for 75 birthday. Harris applauds Elliot’s good, Elliot enjoys woodworking. In
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ing that the author looks impeccable. sleep, meals, travel and everything attention to detail. “He’s been quick fact, his mobile potting table designed
Marty Katz, The Jewish Federation else. to spot typos – the bane of publishers. for Barbara was highlighted in the
of Sarasota-Manatee’s Sr. Director of Encouraging his endeavors for the He’s also brought us story ideas, such September 2016 issue of Popular Me-
Communications & Marketing, says, past 55 years, Barbara relates that his as the centenary celebration of the Lin- chanics. He’s also a fan of motorsports.
“A Jewish News proofreader since everything else includes: coln Highway, which he covered for Occasionally, he’ll pick up his guitar to
January 2018, Elliot keeps us all on ‹ Supporting the Gulf Gate Library the magazine.” play country music, remembering les-
the ball, often finding typos that no one staff twice a week Although Elliot’s background isn’t sons from his teens. But what brings
else sees. He also goes the extra mile to ‹ Serving on the La Vista Home- proofreading per se, one can argue that him the most enjoyment is volunteer-
check facts and spellings. We’re very owners’ Association’s Board of his degrees in engineering and busi- ing. Elliot thrives on improving the
fortunate to have Elliot on our team!” Directors ness – focusing on fact – have contrib- finished product. He’s not interested in
Elliot’s been a Federation team ‹ Advising the literary staff of Natu- uted to his proofreading finesse. He making money – just making a differ-
player since the early ’70s, when he, ral History magazine and updating points out that an excellent high school ence.
his wife Barbara and three children its website teacher, bolstered by secretaries and If you are interested in volunteering,
relocated from Ohio to Sarasota. He ‹ Proofreading the Lincoln Highway experience, has contributed to his love there are many ways to contribute and
recalls being a phone volunteer for the Association’s (LHA) quarterly of proofreading. be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
annual fund drive. “But most of my fo- magazine, The Forum Elliot says it best: “It’s always eration. For more information, please
cus was raising our family and attend- Lifetime members since 2013, El- bothered me to read a publication con- contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
ing Temple Beth Sholom,” says Elliot. liot proofread driving instructions for taining glaring errors. How can pub- novation and Volunteer Engagement,
It wasn’t until El- the LHA September tour lishers not respect their readers enough at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.
liot was “completely from Washington, D.C.,
retired” – to use his to San Francisco, Cali-
words – from his in- fornia, in which Barbara
formation technology and he participated.
(IT) career, a stint as The Forum Editor L’Chayim
retail-store owner of Jay Lawrence says that
durable medical equip- as a proofreader, Elliot is
Sarasota Young Voices enchants the audience with beautiful songs ment (DME), and vari- indispensable. “Even the
ous part-time positions most dedicated proof-
that he chose to volun- reader seems to have HERE’S “TO LIFE” ON THE GULF COAST
teer more permanently proofing blind spots, but
at the Federation as a Elliot Ofsowitz apparently not Elliot. I Committed to the Jewish Community for over 20 years,
proofreader of its monthly newspaper. have consistently found his edits to be
Donating money and his time, thorough and right on target. His sug- Stacy is passionate about real estate and strives to build
Elliot confides that he’s a staunch gestions for clarity, punctuation and
supporter of the Federation’s insight- grammar are always on point.” ever-lasting relationships based on exceptional service,
ful leadership. “As other Federation Since celebrating his 75 birthday, uncompromising values and a strong work ethic.
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proofreaders, I dedicate one very busy Elliot says, “Now my compensation
weekend monthly to catch any errors. comes from volunteering – not from a
I also follow up with the published paycheck.” 941.266.0529
newspaper, ensuring that reported er- However, like other dedicated vol- StacyHanan@michaelsaunders.com
rors have been addressed. What’s even unteers, Elliot doesn’t realize that his
more gratifying is understanding why altruism is timeless – it’s his essence.
some haven’t.” Charles E. Harris, President and CEO
Elliot’s biggest challenge is scru- of Natural History Magazine, Inc., 1605 Main Street | Sarasota, Florida 34236 | 941.951.6660

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