Page 11 - Jewish News_February 2020

FEDERATION NEWS February 2020 11A

Volunteer Spotlight

The consummate educator:

Ronnie Riceberg

By Sandy Chase
onnie Riceberg – a born EDU- sion to other top schools because of
CATOR – is dedicated to tikkun quotas. I’ve met like-minded women
Rolam for the Jewish communi- who are socially responsible, life-
ty and Sarasota. Her extensive teaching long learners, interesting and accom-
experience and artistic ability, coupled plished.”
with her tireless efforts and foresights, The importance of friendship and
have helped enrich our community commitment to her community help
while bolstering The Jewish Federa- explain Ronnie’s introduction to the
tion of Sarasota-Manatee’s mission: Federation: “I joined the JCC in 2004
strengthening Jewish life, providing upon moving to Sarasota, wanting
for Jewish people in need and promot- to meet friends, learn about my new Dermatology by Newman
ing support for Israel. ‘home,’ and work out.”
Whether involved with the Fed- Even before retiring in 2014, Ron-
eration’s Jewish Film Festival (JFF), nie began attending Jewish community
scholarship committee, or Kristall- events. “I met friends like Roz Gold-
nacht programs, Ronnie berg, JFF’s founder,
shines as the consum- who encouraged me For clear, healthy skin, visit Dr. Joshua Newman, nationally
mate teacher, ensuring to volunteer on her recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly Medical,
that others learn, enjoy committee. This com- Ltd. and voted “Best Dermatologist” by readers of the
and share their experi- munity has such car- Sarasota Herald Tribune.
ences. ing people. I’m lucky
A JFF screening- to have friends who
committee member, have enhanced my life Receive expert diagnosis and treatment for:
Ronnie also serves as while opening doors to Skin Cancer • Skin Growths • Skin Disease
the festival’s volunteer meaningful commu-
chair, overseeing those nity programs.” Mohs Micrographic Surgery
who greet and usher pa- A significant un-
trons. Ronnie helps her Ronnie Riceberg dertaking is Ronnie’s
volunteers acclimate to their role by involvement with Dalet, a collabora-
conducting training sessions and creat- tive effort amongst four area Jewish Joshua M. Newman, M.D.
Medical/Surgical Dermatologist
ing a website that designates available congregations – Temples Beth Sholom, Celebratip 38 Years
shifts. Emanu-El, Sinai and Beth Israel – “to Named “Top Doctor” by
Last year, Ronnie was responsible help build community among the Jews Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd.
for coordinating 57 screenings at six of greater Sarasota through learning, with the Largest Selection of Contemporary
venues. Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In- dialogue and cultural enrichment,” the & Oriental Investment-Quality Rugs
novation and Volunteer Engagement, mission statement penned by Ronnie.
in the Southeast!
marvels at how Ronnie has achieved So much more than the fourth Schedule your annual appointment today!
this undertaking, saying, “Her years Hebrew letter, Dalet partners with CenterForSight.net • 941.488.2020
as an elementary-school teacher have the Federation, sharing meaningful
paid off.” community programs. Al Treidel, the
Ronnie’s 40-year teaching career group’s founder-facilitator, says, “Ron-
has taught her to multitask, innovate nie is always there, contributing to a
and problem-solve strategies for ful- rich community dialogue. She makes
filling her commitments, although she herself available to help with virtually
Over 40 Years Experience
admits, “Sometimes I’m challenged, every Dalet program.” Celebratip 38 Years
but never defeated.” In fact, she also Al further explains Ronnie’s in-
finds time for reading, photography valuable support: “Dalet’s sponsor-
in Area Rug Cleaning
and theater. ship of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale with the Largest Selection of Contemporary
A long-term scholarship commit- concerts and Butterflies of Hope are, & Oriental Investment-Quality Rugs
tee member, Ronnie has been praised at least, partially due to Ronnie’s ad-
by Andrea Eiffert, Teen and Family vocacy.” in the Southeast!
Program Coordinator: “Ronnie’s dedi- Ronnie thrives on making a differ- Hand cleaning of all kinds and sizes.
cation to students in need and her stew- ence, having emulated her parents. “In
ardship of Federation scholarship funds both Portland, Maine, my childhood
demonstrate her integrity and sense of home, and in California during their
obligation to this important cause.” retirement, they volunteered at the
Director of Community Relations synagogue, JCC and Hadassah,” says
Jessi Sheslow says, “Ronnie has been Ronnie.
a driving force behind planning and Ronnie, too, serves as a role mod-
executing the past two Kristallnacht el for her children. Proudly, she says,
commemorations. She has a passion “Jessica conducts oncological research, Celebratip 38 Years
for Holocaust education and is a doer!” and Justin is pursuing post-doctorate Celebratip 38 Years
“Doer” is an understatement, as work in neuroscience.” with the Largest Selection of Contemporary
& Oriental Investment-Quality Rugs
this partial list expands upon Ronnie’s The recipient of the 2018 Federa- with the Largest Selection of Contemporary
in the Southeast!
commitment to “repairing the world:” tion’s Kehillah (Community) Award, & Oriental Investment-Quality Rugs
‹ Member of Temple Beth Sholom’s Ronnie is an ambassador for the Jew- in the Southeast!
education committee ish community, understandably be-
‹ President of the Sarasota Jew- cause EDUCATOR captures Ronnie’s
ish Chorale, spreading the love of essence:
Jewish culture through music ‹ E xceptional volunteer
‹ Board member of Choral Artists, ‹ D edicated lifelong learner • Cleaning
also singing with the group in ‹ U ntiring • Repair
Sarasota and Amalfi, Italy ‹ C atalyst Shah Abbas 4801 S. Tamiami Trail,
‹ Mentor for Take Stock in Children ‹ A dvocate for tikkun olam • Rug Padding Sarasota, FL 34231
‹ Member of the Brandeis National ‹ T alented • Trades Welcomed ◆
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Serving Florida Since 1980
‹ Co-chair of Butterflies of Hope ‹ R ole model • FREE pickup and delivery www.ShahAbbasRug.com
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As a fervent supporter of her alma be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
mater, Ronnie says, “Brandeis was eration. For more information, please
founded to ensure that young Jewish contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
students could receive a quality educa- novation and Volunteer Engagement,
tion when they were declined admis- at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. Shah Abbas 4801 S. Tamiami Trail,
Shah Abbas
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