Finding Joy in Winter
Posted by Nancy Burnett on Friday, January 31, 2025
The dark days of an Ohio winter are upon many of us, so we look for ways to lighten our spirits. Our choice is simple: wallow in the darkness or find joy in our surroundings. Seven decades ago, I found joy in snow days and sled riding. Now I am happy with a warm winter coat and mittens. I bask in the warmth of family, friends, and neighbors. I smile as I enter the JCC, knowing there is a warm welcome awaiting.
The year 2025 brings many changes; a new president and administration changes many of the things with which we have become familiar, but also brings new opportunities.
Our Akiva Academy is expanding thanks to a generous gift to the Federation. The building on Gypsy Lane formerly known as Allen’s PharmaServ is being re-purposed to house the Akiva Middle School, grades five through eight, thus allowing grades K to four to continue to grow.
Our Federation is in the capable hands of new CEO Lisa Long following the retirement of Andy Lipkin, who oversaw a strong leadership team and mentored Lisa from the time of her hiring. Although Andy’s physical presence is greatly missed by many, we are happy that he and his wife Hilari are able to join their family in Columbus.
Our daily calendar marches onward through MLK Day, President’s Day, and Valentine’s Day to the early spring festivities of Purim in March, and we begin to count the days until our community snowbirds return.
Although cold, the days continue to grow longer, and we begin to emerge from our seasonal hibernation to the joy of just knowing our community is small but strong and caring.
Together let’s make 2025 a year of peace, love, and joy.