Let’s Connect!, a new community initiative for vibrant women 55+ who engage in meaningful, spiritual & social connections, will be holding its inaugural event on May 4. We sat down with Mrs. Sara Brejt, a member of the Let’s Connect! steering committee, to learn more about this exciting Baltimore program as well as to get details about the May 4 event.
BJH: Since you are a new organization, can you please introduce yourself to the Baltimore community? What are you about? Whom are you planning to include?
LC: Thank you. We are a social organization for vibrant women who are approximately in the 55+ age range. We are creating a community to thrive as we reach this new age and stage. It’s an opportunity to broaden and expand our horizons, to tap into our strengths and discover new and dormant talents.
We welcome the newfound time and flexibility, to explore more varied social circles and interests, by taking part in a variety of activities with like-minded women. For many – though not all – of us, we are moving away from decades of kids-centered schedules.
Also, speaking of moving, Baltimore is home to a large contingent of “older” new transplants who have moved here. Let’s Connect! can provide the opportunity for making new friends that carpools and PTA’s may have provided in the past.
As Reb. Chasida Teichman has said: “The freshness of this venture, new to Baltimore, is an exciting way to embark on the next chapter in life, when we believe the best is yet to come!”
BJH: Who thought of this marvelous idea? How did it come about?
LC: Reb. Teichman had suggested this idea to Dr. Moshay Cooper, Mrs. Chaya Dachs, Mrs. Goldie Silberberg and me. We have also reached out to numerous other women, across the community, to spread the word and to help in other organizational roles.
BJH: Can you describe how this program will work?
LC: We see the program as having two main components.
First, we expect to have larger events, such as the inaugural one on May 4, that will have general appeal to a wide range of women in our age demographic.
Secondarily, we want to have a few series of smaller get-togethers. These would revolve around specific ideas, with appeal that is more focused. Current suggestions on the table include arts & crafts, book clubs, health & wellness and volunteer opportunities.
This will be a peer-based organization and, of course, we are open to additional input and suggestions.
BJH: What has been the community response so far?
LC: Actually, it has been overwhelmingly positive! From short encouraging phrases like, “this is so needed” and “I can’t wait”, to more thoughtful, expanded validation like, “anything that supports and encourages friendships, as women enter new life stages, is empowering and uplifting”.
Our Rabbinic advisors, Rabbi Dovid Heber of KAYTT and Rabbi Binyomin Marwick of Shomrei Emunah have been very positive and encouraging as well. All in all, it feels like an idea whose time has certainly come.
BJH: Please tell us more about your May 4 inaugural event. It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into it.
LC: Thank you. We’re very excited about it. It will be held on Sunday May 4, 2-4pm at the Storch Pool House in the rear, at 3209 Fallstaff Rd.
The three parts of the program will reflect our organization’s motto: “It’s All about Our Connections.”
- Connecting with Hashem will feature a conversation with the delightful Mrs. Estelle Levitas, Baltimore’s “Oldest Ba’alas Teshuva”, who appeared on the popular Inspiration for the Nation podcast.
- During Connecting with Ourselves, Baltimore’s very own Mrs. Judy Landman will lead us in a Writing Workshop titled: “Write For You”. She is the author of the warmly-received book of poetry, Seasons of the Rain.
- Lastly, we will Connect with Each Other, and meet our Baltimore neighbors – new and old – in an invigorating speed-meeting activity.
The entrance fee is $10 and pre-registration is appreciated because space is limited. Please register at bit.ly/RegisterMay4. Registration questions can be addressed to Mrs. Chaya Major at 720-422-6600.
BJH: Since this is a new program, how do you expect people to find out about it?
LC: We see that the enthusiasm has already generated a certain “buzz”. We expect that the word-of-mouth will continue to be contagious.
BJH: If someone wants to be updated about your organization, what should she do?
LC: Thank you, to be put on our email list to get updates about future happenings, please email us at letsconnectbaltimore@gmail.com. We also welcome suggestions, inquiries and offers of assistance to that email address.
BJH: We wish you much hatzlacha with this undertaking and with the May 4 program.
