News & Impact

J Weekly by Amanda Pazornik Russian émigré Semion Melamud doesn’t know much English. But the three words the decorated World War II veteran can recite with clarity – “God Bless America” – bring a smile to his weathered face. “I am thankful for the United States and the opportunity to live here,” Melamud, 89, said through a translator. “It’s because of America that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can live, work and study here.” Melamud was one of more than 200 guests – mostly elderly Russian émigrés – at a May 7 luncheon commemorating the 65th anniversary of Victory Day, which… Read More

J Weekly by Dan Pine Kobe, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, doesn’t merely sit on Curtis Shore’s lap. The dog melts into it, splayed blissfully across his belly. Leaning back in his Barcalounger, Shore knows Kobe’s favorite scratch spots. The two look so contented, it’s hard to believe they commune only an hour or two each week at the Sunset District home Shore bought soon after moving to San Francisco in 1957. “Who does not love a dog?” asks Shore in a clipped German accent. As his burgundy-colored vest signifies, Kobe is a certified therapy dog with Canine Corps, a… Read More

San Mateo County Times by Carolyn Livengood Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma counties raised about $1 million at its 160th anniversary gala at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. The gala, held March 20, benefits the agency’s Emergency Family Assistance Program, which helps people in crisis with essential needs… Read More from the San Mateo County Times… Read More

Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma Counties will hold its Ninth Annual Émigré Community Gala Saturday evening, February 6, at San Francisco’s historic Palace Hotel, a fitting location as JFCS is celebrating its 160th anniversary of serving the community. Co-chaired by JFCS supporters Alla and Boris Lipkin of the Peninsula, the event features an hors d’oeuvres and wine reception, a dinner program, and dancing to live music. The Gala, hosted by leaders of the Bay Area’s Russian-speaking émigré community, was created to support people in need in the Bay Area and Israel. Proceeds… Read More

Parents Place, a leading family resource center in the Bay Area, is pleased to present March 22 – 25, 2010, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, a nationally renowned parent educator, sought-after speaker, and author, in three evening presentations open to the public and in two half-day workshops for parents, teachers, and child development professionals. Kurcinka is the author of Raising Your Spirited Child; Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles; andSleepless in America: Is Your Child Misbehaving or Missing Sleep? . The presentations and workshops are as follows:   PRESENTATION in Santa Rosa, March 22, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. “Discovering Who Has Come to… Read More

Marin Independent Journal by Jim Staats As another holiday season approaches in a downtrodden economy, Marin social service agencies are bracing for a much higher demand for food, toys and supplies to make it to the new year. County organizations dealing with the double-whammy of a greater need and fewer resources to work with are having to rely on more community involvement to fill the gaps. Read More from the Marin Independent Journal… Read More