2011: A Year in Review

Happy New Year

from Dan!

2011 was an exciting year for everyone in the Berkson/Edelstein Gang. From cross-country moves and new jobs, retirements and graduations, to lots of new memories and even some new members, 2012 has a lot to live up to! Inspired by Jevhon's mom, Joyce, an accomplished annual newsletter writer, this is a recap of the past year. 

Drilling for sap to
make maple syrup

I spent the first half of 2011 in Northwestern Massachusetts, in the small, rural town of Bernardston and had the full New England experience.  I lived in the 18th-century-so-New-England-it's-not-funny home  of Erik and Margot van Natta, friends of my colleague at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County. My year at BBBS-FC was a challenging, yet surprisingly rewarding introduction to the nitty-gritty of non-profits, where I learned a lot and worked with some great people.



Some unforgettable moments in Massachusetts include:

The Van Natta household

firework displays of leaves changing in the fall, drilling for sap, brewing maple syrup, and chopping firewood in the winter,  and raising chickens in the spring and summer, not to mention the rustic island beauty seen on Jevhon and my visit to Martha's Vineyard and  the delicious local food and craft beers from all over.

Dad being sworn as a trustee
at Syracuse 

Who knew marriage year 31 would have so much in store for Jennie & David? Mom & Dad said difficult, but hopeful goodbyes to rewarding careers, only to find that retirement is a beginning, not an end. We couldn't imagine them as your typically Florida-beachhouse-shuffleboard-retirees. But they live a more active lifestyle than me, what with all the music recitals, astrophotography, dance lessons, social gatherings, philanthropy and community service, and lots more time up in Kulanu!  

I am so proud of mom for unlocking her musical potential and having the courage to perform on stage. And I am so proud of dad for being selected to the Board of Trustees at Syracuse.

The Graduate!

And what a year of transitions it has been for Jevhon as well. In May, Jevhon graduated with a degree in Ancient Greek from Amherst College, and only shortly thereafter moved down here to Houston to begin working with Teach for America. She now teaches 3rd Grade Reading and Social Studies at Patterson Elementary on Houston's southeast side.


Jevhon and I found a nice place in the active, young (aka super gay!) neighborhood of Montrose, located just outside of the downtown area. In some ways, Houston is everything you think it is: a sprawling strip mall with no zoning laws (there is literally a strip club in the parking lot to the Children's Aquarium!) where you have to drive everywhere (on 8-lane highways).

 And...hmmm...what else...oh yeah, IT'S HOT!! ( When I first moved down, there was a record-breaking streak of days over 100 degrees. On the way down, my car's AC broke- Memphis to Houston was a... unique experience.)  On the other hand, all the people we've met are very welcoming and accepting, and even our neighborhood is reminiscent of Chicago's artsy/hipster areas like Wicker Park or Logan Square.

For Jevhon, it has been a challenging year so far, being a teacher in a school that struggles with a lack of resources and a constantly-changing administration. However, Jevhon started the year off right with her students by gaining their respect and undying admiration. She has really gone above and beyond to try and make her students excel and succeed. Jevhon has even started a project to raise money so she can buy a library of books for her students.

Sam and Erika have only recently stopped their globetrotting. Sure, we were all happy to have them back in the U.S., but I think Marley was happiest of all! After a long search, they finally ended up back in D.C. where Erika is an Operations Manager for a charter school. Sam, after creating a home for the trio, found great work doing communications for Cultural Tourism D.C.

We were all happy that they had adjusted well back to life in the States. But we couldn't even guess the excitement that would happen next: congratulations to Sam and Erika on their engagement! Oy vaht a blessing it is! Welcome to the family, Erika!

Welcome Oats!

I also spent a few months searching  for a job and used the opportunity to hone my cooking and gossiping skills as the family's second house husband.

If I hadn't spent all that time at home, I might not be able to  take this opportunity to introduce you all to another new family member: Oats! Amongst the many stray cats in our neighborhood, it seems the sweetest and tamest one found our porch. Some pettings and a can of cat food, and Oats never left!

According to the state of Texas'
fishing and hunting laws,
I did not catch this huge Mackerel. 

Next there was the Harvest Moon Regatta where I crewed on a yacht from Galveston to Port Aransas.

By a stroke of good luck, I found my job at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston as the Teen Programming Coordinator.  I'm happy to have found such a motivated and ambitious organization and I'm excited to get to know this community in a meaningful way!

What a great year it has been! Stay in touch and I look forward to hearing what 2012 will bring for you! And stay tuned for the next annual update this time next year, that is, if the world doesn't end! Until then, you know my Dad will keep you up to date. L'chaim!