Dear Member, we welcome your suggestions for ESCA events to bolster our usual social fare. We know you have ideas, so please share them with us. Call anyone on the Committee or send us an email with your recommendations. We want to do what you want to do.

In the midst of winter

Or what's left of it we still need to look ahead to Springtime. In the Spring our thoughts turn to PURIM! Indeed, the shops have been full of costumes for weeks. Many families are busy preparing their clever and original costumes for the little ones. When the youngsters go parading around the streets in their costumes it is a festival for the eyes. The ideas are endless and sometimes the work invested in creating the costumes is staggering. What's your idea?

This year we're holding our gathering at Chana's house. If you want to participate you have to do three things: First: Call Chana and let her know you're coming. Space is limited and you have to register to assure a place. Second: Prepare something delicious to bring along. It can be something simple or gourmet but it has to be either dairy or parve. Let Chana know what you intend to bring so that the menu can be coordinated. Third: Think up a costume to wear. You can't get in without something that hides your real identity. At the least, you must wear a silly hat.

You can test your knowledge of Purim with our Purim trivia quiz.

When is it? We'll get together at Chana's place on March 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the evening. So give Chana a call and sign up now.

Hanukkah party (better known as Food Night) was a charming evening. All our participants came through with the best of their best culinary efforts. It was small and quiet (actually, NOT so quiet because we make a lot of noise…if we're not making noise then how do we know we're having fun?) and just the thing we needed to light up this dark winter. At the end of the day we determined to do it again next year.

Give your contribution – either equipment or donation – to Chana who will see that all of it gets to needy kids. Thanks to all of you who have given in the past and we hope will continue to give. What can you give? Everyone can give something. Come on! Dig down into your pocket and give a contribution for a poor kid.