| The Park Slope Civic Council recently acknowledged three individuals who have worked tirelessly for decades to inspire the arts, spirituality, and social services within the Park Slope community. The celebration of these individuals occurred at our year end general membership trustee meeting on June 4, 2020. As these three community leaders step ahead to new opportunities, the Civic Council is filled with gratitude and appreciation for their contributions to our community. |
| Diane Jacobowitz, Executive & Artistic Director, Dancewave Diane Jacobowitz will be retiring from her job as Executive Director of Dancewave after a distinguished career in performing, choreography and arts administration. The Civic Council particularly recognizes her work with Dancewave, a Brooklyn based organization with the expressed mission of “Transforming Lives Through Dance” and salutes her work and vision. The Dancewave Culture Model (DCM) is grounded in restorative practice, a unique model combining rigorous training with artistic integrity in a supportive environment. Students are mentored by accomplished dance professionals from a veritable “Who’s Who” of dance companies, which allows for personal growth as well as superior dance education Under Diane’s leadership, Dancewave has continually expanded its public school and community residencies, offering an average of 35 residencies in schools and senior centers serving 6,000 New Yorkers annually in all five boroughs. While relinquishing her formal title, Diane anticipates a strong continuing relationship with Dancewave. |
| Rev. Dr. Daniel Meeter, Pastor, Old First Reformed Church The Civic Council is happy to acknowledge the Reverend Dr. Daniel Meeter, pastor and teacher at Old First since 2001. Daniel has served as a trustee on the Park Slope Civic Council and in recent years has also been the recipient of both the coveted Lovgren Award and the Ortner Award, both presented annually by the Civic Council. Daniel has always been a generous spirit in the community and has sponsored the Civic Council at the Old First Church for many events and meetings. Daniel is married to Rev. Melody Takken Meeter, director of pastoral care at the Lutheran Medical Center of Brooklyn. They have two grown children and two grandsons. Daniel is interested in everything, but his special loves are classical music, architecture, languages, geography, and the borough of Brooklyn. Daniel’s final service at Old First will be this Sunday, June 28, 2020, but he officially retires Thursday, July 2, 2020. |
| Judy Willig, LCSW, Executive Director, Heights and Hills The Park Slope Civic Council is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of Judy Willig – friend, neighbor and Executive Director of Heights and Hills, whose vision of successful aging has so positively impacted the quality of life and well-being of our “60 and better” community. Judy will be retiring as Executive Director of Heights and Hills at the end of July. In her 33-year career at the helm of Heights and Hills and the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging, Judy’s leadership has grown their annual outreach from about 400 people to nearly 5,000 older Brooklynites and their families in nearly half of the borough of Brooklyn. Supported by an engaged and committed Board of Directors and a professional staff of 43 (and still growing) plus many compassionate volunteers and donors, Heights and Hills now provides critical programs to older adults including Social Services for homebound older adults, Caregiver Support for families and friends, Volunteer/Intergenerational Programs, and The Park Slope Center for Successful Aging. Judy is also a past recipient of the Civic Council’s Lovgren Award for Excellence in Community Service by a Professional. Judy will be leaving with the confidence that Heights and Hills is in good hands and will continue the legacy of her exceptional commitment to helping Brooklyn’s older adults lead purposeful and dignified lives. The Civic Council congratulates all of you for your years of service. We extend our very best to you and wish you continued success in your future endeavors! |