Summer 2011 Edition

Hard to believe we're quickly approaching the two-thirds point of the Summer of 2011, but it's a fact.  True to form, the Kagan's have been busy the last few months:

As the school year wound down for Amy, she scored big in the new jobs department, accepting a job with the Clinton (NJ) school system as a school social worker for grades PreK-8.  Returning to a public school setting was high on her list of goals, so she was excited for the new opportunity.  She will miss her pals at IEP, and is looking forward to the adventures ahead.  Having locked that in, Amy (and Sophie) left for the Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY.  Amy spent four summers at Kutz (2001-2004) in her role as Regional Advisor for NFTY's Garden Empire Region, with the highlight CLEARLY meeting Jeffrey in 2004.  This year, she was the Inclusion Coordinator for the camp's Mitzvah Corps program, which paired high school students with teens on the autistic spectrum.  This is quite an impressive program, and Amy's enjoyed it very much.  Returning from camp on July 20, Amy worked the morning of July 21 at her new gig, and then she and Sophie left again on July 23 for a week at the beach in Rehoboth (Delaware) with various members of her family.  Much of August looks to be spent relaxing at the Westfield Pool and charging her batteries for the new school year.

Sophie has had quite the summer as well.  No question that she was the star of the show at Kutz, making friends with everyone there, and having her picture taken more than the cast of Jersey Shore (see Facebook for the many pictures...shout-outs to Avra, Heather, Karen, Seth and others for their photographic contributions).  Her time at in Rehoboth clearly demonstrates that she loves the sand (and dirt) and the ocean; we hope that will translate to the pool as well, and she took some first steps in that direction thanks to Trish and the lifeguards at Kutz.  She misses her friends from daycare, and will be back there the last week of August.  On her "new tricks" list will be the word "momma" (she says it to Amy, but also as a substitute for "more"), her fist bump, and her impressive display in response to "where's your belly?".  Definitely talking prodigy.

Jeffrey has also had much fun this summer.  His time at Kutz was mildly interrupted by planning season at work, but he managed to enjoy his time there nonetheless.  As in 2004, he was on faculty for the week, teaching Marketing and Leadership (separately) to the participants.  Between classes, he enjoyed the camp life and all of the friends--new and old--with whom he spent time.  Shout-outs to Craig and Rachel, Lisa, Karen, Melissa, Les, Nathan, Billy (and Charlie), Roey, Danielle, Seth, Matt and other denizens of the late-night porch crew--much fun associated with "babysitting".  In addition to his responsibilities this summer (for more on the impact of Kutz, see my blog here), he has also graciously and humbly accepted an offer to continue serving on the Kutz Camp Committee.  And he has also agreed to serve on the formation behind the Reform Youth Professionals Association...many rewarding activities ahead! 

Passing on the opportunity to go to Rehoboth, he spent some quiet time with Karlee, his favorite treadmill, and even a new movie theater (wow...they still have movie theaters?!).  August will be spent with friends and family, and then September will bring a Bar Mitzvah, a wedding, the return of SNoTTY, a birthday, and even the New Year. 

Oh, and Jeffrey's work is going well with lots of projects and initiatives (and some outstandingly smart people to work with!).

Before closing, we want to send some positive mental energy to a few family members who are ailing...we love you and wish you well as you conquer your various infirmities, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

As always, we want news from you as well, and would love to have you visit us soon.  For now, know that we are doing well, and enjoying our copious blessings.  All the best to you all.