JCRC Honors State Lawmakers
By Kristin Erekson
The Jewish Advocate
Local Jewish organizations presented achievement awards to several lawmakers on Beacon Hill this week, honoring the officials for their hard work in improving community standards.
Nearly 300 people-including more than 60 legislators from across the Commonwealth-gathered at the Boston Bar Association on Tuesday for the 10th annual legislative reception, an event sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations.
"This is the most important and significant event of the year," said Nancy K. Kaufman, executive director of the JCRC. "It's always important to thank those from day to day who have helped us to advance our agenda as Jews."
A lifetime achievement award was given to Albert Sherman, vice chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, for his tireless involvement in the local Jewish community and his efforts in encouraging lawmakers to visit Israel. Sherman was one of many Bay State leaders who attended a conference in Jerusalem last fall, which aimed to encourage information sharing between Israeli and U.S. counterterrorism officials.
"I grew up knowing that I had to give back to the Jewish community," said Sherman, 68, who also received a tzedakah box at the reception in recognition of his work. "If I can go to bed knowing that I made a difference in someone's life, it was a good day for me."
Legislative achievement awards were also distributed to state Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), state Sen. Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn) and state Rep. Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). In addition, the family of the late state Rep. Deborah Blumer (D-Framingham), who died in October from a heart attack while driving, received a plaque.
Other awards were given to Christie Hager, chief health counsel for House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, Richard Powell, chief staff to state Sen. Cynthia S. Creem (D-Newton), and Elizabeth Childs, commissioner for the Department of Mental Health.
