"As a new Director of the Melton Mini-School, it was truly a remarkable opportunity to meet Florence Melton. I had read about her and her vision for the school, but meeting her and hearing her was inspirational. In one of her addresses to the conference participants, she said she wanted the school to create a 'sense of wonder' for its students; she created a 'sense of wonder' for me."
(Teri Gross, New Orleans, LA)

Over 50 site Directors and staff members from North America, Israel, Australia, and the United Kingdom came together in Chicago for the Annual Conference for Professional In-Service Training. The Conference opened with greetings from Dr. Yonatan Mirvis and a warm welcome from Dr. Betsy Dolgin-Katz, this year's host of the Conference, who pointed out the tremendous growth of the Mini-School over the past decade. Dr. Dolgin-Katz gave a special welcome to Mrs. Florence Melton, who honored everyone with her presence and active participation. Throughout the proceedings her pertinent remarks kept the aims of the FMAMS at the forefront of all discussions.

Conference highlights included:

• Diane Schuster, an independent researcher affiliated with Claremont Graduate University, provided the humanist approach to adult education in her plenary lectures.
• David Horowitz, Editor-in-Chief of the Jerusalem Report, who presented the story behind the story in Israel.
• Steve Yastrow, of Yastrow Marketing, (www.yastrow.com) gave an erudite presentation on "Branding".
• Mrs. Rachel Perkal, Vice-President of ENESCO, gave an informative lecture on how to retain ones customers, in this case, students, based on her many years of experience in the retail world.
• Judy Rosenberg, a faculty member from Chicago, gave a model Dramas lesson before all the delegates with some of the Directors in the student seat. Kol hakavod to Judy who in laboratory circumstances carried out an excellent class.

Each day began with chevrutot. Participants chose to study either Israeli Literature, Classical Literature, The Theological Tension of Living in Israel in Classical Texts or Jewish Great Books.

Some of the Directors prepared posters for a "Nuts and Bolts Clinic" where different issues were informally discussed. The topics included orientation, recruitment, marketing and PR, teacher programs, extra-curriculars, graduations, Great Books programs for graduates, the Parent Education Program (PEP) and satellite sites. This was an excellent opportunity for everyone to pick up innovative ideas for their own sites.

"I took home important skills in long range planning, fundraising and marketing my school locally. ... The information I learned from the professional workshop leaders is invaluable. Meeting with fellow Directors and the National and International staff was a highlight for me. I returned back to the Northwest energized and dedicated to the continued growth of our school. I am honored to be a participant in adult Jewish learning worldwide."
excerpts from a passage by Eliana Temkin, Portland, OR

Problem sharing and solving was constantly on the agenda, especially around the dinner table. This, together with the friendly interaction between the delegates, added to the dynamic atmosphere of the Conference.

After many hours of serious discussions, Tuesday evening was kept free for the participants to experience Chicago. Options included, Second City - Chicago's well-known comedy store, a tour of Devon or downtown Chicago.

From left to right, Betsy Dolgin Katz, Renah Rabinowitz, Michael Balinsky

"This Conference was amongst the best ever. The commitment and professionalism of the Directors is the guarantee that this project will continue to play a major role in Jewish communities worldwide."
Yonatan Mirvis, International Director

Special thanks goes to Irene Bennett, Director of Operations in the North American Office, whose perfect organization of the Conference made the week so successful and enjoyable for us all, and thanks to Jenni Pestine, Executive Assistant, who too, worked so hard to make us feel so welcome.

"The FMAMS is like no other Jewish organization I have ever worked with. The entire staff's incredible love for and devotion to each other, the curriculum, teacher training and director guidance are truly without peer. The diverse backgrounds and many fields of expertise which the Directors bring to the school is enlightening in so many ways. My position as Omaha's FMAMS Director came to me straight from heaven. I could not be with more dedicated, kind and heimish people. I feel incredibly fortunate to call myself part of the melton mishpucha."
Susan Paley, Omaha

Everyone left Chicago with an even stronger commitment to the goals of the FMAMS. A make-up Conference for those Directors who were unable attend will take place 10-11 December in Chicago. The next Directors Conference will take place in Jerusalem.

From Left to Right: Leah Justin, Judy Kupchan

and....

The gentleness of Haim
The power of Yonatan
The dignity of Betsy
The intellect of Judy
The energy of Jane

and everywhere and always
The awesome inspiration the very presence of Florence Melton provides.

(Leah Justin, Melbourne, Australia)