ISSUE 29
FEBRUARY 2008

MICHIGAN
REGION

0

TOGETHER fOR TODAY AND

TOMORROW

Arnie Weiner Plans Retirement after 39 Years with 1313Y0

For thousands of Michigan Region BBYO alumni, Arnie Weiner is BBYO. During his 39-year
BBYO career, he has always been there to guide and champion Jewish teens, helping them
develop their Jewish identities and leadership skills. As he moves on to a new chapter of his
life on July 1, 2008, Arnie leaves an amazing legacy of personal memories and organizational
achievements.
"Always the kids come first," said Micky Rosner, a sentiment echoed by current and
former BBYO officers and Commission members. He consistently emphasized BBYO's
core principle of being youth-led, said Michele Siegel, former Commission chair and
past regional president. "He would always say, 'It is up to the kids. It's not a board
decision. It's not a parents' decision,'" she said.
Monica Woll, a past regional president, credits Arnie for instilling a sense of Jewish identity,
especially among those that might otherwise lack it. "He provided the rope to tug on to find
out what being Jewish means. He believed in helping teenagers find their Jewish identity and
Arnie Weiner (L) with BBYO alumni and
because he had a passion for it he was able to do an excellent job," she explained.
/80s reunion held
at the
the
friends at
Former BBYO Commission Chair Rick Segal
C 1970s
harach Gallery.
Dec. 1
points out that Arnie strengthened BBYO's
Saturday, March 15, 2008
leadership training. "He had an unbelievable vision to figure out what the program
needed for leadership and developed the Young Leadership Conclaves for freshmen and
sophomores, the Executive Weekends to plan for the year, and the VIP Leadership
Camp for chapter presidents," Segal said. But most of all, Michele Siegel said, "He
instilled leadership by example. You had to do the right thing yourself."
"He brought a lot more Jewish content into the program," said Segal. "When the
Bittker Conference Center was being planned, Arnie immediately thought about where
unleashed
the aron kodesh could be placed."
"Arnie is so thorough in his decision-
The newest, hottest trends in
making. He wants to make sure the kids
spring fashion plus
have a great experience. He cares about the
Letters from our Leaders/
quality of the programming. He's been
A special tribute to retiring
Calendar of Events
terrific,"
says
Rosner.
Michigan Region Executive
Eric Adelman Comes Home to
Arnie's leadership influence has extended
Director, Arnie Weiner
BBYO / Fall Conclave /
nationally and internationally. He has led
followed by a dessert reception
Bittker Center Dedication
p
BBYO Israel Summer Institutes and staffed
March of the Living and other international
Memory Lane / Ida Nathan is
Orchard Mall, West Bloomfield
programs. Arnie served as a member of the
Honored / B'nai B'rith Golf
9:00 — 11:00 p.m.
BBYO National Management Team under two
Classic / Max Fisher's Legacy
p
For information about tributes,
international directors and as Interim
please contact Pamela Lippitt at:
International BBYO Director from 2000-2001.
Have You Heard
p
Looking back on his career, Arnie is proud
(249) 353-9038 or email:
that "39 years later, through all of the
tributetoarnie@bbyo.org
2007 Regional Convention
P
changes in the community and society,
BBYO is still a vibrant, important part of
Jewish
Jewish teens' lives. It's very relevant and the
Tributes
Federation
of Metropolitan Detroit
biggest
youth
program
in
metro
Detroit."
WE'RE PART OF THE TEAM
teen2teen
continued on page 4

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