Historic Achievements Director moves on after overseeing Jewish History Society's growth. Bill Carroll Contributing Writer T he Jewish Historical Society of Michigan (JHSM) has come a long way from the days when members sat around the basement recreation rooms of homes at general meetings and quietly discussed the dif- ferent aspects of Jewish history. The 53-year-old organization, based at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, now is more alive with "exciting growth:' boasting about 800 members (plus 600 more on its mailing list), conducting 25 major programs a year and continuing to publish a rejuve- nated Michigan Jewish History, its 100- page annual journal. The driving force behind much of this revival has been Aimee Ergas of Farmington Hills, who has served as JHSM's director for the Aimee Ergas past nine years. She's leaving the position June 1, and will be honored at the group's annual meeting May 22 at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Ergas literally helped JHSM grow from a basement operation into a full- fledged service organization that pro- vides valuable services and innovative programming to the Detroit area Jewish community. 'Can-Do' Attitude "Aimee's can-do attitude, competent attention to detail and willingness to tackle any task, large or small, has made JHSM all the richer;' said Arnold Collens of Waterford, who has been JHSM president for the last four years. "Under Aimee's leadership, she skillfully let us become a much more recognized and viable organization. It's sad to see her leave, but our size and structure now really requires almost a full-time director." Ergas has been sharing her part-time work at JHSM with a part-time archival job at Detroit's Wayne State University, where she recently obtained a certificate in archival management, "The leadership structure is chang- ing at JHSM, and the organization is growing fast; sometimes you just know when it's time to go',' Ergas said. "But I plan to continue to help the organiza- tion with writing and archival work." The JHSM has appointed Wendy Rose Bice of Bloomfield Hills as interim director. Bice, editor of the journal, had been associate director. She told Collens she wants to be considered as Ergas' permanent replacement. To keep up with its rapid expansion, JHSM will add the new position of education/program coordinator. "Aimee's tenure as director has acquired a great deal of respect for JHSM and has brought us to a national level, resulting in many awards" said Judith Cantor of Bloomfield Hills, a well-known archivist and a past JHSM president. "I'm proud to have been her mentor at JHSM." Started Writing and Editing After growing up in Kansas City, Mo., and Chicago, Ergas earned a political science degree at Wellesley College, then a master's in international diplomacy at Tufts College in Boston, where she met her husband, Detroiter Tor Shwayder, now a pediatric dermatologist. Married for 35 years, they have three adult chil- dren. , "I did research and writing and editing in social science and history, and eventually worked at University of Michigan's law school: Ergas said. "I met Judy Cantor and got involved with JHSM, becoming Journal editor for three years:' Added Cantor: "She really attracted our attention with a very well-written and accurate historical overview of Zionism. When she joined JHSM, she took over and expanded and refined our programs, adding about a dozen docents." Growing from just a few tours and events a year, the organization now con- ducts 25 tours of historic Jewish Detroit as well as special tours for adults, young people and family occasions — even boat tours on the Detroit River. "And our first J-Cycle tour last August brought together 150 bicyclists making stops at 10 historic Jewish sites:' Ergas added. The group has collected 1,200 year- books (going back to the early 1900s) from Michigan schools attended by Jewish students. JHSM hopes to post parts of them on its revamped website: www.michjewishhistory.org . Aside from annual membership dues, JHSM relies on its Heritage Council Endowment Fund for major funding. Chief among those donors are philan- thropists Eugene Applebaum, A. Alfred Taubman and the William Davidson family. ❑ • Birmingham 950 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 283-8400 Shelby Township 50800 Corporate Drive Shelby Township, MI 48315 (586) 731-4111 Also with locations in Gaylord and Traverse City Wittock Kitchen and Bath Division of Standard Electric Company Freedom for Your Pet, Peace of Mind for You We help pets and their owners live happy, harmonious lives together. With nearly 40 years of expertise, we understand your situation, your pets, and we have the safe solutions to solve even the most unique challenges. • Unrivaled success in over 2 million homes • Safe and gentle - any age, any breed • Most used and exclusively recommended by veterinarians • 1 Year No Interest Same as Cash FOR CATS TOO! Invisible Fence Brand The Brand Vets Recommend Most for Dog Safety and Freedom Call or log on to schedule a FREE in-home consultation! Invisible Fence - Tri-County 29242 Lyon Oaks Drive I Wixom, MI 248-437-9663 I 800-824-3647 tricounty.invisiblefence.com ©2012 Invisible Fence, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Offer valid on professionally installed, premium outdoor containment packages and varies based on package selected. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not combinable .vith other discounts or valid on previous purchases. Participating dealers only. 415-1869 N May 17 • 2012 21