Now that we are almost halfway through October, it's time to reflect on all the CYP happenings in September.  Our minyan on Sept. 3rd was held outside on a perfect evening in Cleveland Heights and hosted by Aaren, Cleveland's new Young Professional Coordinator at Federation.  Later that weekend, CYP cooked up 100 lbs of beef ribs on the charcoal grills at the Gross Schechter Totally Kosher Rib Burn Off Memorial Day event.  We didn't win, but we DID sell out and had a blast grilling.  We picked up some great tips and improvements to come back better and tastier for next year!  We met some great people and ate some great BBQ.  The holidays came and went, and we launched out Community Beit Midrash with an event over Sukkot hosted in the Gross Schechter sukkah (it rained, but we still had a great turn out indoors).  We had sushi made by Green Road Catering and met some new faces.  28 of us turned out to share a meal and participate in a thought provoking Chevruta learning session with Rabbi Eddie Sukol on food and our ethical responsibilities in the harvest and today, in producing Kosher food.  Last Sunday the minyan helped raise money for Magen David Adom and ran a 5k for the cause.  There were 6 of us, and 5 us placed for the fastest times in our age group.  October First Friday was also a success, this time taking the minyan to Tremont.  New faces, great food and friends helped make the event one of the most successful minyans we've had with 21 people!  If you haven't seen what we are up to, come check us out at our next event, November First Friday Minyan and Potluck on Nov. 5th.  See you soon!
 
 
PresenTense is finished, and I have returned to real life in Cleveland.  I have hit the ground running, with meetings lined up for the next couple weeks.  I'm trying to keep the buzz going thanks to the article in the Jewish News last week about the three fellows, and am organizing our first CYPminyan steering committee meeting (if you are interested in sitting in and participating, shoot us an e-mail to be kept in the loop!) .  Next week I have some brainstorming sessions with Siegal College and with the Cleveland JECC to discuss the practicality and logistics of the Community Beit Midrash, our next push for Cleveland!  Out next First Friday minyan and potluck dinner will be August 6 (next Friday).  We are always looking for people to host and for volunteers to lead Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv.  Come check us out on Facebook and RSVP.  Don't forget to join our group or put yourself on the mailing list to keep updated on events!  See you soon, Cleveland!