When you are just four feet tall and the shortest person in the room, you tend to look up to everyone. But Granddaughter Eden Nisenshal, no matter how tall she grows up to be, will most likely always look up to her Grandmother Ruth. She can’t help but remember the day when so many of Carmel’s finest turned out to say nice things about her Grandmother. This day, little Eden was just one in a room full of people looking up to Ruth and wishing her the best as she enters into retirement.
Ruth Nisenshal has been the dynamic and successful leader for the Carmel Clay Library Foundation over the last 11 years. When she took over the reins, the CCPL Foundation had laid dormant for many years. Newly hired Library Director Wendy Phillips decided the Foundation should become a major component of her young administration. The search for someone who could revive the Foundation began and as Phillips will attest, Ruth became the perfect person for the job.
Phillips said, “Look around this room. Her legacy is a tremendous number of strong people connections that turn into donors, board members and volunteers. We also have an Endowment to support the future financial needs of the library.”
The Carmel Clay Library Foundation forecasts a year-end endowment of $200,000.
It was Nisenshal who had the idea to start the Guilded Leaf Book and Authors Luncheon. Over ten years, it has grown into an overwhelming success with NY Times Bestselling authors making their way to Carmel each year to share their work with adoring readers. The luncheon has built a platform to draw attention and support to the Library Guild and Library Foundation.
During her remarks as she was presented with gifts of appreciation by Jack Stafford, CCPL Staff and Stephanie Fuhrman. “I am totally surprised. It is incredible to come to an event where you know everyone,” Fuhrman said.
Retirement for Ruth does not mean fading away. She plans on staying involved in the community and allowing us all the opportunity to keep looking up. Good Day, Ruth.
