THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 9, 1995 TAG: 9502090434
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY IDA KAY JORDAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
A woman who has taken up the cause of the city for half a century has been named First Citizen for 1994.
Zelma Goodman Rivin, 73, is the third woman to receive the award, which dates back to the early 1930s. The late Emily Spong was the first, and Ann Long, the second.
Rivin was chosen from about 30 nominees by a vote of all living former First Citizens.
``She has done so much in a dedicated, intelligent way,'' said Long, one of the people who nominated Rivin. ``I've never known anyone who has accomplished more, and she's still working for the community.''
As long ago as 1951, Rivin helped organize Brotherhood Week, which was aimed at increasing understanding among people. This week, she was still at it. On Monday, she was at the center of an organizational meeting seeking to form ``Face to Face with Race'' discussion groups, which are intended to bring together diverse groups to discuss the need for communication and understanding among all people.
Rivin, who has a master's in urban studies, was the first woman to serve on the city's Planning Commission. Appointed to the panel in 1973, she chaired the commission for three of the seven years she served. It was during those years that the commission adopted its first comprehensive plan and that its members became more deeply involved in the total city planning effort.
Rivin served two terms on the School Board, beginning in 1966, a time when public schools in the state were undergoing tremendous change because of court orders to desegregate. Even before her appointment to the School Board, Rivin was instrumental in getting kindergarten classes in the public schools.
Long an advocate of women's equality, she has been active in the Women's Political Caucus. Rivin was elected president of Temple Sinai in 1975, becoming one of few women in the country and the first in the region to head a Jewish congregation.
She was one of seven women in the city who founded Help and Emergency Response Inc. to open a shelter for battered women.
Rivin and her husband, Bernard, owned The Famous, a woman's store started in 1916 by her mother, Belle Goodman. The couple operated the store at High and Court streets until late 1990. Both have been active in city affairs.
Bernard Rivin is very proud of the selection of his wife as First Citizen.
``I'm bursting the buttons on my shirt,'' he said Wednesday.
The new First Citizen also is pleased.
``This is a wonderful gift from my fellow citizens,'' she said.
Rivin will be honored at a banquet April 10. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Zelma Rivin
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH FIRST CITIZEN by CNB