TEDx ENERGIZES COMMUNITY — The license holder for TEDx in Overland Park is a Jewish woman, Sherri Jacobs. Jacobs, an art therapist by trade, said the independent events are part of a global movement devoted to bringing “Ideas Worth Spreading” to communities around the globe. The widely popular events are meant to inspire conversation, prompt innovation and create connections in the areas of technology, entertainment and design. All the speeches are recorded and placed on the TEDx website, www.ted.com. The Oct. 17 event featured Jay Lewis, KU Hillel’s executive director, as emcee and Alana Muller as one of the five featured speakers. Several members of the steering committee are also Jewish: Kristin Schultz, Celeste Aronoff, David Horesh, and Lainie Decker.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE — We’ve reported on Dr. Jordan Metzl’s activities several times now. This past Sunday the Kansas City native who is one of New York’s most respected sports medicine docs expected to run his 30th marathon. Instead he organized more than 1,000 runners to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy in Staten Island, N.Y. They passed out food, water, batteries, flashlights and prepaid mobile phones to people affected by the biggest storm in Atlantic Ocean history. More than one national news organization, including Bloomberg.com and NBC news, covered Dr. Metzl’s efforts.
HOME TOUR FEATURES CHANUKAH — Chanukah will be featured in one home at the Johnson County Young Matrons 21st Annual Home for the Holidays Tour, scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14. The upper floor of the home located at 16120 Lucille in Mills Farm will be decorated for Chanukah. The first floor will feature New Year’s decorations. “Putting on the Glitz,” a special event dinner and fashion show is scheduled the night before the tour. To purchase tickets visit the website at www.jcym.net.
ISRAELI CLARINETIST COMING TO KC — Israeli jazz clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen has released her sixth album as a bandleader. “Claroscuro” takes its title from the Spanish word describing the play of light and shade (chiaroscuro in Italian). The new album features Jason Linder, Joe Martin and Daniel Freedman as well. With this new CD, the Pittsburgh Tribune said she breathes new life into the jazz clarinet and is rapidly becoming one of the best clarinetists in jazz. The album is available on her own label, Anzic Records, or at amazon.com. Voted Clarinetist of the Year by DownBeat readers in 2010 and 2011, she will perform in Kansas City on Dec. 14 at the Folly Theater. For ticket information, visit www. follytheater.com or call 816-474-4444 .