DRIVERS TAKE NOTE, NO PARKING POLICY TO BE ENFORCED IN CAMPUS CIRCLE DRIVES — In mid-September, the Jewish Federation hired Blair Hawkins as the first director of community security in response to the April 13 tragedy. Almost exactly two months later, the public is seeing the first security change at the Jewish Community Campus that has been implemented under his watch.
Hawkins said, "As part of our ongoing effort to follow the highest standards in quality and safety, please note policy reinforcements coming soon to circle drives on the Jewish Community Campus." This includes the main circle drive, the CDC circle drive, the HBHA Circle drive as well as the White Theatre/Heritage Center circle drive.
Starting Monday, Nov. 17, all the circle drives at the Campus will convert to fire and emergency lanes. This means that parking in these drives will be prohibited. Additionally, no unattended vehicles may be left in these drives. Drop-offs of passengers are permitted as long as the driver remains with the vehicle.
These regulations come as a result of recent studies of this facility by Overland Park’s police and fire departments and the Department of Homeland Security. By state law, violators will be subject to a fine and/or towing.
"We appreciate your support in helping to keep children, members and visitors to the Campus safe," Hawkins said.
RABBI ALPERT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES NY MARATHON —Rabbi Doug Alpert was one of 15 runners who completed the 2014 New York City Marathon Nov. 2 as part of the American Jewish World Service Team. The AJWS team raised $45,000 for the organization that works for human rights in the developing world. It was the 10th time the rabbi has run a marathon, but his first since 2006. He ran it in 4 hours, 39 minutes and 36 seconds. His personal best, 3:22:07, came in Chicago in 2001. He has also run marathons in Boston, London, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and three locally.
"Since this is the first marathon I have run in eight years I still feel an enormous sense of accomplishment with this one," Rabbi Alpert said. "So much the more so for having done it with AJWS, and supporting their work in human rights."
THE TRAGEDY OF SUICIDE — Last weekend two students at an Olathe high school committed suicide. The students were athletes and as this world grows smaller and smaller because of the popularity of social media, it’s possible Jewish teens in our community knew or were friends with these teens. The Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition, under the leadership of Jewish Family Services, can provide resources to help families or individuals tackle these types of situations. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, seek help as soon as possible by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. A list of resources is also available on the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition’s website at www.itsok.us/suicideprevention. These resources include suggestions for talking to teens after the loss of a friend as well as the warning signs of suicide and ways you can help if you know someone whom you think may be suicidal. For more information, contact JFS at 913-327-8250.
EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND — "Bad Jews," a comedy by Joshua Harmon and directed by Cynthia Levin, has been extended by the Unicorn Theatre by one week. Originally slated to close on Nov. 16, it will now continue through Nov. 23. Tickets are available by calling 816-531-PLAY (7529) EXT. 10, go online at www.UnicornTheatre.org or buy in person at the box office located at 3828 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111.