SOME ENCHANTED EVENING — Johnson County Community College Foundation is celebrating its 25th fundraising gala, Some Enchanted Evening, Nov. 12. Instead of naming one new Johnson Countian of the Year for the event, the JCCC Foundation is celebrating all past recipients, from 1987 through 2010. Several members of the Jewish community are on that list, including: Elaine and the late Norman Polsky (2006); Walter Hiersteiner, (2003); Steve Rose (1999); George and Floriene Lieberman (1997); SuEllen Fried (1993); and Shirley and the late Stan Rose (1991). Proceeds from the event support student scholarships at JCCC.
MATZO BALL QUEEN — HBHA freshman Kara Kahn was crowned Matzo Ball Queen on April 30 at the 76th annual Matzo Ball Dance sponsored by Nordaunian AZA #22. The dance was held at the Overland Park Convention Center where more than 1,300 teens danced the night away. Kara will serve as this year’s queen as well as an honorary member of Nordaunian AZA. Every fall all freshman girls in BBYO are invited to interview to become a potential Matzo Ball candidate. Those chosen as candidates attend programs and events with the boys of Nordaunian AZA. During those months the girls sell tickets and sponsorships to the dance and the three girls with the highest sales are eligible to become Matzo Ball Queen. Proceeds from ticket sales go to Nordaunian AZA and other BBYO chapters, as well as to a local charity picked by the candidates. This year’s donation will go toward helping to find a cure for cancer.
JEWISH CHAPLAIN MONUMENT — A bill to establish a Jewish chaplains’ monument at Arlington National Cemetery is making its way through both the U.S. House and Senate. The House resolution now has 76 cosponsors and the Senate has 18 cosponsors. Approximately 90 Jewish organizations are supporting the initiative. This bill is expected to be taken up by the full House of Representatives on Monday, May 23. The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee expects to hold a hearing on June 8. To show your support, contact your state representative or senator. For additional information, or if you have any questions about this issue, contact Shelley Rood, senior legislative associate at the Jewish Federations of North America at (202) 736-5880 or .
JPS IS TWEETING TORAH — On Tuesday, June 7, JPS will be tweeting the entire Book of Ruth using the hashtag #Torah with the hopes of tweeting #Torah to the top 10 on Twitter. For those of you who tweet (I don’t have a clue) find out more on http://jps.org/torahtweets.php. This #Torah Twitter Tool was created by JPS in a collaborative effort with CCAR Press and Davka.org.
LOOSE CHANGE CAMPAIGN — Several months ago we told you about the Novorr family and two of their efforts to repair the world. Proud papa Scott now reports that their second oldest child, 8-year-old Sophie, was so inspired by older brother Jack’s fundraising efforts for Children’s Mercy Hospital that she’s taken on a cause of her own. Ever since Scott’s trip to Haiti in November to help the young victims of the devastating earthquake, Sophie has looked for ways to help the kids as well. When she learned that children there can’t attend public school unless they have a school uniform, which many can’t afford to purchase, that became her mission. Sophie set out to collect loose change, with a goal of $50. In addition the family, along with others who support The Global Orphan Project, hosted a 5K run and 2-mile family walk in Parkville. The combined efforts raised more than $500, which Sophie is sending to Haiti to help purchase school uniforms.
MINNESOTA SYNAGOGUE HELPS MAYO PATIENTS — B’nai Israel Synagogue, a Reform congregation in Rochester, Minn., has a dual mission to serve the Jewish residents of the area as well as Jewish patients and their families who visit the city seeking medical care from the world renowned Mayo Clinic. The congregation recently held an open house and is publicizing its mission in an effort to reach out to those in the Jewish community who visit Rochester. Besides the companionship of the local Jewish community and regular religious services, the congregation can offer chaplaincy services to those in need. Because of privacy regulations, the congregation is taking this route to proactively reach out to patients and their families and encourage them to initiate a call to the synagogue. For more information about B’nai Israel Synagogue, contact the synagogue staff at (507) 288-5558 or .