FIVE-TIME GOLD MEDALIST — Earlier this month Alan Poisner participated in the World Masters Athletics Championships in Sacramento, Calif., where 4,500 athletes from all over the world competed in track and field events. Competitors ranged in age from 35 to 100. Poisner competed in the 75-79 age division where he won two gold medals, in the 5,000-meter racewalk on a college track and in the 10,000 meter road racewalk at a local park. Competitors came from all over the world. He also won a gold medal for being on the top team in the 10K race where they count the top three fastest times (Poisner’s was the fastest for the United States).
In June Poisner competed in the National Senior Olympics Games in Houston, where he won two more gold medals, winning the 1,500 meters and 5K racewalks.
Each time Poisner won a medal at the WMA championships, he received his medal at a ceremony much like those conducted at the Olympics, where he got to stand on the top step of the podium and listen to the national anthem. The WMA championships are held every two years and this was the first time in 16 years the competition has been held in the United States.
Poisner has been president of the Heartland Racewalkers Club for 16 years, which sent 10 members to the National Senior Olympics this year. He took up racewalking 26 years ago. Anyone interested in learning more about the club can visit www.heartlandracewalkers.com.
GIVING JOPLIN A BOOST — Congregation Beth Torah members plan to spend the day volunteering in tornado ravaged Joplin Sunday, Aug. 7. Volunteers will caravan from Beth Torah, leaving at 7 a.m. Due to the heat and the nature of the work, participants of all ages are asked to consider their physical stamina before signing up. Earlier this summer members of CBT teamed up with members of Congregation BIAV for a similar mitzvah day. For reservations or more details, contact Aaron Nielsenshultz at either or (913) 206-0383.
THINKING AHEAD TO ROSH HASHANAH — The Jewish Chronicle is working on the annual Rosh Hashanah publication and we need the help of Jewish organizations, congregations, agencies, foundations and other Jewish groups. Please send us your calendar of special events for the upcoming year (October 2011 through September 2012) so we can add them to our calendar. We are looking for special events that are being planned now for the upcoming year that appeal to the entire Jewish community.
In order for these events to be considered for placement in the calendar, please send them to us no later than Aug. 10. These can be sent to or .
If you have any questions, call Barbara Bayer, editor, at (913) 951-8425 or Marcia Montgomery, community editor, at (913) 951-8426.