Bob McKe own

Cole.

Behnkendorf and Jil

Silverstein, Lea

confer nce are Joe

Helping to co rdinate he

4

FIT FOR SINGLE LIFE

Singles can exercise their minds at the
forthcoming Jewish Center symposium

HEIDI PRESS

Local News Editor

J

ewish singles, of late, have
been complaining about the
dearth of intellectually-
stimulating activities for
them in the community.
Tired of the bars, parties and ath-
letics, singles are opting to exercise
their minds instead of their bodies.
Aware of this phenomenon, the
Community Network for Jewish
Singles has scheduled a symposium
for June wherein singles can get a
dose of both mind-stimulation and
social activity.
Planned for June 13 and 14 at
the main Jewish Community Cen-
ter, the symposium is entitled "Fit
for Single Life." Not only will sing-
les of all ages be able to sit in on
workshops dealing with topical
singles issues, but they will have
an opportunity to participate in
aerobics, have lunch in a social set-
ting, enjoy a Saturday night dance

104

Friday, April 10, 1987

and see an exhibit of artwork by
other singles.
The symposium is being held
to provide an opportunity for sing-
les to attend a day of intellectual
and social programming," according
to CNJS Director Jill Cole. "It's one
more avenue for singles to meet
each other."
Singles who prefer the social
aspect can come to a dance on June
13 at the Center, featuring music
by Gamut. Those who are more in-
terested in attending workshops
can come to the day-long series on
June 14, which will be highlighted
by a special luncheon presentation
on "Taking Control of Your Life."
Tickets may be purchased for the
dance only, for the workshops only,
or singles can buy the whole pack-
age at a special discounted rate.
Among the workshop topics
are: safe sex, dating, financial
planning, self-esteem, interfaith
dating, interpersonal communica-
tions, travel for singles and image

THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS

counseling. Singles talented in the
arts will be able to show off their
creative efforts at a special juried
art show.

Occupational analyst Lea
Behnkendorf, chairman of the sym-
posium, said because of the variety
of things to do at the symposium,
singles who may not participate in
other singles programs may find
this one of interest.
Cole said she expects up to
about 1,000 singles to attend. If it's
successful there may be another
one next year.
The symposium, which-is being
held as part of the Center's 60th
anniversary celebration, was an
idea that came from a CNJS plan-
ning committee. Joining Cole and
Behnkendorf on the committee are
Dianne Porth, Joe Silverstein,
Larry Rood, E.J. Levy, Lea Trager,
Barb Chisik, Dana Carron, Alan
Cohen and Maryann Sacks.
Silverstein, a pharmacist, said
he joined the planning committee

.

because he thought it was a good
way to meet people. "By participat-
ing (in the planning) you feel like
an insider, not an outsider."
Behnkendorf was asked to
chair the symposium, according to
Cole, because "I thought she'd be
good at it because of her past in-
volvement, good follow-through and
good speaking skills." Behnkendorf
has volunteered at Jewish Center
singles activities and at other pro-
grams throughout the community.
Behnkendorf said she hoped
that singles will want to come to
the June event. "We're going to
have so much variety here. There
will be something for everyone."
She added that she hoped singles
will feel comfortable coming to the
symposium and will come to future
events as well.
For Cole, there is only one
payoff for all the months of plan-
ning. "I hope they'll (singles) have
a good time, that they'll learn
something and that they'll meet
people."

❑