Synagogune E_Cr Temple israds annual picnic features everything from a petting zoo to a blood drive. Picnic co-chair Cindy Kandel said, "I think 'picnic' is a misnomer. I consider it more of an event. The picnic captures the spirit of Temple — open, giving, car- ing and fun." The picnic draws attendance from the whole community. It was a way to make new friends and renew acquaintances with people whose lives have taken dif- ferent paths. Families enjoyed each other's company while grandparents had an opportunity to spend an afternoon with their grandchildren. "It is a fun afternoon. There is a lot to offer," said Adat Shalom Synagogue member Andrea Siegel, mother of 4- year-old Marissa and 2-year-old Jacob. Temple Israel's brotherhood sponsors a blood drive during the picnic. "There's a need in the community and we give back to the community," said Lou Lan, the blood drive chair. This year, blood donors contributed 110 pints to the American Red Cross. Picnic volunteers totaled 170 from the youth group, couples club, singles extension, brotherhood, sisterhood and Temple Treasures. David Mindell, 12, was a volunteer at the slush machine. For his upcoming bar mitzvah, he received a list of mitzvot (good deeds) he could do. "Volunteering at the picnic looked like a cool thing to volunteer for," he said. 1-1 LISA FEIN Special. to the Jewish News A carnival-like atmosphere — replete with strolling clowns handing out candy, children with their faces painted, farm animals, kids' rides and plenty of food — describes how 3,000 people celebrat- ed their Labor Day at,Temple Israel's ninth annual family picnic. Adding to the mix, teenagers were dancing in the streets with music provid- ed by Star Trax and blood donors rolled up their sleeves to help the less fortunate. Emily Anne Dworkin, 5, liked the pony rides the best. Children also petted sheep, goats and horses, jumped in the moonwalk, enjoyed the giant slide and participated in jousting matches. Feeling dizzy described Sara Enfield, 5, after getting off the spinning apple ride. "It made me a little scared," she said. Good thing her big brother, Daniel, 8, rode with her. This year's picnic celebrated the 20th year of the temple's nursery school. Temple Israel had a Labor Day picnic in 1991 to celebrate the groundbreaking for an addition. The picnic was to be a one- time event. Its success created an annual tradition. Executive Director David Tisdale said this year's turnout was the biggest yet. • • Kyla Milberger, 4, of West Bloomfield, enjoys a bomb pop. • • Elissa Tenenbaum, 2, West Bloomfield, r ooks at the farm animals at the pet- ting zoo. 9/17 1999 Detroit Jewish News 75