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Blending Science And Families
JHAS fund-raising event will take over the Detroit Science Center.
BILL CARROLL
Special to the Jewish News
T
he Jewish Home & Aging Services (JHAS)
is taking its annual fund-raising event into
space — well, actually to the newly renovat-
ed Detroit Science Center, which has a new
planetarium.
The agency's "It's a Family Affair" will be held
Sunday, Jan. 27, at the science museum in Detroit's
Cultural Center.
Chairing the event are Geri Margolis, past president
and a board member of the JHAS Auxiliary, and Joel
Smith, past president and a board member of the
JHAS Benefactors. Both live in West Bloomfield.
Smith, an architect, has designed several area syna-
gogues, is working on the new Holocaust Memorial
Center in Farmington Hills and designed the recent
renovation of the science center, a $25 million project
that took almost three years to complete.
"In the aftermath of Sept. 11 and other terrorist
attacks around the world, we feel that family together-
ness is an appropriate theme for our annual fund-rais-
er," Margolis said. "We want people to be together for
an evening of safe, family fun. And the revenue will
help support the frail Jewish older adults of our com-
munity."
Added Smith, "The DSC is now the 'in' place
among Detroit venues to visit. It's new and refresh-
ing . . . a perfect place to carry out our family together-
ness theme. It's a fantastic building for parents to take
their kids. The renovation project more than doubled
the size."
Robin and Leo Eisenberg of Birmingham donated
$5,000 to obtain the DSC -for the evening.
About 300-400 adults and 200 children are expected
at the event. They will have access to the entire DSC
from 5-9:30 p.m., including a special demonstration in
the DaimlerChrysler Theater, a film in the IMAX
Dome Theatre, a show in the new Digital Dome
Planetarium, science labs and exhibits and other activi-
ties. There also will be a silent auction. A kosher buffet
dinner and desserts will be served, and valet parking
has been arranged.
Volunteering
Margolis spends so much time volunteering at JHAS
buildings that residents think she's a full-time employ-
ee. She formerly worked at the office of her husband,
Geri Margolis and Joel Smith are event co-chairs.
Dr. Jerry Margolis, who died almost five years ago.
"Since then, I've devoted most of my time to
assisting elderly people . . . I love them and love
helping them," she said.
Smith feels the same way about the JHAS resi-
dents and was named Benefactor of the Year for
2001 for his efforts to aid elderly residents. A trans-
planted New Yorker, he worked in his parents' Long
Island bakery as a youngster, went to the University
of Michigan and never returned. He started studying
engineering and switched to architecture, obtaining
a master's degree in architecture. Smith is a partner
and principal in Neumann/Smith & Associates, one
of Michigan's most distinguished design firms.
His wife, Jacqueline, a gardening expert, also
assists the elderly by giving gardening instruction at
the Fleischman Residence in West Bloomfield.
The Jewish Home & Aging Services will hold
"It's a Family Affair" 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan.
27, at the Detroit Science Center, 5020 John
R at Warren, Detroit. Admission charge is
$118 for people over 21; $36 for 12 21; $18
for 5-11; and children under 5 are free. There
also are donation levels for patrons. For infor-
mation, call JHAS, (248) 661-2999.
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12/14
2001
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