"Thousands of Jews in the
Neighborhood Project area enjoy a
lifestyle not easily found elsewhere in
metropolitan Detroit," Leemaster
added. "It is a true neighborhood in
every sense of the word."
Many of the JCC's neighboring
institutions in Oak Park are also cele-
brating milestones: Temple Emanu-El
is 50, Workmen's Circle-Arbeter Ring
is a century old and Jewish
Apartments and Services is observing
its 35th birthday.

Here's The Fun

The afternoon's attractions will
include:
• Pony rides
• Photo exhibit tracing the history
of the JCC in metro Detroit

open for the afternoon, and the Good
Humor truck will be around for
everyone needing a cool, tasty treat.)
Funds for the Israel Emergency
Campaign also will come from the
sale of red, white and blue rhine-
stone pins in the shape of a Star of
David. The pins will be available
at the Birthday Bash for $18 each.
"More than 80 volunteers have
contributed their time to the pro-
gram," said Leslee Magidson, man-
aging director of the Center's JPM
building.
"It's going to be a big celebra-
tion for the neighborhood and the
kids are going to have fun!"
The formal opening of the
Birthday Bash is the cake cutting
at 1 p.m., when representatives
will be on hand from partner

The JCC and Federation's Neighborhood
Project are celebrating anniversaries with
a party for everyone.

ELIZABETH APPLEBAUM
AppleTree Editor

A

fork the size of a large rake
just might do it.
Or if a spoon is more to
your liking, try something
along the lines of a shovel. The cake
will be that big — and that good.
Among the attractions at this
Sunday's Birthday Bash and Carnival,
from 1-4 p.m. at the Oak Park Jewish
Community Center, will be a dessert
that sponsors promise is going to be
the "biggest birthday cake in the
neighborhood."
Everyone is invited to the big party,
which will be held rain or shine, and
here's the best part about it: It's free.
Sponsored by the Jewish
Community Center of Metropolitan
Detroit and the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit's Neighborhood
Project, the Birthday Bash will cele-

brate some anniversaries.
The JCC, looking younger than
ever, turned 75 this year.
"This Birthday Bash concludes a
full year of celebration and excitement
for our Jewish Community Center,"
said Sharon Hart, JCC president.
Neighborhood Project President
Scott Leemaster said, "This celebra-
tion, including the Neighborhood
Project's 15th anniversary, is a won-
derful opportunity to stop and take
note of our thriving, dynamic neigh-
borhood." He thanked community
leaders at Federation and its finance
arm, the United Jewish Foundation,
"for their vision, wisdom and creativi-
ty in putting this program together."
Based at the Jimmy Prentis Morris
Buildingof the JCC in Oak Park,
Federation's Neighborhood Project
grants interest-free loans to boost
Jewish living in Oak Park and
Southfield.

• Train rides
organizations helping with
• Moon walks
the party. They are:
• Carnival games for chil-
Congregation Beth
dren of all ages
Shalom, Jewish
• Face painting
Apartments and Services,
• Clowns
Jewish Experiences For
• An interactive timetable
Families, Temple Emanu-
showing important events in
El, Workmen's Circle,
the history of the neighbor-
Yeshiva Beth Yehudah and
hood
Young Israel of Oak Park.
• Goody bags for every
Following a brief cere-
child
mony, the celebration will
While admission to the
begin.
event is free, kosher food will
Now, as any parent who
be available for purchase.
has ever made a party for
Proceeds from the sale of the
a child knows, birthday
popcorn and pop will go to
celebrations don't just
the Israel Emergency
magically appear. They
Campaign, sponsored by
take hours of planning
Leslee
Federation. The one-time
and coordinating and per-
Magidson
campaign is raising funds to
haps a few occasions on
be used to help in Israel dur-
which someone screams,
ing this time of challenge.
"I will never, ever get this all
(Additionally, Miriam's Place restau-
BIRTHDAY on page 108
rant, located inside the JCC, will be

6/7

2002

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