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For A Good Cause

This Week

Keri. Guten Cohen
Story Development Editor

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ver the past eight years, Team Alex has raised more
than $450,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation of
Michigan through its annual three-day, 300-mile bike
ride. Most of this has been conventional fundraising — until
now.
Just in time for the holiday season, the team has released its
craziest idea yet: "Barely Team Alex 2007 — a lighthearted view
of cycling in the nude."
The calendar is dedicated to Alex Graham, daughter of Susie
and Bill Graham of West Bloomfield, who died in 1999 at age 17
from a childhood bone cancer. The team rides in her memory.
Now they've nearly bared it all to raise even more.
On the back of the calendar is this caveat: "This calendar is not A triumphant Team Alex member graces the October page.
officially endorsed by the fine and decent people at Make A Wish
Foundation of Michigan, nor will it ever be."
Images in the calendar were tastefully photographed by
Monni Must at Naturally Monni, known for her thoughtful portraits.
Road in West Bloomfield. Cost is $20, with all proceeds going to Make
The August photo is credited to Elayne Gross. Retouching by Claire
A Wish Foundation of Michigan. So far, the team has sold about 500
Weigand.
— enough to fund wishes for two children. They're so popular, more
Though this is a "nude" calendar, it's hardly X-rated. Rather it's a
have been ordered.
lighthearted look at cycling "au naturel." Ili this case, it means out in
Team Alex captain Beth Brandvain of Farmington Hills, who con-
the open, amid nature and lots of sunshine.
ceived the calendar idea and shares the spotlight with her husband in
Often props are used strategically to hide body parts usually cov-
the month of July, sold 19 calendars in less than 24 hours.
ered, even on the hottest summer day. In April, cardboard signs read-
"Show them to your friends and watch them disappear',' said
ing "Will ride for charity" do the trick. In February, a woman's torso is
Brandvain, who received more orders every time she showed one
shielded by a stack of bicycle tires. In the most revealing month, June,
— at a book club, the UPS store, the gym, the salon.
three young male cyclists hold their riding helmets in a very specific
. For more information on Mark A Wish Foundation of Michigan, go
spot.
to www.wishmich.org. ❑
The calendars are available at Greetings From, 6909 Orchard Lake

Spread Holiday Cheer

Prophetic Leader

For 45 years, an Oak Park couple has strived to assure that every child
at the Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake receives at least
one holiday season gift. Joy and Lou Landau of Oak Park are continu-
ing their tradition.
"Many of these troubled teens are left solely to the system to be
raised," Joy said. "For many, birthdays come and go without a family
phone call or letter. This is the only gift they will receive all year:'
"Boys at the state facility depend on us to bring a touch of family
life, warmth and kindness:' she added.
The Landaus seek
new, unwrapped gifts
for teenage boys. They
also are enlisting the
support of volun-
teers — individuals,
organizations and
clubs — to help wrap
gifts. Money also is
accepted.
The school has 250
teen residents.
All gifts must be
received by Monday,
Dec. 11. Call Joy and
Lou Landau at (248)
541-6884.

The rabbi emeritus of Temple Kol Ami in West Bloorhfield was hon-
ored for his dedicated ministry toward the faith-centered, nonviolent
struggle for peace and justice.
Rabbi Ernst Conrad received the Pastor's Award at the second annu-
al Peace & Justice Banquet hosted by the Central United Methodist
Church on Dec. 3 at the Detroit Yacht Club.
Though retired, Rabbi Conrad shares pulpits
throughout Michigan, including leading seder
meals at Central United. "No matter what the
issue is, if it is about peace and justice, Rabbi
Conrad is there,' said the Rev. Edwin Rowe.
"On issues concerning the Middle East:' Rev.
Rowe added, "Rabbi Conrad has been willing
to enter into dialogue and to seek interfaith
reconciliation when many others are not. We
are pleased to honor this prophetic religious
Rabbi Conrad
leader."
Rabbi Conrad is a Berlin native who emigrat-
ed in 1938. He became a rabbi in 1947. He served congregations in
Maryland and North Carolina before founding Temple Kol Ami with
eight families in 1966.
The rabbi has had a career-long interest in advancing interfaith,
intercultural and interracial causes. He is still active in social action
and workers rights. He is a longstanding member of the Oakland
County Friends of Welfare Rights Organization.

- Robert A. Sklar, editor

earn more about General
Motors' involvement in con-
verting the country's mass
transit systems from clean
electric trolleys to gas-pow-
ered buses in this side story to
Edwin Black's JTA investiga-
tive series, "Hitler's Carmaker."
Only at JNonline.us . Just
click on cover story on the
left.

JBlog

Jeff Klein offers his
Perspectives on everything
from dating to friendship.
Always thoughtful, often pro-
vocative. Or perhaps you'd
rather read about the adven-
tures of Laurie Freeman's
China Punim, 4-year-old
Amanda? Only at JNOnline.
Us. Just click on JBlog on the
menu on the left.

Latest From Israel

Want the most current news
from Israel? Check our stream-
ing news from Ynetnews.com
for continuous updates and
longer news, opinion and fea-
ture stories.
Just visit JNonline.us and
click on a scrolling story on
the left.

Last week's poll results:
Will Israeli Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert's latest concessions
to the Palestinians of fewer
checkpoints, prisoner releases,
more_troop withdrawals and
release of withheld taxes and
duties lead to meaningful
peace talks?

Yes 15% •
No 85%

This week's poll question:
During Chanukah, will you light
the menorah

One night?
All nights?
Not at all?

Visit the JNonline.us
homepage to cast your vote.

- Robert A. Sklar, editor

December 7 • 2006 11

