& ?t4 Fimik vet gal& and, hopefully, globally in the very near future. I realized during the conference how much power my fellow volun- teers and I have to truly change our society today. With so much igno- rance towards children with special needs out there, we found something that needs to be done. Actually, we are the ones with the "disability" Hence, through the volunteer club, we will work to change society's views on the most amazing people we get to work with on a weekly basis and also get people from all over involved. During the conference, we had various workshop rotations to help educate ourselves to better the orga- nization as a whole. These included brainstorming activities and different ways to recruit volunteers within the community. We heard loads upon loads of insight from the many vol- unteers involved; don't be surprised to see extraordinary things happen within our community. Not only is there a significant rela- tionship between a special friend and a volunteer, but also volunteer to vol- unteer. This is partly the reason for the conference itself. One significant part of the Shabbaton stands out in my mind. It was right after Shabbas lunch when we were lucky enough to have a few of our families from the Friendship Circle here in Michigan come and join us in some very fun and interactive activities. When the kids got to the Shul, where these activities were being held, we could see the excitement on their faces. But the excitement wasn't only coming from the kids but more so from us, the volunteers. Even though most of the volun- teers were from different parts of the continent, we all have one thing in common and that is to give a helping hand to those in need. No matter how long we knew each other or how long most of the volunteers knew the kids that joined us, we all were drawn to one another. We all share a common bond, volunteers and kids. We all know how to be friends. Saturday, after Shabbas, we had our first activity together to spread the word about Friendship Circle. This may have not been the most conven- tional of ways, but it sure was incred- ibly entertaining. The Friendship Circle coordinators organized a "scav- enger hunt." They ordered two stretch Hummer limos and decked them out with Friendship Circle magnets. Each of us got handed magnets and we made many stops all over to hand them out to as many random people as possible. These stops included Birmingham, 7-11, Drake Sports Park, Jerusalem Pizza and many more. The responses were mixed — some thought we were crazy, but most got our message. Even though it was time to say goodbye on Sunday, we were so excited for what was to come. In the morning, we had a brunch and banquet, listening to two incred- ible speakers. The club officers also were introduced to many innovative ideas from the volunteers to make Friendship Circle's dream come alive. Even though we were all disap- pointed to leave one another, we knew we were all going to see each other again. We have much in store for us in these coming months, and it is our responsibility to help keep the organization alive. II Zoe Pinter, 15, is the daughter of Tina and Alan Pinter of West Bloomfield. 25-5Vo OFF an pink dot merchandise acce ss 0 J ^, - lotta gave if! 1A#Gf' tittxtifitito of to•sibio* fiemotra 0,04 ittoowit 616 aft GREAT ritee4. iearg ofihtleittiaes, Vat items! Necked/4.7A- brax,deth. flair acc4/1,6414,6,... kuabat... ROU : Amktfs - gottoktiff loam.- 4r, 3tatebt: tAttoo*,- Sr* Argiatt1441.44.k 14 Me litattem sitar& (lotto-TS Kw* ufrA s) Tyr-sops YIDDISH. SUMMER.oR6:H e Steiner Summer Internships in Yiddish Studies National Yiddish Book Center • Amherst, MA June 3 — July 27, 2007 Application deadline: March 1, 2007 Live and learn Yiddish this summer! The National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA announces an outstanding 2007 internship opportunity for college students. The Steiner Summer Internship Program is now accepting applications. Study Yiddish language, literature and culture. Work with the Center's own collection of 1.5 million Yiddish books. Interns receive a generous stipend and up to six college credits, and apartment-style housing. (? ), 1215293 Unable to eat what you want? Tired of the taste and feel of messy denture adhesives? Trouble speaking clearly? Call for FREE consultation or Second Opinion New Dental Mini Implants John Kazanowski, D.D.S. Zoe Pinter, 15, of West Bloomfield and workshop leader Bayla Zahler, 25, of Toronto play in Friendship Circle's town. 31700 Telegraph Rd. Suite 100 Bingham Farms 248-433-6000 www.drkazdds.com February 8 e 2007 35