Metro

AROUND TOWN

Having A Ball!

Hundreds put on their dancing shoes for JARC's Purim bash.

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Emily Findling, 9, of Huntington Woods and Samantha Elkus, 9, of Royal Oak

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he festive spirit of Purim filled the air amid music and dancing at Congregation
Beth Shalom in Oak Park. More than 200 people attended JARC's Purim ball
March 2, including volunteer Phyllis Loewenstein of Farmington Hills. It was
her first time participating in the annual event sponsored by
the Farmington Hills-based organization dedicated to enabling
people with disabilities to live full, dignified lives.
"It was a wonderful evening; the excitement and energy in that
room was incredible," said Loewenstein. "There were people on
the dance floor and people in wheelchairs moving around to the
beat of the music. They served hamentashen and other desserts
and purple and gold balloons decorated the room."
The party was underwritten by the Irene Elkus Good
Times Fund, established in memory of the late Irene Elkus of
Farmington Hills. Her son, Ron Elkus of Huntington Woods,
was there along with Gail and Steve Elkus and their daughter,
Sammi, all of Royal Oak.
"It was a great way to remember my mom," said Ron. "She

Steve Elkus of Huntington Woods and Jonathan
Aarons of West Bloomfield

Max Walter (center), 19, of Oak Park is flanked by Zach Walter, 13, and Ari Walter, 16,
both of Huntington Woods

loved to do fun things and we thought what better way to honor her memory."
Southfield-based Joe Cornell Entertainment provided music for the event, which
organizers describe as a marathon dance party. Partygoers didn't wear traditional Purim
costumes, but they did dress up for the night out.
"It's really a great time for people to celebrate and reconnect with friends:' said Alissa
Pianin, JARC's community-relations coordinator. "The whole evening is dancing; it's
nonstop fun!"
"JARC is really a wonderful organization:' added Loewenstein. "We're lucky to have it
in our community" 1

JARC's next big event is the SpringElation Safari, June 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the
Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The family-friendly evening will commemorate JARC's
40th anniversary. Sponsorships are available beginning at $150. Individual
tickets are $20. Advance ticket sales begin in April at www.jarc.org . Call (248)
538-6601 for more information.

John McCaffrey of Royal Oak and Joyce Holmes of Livonia Wayne Lusky (center) of Oak Park is flanked by Alan Provo
and Leonard Brown, both of Farmington Hills

March 19 . 2009 Cl