helping others
thinking pink
by Heather Grossman
Thinking Pink from page TT1
Fall Fix Up
seasonal cleaning yields much more for elderly — and the volunteers.
was on my way to attend the 14th Annual Fall Fix Up, an event sponsored by Jewish Family Service
of Metropolitan Detroit that helps homebound elderly adults get their homes ready for winter. Be-
cause this was my first time at the event, I did not know what to expect; so naturally I was nervous.
However, as I walked into the Jewish Community Center in Oak Park on Oct. 31, my nerves went
away. A friendly volunteer, whose warm smile instantly brightened the room, greeted me. Suddenly, I
felt excited to be participating in the event and realized what the purpose was.
If one person has the ability to spark up my day with a single greeting, then why can't doing some-
thing even greater make a difference in someone's life? So I gladly raked leaves with fellow students
from Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield.
But this was more than just raking leaves. I have discovered that helping is much more
to the homeowners. This simple task does impact their day and even their life. I learned
that small acts of kindness certainly can go a long way. 2 )
Heather Grossman, 16, is a junior at Frankel Jewish Academy In West Bloomfield.
Frankel Jewish Academy junior Gideon Levinson
Michelle Shumunov and liana Woronoff, FJA juniors, are
looks dangerous with those leaves.
hard at work in the yard.
Junior liana Goidmeler, sophomore Naomi Craft and
Junior Shirt Wrotslaysky work on scarves bound for
cancer patients In Israel.
In addition to Akiva's current students, sev-
eral of Akiva's 2010 graduates, who are currently
attending seminaries in Israel, walked with Team
Shasheret in Israel.
After returning to the school, the high school
boys learned about cancer's impact on men
and other male health issues from Dr. Benjamin
Movsas, an Akiva parent.
The girls heard from two-time cancer sur-
vivor Jane McNamara, who owns a Jazzercize
franchise in Royal Oak, about staying healthy
through exercise. McNamara then led them in a
hearty, hourlong workout.
The self-motivating program uplifted the
spirits of the girls and gave them a strong sense
of strength to carry on throughout their day.
"Losing my mom to breast cancer and being
a breast cancer survivor, too, made Akiva's Pink
Day very personal to me," said Jill Greenbaum.
"I am so proud that we were able to increase
breast cancer awareness and feel connected to
Israel at the same time. It was an amazing day
at Akiva."
To keep the connection going, Akiva high
school girls, led by Judaic teacher Ariella Nadel,
are crocheting pink scarves; and the high school
boys and girls have designed pink bookmarks.
Both items are going to be delivered to cancer
patients in Jerusalem hospitals.
"Unfortunately, we all know of someone
who has been touched by breast cancer," said
10th-grader Naomi Craft. "As students, we were
glad to be able to show we care, lend support
and inspire others, while at the same time learn
about the importance of health awareness and
exercise."
Rabbinic Dean Rabbi Jeff Ney said, "Pink
Day was a very special day at Akiva. The stu-
dents were really enthusiastic about all of the
different activities throughout the day, especially
the walk. We felt very fortunate to be involved in
such a worthwhile cause."
Jamie Rashty, 15, is a sophomore at
Akiva Hebrew Day School in South-
field. Yehudit tubas of
Southfield, an Akiva parent who
helped organize the event,
contributed to this story.
FJA Junior Heather Grossman takes a break during Fall Fix Up to play In the leaves.
teen2teen November 18.2010 TT3